Titusville, Florida | |
|---|---|
 Titusville City Hall | |
 Seal | |
| Nickname: "Miracle City"[1] | |
| Motto: "Gateway To Nature And Space" | |
 Location inBrevard County and the U.S. state ofFlorida | |
| Coordinates:28°35′28″N80°49′12″W / 28.59111°N 80.82000°W /28.59111; -80.82000 | |
| Country | United States |
| State |  Florida |
| County | Brevard |
| Settled (Sand Point) | 1859-1873[2][3] |
| Incorporated (city) | 1887; 138 years ago (1887) |
| Founded by | Henry T. Titus |
| Government | |
| • Type | Council-Manager |
| • Mayor | Andrew D. Connors |
| • Vice Mayor | Herman A. Cole, Jr. |
| • Council Members | Jo Lynn Nelson, Dr. Sarah Stoeckel, and Megan Moscoso |
| • City Manager | Int. Thomas Abbate |
| • City Clerk | Wanda Wells |
| Area | |
• Total | 34.31 sq mi (88.87 km2) |
| • Land | 29.22 sq mi (75.69 km2) |
| • Water | 5.09 sq mi (13.18 km2) |
| Elevation | 9.8 ft (3 m) |
| Population | |
• Total | 48,789 |
| • Density | 1,669.5/sq mi (644.59/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP codes | 32780-32783, 32796 |
| Area code | 321 |
| FIPS code | 12-71900[6] |
| GNIS feature ID | 0292319[7] |
| Website | titusville.com |
Titusville is a city in and thecounty seat ofBrevard County, Florida, United States.[8] As of the2020 census, the population of the city was 48,789, up from 43,761 at the 2010 census.[5] Titusville is located along theIndian River, west ofMerritt Island and theKennedy Space Center, and south-southwest of theCanaveral National Seashore. It is a principal city of thePalm Bay–Melbourne–Titusville,Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.
A secondary,de facto county seat was established beginning in 1989, atViera, Florida, in the geographic center of the county, to better serve the more populous southern portion of the county.
Indigenous peoples had inhabited this area for thousands of years, as shown by discovery in 1982 of theWindover Archeological Site, dating to the earlyArchaic Period (6000 to 5000 BC). It has been designated as aNational Historic Landmark because of the significance of its remains.
At the time of European encounter, this area was inhabited by theAisIndians, who gatheredpalmetto,cocoplum andseagrape berries. They alsofished the Indian River, called theRio de Ais bySpanish explorers. By 1760, however, the tribe had disappeared due largely to infectious disease, slave raids, and the disruptive effects ofrum.
The United States acquired Florida from Spain in 1821, and theSeminole Wars delayed settlement of portions of the new territory.[9]
This community was originally calledSand Point, and a post office was established in 1859, although it closed a few months later.Henry T. Titus arrived in 1867, intending to build a town on land owned by his wife, Mary Hopkins Titus, daughter of a prominentplanter fromDarien, Georgia. He laid out roads and in 1870 erected the Titus House, a large, one-story hotel next to asaloon. He also donated land for four churches and a courthouse, the latter an effort to get the town designated as county seat.[2]
Local history says that Titus challenged Capt. Clark Rice to a game ofdominoes to decide the name of the town. Titus won the game, and Sand Point was renamed as Titusville in 1873.[3] The city was incorporated in 1887, the year construction began on St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church, as listed in the 1972National Register of Historic Places. At one point, Titusville was nicknamed "TheCity of Churches".[10]
The Atlantic Coast, St. Johns & Indian River Railroad reached Titusville in 1885, constructed fromEnterprise, Florida. It was connected by a spur line to theJacksonville, Tampa & Key West Railroad at Enterprise Junction in present-dayDeBary, Florida.Henry Flagler extended hisFlorida East Coast Railroad south fromDaytona, building a station at Titusville in 1892. Many tourists arrived by railroad to enjoy the mild winter climate.
