Vernon is a part of the Washington County region/metro area of Florida. As of the 2000 census, the city had a population of 743 and it has a land area of 4.7 square miles. Vernon was once a major indian settlement that was eventually settled by Europeans and later named after Mt. Vernon, George Washington's home. Vernon is also known as the center piece for the controversial documentary, Vernon, Florida), by Errol Morris. Local news media includes Chipley Florida Online Newspaper, Washington County News, and the Chipley Bugle. Businesses in Vernon include Eckerd Youth Alternatives, Inc., Vernon Recreation Association Incorporation, and Vernon General Store Inc.