Editing Rockledge, Florida

{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox settlement
<!--See the Table at Infobox Settlement for all fields and descriptions of usage-->
<!-- Basic info  ---------------->
|name                     = Rockledge, Florida
|official_name            = City of Rockledge
|other_name               = 
|native_name              = <!-- for cities whose native name is not in English -->
|nickname                 = 
|settlement_type          = [[City (Florida)|City]]
|motto                    = "Oldest City in Brevard"<br>Preserving the Past, Planning the Future"<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.cityofrockledge.org/Pages/index|title= City of Rockledge Florida Website|publisher= City of Rockledge Florida Website|access-date= September 21, 2012|archive-date= January 13, 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130113152420/http://www.cityofrockledge.org/Pages/index|url-status= dead}}</ref>
<!-- images and maps  ----------->
|image_skyline            = 
|imagesize                = 
|image_caption            = 
|image_flag               = 
|flag_size                = 
|image_seal               = Rockledge_City_Seal.png
|seal_size                = 100px
|image_shield             = 
|shield_size              = 
|image_blank_emblem       = 
|blank_emblem_type        = 
|blank_emblem_size        = 
|image_map                = Brevard_County_Florida_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Rockledge_Highlighted.svg
|mapsize                  = 250x200px
|map_caption              = Location in [[Brevard County, Florida|Brevard County]] and the state of [[Florida]]
|image_map1               = 
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<!-- Location ------------------>
|subdivision_type         = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
|subdivision_name         = {{nowrap|{{flag|United States of America}}}}
|subdivision_type1        = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_name1        = {{flag|Florida}}
|subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in Florida|County]]
|subdivision_name2        = {{flagicon image|Flag of Brevard County, Florida.png}} [[Brevard County, Florida|Brevard]]
|subdivision_type3        = 
|subdivision_name3        = 
|subdivision_type4        = 
|subdivision_name4        = 
<!-- Politics ----------------->
|government_footnotes     = 
|government_type          = [[Council-manager government|Council-Manager]]
|leader_title             = [[Mayor]]
|leader_name              = Thomas J. Price
|leader_title1            = [[Deputy Mayor]]
|leader_name1             = Frank T. Forester
|leader_title2            = [[City Council|Councilmembers]]
|leader_name2             = Ted J. Hartselle,<br>Duane A. Daski,<br>Sammie Brown Martin,<br>Dr. R. Shaun Ferguson, and<br>Dr. Michael A. Cadore, Sr.
|leader_title3            = [[City Manager]]
|leader_name3             = Dr. Brenda Fettrow
|leader_title4            = [[City Clerk]]
|leader_name4             = Jennifer M. LeVasseur
|founder                  = [[Gardner S. Hardee]]
|established_title        = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
|established_date         = August 7, 1887
|established_title2       = <!-- Incorporated (town) -->
|established_date2        = 
|established_title3       = <!-- Incorporated (city) -->
|established_date3        = 
<!-- Area    --------------------->
|area_magnitude           = 
|unit_pref                = Imperial
|area_footnotes           = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web |title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files |url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_12.txt |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=October 31, 2021}}</ref>
|area_total_km2           = 38.68
|area_land_km2            = 34.24
|area_water_km2           = 4.44
|area_total_sq_mi         = 14.93
|area_land_sq_mi          = 13.22
|area_water_sq_mi         = 1.72
|area_water_percent       = 
|area_urban_km2           = 
|area_urban_sq_mi         = 
|area_metro_km2           = 
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|area_blank1_title        = 
|area_blank1_km2          = 
|area_blank1_sq_mi        = 
<!-- Population   ----------------------->
|population_as_of         = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
|population_footnotes     = 
|population_note          = 
|population_total         = 27678
|population_density_km2   = 808.44
|population_density_sq_mi = 2093.80
|population_metro         = 
|population_density_metro_km2     = 
|population_density_metro_sq_mi   = 
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<!-- General information  --------------->
|timezone                 = [[North American Eastern Time Zone|Eastern (EST)]]
|utc_offset               = -5
|timezone_DST             = EDT
|utc_offset_DST           = -4
|coordinates              = {{Coord|28|19|30|N|80|43|58|W|region:US-FL_type:city(28,000)|display=inline,title}}
|elevation_footnotes      = <!--for references: use <ref> tags-->
|elevation_m              = 7
|elevation_ft             = 23
<!-- Area/postal codes & others -------->
|postal_code_type         = [[ZIP Code]]s
|postal_code              = 32955, 32956
|area_code                = [[Area code 321|321]]
|blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info               = 12-61500<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2008-01-31|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref>
|blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info              = 0294132<ref name="GR3">{{cite web|url=http://geonames.usgs.gov|access-date=2008-01-31|title=US Board on Geographic Names|publisher=[[United States Geological Survey]]|date=2007-10-25}}</ref>
|website                  = {{URL|http://www.cityofrockledge.org/|www.CityofRockledge}}
|footnotes                = 
|pop_est_as_of            = 
|pop_est_footnotes        = 
|population_est           = 
}}

