History of the Vero Beach Italian American Civic Association​

In 1958, seven men of Italian ancestry met with the idea of starting a club for all Vero Beach residents of Italian heritage.  This was the beginning of the Vero Beach Italian American Civic Association, the oldest club of its kind in Indian River County.

Having no clubhouse of their own, members held their first meeting at Dom’s Tower Restaurant where Al Teti was chosen as the first president.  Subsequent meetings were held at various locations in Vero Beach for the next thirteen years.  At that time, the IACA was able to secure land and erect a new building.  Here they could both meet and have their social events.  As the membership grew, it became evident that the Association had outgrown the current facility and an addition to the building was built in March of 1973.

In 1984, then-President Rich Ferretti suggested the Association start a festival as a fundraiser.  This was the start of our Italian Food Festival and allowed the Association to help with the cost of the new building addition.  The success of the Festival allowed the Association to institute a high school scholarship program, once again suggested by Past President Ferretti in 2004. 

Today, the Italian American Civic Association has a membership of over 200 members.  The current members of the Italian American Civic Association would like to express their gratitude and appreciation to the charter members who, through perseverance, kept this organization intact. Through the years, the club has grown into one of the most active social and charitable organizations in Vero Beach, recognizing and celebrating the rich heritage of the Italian Americans in Florida.