Merritt Island Now Aug/Sept 2015 by Merritt Island Now

Merritt Island Now YOUR #1 COMMUNITY SOURCE FOR EVERYTHING MERRITT ISLAND

VOL. 1 • ISSUE 5 • AUG/SEPT • 2015

MIHS CELEBRATES

50 YEARS Mustang C horale

1966

Island Singers

NOW

y Varsit ders heerlea

Home of

www.MerrittIslandNow.com

HISTORIC

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— Contents — Aug / Sept 2015 Volume 1 • Issue 5 10

Three Generations - MIHS

Islander of the Month

Best of Merritt Island 2015

Michael Ferger

Edgewood Computer Labs

MICS - Karis James

Eyes a Window

Senior Daycare

School Transition

Preventing Head Lice

Where the Tradition Began MIHS 1966

Pet Dental Care

Pet Disaster Plan

Aug / Sept Fishing Report

USN Sea Cadets

A Toast to all Things

13 Contributing Writers

32 MIRA 33

MI Real Estate Report

Retirement Healthcare Costs

Grandparent Visitation Bill

ON THE COVER Merritt Island Now YOUR #1 COMMUNITY SOURCE FOR EVERYTHING MERRITT ISLAND

VOL. 1 • ISSUE 5 • AUG/SEPT • 2015

MIHS CELEBRATES

50 YEARS

Island Singers

NOW Varsity leaders

Cheer

Home of

Merritt Island High School www.MerrittIslandNow.com photos from the 1966 and 2015 yearbooks.

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In Every Issue

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

Jessica Beal.................. 21

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

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

Diana Fasanella.......... 22

Celebrations............................. 6-7

Diana Fasanella........... 12

Dr. Elizabeth Chosa.... 24

Calendar of Events.....................8

Santina DeMartini........ 14

Tina Cartagena............ 25

Dr. Kenneth Wynn......... 15

Capt. Alex Gorichky... 26

Ingrid Hall....................... 16

Staff Reports....... 27 & 30

Sushma Vance, M.D.... 18

Cheryl J. Hurren.......... 32

Stephanie Licavoli........ 19

Cheryl D’Cruz............... 33

Heather Rehberg......... 20

Philip Fougerousse..... 36

Islander of the Month............... 12 Feature Article.......................... 22 Dining Guide........................28-29 Recent Home Sales....... 38 & 40 Reference Directory.......... 43-44

Publisher: ILMIdeals, Inc. Magazine President: Lou Colombo Editor: Diana Fasanella Merritt Island Now magazine is being published editor@merrittislandnow.com 10 issues per year and direct mailed free to Art Director: Charlie Amrich approximately 16,000 Merritt Island homes. charlieamrich@gmail.com All rights reserved © Copyright 2015 Staff Photographer: Paul Cooper www.MerrittIslandNow.com Advertising Sales: Lou Colombo lou@merrittislandnow.com • 321.453.4121 Bob New - robertnew@bellsouth.net • 321.615.4700 Community Relations: Julie Colombo

Merritt Island Now

Mustang C horale

1966

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Letter from the Publisher

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

i Fellow Islanders,

When we decided to publish Merritt Island Now, we set some guidelines. One was to remain neutral on issues, be informative, state the facts and let our readers come to their own conclusions. There is an issue that causes me to make an exception to the rule, and I am compelled as a Merritt Island resident to make the following statements.

We have been closely following the proposed freight train project from Port Canaveral through Merritt Island for several months. Our editor, Diana Fasanella and I have attended several meeting held by both the Canaveral Port Authority officials as well as concerned citizen groups, and one fact has become perfectly clear. There is NO benefit of this freight train to the residents of Merritt Island. This has been stated directly from Port officials who constantly preach the sacrifice is for the greater good of the Port and rest of the state in the form of jobs and revenue. The only debate between the two sides is the degree of impact to the Banana River and Merritt Island in the process. For this reason I have asked our editor, who is a native islander, to write her opinion based on the facts as she see them. What you do with this information can make a huge difference in our Island lifestyle for generations to come. Your opinion matters, and either way, please let you voice be heard. If you feel as we do and want to take action, here is a website with a petition to stop this proposed freight train. http://stopportcanaveralrailextension.com/ Sincerely,

Lou Colombo

Freight Train Proposal Signals Concerns for Islanders Living on Merritt Island is like living in paradise … and paradise doesn’t need a cargo freight train. As a native Islander, I’m crying NIMBY over the Canaveral Port Authority’s proposed rail extension project, even though my home on South Merritt Island is not close to any of the three possible paths up for federal approval. True Islanders feel a sense of injury with this kind of industrial development that will invade our “little piece of quiet”, as my sister called it many years ago. Now, I fail to see how Merritt Island benefits from this train that will slice its way through our tranquil community, skirting many residential homes within half a mile and threatening – not only the flora and wildlife habitats of the Indian River Lagoon – but the quality of life of those who enjoy and make a living off its waters. And every year, those waters bring in (depending on whose “facts” you choose to embrace) some $630 million to $1.3 billion, with a B. I’ve weighed the rhetoric that has surfaced from both sides of the tracks and, just to be clear, I have no beef with the CPA. In fact, I think Authority commissioners have done an outstanding job of improving the Port so it can better serve the cruise industry. But it’s one thing to look at cruise ships. It’s another to see the pristine view of the lagoon mucked up with train trestles and barges storing cargo containers – some 700,000 to 1 million a year

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www.MerrittIslandNow.com • AUG / SEPT 2015

if operative bigwigs have their way – before they’re moved onto the train. I also have read Port documents that outline how the rail extension will create more jobs and less semi-truck traffic, and that no harm will come to our environment. Its “myths vs. facts” paints a rosy picture with persuasive solutions (most likely conceived of by a team of creative hired guns from a big city advertising agency) for all this project’s ills. I have heard savvy professionals speak about how economically beneficial it will be for the county, state, Southeast region, and the entire country, if a cargo rail system were in place to efficiently and expeditiously disseminate goods coming in to the Port. Yes, if this project is approved, money will be made, a lot of money … none of which will benefit Merritt Island. There are no proposed tax breaks; there is nothing, nada, except maybe a few residents might get jobs as longshoremen helping to move containers filled with what? Newsprint, scrap metal and sand, as touted by the Port? Surely, we can’t rule out liquefied natural gas and highly volatile fuels since Gulftainer, the company under contract to run this venture, is based in United Arab Emirates, a vital transit point for crude oil and currently the sixth-largest petroleum producer in the world. It takes only one train derailment with that kind of cargo, and, well, what’s a little crude oil mixed in with your seafood? To add insult to injury, it appears the Port quickly snatched up Gulftainer’s offer, even after other East Coast U.S. ports turned them down and shipped their business back out to sea. This Middle Eastern company operates freight companies in countries such as Pakistan and Turkey. Not quite our bosom buddies. Still, an Arab company with ties to Saudi Arabia, from which 15 of the 9/11 hijackers hailed, has gained a foothold on American soil and already is shipping goods into the Port and across the country with semi-trucks. Obviously, we can’t change what’s already in place between the Port and Gulftainer. But we can raise a stink over this propose rail extension. Merritt Island is getting the short end of the stick, and we’re nothing more than a doormat for this project and for those whose only concern is widespread financial and political gain. It’s the residents of Merritt Island who are going to suffer by having to deal with the offensive ecological footprint that stands to be left behind. We’re not big business trying to step on anything and everything on the way to so-called better horizons. We’re only the little guys who want to continue life as we know it … in paradise … without a cargo freight train.

Diana Fasanella - EDITOR

All content provided by contributing writers to Merritt Island Now is for informational use only. Merritt Island Now makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information submitted. Merritt Island Now will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. Merritt Island Now will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of any published information by contributing writers. 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.).

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Celebrations

Courtenay Springs Village - August & September Birthdays

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Joey DeMartini August 1st

Lauren Scannell August 4th

Janet Colombo August 6th

Jenna Goral August 12th

Tracy August 14th

Patti Rutenberg August 14th

Dad & Blake August 15th

John August 16th

Broly Cross August 17th

Staci Phelp August 18th

Sydney Hampton August 22nd

Emily Colombo August 23rd

Joshua Hampton August 26th

Richie Kabran August 28th

www.MerrittIslandNow.com â&#x20AC;˘ AUG / SEPT 2015

Lalania Corce August 29th

Preston Creighton September 11th

Teagan Benoit September 10th

Bo Brannock September 10th

Julia Jansen September 19th

Alexis Huneycutt September 11th

Kaitlyn September 12th

Julie Colombo September 24th

Vicki Morton September 18th

Happy Anniversary

T.J. Creighton September 25th

Brian & Lelania Corces August 17th

Our 51st August 22nd

Ray & Kelly Parker August 24th

Janet & Lou Colombo August 30th

Emmett & Jennifer September 2nd

Tami & Bo Brannock September 21st

Michael & Kim Marotta September 21st

Alfredo & Linda Giulio September 30th

AUG / SEPT 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ www.MerrittIslandNow.com

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August & September —CALENDAR OF EVENTS—

August 1st-15th: Back to School Supply Drive at Island Motor Sales. Drop off any new school supply at Island Motor Sales. All donations go to Merritt Island Schools for kids in need. 2600 N Courtenay Pkwy. August 1st: Sunset and Bioluminescence Tour with Space Coast River Tours departing from Kelly Park East. (Recurring nightly through summer) Each summer the waters of the Banana River Lagoon come alive with the arrival of bioluminescent plankton, which glow in the dark. For more info call (321) 652-1052 August 4th: Merritt Island High School Registration (8am-4pm) • • • •

Freshman 2-4pm Sophomores 12-2pm Juniors 10-12pm Seniors 8-10am

August 6th: Jefferson Middle School Registration • 7th graders 5-7pm • 8th graders 11-2pm August 6th and 7th: Edgewood Jr/Sr High School Registration • • • •

7th Grade (noon-4pm on the 7th) 8th Grade (8am-noon on the 7th) Freshman and Sophomores (noon-4pm on the 6th) Juniors and Seniors (8am-noon on the 6th)

August 8th: MIHS Mustang Roundup for incoming freshman and new students (9-noon) For more info visit www.edline.net/pages/Merritt_Island/ August 12th: First Day of Brevard Public School August 15th: A Toast to All Things Grand Opening Enjoy great food, yummy desserts, and oh so sweet cocktails prepared using our own imported Olive Oils, Balsamic Vinegars, spreads and barbeque sauces. See our ad on page 30. August 15th: Partners and Patriots-Stars and Strikes Bowling (2-4pm) at Shore Lanes. Cool Competition on a Hot Day to benefit the Military Affairs Council of the Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce. For more info visit www.cocoabeachchamber.com August 20th: 8th Annual Reverse Trade Show at Port Canaveral (1-4pm) at Cruise Terminal 1. Introduce your business, face-to-face, at no cost to local procurement professionals from Brevard County agencies and Port Canaveral. For more info visit www.portcanaveral.com/ buisness-with-us/reverse-trade-show

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www.MerrittIslandNow.com • AUG / SEPT 2015