'''Rockledge''' {{IPAc-en|ˈ|r|ɒ|k|l|ɪ|dʒ|,_|-|ˌ|l|ɛ|dʒ}} is the oldest city in [[Brevard County, Florida|Brevard County]], [[Florida]]. The city's population was 27,678 at the 2020 Census,<ref>US 2020 Census results, Rockledge, Florida QuickFacts https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/rockledgecityflorida/PST045222</ref> up from 24,926 at the [[2010 United States Census]],<ref name="Census 2010">{{cite web| url=https://www.census.gov| title=Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (DP-1): Rockledge city, Florida| publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]| access-date=January 30, 2012}}</ref> and is part of the [[Palm Bay, Florida|Palm Bay]]−[[Melbourne, Florida|Melbourne]]−[[Titusville, Florida|Titusville]] [[Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area|Metropolitan Statistical Area]].

==History==

[[File:Detroit Photographic Company (0275).jpg|thumb|left|alt=A view of early Rockledge, FL and the Indian River|A view of early Rockledge, FL and the Indian River]]
[[File:Rockledge FL Magruder-Whaley House03.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Modern-day picture of the Magruder-Whaley House|Modern-day picture of the Magruder-Whaley House]]

Rockledge was officially founded on August 7, 1887, making it the oldest incorporated municipality in Brevard County.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cityofrockledge.org/Pages/RockledgeFL_WebDocs/About|title=About Rockledge|website=cityofrockledge.org|access-date=17 February 2018}}</ref> The name Rockledge, attributed to [[Gardner S. Hardee]], an early settler, comes from the many ledges of [[coquina]] rock that line the [[Indian River (Florida)|Indian River]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.visitcocoabeach.com/rockledge/|website=visitcocoabeach.com|title=Rockledge - Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce|access-date=28 May 2024}}</ref> Other sources refer to a man named Cephas Bailey Magruder, who built his home after settling in the area in 1876 near the [[Indian River (Florida)|Indian River]]. Magruder called his home "the rockledge home" and the name was eventually attributed to the whole town.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reocities.com/yosemite/rapids/8428/hikeplans/cocoa-rockledge/plancocoarock.html|title=Cocoa-Rockledge Historical Trail|website=www.reocities.com|access-date=17 February 2018}}</ref> It was originally referred to as Rock Ledge; the two-word name persisted through the 19th century.
Early industry in the area was based on the [[citrus production|citrus trade]] and accommodation for [[tourism|tourists]] traveling to South Florida via the [[Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway]] of the Indian River.{{Citation needed|date=July 2011}}

President [[Grover Cleveland]] and his wife visited the city in 1888.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianriverlagoon.org/irled/oldirlg1.html|title=Indian River Lagoon History|website=indianriverlagoon.org|access-date=17 February 2018}}</ref>

The town had several large hotels in the late 19th century to the early 20th century that catered to Northern tourists escaping cold winters. These included the Hotel Indian River, the Plaza, and the Rockledge Hotel, all located north of Barton Avenue, looking out over the river.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.brevardfl.gov/docs/files/02fall|title=The Indian River Journal|last=Parrish|first=Ada|date=2002|website=Brevard County}}</ref>

Towards the early part of the 20th century, Rockledge was known as a resort town. In the winter months, the population would rise from 200 to almost 2,000 people. Up until about 1911, access to Rockledge was via boat and rail. Steamboats in the Indian River connected with [[Henry Flagler]]'s trains to bring people to the North. Small boats, sailboats, and small launches frequently stopped to unload freight and passengers. Most of the tourists in this time were wealthy and would use the boats to connect to the rail system at that time. After World War I, the automobile allowed the average person to travel to the area and their encampments dotted the area. The Dixie Highway was completed in 1915 and spanned most of Florida. In the 1920s, US1 was paved and replaced the Dixie Highway.<ref>{{Cite web| title=The Early Hotel Era in Rockledge | page=7 | url=http://ww3.brevardcounty.us/history/documents/02fall.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205135938/http://ww3.brevardcounty.us/history/documents/02fall.pdf | archive-date=2012-02-05}}</ref>

