Viera Vision Volume 14, Issue 1

THE 9TH ANNUAL VIERA WETLANDS NATURE FESTIVAL APRIL 21-22

VO L . 1 4 ISSUE 1

NO MO W DE O LS PE N! Preliminary Artist’s Rendering

Preliminary Artist’s Rendering

W H E R E

L I F E

J U S T

G E T S

B E T T E R !

Conceptual Photo

You Deserve to Live the Bridgewater Lifestyle!

Welcome to Bridgewater at Viera, an ideal resort-style community for those “55 and better.” This gated enclave features a stunning collection of homes complete with Lennar’s Everything’s Included® package where upscale features are standard at no extra cost incuding Home Automation supported by Amazon!

Surrounded by more than 125 acres of sparkling lakes, Bridgewater provides endless opportunities for recreation and relaxation within its sprawling 408 acres.

Make everyday fun-filled and memorable in this resort style community full of diverse activities and amenities such as: 23,000 Sq. Ft. Clubhouse • State-of-the-Art Fitness Center • Coffee Cafe Lounge Theatre • Card Rooms • Resort-Style Waterfall Pool with Bar • Amphitheater • Pickleball • Tennis Bocci Ball Courts and so much more!

Sit back, relax and prepare to enjoy life to the fullest at the matchless Bridgewater at Viera.

855.463.9515 | BridgewaterByWCI.com Welcome Home Center: 2015 Trift Bridge Circle, Melbourne, FL 32940 Lifestyle images do not reflect racial or ethnic preference. This picture is solely for illustrative purposes and should never be relied upon. The specific features, amenities, floor plans, elevations, square footage, available locations and designs vary per plan and community and are subject to changes or substitutions without notice. Please see the actual home purchase agreement for additional information, disclosures and disclaimers relating to the home and its features. Void Where Prohibited By Law. Copyright © 2018 Lennar Corporation. All rights reserved. Lennar, the Lennar logo, and the Lennar International Home Sales logo are registered service marks or service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. CGC - 062343. 02/18

contents vo l u m e 1 4 : i s s u e 1

letter from the

Editor

PRE SIDENT

Steve Johnson

07

JOB GROWTH IN BREVARD

WHAT'S IN STORE FOR FLORIDA, BREVARD AND VIERA?

EDITORIAL DIREC TOR

Lauri Duda

TO INFINITY AND BEYOND

EDITOR

Stephanie Byrd

STAFF EDITOR S

Carmen Vastola, Laurie Widzgowski, Nina Salvaggio, Todd Pokrywa, Ben Wilson, Scott Miller SENIOR WRITER S

Lyle Smith, Lyn Dowling, Sue DeWerff Panzarino, Stephanie Byrd DE SIGN

in this issue

18 MODEL HOME GUIDE 2018 PARADE OF HOMES.

27 VIERA WETLANDS 04 GROWING A BUSINESS

PUBLISHER

ADVERTISING S ALE S

THE 9TH ANNUAL VIERA WETLANDS NATURE FESTIVAL IS APRIL 21-22.

12 DURAN JOINS AUDUBON

Jay Decator, Ben Wilson

DISTRIBUTION

Don Gust, All Service Graphics

31 PERSONAL FITNESS

4-TIPS TO KEEP YOUR 2018 FITNESS GOALS ON TRACK.

03

AFTER 17 YEARS OF HOPING AND WAITING CATHOLICS IN VIERA HAVE A CHURCH OF THEIR OWN.

36

SNAPSHOTS AROUND TOWN

38

UPCOMING EVENTS

Viera Vision is the official publication of Articles and advertisements printed in Viera Vision do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. The Viera Company, Viera Realty Inc., and Viera Vision assume no liability for the content and shall not be held liable for any errors or omissions.

40

DEVELOPER LETTER

VIERA DISCOVERY CENTER NEW LOCATION 2261 Town Center Ave. #105 The Avenue Viera Viera, Florida 32940 (321) 253-2800

/VIERAFLORIDA

2

them on every step of the way. Is it a new era of curiosity mixed with a heavy dose of fun for all generations? Our tour guide was absolutely giddy with excitement for us to see the rocket on the platform and proud to be part of the moment with all the individuals helping (in their own way) to make it successful.

Thousands of people left their office buildings to stand outside on February 6th and watch the rocket launch. All reports describe elements of the payload (a cherry red convertible 2008 Tesla Roadster), what music they played (Bowie) and Elon Musk’s statements about what he hoped would not happen (an explosion on the 39A pad with a wheel bouncing down the road and the Tesla logo landing somewhere). These details and others allowed us all to be a part of the magic and engage with them. To cheer for its hopeful success and to look forward to the next launch.

It was one of the biggest moments in space flight history but one of the stories caught my eye above all others. The entire team at SpaceX had their names on a plaque with 6,000 names inside the roadster that went up into space. I felt this detail showed incredible thought leadership from Elon Musk and SpaceX. We commend all those who keep our space program strong and successful, and understand their genuine pride in what they do. Through its ups and downs the space program continues to be an exciting industry in our state and it continues to fuel job growth in almost every sector of the labor force.

Congratulations to the teams at SpaceX, NASA, and others who added their unique talents or leadership to its success!

©2018. All rights reserved. Any reproduction, in whole or in part, is prohibited without written permission from the publishers.

34 ST. JOHN CHURCH LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

FINANCE & ADMINISTR ATION

LEG AL

DURAN GOLF CLUB HAS CHOSEN TO ENHANCE AND MAINTAIN AREAS IN AN ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE WAY.

in every issue

Lauri Duda, Stephanie Byrd Laurie Widzgowski, Shawn O’Keefe, Jennifer Swan

MEET MOSES HARVIN OF AMERICAN SERVICES TECHNOLOGY, INC. HE SAW A FUTURE FOR HIS FAMILY AND THE BUSINESS HE WOULD BUILD.

NEW COUNTY MANAGER DRIVES 5-POINT PLAN TO OPTIMIZE OPERATIONS.

PHOTOGR APHY

Cathy Heinz, Stephanie Byrd, Robbyn Spratt, Linda Brandt, Jeff Von Eschen The Viera Company

PART 1

10 A VISION FOR BREVARD

Christina Geiger

D

uring the holidays my family and I visited the Kennedy Space Center for the day. It was packed with visitors representing every corner of the world. As a collective group we were interested in a common purpose – to learn more about what the human race has accomplished in space. We took the special tour out to the viewing platforms, buildings, and through the expanding and reenergized campus. They do not call it a campus but when I asked our tour guide he agreed that it has been and will continue to be expanding into this type of creative space. I believe the convergence of various disciplines working together make it so. They are also learning and growing using their knowledge and testing the formulas and equations they create.

We were able to see SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket with 27 Merlin engines on the platform from the tour that day.

