Vero Beach is widely celebrated for its coastal charm and inviting atmosphere, but a dedicated group of local women felt the community’s public spaces could use a vibrant refresh. Enter the Green Heart Tribe, a grassroots nonprofit organization determined to beautify Vero Beach through lush landscaping, thoughtful lighting, and engaging public design.
The Green Heart Tribe has successfully raised over $100,000 in just three years, bridging a critical financial gap to fund major civic beautification projects that far exceed the city’s modest annual landscaping budget.
Founded just over three years ago by a trio of visionary local women—President Jordan Wakeland, alongside Vice Presidents Cindy O’Dare and Deana Marchant—the initiative was born out of a simple observation. Recognizing that some parts of the town were looking a bit tired compared to the vibrant floral displays seen in other notable municipalities, they decided to take matters into their own hands.
What began as a localized effort quickly blossomed into a community-wide movement. The group’s inaugural fundraiser, famously held during a downpour inside a carport, remarkably brought in $37,000. Today, that humble gathering has evolved into an elegant annual women’s hat luncheon hosted at the beautiful McKee Botanical Gardens.
The funds raised by the Green Heart Tribe are essential for local aesthetics. According to city documents, Vero Beach’s annual beautification budget hovers around a mere $10,000. By stepping up, this local nonprofit ensures that the city maintains its special resort-town feel without putting extra strain on municipal resources.
Visitors and residents alike can already see the substantial visual impact of the Green Heart Tribe’s investments. Recent community upgrades funded by the organization include:
- Planting new palm trees and vibrant seasonal flowers along the iconic Ocean Drive.
- Revitalizing Sexton Plaza with fresh paint and large decorative planters.
- Installing enhanced ambient lighting to create safer, more welcoming public spaces.
Looking ahead, the Green Heart Tribe has no plans of slowing down. Their immediate next project involves installing beautiful hanging plants on the light poles throughout Humiston Park, further enhancing the popular beachside corridor. Ultimately, the founders share a long-term goal to expand their colorful mission beyond the barrier island, bringing these highly successful beautification efforts into mainland Vero Beach neighborhoods.