In addition, the railroad was a means to ship area produce to northern markets, and the Indian River area increasingly became an agricultural and shipping center forpineapple andcitrus goods. A wooden bridge was built east toPlayalinda Beach in 1922.[11]
In October 1918, Titusville officials were the first in the county to order closed all places of assembly, including schools, churches, and movies, to avoid spreading theSpanish flu.[12]
Beginning in the late 1950s, the growth ofCape Canaveral, and later theKennedy Space Center onMerritt Island, stimulated growth in the community's economy, population and tourism. The association with the space program led to the city's two nicknames in the 1960s: Space City USA and Miracle City.[citation needed]
Searstown Mall opened in 1966. Miracle City Mall opened in 1968, built on 32 acres (13 ha). It had 275,000 square feet (25,500 m2) of covered floor space.[13]
The jail at the county courthouse became overcrowded by the 1980s. A new jailhouse was built inSharpes in 1986.[citation needed]
Computer Shopper was founded in Titusville in 1979 by Glenn Patch, first as a tabloid. It was later expanded as a magazine of over 800 pages per issue. It was published in Titusville until September 1989.[14] That year operations were to be moved toNew York City in a joint venture between Patch Communications of Titusville andZiff Davis.[14]
TheA. Max Brewer Bridge, a 65 feet (20 m) fixed high-level span onSR-406 connecting Titusville toMerritt Island National Wildlife Refuge andCanaveral National Seashore, opened on February 5, 2011, to replace the former swing bridge built in 1949.[citation needed]
In May 2012, the Brevard County School Board closed Riverview Elementary School for budgetary reasons. It closed South Lake Elementary School on May 25, 2013.[15]
In January 2013, Miracle City Mall closed, a victim of a declining local economy after the termination of theSpace Shuttle program in 2012. In addition, county population had moved to the south, and changing shopping habits had adversely affected malls across the country.[13] Demolition of Miracle City Mall occurred February 2015. The site has been redeveloped as a mixed-use outdoor shopping complex called Titus Landing.[16]
Because of population decline, theUSPS had closed two post offices in Titusville by 2013, and discussed closing a third.[17]
Titusville is located in the northern half of Brevard County. According to the US Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 34.2 square miles (88.7 km2). 29.4 square miles (76.1 km2) of it is land, and 4.9 square miles (12.7 km2) of it (14.26 percent) is water.[18] Titusville is located on theIndian River Lagoon, part of theAtlantic Intracoastal Waterway.
The city is the only place in the world where the endangeredDicerandra thinicola, or "Titusville mint" grows. The fields are located along a 13 miles (21 km) strip between the Titusville wellfield andMims.[19]
Titusville has ahumid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters.
| Climate data for Titusville, Florida, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1901–present | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 88 (31) | 92 (33) | 94 (34) | 97 (36) | 102 (39) | 103 (39) | 103 (39) | 101 (38) | 101 (38) | 99 (37) | 93 (34) | 88 (31) | 103 (39) |
| Mean maximum °F (°C) | 82.3 (27.9) | 84.1 (28.9) | 87.0 (30.6) | 88.9 (31.6) | 93.3 (34.1) | 95.3 (35.2) | 96.3 (35.7) | 95.7 (35.4) | 93.7 (34.3) | 90.6 (32.6) | 86.1 (30.1) | 83.3 (28.5) | 97.3 (36.3) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 68.8 (20.4) | 71.2 (21.8) | 75.1 (23.9) | 79.4 (26.3) | 84.1 (28.9) | 87.7 (30.9) | 89.9 (32.2) | 89.3 (31.8) | 87.1 (30.6) | 82.6 (28.1) | 76.1 (24.5) | 71.2 (21.8) | 80.2 (26.8) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 59.6 (15.3) | 62.4 (16.9) | 66.2 (19.0) | 71.0 (21.7) | 76.4 (24.7) | 80.3 (26.8) | 82.1 (27.8) | 82.0 (27.8) | 80.5 (26.9) | 75.6 (24.2) | 68.4 (20.2) | 62.8 (17.1) | 72.3 (22.4) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 50.4 (10.2) | 53.5 (11.9) | 57.2 (14.0) | 62.5 (16.9) | 68.8 (20.4) | 72.9 (22.7) | 74.3 (23.5) | 74.8 (23.8) | 73.9 (23.3) | 68.5 (20.3) | 60.7 (15.9) | 54.3 (12.4) | 64.3 (17.9) |
