Deeply Rooted in the Ties That Bind Vero Beach

This April at the Heritage Center, the sons and daughters of Indian River County's founding families will gather for the 2026 Deeply Rooted Gala. Their ancestors turned swampland into citrus empires and ultimately a modern city, and now they are carrying on these traditions to lead the way in what comes next, whether in agriculture, real estate, or other endeavors.

Emily DuBose chairs the event, representing the sixth generation of DuBose & Sons Jewelers. She'll be joined by:

• Natalie Greenlaw, sixth-generation Vero Beach native and owner of Pura Vida Flower Farm, descended from pioneer farming families

• TP Kennedy, fourth-generation native and real estate professional who has contributed to major regional developments and serves on the City Planning and Zoning Board

• Will Schlitt, fifth-generation native and partner at Offutt Barton Schlitt CPAs, continuing a family legacy rooted in service to community

• Will Tripson, land and property management professional descended from pioneer Waldo Sexton, committed to responsible land stewardship

Dan Richey, recently inducted into the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame, will moderate as panelists share stories about their ancestors' contributions and the legacies they carry forward.

The 2026 honorees span three to six generations, the 2026 honorees include educators, farmers, real estate professionals, preservationists and more, from Jake Fojtik and Jason Keen to the Schlitt brothers and from Lily Gunter and Craig Hayes to Emily DuBose and Natalie Haffield Greenlaw.

For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.