August 21st: Movie in the Park & Food Trucks (5-10pm) at Cocoa Riverfront Park. Live entertainment begins at 5pm, movie (Monsters University) begins at 8pm. Free Event. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs. For more info call (321) 6393500 August 22nd: 10th Annual Running on Island Time 5K Race/Walk (7:30) at Divine Mercy Academy. For more info visit www.dmccs.org/5k August 28th: 80’s In The Park (5-10:30pm) at Melbourne Auditorium. Headlining this year will be mega-chart topping rock and new wave bands along with amazing tribute acts and local cover bands to provide a full 80s radio experience. For more info visit www.80sinthepark.com August 28th-August 29th: MIHS 50th Golden Anniversary Celebration. See event schedule on page 23. September 4th-7th: NKF Rich Salick Pro Am Surf Festival (recurring daily 9-4pm) at Cocoa Beach Pier. Activities abound for surfing enthusiasts and Chiquita Bikini Contest. Free Event. For more info visit www.nkfsurf.com September 6th: Brevard Caribbean Festival (3-9pm) at Cocoa Village Riverfront Park. Enjoy Caribbean music, food and performers. For more info call (321) 639-3500 September 7th: Labor Day: Happy Holiday! September 11th: 13th Annual Tracey Bagwell Caribbean Island Party (7pm) Cruise Terminal 10. This event is created in loving memory of Tracey Bagwell and helps young women who are aging out of foster care or who are homeless. For more info visit www.chscaribbeanislandparty.com September 12th: Drug Take Back Event at Hobbs Pharmacy (9-1pm) Hobbs Pharmacy working with BCSO will be collecting and properly disposing of any unused or outdated prescriptions on this day during this event. Please bring your unused or outdated prescriptions. September 17th-20th: 2015 Space Coast Music Festival at Downtown Cocoa Beach. Get ready for some rock and roll, rhythm and blues, soul, dub, reggae and funk in multiple locations beachside. Benefit to buy instruments for elementary school music programs. For more info visit www.facebook.com/SpaceCoastMusicFestival September 18th: Movie in the Park & Food Trucks (510pm) at Cocoa Riverfront Park. Live entertainment begins at 5pm, movie (Dolphin Tales 2) begins at 8pm. Free Event. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs. For more info call (321) 639-3500 September 25th: 4th Annual Gala to benefit Brevard’s Homeless Children (6-10pm) at Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront sponsored by Space Coast Association of Realtors. For more info visit www.Brevardschildreninneed.org

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Community

THREE GENERATIONS: Once a Mustang, Always a Mustang

BY DIANA FASANELLA

ne liked journalism; one was partial to foreign languages, and one loved food science.

While their favorite classes at Merritt Island High School differ as much as world events during the respective years of their graduations, Linda Sorrell Roberts, Kellie La Belle, and Caroline Gillette have much in common. They are family.

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

Roberts (Class of 1966); her daughter, La Belle (Class of 1986); and her granddaughter, Gillette (Class of 2015) all share a love for their alma mater and wholeheartedly agree that “Once a Mustang, Always a Mustang.”

Photo: Diana Fasanella

“I never would have thought it would happen,” said Roberts about her children and granddaughter having graduated from the same high school that was brand new when she attended. Roberts’ son also graduated from MIHS as did Gillette’s father. It’s quite wonderful,” Roberts said. La Belle, who owns and operates La Belle’s Affordable Cleaning Services, said she believes the reason for her family’s longevity on the Island is because of their “strong ties to the community.” “Merritt Island is a special and unique place. People stay here,” she said. “It seems like even the ones who move away always come back. I can’t imagine living anywhere else.” Roberts, who now coordinates estate sales, said a lot has changed at MIHS since she was a student there. “Several years ago, we were given a guided tour (of the school) at one of our reunions,” she said. “There were so many additions to the basic four pods (of classrooms); they built a pool; and they no longer require the kids to dress out in those yellow gym suits!” When the school was first opened in 1965, there was no football stadium, according to Roberts, who added, “there was nothing but orange and grapefruit groves” where the H.D. “Hank” Smith Sports Complex now stands. Roberts’ daughter also said she saw many changes at MIHS since her graduation.

based internship at Cape Canaveral Hospital. Gillette said she hopes to be accepted into the program, which helps transition seniors with Special Diplomas into healthcare industry careers. Not only did Gillette graduate from the same school as her mother and grandmother, but she also has the special distinction of being born on Merritt Island at a birthing center that once was housed near the Wells Fargo bank on Sykes Creek Parkway in the 1990s, La Belle said.

“Merritt Island is a special and unique place. People stay here.” – Kellie La Belle

“The sports complex has grown a lot (to include soccer, baseball and lacrosse fields),” La Belle said. But the most surprising change was that “they got rid of Driver’s Ed classes! It’s now a virtual online course.” Gillette, the family’s most recent MIHS graduate and recipient of Nell Jones Award (one of only five given out to seniors), said she’s glad the school is the way it is now. “The classes are nice, the hours are OK, and the teachers are good,” she said, adding that she has applied for the Project SEARCH program, sponsored by Health First that offers a worksite-

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(From L to R) Kellie La Belle, Linda Sorrell Roberts, and Caroline Gillette. Yearbook photos and today

www.MerrittIslandNow.com • AUG / SEPT 2015

“We have a very strong family unit and ties here,” she said. “We all live on Merritt Island.” While Gillette said that traditions, such as Spirit Week, still promote school pride, Roberts said it took a while for some students of the Class of ’66 to develop Mustang Pride.

“We had a lousy football team, but we did our best to get into the spirit of it,” she said about most of the seniors who then had been pulled from Cocoa High School to attend MIHS. “Some had more spirit than others.” Her daughter agrees. “Some kids had the opportunity and the time to be fully involved (with extra-curricular activities), and some had to work and didn’t have that opportunity,” La Belle said about embracing school spirit. “But generally, overall, Merritt Island has always had a good, strong, solid sense of team.” “We’re proud to have been a part of our high school. Everybody (in my family) is proud of that.”

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Community Community

Islander of the Month God’s Work Keeps Merritt Island Man Focused on Serving Others BY DIANA FASANELLA

eon McDaniel knew it was a decision not to be taken lightly.

It took four years of soul searching before McDaniel, a Good Shepherd Ministries board member and Chairman of Deacons at First Baptist Church Merritt Island, decided that helping the people of Haiti was the right thing to do. After 35 years of traveling to the impoverished country once a year, he now says his faith, and a lot of hard work there, has made his life worthwhile. “It’s been an incredible experience,” McDaniel said about helping the Haitian people, who are “very welcoming and loving,” set up schools where 1,650 children attend in the Good Shepherd Ministries compound. “I wasn’t sure about going, but after praying about it for four years, God let me know this was the right thing for me. It’s about giving these people the opportunity to advance by teaching them to read and write.” McDaniel, who has lived on Merritt Island since 1956, said worshiping at the First Baptist Church always has been a constant in his life and has shaped the man he is today. As a realtor for Daignault Realty, Inc., he added that his job has provided the financial support for him to take on mission work, not only on Merritt Island as a volunteer for the House of Hope food program, but across the United States and overseas. “There’s no word in the Bible that says we should retire,” McDaniel said about working 70 to 80 hours a week doing what he loves. “I guess I’ll keep going until I drop. I get great satisfaction from working for others.” McDaniel said he has built trestles and bathrooms, and cemented walls in Haiti before he became Santa Claus for the children there. Now, he organizes collections of bags for Haiti

Island of the er Month Leo n McDan

iel

that contain personal hygiene items, school supplies, toys for children (no action figures or toys that need batteries), and nonperishable foods, such as rice and beans for their Christmas meal. “Every part of the bag has something usable for them,” he said about the Haitians who are very humble and appreciative of everything they get. “Even the boxes and bags can be reused to store items such as clothing.” McDaniel said he will be collecting for the Christmas giveaway starting the second week of August. Anyone wishing to donate can drop off items or checks at Daignault Realty, 215 N. Courtenay Parkway, or the church, 140 Magnolia Ave. In December, he and a crew of six to 10 people will hand-deliver the packages to the people at the Good Shepherd compound in the village of Savanne Carree. “I guess you could say I’m a professional beggar,” he said about soliciting donations for his latest mission – a hospital in Haiti – with the First Baptist Church of Indialantic. “I’m not ashamed to ask for money to do God’s work.” McDaniel, who has been awarded legal custody of four teenage boys during his lifetime, knows the trials and tribulations of helping those many deem as throwaways. As the Director of Transitional Housing for the House of Hope, he also oversees the operation that houses and helps many people become a functioning member of society again. “It’s wonderful and very rewarding. I’m so thankful to be a part of it,” he said adding, “I am not perfect, nobody is. But, it’s such a blessing to be able to help change lives. It’s all about doing God’s work, and not about me. “Light dispels darkness and being a part of making a change here, or in Haiti, is exciting and thrilling.”

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www.MerrittIslandNow.com • AUG / SEPT 2015

Best of Merritt Island 2015 Here are the winners of our www.MerrittIslandNow.com online survey for the Best of Merritt Island 2015. Thank you to all who voted. BEST HAIR SALON Serendipity Hair Salon 950 N Courtenay Pkwy (321) 459-0904 Honorable Mention – 2 Girls and a Curl

BEST FLORIST Awesome Blossoms 158 E Merritt Island Cswy (321) 452-1500j Honorable Mention – Carousel Florist

Serendipity Hair Salon

BEST PIZZA Bizzarro Pizza 325 E Merritt Island Cswy (321) 453-2610 Honorable Mention – Kelsey’s Pizza BEST FRESH FISH SANDWICH The Island Waterfront Bar & Grill 1891 E Merritt Island Cswy (321) 806-3661 Honorable Mention – Nautical Spirits, Bar & Grill BEST AIR CONDITIONING COMPANY Merritt Island Air & Heat 625 Cypress Dr (321) 452-5665 Honorable Mention – Paradise Air & Heat BEST PLUMBER Roper Plumbing 2849 N Banana River Dr (321) 504-7867 Honorable Mention – Marotta’s Plumbing BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT El Tucan 225 N Sykes Creek Pkwy (321) 453-7501 Honorable Mention – Tijuana Flats BEST DENTIST Merritt Island Smiles, Dr. Anthony Sidor, 225 S Plumosa St (321) 453-1890 Honorable Mention – Dr. Nicole Stevens

Merritt Island Smiles

BEST ORTHODONTIST Dr. Jeffrey Barlow 105 N Grove St (321) 459-1313 Honorable Mention – Dr. Ryan Caudill BEST SUSHI Pacific Rim 300 N Courtenay Pkwy (321) 305-490 Honorable Mention – Wabi Sabi

BEST DOG GROOMER Classy Cuts All Pet Grooming 355 E Merritt Ave (321) 453-1231 Honorable Mention – Paws & Claws on the Grove BEST VETERINARY HOSPITAL Island Animal Hospital 230 Fortenberry Rd (321) 453-2430 Honorable Mention – Courtenay Animal Hospital BEST SUB SHOP Firehouse Subs 125 Merritt Island Cswy, (321) 449-8818 Honorable Mention – Publix N. Courtenay

Firehouse Subs

BEST ICE CREAM PARLOR Dairy Queen 265 N Courtenay Pkwy (321) 452-1610 Honorable Mention – Toppers Creamery BEST HAPPY HOUR Island Breakers 950 N Courtenay Pkwy (321) 459-9100 Honorable Mention – El Tucan BEST NIGHTLIFE Island Breakers 950 N Courtenay Pkwy (321) 459-9100 Honorable Mention – King Duck Inn BEST BREAKFAST SPOT Island Gecko Grill 773 N Courtenay Pkwy (321) 301-4479 Honorable Mention – Cozy Corner

BEST PEST CONTROL Dead Bug Dave Merritt Island (321) 368-3999 Honorable Mention – Black’s Spray Service BEST HEALTH CUB Pro-Health & Fitness 255 Borman Drive (321) 434-5801 Honorable Mention – Sunbay Fitness BEST SIGN SHOP Firehouse Graphics 285 N Courtenay Pkwy (321) 454-9600 Honorable Mention – Graphic Details AUG / SEPT 2015 • www.MerrittIslandNow.com

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School & Sports

MICHAEL FERGER: Teaching Career Spans 50 years at MIHS

BY SANTINA DEMARTINI

I Santina DeMartini is a junior at MIHS. She is a collegiate student attending EFSC, majoring in journalism and foreign language.

n August 1965, Michael Ferger was offered a job as a teacher at the then-new Merritt Island High School. He was 21 years old, fresh out of college and ready to take on a new adventure. Fifty years later, Ferger, who is retired and living on the Island, returns frequently to MIHS to work as a substitute teacher.

