A.W. Young: The Visionary Who Helped Shape Vero Beach - Vero Vine

A.W. Young was a man ahead of his time, turning the untapped potential of Vero Beach into a thriving community. Born in Illinois in 1866, Young brought his leadership and big ideas to Florida, forever changing the course of this small coastal town’s history.

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In the early 1900s, Vero Beach was mostly marshland and wild terrain. But where others saw a challenge, Young saw an opportunity. He spearheaded the movement to incorporate Vero Beach, and in 1919, the city officially came to life. As its first mayor, Young worked to establish a strong foundation for the town, focusing on governance and infrastructure to support its growth.

Young wasn’t just a leader—he was a trailblazer. In 1925, he authored the act that created Indian River County, splitting it from St. Lucie County. This bold move gave the region the independence it needed to thrive, cementing Young’s legacy as one of the area’s most influential figures.

His contributions didn’t stop at politics. Young managed the Indian River Farms Company, transforming swampy land into fertile ground for citrus farming—an industry still defining the area today. He also co-owned the Sleepy Eye Lodge, a central hub for developers and settlers, where ideas and partnerships flourished.

A.W. Young’s vision and dedication helped shape Vero Beach into the vibrant community it is today. Even after his passing in 1948, his impact remains visible in the city’s landmarks and history. Whether it’s the thriving citrus industry or the charming streets of downtown, Young’s work is woven into the fabric of Vero Beach.

He wasn’t just a pioneer—he was the architect of a dream that became a reality. A.W. Young’s story is one of vision, hard work, and a lasting legacy that continues to inspire.

Sources

TCPalm: “All in the Family: Grandson of First Vero Beach Mayor Reflects on Legacy”
URL: https://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/2018/10/21/all-family-grandson-first-vero-beach-mayor/1301782002/
Indian River Magazine: “Property Pioneer: How A.W. Young Helped Shape Indian River County”
URL: https://indianrivermagazine.com/property-pioneer/
Wikipedia: “Anthony W. Young”
URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_W._Young

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Tiffany Bent

Editor at Vero Vine

Tiffany is originally from Winchester, VA, and she's now part of the vibrant Vero Beach community. She's super passionate about marketing and can't wait to bring her skills to Vero Vine. When she's not diving into marketing projects, you'll often find her in the gym, where she's a dedicated powerlifter and can lift more than most guys—pretty impressive, right? Tiffany also loves exploring new cities and is always up for an adventure.