Spirit of Sebastian, the innovative agrihood currently under construction, has most recently dedicated a central community feature to a family that has been celebrated as an integral part of Sebastian’s rich history.
Heritage Park, the expansive greenspace adjacent to the Heritage Hall community center, will be dedicated to the Brown family. While fishing dominates a large swath of Sebastian’s heritage, Richard and MaryLou Brown were prominent citrus growers and deeply rooted in the fabric of the community.
The ridge land currently comprising the 182-acre property of Spirit of Sebastian was initially settled in the early 1900’s by several small growers who cleared and planted citrus groves. Following his service in WW-I, Roy James moved to Sebastian and began working for the Vickers Brothers citrus company. He met his wife Maggie Mae and began purchasing several parcels along the ridge. Together they raised 3 daughters and in 1950 their youngest daughter married Richard Brown. Over time, Richard and Mary Lou purchased the James property and then additional parcels from the other growers along the ridge. Together they raised five children: Max, Ralph, Gayle, Lee and June who all helped tend to the land now home to Spirit of Sebastian.
In the 1980’s, Sebastian was hit by a severe freeze which killed most of the citrus along the ridge. The Browns replanted their grove, but unfortunately another freeze destroyed what had been replanted. Ultimately as Sebastian continued to grow and expand, it became prudent to annex the property into the City which allowed for the vision of Spirit of Sebastian to grow while retaining the rich agricultural heritage of the land.
Richard and MaryLou Brown's legacy in Sebastian is one of leadership, generosity, and a deep connection to their community. Their efforts in the citrus industry not only bolstered Sebastian’s economy but also upheld the area’s cultural identity as part of the world-famous Indian River Citrus District.
Learn more about this innovative development at www.spiritfl.com