DeRoy family enjoys global enrichment, travel together
BY NICHOLE YUAN
For many Florida residents, summer vacations often include trips to theme parks or an island getaway cruise. But for the DeRoy family, vacations are more about exploration and exposure to different cultures.
Some of the destinations they have been to include Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Iceland, France, the United Kingdom and Costa Rica. A goal the family tries to stick to is alternating between fun and educational experiences.
“When we went to Mexico, it was all inclusive so there was a lot of food and it was really good,” said 10-year-old Ethan. “It tastes healthier than here. Well, it’s still not healthy, but …”
“When we go somewhere, we at least like to try something that the locals there eat,” wife and mother Nicole DeRoy added.
But sometimes travelers are faced with some unexpected instances, as soon-to-be UCF freshman Landon recounted.
“Every night (at a hotel we stayed at in Costa Rica) they had vanilla ice cream out. And then one night, for no reason, no signage, it changed to coconut ice cream with chunks in it and we all got it thinking it was vanilla. We all couldn’t eat more than one bite,” he said between laughs.
Featured family
The family expressed desire to visit many other places in the future such as Italy and Portugal. Coming up soon the family will return to England, this time in support of the middle child, Cayden, who was hand-picked by his British soccer coach to spend time honing his athletic
skills. There, Cayden will have the opportunity of a lifetime learning to finetune different techniques and even playing against soccer academies.
“(I got picked) because I’m good at soccer,” Cayden stated simply.
In a family with so much passion for seeing
the world, it comes as no surprise that some family members have bucket list vacation destinations.
“I want to see the pyramids in Egypt,” husband and father Greg Deroy said. Nicole DeRoy wants to go on an African safari.
With Landon heading
to college soon, the family joked about the potential difficulties in coordinating travel plans once he’s in Orlando.
But with his younger brothers already saying that they’ll miss him, the DeRoys will absolutely be sure to keep their travel traditions going strong. VV
• Assertiveness and Boundary Setting
• Discernment Counseling for mixed agenda couples (one leaning in/one leaning out of marriage)
I’m here to help. Start turning things around today. I’m just a phone call or click away.
VIERA VOICE Nichole Yuan
Busters.
Volume 17, Issue 7
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Creative Group, Inc.
All rights reserved
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Viera, FL 32940 media@bluewatercreativegroup.com
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Rowing is a good sport for men and women of all ages.
Row Brevard encourages interest
BY CHRIS BONANNO
Row Brevard invites the community to try rowing as part of its Adult Learn to Row Clinic to be held from 7 a.m. to noon Aug. 2 and 3 at Oars and Paddles Park in Indian Harbour Beach. It also held a clinic during National Learn to Row Day.
“My love of rowing has been lifelong,” said Row Brevard president Alex Goodale. “It’s a real kick to get people interested to want to try it and get out in the water and show them the ropes.”
Twenty-two new rowers participated in the June event, the club’s vice president Adrienne Smith said.
The oldest of the new participants was 75. Most
were in their 40s and 50s.
“Every rowing club in America does this. It’s always the first Saturday of June — National Learn to Row Day. The clubs up north obviously aren’t going to be rowing in the winter ’cause they’re frozen over,” Smith said.
The event gave participants an opportunity to learn the basics of rowing before getting in a boat.
“We started off on land on erg (ergometer) machines,” Smith said. “… We showed them the proper technique, then we went down to the docks and we put them all on the same side of the boat. So they could actually row while we held on to the boat so it wouldn’t go anywhere. We just taught them the proper stroke, how to slide,
Redefining Menopause
how to get your oar in the water at the same time and out of the water at the same time. Then, we moved them into the different seats and we went out with four newbies and four master rowers. We took them out through the canal into the Indian River, up to Dragon Point and back. So, they were out there for maybe a
half an hour rowing.” Those in attendance undoubtedly got a taste of what Goodale feels are the multiple positive impacts of rowing, which he said includes the aesthetics of going out on the water and
ROWING
Continued on page 5
VIERA VOICE Jill Blue
VIERA VOICE Jill Blue Row Brevard is accepting new participants who are 18 and older.
Woodside Park — a gem in a natural setting with lots to offer
BY BETTY PORTER
Woodside Park in Viera is a popular spot with a lot to offer.
The eight-acre park, located off Murrell Road at 1703 Crane Creek Blvd., offers a paved half-mile nature trail for walkers and bicyclists that winds through a hammock with Spanish Moss-draped trees and a sense of nature.
A nature playground that opened Jan. 29, 2022, it has two man-made mounds connected by a bridge above an artificial stream, and a Hobbit Hill children can explore with a tunnel that leads to a web made of ropes. There is a huge tree stump to climb that is from a tree that was struck by lightning. There also are natural rocks to climb. A 7-foot double slide off a hill offers adventure as does a bridge crossing. There are swings for children and a baby swing.
Suntree resident Kei Bartolome and his 18-month-old son, Keisutke, love the park.
“I know this is going to be a fun place to come for Keisutke in the years ahead,” Bartolome said. “He really liked walking on the sidewalk today and seeing the dogs through the fence.”
Throughout the park, which is open from dawn to dusk, are large umbrellas, picnic tables, benches and Adirondack chairs made from recycled water bottles. There are bathroom facilities and a water fountain.
Dogs enjoy playing in Pieloch Dog Park which
ROWING
Continued from page 4
it being very low impact on the body. He said that rowers use close to 90 percent of the body’s muscles during the activity.
“It preserves your muscle tone,” Goodale said. “It’s outstanding in terms of cardiovascular benefits.”
Row Brevard is accepting those ages 18 and older to join. There’s even a youth affiliate club in the Space Coast Crew, also based at the park for those who are younger.
“You have to have some kind of clinic,” Smith said. “You don’t have to have college experience. I started rowing in my 50s and I’ve been rowing for 10 years.
I’m 69 VV
For more information and to sign up, check out rowbrevard.org
opened on Dec. 12, 2021. It is a fully fenced, off-leash park with two sections — one for dogs 25 pounds or less and the other for dogs more than 25 pounds. It also has a wash station. Dogs enjoy tunnels, bridges, ramps, dog houses and fire-hydrant splashes.
Mark and Titiana Pieloch were the primary donors supporting the playground and dog park. The couple provided a $70,000 grant.
Built on land owned by the Viera East Community Development District, Woodside Park originally opened in 1993.
“Prior to 2020, the park was in a state of disarray,” said Rob Dale, the past chairman and currently the vice supervisor of the board.
“It wasn't until a new five-member board of supervisors made Woodside Park a priority which resulted in it becoming one of the best parks in the area,” Dale said. “In 2021, the whole park got a facelift with the injection of a half-million dollars worth of monetary and materials donated along with 7,000 volunteer hours.
“We are a lot more event focused now,” Dale said. “The Viera East Farmers Market takes place at the park every second Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It draws a lot of people for the market and the food trucks. And the Fall Harvest Festival and presentation of the winning Scarecrows will take place there again this year on Oct. 18."
Viera residents Joe and Robin Stanfield have been coming to walk at the park for the past two months.
“We are so glad we spotted it and are walking here three days per week now,” Robin Stanfield said. “We came from South Georgia and I really miss the trees. So being here walking along the path with the big trees is very enjoyable to us.”
Crane Creek resident Yvonne Later comes every day.
“I like walking to keep my joints moving. It’s so important as we age,” she said.VV
Cathy Presnick, L.M.E Serving Brevard County since 2004
BETTER SKIN IN 3
VIERA VOICE photo
Woodside Park in Viera opened in 1993.
SPORTS
WrapUp
Jawaan Taylor football camp makes big impact on young players
BY CARL KOTALA
It’s back … and by popular demand.
