FEBRUARY 2019
CocoaBeachLifestylePubs.com
Art
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LIFESTYLE LETTER
FEBRUARY 2019 PUBLISHER
Mandy York | mandy.york@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Rebecca West | rebecca.west@lifestylepubs.com CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Rebecca West
Curating Creativity
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Hassan Patterson
FEBRUARY—IT'S THE SHORTEST MONTH OF THE YEAR, BUT THERE'S DEFINITELY NO SHORTAGE OF EXCITING THINGS HAPPENING HERE IN THE COCOA BEACH AREA. When thinking of ideas for our Arts & Makers issue, we were inspired by the talented local creatives who beautify our community with their work. In this issue, we celebrate the beautiful art of Hassan Patterson who just happens to also be our photographer extraordinaire at Cocoa Beach Lifestyle. Take a look at some of his beautiful work and enjoy! As always, it is our goal and passion to highlight our local businesses and those who truly dedicate their lives to giving back, so check out our articles on Gisele Reiger with Brazilian Beauty Blowout Studio in Cocoa Beach and Steve Romano, the man behind "Wake Up Cocoa Beach" and countless other good deeds. Looking for some ideas for your kitchen? Check out the article on a custom kitchen nook from Shannon Reichel with Interior Stylings in Cocoa Beach. Of course, we can't forget Valentine's Day! We have many local restaurants that offer a great place for a special romantic dinner. One of my favorites is Flavour Kitchen & Wine Bar in Cocoa Beach.
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
With our bustling creative scene, we hope you find inspiration in these pages and come to appreciate our unique perspective here in Cocoa Beach. Consider this issue your guide to all things creative, and hit the town to unleash your own creativity! See you around, and happy Valentine's Day!
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson EDITORIAL MANAGER Nicolette Martin AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTORS John Newman | Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
Mandy York, Publisher ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON
CocoaBeachLifestylePubs.com
514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO Proverbs 3:5-6
ON THE COVER Art by Hassan Patterson 4
Cocoa Beach Lifestyle | February 2019
Cocoa Beach Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Cocoa Beach areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Cocoa Beach Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
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INSIDE THE ISSUE FEBRUARY 2019 FEATURES 10 Talk of the Town: Gisele Rieger’s Brazilian Beauty Blowout Studio Brilliant Blowouts Worthy of a Duchess
18 The Hidden Talents of Local Artist Hassan Patterson Discover One of Brevard’s Best-Kept Artistic Secrets
24 Meet the Man Behind ‘Wake Up Cocoa Beach’ All-Around Good Guy Steve Romano Provides Virtual Gathering Place While Giving Back Throughout the Year
30 Interior Stylings: When Art, Design and Function Collide Using Custom Woodworking Can Be
18 30
the Perfect Touch for Finishing Almost Any Living Space
10
24 DEPARTMENTS 4
Lifestyle Letter
8
Around Town
10
Locally Owned
14
Culinary Creations
24 Giving Back 30 Renovate & Refine 34 Lifestyle Calendar
3 21. 576 . 212 6 BRIANELLISONDESIGNS.COM
AROUND TOWN
LEAD BREVARD’S 2019 LEADERSHIP AWARDS LEAD Brevard has announced the 2019 “Top 12” 4 Under 40 Finalists who are featured during the Leadership Awards event. The final 4 Under 40 recipients will be revealed Friday, Feb. 8, at the Space Coast Convention Center, (Holiday Inn Express & Suites)—301 Tucker Lane in Cocoa— beginning at 6 p.m. LEAD Brevard was founded in 1985. It manages several leadership programs and oversees community initiatives that help to achieve its mission of "working together to strengthen our community by inspiring people to lead." Early-bird tickets for individual seats and signa-
team is Bill Sokolic, a seasoned journalist; Sheila
ture fundraiser are available for purchase at
Harnois, a writer and STPS media coordinator; and
LEADBrevard.org or by calling 321.632.8222.
Ryan Needle, a copywriter for Longbow.net and
reserved
tables
for
LEAD
Brevard’s
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT BUSINESS BLASTOFF CHALLENGE AWARDS FINALISTS Junior Achievement of the Space Coast will be holding its Business Blastoff Challenge finals on
editor for GreenBrevard. For more information on the announcement, visit SeaTurtleSpaceCoast.org.
HARRIS CORPORATION PLANS $125 MILLION R&D INVESTMENT IN FLORIDA
Feb. 19 at the Cocoa Village Playhouse from 7-9 p.m.