I believe that the team at SpaceX is making space flight not only exciting but engaging. The successful moments happen right alongside the failures and we are cheering

VIERA.com

/VIERAVISION #EXPLOREVIERA

3

viera

Business PA R T [ 1 ]

A STORY OF GROWTH:

GROWING A HOMETOWN FROM SCRATCH B

REVARD COUNTY IS GROWING - ESPECIALLY VIERA AND THE

HOUSING, RETAIL, INFRASTRUCTURE, SCHOOLS, PUBLIC SPACES AND MORE; THESE ARE SOME OF THE CONSIDERATIONS THAT NEED TO BE EXAMINED AND BUILT UPON WHEN ESTABLISHING A THRIVING PLANNED COMMUNITY LIKE VIERA. FROM ITS EARLIEST DAYS THOUGH, VIERA, WITH ITS COMBINATION OF BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES AND HOME DESIGNS, DEVELOPMENT PLANNING AND CENTRAL LOCATION, HAS BEEN AN ATTRACTIVE HUB FOR BOTH RESIDENTIAL LIFE AND BUSINESS FOR OVER 28 YEARS. WE TOOK A LOOK AT TWO VERY DIFFERENT BUSINESSES WITH VERY DIFFERENT STORIES OF SUCCESS HERE IN VIERA TO GET A GLIMPSE INTO JUST WHAT IT’S LIKE BUILDING A LIFE AND A BUSINESS HERE IN AND AROUND OUR HOME TOWN. IN THE FIRST OF A TWO PART SERIES, WE LEARN ABOUT MOSES HARVIN’S AMERICAN SERVICES TECHNOLOGY, INC. (ASTI) DEVELOPED ALONG A TANDEM TIMELINE WITH VIERA ITSELF. FOUNDED BY A U.S. MILITARY VETERAN, IT GREW FROM A STORY SEED FAMILIAR TO MUCH OF OUR LOCAL POPULATION.

FERTILE GROUND FOR FAMILY AND BUSINESS

W

mily into ved their fa o m in rv a H 3 , Viera and Emma home in 199 m a hen Moses re d ir e become th what would . tting started was just ge

CENTRAL COUNTY AREA SURROUNDING IT. MORE AND MORE PEOPLE ARE ATTRACTED TO THIS PART OF FLORIDA EVERY DAY AND MORE THAN A FEW OF THEM ARE MOVING THEIR FAMILIES AND STARTING OR RELOCATING THEIR BUSINESSES HERE. VIERA’S STORY OF GROWTH CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO THIS FACT AS MUCH AS ANY OTHER.

4

“I have the original presentation here somewhere,” Moses Harvin Sr. says, pulling out the original Viera map and sales materials. “Murrell Road didn’t go through to Wickham and there was nothing west of I-95.”

The Six Mile Creek neighborhood they chose as their new home was one of the first built in the master-planned community that would become the Viera, Florida we know today. The population was a fraction of what it is now. The traffic patterns looked more like simple 2-lane roads, but just as the Viera Company saw in its plans a thriving residential and business community, the Harvins saw a future for their family and the business they would build.

5

“I knew from an early age I wanted to start a corporation,” he said. “If you’re an honest broker, your business will grow.”

While Harvin took his last military assignment at Patrick Air Force Base and left the Army as a Major, “retirement” is not a word he chose to embrace. It’s true that he retired from the military, but that was really just a new beginning for him and his family. A beginning that would soon grow and flourish out of the ground of their new hometown.

“I knew from an early age I wanted to start a corporation,” he said. “If you’re an honest broker, your business will grow.”

BUSINESS DREAMS

When he was a child, Harvin watched his father come home from work from a South Carolina pulp factory cutting lumber every day, overheated, and covered in sawdust. He saw his mother assist his father every day to clean up which led to one of his earliest [thought] memories of work which was, “I never want to do that job.”

“If I ever work in a factory,” he thought to himself as a 10-year-old, “I want to own it.”

At that point in his life, he admits, he could only have imagined life delivering him to a community like Viera—fertile ground on which to establish and grow both a family and one of the most successful businesses in the region.

The Harvin’s American Services Technology, Inc. (ASTI) is a highly successful contracting and consulting company that provides mission, logistics, base operations and facilities support services to (among other clients) many U.S. Government Agencies and U.S. Military.

ASTI’s first contract was Welding Coordination and Education Advisor for Patrick AFB. Emma Harvin served as the company’s first Project Manager.

Since then, the company has grown with many contracts for military installations from Alabama to Louisiana, Massachusetts to Southern California. ASTI manages everything from property management and facility maintenance to logistics services to airfield management with significant numbers of employees in all of those locations, as well

6

– Moses Harvin

as here in Brevard County.

Beyond a vibrant business environment, the short list to his success is simple: curiosity, honesty and integrity.

Everything else stems from that.

Well, that and the ongoing support, inspiration and partnership of his wife of 45 years, Emma, an accomplished businesswoman in her own right and Vice President of the company.

FUELING A SENSE OF CURIOSITY

Harvin, a retired Army Major and Desert Storm veteran, lived a life and career with his family all around the world before he and his wife founded ASTI, and he points back to not just seeing his parents make a living to provide for him and his siblings, but to his school days as inspiration for his future success founding a profitable company.

Twenty-plus years with a full staff they consider extended family, five of whom are family members on staff including son Moses II in the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) and daughters Belinda Rain Harvin as Director of Operations and Cheri Harvin Langley in Customer Service.

With their grandchildren attending Viera schools, three generations of a family and their privately owned family business have grown with their hometown they’ve loved since they first saw it. Now, Harvin Sr. and Emma are able to spend considerable time focused on community involvement.

“We’ve always been interested in giving back,” Harvin says. “We are always looking for a way to serve the underserved communities around us.”

THE FUTURE IS LOOKING

BRIGHT E

VERY MONTH, NEWS OF THE COUNTRY’S ECONOMY IS TRUMPETED ACROSS THE MEDIA OUTLETS FOLLOWING THE RELEASE OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S MONTHLY JOB REPORT. WE TEND TO MEASURE THE HEALTH OF THE ECONOMY IN GENERAL ON THESE FEDERAL NUMBERS. BUT WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN FOR FLORIDA, BREVARD COUNTY AND OUR HOMETOWN OF VIERA?

JOBS & THE ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FOR VIERA

BREVARD COUNTY’S ECONOMY IS PREDICTED TO

RISE OVER THE NEXT DECADE WITH EMPLOYMENT PREDICTED TO INCREASE BY MORE THAN

30%

7

AEROSPACE

$1.61B

VIERA RANKED

#24

In brief, most economic indicators for Viera and the surrounding area are IN THE NATION OF pointing to what could be THE TOP 50 BEST-SELLING legitimately described as a MASTER-PLANNED regional rebound.

