Melbourne City Council members rejected a proposal last month to rename a city street in honor of slain conservative political activist Charlie Kirk.
The idea brought out people on both sides. Some praised the idea to honor Kirk’s beliefs while others questioned why Melbourne would recognize a man who had no ties to the area.
Despite this measure failing, Brevard has dozens of streets named after influential people. In Rockledge there is a cluster of streets named for professional golfers. In Cape Canaveral there a numerous streets named for presidents.
Here’s a sampling of some of the streets named for people in Brevard County
Barton Blvd., Rockledge
Barton Blvd. is named after Samuel Barton, who purchased 10 acres in 1889 and began the town’s first subdivision.
George King Blvd., Port Canaveral
The main street at Port Canaveral is named after George King, the first administrative manager-director of the Canaveral Port Authority.
Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera
This is the street where the county government center, school district offices and Viera courthouse sits. It’s named after the late Judge Fran Jamieson, the first woman to practice law in Brevard. She also has the distinction of being the first woman to serve as president of the Brevard County Bar Association, the first woman elected judge in the state and the first woman to serve on the Florida Board of Governors.
Rosa L. Jones, Cocoa
Rosa L. Jones was a civil rights activist, educator and journalist. She was the first Black daycare owner in Brevard County, and the first Black Girl Scout leader in Brevard. A radio personality and journalist, she wrote for and edited The Script, billed as “Brevard County’s Only Colored Newspaper.”
Slater Way, Cocoa Beach
Often referred to as “Kelly Slater Way,” the official name of the street is “Slater Way.” It’s a nod to the GOAT of surfing who calls Cocoa Beach home, Kelly Slater. Slater’s mom, Judy, used to cook burgers and fries at the old Islander Hut, which was on the street formerly known as Third Street North. While Mom was at work, Slater and his brothers Sean and Skippy would play in the sand and surf the waves.
Tom Warriner Blvd., Cocoa Beach
Tom Warriner was Cocoa Beach’s city attorney from 1965-1968.
Wickham Road, Melbourne
Wickham Road is named after Joeseph H. Wickham who twice served as Brevard County Commissioner, from 1952 – 1964 and again from 1972 – 1984. He is credited with improving the county’s infrastructure and public services.
Spitzer is a Trending Reporter. She can be reached at MSpitzer@Floridatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Charlie Kirk won’t have a Melbourne street named after him, but these people do
Reporting by Michelle Spitzer, Florida Today / Florida Today
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