Harris Corporation announced plans to invest
Dubbed "Brevard's Own Teen Shark Tank," no
more than $125 million in internal research and
other program captures the entrepreneurial spirit
development in Florida this fiscal year, bolstering
more than the JA Business Blastoff Challenge, a col-
high-paying jobs and the company’s innovation
laboration with WeVenture. Going into its seventh
leadership in the state.
year, the Challenge awards teams of young entre-
Florida-based R&D activities primarily will take
preneurial Brevard high school students with FIT
place at the company’s Central Florida locations
scholarships, media interviews in Florida Today and
and focus on areas such as electronic warfare,
Space Coast Business Magazine, cash prizes and
robotics, avionics and smallsats. The region will
the opportunity to work with some of Brevard’s
receive more than a third of the company’s overall
premier business and community leaders. The
$300 million-plus annual internal R&D budget. The internal R&D will support the company’s
event is free and open to the public. 321.777.0982, JASpaceCoast.org/events/events-entrepreneurial
SEA TURTLE PRESERVATION SOCIETY – NEW MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS The Sea Turtle Preservation Society recently
nearly 7,000 employment base in Florida, including more than 3,300 engineers and scientists, as well as generate new high-paying positions. The company pays an average salary of $95,000 in Florida and has about 375 openings in the state, primarily in engineering.
announced the creation of a new marketing and public relations team. Educating the public about sea turtles is one of the main missions of STPS. “Please join me in welcoming this new team to meet the public relations and marketing needs
We
of our organization,” said Dave Cheney, STPS
announcements
Board of Director of Marketing Public Relations.
in
Led by Eric Needle, who runs Longbow.net, a marketing agency based in Melbourne, joining the 8
Cocoa Beach Lifestyle | February 2019
are
are our
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via
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CocoaBeachLifestylePubs.com.
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FROSCH TRAVEL SHOWCASE SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2 9:30AM - 12:30PM HOSTED BY
Join us as we make your dream vacation a reality! Our annual FROSCH Travel Showcase provides a unique opportunity for prospective travelers to meet exclusively with top travel suppliers and our expert Travel Advisors
To RSVP for this event - CALL (321) 253-3674
Brevard Zoo
- it’s just off I-95; exit 191
8225 North Wickham Road, Melbourne, FL 32940 Featuring Guest Representatives From:
Alexander + Roberts, American Cruise Line, American Queen Steamboat Company, Carnival Cruise Line, Crystal Cruises, Globus, Family of Brands, Holland America Line, Insight Vacations, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Pleasant Holidays, Ponant Cruises, Quark Expeditions, Rocky Mountaineer, Royal Caribbean International, Scenic Cruises & Emerald Waterways, SeaDream Yacht Club, Silversea Cruises, Tauck, Uniworld Unique River Cruise Collection, Windstar Cruises.
CAN’T MAKE IT TO THE EVENT? You can still take advantage of our EXCLUSIVE OFFERS by calling FROSCH Travel! (321) 253-3674 | www.frosch.com | 7640 N. Wickham Road, #107 Melbourne, Florida 32940
LOCALLY OWNED
“I AM POSITIONING MYSELF TO BE THE ANTI-FRIZZ SOLUTIONS SALON AS A NICHE, HOWEVER MAINTAINING A FULL-SERVICE SALON IN THE PROCESS.” GISELE SAYS. ARTICLE REBECCA WEST PHOTOGRAPHY HASSAN PATTERSON
Talk of the Town:
Gisele Rieger's Brazilian Beauty Blowout Studio in Cocoa Beach BRILLIANT BLOWOUTS WORTHY OF A DUCHESS FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW, WOMEN HAVE BEEN OBSESSED WITH BLOWOUTS. If you ask a man what they are, he'll probably say a blown tire. Ask a woman, and she's likely to start rattling on about Kate Middleton's stylist and how fantastic the Duchess of Cambridge's hair always appears. Women everywhere are hot for the look. If you count yourself among them, you don't have to fly to London and hit up Kate's go-to hair gal for an appointment. Instead, you can go to Brazilian Beauty Blowout Studio in Cocoa Beach, where Gisele Rieger will set your tresses straight. She is the owner/operator of the award-winning studio and, with a slight twist of irony, she is a Brazilian beauty herself.