COMMUNITIES Viera was ranked #24 in the nation on the 2017 John Burns Real Estate Consulting list of the Top 50 Best-Selling Master-Planned Communities. The Burns list is based on a variety of factors including new-home sales, industry feedback, and live input from consultants in the field.

The ranking marks a 17-place jump from the previous edition of the list and validates the efforts to build a growing, thriving community here.

Viera remains the premier master-planned communities in Brevard County and, according to the most recent Burns report, is attracting significant numbers of high-tech workers, young families, as well as retirees, giving the area a significant diversity of population.

JOBS, JOBS, JOBS

As of December 2017, the unemployment rate county-wide is at an extremely healthy 3.7%; 0.2% below the federal average. Viera’s is actually a tenth of a point lower at 3.5%. Inspiring news for the area considering the steady downward trend since a high of 11.2% in 2010 and more recently in 2011.

8

In January, the Space Coast jumped 90 spots on the Milken Institute’s list of Best Performing Cities. The Space Coast region was listed #63 placing it competitively among cities like Austin, Dallas, Seattle and others.

Looking through the lens of the job market, research from Indeed.com published in April 2017 showed the Space Coast as the #2 fastest growing metropolitan area in the U.S. Considering the once dropping levels of optimism for the area after the Space Shuttle program closed in 2011, all of this is welcome news, but no real surprise to Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) President and CEO Lynda Weatherman.

AERO CONTINUES TO LEAD

“We knew we had this challenge coming and we took that time to develop a plan,” Weatherman said. “Our focus was to diversify from within our known strength which is the aerospace industry.”

Weatherman pointed to numerous projects spearheaded by the EDC and others including Northrop Grumman Corporation’s “Project Magellan” in 2014 designed to expand their operations at Orlando-Melbourne International Airport with capital investments of about $500M and adding up to 1,800 highly technical jobs with average annual salaries of $100k.

Since then, the aerospace base in the area has only served to build upon that effort with dozens of project announcements since 2010 yielding almost 9,000 new jobs,

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Division of Labor Statistics.

IN CAPITAL INVESTMENT THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY SINCE 2010.

7,300 retained jobs and $1.61B in capital investment throughout the county. Average wage for these jobs [according to the companies interviewed] was more than $75,000 per year.

“The curtain’s gone up on a second act in commercial space applications,” Weatherman said, pointing to some of the largest and most visionary private space initiatives setting up shop in the county—SpaceX and Blue Origin are just two of the most visible. In economic development terms, statistically, every manufacturing or high-tech job created will significantly drive creation of additional jobs in other areas like the service sector.

“What we’re seeing now is growth in primary jobs,” Weatherman said. “Next, we expect a second wave of jobs coming from the supply chain connected to these companies.”

BRIGHT FUTURE

While economic trends since the so-called Great Recession of 2008 have been steadily pointing up across the country, likewise, the federal unemployment rate has been steadily trending downward. In our area, the outlook has been brighter than most of the better performing areas of the country.

Sales of single family homes are up 5.2% (Nov 2017) county-wide from a year ago with a median price of $218,000 (Nov 2017) up more than 15.3%. This all while the average cost of living in Brevard County is below average nationwide.

The reported Brevard County population is up to almost 573,585 from 543,376 in 2010. That makes for a civilian labor force in Brevard of 267,184 with 253,510 of those employed.

The Brevard County School district remains the largest employer in the area and the median household income is slightly lower than the national average at $54,188.

Brevard County’s economy is predicted to rise over the next decade with employment predicted to increase by more than 30%. No surprise really, considering the planned building and population growth of places like Viera.

With all this positive reporting, trends in families relocating to Viera and the surrounding area, as well as wellplanned efforts to accommodate that population and their needs, the outlook for jobs and business is certainly bright.

15.3%

SINGLE FAMILY HOME PRICE INCREASE

OVER LAST YEAR IN BREVARD COUNTY.

9

A VISION FOR BREVARD

NEW COUNTY MANAGER DRIVES 5-POINT PLAN TO OPTIMIZE OPERATIONS

L

ISTENING TO FRANK ABBATE TALK ABOUT HIS PLANS FOR BREVARD COUNTY IS LIKE TAKING A MASTER’S CLASS ON EMPLOYEE AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS.

Abbate was certainly no neophyte when he took the helm this past spring as Brevard County Manager, having served as the county’s Human Resources Director since 1989. And perhaps that experience is where he gets his focus for his current leadership role managing about 2,400 county employees in 24 departments.

“You’re only as good as the people around you,” he said.

The county government itself is about the fourth largest employer in Brevard County with responsibility for a wide variety of public services.

Curiously enough, Abbate never really applied for his new role. He took over as Interim County Manager in April 2017 when previous County Manager Stockton Whitten left to become Eastern Florida

State College’s Vice President of Facilities and Special Projects.

After a thorough search for a new county executive, the county board approached Abbate about taking over the top job.

A longtime proponent of the Lean Six Sigma managerial approach, Abbate began to put the principles of that management approach into place with his staff when he was an Assistant County Manager. He’s continued that effort with 35 Lean Six Sigma “green belt” employees. He points toward the future success of the organization as being incumbent upon optimizing the efficiency of the organization alongside emphasizing employee and leadership development programs.

Upon taking the leadership role, Abbate identified five priorities he wanted to use to help guide and optimize management of the county and its staff and he’s kept to his word and his goals for each.

1

INCLUSIVENESS Abbate has an open, conversational style that emphasizes communication with leadership and staff alike. It’s the best position, he says, from which to do things going forward when everyone feels invested in the effort.

“We want to be sure we’re listening, responsive and respectful to all of our staff,” he said. “We need to be open to everyone across the spectrum.”

2

ROADS/INFRASTRUCTURE With the county growing so rapidly, the road system and infrastructure throughout the county require almost constant long term planning to enable Brevard to grow to meet the needs of the changing population.

10

3

LAGOON STEWARDSHIP “We take very seriously our responsibility when it comes to being good stewards of the Lagoon,” Abbate says. “With the $0.05 sales tax that was implemented, we’ve been able to make a significant investment in maintaining our water system as an economic driver.”

4

DO RIGHT BY EMPLOYEES One thing that comes through quite clearly with Abbate is his dedication to the staff of the county and maintaining good relations through clear communication. As a career Human Resources professional, communications has always been a focus for him.

“By taking care to do right by our employees in terms of salary and benefits,” he said, “that’s the best way to attract and retain the best people.”

“You’re only as good as the people around you.”

– Frank Abbate

5

STAFF TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT Retention of the best talent in the county, Abbate believes, is directly related to providing opportunity, training, and education.

“We want to develop our people into leaders,” he said. “That’s the way we develop better networks with other government offices.” Abbate has put in place and encourages staff to participate in the county’s Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) designed to train and help develop these staffers into better leaders.

