Merritt Island Now Magazine May 2015 by Merritt Island Now

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Everything Merritt Island May 2015

Gear Up for the Summer

2015 Summer Camp Guide

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May 2015

Volume 1, Issue 3 8

Bomb Shelter

Islander of the Month

11 Port Canaveral Rail Extension 12

Edgewood’s Senior Projects

MICS’s Fine Arts Curriculum

MIHS’s Graduation

Protect Your Body for Summer

Baby Boomers Vision

Summer Camps 2015

May Fishing Report

Windsurfing and Sailing

New Spa and Salon: Making Lives Beautiful

26 MIRA 28

Auto Insurance

Head Start for New College Students

On the Cover

Contributing Writers

In Every Issue

Lou Colombo................... 4

Jessica Beal................... 16

Letter from Publisher...............4

Diana Fasanella............... 8

Dr. Frank Venzara........... 17

Celebrations..........................6

Diana Fasanella............. 10

Capt. Alex Gorichky....... 20

Calendar of Events................7

Diana Fasanella............. 11

Susie Dornellas............... 21

Dr. Kenneth Winn............ 12

Diana Fasanella............. 24

Ingrid Hall....................... 13

Jason S. Robbins............ 28

Michelle Hoolsema........ 14

Dawn Partlow................. 30

Publisher: ILMIdeals, Inc.

Islander of the Month...........10 Feature Article......................18 Dining Guide........................22 Recent Home Sales..............32 Reference Directory.............35

Graphic Design Provided By:

Magazine President: Lou Colombo Editor: Diana Fasanella Art Director: Amanda Jentz Staff Photographer: Paul Cooper

www.PIPBrevard.com • (321) 452-2800 275 Magnolia Ave. Ste. 2 • Merritt Island, FL 32952

Advertising Sales: Lou Colombo lou@merrittislandnow.com • (321) 453-4121 Community Relations: Julie Colombo Cover photo courtesy of Calema Windsurfing & Watersports 2

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Letter from the Publisher Hi Islanders,

Lou and Julie Colombo founded the I Love My Island Merritt Island, FL facebook page along with www. MerrittIslandNow. com website.

Over the past two months there have been many requests from our readers to give some background on this whole “I Love My Island” thing. Questions like where did it come from? What do you do? Are you a non-profit? And the all time biggie, where do I get those stickers? So, I guess now is as good a time as any to tell our story. More than five years ago my wife, Julie, and I were on our way home from visiting family in upstate South Carolina. As we passed over the SR 528 bridge and saw the beautiful view of Merritt Island surrounded by water, a feeling of “we’re home” came rushing over us.

Without saying a word, Julie jumped on facebook and created the page “I Love MY Island, Merritt Island, FL.” She never told anyone. After about a month, there were 100-plus people who had found and “liked” the facebook page, and they all were posting. I asked Julie what she had in mind for the page, and she said she wanted it to be a page for anyone who loved living on Merritt Island, so we decided to set some ground rules: 1. No gossiping or badmouthing, there’s too much of that now on social media. 2. We would do whatever we could to support the Merritt Island community and local businesses. To date we have about 12,000 fans on the page. We have been extremely fortunate that there are so many islanders who feel the same way we do. A few months went by, and the fan base grew quickly, so we decided to design, with the help of our friends at Graphic Details, an ILMI auto sticker for our facebook page. Our thought was that we would offer them for purchase in one or two local businesses. We would be able to identify our little secret facebook group by the stickers on their cars and at the same time increase foot traffic into local merchants. Because the demand for the stickers rapidly expanded outside of our fan base over the years, we have increased their availability to about 25 locations around the island. There is a list of locations on our website. Just click the “ILMI” facebook page tab to view. There also are ILMI t-shirts available at Jimmy D’s Custom T’s on SR 520, and Firehouse Graphics offers our ILMI front license plate. Not to sound like a commercial, but we get asked for this information every day. About three years ago, we decided take the next step and fill a need for our community that facebook couldn’t offer. We opened a company and launched MerrittIslandNow.com, a community website and business directory. Julie manages the facebook page, and I manage the website/online directory. It is exciting to be able to make a living doing something we love, supporting our community and promoting our local businesses. Approximately two years 4

Merritt Island Now • May 2015

ago, we opened an office located at 259 McLeod St. that has come to be known as “The Hut.” We use it for our business as well as making it available for meetings, parties, workshops, etc. Also for the past two years, we have hosted the Merritt Island Christmas Tree Event located on the grassy area on the north side of the Home Depot shopping center. We put up a 24-foot Christmas tree and held several weekends of free events for the public. This Christmas Tree Event gives our local schools and church groups the opportunity to perform for our community and is made possible because of our awesome local businesses that sponsor the event. This past year we were fortunate to have the support from the First Baptist Church of Merritt Island who organized a wonderful community choir and orchestra for the lighting weekend. We hope this becomes a long-term Merritt Island tradition. Over the past five years, we have been approached to help many islanders in need. We have used our ILMI facebook page to reach out to the community and business contacts to best meet those needs whenever possible. After taking a hard look at the resources available here on the island, it became clear that there was a gap in support that we could fill. There are many wonderful nonprofits on the island. Each has its cause, such as the SPCA and Central Brevard Humane Society helps animals, A+ Thrift donates to our island schools, and the House of Hope helps feed the hungry, etc. They all do a great job, but what about the family, child or group with an immediate need that doesn’t fit in the parameters of those organizations? To fill that need, about a year ago we formed a new nonprofit 501(c)(3) company I Love My Island, Inc. We fund the nonprofit through its new thrift store, My Island Thrift. The store is celebrating its one-year anniversary on May 17th. It is located at 245 Crockett Blvd and employs up to 10 people. My Island Thrift Store is completely donation based, and we rely solely on the generosity of our Merritt Island community. The store offers free pick up for unwanted furniture and household items. Over this first year, we have been fortunate enough to create jobs and help a wide variety of islanders from families who have suffered devastating home fires to sponsoring a team for the Merritt Island Lassie League and so much in between. We always want to do more. And finally, we come to our Merritt Island Now magazine. We hope this magazine brings together the news and information Merritt Island residents want and need to enjoy all that our island lifestyle has to offer. We hope this answers your questions. We look forward to continuing to do all we do because We Love Our Island and we know you do too. Sincerely,

Lou and Julie

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Celebrations

Happy Birthday

Bridgit Daniels May 2nd

Steve Hotary May 3rd

Deborah Mazany May 5th

Duncan Jay May 6th

Kathleen Godwin May 7th

Barry Oldaker May 9th

Brady Butcher May 13th

Preston Kameka May13th

Brett Donley May 15th

Steven & Deanna Cross May 20th

Jenna Rall May 18th

Lynnette HendricksGalloway May 18th

Amanda Jentz May 22nd

Mark Hotary May 25th

Cheryl Butcher May 26th

Zayne Jentz May 26th

Ian Rogers May 26th

Bree Brake May 27th

Jill Avery May 29th

Shae Henson May 31st

Happy Anniversary

Celebration Announcements are free! Terry Coapstick May 31st 6

Merritt Island Now â&#x20AC;˘ May 2015

Terry & Christine Coapstick Happy 35th Anniversary May 4th

*Please submit all celebration requests on our website: www.MerrittIslandNow.com

May Calendar of Events May 1st & 2nd: 1st Annual Krave Music Festival: (2 p.m. to midnight) This festival will take place a Wickham Park. The mission of this event is to present to the Space Coast diverse music performed by outstanding artists & Dj’s headlining everything from Radio Top 100 to EDM and deliver an unforgettable experience. Must be 18+ for more info please visit www.Kravemusicfest.com May 2nd: Tropical Realty Annual Charity Golf Tournament: (all day) Tropical Realty is hosting its 11th Annual Charity Golf Tournament to benefit Sturge-Weber Syndrome at The Savannah’s Golf Course. For more information please visit www.TropicalRealtyGolf.com or call (321) 259-9115 May 2nd: AIDS Orphans 5K Mud Run and Family Open House: (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.) Make a DIFFERENCE and run for an ORPHAN on our 5K course which has 30 challenging obstacles going through lots of mud, swamp, and water. For more information and registration visit mudrun.teenmissions. org or contact Shonn Foy at (321) 453-0350 May 2nd & 3rd: Platinum Coast Orchid Society Show and Sale: (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) This event at Kiwanis Island will feature beautiful orchid exhibits. Vendors will have a variety of orchid plants and supplies for sale. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Candlelighters of Brevard. For more information please call (321) 504-7575 May 5th: Cinco de Mayo May 7th: Audubon 50th Year Celebration: (4:30 p.m.) Alumni, teachers, administrators, students and staff are invited to attend. Grades K-6 will travel through the decades as the media classes research inventions from the 60’s through current time, a time capsule will be opened and much more. Family Book Fair Event on May 6th (5-7pm) May 9th: Cold Stone Creamery 3rd Year Anniversary (11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.) $1 Scoops. Come by and Celebrate with Cristina and Ed Engel. Congratulations! May 9th & 10th: Summer Art and Craft Fair and Sportsman’s Show (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) Historic Cocoa Village is proud to host this well established Art & Craft Show in their beautiful tree-lined streets each year. This show is juried to insure the best possible quality for our visitors. May 10th: Mother’s Day May 15th: Movie in the Park (5 p.m. to 10 p.m.) The City of Cocoa presents Movie in the Park & Food Trucks at Riverfront Park. Live entertainment begins at 5pm. The movie Mars Needs Moms starts at 8:30pm. Enjoy a family movie under the stars and remember to bring your blankets and lawn chairs. Admission is FREE!