10
Cocoa Beach Lifestyle | February 2019
Art by Nellyvette Rodriguez
Armed with a degree in business management and finance, Gisele immigrated to the U.S. from Brazil with her husband and two young children back in 2000. Upon her arrival, she initially went to beauty school and began her career as a stylist in Illinois. That's where she opened her very first salon and began specializing in techniques for intensive hair treatments. She doesn't just cut and style hair. From there, the family eventually relocated to Melbourne, Florida, where she began managing a number of salons before striking back out on her own and restarting her own business in Indian Harbor Beach. In 2015, she opened Brazilian Beauty Blowout Salon in Cocoa Beach, where she's seen a measurable uptick in clients seeking her popular services. At Brazilian Beauty Blowout, Rieger offers everything from shampoos and cuts; to hair coloring, highlights and tints; to blowouts and even waxing. Her services are often sought by members of wedding parties and women looking forward to special occasions where shiny, silky hair is the envy of every other woman within eyesight. "I am positioning myself to be the anti-frizz solutions salon as a niche, however maintaining a full-service salon in the process," Gisele says. Something of a hair spa, Gisele begins with a consultation—taking into account facial features and bone structure—and works from there. For some clients, it might be something minor, like a touchup or a slightly new twist on an established style, while others are looking for a full-blown makeover, not just a freshening up. Gisele and her staff pride themselves on their art, because that's what a successful stylist is: an artist. It takes knowledge and talent to create the perfect coif. Gisele has devoted a large part of her career to therapies for overworked hair. Her treatments aren't just for straightening, but strengthening, protecting and improving hair texture through the use of things like keratin and detoxification processes. The result CONTINUED >
February 2019 | Cocoa Beach Lifestyle
11
LOCALLY OWNED
(CON TI N U ED)
/Gisele Rieger, Owner AT BRAZILIAN BEAUTY BLOWOUT, GISELE OFFERS EVERYTHING FROM SHAMPOOS AND CUTS; TO HAIR COLORING, HIGHLIGHTS AND TINTS; TO BLOWOUTS AND EVEN WAXING.
GISELE RIEGER’S BRAZILIAN
of these techniques is beautiful, stron-
BEAUTY BLOWOUT STUDIO
ger, shinier hair that would make Lady
5675 N. Atlantic Ave.
Godiva weep with appreciation.
Cocoa Beach, FL
The salon also carries a number of
321.305.3009
professional products made available
BrazilianBeautyStudio.com
to the public so you can maintain the
An upscale salon, Brazilian Beauty's interior fea-
health of your hair between appoint-
tures an uncluttered, contemporary beach blend
ments. They include names like Paul
reflected through the use of soft aqua and beige tones,
Mitchell and,
clean lines, and an open, airy feel, providing a space cli-
of
course,
Brazilian
Blowout brand Aftercare. Gisele wants women in Brevard to
12
Cocoa Beach Lifestyle | February 2019
ents can unwind in—which is one of the things Gisele had in mind when she opened the studio.
know that beautiful hair does not just
"My customers come first. Recognizing that most
have to be for special occasions. It
women don't have a lot of time to devote to salon treat-
also doesn't have to be temporary, as
ments, I wanted to provide an oasis of sorts where cli-
in till you wash it again. For example,
ents could come and relax in a calm, quiet, professional
her Brazilian Blowout Xpress service
atmosphere while getting their beauty needs met in a
delivers up to four weeks of healthy,
timely manner," she says.
lustrous shine while smoothing and
As a gorgeous, petite brunette with hair to die for
eliminating frizz. Ladies, rejoice! News
and impeccable makeup, Gisele is the perfect face
like this is heaven-sent for women
for Brazilian Beauty, and given the opportunity, she'd
with difficult, damaged or unruly locks
like very much to place you in her capable hands and
to contend with.
work her magic on you.
BE READY FOR
Valentine’s
WITH A BRAZILIAN BLOWOUT AND COLOR CHANGE OR REST YLE!
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BRAZILIANBEAUT YSTUDIO.COM 5675 North Atlantic Avenue STE 106, Cocoa Beach FL 32931 (Between T-Mobile and Diva Nails in the Publix Cornerstone Plaza)
CULINARY CREATIONS
Dig into Savor y Pork Chops with a Bourbon Glaze from Luna Food & Wine WISH YOU COULD MAKE FINE DINING HAPPEN IN YOUR OWN HOME? FOLLOW THIS SIMPLE RECIPE! ARTICLE REBECCA WEST | PHOTOGRAPHY HASSAN PATTERSON
14
Cocoa Beach Lifestyle | February 2019
Luna Food & Wine
LUNA FOOD & WINE IS THE LATEST EATERY AND WINE BAR MAKING ITSELF
9 S. Atlantic Ave.
husband were the owners of the mega-popular Mango Tree restaurant for many years.
Cocoa Beach, FL
AVAILABLE TO DISCERNING PALATES EVERYWHERE. Part of the Cocoa Beach food scene and offering one-of-a-kind fine dining in a casual beach setting, it's co-owned and managed by LeeAnn Filadi. If the name rings a bell, that's because LeeAnn and her Anyone familiar with that superb dining establishment who still hasn't gotten used to the
321.613.5796
fact it's gone will be thrilled to discover chef Luca Filadi can now be found at Luna, bringing
LunaFoodAndWine.com
his 35 years of cooking experience from fabulous restaurants all around the world with him. Besides delicious food, Luna offers a number of fine wines to accompany your meals. Wine dinners and wine tastings to showcase fabulous wines paired with Luca's cuisine are held regularly in a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. Already creating a sensation in downtown Cocoa Beach, the new restaurant also serves brunch with a broad, inventive menu highlighting choices that will please even the pickiest diners. While you should definitely investigate their new eatery in person, Luna has very kindly provided this savory pork chop recipe using simple ingredients almost everyone has, which can be tried at home.