“I worked while I was in college, and I worked Michael Ferger, 1968 Michael Ferger,2015 while I was in high school,” said Ferger, who was newly Although there wasn’t a lot of diversity when it came to married at the time. “But this was my first school sports, the students of the Class of ‘66 did get to vote and only career job.” on what to call the yearbook, he said. Reminiscing with a smile about his years of loyalty toward “When we were deciding what to the school, Ferger said, “I’m happier in a classroom than just call the first yearbook, the choices about anyplace else. Merritt Island High School was my first were The Islander or “Hoof Prints,” home, really. All of my children graduated from here.” Ferger said. “The students voted for For 38 years, Ferger said he taught all levels of Spanish and journalism, and was the head of the yearbook committee. He added that over the years he has seen many changes, including classes that became obsolete. “Everybody was required to take typing on manual typewriters,” Ferger recalls with a laugh. “Technology would have to be the single biggest change I’ve seen in the 50 years I’ve worked here.” Typing, shorthand, and filing were just some of the original classes taught, he said. With such a drastic improvement in technology, classes like Americanism vs. Communism and business are now obsolete.

“Technology would have to be the single biggest change I’ve seen in the 50 years I’ve worked here.” – Michael Ferger

“Today’s students have many more curriculum choices than yesterday’s students,” he said.

Today, the high school also has many new sports and extracurricular activities that weren’t offered originally. “In the beginning, there were no girls’ sports teams at all,” Ferger said. “We also didn’t have soccer, lacrosse, volleyball or softball. The only mixed team we had was a swim team.”

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www.MerrittIslandNow.com • AUG / SEPT 2015

The Islander.” The best thing Ferger said he likes about Merritt Island High School is “the relationship between the high school and the community in which we live. “There are Mustang fans living everywhere, and they seem to be growing in number,” he said. “We have children of former graduates, we now have grandchildren of former graduates. I would say the Mustang pride and the community, concerned with the school and its wellbeing, would be some of the greatest things to evolve over time.” The amount of support that Merritt Island High enjoys within the Merritt Island community is evident, he said. “People who have to leave for job reasons, often can’t wait to come back. “I think the former students of Merritt Island high don’t realize how fortunate they were to go to school here, and graduate from here, until later in life when they look back, and as they look back, they realize what a great school they came from.” Ferger said. “Sometimes seniors say ‘I can’t wait to get out.’ And those very same seniors later say, ‘I can’t wait to come back.’”

School & Sports

Edgewood Adds Computer Labs; Qualifies as Power Library School

Dr. Kenneth Winn is principal of Edgewood Jr/Sr High School on Merritt Island.

BY DR. KENNETH WINN

he spring term at Edgewood Jr./Sr. High School of Choice proved to be a real challenge trying to meet district and state assessment requirements.

worked with the teachers and support staff to run a series of assessments throughout the last seven school weeks of the school year. As the year ended, Edgewood was able to assess 100 percent of its student population without a glitch.

Beyond the controversy of high stakes testing required in most courses, students had to endure the challenges of other assessments to earn scholarship money, college credit, and academic recognition. One significant challenge that needed to be addressed was the scheduling of students to take various assessments and to provide them the opportunities to take the assessments electronically.

Edgewood became a “Power Library School” this spring after being audited by a state committee. Media Specialist Eryn Worcester was instrumental in earning the recognition, and now the school’s library is formally recognized as a quality research center for students.

With the support of various funding sources and the expert advice from the school’s technology coordinator, Edgewood put a plan into action to create additional computer lab space early in the school year. The school pieced together an additional computer lab in the school’s media center and added another computer lab in a vacant classroom prior to the spring testing time period. The creation of these two new labs enabled the school to assess students in six separate, 30-station computer labs. Three of the labs were located in the school’s media center. Edgewood’s guidance service professional, Jenny Gonzalez,

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With the designation, students will be able to take full advantage of the library next year as they get the chance to embark in a new program offered at the school. For the first time, Edgewood will offer students an opportunity to earn an AP Capstone Diploma along with the school’s traditional Diploma of Distinction. The AP Capstone diploma is earned by taking various advanced placement courses with a research focus. The faculty and students of Edgewood continue to share a common goal of high academic achievement, and they work hard to create an environment where all students have the opportunity to succeed.

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School & Sports

MICS Teacher Named Educational Technology Integration Specialist BY INGRID HALL

I Ingrid Hall is the assistant to the superintendent at Merritt Island Christian School and is presently in her 19th year at MICS.

n As the advancement in the use of the technology in schools is ever-changing, Merritt Island Christian School is constantly seeking ways to keep up with the pace of these changes.

In addition to teaching elementary and high school video production classes, James spends her days working closely with teachers helping them master the use of their devices, and apps. She is diligent and purposeful in what she presents to the teachers.

To ensure the technology needs for teachers and students are being met, MICS has named Karis James as the Educational Technology Integration Specialist.

“I spend hours researching technical support tools and trainings for professional development for the needs of each teacher,” James said. “I test every app, technical tool, and tech teaching before demonstrating to the teachers. Presently, I am putting together a technology team to work as liaisons from preschool to 12th grade to serve as support teams members to help the teacher’s technology needs.”

James has been part of the MICS staff for three years, where she started out as an elementary science teacher. It was her role as a 6th-grade science teacher that led her into the direction of the use of technology in the classroom.

After a successful BYOD pilot program and enthusiasm by the students and teachers, time was spent in continued training at the Apple Store in Orlando to further the faculty’s expertise in app technology.

James noticed her students were struggling to grasp a few concepts about space, so she discussed the issue with her husband, who works for NASA. Karis James, Educational “My dream is for MICS to be the first He suggested using Apple TV to help instruct her Technology Integration Specialist Apple Distinguished school in our area,” students. This opened unending possibilities for James said. “I truly feel we are on a path her classroom instruction, and she began to take a serious to change the way learning happens in Brevard, and to make look into school-wide enhancement of technology that went it an educational connection for each student no matter what beyond the traditional computer lab. “Instantly I had a thought for the students to look into space his/her learning style! I am so excited about the future.” and see the satellites their NASA family members were building,” James said. “I thought it might spark the interest I was looking for to make a personal connection for my students.” MICS offers media technology classes to elementary and high school students complete with a television studio equipped with iMac computers, camera equipment, and green screen, all taught by James. Now, every teacher has classroom capabilities to take technology to the next level.

James also was selected by her peers as the 2015-16 Elementary Teacher of the Year, along with the Preschool Teacher of the Year, Brandi Majors, and Secondary Teacher of the Year, Lisa Lawrence.

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While the work with students was evolving, James spent the past school year collaborating with MICS Superintendent Dr. Nanci Dettra and all three department principals, to develop a “Bring Your Own Device” pilot program where students use their phone, tablet, or laptop to interact with teacher lesson plans using technology. Every MICS teacher was given an iPad to use in their classrooms, flat screen TVs were installed, along with Apple TV. Teachers have been, and continue to receive on and off campus training in the use of all of these classroom additions.

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Health & Wellness

Eyes a Window to Underlying Diseases BY SUSHMA VANCE, M.D.

e are all familiar with the phrase “the eyes are the windows to the soul.”

Although not as poetic, it is probably more accurate to say our eyes are the windows to our health. There are several conditions that can cause changes to our eyes and in many cases, the eye is the first to be affected.

Sushma Vance, M.D. is a board certified retina specialist with Central Florida Retina in Rockledge and has more than 10 years of experience. She is excited to be back home on Merritt Island with her family and to serve the Brevard County community.

For example, an abnormal bulging of both eyes can indicate thyroid disease. Yellow patches on the upper or lower eyelids can be a result of having high cholesterol. A yellowish discoloration to the whites of the eye can indicate a liver, gallbladder, or bile duct problem. A sudden crossing of the eyes with double vision may indicate several things from thyroid disease to a number of neurological conditions.

Sometimes the eye can develop different degrees of blurry vision, redness, and/ or pain. This can be due to an underlying inflammatory or infectious condition in the body. Examples of this are sarcoidosis, toxoplasmosis, lupus or other automimmune diseases. The above are just a few examples of clues the outer part of the eye can give us into our health. However there are some parts of the eye that cannot be seen directly.

The retina and its blood vessels are in the innermost part of the eye, and they require your doctor to dilate the pupil to properly examine them. The eye is unique as it is the only part of the body whose blood vessels can be seen directly by your doctor in the office. The retina and its blood vessels can provide a wealth of information into our health as well. Diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and certain blood disorders are just a few of the many diseases that can cause damage or changes to the retina and its blood vessels. Although very rare, a dilated eye examine also can reveal a tumor or cancer in the eye. The next time you get your eyes checked consider asking your doctor to do a dilated eye exam as there may be more to your routine exam than meets the eye.

Raised yellowish bumps (arrows) on the upper and lower eyelids may be associated with high cholesterol and an increased risk of heart disease.

Retinal findings in a patient with uncontrolled high blood pressure show damaged blood vessels and swelling in the retina.

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Health & Wellness

Senior Daycare Gives Caregivers Respite BY STEPHANIE LICAVOLI

enior daycare is considered the most affordable and most underutilized resource in communities. The sooner a senior loved one starts daycare, the better off both the caregiver and the attendee will be.

Stephanie Licavoli of All One Family Senior Day Program has more than 20 years experience in geriatrics.

Studies show when senior daycare is utilized, the loved one has less hospitalizations, less illness, and holds onto physical abilities longer. These wonderful side effects of senior daycare make caregiving easier for longer.

Separation anxiety can develop if caregivers wait too long to start daycare for their senior loved one. He or she may become filled with anxiety at the mere thought of being anywhere the caregiver is not, and most must be able to visually see the caregiver. There have been incidents when the caregiver can’t leave the house without the loved one going along. In such cases, the caregiver might have waited too long to get the benefits of senior daycare.

day chores and errands that come with life. And, they are not an activities director. Caregiving is a stressful task at best, but while the caregivers want to know how their loved ones are doing, they never ask themselves how they themselves are doing. Their loved one may be doing great, meanwhile, the caregiver hasn’t taken care of their own personal needs or health issues. Caregivers are considered the hidden patient by many physicians because of their higher rate of sleep problems, heart conditions, high blood pressure, depression, and the list goes on. The truth about senior daycare is that it’s great for the caregiver as well.

In senior daycare, they get to spend time with peers, and they get the physical, mental, and social activities they need. Let’s face it, caregivers have enough to do just taking care of the day-to-

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Health & Wellness

BY HEATHER REHBERG, LMHC

y the time we become adults, we forget how challenging some things can be to children. Most of us are quite resistant to change and your kids are probably no different.

Heather Rehberg is a licensed mental health counselor with Alliant Counseling Services on Merritt Island.