In 1939–1940, a winter visitor donated the money to construct a hospital. The mayor convinced the council to donate land from the former golf course that had belonged to the defunct Indian River Hotel for the hospital.<ref>{{Cite news | first=Wayne T. | last=Price | title=Wuesthof hospitals to be renamed | url=http://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/2017/10/23/wuesthoff-hospitals-getting-new-names/789917001/| newspaper=Florida Today | location=Melbourne, Florida| pages= 3A | date=October 24, 2017 | access-date=October 27, 2017}}</ref> In 1941, 10-bed Wuesthoff Hospital was established with a $12,500 gift given by the heirs of Eugene Wuesthoff and matching contributions from 500 Rockledge community residents.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Legacy of Wellness |url=https://www.schfbrevard.org/space-coast-health-foundation-legacy-of-wellness-brevard-county/#:~:text=Wuesthoff%20Hospital%20was%20established%20in,a%20hospital%20could%20be%20built}}</ref>

Rockledge underwent an expansion further west and south in the 1960s when it became a bedroom community for the nearby Kennedy Space Center. Several hundred families from all over the United States settled in the city with the advent of the Apollo missions and the space shuttle program. Recently in 2022 and 2023, the City has annexed property west of Interstate 95.

Barton Boulevard supplements US Route 1 as the town's economic  and cultural center as new subdivisions spread south along Fiske Boulevard. Commercial is now found along Fiske Boulevard, Murrell Road, and Barnes Boulevard. By the 1970s, the bulk of Rockledge's population lived between US Route 1 and Interstate 95. This is still true in 2023, yet multi-use development is expected on the west side of Interstate 95.

Developments stretched north to south from the late 1950s to the 1990s. Virginia Park, Marlin Manor, Fairway Estates, Rockledge Country Club Estates, Golfview Estates, Kings Grant, Georgetown, Levitt Park and Woodsmere had all been established by the 1960s–1980s.

Levitt Park and Woodsmere were built atop a gladiola farm and an orange grove. The huge Australian Pine trees at the southernmost points of Fiske Boulevard are all that remain of the grove's windbreaks. The subdivision of Silver Pines, while part of unincorporated Brevard County outside the city limit, was also built during this period and is identified by citizens as a part of the city.

{{clear}}

==Geography==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|34.8|km2|disp=flip}}, of which {{convert|30.9|km2|disp=flip}} is land and {{convert|3.8|km2|disp=flip}} (11.03%) is water.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.census.gov| title=Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Rockledge city, Florida| publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]| access-date=January 30, 2012}}</ref>

It is bounded on the north by [[Cocoa, Florida|Cocoa]], on the west by the [[St. Johns River]] and scrubland, to the south by [[Viera, Florida|Viera]] ([[unincorporated area|unincorporated]]) and [[Melbourne, Florida|Melbourne]], and to the east by the [[Indian River Lagoon]] and [[Merritt Island, Florida|Merritt Island]] (unincorporated) on the opposite shore.

{{Geographic location
|Centre    = Rockledge
|North     = [[Cocoa, Florida|Cocoa]]
|East      = [[Indian River (Florida)|Indian River]]
|South     = [[Viera, Florida|Viera]]
|West      = [[St. Johns River]]
}}
{{clear}}

===Climate===
Rockledge has a [[humid subtropical climate]], [[Köppen climate classification]] Cfa. The area's warm and humid climate is caused primarily by its proximity to the [[Gulf Stream]], which flows off the east coast of Florida. There are two major seasons which characterize the area. The warm season is hot and rainy lasting from June until late September. The cool season the dry season, October through May, brings more moderate temperatures and less frequent rainfall.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/wxclimatology/monthly/32955|title=Rockledge, FL (32955) Monthly Weather Forecast - weather.com|website=weather.com|access-date=17 February 2018}}</ref>

{{Weather box <!--Infobox begins-->
|collapsed=
|single line= Y 
|location=    Rockledge, Florida
|temperature colour= <!--Enter "pastel" for pastel temperature colors, remove this line for the standard coloring.-->

|Jan record high F = 89
|Feb record high F = 92
|Mar record high F = 93
|Apr record high F = 97
|May record high F = 97
|Jun record high F = 101 
|Jul record high F = 102
|Aug record high F = 101
|Sep record high F = 98
|Oct record high F = 96
|Nov record high F = 91
|Dec record high F = 89
|year record high F = 102

