Is Gifford the slum of Vero Beach? (Fort Pierce, Fellsmere: loans, elementary school)

[Mrs. Guy]

Hi! I`m thinking about moving to Florida, so I have a question: Is Gifford the poor part of Vero Beach?

[SunnyDog]

Originally Posted by Mrs. Guy

Hi! I`m thinking about moving to Florida, so I have a question: Is Gifford the poor part of Vero Beach?

Well, Gifford is a poor area of Indian River County, as far as I know not in the city limits of Vero Beach itself. On the plus side, Gifford has Buddy McGirt's gym there. He's a well-respected trainer in boxing, I doubt he lives in Gifford, probably on the barrier island with his fighter Arturo Gatti. Word is Tyson is training there now.

[pslOldTimer]

The "good old days" which so many seem to wish would have lasted forever in Floirda included segregation and bigotry, which lasted far beyong the laws establishing rights for all citizens. Back in those days, which date all the way into the early 1970s, there were certain areas which were the only accepted areas for Blacks to live. In general, those areas received less attention, maintenance and code enforcement than White areas. The segregation was enforced by banks "redlining" loans, real etate agents "steering" their clients, and sometimes outright violence. I remember a cross-burning as late as 1976.

In Indian River County, Gifford was one of the historically and traditionally Black areas. It suffered from lack of attention by the public works department, law enforcement and the education department. This was the "good old days", remember...

Over time, that neglect led to the area being less desirable, even for middle class Blacks. And, there is still enough prejudice and bigotry that it's unlikely the area has been integrated to any great extent.

However, I haven't been there for a few years, and it's possible the area is being improved. Another such traditionally Black area is Northwest Fort Pierce, and the city fathers have made a real effort to improve the maintenance, infrastructure, code enforcement and law enforcement in that area.

That such areas still exist, and are easily identifiable brings shame on our society.

[J.R.]

I agree with pslOldtimer - Fellsmere is also a rural area of Indian River and might be more disirable - Good luck

[osomd1]

Originally Posted by pslOldTimer

The "good old days" which so many seem to wish would have lasted forever in Floirda included segregation and bigotry, which lasted far beyong the laws establishing rights for all citizens. Back in those days, which date all the way into the early 1970s, there were certain areas which were the only accepted areas for Blacks to live. In general, those areas received less attention, maintenance and code enforcement than White areas. The segregation was enforced by banks "redlining" loans, real etate agents "steering" their clients, and sometimes outright violence. I remember a cross-burning as late as 1976.

In Indian River County, Gifford was one of the historically and traditionally Black areas. It suffered from lack of attention by the public works department, law enforcement and the education department. This was the "good old days", remember...

Over time, that neglect led to the area being less desirable, even for middle class Blacks. And, there is still enough prejudice and bigotry that it's unlikely the area has been integrated to any great extent.

However, I haven't been there for a few years, and it's possible the area is being improved. Another such traditionally Black area is Northwest Fort Pierce, and the city fathers have made a real effort to improve the maintenance, infrastructure, code enforcement and law enforcement in that area.

That such areas still exist, and are easily identifiable brings shame on our society.

Well said my friend, this is the story of the dog spinning around trying to eat
his own tail. Our racist society has created these issues, which by the way keep hunting us, at the same time we keep on labeling the society in segments to create a never ending circle, like you comment most of these geographical areas have improved and would do it much faster if we all show understanding. We should remember that we owe a lot to our compatriots of african ancestry, this country was built with their sweat and blood, we should not be derrogatory when talking about their situation, it's such a shame.

[VBmom]

\Racism aside, Gifford is not an area I would recommend. Fellsmere is mostly hispanic. The elementary school there is substandard compared to the rest of Indian River County. Sorry, just being honest.

PS. Buddy McGirt does not live on the beach. He lives in town like the rest of us normal folk and is very supportive of the local people, teams, schools etc. He is a great guy.

[VBnative1984]

To all those who posted on this, I want to thank you. For my cultural diversity class, I am writing an autobiographical paper about cultural and ethnical diversity in my community. I needed to use a community member to give opinions on community issues. You have all helped me! Thanks!

[citrushills]

Gifford was not safe at all between 1988-1995. Prostitutes and illegal after hours clubs and drugs were rampant. Don't know if things have changed. I doubt it.