PALM BAY, FLORIDA

Palm Bay, Florida is in Brevard County on the Indian River Lagoon south of Melbourne on Florida's Space Coast.  Its population in 2020 is 119,760.

Postcard View to East Toward Atlantic Ocean Across Indian River Lagoon

It is the largest city in the county by population and land area, dwarfing its much older neighbors and is one of the largest cities in Central Florida.  Palm Bay is 75 miles southeast of Orlando.

Palm Bay City Hall

This history of Palm Bay is essentially the tale of two developments:  the original tiny town of Palm Bay and the later huge development of Port Malabar that engulfed the original town.

The land area around Palm Bay is drained by Turkey Creek that discharges into the Indian River.  The mouth of this creek was home to the Ais tribe.

These Native Americans lived in the area and subsisted on fish, oysters, and local wildlife.

Palm Bay View to South Along US-1
Indian River Lagoon on Left, Turkey Creek Lower Right, Courtesy Marinas.com

The first white settler in the area was John Tillman who came in the 1870s and built a wharf at the mouth of Turkey Creek.  This mouth became known as Palm Bay.

Tillman had a large banana grove on the north shore of Turkey Creek, as well as a profitable orange grove.  His wharf became a steamboat stop on the Indian River, and the community was known as Tillman.

Man In Doorway of Cabin Near Turkey Creek, Tillman -Circa 1890
Florida Memory

The Indian River Catholic Land Company established a colony in Tillman.  Between 1910 and 1914 they attempted to grow crops on their land but depleted the soil and the colony failed.

THE MELBOURNE-TILLMAN DRAINAGE DISTRICT

Tillman became known as Palm Bay in the 1920s, and a group was formed called the Melbourne-Tillman Drainage District. 

The district issued $1.5 million in bonds to finance a large drainage project in the land surrounding Palm Bay to the west.

The district dug 180 miles of canals in a grid to drain 40,000 acres of marsh land to make the land suitable for agriculture.

Citrus groves were planted and produce from truck farms was shipped to northern markets. 

Ranching became profitable with many beef cattle being raised and timber also was an important crop.  Members of the pioneer Platt family were the largest ranchers in the area.

This era of Palm Bay history ended tragically in 1926 when a fire and a hurricane did tremendous damage in the area.  The drainage district went bankrupt and the economy spiraled downward for years.

GENERAL DEVELOPMENT PLATS PORT MALABAR

In 1959 General Development Corporation (GDC) purchased 2,500 acres west of Palm Bay from the Platts and began Port Malabar with 130 homes.  

The homes sold quickly and the City of Palm Bay was incorporated in 1960.  Its population then was 2,808 including the families in the original homes.

Palm Bay Home From the 1970s

From that point on, Palm Bay was the dog and GDC was the tail wagging the dog. 

The Corporation then bought 40,552 adjacent acres from the Platts in 1961, dug drainage canals, and platted another 70,000 quarter acre residential lots.

Port Malabar Advertising Poster

These lots were sold by high powered sales organizations to buyers all over the world.  I remember being in Naples, Italy when I was in the Navy in 1961.

GDC had a sales booth set up near where my ship docked. Several of my shipmates bought lots in Port Malabar, sight unseen, for $10 down and $15 a month. 

We knew nothing about real estate in Florida other than it sounded nice and tropical and the sales people were real persuasive. 

GDC was the developer of several other Florida communities with Port as the first name: Port St. John, Port St. Lucie, Port Charlotte, and Port LaBelle.

In order to plat lots, counties required that the roads serving the lots be paved.  This resulted in hundreds of asphalt streets winding through the Florida jungle with no traffic. 

The pavement baked and cracked in the Florida sun and crab grass and other weeds grew up though the cracks. 

Many Brevard County parents taught their kids how to drive on the vacant streets of Port Malabar and Port St. John. 

Castaway Point, Popular Early Palm Bay Restaurant

Locals would joke that nobody would ever actually live in these forlorn places.  But the joke would be on them. 

The Port Malabar project saw tremendous growth. 

Somewhere over the years people began calling their community Palm Bay, and the Port Malabar name is slowly fading into history. 

GDC filed for bankruptcy in 1991, but the legacy of Port Malabar lives on.

The City of Palm Bay has an ongoing program of street rehabilitation due to the pavement problems resulting from the early GDC years.

Port Malabar was designed as a residential community, and the original development included a country club, yacht club, community center, tennis and shuffleboard courts and other recreational amenities. 

Palm Bay Hammock Mall

It has grown steadily over the years until today it has an area of 88 square miles and a population of almost 120,000.

Palm Bay has interchanges with I-95 at Palm Bay Road, Malabar Road, and St. Johns Heritage Parkway.

The proximity to Melbourne as well as John F. Kennedy Space Center attracted many high tech industries over the years.

One of the earliest was Radiation, Inc., whose co-founder Homer Denius was a prominent business and civic leader in Palm Bay and Melbourne for many years.

Castaways Point Park

Today Palm Bay has numerous engineering and defense contractors including L3 Harris Corporation (the successor to Radiation, Inc.), Renesas Electronics, and Raytheon Technologies.

It also has a major medical center, Health First Palm Bay Hospital.

USA Today ranked the Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville Metropolitan Statistical Area as No. 12 in the United States for the number of high tech jobs.