|Jan high F = 71
|Feb high F = 74
|Mar high F = 77
|Apr high F = 81
|May high F = 86
|Jun high F = 90
|Jul high F = 91
|Aug high F = 91
|Sep high F = 88
|Oct high F = 84
|Nov high F = 79
|Dec high F = 73
|year high F =
|Jan low F = 49
|Feb low F = 52
|Mar low F = 55
|Apr low F = 60
|May low F = 67
|Jun low F = 72
|Jul low F = 73
|Aug low F = 73
|Sep low F = 73
|Oct low F = 68
|Nov low F = 60
|Dec low F = 53
|year low F =
|Jan record low F = 17
|Feb record low F = 27
|Mar record low F = 25
|Apr record low F = 35
|May record low F = 47
|Jun record low F = 55
|Jul record low F = 60
|Aug record low F = 60
|Sep record low F = 58
|Oct record low F = 41
|Nov record low F = 30
|Dec record low F = 21
|year record low F = 17
|precipitation colour= green
|Jan precipitation inch = 2.27
|Feb precipitation inch = 2.63
|Mar precipitation inch = 3.28
|Apr precipitation inch = 2.13
|May precipitation inch = 3.29
|Jun precipitation inch = 6.71
|Jul precipitation inch = 5.96
|Aug precipitation inch = 7.68
|Sep precipitation inch = 7.64
|Oct precipitation inch = 5.06
|Nov precipitation inch = 2.88
|Dec precipitation inch = 2.57
|year precipitation inch =   
|source 1= [http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/wxclimatology/monthly/32955 Weather Channel] accessdate February 29, 2012 |date=February 2012}}

===Environment===
Rainfall can run off from the city into the Indian River Lagoon, with resultant pollution. As a result, the city has banned fertilizing from June 1 to September 30 annually.<ref>{{Cite news | first=Jim | last=Waymer | title=Fertilizer | newspaper=[[Florida Today]] | location=[[Melbourne, Florida]] | pages= 2B | date=March 29, 2013 }}</ref>

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1920= 453
|1930= 551
|1940= 725
|1950= 1347
|1960= 3481
|1970= 10523
|1980= 11877
|1990= 16023
|2000= 20170
|2010= 24926
|2020= 27678
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
}}

===2010 and 2020 census===
{| class="wikitable"
|+'''Rockledge racial composition'''<br> (Hispanics excluded from racial categories)<br> (''NH = Non-Hispanic'')<br>
!Race
!Pop 2010<ref>{{Cite web|title=P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE - 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Rockledge city, Florida|url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=Rockledge+city;+Florida+&tid=DECENNIALPL2010.P2|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>
!Pop 2020<ref>{{Cite web|title=P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE - 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Rockledge city, Florida|url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=Rockledge+city;+Florida+&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>
!% 2010
!% 2020
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino whites|White]] (NH)
|18,569
|18,820
|74.50%
|68.00%
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino African Americans|Black or African American]] (NH)
|3,506
|3,684
|14.07%
|13.31%
|-
|[[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]] (NH)
|66
|65
|0.26%
|0.23%
|-
|[[Asian Americans|Asian]] (NH)
|586
|634
|2.35%
|2.29%
|-
|[[Pacific Islander Americans|Pacific Islander]] or [[Native Hawaiian]] (NH)
|25
|33
|0.10%
|0.12%
|-
|[[Other races (U.S. Census)|Some other race]] (NH)
|46
|132
|0.18%
|0.48%
|-
|[[Multiracial Americans|Two or more races/Multiracial]] (NH)
|538
|1,477
|2.16%
|5.34%
|-
|[[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] (any race)
|1,590
|2,833
|6.38%
|10.24%
|-
|'''Total'''
|'''24,926'''
|'''27,678'''
|
|
|-
|}

As of the [[2020 United States census]], there were 27,678 people, 10,768 households, and 7,486 families residing in the city.<ref>{{Cite web|title=S1101 HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES - 2020: Rockledge city, Florida|url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=Rockledge+city;+Florida+&tid=ACSST5Y2020.S1101|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>

As of the [[2010 United States census]], there were 24,926 people, 9,310 households, and 7,002 families residing in the city.<ref>{{Cite web|title=S1101 HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES - 2010: Rockledge city, Florida|url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=Rockledge+city;+Florida+&tid=ACSST5Y2010.S1101|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>

In 2010, the city had the lowest percentage of people living in poverty of any municipality measured in the county, 5%, compared to an average of 10% countywide.<ref name="ft101215">{{Cite news | first=MacKenzie | last=Ryan | title=Census data notes makeup of towns | url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20101215/NEWS01/12150324/Census-data-notes-makeup-of-towns| publisher=Florida Today | location=Melbourne, Florida | pages= 1A | date=15 December 2010 }}</ref>

===2000 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2" /> of 2000, there were 20,170 people, 7,864 households, and 5,677 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|1,884.4|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 8,353 housing units at an average density of {{convert|780.4|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 81.06% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 14.64% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.28% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 1.66% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.08% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.73% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.56% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 3.28% of the population.

In 2000, there were 7,864 households, out of which 31.0% had children living with them, 56.8% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.8% were non-families. 22.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 2.93.

Per the 2000 census, the population was distributed as follows: 23.8% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 28.6% from 25 to 44, 25.2% from 45 to 64, and 16.4% who were 65 years of age or older.

In 2000, the median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.3 males.

