Indialantic

Ernest Kouwen-Hoven moved to Melbourne in 1915 and bought a strip of beachside land, intending it to be an exclusive beachside resort community.

This community became known as "Indialantic-by-the-Sea" which means "between the Indian River and the Atlantic Ocean."

In 1919 Kouwen-Hoven began construction of a wooden bridge across the Indian River from Melbourne to Indialantic. The project came to be known as "Kouwen-Hoven's Folly" because people were convinced that it was doomed to fail.

Undaunted, Kouwen-Hoven financed the bridge by issuing his own bonds at 8% interest. As incentive, if a person bought a $100.00 bond, he could buy an Indialantic lot for $20.00. The bridge was completed in 1921 and used for many years.

A new concrete and steel swing bridge was completed in 1947. This was eventually replaced by the existing high rise in 1985.

During the 1920's, Indialantic became a popular resort.

The Indialantic Casino was a fashionable resort in the 20's. It featured a saltwater swimming pool, cabanas, and an elegant shopping center. Changing hands over the years, it became known as the Bahama Beach Club in 1944. A private club throughout the 50s it was opened to the public in 1961. The building was bought by the Town of Indialantic and razed in 1970 to create a public park.

The Tradewinds Hotel, built in 1925, was a famous, elegant hotel drawing dignitaries from around the world. I boasted a grand lobby, a beautiful dining room, pool and golf course. The hotel flourished for many years, and then fell into decline. In the 1970s it was owned by the Florida Institute of Technology and used for dormitories. In the 1980s a group of developers bought the land, and destroyed the hotel to make room for a single family housing development.

In 1952 Indialantic was incorporated with a population of 1,500.

Located on the barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River Lagoon, Indialantic covers about 1.2 square mile. It is just north of Melbourne Beach, and south of Indian Harbour Beach. The Melbourne Causeway connects Indialantic to Melbourne on the mainland.

The 2004 US Census estimates the population at 2,971, with a median household income of $62,181. Strict zoning codes and enforcement deep Indialantic a unique and prestigious community.

The town is mostly residential with stores and businesses, restaurants ranging from fast food to gourmet, and is the home of RE/MAX Olympic Realty.

Every year, sea turtles nest along the shore of Indialantic from May through October. In 1975, by a town council proclamation, Indialantic has been designated a bird sanctuary.

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