Things that are uncertain are usually scary. If you have a child transitioning to a new school, new team, or new neighborhood this year, here are a few things that can help ease the process.

1. THINK AHEAD Ask your child questions about what they hope for, need, and expect in their new environment. These kinds of questions help them process through their fears about the change. • What do you think you might like about this new school? • What do you want your teacher to be like? • Who do you want to be in class with you this year? • What do you think you might need before you start?

2. THINK PRESENTLY As the time approaches, reassure your child of their strengths while empathizing with their emotions. Remind them that it is OK to be fearful or worried, and that everyone feels this way

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sometimes. Check in with them regularly about the things they’ve shared about their thoughts and feelings. Ask your child how you can help or what you can do for them. 3. THINK BACK After the transition date occurs, follow up with them again to see how everything worked out. Touching base about the things of which they were once afraid, and reminding them how they got through it solidifies a positive experience and promotes self-confidence. Don’t get stuck in the “how was your day” rut. All your child will say is “fine.” Here are some good follow-up questions. • What did they serve for lunch today? • Who was in your class? • What was the best/funniest part of your day? • What was the worst/scariest part of your day? After the transition, continue to reinforce your child’s success stories. A child who can use his positive strengths and coping skills in a variety of situations will begin to feel less anxious about future changes and transitions.

Photo: Diana Fasanella

New School? Help Your Child to Transition

Photo by Gilles San Martin

Health & Wellness

Detecting and Treating Head Lice Early Helps Prevent Spreading JESSICA BEAL, PHARMD

ost families will have a child that will experience a head lice infestation at one time or another. Even though the insects do not endanger health or spread disease, head lice often provoke extreme anxiety and disgust among parents, and the time and money spent detecting and eradicating it costs consumers and schools an estimated $1 billion a year. All head lice infestations cannot be Jessica Beal is a prevented because young children have pharmacist at Hobbs head-to-head contact with each other Pharmacy located at 133 North Banana frequently. Regular surveillance by River Drive, Merritt parents is one way to detect and treat Island. early infestations, thereby preventing the spread to others. Head lice can be found on hats, scarves, brushes, combs, hair accessories, linens, towels, and stuffed animals. Since exposure could result in infestation, it is recommended that items used by the infested person two days prior to treatment be machine washed with hot water and hot air dried. Lice and eggs are killed after 5 minutes of exposure to temperatures greater than 128.3 degrees Fahrenheit. Items that cannot be laundered can be drycleaned or sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks. All floors and furniture should be vacuumed to remove hairs from an infested individual. The Internet is chocked-full with over-the-counter remedies for head lice. • Mayonnaise, petroleum jelly, Cetaphil skin cleanser, or olive oil can be effective, with diligent use, in either suffocating and/ or creating an unfavorable habitat for the lice. • Various botanical agents, such as tea tree oil, have been used with variable effectiveness. • Products that include a cream rinse called Nix (Permethrin 1 percent) will kill live lice, but not unhatched eggs. Therefore,

a second treatment is required nine days later. It is applied to damp hair after it is shampooed (without conditioner) and towel dried. It should not be used by anyone allergic to chrysanthemums or ragweed. People often use alternative treatments when conventional treatments haven’t worked, or when there is a concern about the toxicity of using head lice control products. There are a few prescription items available. One used for many years is Ovide (Malathion 0.5 percent) lotion, which is approved for use in people 6 or older. Caution should be exercised as it is flammable and should not be used in the presence of hot haircare products or near individuals who are smoking. Three new topical treatments for the eradication of head lice have been approved by the FDA since 2009. These prescriptiononly products, with their different mechanisms of action, are targeted at difficult to treat or resistant cases. Sklice requires only one application to dry hair and scalp that is rinsed after 10 minutes. Another recent prescription treatment, Natroba, kills both live lice and unhatched eggs, eliminating the need for retreatment and nit combing. Finally, Ulesfia is approved for patients 6 months or older; the benzyl alcohol works by clogging the respiratory tracks of the lice. Besides these treatments, nits should be physically removed with a fine-tooth comb. Soaking the hair in a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar and then wrapping the wet scalp in a towel for at least 15 minutes may help with nit removal. Whichever product that you choose to use, first check the age for which it is safe, and never exceed the amount recommended. Re-treatment after seven to 10 days is recommended with many products to eradicate any lice that hatched from nits after the initial treatment. It is important to read the instructions before applying any treatments to ensure that the medication has been left on for the appropriate amount of time and washed off properly. Continue to check treated heads for two to three weeks to be sure all lice and nits are gone.

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Feature

MERRITT ISLAND HIGH SCHOOL 1966 BY DIANA FASANELLA

Pictured here are some of the Class of 1966 members at a recent gathering in Merritt Island. From L to R, Denise Cordell Christopher, Linda Sorrell Roberts, Kathy Donnelly Denton, Ken Wartell, Ellen Rockey Daugherty, Maria King Byrd, Sharon Tomlin McKinnie, Larry Daugherty, Karen Schuermann Thime, Joe Knorr.

It was in the stars. In his May 1961 speech to Congress, President John F. Kennedy set America’s sights on sending a man to the moon by the end of the decade. With that decision, the National Aeronautic and Space Administration began to gear up for the task by purchasing the communities of Neptune Beach, Allenhurst, Clifton and Shiloh on north Merritt Island. On that acquired land, a four-year, $800 million project – dubbed “one Larry Daugherty of the most awesome construction jobs ever attempted by Earth-bound men” by Architectural Forum magazine – was built, and the Kennedy Space Center became the epicenter for America’s role in the space race. “Build it and they will come” was never a truer adage. The Island’s population grew as NASA brought in new personnel with families, and it wasn’t long before Merritt Island needed a high school. So, in 1965, Merritt Island High was completed, just in time for the school year to begin. The first group of 9th- through 12thgrade Islanders were either transplanted from cities across the country, bumped up from area junior high schools, or pulled from existing high schools, such as Cocoa and Titusville. While MIHS offered an exciting new beginning for the majority of students, some members of the first graduating Class of ’66 found the transition to be difficult.

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www.MerrittIslandNow.com • AUG / SEPT 2015

“For lack of a better word, I felt like they screwed me,” Larry Daugherty said about being transferred to the new school. “There were a lot of classes that were offered at Cocoa High that weren’t offered at Merritt Island,” such as third-year psychology and higher math classes. Daugherty, who wanted to be a psychiatrist, said to get credits for graduation he had to take less challenging classes. Despite the setback, he eventually discovered a career in electronics when he later served in the Army. “It’s easier to talk to machines than to people anyway,” said Daugherty, who also was a photographer for the Pony Express newsletter and the school’s first annual. “Machines don’t lie to you.” Daugherty’s wife Ellen Rockey Daugherty, also a graduate of the Class of ’66, said Cocoa High was “very diverse” with its large student population back then. She added that moving to MIHS, with its much smaller senior class and lack of traditions, was a disappointment at first. “Everyone was excited (to go to a new school) until we found out we had no senior privileges,” she said. “We Ellen Rockey Daugherty were never called first for pep rallies, and there were no senior bathrooms. We kind of missed out on all that. But I guess in reality it didn’t matter. We got our diplomas.”

Feature Rockey Daugherty said that even though mustering up Mustang Pride in the beginning was difficult, it got easier near the end of the year as the class “melded together” and became a very close-knit community. Class of ’66 member Karen Schuemann Thime agreed that school spirit had a tough time blooming for seniors that first year, mainly because there were no senior traditions, and because the football team lost every game.

Karen Schuermann Thime

“To put it plainly, we sucked,” Thime said about the Mustang football team that only scored one touchdown the entire season. “Still, we went to every game to show our support.”

Kathy Donnelly Denton, a majorette team and band member, said the transition to the MIHS Class of ’66 was easy. “It didn’t bother me much because I had friends in my neighborhood (of Sunny Acres),” she said. “My family was settled by the time I went through my impressionable years, so I adjusted OK, and there was a lot of comradery among band members.” Denton added that the band, under the direction of Marion Scott, captured

superior ratings in marching and concert contests in its first year, and probably was the main reason students began to feel some school spirit. “The band was really good,” she said. “No matter how badly the football team was beaten, the band kept playing (to keep up moral) in the stands. We all felt sad for the football players. They worked so hard to win.” Ken Wartell felt that everyone, especially the Class of ’66, was very close and dedicated to promoting Mustang Pride in its first year of existence. “It was really great. We set the traditions for other classes to follow,” he said. “There were no clicks; 75 percent of the class grew up together or became closer as the years passed once we graduated.”

Ken Wartell Wartell said the class was so close that when he went into the hospital for an operation that first year, he didn’t want anyone to know, so he only told his “closest friends, who told their closest friends, who told their closest friends.” “I got so many phone calls while I was there, I couldn’t get any rest,” he said. All in all, Wartell said the Class of ’66 set the bar and other classes had to measure up. “In the beginning, this is where the tradition began,” he said of his graduating class. It was in the stars.

Kathy Donnelly Denton

A Benefit for Merritt Island High School FRIDAY – August 28, 2015 (All Friday Event Tickets will be presold) MUSTANG STAMPEDE Approx. 4:30PM – 6:00PM Alumni / Former Faculty “5-0” Field Event Estimated 5:45pm Alumni on field for Aerial Photograph

PROPOSED EVENTS & TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

PRE-GAME Approx. 6:30PM • Logo winner • Mr. Scott / Band • Original classes • Football Teams, etc.

FOOTBALL GAME 7:30PM

HALF-TIME Approx. 8:30PM U.S. Army’s Elite Parachute Team, The Golden Knights

POST-GAME Approx. 9:30PM Fireworks display

SATURDAY – August 29, 2015 PARADE Estimated 9:30AM – 11:30AM FLOATS • Local Businesses • Current students & Organizations • Alumni

MIHS OPEN HOUSE Estimated 11:00am – 2:00PM Tours by SGA Memorabilia Displays

AUG / SEPT 2015 • www.MerrittIslandNow.com | 23

Lifestyle

Pet Dental Care: Crazy or Crucial?

BY DR. ELIZABETH CHOSA

You might expect significant pain, loose or missing teeth, and halitosis from odorproducing bacteria. You probably cringe at the thought of chronic infection in your own mouth, but you may not realize how important dental hygiene is for your pets.

good at hiding pain. Most pet owners will never see signs of dental and gum disease until it is very severe. The good news is that many owners report an improvement in their pet’s energy level and Before (above) and after (below) dental work. playfulness following professional dental care.

Many people are just beginning to learn about pet dentistry. If you are one of them, your pet might already have gum disease. Can you see any redness or swelling of the gums? Does your pet’s breath ever smell bad? Does he or she have any brown plaque or tartar? These could be signs of periodontal disease, which is caused by bacteria and compromises health in multiple ways.

You can slow the progression of gum disease by brushing your pet’s teeth, offering safe toys and treats for daily chewing, feeding high quality pet food and taking your pets to a veterinarian who will conduct a thorough oral exam. It is best to start caring for pets’ teeth when they are very young, but it is never too late.

As dogs and cats age, periodontal disease becomes very common and resulting pain diminishes quality of life. Oral infection can increase the risk of heart, kidney and liver disease and shorten an animal’s lifespan.

Advanced disease may require anesthesia and possibly even oral surgery to achieve wellness. This concept frightens many families, as they may have had negative experiences with dental care. It is essential to have a relationship with a veterinarian you trust who can answer your questions and allay your fears. The best dental care plan is always a team effort!

magine how your mouth would feel if you didn’t brush your teeth for a full year. Imagine how it would feel after five or 10 years!