==Points of interest==
*[[Barton Avenue Residential District]]<ref name="Rockledge Historic Places"/>
*[[H. S. Williams House]]
*[[Marion S. Whaley Citrus Packing House]]<ref name="Rockledge Historic Places"/>
*[[Persimmon Mound]]<ref name="Rockledge Historic Places"/>
*[[Rockledge Drive Residential District]]<ref name="Rockledge Historic Places">{{cite web|url=http://www.hellorockledge.com/history.cfm|title=Rockledge Historic Places|website=hellorockledge.com|access-date=17 February 2018}}</ref>
*[[Valencia Subdivision Residential District]]<ref name="Rockledge Historic Places"/>

==Parks and recreation==
Rockledge has the following parks:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cityofrockledge.org/Pages/RockledgeFL_Recreation/index|title=City of Rockledge Parks|website=cityofrockledge.org|access-date=17 February 2018}}</ref>
{{Div col}}
* Anderson Stormwater Park
* Barton Park [under construction]
* Columbia Park
* Dick Blake Park
* Cruickshank Sanctuary
* Golfview Park
* Holland Park
* McClarty Park
* Memorial Walk at Levitt Park
* Morris Park
* Raider Park
* River Groves Dock
* Riverwalk - A Family Park
* Rockledge Park
* Silver Pines Park
* Taylor Park
* Valencia Dock
{{Div col end}}

==Government==

[[File:Rockledge FL Rockledge Dr Res Dist Orange Ave02.jpg|thumb|left|alt=City of Rockledge First City Hall|City of Rockledge's First City Hall; now used for community events]]
The City of Rockledge functions under a [[Council-Manager government]]. The [[Mayor]] and [[City Council]] members are elected to three-year terms. There are six City Council members whose terms are staggered to allow election of two council seats each year. The city holds municipal elections on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November each year.

While the Mayor and the City Council act as the legislative body of the City of Rockledge, the actual operation of the city and its functions lies with the [[city manager]] and his departmental support staff consisting of assistant city manager/finance director, city clerk/public relations officer, building official, fire chief, chief of police, director of public works and director of wastewater treatment and water reclamation.

The chairman of the City Council appoints members of the City Council to serve on subcommittees and to represent the City Council on other governmental bodies that require the city's input.<ref>[http://www.cityofrockledge.org/Pages/RockledgeFL_Council/index Mayor & City Council] City of Rockledge. Retrieved on 2009-06-23</ref>

In 2013, there were 237 city employees.<ref>{{Cite news | first=Scott | last=Gunnerson | title=ity offers deal to retire | url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20130408/NEWS01/304080008/Rockledge-offering-city-workers-early-retirement-deal| newspaper=[[Florida Today]] | location=[[Melbourne, Florida]] | pages= 1B | date=April 8, 2013 }}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Finances===

In 2007, the city had a taxable real estate base of $1.55 billion.<ref>{{cite book | author = Dean, James |title = More taxes or fewer services | publisher = Florida Today | date = April 26, 2008}}</ref>

In 2009–2010, the city paid $2.2 million for [[Municipal solid waste|solid waste disposal]]. This was furnished at a cost of $168.48 annually per residence. Non residential (business) collection cost $632.89 each, annually.<ref>{{Cite news | title=City of Rockledge:Full Cost Accounting of Solid Waste Services Fiscal year - 2009–2010 (paid public notice) | newspaper=[[Florida Today]] | location=Melbourne, Florida | pages= 2B | date=March 31, 2011 }}</ref>

===Police===

Rockledge has approximately fifty full-time certified police officers serving the city.<ref name="cityofrockledge.org">{{Cite web |url=http://www.cityofrockledge.org/pages/rockledgefl_police/index |title=City of Rockledge FL - Rockledge Police Department |access-date=2012-03-01 |archive-date=2012-01-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106131643/http://www.cityofrockledge.org/pages/rockledgefl_police/index |url-status=dead }}</ref> In addition, there are 18 support staff positions, five reserve officers, eight crossing guards, and seven civilian volunteers.<ref name="cityofrockledge.org"/> All police officers must be certified by the State of Florida.<ref name="cityofrockledge.org"/> In August 2011, the new $4 million police headquarters was finished and it is located at 1776 Jack Oates Blvd.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2011/08/13/report-long-overcrowded-rockledge-police-get-new-headquarters/|title=Report: Long-overcrowded Rockledge police get new headquarters|website=orlandosentinel.com|access-date=17 February 2018}}</ref> The old police station on Barton Blvd may be home to a future library and other non-profit organizations, who will lease the former police headquarters from the city.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/floridatoday/access/2547651031.html?FMT=ABS&date=Dec+27%2C+2011 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714071157/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/floridatoday/access/2547651031.html?FMT=ABS&date=Dec+27,+2011 | url-status=dead | archive-date=July 14, 2012 | work=Florida Today | first=Dave | last=Berman | title=Rockledge leases part of former police headquarters | date=27 December 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/floridatoday/access/2363737341.html?FMT=ABS&date=Jun+02%2C+2011 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719025514/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/floridatoday/access/2363737341.html?FMT=ABS&date=Jun+02,+2011 | url-status=dead | archive-date=July 19, 2012 | work=Florida Today | first=Susanne | last=Cervenka | title=Rockledge police station to become community resource center | date=2 June 2011}}</ref>