May 15th: Merritt Island Christian School Graduation: (7 p.m.) at MICS. May 16th: 5th Annual Thunder on Cocoa Beach (noon to 3 p.m.) Space Coast Super Boat Grand Prix. Watch world famous race teams like Miss Geico, Instigator, WHM and Spirit of Qatar race through the waters of the Atlantic at speeds close to 200MPH. Race viewing is available beachside anywhere between the Cocoa Beach Pier and Lori Wilson Park May 16th: Hook Kids on Fishing: (9 a.m to 11 a.m.) Hosted by Anglers for Conservation for ages 6 – 16 and covers topics such as casing, knot tying, safety and more. The first 80 registered will receive a free rod and reel to take home. Registration required by calling Brevard County Natural Resources Management at (321) 633-2016 May 17th: Kids on the Water: (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) AVET Project is holding this FREE event for kids. Kids will try: fishing, kayaking, surfing, paddle board, swim, snorkel, RC boats, static displays, bounce house, food trucks and fun for the whole family. For more information please visit www. avetproject.org or call Kim Cone at (321) 373-7046 May 22nd: Merritt Island High Graduation Night: (7pm) The MIHS Stadium. May 22nd: Ambassador Christian Academy Graduation Night: (11 a.m.). May 23rd: Edgewood Jr/Sr High Graduation: (4 p.m.) at The King Center. May 25th: Memorial Day Ceremony on Merritt Island: (9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.) at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center. (located on Sykes Creek Parkway behind the Mall) Honor America’s Fallen with a Ceremony featuring the Viera High School Band, Rockledge High School Color Guard, Boy and Sea Scout Units, The Sons of the American Revolution, the Brevard Sheriff’s Rifle Squad with a 21 Gun salute and others including special guests. May 25th: Annual Memorial Day Celebration: (5 p.m. to 8 p.m.) Come out to Riverfront Park in Cocoa Village for the Annual Memorial Day Celebration. Every year the City of Cocoa takes time to honor the fallen veterans of war with a Guest Speaker, special Flag folding ceremony, 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, period Costumes, a moment of silence, entertainment and much more. Admission is FREE! Brevard County Schools Calendar for April May 25th: Memorial Day: NO SCHOOL Holiday for All Cafeteria account information: www.mypaymentplus.com School District Website: www.brevard.k12.fl.us

Merritt Island Now • May 2015

Community

Give Me Shelter: Island Man Takes ‘Great Measures’ to Ensure Family’s Protection BY DIANA FASANELLA In 1961, the world was a scary place. East Germany was building the Berlin Wall and the U.S. and Soviet Union were on the brink of nuclear war. The Cold War was soon to turn red-hot. The failed Bay of Pigs Diana Fasanella is a native Merritt Invasion on Cuba, launched Islander, Huffington by President John F. Kennedy, Post blogger; and editor and sparked retaliatory maneuvers columnist, formally by Soviet Union leader Nikita with Gannett/USA Today newspapers. Khrushchev, who deployed an arsenal of short- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles – some with a 2,000-mile target range – to his Communist ally situated just 90 miles south of Florida. These events later sparked the Cuban Missile Crisis, a frightening 13-day nuclear standoff between photo courtesy of Diana Fasanella the two countries, and spurred longtime Merritt Island resident James Mitton to take action. so well-built “that today no one wants to take it down. He decided to build a fallout shelter in the backyard of his “It would be a major demolition job,” he added. Mitton, who modest Merritt Island home. obtained the shelter’s building specifications from the U.S. Office “After JFK got into office, he encouraged civilians to take civil of Civil and Defense Mobilization for nuclear war preparedness, defense action,” said Mitton, who had worked as a missile and finished the job just before the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. It systems testing inspector for Lockheed at Cape Canaveral since sported suspended nylon-webbed beds that folded up against 1958. “Along with Patrick Air Force Base, we were definitely in the the wall, a state-of-the-art ventilation system that didn’t require target zone (for attack).” electricity to obtain filtered air, and a chemical toilet. With an imminent nuclear war looming, Mitton persevered He equipped the structure with 5-gallon containers of water, a tirelessly for three months after work and on weekends to build first aid kit, canned goods, books, board games, batteries, a radio, the solid shelter that not only was partially buried in the ground, tools, and anything that would be needed to survive until fallout but fortified with two cinder block walls, approximately 18 inches from a nuclear blast dissipated. apart, filled with concrete. He also made sure he was armed. “I believe I had a shotgun, “The ceiling and concrete inside the double walls were one just in case,” he said. In case of what, Mitton did not elaborate. solid pour,” Mitton said about the construction of the shelter that is And, while the 85-year-old said his neighbors at the time

photo courtesy of Diana Fasanella

Merritt Island Now • May 2015

“probably thought I was a nut” for building the shelter, the Army took the nuclear threat equally as serious. The military set up a mobile, anti-missile battery on south Merritt Island near where Jefferson Junior High School now stands. “They (the surface-to-air missiles) were probably Nikes to take down any others coming our way,” he said. Looking back, Mitton said he is extremely thankful he and his family never had to use the fallout shelter that now is empty except for a few errant weeds growing in the soil runoff from his backyard and one or two resident insects. But still, he said he would go to “great measures” to keep his family safe from harm. “If I’m crazy enough to build a fallout shelter, I’m crazy enough to do whatever it takes to protect my family.”

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Community

Islander of the Month

Island Woman Dedicates Life’s Work to Women in Need BY DIANA FASANELLA

Diana Fasanella is a native Merritt Islander, Huffington Post blogger; and editor and columnist, formally with Gannett/USA Today newspapers.

Vickie Davis is committed. As director of the Alternative Pregnancy Center on Magnolia Avenue, Merritt Island, Davis and her staff of volunteers – along with support from area churches – are devoted to helping young, single women who are pregnant and in need. Davis said she first came to realize her calling in early 2000 when a devastating flood where she lived in Houston left many people homeless. At the time, she and her husband took in a young mother and her three children until they could get reestablished. Because the experience was so rewarding, Davis said she new then “this

is what I want to do.” “I get complete satisfaction helping people in need,” she said about her work at the center located on the First Baptist Church of Merritt Island’s grounds. “The longer I’m here, the more I love it. It’s like a magnet that draws me to help these young women.” The center’s main focus is to provide emotional, physical and spiritual support for women facing crisis pregnancy issues,

Islander of the Month photo courtesy of Diana Fasanella

Merritt Island Now • May 2015

according to Davis, who has been with the center as a volunteer, assistant director, and director since 2010. Besides free pregnancy tests, there is a large gamut of services designed to help and educate the women so they know what options they have in order to make the right decision concerning the outcome of their pregnancy, she said. “Depending on where they are in life, they are facing one of three decisions,” said Davis about abortion, parenting and adoption. “The concept of choice is very important, and we want each young lady to be fully educated on those choices. Our job is to walk them along to help them understand what each decision means to them.” Davis emphasized that, while the center’s fundamental principles are pro-life, whatever choice is made by a client is supported by providing referrals to adoption agencies and educational classes for parenting. While they do not refer clients to abortion clinics, they do provide post abortion counseling, Davis said. “There is an array of classes that the young ladies can attend to learn about being a mother,” Davis said. “And while they are learning, they can earn ‘Baby Bucks’ to pay for gently used items, such as clothing, strollers and car seats, donated by the community through the many churches that support us.” The center’s latest project is obtaining a $50,000 ultrasound machine through generous community donations that will allow clients to see if their pregnancy is viable, the baby’s heartbeat, and how far along they are in the pregnancy. While Davis said that sometimes it can be discouraging to see so many young women suffering from heartbreak because of the men who leave them alone or do not treat them with respect, her faith keeps her moving forward to help all those she can. To get a client to understand that “her life is valuable and her baby’s life is valuable is worth every moment of our time, and it is what keeps me going,” Davis said. She added that many of the volunteers who work at the center, soon to celebrate its 25th anniversary, were once former clients themselves facing crisis pregnancy issues. “That’s what is so beautiful about this ministry,” she said. “These women understand (what clients are going through) and can relate on a personal level.” During the past 2 years, Davis said she and center volunteers have been blessed with seeing mothers give birth to five sets of twin girls. One young mother decided to keep her babies after learning that she was having twins. “She (the mother) said ‘God gave me two (babies) because He knows I’m worthy of taking care of two. He said ‘I have a purpose for you,’” said Davis, recalling what the young mother told her. “God has a funny way of working at times.” For more information about the Alternative Pregnancy Center and its programs, call 321-454-9853, or visit the center at 205 Magnolia Ave. Merritt Island.

Community

Proposed Port Canaveral Rail Extension Continues BY DIANA FASANELLA Banana River where it would enter the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) on Merritt Island south of KARS Park. It then would turn north through the east side of KSC where it would connect with an existing KSC rail line. That KSC line crosses the Indian River via the Jay-Jay Bridge and connects with the Florida East Coast Railway main line just north of Titusville. The rail line would consist of a single-track rail that would be used to operate three or four trains a week in each direction with a maximum of 75 cars per train moving at approximately 10 miles per hour. The CPA estimates that these trains would carry 170 rail cars a week, increasing to 220 within 21/2 years. These rail cars could carry a variety of cargo, including salt, fertilizer, building materials, slag, citrus concentrate and newsprint. The environmental study process, which officials estimate could take up to 16 months, will review air, water and noise pollution; wildlife and habitat impacts; reduced property values; archeological and other concerns. Environmental advocates, fishing charter and tour operators, and many area residents, who spoke out against the project at two public meetings held last year, are concerned about safety AT L A N T I C and security issues caused by cargo trains traversing the Space OCEAN Center and the project’s impact on (to name a few) the: • Indian River Lagoon, including to its seagrass, fish, manatees and dolphins • Species that inhabit the refuge area • Increased air pollution and noise from the Titusville trains that would impact residents of The Savannahs, a 250-home community just one mile away from the proposed rail line Schwartz Road Indian The OEA has solicited and received scoping Riv er Kennedy statements from numerous federal, state and local Space Center agencies, non-government agencies, businesses, private groups and hundreds of private citizens. These Nasa Parkw ay West scoping statements and OEA project documents can Na sa Pa rkw be reviewed at http://www.portcanaveralraileis.com/ ay Ea st Also on the website, in a 68-page document, the CPA recently responded March 26 to 33 detailed questions in a Second Request for Information from Banana the OEA. Cape 1 Riv er £ ¤ Canaveral Assuming the project gets the required regulatory Air Force 3 V U approvals, it is estimated it could be completed by late Station Kings Sharpes 2017. Kars Park Park This is first in a 3-part series that will address the proposed Port Canaveral Rail Extension project. Port In the following two issues, officials from NASA/ 528 Canaveral V U KSC, the office of U.S. Congressman Bill Posey 0 4 (FL-08), Canaveral Port Authority, N. Merritt Island City of ATLANTIC Miles Cape Canaveral Kilometers Homeowners Association, environmental experts, OCEAN 0 4 Cocoa and concerned residents and more, will weigh in on Port Canaveral Rail Extension EIS Project Area this proposed project. Canaveral Port Authority Proposed Rail Alignments Existing Features FL The opinions are solely of those quoted and not Option A Rail Line Project those of Merritt Island Now. Area Kennedy Space Center Option B For more information: Park Trestle STB Docket No. FD 35852 http://www.portcanaveralraileis.com/