The Jawaan Taylor Free Football Camp took place at Viera Regional Park last month with 182 kids ages 8 to 16 showing up for instruction. It was led by the former Cocoa High School standout who is now entering his seventh NFL season as a right tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs.
“It was great; crazy that I got to be on the same field with him,” said incoming Viera High freshman Brayden Scarberry.
Taylor previously held camps in 2021 and 2022 when he was with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He signed with the Chiefs in 2023 and started a new business with his family — Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation in Rockledge, which opened in 2024.
While the camp wasn’t run the past two years, it was still popular.
“Jawaan came to me at the end of last year and he’s like, ‘Mom, I’ve got so many people in my inbox, so many people calling … they want the camp back. I know you’re busy with the funeral home, but I need you to make this happen,” said Wendy Taylor, who is the camp director, Jawaan’s
business manager and CEO of the funeral home.
“And we did it. Me and Coach Marlon Lewis, who is his uncle and my brother.
“We put it together again. And the children loved it. It was a great success.”
Scarberry said he has attended at least a dozen camps as a quarterback. But because of an injury, he went to the Taylor camp to play linebacker.
“I just started trying to play linebacker because of my shoulder,” he said.
“I’m trying to learn form tackling. I haven’t played defense for a while. And it was helping me out a lot.”
What also impressed Scarberry and his father, Mike, was that there were 25 coaches on the field for the one-day camp. Things went smoothly.
“We’ve definitely seen our fair share of camps,”
Mike Scarberry said. “I sat there for that camp and it was very well run, very planned out. They knew what they were doing to not have a lot of standing around time whatsoever.”
Not only is Brayden Scarberry a Chiefs fan, he and his father flew to Kansas City for a playoff game in January.
“It was pretty cool, him getting to watch them play in a playoff game and
then getting to share the field with somebody from his favorite team,” Mike Scarberry said.
Players who attended the camp received gift bags that included custom-made water bottles, rally towels, head bands and mouth guards.
Wendy Taylor said the camp will continue.
“Absolutely,” she said. “It is our goal to do it every year.” VV
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Kamau Brothers Jawaan Taylor hopes to conduct the Jawaan Taylor Free Football Camp every year.
VIERA VOICE Jill Blue
Incoming Viera freshman Brayden Scarberry, center, was one of 182 kids who went to Viera Regional Park to attend last month's Jawaan Taylor Free Football Camp. It was put on by the former Cocoa High standout who now plays for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Space Coast United Soccer reaches national semifinals for second year
BY CARL KOTALA
COMMERCE CITY, Colorado — It was an incredible year for the Space Coast United U-19 boys soccer team.
After getting eliminated in controversial fashion in last year’s U.S. Club Soccer National Cup semifinals, the team vowed to get back to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado to take another crack at winning a national title.
Space Coast United reached the national semifinals for a second consecutive year, but again, couldn’t get into the title game after losing to the eventual national champion
from Oklahoma, 1-0.
However, it was still a great year for Space Coast United.
The team won the regional tournament in North Carolina, winning three games in a span of 24 hours in brutal heat.
Many players on coach Taylor Pitts’ team also went to Denmark and won two friendlies.
SCU won its first three games in Colorado against teams from Texas, Idaho and California, coming from behind in two of them.
This year’s SCU roster was made up of Jake Wells; Mikkel Jensen; Jadyn Senger; Matthew Da Silva; Dane Boss; Owen Kaufman;
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Jake Medina; Rod Rincones; Matthew Gooden; Aiden Holtkamp; Caleb Adams; Wade Bishop; Samuel Cottrell; Sean Rogers; Skyler Serpa-Tapia; Luke Collins; Carlos Nieves and goalkeepers Lucas Evans and Eddie Steinwand. VV
Cocoa City Council member Lavander Hearn, left, Cocoa Mayor Mike Blake, Ohme Entin, the president of Orlando Health East Region, and Jarvis Walsh, the pastor at the R.E.A.L. Church, were on hand for the unveiling of plans to build a mini soccer or futsal field at Provost Park in Cocoa. The project was made possible primarily through a donation of $150,000 from Orlando Health.
VIERA VOICE Jennifer Rincones
Space Coast United's Jadyn Senger (in red) scores the game-tying goal during the third game of the U.S. Club Soccer National Cup U-19 tournament at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado last month. SCU would rally late to beat California's Cesar Chavez Futbol Academy to advance to the national semifinals for the second consecutive year.
Espinal excited to be drafted by Tigers, welcomes position switch
BY CARL KOTALA
Former Viera High School
baseball standout Edian Espinal was visiting his family in Puerto Rico when he got the call he had always been waiting for.
The Detroit Tigers were taking him in the 10th round of last month’s Major League Baseball draft.
“It was very exciting,” Espinal said. “I had my whole family there and my girlfriend. I was kind of stressed out because I was getting told I was getting picked two rounds before, and I didn’t end up getting picked.
“I just kept waiting and waiting and praying. It finally happened. … It was a great moment.”
Espinal becomes the fifth Viera player to be selected in the MLB Draft, joining his older brother Alan, who was taken by the Colorado Rockies in the 11th round last year.
Just like his brother, Espinal enters the pros as a catcher despite having played the infield throughout his high school and college career.
“People have always told me that they could see me as a catcher and that I have the leadership skills to be a catcher,” Espinal said. “I can keep everybody engaged and all that.
“I mean, if pro scouts see something, I trust them. I’m willing to work on it for sure.” Espinal had an outstanding junior
season at UCF after transferring from Chipola College.
He led the nation in hitting for a couple of weeks after batting over .500 during the first month of the season. He finished as an Honorable Mention AllBig 12 selection with a line of .335/.434/.470 with 17 extra-base hits (four home
MLB DRAFT
Continued to page 13
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Edian Espinal Edian Espinal became the fifth player from Viera High School to be taken in the Major League Baseball Draft when the Detroit Tigers selected him in the 10th round.
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Edian Espinal
Former Viera High baseball standout Edian Espinal signs his first pro contract after being selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 10th round of this year's Major League Baseball Draft. Espinal is the fifth player from Viera High to hear his name called at the draft. Among the other four are his older brother, Alan, who was taken by Colorado last year.
Viera ready for new challenges as football season kicks off
BY CARL KOTALA
The Viera Hawks will have some tough challenges ahead of them when football season gets under way again this month.
But that doesn’t mean the Hawks aren’t capable of reaching the playoffs for the second consecutive year.
Things get started for Viera on Aug. 15 when the Hawks are set to play Palm Bay in a Kickoff Classic game. While the game won’t have any impact on Viera’s record, the game will be significant because of an old friend.
Former Viera head coach Kevin Mays, who helped build the Hawks into a county power, is now back at his
alma mater. The Kickoff Classic will represent his head coaching debut with the Pirates.
While that should be a fun contest, the Hawks are really getting ready for the regular season and the home opener against Rockledge, one of six teams on Viera’s schedule that made the playoffs last year.
“Rockledge, obviously, is a big one,” Viera coach Tony Gulla said. “We played them really close last year.”
A game at home against Deltona and the first of five consecutive road trips — this time at Astronaut — make up the next part of Viera’s schedule. Deltona is a replacement for Satellite, and
Astronaut just missed making the playoffs last season.
The Hawks will head north again the following week to play at Titusville, a team Gulla said could wind up being the best team in Brevard County this season. That contest will be followed by three more road games — at Tohopekaliga, at Cocoa Beach and at
Kissimmee Osceola, which went 12-3 and reached the Class 6A state championship game last season.
Viera is scheduled to return home on Oct. 17 for a game with Seabreeze, which joins the schedule in place of Spruce Creek.
The Hawks then close out the regular season with home games against Melbourne and Merritt Island.