===Fire protection===

Along with one other city in the county, Rockledge has its own fire department with three stations. There is a county fire department within the city limits.<ref>{{Cite news | title=The Fact Book | url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/99999999/NEWS0310/3270308/Fire-stations-| newspaper=[[Florida Today]] | location=Melbourne, Florida | page= 29 | date=March 26, 2011 }}</ref>

===Boards and committees===

The City of Rockledge contains several citizen-run boards and committees that make recommendations to the city on various issues. The positions held on the boards and committees are on a voluntary basis and non-paid. The boards and committees of Rockledge are:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cityofrockledge.org/Pages/RockledgeFL_BComm/index|title=List of City of Rockledge Boards and Committees|website=cityofrockledge.org|access-date=17 February 2018}}</ref>
{{Div col}}
* Board of Adjustment
* Board of Adjustment and Appeals
* Business Development Committee
* Citizens Advisory Committee
* Citizens Recreation Advisory Board
* Code Enforcement Board
* Community Redevelopment Agency Board of Commissioners
* Education Advisory Committee
* Planning Commission
* Retirement Board, Fire Employees
* Retirement Board, General Employees
* Retirement Board, Police Employees
* The Rockledge Environmental Enhancement Board<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cityofrockledge.org/Pages/RockledgeFL_About/|title=About Town|website=cityofrockledge.org|access-date=17 February 2018}}</ref>
{{Div col end}}

The city publishes an official newsletter for residents of Rockledge.

===Mayors===

<!---this will be "hidden" eventually -->
#Fiske 1929–1933
#Geiger 1940–1952
#J.W. Wilkins 1957–1958
#Curt Barnes 1959–1962
#J.W. Wilkins 1963–1964
#Grady 1965–1974
#Jack Oates 1975–1998
#Larry L. Schultz 1999–2010
#Thomas J. Price 2011–current <ref>{{cite web|url=http://fl-rockledge.civicplus.com/129/City-Council|title=Mayor & City Council - Rockledge, FL - Official Website|website=fl-rockledge.civicplus.com|access-date=17 February 2018}}</ref>

==Economy==
Local businesses focus on [[technology]] and [[aerospace]], especially those related to nearby [[Kennedy Space Center]] and [[Cape Canaveral]].

Citrus grove production is nominal, producing citrus confections, juice and [[souvenir]]s for the tourist trade and for local consumption.

===Personal income===
The median income for a household in the city was $45,218, and the median income for a family was $52,332. Males had a median income of $39,434 versus $25,918 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $20,700. About 4.0% of families and 6.5% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 6.2% of those under age 18 and 7.2% of those age 65 or over.

===Industry===
The leading industries in Rockledge are Educational, health and social services, 20%; Manufacturing, 12%; and Professional, scientific, management, administrative, and waste management services, 11%.<ref name="Simply Hired : Rockledge, FL">{{cite web|url=http://www.simplyhired.com/a/local-jobs/city/l-Rockledge,+FL|title=Jobs and Employment Information for Rockledge, FL - Simply Hired|website=www.simplyhired.com|access-date=17 February 2018}}</ref>

[[Rivian Automotive]], a tiny start-up, plans to begin production of cars in 2013.<ref name="ft">{{cite web | url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110311/BUSINESS/103110315/Avera-Motors-Rockledge-becomes-Rivian-Automotive | title=Avera Motors of Rockledge becomes Rivian Automotiv | access-date=17 March 2011 | date=10 March 2011 | publisher=Florida Today | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110314194944/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110311/BUSINESS/103110315/Avera-Motors-Rockledge-becomes-Rivian-Automotive | archive-date=14 March 2011 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Tourism===
Rockledge has the following annual community events, festivals, and parades:<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cityofrockledge.org/Pages/RockledgeFL_WebDocs/events1 |title=City of Rockledge FL - 2012 City Events Schedule |access-date=2012-03-01 |archive-date=2012-02-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120201211930/http://www.cityofrockledge.org/Pages/RockledgeFL_WebDocs/events1 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

