Vero Beach is a city in Indian River County, Florida, serving as the county seat on the state's Treasure Coast. It lies along the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, roughly 85 miles southeast of Orlando and north of the larger Treasure Coast cities to the south. The 2020 census counted 16,354 residents within the city, while the broader Vero Beach area is considerably larger and includes substantial seasonal population. The city's nickname, the Hibiscus City, speaks to a floral and cultural identity that has defined Vero Beach for generations. Vero Beach is best known for two things: its uncrowded Atlantic beaches and an unusually robust arts and culture scene for a city of its size. Institutions such as the Vero Beach Museum of Art, Riverside Theatre, and Vero Beach Opera anchor a cultural calendar that draws both year-round residents and seasonal visitors. McKee Botanical Garden, a historic tropical landscape, adds another dimension to the city's cultural offerings. The city's geography divides naturally between a barrier island, with its oceanfront homes and private clubs, and the mainland, where downtown, established neighborhoods, and the school district's headquarters are located. Education is provided by the School District of Indian River County, which operates about 28 schools serving roughly 17,000 students. The district is a central part of the community's family-oriented appeal. Transportation centers on Interstate 95, which runs along the county and connects Vero Beach to Orlando, the Space Coast, and South Florida. The Vero Beach Regional Airport serves general aviation, while the Go Line bus system provides free fixed-route transit within Indian River County. For recreation, residents enjoy miles of Atlantic beaches, the biodiverse Indian River Lagoon, and a network of city parks. The combination of coastal living, cultural institutions, and a measured, refined pace makes Vero Beach a distinctive choice among Florida's east-coast communities.