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Some believe the proposed Port Canaveral Rail Extension will help boost the Space Coast’s economy by creating thousands of new jobs. Others believe it will ruin everything that is good and healthy about the area in which they live. Either way, the proposed plan, not to be confused with the All Aboard Florida rail Diana Fasanella is a native Merritt project, is a hotbed of controversy for many Islander, Huffington Merritt Islanders. Post blogger; and editor and columnist, The Canaveral Port Authority (CPA) formally with launched the $75 million railroad line idea Gannett/USA Today newspapers. last year in hopes of growing its cargo operations, according to the information statement submitted to the Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA), the lead federal agency responsible for preparing the project’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). “The port is continually striving to improve the efficiency of current and future cargo operations that will benefit the local and regional economy, while still protecting the environment and its Jay-Jay Bridge tourist operations U the CPA information paper to the OEA 4…,” 02 V states. According to one CPA option, to do that would mean building 11 miles of new tracks that would begin near the port’s north cargo terminal. The freight train rail line would extend west across the

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Merritt Island Now • May 2015

School & Sports

Senior Project Program Prepares Young Adults for College Success BY DR. KENNETH WINN One of the unique features of a Diploma of Distinction earned at Edgewood Jr/Sr High School is the completion of a senior project. As the 2014-15 school year comes to an end, Edgewood’s graduating seniors are preparing to present to a panel of community judges their Dr. Kenneth Winn senior projects. is principal of Edgewood Jr/Sr By doing so, the students High School on will have added rigor to their Merritt Island. senior year by participating in a leadership class and completing the four components of a major project. These components consisted of a research paper, a college portfolio, a formal presentation, and a product that will serve the community. In 2010, Edgewood became only one of two schools in the state of Florida to earn the distinction of having a nationally certified senior project program. College and university admission offices have recognized Edgewood students as being top candidates for their institutions because of the added rigor students displayed during their senior year. Recent graduates have returned to Edgewood and shared their appreciation for helping them become better prepared to be successful at the college level. Before Edgewood students earn their special diploma, they must complete the arduous process of completing their projects and presenting them to a panel of judges. Senior Project coordinator Susan Rhoden coordinates the judging event. Rhoden solicits more than 80 community judges who attend a training session and a luncheon. During the training, the judges have an opportunity to peruse the research papers, portfolios and products. The judges are then escorted in small groups to various classrooms where they listen, score, and provide feedback to every individual senior student. Once the students complete

their formal presentations, they gather together to celebrate their success. Although the experience is packed with anxiety and tension, the students feel a sense of accomplishment like never before. The senior project process has proven to be one of the most beneficial college-prep experiences for the students at Edgewood Jr/Sr High.

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Merritt Island Now • May 2015

School & Sports

Fine Arts Rounds Out Merritt Island Christian School Curriculum for Students BY INGRID HALL It’s been a busy year in the Merritt Island Christian School’s fine arts departments. Students in grades preschool through high school have been performing in musical programs, art shows, concerts and drama performances on campus and throughout the community. The MICS Academy 4-year-old Ingrid Hall is the assistant to the students worked hard to present a Christmas superintendent program complete with singing, hand at Merritt Island motions and hand bells. In the spring, the Christian School and is presently in 3-year-olds presented their spring program. her 19th year at It was a treat for parents and grandparents MICS. to see the children perform so beautifully. Academy Director Carri Nevad and her teachers do an amazing job getting the little ones to perform! The Elementary Fine Arts Department spent the year creating works of art in their weekly art classes and getting ready for the annual Disney Broadway Jr. performance in the spring. In March, under the direction of elementary Music Teacher Linda Rothwell, students in grades 4 through 6 and members of the Encore group performed Disney Peter Pan Jr. In April, the Elementary Show Stoppers Show Choir competed for their seventh first-place and sixth Grand Champion win at the Music USA Festival at Universal Studios in Orlando. At the middle school and high school level, choral students participated in the District Solo Ensemble Contest. The MICS Honors Ensemble qualified for state contest and sophomores Jacob Cribb and Nicole Kobobel also qualified for state contest in the solo category. Springtime brought the annual secondary choral concert titled Bringing Music to Life. As is done every year, Director Lizzy Brannan made sure her students shared their talents in and around the community. The High School Honors Ensemble was extra busy during the Christmas season by performing for organizations such as the Merritt Island Rotary Club, Cocoa Beach Chamber of Commerce, Merritt Island Health Center, and for customers at Barnes and Noble in Merritt Island. The MICS drama class traveled to Viera where they put on an improv workshop for the residents at the Devereax Home for Teens. They also performed their play No Problem at Devereux in April. This year Brannan put a special emphasis on serving others through music therapy. “Our secondary choral and drama departments have always focused on our abilities to serve our community because music and drama have ways of connecting and building relationships,”

Brannan said. “This semester we have specifically focused on music therapy. I wanted my students to understand how singing a familiar song to a specific age group can actually bring joy and healing. We are bringing music to life.” Secondary Art Teacher Wendy Fisher stayed busy working with her art and photography students in preparing drawings, paintings and photographs for local art festivals held in the spring as well as getting portfolios ready for submission to the College Board for their AP exams.

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Merritt Island Now • May 2015

School & Sports

Merritt Island High School

Graduation: The Culmination of Hard Work for MIHS Seniors BY MICHELLE HOOLSEMA It is amazing how quickly this school year has passed and another graduation is soon to be upon Merritt Island High School. April and May are the busiest times for seniors at MIHS. Prom kicked off April 11th with a Casino Royale theme at the Space Coast Convention Center in Cocoa. Seniors took a red carpet walk as they entered this beautiful celebration of dancing, food and fun. Coming Saturday, May 2nd is Grad Bash at Universal Studios. This is an all-night event in which both theme parks, Universal Studios and Islands Michelle Hoolsema is in her 21st year of Adventure, are opened to seniors from schools around the nation. The at Merritt Island musical guest artist this year is Trey Songz. One-hundred forty-four MIHS High School. She is the Exceptional seniors will be attending this year along with 14 chaperones. Student Education Then, it is down to business with preparing for exams and the main Contact, Senior event − graduation! Class Sponsor and the Gifted Student Class Night is a tradition at MIHS, and it is the last time seniors come Services Contact. together with their classmates to hear from their elected class officers and watch their senior video. The senior video is put together by one of our awesome teachers, Amy Finney, and it is comprised of all the events seniors attended during the last four years spent at MIHS. Ms. Finney works hard to make sure every senior is captured in this video. Family and friends are welcome to this very special night, and a reception is given by the junior class in the cafeteria to honor our graduates. The morning of graduation is kicked off with a senior breakfast that is free to all seniors followed by a mandatory graduation practice. Then, the night all seniors have worked so hard toward, graduation, which is held in the school’s stadium at 7:00 p.m. It is a very special event that only MIHS can pull off in grand Island style as it culminates in a fantastic display of fireworks. It is exciting to be a part of the Mustang Family, and, of course, anyone who ever has attended or worked at MIHS fully understands the meaning of “Once a Mustang, Always a Mustang!” Mustangs are forever looking toward their futures, but never forgetting their past.

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Health & Wellness

Take Time to Protect Your Body This Summer BY JESSICA BEAL, PHAR MD It’s almost summer and here comes the fun. Did you know that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States? Or, did you know that falls and bicycle accidents are some of the most common forms of injury during the summer months? Jessica Beal is a pharmacist at Hobbs Pharmacy located at 133 North Banana River Drive, Merritt Island.

While enjoying the outdoors this summer, protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays and take extra caution to prevent injury while enjoying activities outside. Here are some summer safety tips that can help you get the most out of the warm months ahead.

application of sunscreen, about 2 tablespoons per person per application, and remember to reapply often. Bugs: Both ticks and mosquitoes are part of our Florida landscape; there are things you can do to protect yourself and your kids. Make sure you check your child’s skin at the end of the day for ticks and remove them. Insect repellents with DEET can keep bugs away, but they should be used with caution. You also can try products with lemon eucalyptus if you don’t want to use DEET. Sports Equipment: Accidental falls are the No. 1 cause of childhood injury. You can reduce the risk of head injury by having your children wear the proper helmet any time he or she rides a bike, scooter, or uses roller blades. All sports equipment should be wellmaintained and be the right size for your child. Ask yourself, does his bike still fit? Has he outgrown his athletic padding?

Sun and Medications: Exposure to sunlight can be a problem for people who take antibiotics, blood pressure medications, hormones and oral diabetic medications. Check medication labels for information about sun exposure. Ask your pharmacist if your medications will make you more susceptible to heat exhaustion or sunburn.

Dehydration: It seems so simple and it is so easy to forget, but we need to stay hydrated. Playing outdoors without water breaks can lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke, which can be life-threatening.

Sunscreen: There are two kinds of ultraviolet rays. UVA rays are responsible for premature aging and UVB rays are to blame for sunburns. The term “broad spectrum” means that the product is effective against both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure your products contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Be generous with your

Preparing Children for Summer Camp: If your children attend camp this summer, ask about the camp’s medication policy and familiarize yourself with their healthcare team. Instruct the camp about your child’s medication regimen, including dosing and storage requirements. Also make sure your child is well-informed about their treatment.

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Health & Wellness

Baby Boomers at Risk for Serious Vision Problems BY DR. FRANK VENZARA III What is your most valuable resource? Is it your health? Is it your wealth? Have you considered your vision? Would you be able to function at your job, or drive a car, or grocery shop or see a movie, or even see your loved ones if you lost your valuable resource of sight? Dr. Frank Venzara III is a Vitreoretinal surgeon and the founder of Florida Retina Specialists, in Merritt Island, a place he has called home his entire life.

The leading cause of vision loss in people 50 and older is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Seventeen million Americans have macular degeneration, which is blurring in the central part of your vision (the macula, located in the center of the retina).

Who is at risk? •

People who are 60 or older

•

Smokers double their risk of AMD

•

Race (Caucasians)

•

Family history

The good news is that there are new vitamins and treatments to slow the progression of AMD that can preserve your eyesight, and are available through your retina specialist. To lower your risk of developing AMD: •

Avoid smoking

•

Exercise regularly

•

Maintain normal blood pressure and cholesterol

•

Eat a healthy diet rich in green, leafy vegetables

•

Eat plenty of fresh fish

Also very common for people older than the age of 50 is to experience some degree of “floaters” in their vision. People frequently describe this as gnats, bugs, or debris in their vision, but it doesn’t always mean there is a serious problem.

