Route #87 Deer Park – Minton’s Corner – Fellsmere – Vero Lakes Estates

Route #87 covers 86 round-trip miles across Osceola, Brevard, and Indian River counties, linking former timber lands, vast wetlands, and growing urban corridors along Florida’s east-central region. The route begins in Deer Park along US 192, crossing cattle ranches and the extensive Bull Creek Wildlife Management Area before reaching the marshlands of the St. Johns River basin.

From the river’s surrounding lakes and swamps, the route gradually approaches the Space Coast metropolitan area, passing through June Park, Minton’s Corner, West Melbourne, and Melbourne Village. This section reflects different stages of regional development, from post-war planned communities to large, partially built subdivisions shaped by economic booms and declines.

The final segment reenters protected natural areas such as the Micco Scrub Sanctuary, Three Forks Marsh Conservation Area, and St. Sebastian River Preserve before reaching Fellsmere, a town closely tied to early drainage projects and rail expansion. The route then continues along CR 512 to Vero Lakes Estates, completing a journey that connects rural landscapes, wetlands, and evolving cities.

This route can be found in Discovering Florida – Volume 4.