Luna’s Pork Chop with Bourbon Glaze INGREDIENTS
+ 5 pork chops + 1/3 cup dark brown sugar + 1 tablespoon unsalted butter + 1/4 cup diced onion + 1/4 cup vinegar + 1⁄2 cup ketchup + 1/4 cup bourbon + 1 splash Worcestershire sauce + 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper + 1 pinch salt DIRECTIONS Mix all ingredients except the pork chops and cook 30 minutes in a small saucepan. Meanwhile, in heavy saute pan, brown pork chops in extra-virgin olive oil for 5 minutes on each side. Remove chops, deglaze pan and add bourbon glaze. Add chops back in and coat them well. Move chops to 400-degree oven until internal temperature of meat is 145 degrees. Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes. Chef Luca likes to serve this dish with an au gratin potato and sauteed veggies!
February 2019 | Cocoa Beach Lifestyle
15
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HE IDDEN ALENTS OF DISCOVER ONE OF BREVARD’S BEST-KEPT ARTISTIC SECRETS ARTICLE REBECCA WEST PHOTOGRAPHY
HASSAN PATTERSON
Captain America 18
Cocoa Beach Lifestyle | February 2019
LOCAL ARTIST HASSAN PATTERSON
Hassan Patterson
THERE'S A GOOD CHANCE YOU'VE SEEN HIS ART AROUND FLORIDA'S SPACE COAST AND JUST DIDN'T KNOW WHOSE WORK YOU WERE ADMIRING. That's because the artist, in this case, has his various forms of work displayed in a number of locations, such as Hula Moon in Indian Harbor Beach and Pizza Gallery Grill in Viera's The Avenues. The pieces are imaginative and distinctive, but they belie the many hidden secrets lying just beneath the surface of Hassan Patterson's career in fine art, illustrations and photography. For starters, Hassan surprisingly had no formal training in art. He is quite simply a creative talent by nature. When asked, he was able to specifically identify two points in his life that he recognizes now as early influences on the direction his path would ultimately take. The first was at the age of 5 when he saw a Mighty Mouse cartoon that enthralled him, and he did his best to draw it accurately. It had such an impact on him that afterward, he kept a sketch pad near the television set so he'd be prepared the next time something captured his imagination so vividly. The other significant moment was when he was 10 and his mother picked up a three-pack of comic books on her way home from work. It contained Spiderman, The Hulk and Ironman, and Hassan was blown away by the lines, color and action displayed within their pages. So, when he says his early influences were cartoons and comics, he's not kidding around. CONTINUED >
February 2019 | Cocoa Beach Lifestyle
19
THE HIDDEN TALENTS
(CON TI N U ED)
Born in Massachusetts, Hassan grew up in one of Boston's rougher neighborhoods without a father figure and a mom who worked two jobs. Before long, he was hanging out with the wrong crowd and ended up dropping out of school. It was a close shave with the law as a teen that opened his eyes to the road he was
Silver Surfer
headed down, prompting him to return to class and eventually graduate from ITT, where he studied CAD. Afterward, in 1990, he moved to Florida for warmer weather and a fresh start. "Art is more than a career to me. It saved my life," Hassan says. "I always had it within me. It was something I could turn to and immerse myself in." Upon arriving in Brevard, he went to BCC and studied engineering and drafting. After graduation, he got a job at NASA, applying all of his newly acquired academic skills. It was there that his boss, Russ Fortson, got a look at some of his artwork. Russ' first reaction was that Hassan needed to be at Disney. His second reaction was to give Hassan an ultimatum saying that he could either fire him then and there or Hassan could put in his two-week notice and go and apply at the Magic Kingdom—that's how sure he was of his young employee's talents. So, he did. He applied at Disney, and they hired him. His real breakthrough, however, came directly on the heels of the Mouse House, and it was one of those complete and utter flukes. A fan of '70s and '80s music, Hassan was rummaging through CDs one day looking for something
Take Me Away
Hassan working his magic with paints
PhotosByHassan.com HassanPatterson.com @artbyhassan 20
Cocoa Beach Lifestyle | February 2019
When you view his work, you can totally see why Disney wanted him. Many of his pieces have a Disney-esque or Pixar feel to them. Some even remind you of Flintstone backdrops with an updated edge. Think The Croods, the 2013 3D computer-animated comedy adventure film produced by DreamWorks Animation jam-packed with bright colors and epic scenery. The mediums Hassan uses besides pencils and inks include acrylics and oils on canvas and wood. While some of his work almost appears to incorporate watercolors, they're actually washes which create the softer muted tones that can at times be seen in his art. On the other hand, he also creates large, vibrant murals. One example can be seen at Hoover Middle School in Indialantic, and, in collaboration with the Brevard Cultural Alliance Arts program for At-Risk Boys, a few more can be seen at the Brevard Group Treatment Home facility in Cocoa. One of the main things Hassan attributes his talent to is a nearly eidetic memory. Eidetic imagery is the ability to remember an image in so much detail, clarity and accuracy that it is as though the image were still being perceived. It is in the mind's eye. Pretty handy for an artist and seldom seen in the public at large. "My ability to observe stuff and then store it for reference later, that retention is one of my biggest strengths when it comes to drawing and has served me well," he says. When it comes to his photography, he is every bit as skilled. Besides being the main photograEnter the Blue Monkey
pher for Cocoa Beach Lifestyle, he has spent years building an amazing portfolio of images that cover a multitude of subjects. He has contributed to
to buy. He finally found seven great collections with a mix of artists he was
publications such as Maxim Magazine and even
excited about, but he felt far less enthusiastic about the cover art.
