Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding area hosts 22 endangered or threatened species. The Indian and Banana River Lagoons, the most diversified estuary in the country, cradle Merritt Island between the mainland and barrier islands.
The most prestigious estates in Brevard $3.6M, some spanning from Indian River to Banana River on the south legs of the island, meld into beautiful moderately priced boating communities in the center, and a sometimes country atmosphere north of the cross-island barge canal at SR528.
Boaters from the Intracoastal Waterway travel through that canal to the locks, the port, and the Atlantic, so this island is the ideal location for ocean fishermen. The waterways are lush with tropical canals and plants that flow through the Banana River Lagoon which is located on Florida's East Coast and is part of the lagoon system that includes the Indian River & Mosquito Lagoon and the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). While technically the Banana River Lagoon does not host the ICW, the lagoons share the same water and characteristics including that same fish species. The Banana River lagoon's most northern area is connected to the Banana Creek running through the Kennedy Space Center and connecting to the Indian River Lagoon as it wanders westward. If you could continue north on an air boat for a short distance you'd pickup on the famous fishing Mecca the Mosquito Lagoon and onto New Smyrna Inlet or further north on the ICW.SR520 divides the 4 by 40 mile island with a 100-store shopping mall, independent stores and dozens of popular restaurants. Merritt Island’s population is 36,000. It’s a wonderful place to live!