Ironically, not unlike his own recent experience stepping up to the top spot in an organization he’s worked in for more than a quarter century. “I’m pleased with how things have gone over the past several months,” he says. “I’m learning quite a bit and I’m excited about the prospects for the future.”

“By taking care to do right by our employees in terms of salary and benefits, that’s the best way to attract and retain the best people.” – Frank Abbate

11

DURAN JOINS AUDUBON

CO-OP

SANCTUARY PROGRAM COMPLETION OF CERTIFICATION TARGETED FOR FALL 2018

12

B

Y THEIR VERY NATURE, GOLF COURSES PROVIDE SIGNIFICANT NATURAL AREAS THAT BENEFIT PEOPLE AND WILDLIFE IN URBANIZED COMMUNITIES.

13

Through education and certification by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program, Duran Golf Club has chosen to enhance and maintain these areas in an environmentally responsible way.

Under the supervision of Jeff Von Eschen, grounds superintendent, the club has recently completed four of six certifications in achievement for course conservation projects granted by Audubon International in the areas of Environmental Planning, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Wildlife and Habitat Management, and Water Conservation. “We are hopeful we can complete the two remaining categories, Water Quality Management and Outreach and Education by years end,” Von Eschen said.

With the help of Viera volunteer resident and retired Ohio State College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences professor, Dr. Jim Papritan, Duran hopes to set a standard that will be a model for other courses not only here on the Space Coast, but statewide.

“The steps we are taking to follow the stringent guidelines of this program and continue to manage the property with a high degree of environmental quality will result in many valuable benefits for Duran,” Papritan explained.

“It’s a fact that improved environmental performance can not only help the image and reputation of a golf club, but also result in reduced insurance premiums, energy, water, fuel, pesticides and fertilizer costs.”

Surveys have shown that sound environmental management cuts down on waste and promotes efficient operations.

To date, Von Eschen and his staff have installed and are monitoring nesting boxes for Purple Martins, Tree Swallows, Carolina Wrens and bats, and have created naturalized areas on the course that will act as “core habitats” for wildlife and native plant material.

In addition they have set aside

DURAN HOPES TO SET A STANDARD THAT WILL BE A MODEL FOR OTHER COURSES NOT ONLY HERE ON THE SPACE COAST, BUT

STATEWIDE “It’s a fact that improved environmental performance can not only help the image and reputation of a golf club, but even result in reduced insurance premiums, energy, water, fuel, pesticides and fertilizer costs.”

– Dr. Jim Papritan

five to seven acres throughout the course, predominately near holes 10 and 16 that will be “no spray” zones. The areas will compromise a diverse population of plant material, providing food and shelter for wildlife.

“We have implemented a comprehensive integrated pest management program and reduction of chemical usage on the course,” explained Von Eschen.

“This program includes employee education on scouting for insects and spraying for weeds and pests only when they reach a set threshold level.”

“Our goal is to conserve water by hand treating dry areas as needed and utilize nonionic surfactants (wetting agents) to reduce the amount of water used and monitor the surrounding lakes, ponds, and wetlands for nutrient loading, pH, and invasive plant and wildlife,” he added.

Dave Tomzcak, Duran’s General Manager, said the progress thus far made by Dr. Papritan and Von Eschen towards completing this program has been both impressive as well as comprehensive.

“For example, our documentation of what we have implemented to fulfill the water conservation certification request is 40 pages. It includes a thorough explanation of how we’ve reduced water consumption and contains photographs, extensive diagrams and maps of the courses’ irrigation layouts, sprinkler head locations and more. We are fortunate to have someone with Dr. Papritan’s level of expertise and knowledge of this program to assist us in our efforts,” he added.

According to Von Eschen, the clubs’ decision to become certified in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program was guided by values passed down through generations of the Duda family (A. Duda & Sons, Inc. is the parent company of The Viera Company who owns Duran) to be environmental responsible stewards of the land.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DURAN GOLF CLUB

14

15 15

THE CLUBS’ DECISION TO BECOME CERTIFIED IN THE AUDUBON COOPERATIVE SANCTUARY PROGRAM WAS GUIDED

BY VALUES PASSED DOWN THROUGH GENERATIONS OF THE DUDA FAMILY TO BE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBLE

STEWARDS OF THE LAND.

Duran plans to involve both the golfers and homeowners surrounding the course by educating them about different aspects of the Audubon program they are employing.

“We will be adding information to our website about our participation in the Audubon Co-op Sanctuary Program and offer incentives to patrons who take an active part in helping us identify both wildlife and native plants they may discover on the property,” said Tomczak.

“Undertaking and maintaining the practices in these six areas will not only be my responsibility, but a group effort by our staff, patrons and the surrounding community,” Von Eschen said.

“Our long-term goal is to make Duran a cleaner, greener and more enjoyable facility where golfers and non-golfers alike can literally take a second look at the nature of the game.”

VON ESCHEN AND HIS STAFF HAVE INSTALLED AND ARE MONITORING NESTING BOXES FOR PURPLE MARTINS, TREE SWALLOWS, CAROLINA WRENS AND BATS PHOTO COURTESY OF DURAN GOLF CLUB

PGA JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE COMING IN MARCH 2018 - A POPULAR SCRAMBLE FORMAT



FUN

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SOCIAL



INCLUSIVE



GREAT EXERCISE



LEARN THE GAME FROM

- PLAY ON TEAMS WITH FRIENDS - OPEN TO BOYS AND GIRLS

PGA INSTRUCTORS

AGES 13 AND UNDER For more information: Duran Golf Club 321.504.7776 www.DuranGolf.com jkb@durangolf.com 7032 Stadium Pkwy, Viera, FL 32940

16

A BUILDER FOR YOUR EXCEPTIONAL

LifeStyle

Springing

INTO A NEW SEASON I THE VIERA WETLANDS

T’S THE BUSY SEASON FOR ONE OF THE MOST PEACEFUL, VERDANT AND INSPIRATIONAL OPEN SPACES VIERA HAS TO OFFER. THE RITCH GRISSOM MEMORIAL WETLANDS ARE SPRINGING TO NEW LIFE AS THE SEASON CHANGES AND VISITORS TO THIS GROWING CORNER OF THE TOWN WILL BE IMPRESSED AND INSPIRED TO SEE EVERYTHING THAT’S GOING ON HERE. PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBBYN C. SPRATT

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27

During the winter migration season, hundreds, if not thousands, of nesting and fledgling birds start to call the Viera Wetlands home.

“We have a rookery (collection of nests) on a small island at Cell #2,” says Raleigh Berry, Sr. Environmental Scientist and Environmental Land Manager for Brevard County, of the first pond area at the wetlands at the far end of Wickham Road. “There are hundreds of nesting sites in small shrubs and trees there.”

He describes the scene visitors can expect as having dozens of nests in each of these plants with herons and egrets of multiple species.

The birds are active building nests throughout the day, flying overhead carrying nesting materials with them.