* Art/Craft Fair
* Cruise-On-In Car Show
* [[Independence Day (United States)|Independence Day]] Family Picnic
* Light Up Rockledge and Holiday Parade
* [[Memorial Day]] Parade
* [[National Night Out]]
* Taylor Park Fall Family Festival

===Workforce===
In 2007, the average size of Rockledge's labor force was 11,886. Of that group, 11,455 were employed and 431 were unemployed, for an unemployment rate of 3.6%.<ref name="edc">[http://www.spacecoastedc.org/portals/0/municipalities/rockledge/rockledge%20community%20data.pdf Rockledge Community Data Sheet] Economic Development Council of Florida's Space Coast. Retrieved on 2009-06-23</ref>

Among the most common occupations in Rockledge are Management, professional, and related occupations, 36%. Sales and office occupations, 28%. and Service occupations, 15%. Approximately 72 percent of workers in Rockledge, Florida work for companies, 19 percent work for the government and 6 percent are self-employed.<ref name="Simply Hired : Rockledge, FL"/>

===Housing===
[[United States housing bubble|Reflecting economic times]], in 2008, 45 [[building permits]] were issued for 105 units. In 2007, 131 permits were issued for 158 units. Also, in 2006, an estimated 106 permits for 341 units were issued.<ref>[http://censtats.census.gov/bldg/bldgprmt.shtml Building Permits] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090615080604/http://censtats.census.gov/bldg/bldgprmt.shtml |date=2009-06-15 }} [[United States Census Bureau]]. Retrieved on 2009-06-23</ref>

The [[median home price]] in 2007 was $214,965.<ref name="edc" />

In February 2011, the average price of homes actually sold was $131,500.<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://www.spacecoastedc.org/portals/0/municipalities/rockledge/rockledge.pdf | title=Community data Rockledge | access-date=2011-07-08 | archive-date=2011-10-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007203603/http://www.spacecoastedc.org/portals/0/municipalities/rockledge/rockledge.pdf | url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Education==
<!----note that Ralph Williams is not in Rockledge. Just shares a postal ZIP code. It is "in the county"--->
The public schools in Rockledge are operated by the [[Brevard Public Schools|Brevard County Public School Board]]. Local schools include Hans Christian Andersen Elementary; Golfview Elementary; John F. Kennedy Middle School; Ronald McNair Magnet Middle School;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mcnair.ms.brevard.k12.fl.us/|title=McNair Magnet Middle School|website=brevard.k12.fl.us|access-date=17 February 2018}}</ref> and [[Rockledge High School]].

Private schools include St. Mary's Catholic School,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stmarys-school.org/|title=St. Mary Catholic School|website=stmarys-school.org|access-date=17 February 2018}}</ref> Rockledge Christian School,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rcswarriors.org/cms/|title=Page Not Found (404)|website=Rockledge Christian School|access-date=17 February 2018}}</ref> Trinity Lutheran School,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://trinity-rockledge.org|title=Trinity Lutheran Church and School|website=trinity-rockledge.org|access-date=17 February 2018}}</ref> and Rockledge Montessori School.<ref>[http://rockledgemontessori.com Rockledge Montessori School]</ref> [[Sawgrass Academy Middle]] was a former charter school in the town.

==Infrastructure==

===Transportation===

====Major roads====
Rockledge is served by [[U.S. Route 1 in Florida|U.S. Route 1]]. Major east–west roads are oriented towards this north–south road.

The following are at least four-lane roads, unless otherwise designated.

;National roads
* [[Image:US 1.svg|20px]] [[U.S. Route 1 in Florida|U.S. 1]]. – This road was constructed east of the railroad throughout the city. In 2010, it was widened to six lanes throughout Rockledge. A landscaped median was installed. Construction in 2010 cost $27.5 million for {{convert|2.6|mi}}. This section of the road carries approximately 45,000 vehicles daily.<ref>{{Cite news | first=Rebecca | last=Basu | title=Rockledge U.S. 1 upgrade is done | url=http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=201012030318| publisher=Florida Today | location=Melbourne, Florida | pages= 1B | date=3 December 2010 }}</ref> Major intersections include CR 502 and Barton Boulevard.
* [[File:I-95.svg|20x20px]] [[Interstate 95 in Florida|Interstate 95]] – A very small portion runs through the city at Exit 195.

;State roads
* [[File:Florida 519.svg|20px]] [[Florida State Road 519|SR 519]] (Fiske Blvd) is a state road which at the southernmost point connects to Stadium Parkway in Viera and at the northernmost point to SR 520 in [[Cocoa, Florida|Cocoa]]. SR 519 is a four-lane road.<!---- It is named for Former Mayor Fiske who served from 1929 to 1933.---><ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web| url=http://www.cityofrockledge.org/Pages/RockledgeFL_Council/Election%20History.pdf | title=Rockledge Election History | access-date=2012-06-22 | archive-date=2012-02-24 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224181117/http://www.cityofrockledge.org/Pages/RockledgeFL_Council/Election%20History.pdf | url-status=dead}}</ref>  Major intersections include CR 502, Interstate 95, and Barton Boulevard.