| Mean minimum °F (°C) | 33.3 (0.7) | 36.9 (2.7) | 41.3 (5.2) | 49.7 (9.8) | 59.4 (15.2) | 67.9 (19.9) | 69.6 (20.9) | 70.5 (21.4) | 68.4 (20.2) | 54.0 (12.2) | 44.7 (7.1) | 37.8 (3.2) | 31.3 (−0.4) |
| Record low °F (°C) | 19 (−7) | 23 (−5) | 26 (−3) | 35 (2) | 45 (7) | 56 (13) | 58 (14) | 60 (16) | 51 (11) | 40 (4) | 27 (−3) | 19 (−7) | 19 (−7) |
| Averageprecipitation inches (mm) | 3.05 (77) | 2.56 (65) | 3.37 (86) | 2.69 (68) | 3.71 (94) | 7.87 (200) | 6.77 (172) | 7.80 (198) | 7.46 (189) | 5.06 (129) | 2.51 (64) | 2.35 (60) | 55.20 (1,402) |
| Average precipitation days(≥ 0.01 in) | 8.5 | 6.3 | 7.2 | 5.7 | 7.5 | 14.3 | 13.8 | 14.7 | 13.9 | 10.2 | 7.4 | 8.0 | 117.5 |
| Source: NOAA[20][21] | |||||||||||||
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1890 | 746 | — | |
| 1900 | 756 | 1.3% | |
| 1910 | 868 | 14.8% | |
| 1920 | 1,361 | 56.8% | |
| 1930 | 2,089 | 53.5% | |
| 1940 | 2,220 | 6.3% | |
| 1950 | 2,604 | 17.3% | |
| 1960 | 6,410 | 146.2% | |
| 1970 | 30,515 | 376.1% | |
| 1980 | 31,910 | 4.6% | |
| 1990 | 39,394 | 23.5% | |
| 2000 | 40,670 | 3.2% | |
| 2010 | 43,761 | 7.6% | |
| 2020 | 48,789 | 11.5% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[22] | |||
| Race | Pop 2010[23] | Pop 2020[24] | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White (NH) | 33,445 | 33,944 | 76.43% | 69.57% |
| Black or African American (NH) | 5,727 | 6,430 | 13.09% | 13.18% |
| Native American orAlaska Native (NH) | 168 | 139 | 0.38% | 0.28% |
| Asian (NH) | 596 | 890 | 1.36% | 1.82% |
| Pacific Islander orNative Hawaiian (NH) | 37 | 40 | 0.08% | 0.08% |
| Some other race (NH) | 69 | 239 | 0.16% | 0.49% |
| Two or more races/Multiracial (NH) | 894 | 2,432 | 2.04% | 4.98% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2,825 | 4,675 | 6.46% | 9.58% |
| Total | 43,761 | 48,789 |
As of the2020 United States census, there were 48,789 people, 18,930 households, and 11,012 families residing in the city.[25]
As of the2010 United States census, there were 43,761 people, 18,174 households, and 11,508 families residing in the city.[26]
In 2010, the median age was 43.4 years.[27] Also, for residents 25 and older in 2010, 89.3% had completed high school, 22.6% had at least a bachelor's degree.[27]
As of thecensus[6] of 2000, there were 40,670 people, 17,200 households, and 11,094 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,913.4 inhabitants per square mile (738.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 83.80 percentWhite, 12.64 percentAfrican American, 0.39 percentNative American, 0.94 percentAsian, 0.04 percentPacific Islander, 0.73 percent fromother races, and 1.46 percent from two or more races.Hispanic orLatino of any race were 3.52 percent of the population.
In 2000, there were 17,200 households, out of which 26.7 percent had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.9 percent weremarried couples living together, 12.6 percent had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.5 percent were non-families. 29.9 percent of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.9 percent had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.86.
In 2000, in the city, the population was spread out, with 22.9 percent under the age of 18, 6.9 percent from 18 to 24, 26.2 percent from 25 to 44, 23.2 percent from 45 to 64, and 20.8 percent who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.1 males.
In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $35,607, and the median income for a family was $42,453. This had risen to $44,925 median per household in 2010; $24,374 per capita income.[27] Males had a median income of $36,076 versus $23,998 for females. Theper capita income for the city was $18,901. About 9.3 percent of families and 12.4 percent of the population were below thepoverty line, including 17.6 percent of those under age 18 and 6.8 percent of those age 65 or over.