With Satellite no longer on Viera’s schedule, the game against Melbourne will be
considered the Adidas Bowl for both teams.
The Merritt Island game is always a good contest to close out the regular season as Viera makes another push to get back to the postseason
“We don’t have an easy schedule,” Gulla said. “We’re not in any position to take anybody lightly. We’re just not there yet. We’ll play them one game at a time, but right now we’re focused on Rockledge and having a good showing in Week 1.” VV
VIERA VOICE Adrianna Vavra
During the upcoming football season, Viera will be challenged with five consecutive road games.
VIERA VOICE Adrianna Vavra
The Viera Hawks will face the Palm Bay Pirates on the road for a Kickoff Classic on Aug. 15.
Viera’s Brand working way back to volleyball court for Hawks
BY CARL KOTALA
There’s a reason why Ella Brand is a standout player for the Viera High School volleyball team.
And her talent is only part of it.
“She embodies what it means to be a complete all-around player for Viera High School volleyball,” Viera coach Sarah Wayne wrote in an email.
“Ella is a defensive specialist, but I needed her to be a hitter for us last year and she did so without hesitation.”
That’s what good players, and true leaders, do.
“I’ll play wherever,” Brand said. “It doesn’t bother me. If they need me there, I’ll play.”
Of course, playing a position you’re not used to does come with its challenges. But instead of being hesitant about them, she embraced them and gave the Hawks just what they were looking for, including during a 3-1 win against Spruce Creek last season when she had a season-high 12 kills to go with 15 digs.
“It was a work in progress,” the 5-foot-8 Brand said. “I wasn’t really used to playing outside, so I wasn’t as good as someone who always plays outside would be. But I worked hard and I did what I had to do.”
All Brand did was finish second on the team in aces (53), fourth on the team in kills (77) and third in digs (258) as the Hawks went on to win their fourth consecutive district championship.
Now, at the start of her senior season, Brand will be moving back to her regular defensive specialist role.
Brand tore her ACL in last year’s regional semifinal win against Bloomingdale and, after having surgery, has been rehabilitating.
She hopes to soon be cleared to play.
“The traits that Ella
possesses go beyond the physical skills on the volleyball court and her ball control,” Wayne wrote. “… This senior is an inspiration to the underclassman of what it means to get yourself back up after a physical, emotional and mental setback.
“Ella is a special player. She excels in the classroom with a perfect unweighted 4.0. She is a leader by example, not only with her rehab this offseason, but with her dedication to the sport and her Viera volleyball teammates.”
All those years of reps on defense have taught Brand how to read the ball off an opponent’s hand, making her a valuable asset to any team’s defense.
“When I was younger, I was always the taller one, so I started out as a middle hitter,” she said. “But then, when everyone else started growing, I kind of stopped. I got pushed back to defense and that was my favorite.
“I think that’s what I’m best at — defense and
serve/receive. It’s the most fun to me. I feel the most comfortable back there.”
Viera’s recent history has been pretty rich of late — four district titles, three regional finals and two
appearances in the Class 6A state championship game.
“We should be pretty decent,” she said. “We’re getting some new players. So, there are going to be some new, unfamiliar people that I haven’t played with.”
Brand hopes to attend the University of Florida, where she plans to study health sciences and eventually become a physician’s assistant. VV
AUGUST 2
Helping Hands Free Disability Resource Conference
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
A day of friendship, information, training and open panel discussions will cover various topics from legislation to mental health. Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd.
Dining Out & Events
Melbourne, 631-807-2974
AUGUST 7 International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Tour the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse, and listen to the KSC Amateur Radio Club as it communicates with lighthouses and radio operators around the world.
Reservation required.
100 Spaceport Way Cape Canaveral, 321-351-5052
AUGUST 9
Music Lovers Unite
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Bring an instrument and jam or listen to music with fellow music lovers.
Cape Canaveral Library Cape Canaveral, 321-868-1101
AUGUST 12
Jazz Music Night
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Italian American Club of South Brevard 1471 Cypress Ave. Melbourne, 321-242-8044
AUGUST 16
AARP Driver’s Course 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 904-501-2311
“The Music Man”
7 p.m.
Presented by the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra.
Satellite High School
Performing Arts Center
300 Scorpion Court Satellite Beach, 855-252-7276
Woodstock Music Festival Party
2 - 10 p.m.
Italian American Club of South Brevard 1471 Cypress Ave. Melbourne, 321-242-8044
AUGUST 17
“Cool Summer Bash”
2 - 5 p.m.
The Space Coast Parrot Head Club presents a musical afternoon to benefit the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
Moose Lodge 3150 N. Courtenay Parkway Merritt Island, spacecoastparrotheads.com
AUGUST 18
Back Brevard Heroes Monthly Meeting 6 p.m.
Learn about volunteering,
MUSIC MUSIC
upcoming events. Brevard Veterans Memorial Center
400 Sykes Creek Parkway Merritt Island, 321-960-2033
AUGUST 19
Downsizing 11 a.m.
Enjoy a chef-prepared lunch and discover useful tips on how to navigate the downsizing process with ease. Shell Harbor 2855 Murrell Road Rockledge, 321-265-6875
AUGUST 20
Digital Afterlife: Managing Online Accounts After You’re Gone 10 a.m.
Attorney Ruth Rhodes will explore key considerations around managing online accounts.
8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
AUGUST 23
Tuxes & Tails Gala 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Fundraiser for the Brevard Humane Society.
Radisson Resort at the Port 8701 Astronaut Blvd. Cape Canaveral, 321-636-3343
Heroes & Hounds
5 p.m.
Cheer on your favorite hero and the adoptable hounds on the catwalk. Fundraiser for the SPCA of Brevard.
Hotel Melby 816 E. New Haven Ave. Melbourne 321-567-3615
Luxury Cruises and Travel
Queen Elizabeth — Jan. 20-29, 2026
Nine night Caribbean cruise sailing to Montego Bay, Belize, Cozumel and Costa Maya. I will have a bus going to Miami and back. Rates starting at $1144 pp based on double occupancy.
Viking Vesta — June 16-23, 2026
Small ship, adults only, no casino. Relax and see the world on this Viking Ocean cruise. Join Jean as we sail from Athens to Crete, Rhodes and then end several days in Turkey!
America’s Greatest Treasures
July 3 - 11, 2026
Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday with Jean in South Dakota. Trip begins in Rapid City, SD with a visit to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and onto gold rush country. Festivities include fireworks at Mount Rushmore and Deadwood, a town in the Black Hills. We will head to Cody and then onto Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Teton then to Jackson and finish in Salt Lake City. This trip will sell out fast.
Explora Journeys Luxury Cruises
Feb. 17 to March 1, 2027
Experience unmatched elegance with an exclusive suite upgrade and up to 25% savings on your next ocean voyage. Discover the world in true luxury. Join Jean for a stunning group journey from the Amazon to San Juan — an unforgettable cruise you won’t want to miss!
Continued from page 8
runs, 13 doubles), 41 runs scored, 37 RBI and 11 stolen bases.
The road he took helped get him to where he is today.
“It was my first time being away from my house,” Espinal said of his time at Chipola. “That was something that was very big for me. I had to compete with a bunch of guys who were D-I bounce backs and had huge names.
“I had to learn to relax and trust in myself; put my head down and keep working. It helped me out with that, with the pressure of trying to get your coach to like you and doing good so other D-Is would look at me.
“It all helped me out to get to UCF and, at UCF, I did the same thing trying to impress MLB scouts. I knew exactly what to do.”
