By Debbie Carson, Online Editor
FELLSMERE — New signs will be sprouting up along Fellsmere and Roseland roads touting the roadways as being part of the Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway extension.
“It’s going to be pretty sweet,” said Fellsmere City Manager Jason Nunemaker of the designation. “It’s going to put us on the map — literally and figuratively.”
The designation, which the Florida Department of Transportation recently approved, allows the city to participate in special funding to preserve the ecology and history along the route. The Fellsmere extension includes Babcock Street (State Road 507) from Brevard County south to Fellsmere Road (State Road 512), then travels east along Fellsmere Road to Roseland Road. The route then heads north to US 1 back into Brevard.
The designation would not have happened if not for the support and assistance of the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce, according to Nunemaker.
“They really came through,” he said of the Chamber.
Nicole Holbrook, the Chamber’s tourism coordinator, served on the scenic highway committee for more than a year, working to get the route recognized.
“It’s a very lengthy process,” she said.
According to documents, the concept for extending the scenic highway into Fellsmere was formed in 2006.
“We’re thrilled about it,” Holbrook said, adding that the designation will help bring visibility to the St. Sebastian River State Park and Stick Marsh, among other points of interest.
Nunemaker said the route would also promote the city’s historic railroad right of way, the Old Fellsmere School, Marsh Landing, and other historic landmarks.
The recognition is also expected to help bring in the eco-tourists, such as members of the Audubon Society, and even motorcyclists looking for alternative routes to explore.