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An Immediate dilated eye exam by an eye doctor is recommended if you experience any of the following: •

Flashes of light (quick bursts lasting only a second)

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Sudden dramatic increase of floaters (more than just occasional few). This can be an indication of bleeding inside the eye from a tear.

•

Floaters with a clouding of vision

•

Dark curtain or shadow in periphery of vision that doesn’t go away

Know the signs and symptoms of AMD and other serious vision problems, such as retinal tears or diabetic retinopathy, and seek immediate care from your eye care professional. It could save your vision.

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Feature

Local Summer

Ambassador Christian Academy - Fun and affordable day camp for K-6th Grade. Activities include sports, swimming, field trips, music, drama, crafts, games etc. For more information please visit www.ACAMI. org or call (321) 305-6931 Big City Basketball at Merritt Island Pro Health & Fitness - Basketball Camp is Monday through Thursday 9am to 4pm and Friday 9am to 1pm. Each day campers will play two full court games, have 90-120 minutes of skill work & practice, participate in contests for prizes etc. For more information please visit www. coachgartrelle.com or call (321) 5252535

Brevard County Parks & Recreation - Campers will participate in indoor and outdoor games, make arts & crafts, go swimming and have field trips. This is a day camp for children who have completed kindergarten - 6th grade. For more information please visit www.brevardcounty.us and search under “Central Area” or call (321) 633-1874 (Swim classes and swim teams are also available, see 2015 Aquatic Programs located on their website) Brevard County Sheriff’s Office PAL Program - The BCSO Pal Program will be offering many sports summer camps this summer including basketball. Ages 6-18. For more information please visit www.bcsopal. org or call (321) 412-3675 Brevard Zoo -The perfect place to spark a child’s interest in conservation, wildlife, science and the outdoors. Campers can play, build, discover and explore the world around them. Camps available for children in 1st – 9th grades. Full days and half day options with aftercare available. For more information please visit www.brevardzoo.org and click on Learn & Play or call 321.254.9453 ext. 219 Calema Windsurfing & Watersports - Summer is a perfect time to learn windsurfing, sailing, stand 18

Merritt Island Now • May 2015

Up paddling and kayaking on the beautiful Banana River at Kelly Park. All Day, afternoon and morning camp sessions available. For more information please visit www.Calema. com or call (321) 453-3223

Camp Kennedy Space Center - Camp KSC launches kids into a galaxy of fun! Campers are encouraged to pursue science, technology, engineering and math through exciting learning adventures. This is a day camp is for for children entering 2nd grade -11th grades. For more information please visit www. Kennedyspacecenter.com or call (866) 870-8285 Cape Coast Volleyball - Camp for beginner and advanced players. Drills will go over serving, defense, blocking, fundamental skills and team play. There are several camp options for Ages 5-18. For more information please visit www.capecoastvolleyball. com or call (321) 480-9473 Coastal Elite - Is offering 3 Summer Camp sessions in addition to their regular session classes! Summer camps will be available for full day or half day. Each session is one week long. All camps include daily

activities and THREE field trips! For more information please visit www. coastalelitecheer.com or call (321) 505-1002.

Jefferson Middle School Summer Sports Camp - This camp has all of our most requested activites: flag football, basketball, gatorball, fickle, dodgeball, crazy kickball, volleyball, softball, rugby, field hockey. Open to all current 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. For more information call (321) 453-5154 or email butler. thomas@brevardschools.org or slentz.steve@brevardschools.org. Island Sports NETwork - Volleyball Camp (June 8-11) is led by Coach Angie Patrick and Basketball Camp (skills & drills June 22- 24 and then shooting clinic is July 13) is led by Coach Coleman Flaskamp at Merritt Island High School. Beginner, intermediate and advanced camps available. For more information and dates on these two camps please visit www.Islandsports.net or their fb page www.facebook.com/islandsportsnet or call (321) 698-7301 Merritt Island Christian School Camp Invention will be held on the campus of Merritt Island Christian

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Camps School June 8 - 12 and is open to students in our community! Camp Invention gives rising 1st – 6th graders the opportunity to disassemble machines, learn through hands-on activities and build skills during fast paced, highenergy games! This summer camp opportunity will be one that kids will NOT want to miss! Click on the link provided for more information and to REGISTER ONLINE. SAVE $15 OFF REGISTRATION BY USING THE PROMO CODE, “SPRING” BY MAY 12, 2015! Find out more at www.campinvention.org

Merritt Island Football Kids Camp - Evening Camp for players of all skill levels. The camp is for Ages 8 -14. Camp is scheduled for June 23- 25 from 5-7pm. This camp will be taught by Varsity Head Coach Jeff McLean and other certified coaches and assisted by current and former players. For more information please www.mimustangs.com or call Dawnya at (321) 604-2770 Merritt Island Presbyterian Church Child Care Center - We will be offering “Summer Adventures” for school age children (completed K-6th grade) June 8- Aug 14. Your child may attend as many or as few weeks as you wish. For more information please call 453-1640 and visit our church website at www. merrittislandpc.org. Outlaw Pottery & Art Studio - This camp will offer a fun variety of pottery sessions for kids, teens and families this summer. Ages 6 – 106. For more information please visit www. outlawpottery.com or call (321) 2920762 FLL Robotics Camp – This completely interactive, hands-on experience introduces students to the exciting world of robotics for 4th- 7th grades. Learn how to: Build, Program, and operate your own robot. June 22 - 26, 9am to noon. For more information please email roboticscamp@yahoo.com

Island Sports NETwork Camp

Shiloh Adventure Camp - A Merritt Island based Christian, non-profit overnight summer camp located on 135 beautiful acres off State Road 44 near New Smyrna Beach. Ages 8-15 years old. Activities include archery, canoeing, paddle boarding, swimming, fishing, devotions, singing and night talks and much more. For more information please visit www. shilohadventure.com or call (321) 536-5589 Sew Central - Is your child interested in learning to sew? How bout learning to quilt? Then this might be the camp for them. Several project options

available, call for details (321) 3382959 or visit www.sewcentral.net Walk on Water Horse Camp - Walk on Water Equine Assisted Therapy offers summer horse camps for all children ages 6-13 beginner to intermediate. Horse camp includes bible study, tack time, riding instruction, grooming, crafts, obstacle course, water games, a petting zoo (fun with mini horses!!) and a free t-shirt. For more information call 321-412-8057 or go to www. walkonwaterhorses.com. See you there!!

Calema Summer Camp Scholarships Presented by: I Love My Island and the Jacques Dubois Memorial Scholarship Fund

1st place scholarship winner will receive two weeks of Windsurfing Camp, a $300 value, at Calema Windsurfing & Watersports located at Kelly Park, Merritt Island. 2nd place scholarship winner will receive one week of Windsurfing Summer Camp, a $150 value, at Calema Windsurfing & Watersports located at Kelly Park, Merritt Island. How to Enter Children ages 10 and older can enter by submitting an essay, poetry or other creation of their choice with the theme: Windsurfing & Sailing - Sports for a Lifetime. Entries must be submitted by email to: susie@calema.com or dropped off in person at Kelly Park by Monday, May 25, 2015. Winners will be announced on the Calema Windsurfing & Watersports and the I Love My Island Facebook pages on June 1, 2015. Questions can be submitted to: susie@calema.com Dates of camp to be chosen by winner and based on availability within the summer of 2015. For in-person entries, the return of the submission cannot be guaranteed. Merritt Island Now • May 2015

Lifestyle

Spring Thing To Do: Get Out and Go Fishing BY CAPT. ALEX GORICHKY Our Space Coast waters have so many options. We have flats, offshore, nearcoastal, fresh water lakes, and some of the most beautiful back country mangroves areas in the nation. Sure you can enjoy the manatees, porpoise, and stunning birds, but I prefer a fishing pole in the foreground of that mental Capt. Alex Gorichky is a lifelong Merritt picture. Everyone has a preferred available Island resident and method of enjoying all our natural beauty has owner/operator of LocalLinesCharters. to offer. Many in our area own boats, kayaks, com. paddleboards, and other manner of floating craft. All can be effective for locating and catching fish, but what if you don’t have any of those? Well use your feet; go wading, ride a bike down a ditch lined trail, or dig your toes in the sand for some beach fishing. Inshore: Large gator seatrout started to spawn on the first full moon of April. The biggest and most aggressive female trout will be a steady catch for those focusing their efforts in shallow water both early and late in the morning. These predators will be looking to pack on weight by smashing the ever-increasing numbers of mullet. My favorite way to target these trout is low light topwater plug action. Walk these plugs side to side and you’re on the way to an explosive strike. Your heart will stop at the sight of a massive fish blasting your plug. Lures like the Zara Spook, Skitter Walk, Top Mahi-Mahi

Dog, and Chug Bug will all work and cast a mile (great for the biggest and most spooky fish). White, bone, red/white body, and chartreuse are outstanding colors. Offshore: It’s mahi season for the Space Coast and the Port is already abuzz with stories of good fish. Steady southeast winds will have debris and sargassum weed mats piled up on the western edge of the Gulf Stream. Sea Surface Temp (SST) charts like www.roffs.com can greatly reduce your time looking, and that means less fuel. Every offshore fisherman’s dream! The beautiful and acrobatic mahi will fall for trolled lures, rigged ballyhoo, live baits, and can even be caught with light tackle or fly. It’s a big ocean so temperature breaks and apposing currents will collect debris, bait, birds and fish. A random bucket can have 50 mahi on it, so look at everything. Have a bigger bait or lure on a sturdy spinning rod ready at all times. Many times as you’re playing with some small schoolie mahi, much bigger rouge bull mahi will come in. Favorite colors for mahi include blue\white, pink\white, chartreuse\green, green, and mahi. As one of the fastest growing fish in the ocean, the Mahi do not have it in their nature to let a meal pass. I like to pick a random wreck or bottom contour and head that way. Of course, good info can make that choice less random. This gives you a point to head at while you search for live or likely productive waters.