“The alligators, which are numerous in the wetlands, are more active beginning in mid-morning as the daily temperature rises. They find the warmth and sunlight attractive for sunning themselves”, Berry says.

In the early morning hours, he says, “there’s a good chance to see deer that come out of the surrounding open pastures.”

The local deer population tends to take the opportunity to

LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE

28

PAINTED BUNTING

VIERA WETLANDS NATURE FESTIVAL AT THE RITCH GRISSOM MEMORIAL WETLANDS April 21st – April 22nd 3658 Charlie Corbeil Way Viera, Florida 32940 Contact: events@viera.com Sign Up at: www.brevardfl.gov/NaturalResources/VieraWetlandsNatureFestival PARKING Parking for both days will be available along Wickham Road near the wetlands entrance.

CONCESSIONS A variety of refreshment options will be available from local food trucks on Saturday from 10 AM – 4 PM and Sunday from 10 AM – 2PM. CALENDAR

S a t u r d ay

GREAT BLUE HERON WITH A SIREN

hide in these “hammocked” areas surrounding the wetlands and come out to feed in the morning.

You may also get a chance to see otters swimming through the ponds as these animals are more active in the springtime than at any other time of the year.

The Viera Wetlands operates with a large number of volunteer rangers, but currently does not offer tours on a fixed schedule.

Visitors are self-guided but, Berry says, “We’re working on getting a tour schedule set up in the coming weeks and months, perhaps a regular Saturday morning tour in a passenger van available on a first-come, first-served basis.”

Special tours can be requested through Berry’s office, subject to volunteer availability.

And look for the stunning blue bloom to happen in late spring.

As the vegetation experiences a resurgence after the wintertime, a flush of new growth later yields to beautiful blue blooming pickerel weed throughout the area.

Explore the beauty of the Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands by taking one of the many tours offered during festival weekend.

ACTIVITY Open Sunrise Birding / Chris Koeppel Sunrise Advanced Photo Class / TBD Wetlands Tour / TBD Vegetation Tour / Raleigh Berry Intro Photography / Stephen Blythe Wetlands Tour / Roland LeBon Wetlands Van Tour / Dave MacDonald Treatment Plant Tour Wetlands Van Tour / Dave MacDonald Wetlands Van Tour / Raleigh Berry Treatment Plant Tour Wetlands Van Tour / Dave MacDonald

ARRIVE 6:00 AM 6:15 AM 6:15 AM 7:45 AM 7:45 AM 8:45 AM 9:45 AM 9:45 AM 9:45 AM 10:45 AM 11:45 AM 11:45 AM 12:45 PM

START

END

6:30 AM 6:30 AM 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 12:00 PM 12:00 PM 1:00 PM

8:00 AM 8:00 AM 9:30 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:30 AM 10:45 AM 11:30 AM 11:45 AM 12:45 PM 1:30 PM 1:45 PM

Evening Activity/Tour TBD Sunset Photo Walk / Patty Corapi Night Walk / TBD Close

5:45 PM 6:45 PM 7:30 PM

6:00 PM 7:00 PM 8:00 PM

7:00 PM 8:30 PM 9:30 PM 10:00 PM

ARRIVE 6:00 AM 6:15 AM 9:45 AM 9:45 AM 10:45 AM

START

END

6:30 AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM

8:00 AM 11:30 AM 10:45 AM 11:45 AM

S u n d ay ACTIVITY Open Sunrise Birding / Chris Koeppel Wetlands Tour / TBD Wetlands Van Tour / Dave MacDonald Wetlands Van Tour / Dave MacDonald GENERAL NOTES

Attendees of walking tours should bring along bottled water, sun & bug protection, and wear appropriate clothing, including closed-toed shoes.

Attendees should arrive at the main gate at least 15 minutes early and check in with the Viera Wetlands Volunteer tent for directions. Include time for parking, which will

29

SUNRISE BIRDING TOUR, WITH CHRIS KOEPPEL Saturday Morning, April 21 Limited to 20 Attendees Arrive: 6:15 Begin: 6:30 (twilight @ 6:26; sunrise @ 6:50) End: 8:00

COMMON YELLOW THROAT

be in the fields near the main gate, and may involve several minutes additional walking time from the parking location to the gate.

Within the main gate, vehicle traffic at the Viera Wetlands will be limited to our passenger vans for tours and to vendors as they arrive and depart during designated hours. Parking locations immediately adjacent to the main gate will be reserved for handicapped parking.

RECOMMENDED DONATION The tours and classes are free but donations are welcome. The suggested donation is $25.

KING FISHER

Join us for an early morning jaunt through one of the region’s most diverse and rewarding birding destinations in the state. Expect to see and hear freshwater birds, birds of prey, shorebirds, and other species. We’ll witness foraging techniques and learn to recognize some birds by their vocalizations and telltale visual clues. Chris Koeppel, of Brevard County’s Natural Resources Management Department, has been an avid birder for 35 years. A biologist and conservationist, Koeppel has decades of experience with protected and endangered wildlife, working with US Fish and Wildlife Service, Florida DEP, the National Park Service, and other organizations. Koeppel was also the initial land manager for the Viera Wetlands when it first opened. Bring quality optics, if you have them available.

WETLAND VEGETATION TOUR, WITH RALEIGH BERRY Saturday Morning, April 21 Limited to 20 Attendees Arrive: 7:45 Begin: 8:00 End: 9:00 Join Raleigh Berry on an exploration of the vegetation found within the Viera Wetlands. Raleigh is a Senior Environmental Scientist with Brevard County’s Natural Resources Management Department; he is the current environmental land manager for the Viera Wetlands, among other sites. A Florida Master Naturalist and ISA Certified Arborist, with decades of experience in horticulture, Berry's tour will focus chiefly on the identification of vegetation within and surrounding the wetlands, a discussion of the wetland’s vegetative communities as originally designed and how they have subsequently evolved, and the challenges of managing the wetland’s vegetation, achieving the goals of the treatment process while providing habitat for wildlife.

WETLANDS VAN TOURS, WITH DAVE MACDONALD AND RALEIGH BERRY Saturday, April 21 Each Tour Limited to 10 Passengers Tour 1 with MacDonald Tour 3 with Berry Arrive: 9:45 Arrive: 11:45 Begin: 10:00 Begin: 12:00 End: 10:45 End: 12:45 Tour 2 with MacDonald Tour 4 with MacDonald Arrive: 10:45 Arrive: 12:45 Begin: 11:00 Begin: 1:00 End: 11:45 End: 1:45 Ride along with Dave MacDonald or Raleigh Berry on a van tour of the wetlands.