Dr. Elizabeth Chosa is the owner of Courtenay Animal Hospital. She has been a practicing veterinarian since 2005, first on active duty in the U.S. Army and here on Merritt Island since 2010.

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Lifestyle

Make a Disaster Plan for Your Pets

BY TINA CARTAGENA

o be prepared in any situation, especially during Florida’s hurricane season, you always should have a plan for you and your family, including your pets.

After many disasters, thousands of pets are left behind to fend for themselves. In fact, most become injured, lost or even killed. To keep this from happening to your pet when a disaster is imminent, you need to make a plan that includes the following tasks:

✓ Make a kit for them because they are family. Tina Cartagena is a mold specialist with PuroClean Emergency Disaster Restoration.

The kit should have medication and medical records, leashes, harness, carriers, and food and water for three days, a cat box and litter, current photos, name and phone number of veterinarian, and your current contact information.

✓ Find a Safe Place Ahead of Time. Make contact with boarding facilities and shelters and ask about emergency management for pets. Contact family members as to where you will be evacuating, and see if they mind an extra house guest. Contact hotels as to where you would evacuate and find one that is pet friendly. Taking the proper steps now to ensure the safety of your beloved pet during a disaster will put your mind at ease when the time to put your plan into action approaches. Also, if you haven’t prepared a disaster kit for your family, do that too!

My Island Thrift Store “Supporting Our Island Community” Moving? Garage Sale? Spring Cleaning? Estate Sale? If you have unwanted furniture, household goods, clothes, tools, accessories or almost anything else you need removed, give us a call. My Island Thrift Store is a local non-profit company offering FREE pick-up and you will get a donation receipt. We use the proceeds for Community Outreach on Merritt Island.

You can also drop off at our store located at 245 Crockett Blvd., Merritt Island. (just south of Target)

25% OFF Your Entire Purchase with this coupon

may not be combined with any other discounts or offers. Expires 9-30-2015

321-473-3355 AUG / SEPT 2015 • www.MerrittIslandNow.com | 25

Lifestyle

Reds, Trout Seek Shaded Waters as Days Heat Up BY CAPT. ALEX GORICHKY

S Capt. Alex Gorichky is a lifelong Merritt Island resident and owner/operator of LocalLinesCharters.com

ummer is here and the dog days of summer have sure rolled in.

Lagoon water temps will be reaching their maximum temperatures over the coming months, so look for the water quality to diminish. The warmer waters are a breeding ground for all manner of little critters that will cloudy up our lagoons and limit the number of sight fishing opportunities this month.

Switching your tactics to involve earlier starts and late afternoons utilizing search lures to find your fish is the way to go. Seatrout and redfish both will be targets even on the hottest summer days using this method. This is the time of year to “skip” DOA, or Slayer Inc. SST’s (found at Handler Fishing Supply on Merritt Island) far under docks and mangrove edges, just as the shade gives us relief on a hot summer day! Both reds and trout will seek out the cooling properties of natural and manmade shaded areas as the sun climbs and super heats the flats. These fish will be positioned in some of the most formidable structure like barnacles line pilings, riprap, bikes, and tons of other fun stuff people cram under docks to attract fish. So be ready for the bite and some braided line will better your odds of wrenching a large fish from its hiding spot.

point. Every minute, every day, every year our fisheries are being pulled, pushed, and affected by outside forces, and much like the idea of another earthen causeway for the Port’s proposed cargo rail. We must be active to influence the outcome. All too many times the least represented group is the end user, and in the end they become the loser.

The summer sea grasses are growing thick and tall in areas of the Space Coast lagoons. Redfish and Snook will lay in the holes and on the edges of the matted grass that stretch to the surface in 1½ foot or less of water. Bass fishing inspired weed-less soft plastic rigs, like Slayer Inc. SST and SSB rigged on weed-less hooks, will allow kayak anglers to effectively pursue game fish in this weedy labyrinth, and the afore mentioned docks and mangroves. A kayak, skiff and push-pole, or wading is the best to hunt these fish, allowing you to stalk the finning, tailing, and laid-up fish. Game fish in this scenario will lie in a hole and blast finger mullet as they swim by. So investigate any blast thoroughly. The fish that has just eaten won’t venture far. Work your weedless soft plastics through the weeds paying special to holes and edges of the surface mats. Tarpon also have been thick and are most active on the flats at sun up. These 5- to 20-pound fish have a distinct advantage when it comes to the shallow open flats in the heat of summer. By rolling and taking in air from the surface they stay energized as the oxygen levels plummet. Roughly 3 to 6 a.m., they are kings feasting on the minnows that don’t seem to be much bothered by the lack of oxygen. Small top water plugs and Slayer SST’s will work great, but a small white fly is tops. Give that long rod a try. Unfortunately, this space was to be reserved for tips on catching red snapper, but the powers that be decided not to allow us a season this year. Those who travel to our reefs know this is insane due to the numbers of fish. This does, however, bring up a great

26 |

www.MerrittIslandNow.com • AUG / SEPT 2015

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Lifestyle

Sea Cadets Dedicated to Helping American Youth Realize Personal Success STAFF REPORTS

he U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps has more than just a few good men and women. They have a lot of them.

In fact, Lt. Cmdr. Richard D. Waddell, commanding officer of the Corps’ Courageous Division out of Cape Canaveral, says his division is not only tough, it has been marked as an Honor Unit. “Out of 386 units throughout the U.S., we scored No.10 in the nation (by the Navy),” Waddell said about the Courageous Division that is backed by the Navy League U.S. Cape Canaveral Council. “Our members are as close to being in the military as you can get, without actually being in the military.”

“I really want to serve my country, so I took the Sea Cadet training to heart. It’s a great program.” - Ethan Goswick

The USNSCC’s mission, through organization and cooperation with the Department of the Navy, is to encourage and aid American youth to develop, train them in seagoing skills, and to teach them patriotism, courage, self-reliance and kindred virtues according to Waddell. “We are not affiliated with any school, so duties and drills are more military oriented,” Waddell said about division League Cadets, 11 to 13, and Sea Cadets, 14 to 17. According to Waddell who served as a 2nd Class Petty Officer E5 from 1961-67 in the Navy Sea Bees, Construction Battalion, the Courageous Division provides training to its cadets in the form of Basic Military Requirements (BMR) manuals. These are the same materials used by the Navy to train newly enlisted recruits. “Most of the cadets have a military career in mind,” he said, clarifying that the USNSCC does not recruit for the Navy and that there is no obligation to join the military. “We recruit for the Sea Cadets. Our goal is to build better citizens through a military format.” Fourteen-year-old Ethan Goswick, who has been a Sea Cadet for three years and has aspirations to attend the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, joined the Courageous Division on a bit of a whim, he said.

“Because I’m in the Boy Scouts program, I was searching online for something similar, and the Sea Cadets popped up,” Goswick said. “I got in touch with the commanding officer and went in.” Goswick said once he was accepted into the Corps, he liked every aspect of it. “I really wanted to find another leadership opportunity other than Boy Scouts,” said Goswick, who added that since he was little, he, “like most young boys,” wanted to be a police officer, fireman or in the Army. “I really want to serve my country, so I took the Sea Cadet training to heart. It’s a great program.” In hopes of someday becoming the Chief of Naval Operations, Goswick said he has set his goals high, but the Sea Cadets help to achieve that goal by “promoting a focus on leadership.” “It’s a great drug and alcohol-free program that teaches us to do the right thing and accelerate in whatever we want to do,” he said. Goswick’s mother agrees. “It’s been an amazing growth opportunity for Ethan,” Marguerite Goswick said about the program that helps young Americans develop interest and skills in basic seamanship and its naval adaptations, while learning the valve of patriotism, courage, selfreliance, teamwork, and accountability. “Because of this, he knows exactly what he wants to do.”

For more information on how to join the Sea Cadets, call 321-951-0432, email Cmdr. Waddell at rwaddlee5@cfl.rr.com or visit www.courageousdivision.org/ on the Web. AUG / SEPT 2015 • www.MerrittIslandNow.com | 27

MERRITT ISLAND

Dining Guide RESTAURANT

Casual & Upscale Dine-In Restaurants

CUISINE BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAY SPIRITS Alfredo’s Paradiso 321-453-6119 See Our Italian no yes yes no beer wine AD on Page 29 217 Crockett Blvd. Applebee’s 321-455-9898 American no yes yes yes full bar 100 N. Sykes Creek Pkwy. Bagel World Victoria Square 321-452-0737 Bagel/Sandwich Shop yes yes no yes none 1450 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Bagel Word & Deli 321-452-3007 Bagel/Sandwich Shop yes yes no yes none 137 N. Banana River Drive Basil Pizza & Pasta 321-338-4333 Italian no yes yes no beer wine 727 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Beef ‘O’Brady’s 321-455-6665 American no yes yes yes full bar Game Time 1450 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Favorite See Our Bizzarro’s 321-453-2610 Italian no yes yes yes beer wine AD on 325 E. Merritt Island Cswy Page17 Bonefish Grill 321-453-3011 Seafood no Sat only yes yes full bar 795 E. Merritt Island Cswy. Bruno’s Pizzeria 321-453-7200 Italian no yes yes yes none 117 W. Merritt Ave. Carrabba’s Italian Grill 321-453-7045 Italian no yes yes yes full bar 60 Palmetto Ave. Causeway Diner 321-454-9898 Family Diner yes yes Thr/ Fri yes none 3712 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Chilli’s Grill & Bar 321-454-4738 American no yes yes yes full bar 530 E. Merritt Island Cswy. Cozy Corner Café 321-452-0305 Family Diner yes yes no yes none 2425 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Debbie’s Diner 321-459-3209 Family Diner yes yes no no none 118 E. Merritt Island Cswy. Denny’s 321-453-3050 American yes yes yes yes none 75 E. Merritt Island Cswy. See Our El Tucan 321-453-7501 Mexican no yes yes no full bar AD on 225 N. Sykes Creek Pkwy. Page 29 See Our Firehouse Subs 321-449-8818 Sandwiches no yes yes yes none AD on Page 5 125 Merritt Island Cswy. Gina’s Café & Deli 321-452-8828 Café & Deli yes yes no no none 135 S. Courtenay Pkwy. Hooter’s 321-449-0752 American no yes yes yes full bar Game Time 125 N. Sykes Creek Pkwy. Favorite Ichiban Buffet 321-453-1117 Asian American Buffet no yes yes yes none 735 N. Courtenay Pkwy. See Our Island Gecko Grill 321-301-4479 American yes yes no yes none AD on Page 37 773 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Island Tiki Grill 321-454-9464 Polish yes yes clsd Sat no none 1850 E. Merritt Island Cswy. & Sun Island Waterfront Bar & Grill 321-806-3661 SeADe Our Seafood no yes yes yes full bar on Page 5 1891 E. Merritt Island Cswy Kelsey’s Pizzeria 321-735-4810 Italian no yes yes yes beer wine 1850 N. Courtenay Pkwy. LongHorn’s Steakhouse 321-456-5559 American no yes yes yes full bar 770 E. Merritt Island Cswy Molly’s Seafood 321-453-1288 Seafood no yes yes yes full bar 1580 East Merritt Island Causeway Mrs. Apples Crab Shack 321-459-3759 Seafood no yes yes clsd Sun none 580 West Merritt Island Causeway & Mon Nauticals Spirits 321-452-5090 Seafood no yes yes yes full bar 2700 Harbortown Drive Olive Garden 321-459-0306 Italian no yes yes yes full bar 205 East Merritt Island Causeway

