City of Satellite Beach After being founded in 1957, the city of Satellite Beach has evolved into a paradise all its own. The city serves as home and a playground for more than 11,000 residents, parks outfitted with ball fields and a skatepark. The city is especially ideal for retirees. The 55+ Club offers a bevy of programs through the recreation department for seniors. All individuals, no matter their age, will be able to appreciate the city for years to come since 40 percent of the oceanfront area is preserved from any type of development.
The Viera Community In the mid-1980s, Andrew Duda and his family envisioned establishing a master-planned development in Brevard County. In 1989, ground was broken for Viera. The community’s current population reaches over 20,000, offering a wide variety of residential neighborhoods.
Photo Credit: Jessica Gensler
Photo Credit: Jessica Gensler
Businesses in Viera provide almost every need and service within the community. Companies that specialize in health care, retail, dining, parks, golf course, great schools and hospitality are all in abundance.
’The Little Town That Cares” embraces a philanthropic nature and stages several events throughout the year. The annual Baby Shower benefits the Florida Wildlife Hospital, while the Relay for Life serves as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. The annual Christmas Toy Drive is set up in conjunction with the U.S. Marine’s Toys for Tots event.
City of Rockledge Founded in 1887, the city of Rockledge is the oldest incorporated municipality in Brevard County. More than 27,000 individuals call the city home. Rockledge offers a variety of recreational opportunities and has been recognized as a Playful City USA community numerous times. Through a partnership with the city, some of Rockledge’s parks are operated by Brevard County Parks and Recreation for all to enjoy. Rockledge never has a shortage of things to celebrate either thanks to the many festivals and events it hosts. Some of the biggest highlights are the annual Art & Craft Show in January, the annual Independence Day Picnic and the Hot Rockin’ Nights Car Show in October.
In terms of nature and recreation, the Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands at Viera encompasses 200 acres of natural habitat and a diverse ecosystem. Here, visitors get an opportunity to view native wildlife, such as alligators, otters, bald eagles and sand hill cranes. Space Coast Stadium, the new home of United States Specialty Sports Association, and Duran Golf Club, as well as Viera East Golf Club, provide great recreational and entertainment value within the community. Light Up Viera kicks off the holiday season each year, bringing merriment to all. The extravaganza boasts streets alive with a magical light parade pulsating to the beat of marching bands.
Patrick Air Force Base The Patrick Air Force Base is considered a community by itself. It consists of two areas: the 45th Space Wing and the 920th Rescue Wing. The 45th Space Wing is known as the world’s premier gateway to space. It provides support for such groups as NASA, the U.S. Air Force and more. Services range from vehicle and spacecraft processing through the launch process to airfield operations, including weather and communication assistance. The 920th Rescue Wing trains and equips 2,000 citizen airmen to locate and recover U.S. armed forces and coalition personnel who may go astray during military operations. It supplies civic search and rescue for those who are lost or in distress, especially during natural disasters. The wing furthermore provides safety and security surveillance during all rocket launches from the Space Coast. Three squadrons of paramedics skilled in mountaineering, parachuting, scuba diving, survival and evasion techniques, as well as special weapons and tactics are ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.
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