MacDonald has volunteered as a Wetlands Ranger since 2014, and has a keen eye for spotting wildlife and wealth of knowledge concerning the wetland’s diverse species, which he will share during each 45-minute tour through the wetlands. Berry is the current environmental land manager for the Viera Wetlands, with Brevard County’s Natural Resources Management Department. MacDonald and Berry will also discuss the history and function of the wetland system. Note the vans are not equipped for infants or wheelchairs.

30

KEEPING YOUR

PERSONAL FITNESS PROMISE IN 2018

4

TIPS TO KEEP YOUR FITNESS GOALS ON TRACK

R

ESOLUTIONS ARE EASY. WE’VE ALL MADE THEM ONE NEW YEAR’S OR ANOTHER. KEEPING THEM… THAT’S THE TRICK. AND NOW, 10 OR 12 WEEKS IN, IT’S A PERFECT TIME TO CHECK IN AND COLLECTIVELY SEE HOW WE’RE ALL DOING.

31

4

Enter a race

Fitness-related resolutions such as working out more often, starting that gym membership and actually going, exercising more, eating less, and losing weight, are some of the most frequently made, and broken, New Year’s resolutions in history.

So how do you keep things going? Here are four great ways to keep yourself on track after the resolution energy lulls.

1

Book time with a personal trainer

When you go to the trouble of scheduling time to work out, you’re far more likely to make time to get to the gym. Beyond that, you learn all sorts of new things from a fitness professional. They’re also experienced listeners and can coach you through workout doldrums.

Burn Boot Camp at The Avenue Viera offers a somewhat unique approach to exercise with classes they call “camps” designed to keep the interest and enthusiasm of their clients with a wide variety of exercises, both strength and cardiovascular. “The best program is the one you choose,” said Burn Boot Camp owner and trainer Brodie Quinn. “We don’t have limits or reservations for our camps so our clients can come to any session that’s convenient for them.”

“The best way to invest in your health is by thinking outside of the box. Try to take classes you typically wouldn’t consider and use all the tools offered at your gym. If your routine has plateaued, consider hiring a personal trainer for either repetitive sessions or an occasional educational consult. A personal trainer’s guidance will result in the safest, most efficient and fun approach to reaching your goals,” said Jonathan Williams, Director of Health First’s Pro-Health & Fitness Centers.

32

3

Start a walking or running group

2

Embrace a regular class

“We say you never see the same workout twice,” said Quinn.

“At Burn Boot Camp we change our protocol daily so our clients never get bored.”

When you find a class you like: spinning, cross-training, aerobics, or yoga, you get to know the instructor.

You get to know the regulars. And more important, they get to know you.

When people know each other, they notice when someone stops going to class.

Empower Fitness at The Avenue is a fitness center also designed for clients (specifically for women) with their performance needs in mind.

Classes range from Pilates and Zumba to more cross-training designed workouts, again, all with the purpose of maintaining consistency.

Routine is your biggest and best ally when it comes to keeping your fitness regimen going. Find a couple of friends or neighbors who like to walk at the same time every day. It can get you into the same kind of routine as committing to a class at the gym and get you outside, too!

Don Piercy, owner of Running Zone in Melbourne, advises runners to team up with friends with similar exercise interests to keep the momentum going.

“Having a regular, or at least an occasional running partner, can help you get more out of your workouts,” Piercy said. “Many times, it’s difficult to get out the door to exercise, and having a training partner waiting for you makes you accountable to each other.”

Running Boom inspiration and evangelist George Sheehan famously said “the difference between a jogger and a runner is an entry blank.”

So find a race, and fill one out!

When you enter a race, it involves more than writing it into your calendar and pinning a number on your shirt on race day. It requires preparation, training, motivation and often teamwork.

Piercy also advises runners to select a goal event several months into the future.

“Having a training program and a race for which to get ready for is a great way to stay focused on your training,” Piercy said. “It’s a great feeling to put in the work and achieve the goal of completing the event and even better if you achieve your goal time.”

When you set a goal out there for yourself, mark it on the family calendar, and ask people to come cheer you on, you suddenly have something at stake.

It’s much easier to lace up and get out there when you’re working toward a goal. Even if you’re not a runner, most races welcome walkers, too!

Many local races are combined with charity events in Viera so there is always something to train for now and in the future.

WHERE TO WORK OUT IN VIERA Pro-Health & Fitness Center HealthFirstProHealth.org FB: /ProHealth TW: @PHTweets Empower Fitness Viera The Avenue Viera EmpowerFitnessViera.com FB: /EmpowerFitnessViera TW: @EmpowerFitnessV Burn Boot Camp The Avenue Viera Burnbootcamp.com/locations/viera-fl FB: /BurnBootCamp TW: @BurnBootCamp Insta: /BurnBootCamp CrossFit Viera CrossFitViera.com FB: /TheBoxViera Insta: /CrossFitViera

CALENDARS TO WATCH FOR RUNNING EVENTS, GROUPS TO JOIN, AND DISCOUNTS ON GEAR.

RunningZone.com SpaceCoastRunners.org BrevardCounty.US/RunBrevard FLRunning.com VisitSpaceCoast.com/events/ running-events

33

JOY AND CELEBRATION

The congregation, whooped and whistled at the The $7 million edifice, designed by the Atlanta architects Lyman Davidson Dooley, features a 58-foot nave ceiling with announcements by the good-natured Noonan and Beaupré that the church was about a double barrel and an east-facing to get a new pastor: the rose window.

JUNE MIKELL SHAKES popular, youthful Britto.

For now, it has one stained glass HANDS WITH BISHOP NOONAN AT DEDICATION Beaupré, also beloved window, which depicts the great men in the community, of the Congregation of Holy Cross, jokingly jingled the keys whose priests founded and continue to the new building to serve the parish. Eventually, before he turned them stained glass will be installed over. He retired February behind hurricane-resistant glass in 1st to the Holy Cross its other large arched and smaller fathers’ residence in clerestory windows.

Cocoa Beach.

Beaupré expressed gratitude Britto grinned as he to all involved with the church’s was greeted by a long history, including the Rev. Ron line of parishioners, Meyr, who allowed the parish, which priests and community first had Masses at the Brevard activists at the postCounty Government Center, to dedication reception in use nearby Faith “Viera” Lutheran the former church.

Church before its first building “Isn’t this wonderful?” was complete. he asked, as he was He also noted challenges to the hugged by parishioners, church’s completion, construction one after another having begun in June 2016. It was as they exited the delayed by challenges following two new building. hurricanes, Matthew and Irma.

AT ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST CATHOLIC CHURCH

Why Choose Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy?

PARISHIONER JUNE MIKELL

“W

HAT A TURNOUT,” SAID DAVID TOMCZAK, GENERAL MANAGER OF THE DURAN GOLF CLUB THE MORNING OF JAN. 20 AS HE ENTERED ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST CATHOLIC CHURCH.

“This is fantastic.

We have waited so long and we finally have our church.”