Maybe it was a premonition, but Espinal said he actually worked out at catcher in the fall for UCF,
but the Knights needed him to play second base. Now, he’s a full-time catcher. And he knows just who to go to if he needs advice — his brother, Alan. “We call each other all the time,” Edian said. “He can give me some advice. I can send him video of what I’m doing, and he can tell me what he thinks. He always helps me out with everything.
“… I’ve always been willing to catch. It should be a good experience. VV
SCHOOLNews
SCTPO continues raising safety awareness as school starts
BY CHRIS BONANNO
The Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization (SCTPO) is working to improve pedestrian and student safety in school zones as the 20252026 school year starts.
“We’ve seen incremental improvements in awareness, thanks in part to enforcement and education efforts,” said Abby Hemenway, the public information and outreach manager with the SCTPO in an email. “However, compliance still varies, especially during the first weeks of school. That’s why public reminders, school zone signage enhancements and law enforcement presence
continue to play a critical role.
The SCTPO will be pushing safety messaging during the whole month of August, as well as participating in Backto-School outreach events to help spread the word.”
The SCTPO hopes that its messaging can help eliminate some of the most common errors and infractions that the organization sees, according to Hemenway. That includes speeding through school zones, distracted driving, especially during pick-up/ drop-off times, failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and illegally passing stopped school buses.
Hemenway said motorists should:
• Never block a crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn
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• Watch for children walking or biking to school, especially around driveways, alleys and neighborhoods
• Stop for school buses when their lights are flashing and stop arms are extended
• Put away distractions, such as phones or in-car screens, especially in school zones and pick-up areas
• Follow crossing guards’ directions and reduce their speed in posted school zones; and to
• Allow extra travel time during back-to-school weeks when traffic and congestion increase.
Hemenway noted that there has been progress on safety to help pedestrians in Brevard County, including a project on Clearlake Road in Cocoa to improve pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure and a new crosswalk on University Boulevard at Bruce D. Buggs Street in Melbourne. She also added that the SCTPO is “piloting a Bicycle Safety Resource Guide for PE
teachers to help supplement safety curriculum, as well as exploring how we can educate teens on the dangers of distracted driving.”
“Creating safer routes to school is more than an infrastructure effort — it’s about protecting our most vulnerable road users and creating a culture of shared responsibility,” said Georganna Gillette, the executive director of the SCTPO in an e-mail.
“Through our partnerships with cities, law enforcement and schools, we’re building a safer future for every student in Brevard County.” VV
$230 million expansion of Palm Bay Hospital.
million transition to Epic’s MyChart for seamless, connected care.
million for two new freestanding ERs (Rockledge and South Brevard).
million on our new Cape Canaveral Hospital.
Chicken and shrimp cheesy pasta
BY ELAINE MOODY
Have you ever eaten a really tasty meal at a restaurant and then wished you had the recipe so you could make it at home? A few years ago, my husband and I ordered the special of the day from
PASTA INGREDIENTS
1 large chicken breast — diced
1 dz. large shrimp — peeled and deveined
1 16 oz. pkg. linguine (I prefer Durum wheat)
3 Tbsp. marinara sauce
Lemon juice from one lemon
Lemon pepper seasoning
Olive oil
1/2 sm. white onion — sliced
Cream cheese — 8 oz. block
1/2 cup Cotija cheese — grated (or substitute Parmesan)
1/4 Romano cheese — grated
VEGETABLES
1/4 sliced white onion — sliced
2 large carrots — sliced
1/2 large zucchini — sliced
Olive oil
Sea salt and black pepper
Cook pasta, following directions on the package. Leave in water and set aside. In a deep skillet with approximately 4 Tbsp. of olive oil, cook a chicken breast that has been seasoned with lemon-pepper spice. It cooks faster if it’s diced.
Cover and cook on medium low heat until the chicken is tender. Remove the lid and add seasoned shrimp. I cut mine into three sections, but you can leave it whole. Squeeze juice from one lemon on top of the chicken and shrimp. Stir and continue to cook
until the shrimp is pink. Add 3 Tbsp. of marinara sauce and stir. Soften an 8-ounce bar of cream cheese and place in the skillet with the chicken and shrimp, stir. Add about a 1/4 cup of pasta water to the mixture and then gradually sprinkle in the Cotija and Romano cheeses and stir again. Add linguini a little at a time and mix with cheese to make sure all the pasta is well coated. If not creamy enough, you can add a bit more pasta water. Cover the skillet and place on low heat.
In another skillet, add 1 Tbsp. of
and
with sea salt and black pepper (to taste), cover and cook on medium low heat until the carrots start to get tender. You can always add one or two tablespoons of water if needed. Then add zucchini, season and cover, and continue to cook until the zucchini is tender.
This recipe should make four to six servings. Enjoy!
olive oil, a quarter-sliced white onion
two sliced carrots. Sprinkle
Therapy dogs snuggle their way to healing, comfort
BY LINDA JUMP
Space Coast Therapy Dogs are snuggling their way into hearts at local hospitals, senior care facilities, schools, hospices, libraries, veterans’ clinics, businesses and even the airport. There is no cost to facilities.
The goal of SCTD, founded in 1992, is “to lift spirits, remove anxiety, provide companionship and eliminate loneliness and despair.”
Dogs hear stories read by children and war stories from distraught veterans. They help hospital patients, relieve travelers’ stress at the Melbourne Orlando International Airport and dispel loneliness in long-term care.
The animals work for hugs, pets and love, and their handlers, for free.
“It’s life-changing not only for those we visit, but for us (handlers) and the dogs. The connections we make are profound,” said Caroline Lewis, president of the board of SCTD.
The group made 40 visits in June, not including the 10 airport teams.
Handlers agree that their dogs change lives. Rochelle Kenyon cited a female comatose patient who visited with her Golden Retriever.
“Beebee went right in and silently put her head on her hand for several minutes. The lady opened her eyes and said, ‘there’s a red dog here.’
Your heart just thrills with such incredible experiences.”
Kathy Nilan of Palm Bay, a 25-year therapy handler, said, “A little boy in a wheelchair had casts on both arms, looking down. His toes were sticking out and my dog started licking them. He started laughing and everyone cried. It was the first time he’d communicated or laughed in weeks.”
Mary Lewis of Viera and her Golden Retriever comforted people at a recent widow/widower seminar.
“During a break, a young widow sat on the floor and sobbed while hugging Colby. I didn’t have to say a word.
She has a knack for finding the person who needs her and she’ll flop on her back for belly rubs."
Lewis, a retired Air Force veteran, recently started organizing the visits at the VA Outpatient Clinic. “I know what a comfort it is to relieve (military) stress.”
The dogs offer special talents. Reggie plays an eight-key piano, while Romeo bows, twirls, dances and gives high-fives. Romeo’s trainer Maureen Reeder said, “He wants everyone to see him, pet him and love him. That’s his life.”
Dogs must be certified by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. The alliance provides handler background checks, training, insurance and verifies canine health.
The Melbourne Orlando
International Airport last year began scheduling “Comfort Canine” teams to greet travelers.
“Passengers love it. Traveling can be stressful, especially on international flights, with nervous flyers and kids. Who doesn’t love a dog?” asked Laura Richard, the airport marketing manager.
Roxzannah MacDonald of Edinburg, Scotland and her children were enchanted by Reggie, a Biewer Terrier, who played the piano as they waited to board a plane.
“It’s genuinely amazing and promotes calmness.” Her children loved receiving a collectible card from handler Janet DeMatteis of Merritt Island, listing Reggie’s favorite food as beef jerky and favorite activity is chasing
lizards. Cards are part of the experience too.
Therapy dogs also visit Brevard libraries, where children read to them. Lucinda Dann, the youth services librarian at Eau Gallie Library, said, “I want the kids to gain confidence in reading aloud. What’s better than to read to your best friend.”