Kayakers on Turkey Creek

The growth of Palm Bay has included the addition of many parks and other recreational facilities.  It's location on Turkey Creek and the Indian River make great opportunities for water sports.

The city has several nature preserves and nature trails.  A great place to see wildlife is at Turkey Creek Sanctuary, a small nature preserve near the headwaters of Turkey Creek.

It is not unusual to see people paddle boarding or kayaking on Turkey Creek, or hiking on the miles of paths in the city.

Some of the earliest homes built along Port Malabar Boulevard and Turkey Creek have scenic waterfront views.  

Community theater in Palm Bay is active at the Bayside Performing Arts Center with local actors performing in popular Broadway musicals and plays.

Turkey Creek Sanctuary

Realtor.com indicates the median home price in Palm Bay is $205,900, well below the national average.  A typical new home in the Palm Bay area would have 3 bedrooms and 2 baths.

The oldest homes built by GDC in the 1960s through 1980s usually have smaller square footages than the newer ones.

St. Joseph's Catholic Church
Wikimedia Commons

A reminder of the Catholic colony that was established in 1910 is St. Joseph's Church on Miller Street.  It is the oldest building in Palm Bay and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

THINGS TO DO IN PALM BAY, FLORIDA

Turkey Creek Sanctuary
1518 Port Malabar Blvd NE, Palm Bay, FL 32905 | (321) 676-6690

As mentioned earlier on this page, the sanctuary is a paradise for nature lovers. It features a boardwalk that meanders through lush hammocks and along the scenic Turkey Creek.

Our favorite part is the canoe and kayak launch, where you can paddle through serene waters, spotting manatees, turtles, and a variety of bird species.

The sanctuary also offers guided hikes, making it a perfect place to learn about Florida’s native flora and fauna. Picnic tables are available.

Castaways Point Park
2990 Bay Blvd NE, Palm Bay, FL 32905 | (321) 952-3400

This beautiful riverside park offers breathtaking views of the Indian River, fishing piers, and nature trails. We enjoy the serene environment and the stunning sunrises and sunsets that paint the sky.

It’s a fantastic spot for a peaceful day outdoors, whether you're fishing, picnicking, or simply soaking in the views. Picnic tables are available, as is a barbecue grill. Dogs are allowed.

The Palm Bay Fair
144 Sportsman Ln NE, Palm Bay, FL 32905

Held annually at the Space Coast Harley-Davidson, this fair is a highlight of the year, offering rides, games, live entertainment, and food vendors.

Our favorite is trying the different food offerings, from classic fair snacks to international cuisines. The fair provides fun and excitement for all ages, making it a must-visit for a memorable experience with family and friends.

Fred Poppe Palm Bay Regional Park
1951 Malabar Rd NW, Palm Bay, FL 32907 | (321) 952-3231

This expansive park features sports fields, hiking trails, and playgrounds. We enjoy the disc golf course and the picnic pavilions for a fun-filled day with family and friends.

The park's vast open spaces are perfect for kite flying, soccer, and other outdoor activities, making it a great spot for sports enthusiasts and families looking for recreational fun. It has a dog park, picnic tables and a basketball court.

Palm Bay Aquatic Center
420 Community College Pkwy SE, Palm Bay, FL 32909 | (321) 952-2833

This family-friendly aquatic center features a heated pool, diving boards, and water slides. We enjoy the lap swimming and the pool's designated areas for recreational swimming.

It’s an ideal place for both exercise and leisure. The aquatic center also offers swimming lessons and water aerobics classes.

Florida Tech Botanical Garden
Frueauff Bldg, 2900 S Babcock St, Melbourne, FL 32901 | (321) 674-8038

Known officially as the Joy & Gordon Patterson Botanical Garden, this lush garden is a living museum in nearby Melbourne. It’s home to a rich diversity of plants and a picturesque creek that winds through the landscape of the university.

Our favorite part is the Dent Smith Trail, a winding path that offers a tranquil walk under a canopy of bamboo and palms. It's a beautiful spot for photography, meditation, and appreciating nature’s beauty.

Space Coast Stadium
5800 Stadium Pkwy, Melbourne, FL 32940 | (800) 741-3014

Just a short drive away, the USSSA Space Coast Complex is a hub of sports and entertainment. They host baseball games, concerts, and festivals.

We enjoy the lively atmosphere and the chance to cheer on local teams or enjoy live music under the stars. It's a great venue for experiencing the community spirit and entertainment that Palm Bay and the surrounding area have to offer.

Liberty Bell Memorial Museum
1601 Oak St, Melbourne, FL 32901 | (321) 373-2311

This museum, just a short drive from Palm Bay, showcases the rich history of the United States and space exploration through engaging exhibits.

Our favorite exhibit is the replica Liberty Bell and the Space Room, which honors Brevard County's role in space history. It's an educational and inspiring visit for anyone fascinated by America's journey from independence to the stars.

Hatts Diving Headquarters
2006 Front St, Melbourne, FL 32901 | (321) 723-5932

Offering scuba diving classes, gear rentals, and guided dive trips, it’s a quick trip from Palm Bay. This dive shop is a gateway to underwater adventures.

Our favorite is the guided dive trips to local reefs and wrecks, where you can explore the vibrant marine life of Florida’s waters. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, Hatts provides a safe and exciting way to dive into the ocean's wonders.