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Lifestyle

Windsurfing and Sailing: Sports for a Lifetime BY SUSIE DORNELLAS Merritt Island, surrounded by water on Sara Shamlin, who learned to sail at age 11, said “sailing and all sides and minutes from the ocean, is a windsurfing are sports that you can participate in all your life, and water enthusiast’s paradise. The waterways that is something I want to do.” around the island are often filled with Whether you enjoy paddling or sailing sports, Merritt Island is sailboats, kayaks, windsurfers, kite boarders, the ideal location to do so. and more. It still has that small town feel, yet it With inviting yearis a short drive to Orlando for all “big city” “I no longer need the speed of round temperatures, needs. Susie Dornellas my earlier years,” he said. “But is co-owner Merritt Island is a dream Few places in the world offer water being on the water always gives of Calema destination for those who enthusiasts the unique ability to be up Windsurfing and me a sense of peace that I get Watersports on love spending time on close to manatees, dolphins, egrets, and from nothing else, and Kelly Park Merritt Island the water. Kelly Park is pelicans during almost every outing. where they offer makes launching easy.” – Mark windsurfing, recognized worldwide as a With multiple waterfront parks, such Seibert of Merritt Island sailing, kayaking top windsurfing destination as Kiwanis Island, Manatee Cove, Pine and stand-up and, for the past 30 years, paddling. Island Refuge and Kelly Park, residents has been host to the largest and longest can easily access and explore the natural beauty and wildlife that running international windsurfing event, is in abundance, as well as be reminded of the many reasons to Calema Midwinters, in the U.S. exclaim, “I love my island.” In a recent award-winning documentary titled Children of the Susie Dornellas is co-owner of Calema Windsurfing and Wind, Kelly Park and Merritt Island were featured with incredible Watersports on Merritt Island where they offer windsurfing, sailing, footage of freestyle windsurfing (tricks) on the Banana River. In the kayaking and stand-up paddling. For more information, call 321film, a group of kids from the island of Bonaire in the Caribbean?) 453-3223 or visit calema.com. talk about what the impact of being discovered here on the Space Coast has had on their lives. Olympic teams for rowing, windsurfing and sailing also train throughout the year in the Banana and Indian rivers, as well as Sykes Creek. These athletes have discovered what so many cherish about the island. The typically calmer morning breezes are ideal for kayaking, canoeing, sculling and stand-up paddling. Then, as the breezes build during the day, it’s perfect launching time for sailing and windsurfing. Year-round weather conditions offer challenges for all skill levels as fall through spring brings higher winds and the summer is ideal for those just learning. The inviting weather, coupled with the warm, shallow waters and no currents or tides make the sports accessible and safe for children, families, and those in their golden years. Mark Seibert and his wife, Marina, met at Kelly Park in 2008. Mark is a retired Navy pilot who moved to Merritt Island in 1987 so he could “come home from work each day and go windsurfing.” Now, at 82, he can be seen most mornings at Kelly Park on his sailing kayak. “I no longer need the speed of my earlier years,” he said. “But being on the water always gives me a sense of peace that I get from nothing else, and Kelly Park makes launching easy.” Marina said she relocated to Merritt Island for the great windsurfing conditions. “I need to get on the water at least every few days, or things just don’t feel right. It brings back the balance in my life,” she said. Younger Merritt Islanders discovered their passion for water sports during Calema’s summer camps. “When I’m out on the water, I feel at home. To me, it is about the freedom” said Kody Brown, an Edgewood senior who enjoys photo courtesy of Calema windsurfing, sailing, and sup. Merritt Island Now • May 2015

Merritt Island Dining Guide Casual and Upscale Dine-In Restaurants

RESTAURANT See Alfredo's Paradiso 321-453-6119 Our AD 217 Crockett Blvd. Applebee's 321-455-9898 100 N. Sykes Creek Pkwy. Bagel World Victoria Square 321-452-0737 1450 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Bagel Word & Deli 321-452-3007 137 N. Banana River Drive Basil Pizza & Pasta 321-338-4333 727 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Beef 'O'Brady's 321-455-6665 1450 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Bizzarro's 321-453-2610 325 E. Merritt Island Cswy Bonefish Grill 321-453-3011 795 E. Merritt Island Cswy. Bruno's Pizzeria 321-453-7200 117 W. Merritt Ave. Carrabba's Italian Grill 321-453-7045 60 Palmetto Ave. Causeway Diner 321-454-9898 3712 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Chilli's Grill & Bar 321-454-4738 530 E. Merritt Island Cswy. Cozy Corner Café 321-452-0305 2425 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Debbie's Diner 321-459-3209 118 E. Merritt Island Cswy. Denny's 321-453-3050 75 E. Merritt Island Cswy. See El Tucan 321-453-7501 Our AD 225 N. Sykes Creek Pkwy. Firehouse Subs 321-449-8818 125 Merritt Island Cswy. Gina's Café & Deli 321-452-8828 135 S. Courtenay Pkwy. Hooter's 321-449-0752 125 N. Sykes Creek Pkwy. Ichiban Buffet 321-453-1117 735 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Island Gecko Grill 321-301-4479 773 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Island Tiki Grill 321-454-9464 1850 E. Merritt Island Cswy. Island Waterfront Bar & Grill 321-806-3661 1891 E. Merritt Island Cswy Kelsey's Pizzeria 321-735-4810 1850 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Latitude 28 321-305-4924 2137 North Courtenay Parkway LongHorn's Steakhouse 321-456-5559 770 E. Merritt Island Cswy Molly's Seafood 321-453-1288 1580 East Merritt Island Causeway Mrs. Apples Crab Shack 321-459-3759 580 West Merritt Island Causeway Nauticals Spirits 321-452-5090 2700 Harbortown Drive Olive Garden 321-459-0306 205 East Merritt Island Causeway Merritt Island Now • May 2015 Outback 321-454-4450 777 Merritt Is. Cwy

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yes

full bar

Molly's Seafood 321-453-1288 Seafood 1580 East Merritt Island Causeway Mrs. Apples Crab Shack 321-459-3759 Seafood 580 West Merritt Island Causeway Nauticals Spirits 321-452-5090 Seafood 2700 Harbortown Drive RESTAURANT CUISINE Olive Garden 321-459-0306 Italian Alfredo's Paradiso 321-453-6119 205 Crockett East Merritt Island Causeway 217 Blvd. Outback 321-454-4450 American Applebee's 321-455-9898 777 N. Merritt Is. Creek Cwy Pkwy. 100 Sykes PacificWorld Rim 321-305-4902 Sushi Shop Bagel Victoria Square 321-452-0737 Bagel/Sandwich 300 North Courtenay Parkway 1450 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Pizza Company 321-455-6515 Italian Shop Bagel Word & Deli 321-452-3007 Bagel/Sandwich 868 N. North Banana River Drive 137 Banana River Drive Red Lobster Seafood Basil Pizza &321-453-3520 Pasta 321-338-4333 Italian 215 N. East Merritt Island 727 Courtenay Pkwy.Causeway Ruby'O'Brady's Tuesdays 321-455-6665 321-453-6340 American Beef American 777 East Merritt Causeway 1450 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Shuttles 321-305-4143 American Bizzarro's 321-453-2610 Italian 6100 Courtenay Parkway 325 E.North Merritt Island Cswy Sonny's 321-449-9102 BBQ Bonefish Grill 321-453-3011 Seafood 310 North Courtenay Parkway 795 E. Merritt Island Cswy. Sumo Monkey 321-453-3123 Thai Bruno's Pizzeria 321-453-7200 Italian 925 North Courtenay 117 W. Merritt Ave. Parkway TGI Friday'sItalian 321-452-8071 American Carrabba's Grill 321-453-7045 Italian 785Palmetto Merritt Island 60 Ave. Causeway The Donut Diner Shop 321-454-9898 321-459-1074 Breakfast Causeway Family Diner 480 North Courtenay Pkwy 3712 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Tijuana Grill Flats&321-453-1881 Mexican Chilli's Bar 321-454-4738 American 76 East MerrittIsland IslandCswy. Csway 530 E. Merritt Umpa's DinerCafé 321-454-3422 Cozy Corner 321-452-0305 Family Diner 1115 N. North Courtenay Pkway 2425 Courtenay Pkwy. Victoria's Family Restaurant 321-459-1656 Greek/American Debbie's Diner 321-459-3209 Family Diner 370 North Courtenay Pkwy 118 E. Merritt Island Cswy. Wabi Sabi 321-452-0507 Sushi Denny's 321-453-3050 American 455E.North Courtenay Pkwy 75 Merritt Island Cswy. El Tucan 321-453-7501 Mexican 225 N. Sykes Creek Pkwy. Firehouse Subs 321-449-8818 Sandwiches 125 Merritt Island Cswy. Gina's Café & Deli 321-452-8828 Café & Deli 135 S. Courtenay Pkwy. Hooter's 321-449-0752 American 125 N. Sykes Creek Pkwy. Ichiban Buffet 321-453-1117 Asian American Buffet 735 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Island Gecko Grill 321-301-4479 American 773 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Island Tiki Grill 321-454-9464 Polish 1850 E. Merritt Island Cswy. Island Waterfront Bar & Grill 321-806-3661 Seafood 1891 E. Merritt Island Cswy Kelsey's Pizzeria 321-735-4810 Italian Drink 1850 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Spec ials &Casual Gourmet Latitude 28 321-305-4924 Givea ways 2137 North Courtenay Parkway LongHorn's Steakhouse 321-456-5559 American 770 E. Merritt Island Cswy Molly's Seafood 321-453-1288 Seafood 1580 East Merritt Island Causeway Mrs. Apples Crab Shack 321-459-3759 Seafood 580 West Merritt Island Causeway Nauticals Spirits 321-452-5090 Seafood 2700 Harbortown Drive Olive Garden 321-459-0306 Italian 205 East Merritt Island Causeway Outback 321-454-4450 American 225 N. Is. Sykes Creek Pkwy - 321-453-7501 777 Merritt Cwy Pacific Rim 321-305-4902 Sushi www.eltucanrestaurant.com 300 North Courtenay Parkway Pizza Company 321-455-6515 Italian 868 North Banana River Drive Red Lobster 321-453-3520 Seafood

Com ay 5th! Cinc e Celeb o wi rate th U S!