Recently, five dogs and handlers participated. Patrick McGregor of Viera raced to his favorite, Breezy, a 150-pound Newfoundland. He got to eye level. “Remember me?” he asked the dog, opening his book.
Jeff Arent of Melbourne, Breezy’s handler, said, “It’s absolutely a gift that we can do this.”
To schedule a visit, go to spacecoasttherapydogs.com.
VIERA VOICE Matt Clark
Last year, Melbourne Orlando International Airport introduced a program where dogs greet and comfort travelers.
VIERA VOICE Jeri Lyn Jump
Maureen Reeder, a volunteer handler with Space Coast Therapy Dogs, holds Romeo, her Chihuahua, while Chloe Zimmerman, 7, of Melbourne reads to him at a recent Read to a Dog program at the Eau Gallie Public Library. Handlers pay for the required training and certification of their animals.
Hundreds left Hurricane Prep Rally better prepared
BY CHRIS BONANNO
Hundreds of area residents might now feel better prepared to weather a storm after attending the Senior Life and Viera Voice Hurricane Prep Rally & Senior Fair at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Community in Viera.
They had the opportunity to meet with representatives from a wide array of community partners and exhibitors at the July 18 event. Attendees to the three-hour event left with valuable information on emergency responses, evacuation zones and routes, post-storm planning, dealing with pets and special needs shelters and what people with disabilities should do in the event of a storm.
Will Ulrich, the warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Melbourne, captured the attention of a full auditorium with his presentation on “Hurricane Season 2025: Focus on Hazards.”
Longtime broadcast meteorologist Amy Sweezey, who served for 20 years in the Orlando TV market, also was one of the presenters. Sweezy, who is an author, podcaster and contributor with CNTV, Orange County Government and Carnival Cruise Line, presented “Hurricane Ready: Preparing for the 2025 Season.”
“We talked about the forecast and some preparation tips,” Sweezey said. “And my biggest mantra of course for everybody is, ‘don’t be scared just prepare.’ ”
The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services canteen demonstrated some of the services the organization can provide following disasters. The Salvation Army volunteers provided breakfast snacks and a lunch of hotdogs and chips for attendees.
Presenting sponsors were Health First, State Farm Arty Pagan and Rhodes Law.
Doris Garcia Duran of Health First said she was pleased with the event. “Letting the seniors know their options is an amazing idea. Its a great event to keep coming to year after year.”
Other community partners at the event included the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Animal
Services division, the City of Rockledge, Aging Matters in Brevard and the Brevard Humane Society.
“We always encourage everyone to have a prepare-and-go bag filled with at least five days of pet supplies and make sure we have all paperwork necessary and then always have some pet-friendly hotels,” said Desiree Zink of the Brevard Humane Society. “It’s important that we’d like to note that all Brevard County hurricane shelters are pet friendly.”
Other partners included 211 Brevard, the American Red Cross and Brevard County Fire Rescue’s Fire Prevention.
“Some of the biggest safety issues we run into over and over again is people running generators in their garages,” said Ryan McLaurin, a fire inspector with BCFR. “… Do not run a generator in your garage. Make sure it is ventilated away from your garage. Do not run anything gas powered in your garage during a hurricane or in general. Just avoid it.”
VIERA VOICE Matt Clark
Amy Sweezey gave a presentation on preparing for the hurricane season.
Take a day trip to fun sites in Orlando that aren’t theme parks
BY NICHOLE YUAN
Living in Viera has its perks. There’s beautiful scenery, fabulous restaurants and enough stores to shop until you drop.
But when all is said and done, this cozy gem in Brevard County still lacks some fun family activities that can be found a short drive away.
To keep things interesting and young minds curious, the Orlando Science Center is a wonderful place for both children and adults alike to have fun, burn off some excess energy and learn something new all while in the comfort of air conditioning.
Just less than an hour away, visitors have opportunities to view live animals in the Life Exhibit
as well as encounter ambassador animals during stage shows. In addition to wildlife, the Orlando Science Center offers live science experiments targeted for younger audiences.
The Cool Science presentation demonstrates the properties of liquid nitrogen and the popular Powers of Pokémon show educates young trainers on the science behind their favorite battle buddies’ special abilities.
“I did the Pikachu thing,” said Oliver Yuan, recalling his experience as a volunteer during the Powers of Pokemon show. “I got to hold, like, I forget what it was but like, if we touched it, it made electricity.”
“I like the play area and I also like where we make rocket ships,” added Lyra Yuan.
And if that isn’t enough excitement, the current exhibit will have guests
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teaming up with popular super heroes such as Batman and Wonder Woman to take down evil villains.
Visitors can even choose to borrow a hero cape prior to undertaking different training and missions for the full experience. But take note that the hero exhibit is only available until September 7.
After all the physical and mental exercises guests can encounter at the Orlando Science Center, families can opt to eat on site at 4Roots Cafe where options include customizable bowls, sandwiches and even dinosaur chicken nuggets.
Alternatively, families might consider checking out Mills Market, an Asian cafeteria-style eatery only a
short 10-minute drive away from the Orlando Science Center.
Once inside, customers can expect to find fresh bakery items such as pineapple buns and taro bread along with a variety of other foods from different Asian countries such as Vietnam, China and Japan. The simplistic yet immersive decor adds to the cozy atmosphere.
Near the door, visitors will spot a couple small prize-catching games and anyone feeling lucky can opt to test their skills before heading back to Brevard.
After such a full day of fun and food, the only thing families can expect to hear from their children is the question of when they can do it all again. SL
VIERA VOICE Nichole Yuan
The Orlando Science Center, a short trip from Brevard County, has a lot to offer for visitors of all ages.
VIERA VOICE Nichole Yuan Mills Market offers a wide array of delicious food.
VIERA VOICE Nichole Yuan
In addition to wildlife, the Orlando Science Center offers live science experiments.
VIERA VOICE Nichole Yuan
Children enjoy many interactive exhibits at the Orlando Science Center.
ScoopBUSINESS
Bunky’s Raw Bar, Mimosa’s coming to Suntree; Sushi Kawa opens in Viera
BY MIKE GAFFEY
An iconic beachside seafood restaurant expanding to the mainland is among three new eateries opening or already serving customers in the Suntree-
Viera area.
Bunky’s Raw Bar & Seafood Grill is set to add a second location at the site of the former Charlie & Jake’s Barbecue and Brewery at 6300 N. Wickham Road.
The Suntree Charlie & Jake’s
closed in 2022.
Bunky’s opened in 1981 in Satellite Beach and later in Indialantic. Bunky’s Raw Bar & Brewery is owned by Colin Jones and Douglas Walker, who also own the Indialantic Bunky’s and the Indian Harbour Beach restaurant Charlie & Jake’s Barbecue.
“We’ve always been fascinated with Suntree,” said Jones, a New England native who lived in Suntree before eventually relocating to Satellite Beach. “I think we've always entertained that question of whether we could ever see ourselves in that spot. So, slowly that's been manifesting itself and coming to fruition.”
Crews are completing extensive renovations at the Suntree Bunky’s, which should be open by mid-
September, Jones said.
“We've completely gutted the inside,” Jones said of the restaurant, which seats more than 200 customers and has an outdoor patio area. “We moved the bar, so we have a big, beautiful island bar in the center now. The kitchen is mostly the same. We’ve added all new systems and new floors and things like that. It’s got a full remodel, so it's nice.”
Bunky’s in Suntree will offer a casual, familyfriendly atmosphere with a nautical theme and bigscreen TVs for sports fans, Jones said. Menu items will include such traditional beachside favorites as fresh oysters and clams, burgers and never-frozen wings, as well as new dishes, he added.
