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Merritt Island is located in Brevard County, Florida, in between the Indian River and the Banana River. It's known for the John F. Kennedy Space Center, a primary launch site for human spaceflight since 1968. This space center attracts a large number of tourists each year.
Merritt Island is the only place in the United States where a national wildlife refuge shares a fence with a space launch facility. The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge covers over 140,000 acres and is home to more than 1,500 species of plants and animals, including several endangered species. This refuge covers a significant portion of the island and offers a variety of recreational opportunities, such as fishing, hunting, hiking, wildlife viewing, and boating.
It's not a true "island" as it's connected to the mainland by a causeway on its western edge. The island is primarily residential, although there are also commercial areas and numerous schools.
Merritt Island offers its residents various outdoor activities owing to its warm weather, beautiful beaches, and abundance of wildlife. Furthermore, it has a relaxed, laid-back lifestyle with a close-knit community feel.
The island has also played a significant role in the history of America's space exploration. The Merritt Island Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network station (MILA) provided tracking for many space shuttle launches until it was deactivated in 2011. Today it's still a major hub of NASA operations.
Despite being somewhat small, Merritt Island has a lot to offer, whether you're a resident or visitor, with its unique blend of nature, space history, and community.