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www.MerrittIslandNow.com • AUG / SEPT 2015

RESTAURANT

CUISINE

Outback 321-454-4450 777 Merritt Is. Cwy Pacific Rim 321-305-4902 300 North Courtenay Parkway Pizza Company 321-455-6515 868 North Banana River Drive Red Lobster 321-453-3520 215 East Merritt Island Causeway Ruby Tuesdays 321-453-6340 777 East Merritt Causeway Shuttles 321-305-4143 6100 North Courtenay Parkway Sonny’s 321-449-9102 310 North Courtenay Parkway Sumo Monkey 321-453-3123 925 North Courtenay Parkway TGI Friday’s 321-452-8071 785 Merritt Island Causeway The Donut Shop 321-459-1074 480 North Courtenay Pkwy Tijuana Flats 321-453-1881 76 East Merritt Island Csway Umpa’s Diner 321-454-3422 1115 North Courtenay Pkway Victoria’s Family Restaurant 321-459-1656 370 North Courtenay Pkwy Wabi Sabi 321-452-0507 455 North Courtenay Pkwy

American

BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAY SPIRITS no

yes

full bar

Sushi

yes

beer wine

Italian

yes

none

Seafood

yes

full bar

American

yes

full bar

American

yes

beer wine

BBQ

yes

beer wine

Thai

yes

wine

American

yes

full bar

Breakfast

yes

none

Mexican

yes

beer wine

Family Diner

yes

none

Greek/American Thr, Fri only Sushi

yes

beer wine

yes

beer wine

Autentico Ristorante Pizzeria & Panineria

321-453-6119

Family Owned & Operated since 1988 Voted Best in Brevard 2005, 2006, 2013 & 2014

Open Menu & Lunch Buffet.....11am-3pm, Mon-Fri Serving Dinner.....5pm-10pm, Mon-Fri 4pm-10pm, Saturday Closed Sunday

FREE Select Bottle of Wine Voted Best Mexican Restaurant on Merritt Island 2012 - 2013 - 2014 - 2015 225 N. Sykes Creek Pkwy - 321-453-7501 www.eltucanrestaurant.com

with purchase of two main dishes

Please present coupon when ordering. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 9-30-2015

Visit us at www.alfredoparadiso.com

Located at 217 Crockett Blvd., Merritt Island AUG / SEPT 2015 • www.MerrittIslandNow.com | 29

Business & Real Estate

A Toast to all Things Gives Discerning Palates Something to Celebrate STAFF REPORTS

n a quaint shop on north Merritt Island, a trip around the world is waiting for your taste buds.

A Toast to all Things has recently opened its doors for those who want to sit back, relax, and experience unique flavors that span the globe of imported teas, gourmet olive oils, or exotic balsamic vinegars, such as orange, mango and passion fruit. Kimberly Spurlock, owner and operator of A Toast to all Things, said she is excited to bring to Island residents and visitors alike, products that she personally has found during her travels to Germany, Saudi Arabia, France, and other counties with her primary business, QUAL-TECH, Inc. “My travels have inspired this,” she said about her shop that offers imported fused and infused olive oils, a vast variety of vinegars, cheeses, spreads, dips, and a unique collection of flavoring sauces, such as blueberry barbeque, and more. “We want you to experience a destination.”

Kimberly Spurlock, owner, A Toast to all Things “We like to give back within the community,” she said. A Toast to all Things also offers on its website – www.atoasttoallthings. com – free shipping on any orders totaling more than $50, and holiday discounts are planned. “We have a recipe section and cooking videos, and soon a blog about where our products come from.” While gift baskets are available, Spurlock said that, for now, the wine they import through QT Distributors, LLC, from foreign boutiques and wineries only can be supplied wholesale. “We can’t sell the wine retail yet,” she said. “But, we can sell it to local vendors, like restaurants or liquor stores that have a wine license.” Spurlock said she hopes that people will brave the trek over the Barge Canal to her store located at 6141 N. Courtenay Parkway.

Spurlock, a Merritt Island resident since 1963, said there are no businesses on the Island like A Toast to all Things that is geared toward providing patrons with adult and child-friendly seating where they can sit and enjoy a free, fresh cup of tea (in a genuine china cup from England), baked goods and stuffed olives while they shop. “It just happened by accident,” she said about the store that also has a wide selection of fresh French, Italian, and Middle Eastern spices such as turmeric, chili peppers and saffron. “I’ve been hauling unusual items like these home for my family for years, so I thought ‘why not open a store?’” Spurlock said the oils and vinegars can be mixed and matched to the customer’s liking into several sizes of bottles that are reasonably and competitively priced. “We pride ourselves on quality products and service for affordable prices,” she said. Imported olive oils, such as Spanish Picual or Persian Lime, and vinegars, like dark balsamic hickory, start at just $7.95 for a 60-ml bottle, Spurlock said, adding that veterans, firefighters, 1st responders and police officers always get 10 percent off their order.

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www.MerrittIslandNow.com • AUG / SEPT 2015

“We will make it worth their drive,” she said. “If anything, it’s going to be fun.”

Business & Real Estate We’re open for business!

Join us for our Grand Opening! August 15, from 1-4pm

Gourmet Imported Olive Oils

& Balsamic Vinegars A Toast to all Things is not only our name, it’s what we believe. Stop in and try a sample! Extra Virgin Olive Oil California – Arbequina Chilean-Frantoio Infused Olive Oil Habanero Basil Naturally Flavored Butter Meyer Lemon Persian Lime

321.872.8012 6141 N. Courtenay Pkwy., Ste C Merritt Island, FL 32953 Mon. - Fri. 10am - 5pm • Sat. 11am - 4pm

www.atoasttoallthings.com

August: 10% off your purchase if you bring your Merritt Island Now Magazine ad in!

Fused Rosemary Lavender Herbs De Provence White Balsamic Lavender Honey Ginger Dark Balsamic Blackberry Orange, Mango & Passion Fruit

We also import a range of delectable sauces, spices, teas, spreads, and stuffed olives as well as a collection of gift boxes and customizable gift baskets.

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

www.MerrittIslandNow.com AUG / SEPT 2015 • www.MerrittIslandNow.com

| 31

Business & Real Estate

Additional Roadwork Coming to Merritt Island BY CHERYL J. HURREN

Cheryl Hurren has been with MIRA since 2008 as the special projects coordinator. She began with Brevard County in the Land Development Office in 2001 and was promoted to the Planning and Zoning Office in 2003. She enjoys taking a small part in the positive changes within the MIRA District.

erritt Island Redevelopment Agency (MIRA) SR 520 Landscape/ Streetscape Project was practically completed in 2014 with positive results, and with a few construction exceptions. While preparing for the project, MIRA learned the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) had scheduled the resurfacing of SR 520 along with replacing mast arms to bring them up to current codes. MIRA partnered with FDOT, and FDOT agreed to complete the intersection areas left undone until after the change out of the mast arms. MIRA covered the costs of upgrading the mast arm color to black to be consistent with the mast arms installed at Tropical Trail and at the corners of SR 3 and SR 520.

FDOT also will be installing the patterned asphalt crosswalks for all marked crosswalk locations along with pavers for back of curb aesthetic treatments on SR 520 between Erik Court and the Banana River Relief Bridge. This will bring the MIRA project to a full completion. The FDOT Merritt Island Causeway/SR 520 Roadway Improvement Project is anticipated to cost $5.58 million beginning in 2015 and running through early 2016. The enhancements listed are roadway milling and repaving; shoulder widening and reconstruction; new mast arms/signals at all of the signalized intersections; new overhead truss at Sykes Creek Parkway intersection; landscaping and irrigation improvements; underground drainage upgrades; Intelligent Transportation System (ITS); American and Disabilities Act (ADA) sidewalk enhancements; and additional limited median access points.

FDOT indicated a detailed Traffic Control Plan will maintain traffic flow through the construction zone. For more information on construction, contact Lisa Garramone Mark, public involvement coordinator, at 321-634-6111 or lisa. mark@dot.state.fl.us. Likewise, SR 3 is scheduled for resurfacing in 2015 by FDOT from SR 520 to Skylark Avenue. Again, MIRA has partnered with FDOT for the addition of crosswalk upgrades at the intersections of Merritt Avenue and SR 3 and Needle/Hurwood Avenue and SR 3. In January, the FDOT engaged the services of VHB to perform a Corridor Planning and Concept Development Study on Courtenay Parkway (SR 3) from Fortenberry Road, south of SR 520 to Grant Road/Smith Road, north of SR 528. The study is expected to take 18 months to complete. This project has been requested by the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) and Brevard County to coordinate the development of a future vision for SR 3 that establishes a multimodal approach to providing for future transportation needs. A Corridor Planning Study is a high-level evaluation of safety, environmental and geometric concerns along a transportation corridor where needs, possible improvement options and planning level cost estimates are identified. This process will combine planning and engineering efforts to develop a range of feasible improvement strategies. As part of the analysis, previous studies, improvement plans, as well as an inventory of existing traffic, pedestrian and bicycle, and transit conditions and facilities will be evaluated. A Project Visioning Team (PVT), comprised of representatives from Brevard County, Space Coast TPO, Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT), MIRA, and others will meet five times over the course of the project. The PVT met for the first time in March to review existing conditions and was scheduled to meet again in July. Two community workshops will be held during the planning process to obtain feedback and comments from local residents and business owners.

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Business & Real Estate

Merritt Island Housing Market on the Upswing

BY CHERYL D’CRUZ

aving just returned from Ireland recently, I began to wonder about how its real estate market compared with ours. Merritt Island and Ireland are two beautiful islands and both were hit hard economically in 2008. People borrowed too much and lost their jobs. The housing market fell, and many lost their homes.

Cheryl D’Cruz is a “Million Dollar” producer with Century 21 Ocean. A mother of five, she has been in the customer service field for more than 15 years.

The difference is that everyone here has it better than in Ireland because we are not paying up to 47 percent in taxes. Their young have left for many other countries around the world looking for work, leaving the rest to care for the children and elderly.

There is no socialized medicine in Ireland, but schooling is free, even college, if you can make the 95 percent score to get in. Otherwise, you must learn a trade, which is mostly fishing and tourism. Because of the high taxes and difficulty getting a seat in a college, young Irish couples and families cannot save enough money to put a deposit on a home. So, they rent. In fact, up to 85 percent rent apartments. Rents go up 30 to 40 percent every year because there is such a shortage of rental units. Without rent control, many move yearly, to try to find a more affordable place in which to live. On Merritt Island, we also have a shortage of homes on the market. But with Port Canaveral and the Space Center expanding, the job market is increasing, and residents are beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel. Investors are noticing our little island and businesses are moving in, homes and condos are being built, and the housing market is beginning to recover. It increased 17 percent last year and is predicted to exceed 20 percent this year. It’s a great time to sell because we have 8,000 people moving into Florida daily. Homes, if priced right, are selling in as little as two weeks. But, preparing a home for sale is the biggest challenge facing realtors today. And, there is the mental challenge for homeowners as they start the process of detaching themselves from their homestead. Cleaning, painting, packing and tying up loose ends are time consuming and labor intensive. Having people come to see your home time and time again can be frustrating and stressful. Realtors, though, make this job less stressful by making sure only qualified people are shown your house, saving you time and keeping your possessions safe. If you are trying to sell your home, exposure is the key. And, with a licensed realtor, you have safety, marketing, and the legalities of the sale taken care of. The grass may not always be greener, but the weather is always nicer on Merritt Island.