“We’re the fourth owners of Bunky's, and I think each owner has always brought some really neat, creative additions to their menus and we try to preserve as much of that as possible,” Jones said. “So although we change our menus and come up with different things, you'll see that we go to our community and say, ‘Hey, what do you love and what would you like to see on the menu?’ ” Jones and Walker also are refurbishing brewery equipment, on display behind glass walls, that made Charlie & Jake’s among the first Brevard County restaurants to brew its own beer. Local brewer Will Brant will run brewing operations, Jones said.
“We really want to go for
it and see if we can bring back the integrity of the great beers that came out of that brewery,” said Jones, who noted that Bunky’s also will offer a wide selection of beer and wine. “And Will is an amazing brewer.”
Another Suntree restaurant also is replacing a former fan favorite. Mimosa’s is set to open at the site of Niki’s Family Restaurant, which closed May 31 after having served customers for 35 years at 6947 N. Wickham Road in Suntree Plaza.
Mimosas will offer breakfast, lunch and brunch. In West Viera, the Thai and Japanese restaurant Sushi Kawa opened June 9 at 7645 Stadium Parkway, Unit 101, in Addison Center at Viera.
Owned by restaurant sushi chef Jirawat Chaijirawat and Sujinda “Jen” Chaijirawat, the 1,200-square-foot restaurant serves authentic, fresh Asian cuisine in an intimate setting, with indoor and outdoor seating for about 40 customers.
The natives of Thailand lived in Viera for a time. They moved to Palm Beach before returning to Viera.
“We saw how Viera was growing and decided to open Sushi Kawa,” Sujinda Chaijirawat said. “We like it here. It’s very, very nice. It’s going well. Customers have been happy.”
Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. For reservations or to order takeout, go to sushi-kawa.com or call 321-421-7449. VV
VIERA VOICE Mike Gaffey Thai and Japanese restaurant Sushi Kawa opened June 9 in Addison Center at Viera.
VIERA VOICE Mike Gaffey
Mimosa's will offer breakfast, lunch and brunch at 6947 N. Wickham Road in Suntree Plaza.
Photos by Matt Clark and Charles Miller
VIERA MEANS BUSINESS VIERA MEANS BUSINE
In July, the Viera Means Business networking group met at the newly opened The Junction at Rockledge apartment homes at 4101 Fiske Trail in Rockledge.
The Viera Means Business networking group meets at 8 a.m. the second Thursday of each month at various locations. Join business colleagues in Viera and the surrounding area to network.
Denise Amarante, Michelle Walker, Adam Copenhaver Riki Montgomery, Jason Freshly
Gregory Shwendeman, Laura Sayer Sally Kramer, Sofia Saladino
Elizabeth Kienle, Robert Allen, Cheryl Clark
The Junction at Rockledge, the venue and breakfast sponsor for VMB, talked about the newly built property and conducted apartment tours.
Viera Means Business members and friends gathered after the meeting in the community billiards room.
Build a ’Crow for the upcoming Scarecrow Stroll, Viera Harvest Festival
BY JEFF NAVIN
It’s time for creativity combined with a lot of fun to take center stage as fall is almost here and the 13th Viera Voice Scarecrow Stroll will be held from Oct. 2 to 16, culminating with the Viera Harvest Festival from 10 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 at Woodside Park off of Murrell.
“This year, we will be back at the beautiful Woodside Park in East Viera,” said Jill Blue, the CEO of Bluewater Creative Group, which publishes the Viera Voice, Senior Life and the Boomer Guide. “It’s a natural paradise in Brevard County with big trees, soft green grass and clean air.”
Businesses are invited to build a scarecrow to generate foot traffic to their businesses across the greater Viera/ Suntree area. The public will view and vote on the unique creations for the People’s Choice and Best of Show — along with other awards. Winners will earn a trophy and bragging rights for the year.
The handcrafted 'Crows will be sold at silent auction during the Viera Harvest Festival to benefit the Florida Wildlife Hospital. It has been selected to be the event’s charity of choice. Florida Wildlife Hospital will also build a scarecrow.
Launched in 1973 by Carlton and Gladys Teate, the Florida Wildlife Hospital is licensed by state and federal agencies to care for all native Florida species, except alligators, manatees, sea turtles and venomous snakes. However, the hospital does not receive federal or state funds for its work.
“Tracy Frampton and her team at the Florida Wildlife Hospital are wonderful and dedicated people,” Blue said. “They care for injured and abandoned wildlife every day — 365 days a year.
“Creating a scarecrow is a fun, team-building exercise that gives employees an even greater sense of pride in their workplace,” Blue said. “When all the ’Crows come together, it creates a colorful scene and makes everyone laugh. This is
great for businesses to show off their artistic abilities. Each crow is different and the names can be quite clever like Lego My Scarecrow, Awesome Opossum and Mikey Cowabunga.
"We invite everyone to come out and have fun at the free, familyfriendly event,” Blue said. “The scarecrowbuilding businesses you care about in the community will be supporting the Florida Wildlife Hospital by their participation in this event."
A pull-out map in a special section will be published in October's Viera Voice
The People's Choice award trophy will go to the ’Crow with the most votes collected during the Stroll.
The scarecrows and schoolcrows will be moved to the Viera Harvest Festival for judging for Best of Show, Best Use of Hay, Most Whimsical and Scariest. The scarecrows
will be placed up for silent auction to benefit either the charity or the school.
Continuing with tradition, the kids' Mini-Crow building contest is open to children in two categories — ages 5 to 8 and 9 to 14. The mini crow can be any character that includes hay in its design, be no taller than 3 feet and can be carried by the child.
The Viera Harvest Festival is where the public can
stroll to see the best of all the scarecrows all in one place, and enjoy other free activities, such as live music, a pumpkin patch and other free activities.
The eight-acre Woodside Park is located off Murrell Road at 1703 Crane Creek Blvd. Sponsors also are needed for the two-part event. For information, call the Viera Voice at 321-242-1235 or go to vieravoice.com. VV
VIERA VOICE file photo
The handcrafted 'Crows will be sold at silent auction during the Viera Harvest Festival to benefit the Florida Wildlife Hospital.
PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
Welsh will be stationed at a branch that she said is tentatively scheduled to open during the first week of October at 2015 Viera Blvd.
“I’m excited about this new role because of the culture that Fifth Third has cultivated,” Welsh said. “.... Fifth Third is new to the Brevard County community and we’re expanding rapidly.”
Welsh came to Fifth Third after having previously spent about a decade at another institution.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and legal studies from the University of Central Florida. VV
Ohme Entin, the president of the Orlando Health East Region, has been named to the Board of Directors for the Economic Development Commission for Florida’s Space Coast. In her role with Orlando Health, Entin oversees both
Karen Rowland, a licensed practical nurse and nurse care manager for One Senior Place Care Management in Viera, has earned the designation of Certified Dementia Practitioner from the National Council of Certified
the operations and strategy for the East Region. This includes Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital and Orlando Health Sebastian River Hospital along with physician practices in Brevard and Indian River counties.
Entin began with Orlando Health in 2018 and has served as either chief operating officer or president at three Orlando Health hospitals in Orange and Osceola counties.
Entin holds a master’s degree in health administration from Virginia Commonwealth University and a bachelor’s degree in public health from Rutgers University. She is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. VV
Dementia Practitioners.
The certification is earned following the completion of required coursework and can be renewed every two years.
Rowland is the third individual at One Senior Place in Viera to earn the designation. She joins vice president of care services Lisa Conway and nurse care manager Lynde Nail.
“As dementia cases in the U.S. continue to rise, seniors and their families can be assured that One Senior Place Care Management staff are trained and certified to provide services with the utmost competence and sensitivity,” Conway said. VV
HOW TO SOLVE A SUDOKU
PUZZLE:
Each row, each column and each 3 x 3 square must contain the numbers 1 to 9 in any order.