In 2018, Titusville, had a median household income of $43,765. Between 2017 and 2018 its median household income grew from $42,561 to $43,765.[28]
In 2010, private business was 24.7 percent "other"; 21.5 percent trade, transportation and utilities, 18.1 percent professional and business services; 13.7 percent educational and health services; 12 percent construction; and 10 percent leisure and hospitality.[27] The economy shrunk after lay-offs involving the end of the space shuttle program in 2011, since many employees live in Titusville. As of May 2025, Titusville's unemployment rate was approximately 3.7%.
Many of Titusville's major employers areaerospace companies.[29]Knight's Armament Company in Titusville is believed to be the state's largest manufacturer of small arms.[30] Parrish Medical Center, located in Titusville, is the city's largest employer. In October 2013, Barn Light Electric Company opened a new manufacturing plant, providing work for at least 60 former NASA workers and men who had completed drug rehabilitation.[31]
The city has benefited from tourism associated with thespace program, and theTICO Warbird Air Show each March draws about 40,000–50,000 visitors.[32]
While 47 miles (76 km) from the event, the city gets a noticeable economic effect from bikers on their way to the annualDaytona Beach Bike Week.[33]
Titusville was the site of the defunct amusement parkTropical Wonderland.[34]
In 2024, the average size of Titusville's labor force was 22,650. Of that group, 21,812 were employed and 838 were unemployed, for an unemployment rate of 3.7 percent.[29]
As of thecensus[6] of 2000, there were 19,178 housing units at an average density of 902.3 per square mile (348.4/km2). In 2008, 55building permits for 64 units were issued. This was down from 195 permits for 657 units in 2007. The city issued 292 permits for 360 units in 2006.[35]
In 2001 149 permits were issued for $18.6 million worth of property; 453 in 2005 for $65.7 million; 45 in 2010 for $9.5 million.[27]
Themedian home price in 2007 was $158,900.[29]
Shopping centers includeWalmart Supercenter andTarget. They are located in the city's shopping district at the southern end of the city, near the intersection ofState Road 405 andState Road 50.
The Titusville Public Library is part of theBrevard County Library System.[36]
Titusville is run by acouncil-manager government. The electedcity council serves as the city's legislative branch, while the appointedcity manager carries out policies defined by the council. The city is governed according to itsCharter, adopted on June 3, 1963.[37]
The city has 1.8 police officers per thousand residents. This is 52% below average statewide for cities of its size.[38]
A 2011 study rated the pension fund for city employees as mediocre or poor.[39]
Titusville's five city council members (one of whom is the mayor) who are electedat-large to four-year, staggered terms. As the city's legislative body, the council determines all municipal policies not explicitly covered by the city charter or state legislation. It also adoptsordinances andresolutions, coteappropriations, approve budgets, determine thetax rate, and appoint citizens to serve on advisory boards and commissions.[40]
The mayor presides over all city council meetings and votes as a council member. The mayor is the recognized head of city government for ceremonial and military law purposes, but has no regular administrative duties. The vice mayor is chosen from among the council members at their annual organizational meeting and takes the mayor's place during absence or disability.[40] The mayor is Andrew Connors.
It was estimated in 2007 that 88.1 percent of all Titusville residents 25 years or older are high school graduates, and 23.6 percent have abachelor's degree or higher.[29]
Primary and secondary public schools are run by theBrevard County School Board:
Titusville is served bySCAT's #1, #2, and #5 routes.[41]
As of 2006, the city owned water utility drew about 3.8 million US gallons (14 million L) of its water supply from two wellfields tapping asurficial aquifer. A new wellfield drawing 2.75 million US gallons (10.4 million L) per day from theFloridan aquifer was added in 2016.[42][43] The water department had 22,000 customers in 2010.[44]
Parrish Medical Center, originally established as North Brevard Hospital in 1958, is the hospital that serves Titusville.[45] A new 371,000-sq.ft., $80 million hospital was completed in 2002.[45] It was the first medical center in the Southeast region designed and constructed using the 7 Principles of Evidence-Based Design to create a healing environment. It was also among the first participants of The Pebble Project, a national research initiative to demonstrate that healing environments improve overall quality of care and create life-enhancing environments for patients, families and employees.
Municipalities and communities ofBrevard County, Florida,United States | ||
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| Cities |  | |
| Towns | ||
| CDPs | ||
| Unincorporated communities | ||
| Ghost towns | ||
| International | |
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| National | |
| Geographic | |
| Other | |