Law Offices of

Jason s. Robbins, P.a. Know Your Rights. FREE Consultation ■ Personal Injury Cases ■ Workers’ Compensation ■ Longshore Defense Base Act Injuries ■ Social Security Disability Claims ■ Divorce / Custody ■ Paternity / Child Support ■ Wills / Trust / Guardianship ■ Living Wills ■ Insurance Policy Review As long time Merritt Island residents, we make hospital & house calls to better serve our clients.

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www.wcompfl.com AUG / SEPT 2015 • www.MerrittIslandNow.com | 33

Business & Real Estate

Prepare for Retirement Healthcare Costs

Joe DelBene is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones in Merritt Island and is dedicated to serving the needs of serious, long-term individual investors in our community.

People often think and plan for these costs. Yet, too often, many of us overlook what potentially could be a major expense during our retirement years: health care. By preparing for these costs, you can help yourself enjoy the retirement lifestyle you’ve envisioned.

Many of us may ignore the impact of healthcare costs because we just assume Medicare will pay for everything. But that’s not the case. In estimating healthcare costs during retirement, you may find that $4,000 to $6,000 per year per person for traditional medical expenses is a good starting point, although the amount varies by individual. Furthermore, this figure does not include the costs of long-term care, which can be considerable.

Many of us may ignore the impact of healthcare cost because we just assume Medicare will pay for everything.

To illustrate: The national average for home health-aide services is nearly $45,000 per year, and a private room in a nursing home is nearly $84,000 per year, according to a recent survey by Genworth, a financial security company. So what can you do to help cope with these costs?

Here are a few suggestions: Estimate your costs. Try to estimate what your out-of-pocket healthcare costs might be, based on your health, your age at retirement, whatever supplemental insurance you may carry and other factors. Know the key dates. Things can change in your life, but try to identify, as closely as possible, the age at which you plan to retire. This will help you spot any coverage gaps before you become eligible for Medicare at age 65. Also, be aware of the seven-month window for enrolling in Medicare, beginning three months before your 65th birthday. Review your insurance options. Medicare-approved insurance companies offer some other parts to Medicare, including Part D, which covers prescription drugs; Medigap, which covers gaps in

34 |

www.MerrittIslandNow.com • AUG / SEPT 2015

Photo by 401K 2012

s you save and invest for retirement, what are your ultimate goals? Do you plan on traveling the world? Purchasing a vacation home? Pursuing your hobbies?

Parts A and B (in-hospital expenses, doctor services, outpatient care and some preventive services); and Part C (also known as Medicare Advantage, which is designed to replace Parts A, B, Medigap and, potentially, part D). You have several options for Part D, Medigap and Medicare Advantage, each with varying coverage and costs, so choose the plans that best fit your needs. (To learn more about Medicare and supplemental insurance, go to www.medicare.gov.)

Develop a long-term care strategy. To meet long-term care costs, you could self-insure or purchase insurance coverage. To learn about long-term care insurance solutions, contact your financial advisor. Invest for growth and rising income. Healthcare costs typically rise as you move further into retirement, so make sure that a reasonable portion of your assets is allocated to investments with the potential for both growth and rising income. Think about healthcare directives. If you were to become incapacitated, you might be unable to make healthcare decisions — and these decisions may affect not only your quality of life but also your financial situation, and that of your family. Talk to your legal advisor about establishing a healthcare directive, which allows you to name someone to make choices on your behalf. Healthcare costs during your retirement may be unavoidable. But by anticipating these costs, you can put yourself in a position to deal with them — and that’s a healthy place to be. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones financial advisor.

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Meeting on your schedule, not ours. Face-to-face meetings. One-on-one relationships. How did Edward Jones become one of the biggest financial services companies in the country? By not acting like one. With more than 10,000 offices. Including the 2 in Merritt Island.

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Financial Advisor .

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AUG / SEPT 2015 • www.MerrittIslandNow.com | 35

Business & Real Estate

Grandparent Visitation Bill Signed Into Law BY PHILIP FOUGEROUSSE, ESQUIRE

C Philip Fougerousse has been practicing law for more than 41 years and represents clients in family law situations.

onsider the situation where your son or daughter has died and you are concerned that the close relationship that you have enjoyed with your grandchild may slip away from you. There may be some hope to maintain that bond. Florida Governor Rick Scott recently signed into law a bill that could lead to court-ordered visitation for grandparents. The law became effective July 1. Florida Statute 752.011 provides for a grandparent (or great-grandparent) of a minor child whose parents are deceased, missing, or in a persistent vegetative state to petition the court for the establishment of visitation rights, which would include

a set time schedule. In cases where only one parent is deceased, missing, or in a persistent vegetative state, there is a mechanism in place to determine if the other parent is unfit or poses a significant harm to the minor child. If the court determines that unfitness or potential harm does exist, the grandparents may establish visitation rights.

Under this new law, the court must conduct a preliminary hearing to determine if a legitimate case exists. If the outcome is yes, then the parties are ordered to family mediation in an effort to resolve the issue within the family setting. If no agreement is reached, then the court will conduct a final hearing. In that hearing, the court can award reasonable visitation to the grandparent if the court finds that a parent is unfit or there is a significant harm to the child, that visitation is in the best interest of the minor child, and that the visitation will not materially harm the parent-child relationship. The statute sets out detailed guidelines for the judge to use in determining best interest of the child and material harm to the parent-child relationship. It does not provide any guide for determining unfitness or significant harm to the child, thus leaving it to the court to determine on a case-by-case basis. This law now provides some recourse for grandparents who previously had no visitation rights.

Overwhelmed?

ontro Books getting out of c

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www.MerrittIslandNow.com â&#x20AC;˘ AUG / SEPT 2015

Buy a New Boat? oting us v r fo u o y k n a Th ot on p S t s a f k a e r B Best 2015! d n la s I t it r r e M

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Ask us about the benefits of being a “KABRAN COOL CLUB” member! HONEST • PROFESSIONAL • AFFORDABLE AUG / SEPT 2015 • www.MerrittIslandNow.com | 37

Business & Real Estate ADDRESS 1774 Newfound Harbor Drive 545 Bella Capri Drive 245 Alaska Road 280 Willow Avenue 205 Juniper Avenue 825 E. Richmond Avenue 295 Wainai Dr 1060 N Montego Bay Drive 5237 Royal Paddock Way 372 Jeremy Court 1040 Meadow Lark Lane 330 Diana Boulevard 1600 Vega Avenue 180 Utopia Circle 985 S. Courtenay Parkway 286 mojave Court 4305 Randon Lane 1310 Island Drive 815 9th Street 550 Needle Boulevard 415 Needle Boulevard 1210 Altman Drive 530 Venitian Way 630 Jillotus Street 1548 Stafford Avenue 1360 Sanibel Lane 1525 Stafford Avenue 1511 Stafford Avenue 1278 Guy Island Drive 415 Oxford Avenue 789 Mandalay Grove Court 758 Mandalay Grove Court 210 Brandy Lane 100 Brandy Lane 1095 Old Parsonage Drive 530 Ramsey Lane 1175 Newfound Harbor Drive 1365 D’Albora Road 395 Trails End Drive 495 Oakwood Court 2723 Glenridge Circle 2692 Glenridge Circle 2963 Glenridge Circle 1675 Davis Drive 2345 Raintree Lake Circle 2335 Raintree Lake Circle 2550 Raintree Lake Circle 120 River Cliff Lane 2712 Little Bend Place 601 High Point Court 330 Racquette Court 50 Granada Avenue 85 Carrigan Boulevard 3650 Laurette Road 1260 Leslie Drive 705 Osprey Place 3139 Lost Lagoon Court 1610 Sun Pointe Place 1233 Lynn Drive 1389 Lenora Drive 3331 Biscayne Drive 3821 Sunbeam Court 916 Limerick Drive 723 Bantry Court 3321 Tipperary Drive 1730 Porpoise Street 1530 Bream Street 427 Via Palermo Court 710 Jacaranda Street 790 Hannah Drive 192 Via Havarre 201 Sykes Loop Drive 124 Via De La Reina Way 204 Sykes Loop Drive 2025 Sykes Creek Drive 240 Madrid Court 230 Sykes Point Lane

Merritt Island Homes Sold In May SUBDIVISION BDRMS BATHS Banana River Drive 3 2 Bella Capri 4 3 Buttonwod Manor 3 2 Carlton Groves 3 2 Carlton Groves 3 2 Catalina Isles 3 2 Catalina Isles 3 2 Catalina Isles 4 2 Chase Hammock Lakes 4 3 Citrus River Groves 3 2 Country River Estates 4 3.5 Diana Shores 4 2 Diana Shores 4 2 Egrets Cove 4 2.5 Garden Park 3 2 Garden Park 3 2 Georgianna Settlement 3 3 Glen Isles 4 2 Hampton Homes 3 2 Hampton Homes 3 2 Hampton Homes 3 2 Harbor Cove 3 2 Indian River Village 3 2 Iroquois South 4 2 Island Crossings 3 2 Island Crossings 4 3 Island Crossings 3 2 Island Crossings 2 2 Island South 4 3 Lucas Terrace 3 2 Mandalay Grove 3 2 Mandalay Grove 4 3 Mitchell Manor 3 2 Mitchell Manor 3 2 New Georgianna 4 2.5 none 3 2 none 3 2 none 3 2 none 3 2 none 5 3 Palmetto 3 2 Palmetto 4 2.5 Palmetto 4 2.5 Pelican Creek Estates 4 2 Raintree by the Lake 3 2 Raintree by the Lake 3 2 Raintree by the Lake 3 2 River Cliff 4 3 River Grove on the Trail 4 2.5 River Grove on the Trail 5 4 River Island Estates 4 2.5 Riverside 4 2 Riverside 4 3 Rockwell Estates 4 3 Rockwell Estates 4 2.5 South Merritt Island Estates 5 3 South Tropical Cove 4 2 Sun Pointe 4 3 Sunny Acres 3 2 Sunny Acres 3 2.5 Sunset Groves 6 3 Sunset Lakes 4 2 Sunset Lakes 4 2 Sunset Lakes 4 3 Sunset Lakes 4 3 Surfside Estates 4 2 Surfside Estates 3 2 The Villas at Indian River 3 2 Vetter Isles 3 2 Vetter Isles Estates 3 2 Villa De Palmas 4 2 Villa De Palmas 4 2 Villa De Palmas 3 2 Villa De Palmas 4 2 Villa De Palmas 4 2.5 Villa De Palmas 3 2 Villa De Palmas 3 2

LVG SQ FT 1216 2178 1446 1574 1683 1591 2019 1740 3633 2025 3375 2148 1616 3158 1715 1150 2756 1629 1892 1327 1590 1212 1588 2536 2118 2332 2043 2050 2155 1453 2401 3022 1323 1323 2285 1263 1374 2469 1884 4216 1979 2788 3100 1620 1520 1510 1493 1596 2227 3479 2285 1928 2645 1806 2356 3009 2013 4040 1835 912 2779 1852 2813 2371 2410 1785 1744 1068 1158 1520 2181 1784 1826 2958 2474 1988 2789

POOL yes yes no no no no no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes no no no no no yes yes no no no no no yes yes yes no no no no no yes no no yes no yes no no no no no no yes yes no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes no yes yes no yes yes yes no no no yes yes yes yes yes no yes yes yes