The solution is on page 34
ARTHRITIS AND JOINT CENTER OF FLORIDA
Ohme Entin
Karen Rowland
Brittany Welsh started with Fifth Third Bank as a financial center manager earlier this year.
Brittany Welsh
Sit-n-Stitch 1 - 3 p.m. Embroidery, knitting, crochet group. Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404
Viera’s original cigar and spirit-themed event. 28 North Gastropub 2270 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-241-1159
10 xxxxx 11 12 13 14 15 16
Chess Club
1 - 4 p.m. Chess lessons and competition. Cocoa Library 308 Forrest Ave. Cocoa, 321-633-1792
Brevard Investment Education Group
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. This group meets to talk about investments.
Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404
International Plastic Modelers
6 - 7:45 p.m.
A group to show and speak about plastic models.
Suntree Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404
Gospel Music with Elvis 3:30 p.m.
Enjoy hearing beautiful renditions of your favorite gospel songs in the style of Elvis Presley. Shell Harbor 2855 Murrell Road Rockledge 321-265-6875
2025 Human Trafficking Symposium 7:30 a.m. - noon Learn from professionals about how to combat human trafficking and hear a survivor share her story.
EFSC - Bernie Simpkins Auditorium 1519 Clearlake Road Cocoa, 321-632-1776
Technical Training and Education
Phone/Tablet Beginner2:30 - 3:15 p.m.
Phone/Tablet Interim/ advanced - 3:15 - 4 p.m. Laptop computer 4 - 4:30 p.m. Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne 321-255-4494
Summer Evenings Series 3: "All in the Family" 7 p.m.
A concert presented by the Brevard Symphony Orchestra.
Suntree United Methodist Church 7400 N. Wickham Road Suntree, 321-345-5052
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Family Run Club
9:30 a.m.
Meet at the playground for a warmup, introductions and a run/ walk around the park for three miles. Presented by Fit4mom Space Coast.
Riveredge Park 401 River Edge Blvd. Cocoa, 321-591-7648
Books are Always Better Book Club
6:30 - 8 p.m. The August book being discussed is Fourth Wing by Rebevca Yarros.
Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404
VA Benefits
10 a.m.
William A. Johnson P.A. will explain the benefits available to veterans and their spouses.
One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
Digital Afterlife: Managing Online Accounts After You’re
Gone 10 a.m.
Presented by Attorney Ruth Rhodes. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
Space Coast Health & Wellness Expo 10 a.m.
Health experts, wellness products, fitness demos, free health screenings and healthy food samples.
Space Coast Health Foundation 1100 U.S. 1, Rockledge 321-459-2200
Welcome Back Street Party 5 p.m.
Fun-filled evening with live music, food trucks, yard games and local business vendors.
Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy 5625 Holy Trinity Drive Suntree, 321-723-8323
Brevard Comedy Night 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Duran Golf Club 7032 Stadium Parkway Viera, 321-504-7776
Youth Series Track Race 9 a.m. For kids ages 12 and younger. Free noncompetitive races. Viera High School 6103 Stadium Parkway Viera spacecoastrunners.org
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Sunset in the Hollows 6 - 8 p.m.
Walk the trails around the old basins and have a chance to observe gopher tortoises and other animals.
Hundred Acre Hollows 1170 Rock Spring Drive Suntree, hundredacrehollows.org
Scottish Country Dancing
6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Springs of Suntree 8300 Holiday Springs Road Suntree, 321-427-3587
Coin Talk 6 - 8 p.m. Bring your coins or old money and talk to a local Numismatic. Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404 Platinum Show Chorus 4 p.m. Enjoy live entertainment and a chef-prepared dinner.
Shoreline restoration is critical for the health of the Lagoon
The Indian River Lagoon is the most diverse estuary in North America, hosting more than 3,000 different plants, animals, fish and bird species, according to helpthelagoon.org/ourlagoon/lagoon-facts/. We humans who have migrated here to enjoy this natural wonder must learn how to live with and help maintain this natural diversity or it will die and it won’t be or smell pretty.
We all love to boat on or fish in its waters. So, let’s do everything we can to preserve this paradise.
This month, we are looking at natural shorelines, a critical component of a healthy Indian River Lagoon. We will focus on restoring the natural shorelines to help repair the degraded lagoon ecosystems by improving water quality, restoring critical habitats, such as oyster reefs and enhancing shoreline
Lagoon Straight Talk
From the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition
resilience. These efforts are often multifaceted, involving public-private partnerships, community involvement and a combination of ecological engineering, monitoring and adaptive management.
Key aspects of Indian River Lagoon habitat restoration are living shorelines:
Living shorelines utilize natural materials such as mangrove trees and shoreline grasses to stabilize shorelines, reduce erosion and create new habitats for birds, fish and other wildlife that feed in the shallow waters of the Indian River Lagoon. These solutions provide a natural alternative to man-made bulkheads and coquina seawalls. They
absorb wave energy and can create a beach by slowing down waves and allowing the suspended sand to settle to the bottom. In severe storms, the more robust root structure of these natural shoreline plants prevent erosion by retaining the soil.
Lagoon restoration projects in Brevard County:
The Federally funded Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program (IRLNEP) combined with the Brevard County Save Our Indian River Lagoon (SOIRL) program funded through a voter approved half-cent sales tax are the main funding sources for restoration efforts in the Indian River Lagoon. The Brevard County SOIRL Program provides funding for local organizations to create and install Living Shorelines oyster reefs and clam rehabilitation
Community engagement:
Public awareness and involvement are essential for the success of Indian River Lagoon restoration projects. This includes volunteer opportunities, educational programs and communitybased monitoring initiatives.
Local organizations that have volunteer opportunities:
Brevard Zoo Restore Our Shore Program
Volunteer opportunities restoreourshores.org
• Oyster reef building
• Shoreline plantings
• Clam distribution
Marine Resources
Council
For opportunities to manage growth and planting of mangroves, check out lovetheirl.org
Monitoring and adaptive management:
Regular monitoring of water quality, habitat conditions and the success
of restoration efforts are crucial for assessing progress and making adjustments as needed. We are continuously learning how to create more resilient shorelines and techniques for rapidly deploying these solutions. Recently, a new wave-breaking technology was installed along one of the Max Brewer Causeways to Kennedy Space Center, which will prevent erosion and create a shallow beach area for horseshoe crabs to mate.
You can learn more about opportunities to volunteer and educate yourself on what you can do to help the Indian River Lagoon at our website helpthelagooon.org/
You can also sign up to be a member and get regular updates on opportunities to volunteer and when and where the next educational event sponsored by the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition will occur. VV
New pastor named at Suntree United Methodist
SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE
The Rev. Lisa Degrenia has been named the new senior pastor at Suntree United Methodist Church. Degrenia, a native of Tampa, earned her bachelor’s degree in music education at the University of South Florida and her master’s degree in divinity at Duke Divinity School. She
became an ordained United Methodist minister in 2003.
“My top priorities are listening, learning and getting to know both our church family and the community we’re called to serve,” Degrenia said. “I see myself as a spiritual midwife, helping to birth new life in people, congregations and communities. No one has to hide in order to belong.
God’s arms are open wide in welcome".
Degrenia has served in the Florida Conference of United Methodist Churches, with congregations in Largo, St. Petersburg, DeBary, Sarasota and, most recently, New Smyrna Beach. In addition, Rev. Degrenia serves as a national team leader with The Caring Congregation, a nonprofit organization. VV
CROSSWORD
New hotel opens at Borrows West
BY JILL BLUE
Homewood Suites by Hilton Viera Melbourne held its grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony on July 16 with the Melbourne Regional Chamber.