shot set design for NBC for an upcoming sci-fi
Still feeling the sting of disappointment over the lackluster depic-
show called Dream Machines about four or five
tions portrayed on the covers and believing that they didn't do the
years ago. It was part of the Syfy Channel's view-
music or the artists justice, Hassan decided to write the art director at
ership offerings, which NBC owns.
Rhino Records and voice his displeasure. Long story short, not only did
If you're intrigued by what you see on these
the AR agree with him, but also he offered Hassan a job and his own
pages, you can review Hassan Patterson's body
renderings ended up replacing the CDs' original cover art. How's that
of work online through his two websites and on
for cheek? This whirlwind of events took place between 1996 and 1997.
his Instagram account, where he posts regularly.
By the late '90s, his work was becoming recognizable, and Sony and
Or head on over to his studio in the Eau Gallie
Universal came calling looking for the same services along with help
Arts District. It's by appointment only, so you'll
on posters and promotional artwork. He was making a name for himself.
have to contact him through his website first.
He even ended up working with Tiki Magazine out of San Diego contrib-
The alternative would be to make a trip to Hula
uting photographs, where they asked him to do a caricature of Steve Jobs
Moon or the Pizza Gallery Grill, as mentioned
after the Apple mogul's passing. Not bad for a guy with no formal training.
earlier. Either way, you won't be disappointed. February 2019 | Cocoa Beach Lifestyle
21
* stylish furniture * home accents * custom draperies *
Interior Stylings
126 N. Atlantic Ave Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 321-543-3509
* window treatments * pillows * cushions * design services *
GIVING BACK
Meet Steve Romano, the Man behind ‘ Wa k e U p C o c o a Beach’ and COUNTLESS Good Deeds ALL-AROUND GOOD GUY STEVE ROMANO PROVIDES LOCALS WITH A VIRTUAL GATHERING PLACE WHILE GIVING BACK THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
ARTICLE REBECCA WEST PHOTOGRAPHY HASSAN PATTERSON
24
Cocoa Beach Lifestyle | February 2019
IF YOU LIVE IN THE AREA, THERE'S A GOOD CHANCE YOU'RE A FOLLOWER OF WAKE UP COCOA BEACH, THE FACEBOOK PAGE FOR FOLKS WHO LIKE TO KEEP THEIR FINGER ON THE PULSE OF SOCIETY CONCERNING HAPPENINGS GOING ON IN THEIR OWN BACKYARD. For those who do follow the page, you're probably acquainted with its founder, Steve Romano, father of two, local Re/Max Solutions owner/broker and the man behind so many of the charitable undertakings in and around Cocoa Beach. Steve is originally from Clarksburg, West Virginia, where he grew up as one of four siblings to restaurateur parents who decided to relocate to Cocoa Beach in the mid-'70s. They'd spent their honeymoon here years earlier. Quickly adapting to beach life, he could always be found surfing, fishing and playing ball as a kid.