WTRFRNT canal no no no no canal no canal lake/pond lake/pond Indian Rvr canal canal Indian Rvr no no Indian Rvr canal no no canal no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no lake/pond Indian Rvr Indian Rvr no no lake/pond canal no no lake/pond no no lake/pond lake/pond no no no no no no canal no no no no no lake/pond no no canal no no canal no no canal no canal canal canal

YR BUILT 1983 1981 1962 1963 1963 1964 1966 1965 2005 1997 1988 1967 1966 1990 1963 1964 1980 1966 1961 1962 1963 1967 1979 1990 1996 1998 1996 1996 2001 1968 2014 2013 1965 1964 1988 1957 1983 2004 1962 1989 2005 2006 2006 1965 1982 1982 1983 1968 2003 2002 1993 1964 1965 1964 1979 1973 1994 1989 1954 1955 1998 1997 2001 2001 2002 1974 1966 1977 1962 1963 1968 1996 1967 1999 1994 1983 2000

*Public records sales data provided by Cheryl D’Cruz of Matlock-D’Cruz (see ad on next page)

38 |

www.MerrittIslandNow.com • AUG / SEPT 2015

SOLD PRICE $183,500 $230,000 $150,000 $80,000 $115,000 $170,000 $189,900 $317,000 $410,000 $276,000 $670,000 $292,000 $330,000 $826,000 $80,000 $100,000 $780,500 $191,000 $87,500 $82,500 $272,500 $146,900 $150,000 $315,000 $220,000 $248,500 $248,500 $265,000 $290,000 $90,900 $294,900 $395,000 $72,001 $153,000 $210,000 $68,000 $125,000 $350,000 $492,500 $814,000 $185,000 $245,000 $294,500 $250,500 $178,000 $189,000 $190,000 $140,000 $260,000 $395,000 $265,000 $180,000 $235,000 $230,000 $238,000 $301,000 $305,000 $625,900 $85,000 $89,000 $359,000 $210,000 $305,000 $329,750 $346,100 $152,000 $300,000 $74,500 $138,000 $226,000 $246,000 $240,000 $232,000 $285,000 $455,000 $500,000 $525,000

Our Relationships Recommend Us… For All Their Real Estate Needs — “Who You Work With Matters“ Million Dollar Sellers: Stacy Matlock 321.544.5235 or Cheryl D’Cruz 321.338.7841

Do you know anyone planning to Downsize, Move or Relocate? Are they?....  Overwhelmed with thoughts of sorting through possessions?  Unable to sort and pack due to emotions or time constraints?  Unsure how to store and sell some possessions?

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STEP 2 : Advise on how to repair their homes for sale and help them find a new home. STEP 3: We will sell their home with three objectives in mind: A) Maximize dollars obtained B) Sell in the shortest period of time C) Sell with the least amount of inconvenience

OCEAN

Century 21 Ocean 4333 N. Atlantic Avenue • Cocoa Beach , Florida 32931 AUG / SEPT 2015 • www.MerrittIslandNow.com | 39

Business & Real Estate ADDRESS 1800 Orris Avenue 240 Coldstream Avenue 510 Bella Capri Drive 1485 Morgan Drive 1490 Morgan Drive 220 Willow Avenue 1000 Dakar Drive 1090 N Montego Bay Drive 245 Jacala Drive 270 Jacala Drive 238 Lake Shore Drive 831 Wild Flower Street 4600 Annette Court 1825 Abbeyridge Drive 2050 Worchester Way 2137 Hedgerow Drive 618 Heather Stone Drive 626 Heather Stone Drive 1370 Centaurus Court 1555 Sykes Creek Drive 245 Diana Boulevard 380 Carrousel Court 4309 Crooked Mile Road 310 Needle Boulevard 395 Needle Boulevard 700 Jacaranda St 1295 San Juan Drive 1515 Martin Boulevard 365 Pine Boulevard 20 Ocean Street 483 Kennwood Avenue 494 Seacrest Avenue 700 Milford Point Drive 1020 Old Parsonage Drive 1229 S Banana River Drive 1290 S Tropical Trail 135 Twin Rivers Drive 174 Grant Road 175 E Crisafulli Road 2405 Newfound Harbor Drive 2728 Newfound Harbor Drive 3060 S Tropical Trail 3128 Morris Manor 3200 N Tropical Trail 525 S Banana River Drive 6129 N Tropical Trail 440 Windtamer Way 2563 Glenridge Circle 2613 Glenridge Circle 1595 Yates Drive 2882 Heritage Circle 60 Barcelona Boulevard 1160 Shady Lane 1675 S Shelter 1760 S Shelter Trail 3725 Laurette Road 3105 Savannahs Trail 3410 Savannahs Trail 3890 Savannahs Trail 165 Richland Avenue 526 Elliott Drive 775 Plantation Road 3402 Tipperary Drive 3605 Starlight Avenue 3756 Sunward Drive 1355 Dolphin Avenue 1400 Eddy Street 1510 Dorsal Street 2175 Porpoise Street 730 Hannah Drive 765 Jacaranda Street 197 Via Havarre 200 Cadiz Court 212 Via Havarre 2130 Sykes Creek Drive 2435 Sykes Creek Drive 2540 Sykes Creek Drive 1785 Canal Court 470 Jillotus Street

40 |

Merritt Island Homes Sold In June SUBDIVISION Banana River Drive Barony Estates Bella Capri Caribbean Isles Caribbean Isles Carlton Groves Catalina Isles Catalina Isles Catalina Isles Catalina Isles Citrus Club Citrus Isle Citrus River Groves Copperfield Copperfield Copperfield Copperfield Copperfield Diana Shores Diana Shores Diana Shores Garden Park Georgianna Settlement Hampton Homes Hampton Homes Harbor Estates Harborview Cove Holiday Cove Island Beach Merritt Ridge Merritt Ridge Merritt Ridge Milford Point New Georgianna none none none none none none none none none none none none Oak Creek Estates Palmetto Palmetto Pelican Creek Plantation Riverside Riverside Landing Riviera Isles Riviera Isles Rockwell Estates Savannahs Savannahs Savannahs Skylark Estates South Merritt Estates South Merritt Estates Sunset Lakes Sunset Lakes Sunset Lakes Surfside Estates Surfside Estates Surfside Estates Surfside Estates Vetter Isles Vetter Isles Villa De Palmas Villa De Palmas Villa De Palmas Villa De Palmas Villa De Palmas Villa De Palmas Waterway Manor Woods at Iroquois

BDRMS BATHS 3 2 3 2 5 2 4 2 3 2 3 1 3 3 3 2 3 2 4 2 3 2 4 2 4 2.5 4 2 4 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 4 2.5 4 2 4 2 3 2 3 3.5 3 2 3 2 3 2 2 2 3 2 3 2 4 2 3 2.5 4 2 4 3 5 3 5 4 3 2.5 3 3 4 2 4 3 4 2 6 4 5 4 3 3.5 3 2 4 2 3 2.5 4 3.5 3 2 3 2 4 2 5 4 4 2.5 3 2 4 2 4 2.5 3 2 3 2 3 2 5 3.5 3 2 6 4 3 2 5 4 4 3 5 3 4 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 3 3 2 3 2 2 2 3 3

www.MerrittIslandNow.com â&#x20AC;˘ AUG / SEPT 2015

LVG SQ FT 1466 1500 2923 1686 1593 1172 2178 1487 1188 1765 1860 1852 2208 2152 2157 2043 1673 2078 2232 1877 2149 996 2595 1008 1595 1893 1156 1738 2416 1456 1905 1624 2511 3447 2720 2100 3413 2812 2306 2316 3961 2644 2806 1832 2064 3716 3096 1777 1777 1860 3907 1831 2141 1738 2560 1829 1849 2022 2981 1100 4455 1551 3244 3059 2985 1768 1455 1496 1369 1304 1668 1702 2038 1781 2232 1749 1962 1794 2357

POOL no no yes no no no yes yes yes no no yes no no yes no yes no yes yes yes no yes no no yes no yes yes no yes no yes yes no no yes yes no yes yes yes no yes no yes no no no no yes yes no yes no no no yes yes no yes no yes yes yes no yes no yes no no yes yes yes yes no yes yes yes

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

YR BUILT 2015 1981 1980 1966 1965 1963 1967 1965 1965 1965 1992 1996 1983 1997 2000 1997 1995 1995 1977 1979 1967 1964 2005 1961 1963 1962 1976 1978 1965 1957 1957 1963 1985 1990 1978 1978 1990 2006 1974 1965 1997 1957 1989 1981 1991 1999 1993 2007 2007 1964 2011 1964 1984 1967 1977 1984 1999 2003 1999 1965 1964 1962 2003 1994 2000 1963 1965 1963 1980 1963 1962 1968 1986 1973 1988 1980 1974 1968 2002

SOLD PRICE $199,900 $164,900 $229,100 $92,925 $138,000 $74,500 $440,000 $276,250 $292,000 $195,000 $194,900 $270,000 $275,000 $249,900 $241,000 $229,000 $238,000 $210,000 $327,000 $335,000 $332,300 $128,500 $490,000 $135,000 $165,000 $105,800 $140,000 $361,000 $205,000 $70,000 $149,000 $75,000 $475,000 $390,000 $367,000 $176,500 $825,000 $339,900 $164,000 $500,000 $925,000 $415,000 $560,000 $251,900 $212,000 $900,000 $477,500 $185,000 $215,000 $228,000 $640,000 $175,500 $169,900 $299,900 $469,900 $176,500 $265,000 $269,900 $410,000 $150,000 $550,000 $186,000 $339,900 $275,000 $315,000 $180,000 $208,000 $155,000 $160,000 $185,000 $226,000 $365,000 $386,000 $202,500 $540,000 $190,000 $420,000 $289,000 $330,000

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AUTO • COMMERCIAL • HOME OWNER/RENTAL • MOBILE HOME• LIFE • MARINE AUG / SEPT 2015 • www.MerrittIslandNow.com

| 41

Awesome Blossoms Designs Thank you for voting us Best Florist on Merritt Island 2015!

We have Mums for the MIHS 50th Anniversary!

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www.MerrittIslandNow.com • AUG / SEPT 2015

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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 - MIYFCA - www.merrittislandmustangs.net............ (321)446-1170 Soccer - Central Brevard Soccer...........................................(321) 394-5083 www.centralbrevardsoccer.org Volleyball - Cape Coast Volleyball......................................(321) 639-3800 www.capecoastvolleyball.com Cheerleading - MIYFCA.........................................................(321) 960-3443 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 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

— 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

AUG / SEPT 2015 • www.MerrittIslandNow.com | 43

Reference 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 Faith Lutheran Pre-School and Day Care ..............................(321) 452-4143 280 East Merritt Avenue

— 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 6:30am-10:30am 330 Magnolia Avenue 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

44 |

www.MerrittIslandNow.com • AUG / SEPT 2015

— 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 Space Coast Mothers of Multiples......................................... (321) 795-1381 115 N. Indian River Drive Kiwanis Club of Merritt Island...............................................(321) 453-4309 P.O. Box 540142

— 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 Merritt Assembly of God.......................................................(321) 454-4263 165 N. Grove Street 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) 452-5689 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 East Merritt Avenue Redeemer Lutheran Church (WELS)...................................... (321) 453-1000 560 South Tropical Trail Redemption Bible Fellowship...............................................(321) 208-7959 890 N. Banana River Drive

*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.

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!

Michelle Daignault-Ives

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Daignault Realty,Inc. www.HomeInTheSun.com

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Isil Nevins

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Your Brevard Real Estate Resource Since 1971!

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