The new hotel, which opened June 27, is located at 5487 Onate Lane in the Borrows West section of Viera.
41. Intend
Puppeteer Lewis
Deep black
Something to spin
Filly's mother
Kind of testing
Charity
Ripens
Mighty long time
Tuckered out
56. Camping gear
57. Arid DOWN
1. Like some humor 2. Clod chopper 3. Got 4. Delhi wrap
5. Russian range 6. Avis offering 7. Beanie Babies, e.g. 8. Long-legged shore bird 9. Wasted
10. Catch, as flies
11. Roll call call 19. Svelte 20. Licit
Dateless 22. Sandwich fish 24. Wager
26. Wispy clouds
28. Took care of 29. Hopper
30. Relative of a gull
32. Feed lines to
34. Newsweek's rival
37. Park place?
39. Usurp
40. Singer Carpenter
42. Knife
43. In good shape
44. Soprano Gluck
46. Sleeveless garment
48. Yoga class need
50. Hide-hair link
51. To some extent
“We couldn’t be happier to show off this fantastic property,’’ said Jim Dora Jr., the president and CEO of General Hotels Corporation and the owner of the hotel. “We really believe in getting ties into the communities we have hotels in. We want to be your first choice for a hotel, and we want to embed ourselves into the whole community and our neighbors’’
The 131-room hotel has efficiency, studio and one-bedroom suites. Other amenities include: in-suite kitchens equipped with full-size refrigerators, a dishwasher, microwave and stove stop; a free hot breakfast daily; free WiFi; a complimentary 24-hour print center; a complimentary fitness center; on-site and in-suite laundry options; a self-pour beer and wine stall; and a pool, patio and grilling area.
Dogs and cats are welcome with an applicable fee.
“We had a vision for Borrows West in early 2000 at a Good Morning Space Coast Breakfast,’’ said Todd Pokrywa, the president of the Viera Company. “It’s really come a long way in a short period of time. We have realized the vision of mixed use with a virtual hub. … This wonderful hotel is a great addition to the Viera community and its close proximity to the USSSA Space Coast Complex.’’ For information, call 321-358-1860 or check out homewoodsuites.com/ vieramelbourne VV
VIERA VOICE Jill Blue
A large crowd gathered for the Homewood Suites by Hilton Viera Melbourne grand opening celebration.
VIERA VOICE Jill Blue Homewood Suites general manager Dee Lopez, right, holds the scissors used for the ribbon cutting. Anne Conroy Baiter, left, is the president of the Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce. Jim Dora Jr. is the owner of the new Homewood Suites.
Slice of the Good Life Expo toasts watermelon at museum
BY JEFF NAVIN
Take a break on the Wednesday before Labor Day to attend the third and final in the summer series of Senior Life’s free Senior Day events.
Free watermelon will be provided from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27 at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center at 400 South Sykes Parkway on Merritt Island as Senior
Life presents the Slice of the Good Life Expo. A watermelon carving contest will be held as Senior Life honors a fruit the world has loved for countless centuries.
“Watermelon is so refreshing,” said Jill Blue, the CEO and publisher of Senior Life. “It’s the perfect fruit for a hot summer day. Everyone will get to vote for the bestcarved watermelon. Now that’s exciting.”
A variety of exhibitors
and demonstration booths will be featured, as well as free entry to the military museum. Take a peek of the new Veterans Memorial Amphitheater through the periscope inside the museum.
Free hot dogs, chicken nuggets, coffee, donuts and drinks will be served by The Salvation Army.
“The Veterans Center is excited to have us back again,” Blue said. “It’s so peaceful on the water. It’s the perfect place to be. The new amphitheater under construction is going to be a wonderful addition to the Memorial Park.”
Morning at the Museum with Senior Life and Friends was held June 27 at the Brevard Museum of History & Natural Science in Cocoa.
A Hurricane Prep Rally & Senior Fair was held July 18 at St. John The Evangelist Catholic Community’s Event Center in Viera.’
“These summer series events have been wonderful and popular,” Blue said. “They bring additional excitement to the long, hot summer. We enjoyed seeing everyone.”VV
For information, call 321-242-1235 or check out Senior Life's event site boomerseniorexpo.com
VIERA VOICE Matt Clark
The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services will serve food and drinks at Senior Life’s Slice of the Good Life Expo.
VIERA VOICE Shutterstock Attendees at Senior Life’s Slice of the Good Life Expo will be able to enjoy refreshing slices of watermelon.
Take care of home by reducing waste in Brevard County
Brevard County is more than just a place on the map — it is our home, and as the saying goes, we should “take care of home before impressing the streets” (“Godfather”). One of the most practical ways to protect our home is by rethinking what we throw away.
According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s 2020 report, each Brevard resident generated 16.32 pounds of waste per day, with about 40 percent of that ending up in a landfill. As our population grows, so does the volume of waste, putting added pressure on our waste management systems. To keep up, the county has been expanding landfills and improving disposal infrastructure.
But what if we were able to send less to the landfills?
If you are with us on the mission to recycle more and waste less, you already know about some alternatives through our hard-to-recycle recycling programs and two drop-off locations: Rockledge (3500 U.S. 1) and Satellite Beach (565 Cassia Blvd).
At these locations, we accept a variety of materials that are not eligible for curbside recycling — such as specific TerraCycle items
BEYOND the CURB
Marcia Booth President & Founder, Recycle Brevard
and electronics — ensuring more waste is properly handled and diverted from the landfill. A list of accepted materials is posted on each collection bin and available on our website and social media channels for easy reference.
What you may not know is that the county also has great online resources. Those aim to identify what may be recycled through the curbside program to help avoid recycling contamination and, therefore, get more materials recycled.
On the Solid Waste Department’s main recycling page, you will find a user-friendly guide that organizes recyclable items by room — such as the kitchen, office and laundry room — making it easier to identify what can and cannot be recycled in each area of your home. Each section includes helpful photos for quick recognition and, at the bottom of the page, you will also find a list of common
items that should be placed in the trash instead.
Another valuable local resource is the Brevard County Solid Waste Department’s Recyclopedia — a comprehensive guide designed for residents looking to go beyond the basics to help keep more materials out of the landfill.
The Recyclopedia lists items that should not go in the curbside recycle bin but can be taken elsewhere for proper recycling or reuse.
Organized alphabetically by material type, the guide includes information on where to take items such as bulk cardboard, old flags, light bulbs and an excess of mixed recyclables. Regularly updated and expanded, the Recyclopedia is an essential resource for die-hard
“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
— Jane Goodall
recyclers.
For easy access, all of these resources — including a link to the room-byroom recycling guide and the Recyclopedia — and more can be found at RecycleBrevard.org under the Resources menu.
By using these resources, you can have a significant impact in reducing contamination, recycling responsibly and diverting more waste from the landfill.
Classifieds
Let’s take care of our home and work together to build a cleaner, more sustainable Brevard County — starting with the choices we make every day. VV Email Marcia Booth at Marcia@RecycleBrevard.org
Recycle Brevard is an independent nonprofit organization 100% run by volunteers focused on reducing waste and promoting sustainable living.
PET HEALTH
Use Happy Jack® KetoWipes for dual-action antibacterial and antifungal properties — ideal for managing skin conditions in dogs, cats, and horses without steroids. Amber Acres Feed. Call 321-632- 3333
VIERA VOICE file photo
Look through the military museum's 42-foot tall, type 2F periscope that was in use on a Sturgeon class submarine. The periscope will be featured at the Slice of the Good Life Expo on Wednesday, Aug. 27 at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center at 400 S. Sykes Creek Pkwy. on Merritt Island.