Toy drive
After a brief stint as a racquetball pro in the early '80s, he began working in his mom's real estate office putting in signs, picking up keys and acting as office courier. This early exposure to the business is what prompted him to procure his own realtor's license, and he's been in the business ever since. In 2012, Steve started Wake Up Cocoa Beach. Originally created to inform people about the local election going on at the time, it eventually morphed into a news source for Cocoa Beach residents, supporting budding and established businesses, finding lost pets and keeping an eye on city hall in general. "We now have more than 8,100 members, and if it weren't for Wake Up Cocoa Beach, we probably wouldn't have had that first art show. I will never forget members handing me $5, $10 and $20 bills just to help out back then," Steve says. When asked if he had any particularly fond memories in connection to activities spurred on by the popular page, Steve reminisced about one noteworthy incident that happened in 2015: "We've helped a lot of people, but my favorite one was when our local VFW was going to honor Elia Fontecchio, a local resident who was killed in Iraq in 2004. A dozen or so of his platoon were coming in for the ceremony, so when I posted on Wake Up Cocoa Beach that we should roll out the red carpet for these guys, we absolutely crushed it. We ended up raising enough money to pay for their rooms and load them up with food and beverages. We also sent them to NASA for the day and had a pub crawl later on through the various downtown watering holes. I will never forget
Steve Romano
how Cocoa Beach treated these guys, with girls hugging them and taking pictures, people buying them drinks and toasting to their service—it really is a special place." It's easy to see that what basically started as a virtual gathering place for locals now serves a dual purpose far beyond keeping folks informed or giving them a place to post. You'd think his dance card would be full, but he still finds time for other worthy causes. CONTINUED >
February 2019 | Cocoa Beach Lifestyle
25
GIVING BACK
(CON TI N U ED)
As a member of the Space Coast Realtor Association for almost 35 years, Steve says the group's main charity is the Brevard Children in Need Foundation, which raises money for homeless kids in connection to school supplies and other necessities. "It heartbreaking to hear about so many kids who have to struggle just to get through school. Our organization helps raise money to see that they have what they need to get a decent education, and in the spring we gather up prom dresses and suits so kids who can't afford to wear something nice can get dressed up courtesy of us," he says. If you're wondering, his altruism began with his mother. "My mom was always helping people and was the definition of giving is better than receiving," he says. "In 1991, I signed up for the Big Brothers program. I helped a kid out who was being raised by his grandma. I remember the folks who ran the program thought it was pretty strange that a 29-year-old single guy in Cocoa Beach volunteered for the job." In 2014, Steve got involved with the art festival. "The folks who ran the Cocoa Beach Art Show got into some type of disagreement with the city. They had decided to move the show to Port Canaveral. The town was pretty upset—understandably so—because we'd just lost the Air Show, and now to top it off on Thanksgiving weekend the streets of Cocoa Beach were going to be dark. A small band of brothers and sisters got together and insisted: not on our watch! We had a pretty good inkling that people would still show up, so we put our heads together and raised enough money to put on a really great show, regardless, and as each year passes it just keeps getting better." With a view toward results, he teamed up with city manager Jim McKnight in 2018 after the latter contacted him about promoting a holiday can drive for a nearby homeless shelter. Steve gamely suggested making it a challenge between the city and WUCB. The outcome? Let's just say they probably did 10 times better than expected because of the power of people pulling together. That's what Steve Romano is all about: bringing people together, giving back and making a difference. RE/MAX SOLUTIONS 1 S. Orlando Ave., Cocoa Beach, 321.432.0342, Facebook.com/pg/Wake-up-cocoa-beach
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Cocoa Beach Lifestyle | February 2019
The birth of your first child. Who’s looking out for your financial well-being?
Together.
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February 2019 | Cocoa Beach Lifestyle
27
“Un-Wine” BALIBAR
at WINES & FINDS an Indonesian Escape Specialty Wines from Around the World Cheese and Charcuterie Platters Craft Beers | Outdoor Patio Unique, Eclectic Gifts from Around the World
Live Entertainment See our website and facebook for specific musician dates and times.
321.305.4328 | BalibarWinesAndFinds.com 110 McLeod Street, Merritt Island, FL
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Cocoa Beach Lifestyle | February 2019
A R O O F T H AT W I L L L A S T A
L I F E T I M E Quality with Integrity Local, Licensed and Insured. Residential and Commercial serving all of Brevard County. BBB Accredited with A+ Rating, Certified HAAG Roofing Inspectors. RenewPro, Inc. can work with your insurance company to have your roof replaced without the high cost of a hurricane deductible.
