“A 10-foot statue welcomed visitors to Cocoa Beach, but it wasn’t of any politician or war hero it was of a surfer.” Brevard County’s Space Coast has been home to an phenomenal roll call of celebrities whose reach goes far beyond Florida. From moonwalkers to world sailing and golfing champs, they have shaped sport, entertainment, and even world culture.
This is the community that just voted on who they think is the most famous Brevardian, and the results reflect not only hometown pride but an interesting snapshot of capability. Some were born here, some brought the Space Coast home, but all left an impact that locals still can’t stop praising. Let’s get a closer look at the favorites and why they were top choices.
1. Kelly Slater – Surfing GOAT
With 35.7% of the vote, Kelly Slater occupies the position of number one. Growing up and born in Cocoa Beach, Atlantic roots shaped the early life of Slater. He was surfing by the age of five and the world surfing champion by 20 years of age. His 11 World Surf League championships and 56 pro victories give him the all-time greatest surfer.
Besides competition, Slater has fostered the surf culture ethos of Florida, pushed the sustainable construction of surfboards through Firewire Surfboards, and established the sustainable apparel company Outerknown. His Kelly Slater Wave Company has revolutionized training through wave generation by humans, and this reflects his influence beyond the beach.
2. Buzz Aldrin – Moonwalker and Local Advocate
Having captured 30.61% of the election, Buzz Aldrin remains America’s most well-known astronaut. Aldrin, the second astronaut to walk on the moon, as part of the crew of the Apollo 11 mission, has close associations with Satellite Beach. Having begun the mission off the Kennedy Space Center, in 1969 irrevocably cemented him into Brevard space heritage.
After NASA, Aldrin transitioned into writing, mental health activism, and strong advocate of manned space exploration. His popular culture trail-from “The Simpsons” to “Toy Story’s” Buzz Lightyear-keeps his name front of mind for the next generation.
3. Tim Wakefield – King of the Knuckleball
With 10.2% of the vote, the life of Tim Wakefield blends athletic success and public life. Melbourne-born Wakefield evolved from first baseman to knuckleball expert, winning World Series championships as a member of the Boston Red Sox in 2004 and 2007.
The humanitarian efforts, particularly those related to Space Coast Early Intervention Center, were honored by the Roberto Clemente Award in 2010. His untimely death in 2023 was an unfortunate loss to Brevard, but his selflessness as a gentle person lives on.
4. Hulk Hogan – Wrestling’s First Crossover Megastar
Capturing 8.16% of the vote, the rise of Hulk Hogan from bar manager in Cocoa Beach to international wrestling legend is sheer spectacle. He co-owned Whitey and Terry’s Gym and owned and ran The Anchor Club later in the 1970s until his 12-times world champion status was achieved by the charm which saw wrestling enter the popular entertainment sphere.
His own career included body-slamming giants, headlining films, and leading the raucous New World Order stable. Hogan’s later life had political twists and personal demons, but his influence on sports entertainment can’t be beat.
5. Kate Upton – Supermodel and Web Sensation
With 6.38% of the vote, the ascendancy of Melbourne schoolgirl Kate Upton to globe-straddling supermodel was of meteoric dimensions. Discovered aged 15, she posed for Guess campaigns before winning the Sport Illustrated ‘Rookie of the Year’ crown aged 18. An internet dance craze phenomenon catapulted her to the status of pop culture icon.
She emerged as the most recognizable face on the circuit by virtue of back-to-back SI covers, Hollywood photo shoots, and covers of Vogue and Vanity Fair.
6. Major Tony Nelson – TV’s Favorite Astronaut
At 2.81%, Major Tony Nelson isn’t very much of an astronaut, but the anonymous title star of “I Dream of Jeannie” placed Cocoa Beach on the national map. Portrayed by Larry Hagman, Nelson’s hometown references brought the Space Coast flair of the 1960s TV boom.
7. Howie Dorough – Backstreet Boy Triton Beachside
At 1.79%, Howie Dorough represents the musical pulse of Brevard. He was a Backstreet Boy, and it was a member of one of the most identifiable boy bands of all time. Beachfront living with the family aside, Dorough has kept himself quite busy but within the region too, having launched Coa Lounge and The Surf condo complex alongside bro.
8. Carrot Top – Carrot Since
1.53% Carrot Top’s prop-combined humor has entertained crowds for generations. He grew up on Rockledge and attended Cocoa High School but has been an icon in Las Vegas at the Luxor Hotel and Casino, curly red locks and all, as much of an icon as the one-liners.
9. Ariana Madix – Broadway and Reality
TV Actress At 1.02%, Ariana Madix adds some modern entertainment pizazz to the list. From Bravo reality TV to hosting “Love Island USA,” she has branched into writing, restauranteering, and Broadway, where, in 2024, she revived the role of Roxie Hart in “Chicago.” Space Coast moments humble her.
From Cocoa Beach breaks to the seminal launch sites of Cape Canaveral, Brevard County’s most iconic residents personify drive, creativity, and grit. If they’re breaking records, walking on the moon, or topping world stages, they remind locals the Space Coast is more than somewhere it’s the launchpad of greatness.