;County roads
* [[File:Brevard County Road 502 FL.svg|20px]] [[County Road 502 (Brevard County, Florida)|CR 502]] (Barnes Blvd) links US 1, Murrell Road, SR 519 and I-95. CR 502 is a two-lane road except for the easternmost portion which has four lanes that eventually merge into two.<!---- It is named for Former Mayor Barnes who served from 1959 to 1962.---><ref name="ReferenceA"/> Major intersections include Interstate 95, SR 519, and U.S. 1.
* [[File:Brevard County 515.svg|20px]] [[County Road 515 (Brevard County, Florida)|CR 515]] (Rockledge Drive) winds along the [[Indian River (Florida)|Indian River]] edge and is a portion of the [[Indian River Lagoon Scenic Highway]]. Along the road are century-old oaks and homes in late 18th century style. There are no major intersections.{{Citation needed|date=October 2022}}

====Bus====
* [[Space Coast Area Transit]] operates a public bus service in Rockledge and vicinity.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://routefinder.ridescat.com/maps/fares.php|title=Space Coast Area Transit official website|website=ridescat.com|access-date=17 February 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715183914/http://routefinder.ridescat.com/maps/fares.php|archive-date=15 July 2011}}</ref>

====Rail====
* The [[Florida East Coast Railway]] runs through Rockledge but does not stop. Historically, there was a stop on the [[Florida East Coast Railway]], but it was abandoned when passenger service became unprofitable.<ref>[[Florida East Coast Railway#Main line]]</ref>

====Air====
* The city has a private runway at the Rockledge Airpark that used to be run by Aero Adventures Inc, but was closed over safety concerns in 2015. The paved runway is approximately 2000 feet with a parallel grass runway on the east side of the property, and a local mechanic operates from the former hangars.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/rockledge-airport-shut-down-due-safety-concerns/nmz23/ |title=Rockledge Airport shut down due to safety concerns &#124; www.wftv.com |access-date=2019-02-22 |archive-date=2015-12-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151230062358/http://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/rockledge-airport-shut-down-due-safety-concerns/nmz23/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Notable people==

{{div col}}
* [[Lyman Barnes]], Wisconsin politician, practiced law in Rockledge for five years<ref>'Wisconsin Blue Book 1893,' Biographical Sketch of Lyman E. Barnes, pg. 621</ref>
* [[Kurt Debus]], former director of [[NASA]]'s Launch Operations Center
* [[Tiger Fafara|Lucas "Tiger" Fafara, II]], child actor, played Tooey Brown in ''[[Leave it to Beaver]]'' (1957–1963)
* [[Tammy Lynn Leppert]], actress who vanished in 1983 
* [[Troy Matteson]], [[PGA Tour]] and 2002 NCAA champion golfer<ref name=PGApro>{{cite web |title=Profile on PGA Tour's official site |url=http://www.pgatour.com/players/02/71/20/ |access-date=March 5, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070208224222/http://www.pgatour.com/players/02/71/20/ |archive-date=February 8, 2007 }}</ref>
* [[DeLane Matthews]], actress, played Beth Barry on ''[[Dave's World]]'' (1993–1997)
* [[Mel Mitchell]], professional football player
* [[Laurent Robinson]], professional football player
* Scott Thompson, comedian, also known as [[Carrot Top]], was born in Rockledge
* [[Beau Taylor]], MLB player, #46 catcher for the Cleveland Indians. Former catcher of the [[Oakland Athletics]]
* [[Melissa Witek]], [[Miss Florida]] USA 2005, contestant on NBC's ''[[Treasure Hunters (TV series)|Treasure Hunters]]''
* [[RJ Scaringe]], founder of [[Rivian|Rivian Automotive]]
{{div col end}}

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{Wikivoyage|Rockledge}}
{{Commons category}}
*[http://www.cityofrockledge.org/ www.cityofrockledge.org]
*[http://www.city-data.com/city/Rockledge-Florida.html City-Data.com] Comprehensive Statistical Data and more about Rockledge
*[http://www.townrockledge.com Local Newspaper- Town Rockledge]
<!--Site exists but consists of broken photo links: *[http://homepage.mac.com/esisco/Menu2.html Old Photos and Postcards from the Rockledge Heritage Foundation]-->

{{Brevard County, Florida}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Cities in Brevard County, Florida]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1887]]
[[Category:Cities in Florida]]
[[Category:Populated places on the Intracoastal Waterway in Florida]]
[[Category:1887 establishments in Florida]]