Merritt Island is located about 50 miles east of Orlando between the mainland and barrier island in Central East Florida between New Smyrna Beach and Melbourne.  It is a unique place, unlike any other in Florida.  It is actually a peninsula that extends south for 62 miles from the mainland just south of Oak Hill to its tip, known locally as Dragon Point.  It is unique in its combination of three types of Florida styles.  Old Florida is represented by the huge wildlife refuge on the northern part of the island and the pioneer homes and cemeteries that remain in all parts of the island.  Modern Florida is in the homes, schools, roads, bridges, and infrastructure that emerged in recent years.  Many subdivisions were developed in the 1960s and are still being developed today.  Future Florida is discovered in the activities at the Kennedy Space Center that helps define Merritt Island.  The space industry continues to influence the region as well as the country.