321.214.4200 | RenewProinc.com 571 Haverty Ct, SuIte P Rockledge, Florida 32955
February 2019 | Cocoa Beach Lifestyle
29
RENOVATE & REFINE
WHEN ART, DESIGN AND FUNCTION
Collide
Larry and Felizitas Brown's dog Quincy enjoying the custom nook
USING CUSTOM WOODWORKING CAN BE THE PERFECT TOUCH FOR FINISHING ALMOST ANY LIVING SPACE ARTICLE REBECCA WEST PHOTOGRAPHY HASSAN PATTERSON
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Cocoa Beach Lifestyle | February 2019
Custom nook and bench
AFTER 17 YEARS IN THE DESIGN INDUSTRY, INTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTANT SHANNON REICHEL OPENED HER FURNITURE BOUTIQUE AND DESIGN STUDIO, INTERIOR STYLINGS, IN DOWNTOWN COCOA BEACH. Her new venue offers custom draperies and window treatments, design services, unique furniture and refined home accents. The stylish shop reflects her design focus of sophisticated coastal and new classical concepts. Shannon began her career with a degree in graphic design but found herself continually gravitating toward refining living spaces in her spare time. Following her dream, she became a showroom manager and East Coast rep for a Chinese furniture importer featuring antique and contemporary pieces at the AmericasMart in Atlanta. As part of the job, she also represented the wholesale company at the High Point, North Carolina, and New York International yearly furniture markets. From there, Atlanta’s AmericasMart featured her work on the cover of all of their international marketing pieces for the year. In the following years, Shannon’s body of work expanded to include working as a design consultant creating exceptional interiors for national custom and spec home builders. As a result, her creative designs were notably featured all across the East Coast of the U.S. Upon the return to her home state of Florida, where she surfs competitively, she worked for large furniture retailers as an in-house designer and visual display manager. She also garnered experience working with high-end design studios in Orlando and Naples, Florida. Throughout all of this, she continued to provide her skills and talents to residential clients. The culmination of years of working knowledge and determination to follow her dreams CONTINUED >
February 2019 | Cocoa Beach Lifestyle
31
RENOVATE & REFINE
(CON TI N U ED)
have brought her to Brevard County. Here her plans are to develop a network of like-minded individuals and business owners who are interested in enhancing the community through quality design, and she's already begun a working relationship with local drapery workroom Kelly’s Kustom Kurtains. One of the things Shannon enjoys is incorporating statement pieces created by local artists using natural elements, such as woodworkers. A recent client project in Vero Beach led to just such an opportunity when homeowners Felizitas and Larry Brown decided they wanted to update their kitchen nook and needed advice on how to better utilize the small space. Due to the odd angles of the nook walls, it was obvious a custom piece of furniture was going to have to be made. Having worked with the couple throughout other areas of the living space, the home has a relaxing, clean, contemporary, coastal aesthetic. As a jazz composer living just two blocks from the beach, it was just what Larry was looking for. It seemed only natural to continue in the same vein. As their interior design consultant, it was up to Shannon to find a local finished wood carpenter to tackle the design specifications for the job. After four visits for measuring, design discussions and templates, the job took about two months to complete from start to finish. The bench was designed to be a permanent fixture attached to the walls of the nook and look like it was built with the home. The bench itself shares the same paint scheme as the existing walls and the home’s custom baseboard trim. The seats are hinged to access muchneeded storage space for their two adorable Scottish terriers’ food and accessories. To complement the bench and the decor in the adja-
SHANNON REICHEL’S NEW VENUE OFFERS CUSTOM DRAPERIES AND WINDOW TREATMENTS, DESIGN SERVICES, UNIQUE FURNITURE AND REFINED HOME ACCENTS. THE STYLISH SHOP REFLECTS HER DESIGN FOCUS OF SOPHISTICATED COASTAL AND NEW CLASSICAL CONCEPTS.
cent rooms, custom bench cushions and pillows with zippers were made with washable, stain-resistant fabrics by local drapery and upholstery workroom Kelly’s Kustom Kurtains. Custom Roman shades in a beautiful, light-filtering textured fabric fill the windows with soft and inviting colors of grays and whites. To finish off the space, Shannon ordered the couple a beautiful 42-inch round glass-top table by Worlds Away, just one of the many vendors she carries at her boutique. The overall effect was exactly what they had hoped to achieve. "As their interior design consultant, they discussed with me their wants and needs for the space. It was my job to translate their vision into reality, and in this case, we were able to achieve that," Shannon says.
32
Cocoa Beach Lifestyle | February 2019
Interior Stylings + 126 N. Atlantic Ave. + Cocoa Beach, FL + 321.543.3509 + InteriorStylings.design
Shannon Reichel, owner of Interior Stylings
Brevard County’s only independent, non-profit hospice, trusted to provide compassionate care for over 40 years.
SERVING ALL OF BREVARD COUNTY
CALL 866.269.4240 HospiceOfStFrancis.com February 2019 | Cocoa Beach Lifestyle
33
FEBRUARY
LIFESTYLE CALENDAR
1
9
18
100% PURE FLORIDA JURIED ART EXHIBITION RECEPTION
PARTY FOR THE PLAYHOUSE
Fifth Avenue Art Gallery (EGAD)
Party for the Playhouse is the third
CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY SEMINAR – COCOA
100% Pure Florida, an annual juried
annual fundraising dinner with a silent
Learn
exhibition, is back. There will be a First
auction, a live performance, dancing and
installation
Friday Opening Reception on Feb. 1
FUN! Meet actors from current and
restraints, plus how child restraints
from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Plan to attend
past Surfside Playhouse productions.