Voted Best Mexican Restaurant on the Island 2012 - 2013 - 2014

yes

full bar

yes

none

no BREAKFAST no

yes LUNCH yes

yes DINNER yes yes

clsd Sun & Mon yes SUNDAY yes no

full bar SPIRITS full bar beer wine

yes

full full bar bar

no yes

yes

yes no

beer wine none

no yes

yes

yes no

yes yes

none

yes

yes no

full bar beer wine

yes

full bar

yes

yes yes

no yes

beer wine

Satyes only

yes

yes yes

beer wine full bar

no no

yes

no yes

wine none

yes

full bar

yes

noFri Thr/

yes

none

no no

yes

beer wine full bar

yes

none

yes

yes no

beer wine none

no yes

yes

yes no Thr, Fri only yes yes

yes

beer wine none

yes

full bar

yes

none

yes

none

yes

full bar

yes

yes yes

yes Autentico RistoranteyesRistorantenone Pizzeria & Panineria yes no yes none

321-453-6119 yes

clsd Sat

none

& Sun Family owned and Operated since 1988 no yes yes full bar Voted Best in Brevardyes2005, 2006,2013 and 2014 no no

Open Menu & Lunch Buffet yes yes Serving Dinner yes

yes

Off

yes

your purchase of 2 main courses

yes yes

11am -3pm Mon-Fri yes beer wine 5pm - 10pm Mon - Fri 4pm - 10 Satbeer wine no Closed Sun yes

full bar

Open May 10th yes

yes

full bar

yesa Mother’s clsd Sun Day none with Buffet! & Monpm and 5:00 pm two seatings 2:00 yes

yes

full bar

yes

full bar

Call for Reservations.

yes yes full bar Visityes us at www.alfredoparadiso.com

yes yes beer wine Located atyes217 Crockett Blvd., Merritt Island

yes

none

Merritt Island Now • May 2015

yes

full bar

Business & Real Estate

New Spa and Salon Focuses on Making Lives Beautiful BY DIANA FASANELLA It’s about transforming lives. It’s about feeling better about oneself. But mostly, it’s about health and beauty. As president and co-owner of the new Luminess Salon and Spa on Merritt Island, Izabela Kobobel is passionate about helping women become the best they can Diana Fasanella be and committed to providing services that is a native Merritt Islander, Huffington do just that. Post blogger; and “I realized there were very few elegant editor and columnist, formally with spas (in the area) that offered comprehensive Gannett/USA Today spa packages and dermatological newspapers. services,” said Kobobel whose husband, Jasen Kobobel, M.D., specializes in family medicine and is certified in aesthetic dermatology. Dr. Kobobel performs all medical procedures such as Botox and Juvederm injections, and laser skin rejuvenation at Luminess. Among other medical services provided are chemical peels,

vein and acne treatments, laser hair removal, and Mesotherapy, a blend of medications injected under the skin that melts and shrinks fat cells. At Luminess, Izabela Kobobel said she not only wanted to bring these and normal spa services, such as massages and facials, to Merritt Island, but also to expand offerings with extensive wellness packages that include exercise and weight-loss programs, some with personal trainers, at their adjacent gym facility. “We leave nothing untouched,” said aesthetician Milli Davis, who assists Dr. Kobobel with medical procedures. “This is a state-of-the-art facility.” In addition, Luminess’ hair and nail salon offers the expertise of Wendi Bostrom, a master hair designer and stylist, and Laura Druckenmiller, a professional make-up 24

Merritt Island Now • May 2015

artist who educates clients on how to apply the wide array Jane Iredale mineral makeup and skin-care products available at the facility. “It’s so beautiful and peaceful here,” said Bostrom, who touts that the Dr. Jasen and Izabela Kobobel high-end décor “is exquisite” and Kobobel’s eye for elegance is unsurpassed. Client coordinator Linda Fiorentino says the knowledgeable and personal service staff members provide appeals to a wide variety of clients, and the “little extras” such as chilled champagne and hors d’oeuvre served at open houses and holiday parties makes Luminess very special. “It’s luxurious,” Fiorentino said. It’s also about “thinking outside of the box” by providing full-service packages that cater to bridal and birthday parties, Kobobel said. “We make sure our clients are educated about proper skin-care treatments, hair and makeup, and overall wellness.” Most importantly, Kobobel said the services at Luminess “focus on women.” “Anything related to the beautification of women, we are committed to educating and making them feel better about themselves,” Kobobel said. We want to transform their lifestyles and enrich them in every way possible.” For more information about the services provided at Luminess, call 321-301-4711.

Remember to support your Merritt Island area businesses. Visit our local online business directory for all your products and services needs.

www.MerrittIslandNow.com Merritt Island Now â&#x20AC;˘ May 2015

Business & Real Estate

Why is Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency Important to Merritt Island? BY ANDREW BARBER Merritt Island is the most urbanized, unincorporated area in Brevard County. It is said that Merritt Island actually has the largest unincorporated population in the entire state of Florida. If Merritt Island were a city, it would be the third largest in the county. SR 520 and SR 3 are two of the busiest commercial corridors on the Space Andy Barber and his family moved Coast. to Merritt Island Merritt Island is not a municipality, and, in 1963. Andy is a retired builder and as a result, does not have planning, zoning, a three-year MIRA or economic development departments as board member. do most of the larger cities in the county. Merritt Island relies on Brevard County departments to provide these functions and, given the broad regions of the county, there simply is not enough staff to focus on the important needs of Merritt Island. It is prudent and necessary for the Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency (MIRA) to perform these functions. It is one thing to provide safety and maintenance and another to provide esthetic and economic development initiatives that enhance the quality of life. Take, for example, the Merritt Square Mall area. It is not reasonable to expect the county to create a new set of rules just for this area in an attempt to convince new mall owners to redevelop.

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Merritt Island Now • May 2015

MIRA can and has done this; whether we can get the new mall owners to redevelop is yet to be determined. MIRA has, through its leadership, acquired a track record of major accomplishments, which we hope to present to you, with the help of Merritt Island Now magazine, over the next several months. In addition, we will describe MIRA’s current work program and projects, which the Agency hopes to undertake. It is important that the Merritt Island residents and commercial property owners understand that MIRA’s funding is not derived from any new or additional taxes. As a result of MIRA’s investments in infrastructure and aesthetic improvements, the taxable value of properties within the redevelopment area has increased. The additional taxes derived from the increase in commercial property values do not go to Brevard County but instead are reinvested by MIRA into necessary projects, which will further increase property values. MIRA is working for you. For more inforation contact: Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency 2575 N. Courtenay Parkway, No. 207 Merritt Island, FL 32953 Office: (321) 454-6610 • Fax: (321) 454-6611 Office hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Did You Know? PGA Professional, Marco Dawson, is a Merritt Island Resident? With over 400 starts on the PGA Tour, he recently won the Tucson Conquistadores Classic for his first Champions Tour victory! Marco shot 67,67, 69, and sunk a 20-foot birdie putt on the 16th hole for a 2-stroke victory. When Marco is not on the road playing golf, he enjoys time with his family, fishing and he can usually be found at Suntree Country Club, practicing and playing golf.

Merritt Island Resident and PGA Professional, Marco Dawson

BEFORE I BECAME A REALTOR® I remember our frustration when trying to sell our home. I felt like the agent we listed with wasn’t “working for me”. It was like pulling teeth to get him to do an open house, advertise our home or even answer my phone calls! Just sticking our home in the MLS was not good enough, in my opinion. But when we relocated to Merritt Island, we worked with a wonderful agent from Trafford Realty Co., who really listened to what our wants and needs were. He answered his phone when I called, and made himself available, even on the weekends! Now that I’m a Realtor®, I will listen to YOUR wants and needs, I make myself available around your busy schedule, and answer your emails, texts and phone calls. After all, the greatest compliment you can give me is a referral. Whether buying or selling, I will be there to help you every step of the way!

Heather Dawson (321) 266-1110

Florida Island Living

As a Merritt Island resident, I am your “Island Specialist!”

Contact me today!

Business & Real Estate

Make Sure Your Auto Insurance Coverage is Right for You BY JASON S. ROBBINS We all hear the radio and TV commercials about saving money on auto insurance. What commercials donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tell you is that the monthly saving is typically the result of reducing your coverage. The truth is for the additional cost of a cup of coffee each day, we can better Jason S. Robbins protect our families by carrying the coverage is a Merritt Island necessary for each and every time we get resident and a 17into the car to travel to the store, ball field, year trial attorney. school, or to the beach. Our office has been counseling clients for years on the importance of periodic reviews of their car insurance coverage to make sure they are adequately protected. The worst news I can give a client who is seriously injured in a car accident is that the other driver has insufficient or no coverage to pay for their injuries. In reviewing their policies, many clients unfortunately had elected to waive uninsured/underinsured coverage within their policy. Most of the time, the client tells me that the agent they were dealing with was trying to save them money and explained to them that it was not necessary to have that included to actually have full coverage. The other important insurance option to review is whether your coverage is stacked or unstacked. Stacked insurance is one method to increase the coverage for underinsured and uninsured motorist bodily injury. Stacked coverage only can apply if there is more than one car covered. By stacking insurance, you can take advantage of increased underinsured and uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage for all cars under your policy. By combining coverage, you are able to substantially increase the payment limits of your auto insurance should you be involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist. For example, if you had $50,000/$100,000 coverage and decided to exercise the stacking option for a second car, stacked coverage for both cars would be $100,000/$200,000 (existing coverage times two cars). With three cars, the coverage would increase to $150,000/$250,000 and so forth for additional vehicles. If the person responsible for the accident does not have enough coverage, having stacked coverage can provide substantial assistance for you to meet the gap between their coverage and the coverage you have available with your own policy. We are not insurance agents, however, looking at the policy after the unfortunate crash day only helps our clients in the event of a future accident, and not with injuries they are currently suffering. Almost everyone we meet has insufficient coverage. We have found problems for our existing clients, friends, family members, and even members of our own staff who started to question their policies. I urge you pull out your policy and have a qualified insurance agent or legal representative review it for you. Buckle up, drive safe, and keep up the Island pride! 28

Merritt Island Now â&#x20AC;˘ May 2015

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Having More Retirement Accounts is Not the Same as Having More Money. When it comes to the number of retirement accounts you have, the saying “more is better” is not necessarily true. In fact, if you hold multiple accounts with various brokers, it can be difficult to keep track of your investments and to see if you’re properly diversified.* At the very least, multiple accounts usually mean multiple fees. Bringing your accounts to Edward Jones could help solve all that. Plus, one statement can make it easier to see if you’re moving toward your goals. *Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss.

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Merritt Island Now • May 2015

Business & Real Estate

Free Seminar: Give New College Students a Head Start BY DAWN PARTLOW

Dawn Partlow lives on Merritt Island and is a licensed agent in the Merritt Island office of Capital Choice Financial Group.