– June Mikell

34

AFTER ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST DEDICATION

“Wow!” added his wife, Deborah Tomczak, Realtor at Viera Realty.

After 17 years of hoping and waiting Catholics in Viera had a church of their own, and that day, amid the sound of hymns and the smell of incense, bishops, priests and deacons came from around the country to help them celebrate. The Tomczaks, parishioners for years, attended the much anticipated ceremony with more than 1,500 other people.

It was dedicated by the Most Rev. John Noonan, bishop of Orlando, in a Mass concelebrated by Most Rev. Bernard Harrington, bishop emeritus of Winona, Minnesota and a frequent visitor here, as well as St. John’s pastor, the Very Rev. Bradley Beaupré, and the Rev. John Britto Antony, its parochial vicar.

Its founding priests, the Revs. Larry Olszewski and Bob Wiseman, also participated with other members of the Congregation of Holy Cross, Wiseman having arrived from Vermont, where he is a pastor.

The ceremony was telecast to the overflow crowd in the building next door, which had housed their sanctuary until that day. Saint John’s now has one of the diocese’s largest congregations, with about 2,300 active families.

“A church, after all this time,” its former associate pastor, Wiseman, said afterward, and it is a big one: a 19,000-square-foot, basilica-style structure that seats more than 1,000 people.

“This is fantastic.” June Mikell of Viera said. “We have waited so long and we finally have our church.”

“Strong academics, college guidance, and character development were all things we were looking for in a school. We have also found that Holy Trinity’s daily chapel service has become just as important to our children. This short break in the day allows the student body to stop and come together for fifteen minutes and provides a sense of community that can’t be found elsewhere.”

--Dr. Anita Saluja and Dr. Raj Gutta, parents of Sajan Gutta, class of 2018 and Priya Gutta, class of 2022 Celebrating 1957 2017

years

Now Enrolling for 2018-2019 www.htacademy.org 321-723-8323

35

snapshots

THE SUCCESSFUL

around

VIERA

ART FESTIVAL WAS

A TWO-DAY EVENT THAT SHOWCASED A VARIETY OF ARTISTS AND THEIR WORK. THE ART MEDIUMS INCLUDED PAINTING, SCULPTURE, JEWELRY, STAINED GLASS, AND POTTERY, JUST TO NAME A FEW.

town

THE 5TH ANNUAL LIGHT UP VIERA HOLIDAY PARADE HAS GROWN TO AN

AUDIENCE OF AN ESTIMATED 18,000 PEOPLE. HEALTH FIRST, AS THE PRESENTING SPONSOR, WAS PROVIDED A HOLIDAY CHRISTMAS TRAIN FLOAT TO RIDE DURING THE PARADE. SANTA WELCOMED BOTH VETERANS AND ACTIVE MEMBERS OF OUR MILITARY AS THEY PARTICIPATED BY RIDING AND WAVING FROM THE MILITARY-THEMED FLOAT.

THE MODEL HOME

BY CHRISTOPHER BURTON LUXURY HOMES IN ADELAIDE

WAS THE BACKDROP TO A PRESENTATION

BY NINA SALVAGGIO, COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST FOR THE VIERA COMPANY. SHE PROVIDED AN UPDATE FOR THE VIERA MEANS BUSINESS NETWORKING GROUP ON LOCAL PROJECTS HAPPENING IN VIERA.

BAT BOOGIE 3K

THE BREVARD ZOO’S HAD A RACE RECORD TOTAL OF 1,583 REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS AND 1,323 RACE FINISHERS! PROCEEDS HELP PROVIDE VARIOUS PROGRAMS AT THE BREVARD ZOO. THE RACE ENCOURAGES PARTICIPANTS OF ANY AGE TO RACE THE WINDING COURSE THROUGH THE BREVARD ZOO.

FALCON HEAVY LAUNCHED FROM PAD 39A ON FEBRUARY 6TH AT THE KENNEDY SPACE CENTER AND WE CAPTURED A FEW OFFICE WORKERS FROM VIERA OUTSIDE AT 3:45 P.M. TO SEE HISTORY IN THE MAKING.

STATE OF BREVARD PRESENTATION

BY COMMISSIONER CURT SMITH AND SHERIFF WAYNE IVEY WAS HELD AT CALVARY CHAPEL IN VIERA. ATTENDEES LEARNED ABOUT PROJECTS AND ONGOING EFFORTS TO KEEP THE COUNTY’S GOVERNMENT AND LAW ENFORCEMENT PROJECTS AND EFFORTS MOVING FORWARD.

36

MANATEE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

HELD A CEREMONY TO HONOR THEIR RECENT ACHIEVEMENT AS ONE OF THE 2017 NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON EXEMPLARY HIGH PERFORMING SCHOOLS IN THE UNITED STATES GIVEN BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. PRINCIPAL CARL BROWN (NOW RETIRED) WELCOMED LOCAL DIGNITARIES TO CELEBRATE AND EXPERIENCE THE JOY THE TALENTED STAFF AND TEACHERS HAVE FOR THEIR ACHIEVEMENT WITH THIS DESIGNATION.

BRIDGEWATER 55 AND BETTER COMMUNITY WITH FIVE BEAUTIFUL MODELS OFF LAKE

WCI/LENNAR OPENED THEIR NEW

ANDREW DRIVE. LOCAL AGENTS WERE INVITED TO A VIEWING PARTY AND WERE ABLE TO ASK QUESTIONS OF THE LOCAL BUILDER.

37

Signature Real Estate Company for the Master Planned Community of Viera and Central Brevard

AIR SHOWS

upcoming

Events

Melbourne Air & Space Show

MAR 24-25

DATE: April 1st LOCATION: Tradewinds Restaurant at Duran CONTACT: DURANGOLF.COM

DATE NIGHT

DATE: April 6th – 8th LOCATION: Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum, Titusville CONTACT: VALIANTAIRCOMMAND. COM/AIRSHOW

DATE: March 28th & 29th LOCATION: King Center for the Performing Arts CONTACT: KINGCENTER.COM/SCHEDULE-OF-EVENTS

YANNI 25th Anniversary of Yanni Live at the Acropolis

Dinosaurs Are Back!

DATE: Now – April 30th LOCATION: Brevard Zoo CONTACT: BREVARDZOO.ORG

Party for the Planet

DATE: April 23rd LOCATION: King Center for the Performing Arts CONTACT: KINGCENTER.COM/SCHEDULE-OF-EVENTS

DATE: April 21st LOCATION: Brevard Zoo CONTACT: BREVARDZOO.ORG

38

NO ONE KNOWS VIERA Like VIERA REALTY.

95 EXIT 191

WICKHAM RD

7380 MURRELL ROAD SUITE 104 VIERA, FL 32940 Located just east of I-95 (Exit 191) at the NW corner of Murrell & Wickham Rd

W E H AV E T HE K N OW LED G E & T HE E X PERTISE .