work to protect children. This class
and meet the artists and see the
SurfsidePlayers.com
is REQUIRED of expectant moms/
Cocoa Beach Hilton
awards presented for this year's winners. The exhibit is open through Feb. 23. 1470 Highland Ave., Melbourne, FifthAvenueArtGallery.com
1
GALAXY GLOW WINTER DANCE
about
correct
and
use
selection, of
child
dads in need of a seat at reduced
14 COUPLES RETREAT VALENTINE'S DAY BOAT CRUISE Port Canaveral (Canaveral Cruise 1)
A romantic Valentine's Day cruise for couples will be taking place from
cost. Pre-registration required. Free event from 3-5 p.m. 3695 Lake Drive, Cocoa, 321.633.1702
22-24 OUR SAVIOURS SPRING FAIR & FESTIVAL 2019
Coastline Community Church
7 p.m. to midnight beginning on
Youth Building
Thursday, Feb. 14, departing from the
Space Coast Christian Co-op cor-
Port. Get dressed up and enjoy food
Come join the Spring Fair Fundraiser
dially invites you to attend "Galaxy
and drink while listening to music
at Our Saviours Church for three
Glow," a winter dance for all homes-
spun by Orlando's hottest DJ. This is
days of games, arts and crafts
choolers and their guests at least 12
a ticketed event. Canaveral Cruise 1,
vendors, food, rides and bingo.
years old AND in 7th grade or above.
620 Glen Cheek Drive, Port Canaveral,
Admission is free. 321.693.2558
Please join us for this fun night with
EventBrite.com
friends! Ticket prices vary according to date of purchase. 409 E. Eau Gallie Blvd., Indian Harbour Beach, SpaceCoastChristianCo-op.com
2-3 42ND ANNUAL ROCKS, GEMS AND JEWELRY SHOW AND SALE
16 2019 COCOA MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION
Our Saviours Church
23 THE NINTH ANNUAL A MAX BREWER BRIDGE 5K Sand Point Park
Cocoa Riverfront Park, Cocoa Village
Sculptor Charter School hosts the
Come enjoy a family-friendly, city-
Ninth Annual A Max Brewer Bridge
wide parade with floats from around
5K, returning this year with the pop-
the county to ring in Mardi Gras. It's
ular "Ready, Set, GLOW!" theme. The
Kiwanis Island Recreation Center
a 30-year tradition in Cocoa Village.
Family Fit Fest begins at 5 p.m. to
The Central Brevard Rock & Gem
Real street performers from the
kick off this fun, family-friendly
Club presents its 42nd Annual Rocks,
French Quarter and Cajun food for
event. After the race, celebrate
Gems & Jewelry Show and Sale
the whole family. Featured performers
with the Rotary Club of Titusville's
at the Kiwanis Island Recreation
include Colt Ford, The Josephines and
14th Annual Chili Cookoff. 5-8 p.m.
Center on Feb. 2-3. Show hours are
live Zydeco by the Porch Dogs. $12-
Admission $20-$30. 321.264.4000,
Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday
$25, kids under 12 free. 5-11 p.m.
SculptorCharter.org/glow
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Entrance fee is $5. Kids under 12 are free when accompanied by an adult. 502.930.5870, CentralBrevardGems.org
34
UF/IFAS Extension – Brevard County
Cocoa Beach Lifestyle | February 2019
T R E AT Y O U R LO V E D O N E TO A
memorable Valentine’s Day experience AT T H E I N N AT C O C O A B E A C H
Individually appointed ocean front and pool side rooms from traditional to contemporary await you as you cross the threshold and step into a tranquil, idyllic environment worlds apart from the ordinary. Our guests enjoy the finest in oceanfront comfort in a European-styled hotel. Enjoy a fresh-baked breakfast and wine and cheese social every evening. Conveniently located on Ocean Beach Blvd. close to shopping, restaurants, and night life.
R E S E R V AT I O N S : 3 2 1 . 7 9 9 . 3 4 6 0 R E S E R V AT I O N S @ T H E I N N AT C O C O A B E A C H . C O M 4300 Ocean Beach Blvd., Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 TheInnAtCocoaBeach.com
Spice! SEDUCTION &
Make your reservation now for a FLAVOURFUL aphrodisiac evening that will lead to the dark side of passionate love.
please join us..
F OR SEL EC T 1/2 PRICE BOT T L E S BE T W EEN 4- 6 PM MONDAY, WEDNE SDAY, T HUR SDAY
15 N. O R L AN D O AV EN U E , C O C OA BE A C H, F LO R I D A 3 2 931 | 3 2 1 -6 1 3-35 7 3 | F L AVO UR K I TCHEN CB .C O M ADDITIONAL PARKING AVAILABLE IN REAR OF RESTAURANT | CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK FOR OUR DAILY SPECIALS & WINE PAIRING EVENTS