Today’s teens are part of a generation that’s already known for struggling financially when they get out into the working world. The College Savings Foundation reports that 66 percent of upcoming college freshman plan to take out student loans. To make matters worse, 80 percent have no clue of the total amount of money they will need to graduate, and 82 percent haven’t even calculated the monthly loan repayment amount. According to Equifax, recent college graduates carry an average debt burden of $23,200, a 24 percent increase since 2004. People in the 18 to 24 age bracket spend 30 percent of their monthly income on debt repayment alone. With the help of the Dave Ramsey Organization we present The Graduate’s Survival Guide by Rachel Cruze. No incoming college freshman should leave home without this book. The Graduate’s Survival Guide is presented in a fun and easy Q&A format and quickly will become a trusted companion.

Merritt Island Now • May 2015

Topics Include: • balancing a checkbook • collision and liability insurance • compound interest • credit cards • debt • giving • part-time jobs • saving • student loans The guide also includes a humorous and informative DVD about college life. In segmented tracks, Rachel Cruze and Christy Wright share helpful and hilarious tips and stories on topics like class scheduling, finances, eating out, college living, and roommates. We will be hosting two free workshops on Merritt Island for the graduating high school student to help them make the transition from high school to college life Tuesday, May 26 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday, May 28 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. There is no cost to attend the 90-minute workshop, but the materials described above are recommended and available at a 50 percent discounted rate of only $10 at the event. Please call to reserve your seating as space is limited. (321) 453-7322 Capital Choice Financial Services, Inc., is a network of independent businessmen and women representing various life and health insurance companies.

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AUTO • COMMERCIAL • HOME OWNER/RENTAL • MOBILE HOME• LIFE • MARINE Merritt Island Now • May 2015

Business & Real Estate

MERRITT ISLAND HOMES SOLD IN MARCH ADDRESS 1205 Faulkingham Road 105 Darwin Avenue 255 Antigua Drive 225 E Lauren Court 300 Bahama Drive 854 Woodbine Drive 275 Alaska Road 295 Juniper Avenue 205 Spruce Avenue 915 Richland Avenue 1140 Typhoon Drive 1095 Molaki Drive 845 Koloa Drive 4569 Kimberlee Court 520 Baker Road 1540 Sykes Creek Drive 1600 Mars Street 1724 N. Merrimac Drive 4161 Crooked Mile Road 520 Grove Park Lane 1055 Audubon Road 326 Third Street 4129 Judith Avenue #10 1975 W Phillips Court 4790 Yuma Trail 510 Parkside Avenue 655 Parkside Avenue 440 Island Oaks Place 160 Macaw Lane 365 Le Jeune Drive 475 Nancie Avenue 1530 Allen Drive 492 Seacrest Avenue 545 Milford Point 1575 Island Drive 1790 Harbor Oaks Place 129 E Crisafulli Road 295 Mcgill Lane 5725 Joseph Court 6049 N. Tropical Trail 370 Northgrove Drive 765 Citrus Boulevard 170 Perth Avenue 2702 Glenridge Circle 1630 Davis Drive 1665 Yates Drive 1325 Johns Circle 2380 Jason Street 2489 Long Sandy Circle 450 Riverdale Drive 210 Marlin Drive 430 Norwood Street 3055 Savannahs Trail 3220 Savannahs Trail 545 Heron Drive 492 Tina Place 1020 Date Avenue 1970 Porpoise Street 2560 Tarpon Street 1535 Tarpon Street 2540 Castile Court 403 Jillotus Street

SUBDIVISION Banana River Drive Barony Estates Belaire Belaire Belaire Bridgewater Buttonwood Manor Carlton Groves Carlton Groves South Catalina Isles Estates Catalina Isles Estates Catalina Isles Estates Catalina Isles Estates Citrus River Groves Colony Park North Diana Shores Diana Shores Gateway Georgiana Settlement Grove Park Hampton Homes Hampton Homes Heron Villages of Cedar Creek Holiday Cove Indian Bay Estates Indian River Village Indian River Village Island Oaks Macaw Crest Merritt Lake Estates Merritt Ridge Merritt Ridge Merritt Ridge Milford Point Beach Newfound Harbor none none none none none North Grove Orange Grove Manor Orange Grove Manor Palmetto Pelican Creek Estates Pelican Creek Estates Ridge Manor Estates Ridge Manor Estates River Groves on the Trail Riverdale Estates Rivers Edge Estates Rosedale Savannahs Savannahs South Merritt Estates South Merritt Estates Surfland Palms Surfside Estates Surfside Estates Surfside Estates Villa De Palmas Woods at Iroquois

BDRMS 3 4 3 3 3 5 3 4 3 4 3 4 3 4 3 3 3 4 4 3 3 3 2 3 4 3 3 5 5 3 3 3 4 4 3 4 3 3 4 6 3 3 3 5 4 3 3 3 4 3 4 3 4 3 3 5 4 4 4 3 4 4

BATHS 2.5 2 2 2 2 3 2 3 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2.5 2 2 2.5 2 2 1 2 2 3 2 2 2 4.5 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2.5 2 6 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 1.5 2.5 3 2 3 2 2 2.5 2 2 3

LVG SQ FT 2430 1559 1504 1434 1393 2586 1288 3092 1044 2050 1188 1720 1720 2922 1200 2554 1751 1820 3468 1568 1690 1646 1688 1750 3344 1351 1588 2149 5781 1756 1056 1325 1456 2048 1476 1883 1481 2878 2211 7048 1980 1626 1286 3289 1718 1528 1192 1263 2909 1412 2104 1066 2386 2646 2530 5900 1446 1617 2000 1758 2088 3001

POOL no yes no no no yes no yes no yes yes no no no no yes yes no no no no no comm no yes yes no yes yes no no no no yes no no yes yes no no no yes yes no yes no no yes yes no no no yes yes yes yes no yes yes no yes yes

WTRFRNT Banana Rvr no no no no no no no no canal no canal canal lake/pond no Sykes Crk canal no Indian Rvr no canal canal lake/pond no no no no no Indian Rvr no no no no canal no no no no no IndianRvr no no no no canal canal no no no no no no lake/pond lake/pond no no no canal canal canal no lake/pond

*Public records sales data provided by Cheryl D’Cruz of C21 Ocean Realty (see ad on next page) 32

Merritt Island Now • May 2015

YR BUILT 1994 1964 1962 1963 1963 1997 1961 1963 1961 1964 1966 1966 1965 1996 1989 1984 1967 1976 1997 1964 1978 1959 2005 1963 1989 1980 1980 1990 1990 1963 1961 1963 1963 1972 1960 1987 2004 2004 1997 2001 1992 1965 1965 2006 1965 1963 1977 1976 2002 1961 1965 1958 1994 1999 1963 1974 1962 1978 1967 1966 1968 1995

SOLD PRICE $540,000 $156,000 $73,449 $138,000 $145,000 $282,000 $80,000 $232,000 $91,000 $237,000 $145,000 $250,000 $109,900 $320,000 $17,500 $469,000 $375,000 $195,000 $789,000 $90,000 $205,000 $214,000 $161,250 $119,501 $369,900 $178,000 $220,000 $210,000 $1,450,000 $115,000 $70,000 $110,000 $110,000 $540,000 $164,900 $230,020 $278,000 $450,000 $339,900 $525,000 $199,000 $102,000 $175,000 $233,500 $190,000 $230,000 $127,500 $106,500 $394,000 $45,000 $115,000 $50,000 $280,000 $390,000 $260,000 $339,000 $116,000 $320,000 $300,000 $279,000 $179,500 $375,000

WHAT MAKES A CENTURY 21 AGENT? HERE’S ONE WORD: GUSTO. A FEW MORE WORDS: DEPENDABILITY, KNOW-HOW AND DEFENDER OF YOUR DREAMS. MAYBE THAT LAST ONE WAS OVER THE TOP. BUT THAT’S US. ALL GUNS BLAZING. ALL THE TIME.

CENTURY 21® AGENTS SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.

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Merritt Island Now magazine is being published 10 issues per year, direct mailed to approximately 16,000 Merritt Island homes. All rights reserved © Copyright 2015 The material in this magazine has been prepared and is copyrighted by ILMIdeals, Inc. The material is for information purposes only. The material is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up-to-date. Information provided by or cited by third parties does not necessarily reflect the opinions of endorsements of Merritt Island Now (ILMIdeals, Inc.). 34

Merritt Island Now • May 2015

MERRITT ISLAND AREA CONTACTS State Government

Governor Rick Scott........................................................ (850) 488-7146 Senator Thad Altman...................................................... (321) 868-2132 Representative Steve Crisafulli....................................... (321) 449-5111

Brevard County Gov’t Elected & Appointed Officials

Commissioner Robin Fisher - District 1........................ (321) 264-6750 Commissioner Jim Barfield - District 2 (MI)................. (321) 454-6601 Commissioner Trudie Infanini - District 3................... (321) 952-6300 Commissioner Curt Smith - District 4........................... (321) 633-2040 Commissioner Andy Anerson - District 5..................... (321) 253-6611

Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Brian Binggeli............................................... (321) 633-1000 ext 402 School Board Ms. Misty Belford - District 1......................................... (321) 591-9387 Mr. John Craig (MI) - District 2..................................... (321) 271-9705 Ms. Amy Kneessy - District 3......................................... (321) 779-5034 Ms. Karen Henderson - District 4.................................. (321) 631-5905 Mr. Andy Ziegler - District 5.......................................... (321) 821-0510

Brevard County Government Resources

Animal Control................................................................ (321) 633-2024 Building, Permits, Business Licenses............................. (321) 633-2072 Engineering Office (Traffic Signals)............................... (321) 637-5437 Environmental Health..................................................... (321) 633-2100 Jury Phone........................................................................ (321) 637-6559 Justice Center................................................................... (321) 637-2000 Planning & Zoning.......................................................... (321) 633-2070 Housing & Human Services............................................ (321) 633-2007 Sheriffs Office (non emergency)..................................... (321) 633-7162 Voter Registration........................................................... (321) 633-2124 Code Enforcement........................................................... (321) 633-2086 Occupational Licensing................................................... (321) 264-6935 Tax Collector - www.brevardtaxcollector.com.............. (321) 264-6930 Merritt Island Post Office............................................... (321) 453-1479 Public Library on Merritt Island.................................... (321) 455-1369 Department of Health..................................................... (321) 454-7111