APR 28

FUNDRAISER Safari Under the Stars

DATE: April 28th LOCATION: Brevard Zoo CONTACT: BREVARDZOO.ORG

The Bridges of Madison County DATE: May 4th – 20th LOCATION: The Henegar Center, Melbourne CONTACT: HENEGAR.ORG

34th Annual 2018 Melbourne Art Festival

DATE: April 28th & 29th LOCATION: Wickham Park, Melbourne CONTACT: MELBOURNEARTS.ORG

321.426.4177

ACTIVE EVENT DATE: March 18th LOCATION: Viera High School CONTACT: RUNNINGZONE.COM

N

ART SHOW

THEATRE

DATE: April 27th – May 13th LOCATION: Cocoa Village Playhouse CONTACT: COCOAVILLAGEPLAYHOUSE.COM

321.254.4800

For Listing Details, List Price, Photos and more, Please Visit:

FUN FOR THE KIDS

The Golden Dragon Acrobats

SUN:

Noon – 5PM

MURRELL RD

Easter Brunch

DATE: April 21st & 22nd LOCATION: Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands CONTACT: VIERACOMMUNITYINSTITUTE.COM

Excalibur 10 Miler & Dragon Slayer 2 Miler

9AM – 6PM

Space Coast Warbird Air Show

9th Annual Viera Wetlands Nature Festival

Monty Python’s Spamalot

MON–SAT:

DATE: March 24th & 25th LOCATION: Melbourne International Airport, Melbourne CONTACT: AIRANDSPACESHOW.COM

FUN FOR ALL APR 21-22

We’re Open 7 Days a Week for Your Convenience

VieraBuilders.com

Mutt Strut 5K, Doggie Dash 1 Miler & Double Dog Dare Challenge DATE: March 31st LOCATION: The Avenue Viera CONTACT: RUNNINGZONE.COM

Eat My Crust 5K

DATE: May 6th LOCATION: Start-Viera Pizza & End-Viera High School CONTACT: RUNNINGZONE.COM

Arrivas Village

321.633.4101 2200 Arrivas Way

Loren Cove

321.610.3014 8004 Loren Cove Drive

Reeling Park

321.305.6310 7883 Desmond Avenue

Kerrington

321.610.3381 7619 Kerrington Drive

Trasona Cove East 321.305.4939 3251 Casterton Drive

Trasona Cove West 321.241.4068 3305 Archdale Street

39

developer

Letter

CONSERVATION AND COMMUNITY GROWTH: CREATING A COHESIVE BALANCE IN VIERA, FL.

T

STEVE JOHNSON, PRESIDENT

TODD POKRYWA, SENIOR VP OF LAND USE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

Did You Know?

THE DIVERGING DIAMOND INTERCHANGE LOCATION WAS CHOSEN BECAUSE OF AN AMERICAN BALD EAGLE NEST.

40

o create vibrant, livable communities that are built with faith, integrity and thoughtful stewardship of the land; this is the longstanding mission statement for The Viera Company and the guiding force behind all development in Viera. Since its inception, A. Duda & Sons, Inc., family-owned parent company of The Viera Company, has always led with the founding belief and core value of maintaining stewardship of the land and its resources. Stemming from a family and company of farmers and agricultural experts, The Viera Company is ever cognizant of the environmental impacts of community growth in Viera.

2018 is scheduled to be a big year for the growth and development of Brevard County, including the community of Viera.

We have already seen pronounced growth and development following the few short months after ringing in the New Year.

Significant progress continues to be made on the new Diverging Diamond Interchange and USSSA officially began their first season at the Space Coast Stadium. The Viera Town Center has continued its progress with the construction of the Fairfield Inn and Suites scheduled to open this spring and the new luxury apartment complex, Center Pointe has broken ground. Commercial development continues to expand throughout the community bringing new jobs and meaningful economic impact to Viera. New residents are eagerly moving into the new neighborhoods of Addison Village, located south of Wickham Road, and are excitedly awaiting the Addison Village Amenity Center, expected to break ground this year.

With the amount of growth and innovation occurring it’s not surprising that Viera was ranked 24th in the nation for the best-selling master-planned communities, jumping ahead 17 spots from last year’s ranking in the John Burns Real Estate Consulting Top 50 list.

Keeping in mind that we develop Viera with integrity and thoughtful stewardship of the land, The Viera Company continues to make alterations to development plans as environmental impacts are evaluated.

If you had not yet heard, Viera is home to American Bald Eagles. The eagles’ nest is located near the future I-95 and Viera Blvd. interchange and in fact played a significant role in why the Florida Department of Transportation chose to construct that interchange design at this location. The diverging diamond interchange takes up a smaller footprint, allowing those eagles to maintain their current nesting tree.

The Viera Company has also designated up to nearly 5,300 acres of land to the utmost west portion of the development project as a permanent conservation area, never to be developed. This area (the Viera Wilderness Park) will act as a natural buffer between the community of Viera and the River Lakes Conservation Area. Over 100 miles of trails wind through Viera’s neighborhoods and parks and around additional conservation areas within our community. In addition, the Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival is the largest festival of its kind in the United States and draws thousands of nature enthusiasts to our communities. Daily excursions for the festival bring individuals to the Viera Wetlands where visitors are able to witness and photograph a portion of what has been notated as the largest collection of endangered wildlife and plants in the continental United States.

The efforts of local agencies such as the Marine Resource Council and the Brevard Nature Alliance, in conjunction with community developers such as The Viera Company, are proven effective when we come together to create diverse communities where both humans and wildlife can grow and thrive together.

HEALTHY EATING Recipes to improve your health and well-being Sweet & Sou r Chicken Ingred

ients 4 boneless, sk inless chicken breasts, cut in one-inch piece to s 1 red and 1 gre en bell pepper , cut into bite1 15.25-ounce size pieces can unsweete n ed pineapple (c slices or pieces rushed, – your choice) ¼ cup soy sau ce ¼ cup red win e vinegar Brown rice, co oked Directions 1. Mix togeth er the pineapp le, bell pepper red wine vineg , soy sauce, an ar. d 2. Place the ch icken in a bak ing dish prepar 3. Pour the pin ed with cookin eapple mixture g spray. on top.

4. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

5. Serve over rice.

Zucchini Boats Ingredients 2 zucchinis, sliced in half lengthwise 8 cherry tomatoes, sliced 1 tsp. lemon pepper seasoning 1 tsp. olive oil Parmesan cheese Fresh basil leaves (if desired) Directions h zucchini half; 1. Brush a little olive oil on top of eac ing. sprinkle with lemon pepper season zucchini. Sprinkle again 2. Place sliced tomatoes on top of with lemon pepper.

3. Top with Parmesan cheese. minutes, or 4. Bake in a 400-degree oven for 15 microwave for 5 minutes.

5. Garnish with basil, if desired.