Children and Family Resources

FL Department of Children and Family Central Region.(321) 634-3600 Brevard CARES (prevent child abuse)........................... (321) 632-2737 Brevard CARES Crisis Hotline....................................... (888) 227-3709 Brevard County Boys and Girls...................................... (321) 301-4484 Florida Domestic Violence Hotline................................ (800) 500-1119 Family Counseling Center.............................................. (321) 632-5792 Circles of Care.................................................................. (321) 722-5200 Women’s Center.............................................................. (321) 242-3110 Alcoholic’s Anonymous.................................................. (321) 724-2247 Help Line 24 hour............................................................ (321) 632-6688 Rape Hotline.................................................................... (321) 784-4357 Sharing Center................................................................. (321) 631-0306 Alternative Pregnancy Center........................................ (321) 454-9853 Serene Harbor Domestic Violence Center..................... (321) 726-8282 Crisis Hotline................................................................... (800) 962-2873 Sundance Ranch Christian Counseling.......................... (321) 305-5946 Poison Control................................................................. (800) 222-1222 Emergency Veterinary Clinic.......................................... (321) 725-5365

Support Groups

The Sunflower House....................................................... (321) 452-4341 Senior and Caregiver Resource Center inside the Merritt Square Mall Bipolar and Al-anon and Al-ateen Support Groups..... (321) 452-4080 280 E Merritt Avenue (Faith Lutheran Church)

Reference

Hospitals

Cape Canaveral Hospital................................................. (321) 799-7111 701 West Cocoa Beach Causeway • Cocoa Beach, FL Wuesthoff Medical Center.............................................. (321) 636-2211 110 Longwood Avenue • Rockledge, FL

Kid Activities

Parks and Recreation....................................................... (321) 633-1874 www.brevardcounty.us/ParksRecreation/Home Hockey - The Space Coast Iceplex.................................. (321) 504-7500 YMCA............................................................................... (321) 433-7770 Lacrosse - www.merrittislandlax.com............................ (321) 454-4943 Football - Pop Warner..................................................... (321) 591-6282 www.eteamz.com/merrittislandpopwarner Football - County - www.merrittislandmustangs.net... (321) 458-4160 Soccer - Central Brevard Soccer..................................... (321) 394-5083 www.centralbrevardsoccer.org Volleyball - Cape Coast Volleyball................................. (321) 639-3800 www.capecoastvolleyball.com Cheerleading - County.................................................... (321) 458-4159 Cheerleading - Competition Coastal Elite..................... (321) 505-1002 Softball - Merritt Island Lassie League........................... (321) 626-8040 www.milassieleague.com Baseball - North Merritt Island Little League................ (321) 543-6215 www.misllbaseball@yahoo.com Flag Football - Brevard.................................................... (321) 452-3105 www.brevardflagfootball.com Calema Windsurfing and Watersports.......................... (321) 453-3223 www.calema.com Merritt Island Swim School ISR Master Instructor Infant and Up............................. (321) 698-5840 Drum Lessons - Paula Taylor.......................................... (321) 537-6426 Upward Basketball........................................................... (321) 453-2146 US Naval Sea Cadets - The Courageous Division.......... (321) 951-0432 ......................................................................................or (321) 631-0440 Y-Indian Guides.............................................www.canaveralnation.net Girl Scouts of Citrus Council.......................................... (407) 896-4475 Boy Scouts........................................................................ (407) 889-4403 Paintball, Skate, DMX - Brevard Extreme Sports ......... (321) 454-7777 Unlimited Kickboxing..................................................... (321) 368-9307 Marta’s Legacy Dance Studio.......................................... (321) 453-6277 Dussich Dance Studio..................................................... (321) 452-2046 Brevard Shotokan Karate................................................ (321) 323-9480 Ross Karate....................................................................... (321) 698-7957 Space Coast Martial Arts................................................. (321) 452-7229 Shorin-Ryu Karate........................................................... (321) 459-3000 Lauts Music...................................................................... (321) 453-6424 classes in keyboard, home organ, acoustic piano, acoustic and electric guitar, and voice.

Utilities

Florida Power and Light....................(800) 226-3545 or (321) 723-7795 Brighthouse.........................................................(866) 309-EASY (3279) Waste Management......................................................... (321) 636-6894 DirecTV............................................................................ (888) 430-2654 AT&T................................................................................ (888) 757-6500 Florida City Gas Company...............................................(888) 352 5325 City Of Cocoa Water Dept.............................................. (321) 433-8400 Call Before You Dig ............................................................................811

Merritt Island Now • May 2015

Reference

Public Schools

Brevard County Public Schools Main Office.... (321) 633-1000 ext 500 2700 Judge Fran Jamieson Way • Viera, Florida 32940 Ethics Hotline .................................................... (321) 633-1000 ext 170 Audubon Elementary...................................................... (321) 452-2085 1201 North Banana River Drive Tropical Elementary........................................................ (321) 454-1080 885 South Courtenay Parkway Stevenson Elementary School......................................... (321) 454-3550 1450 Martin Blvd Mila Elementary School.................................................. (321) 454-1070 288 W Merritt Avenue Lewis Carroll Elementary School.................................... (321) 452-1234 1 Skyline Blvd Jefferson Middle School.................................................. (321) 453-5154 1275 South Courtenay Parkway Edgewood Junior Senior High School............................ (321) 454-1030 180 East Merritt Avenue Merritt Island High School............................................. (321) 454-1000 100 East Mustang Way Florida Virtual School ................................................... (407) 513-3587 Brevard Virtual ............................................................... (321) 633-3660

Private Schools

Merritt Island Christian School ..................................... (321) 453-2710 140 Magnolia Avenue Divine Mercy Catholic Academy.................................... (321) 452-0263 1940 North Courtenay Parkway Ambassador Christian Academy.................................... (321) 305-6931 175 Cone Road Brevard Private Academy................................................ (321) 459-3466 508 South Plumosa Alpha Learning................................................................ (321) 453-7077 3700 North Courtenay Parkway Suite 102 Puzzle Box Academy....................................................... (321) 345-0861 is a private school serving children (currently ages 2 through 2nd Grade) impacted by Autism and other developmental delays such as ADD/ADHD

Business Organizations

Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce............. (321) 459-2200 Merritt Island Rotary Club............................................. (321) 223-4362 BNI Beeliners................................................................... (321) 690-2328 BNI Profiteers.................................................................. (321) 536-5973

MI Charitable Organizations & Food Banks

My Island Thrift Store........................................(321) 473-3355 (I Love My Island, Inc. non-profit) (Proceeds support the MI Community, Free Donation pick up available)

245 Crockett Blvd Molly Mutt—Thrift Store................................................ (321) 459-1525 (supports Central Brevard Humane Society Adoption Center located at 155 Pioneer Road (321) 636-3343 ext 214) 2525 North Courtenay Parkway SPCA-Thrift Store............................................................ (321) 704-8480 (supports the adoption center(321) 453-5323 at the Merritt Square Mall) A+ Thrift Shop (supports Merritt Island Schools)........ (321) 453-4338 95 South Plumosa Street Pet Priorities Exotic Bird Rescue.................................... (321) 289-1738 House of Hope Ministry.................................................. (321) 453-0318 (Food Bank, Clothing, Bicycles, Showers) Every Monday including Holidays beginning at 630am-1030am 330 Magnolia Avenue 36

Merritt Island Now • May 2015

Grace United Methodist Church Food Pantry.............. (321) 452-2420 Merritt Island Residents only Thursdays 9-noon and 1-3:30pm 65 Needle Boulevard Quarterly Country Store and Children’s Clothes Closet East Coast Christian Center Food Pantry...................... (321) 452-1060 670 North Courtenay Parkway Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10am-1pm Open Thursday Evenings 6pm-8pm

Local Clubs

The Moose Lodge............................................................. (321) 452-8383 3150 North Courtenay Parkway The Elks Lodge................................................................. (321) 452-2650 1520 Sykes Creek Parkway Fraternal Order of Eagles................................................ (321) 452-4258 1050 North Courtenay Parkway ABATE of Florida Brevard County Chapter................. (321) 636-9720 241 Peachtree Street Cocoa

Political Organizations

Brevard Republican Executive Committee.................... (321) 254-0073 Brevard Democratic Executive Committee................... (321) 327-7947

Community of Faith

East Coast Christian Center............................................ (321) 452-1060 680 North Courtenay Parkway First Baptist Church of Merritt Island........................... (321) 453-2144 140 Magnolia Avenue Calvary Chapel Merritt Island........................................ (321) 453-6779 3500 North Courtenay Parkway Grace United Methodist Church.................................... (321) 452-2420 65 Needle Boulevard Georgiana United Methodist Church............................ (321) 452-7523 3925 South Tropical Trail Lighthouse Christian Church......................................... (321) 452-1012 1250 North Banana River Drive Island Community Church............................................. (321) 453-4656 1000 North Banana River Drive Mi Church........................................................................ (321) 747-0658 170 North Courtenay Parkway North Courtenay Church of Christ................................ (321) 452-8822 2455 North Courtenay Parkway Divine Mercy Catholic Church....................................... (321) 452-5955 1940 North Courtenay Parkway River of Life Assembly of God........................................ (321) 452-6990 1890 North Courtenay Parkway St Luke Episcopal Church............................................... (321) 452-5260 5555 North Tropical Trail North Merritt Island United Methodist Church........... (321) 452-7180 6355 North Courtenay Parkway Merritt Island Presbyterian Church............................... (321) 453-1640 600 South Tropical Trail Grace Lutheran Church................................................... (321) 986-9689 5455 North Courtenay Parkway Unity of Merritt Island.................................................... (321) 452-2625 4725 North Courtenay Parkway Orsino Baptist Church.................................................... (321) 452-0373 4505 North Courtenay Pkwy Faith Lutheran Church.................................................... (321) 452-4080 280 E. Merritt Avenue Redeemer Lutheran Church (WELS)............................. (321) 453-1000 560 South Tropical Trail

*Please e-mail lou@merrittislandnow.com if any information needs to be updated or to add a resource. Information believed to be accurate but not warranted.

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Themed Party: The Shiloh Ball

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Shiloh Adventure Inc, is a 501 (C)(3) non-pro�it, non-denominational organization that runs an overnight summer camp in Volusia County, FL. Shiloh has held successful summer camps each year since 2004. We are a Christian camping ministry, not exclusively af�iliated with any one church. Our goal is to change the lives of campers through memorable adventures, personal attention, and above all, a contagious enthusiasm for Jesus.

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Katie Adkins

Jack Lyerly

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Diane Peterson

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Your Brevard Real Estate Resource Since 1971!

Tim Causby

Brenda Drabyk

Caroline Rowe

• Waterfront Specialists

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(321) 453-2151

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