Viera Vision Volume 16, Issue 2

THE 11TH ANNUAL VIERA WETLANDS NATURE FESTIVAL APRIL 4-5

ISSN 2688-9358

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Back Cover Photographer: Harry Behret

CONTENTS VOLUME 16: ISSUE 2

PRESIDENT

Todd Pokrywa VP OF MARKETING

Lauri Duda EDITOR

Stephanie Byrd STAFF EDITORS

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VIERA WETLANDS NATURE FESTIVAL Join us for the 11th annual Viera Wetlands Nature Festival at Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands.

IN THIS ISSUE

VIERA TOWN CENTER

Answering the Why. What is Viera all about anyway?

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BORROWS WEST

Viera’s new mixed-use development complex.

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TOUR OUR HOMES

Your opportunity to visit the new neighborhoods in Viera.

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PINECREST ACADEMY

The charter school is set to open in August of this year.

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Lyle Smith, Maria Sonnenberg, Sue DeWerff Panzarino, Stephanie Byrd, Laurie Widzgowski DESIGN

Jennifer Roberts, Tina Shea, Linda Brandt Cathy Heinz, Stephanie Byrd, Jennifer Roberts, Nicolas Abbot, Katie Couch, Harry Behret, Jim Angy, Felicia Bitter, Mike Acosta

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AMAZING EXPLORERS ACADEMY

A learning center that focuses on a STEAM curriculum.

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SNAPSHOTS AROUND TOWN

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A two-phase plan for renovations is now in full swing.

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ADVERTISING SALES

Stephanie Byrd

LEGAL

Jay Decator, Ben Wilson DISTRIBUTION

Don Gust, All Service Graphics Viera Vision is the official publication of

VIERA TRAILS

Grab your running shoes and hit the latest featured Viera trail.

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U.S. KIDS GOLF

The prestigious U.S. Kids Golf Local Tour has arrived in Brevard.

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Viera Company

Shawn O’Keefe, Jennifer Swan, Laurie Widzgowski

KING CENTER UPGRADES

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PUBLISHER

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

IN EVERY ISSUE LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

SENIOR WRITERS

PHOTOGRAPHY

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Carmen Vastola, Laurie Widzgowski, Todd Pokrywa, Ben Wilson, Scott Miller

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DEVELOPER LETTER

Articles and advertisements printed in Viera Vision do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. The Viera Company and Viera Vision assume no liability for the content and shall not be held liable for any errors or omissions. ©2020. All rights reserved. Any reproduction, in whole or part, is prohibited without written permission from the publishers.

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

/VIERAFLORIDA #EXPLOREVIERA /VIERAFLORIDA

EDITOR'S Letter

SPRING IS IN THE AIR Spring and photography are one of the greatest examples of balanced dualism in many parts of the world but none so exceptional than in Viera. The honor is truly ours for knowing the photographers we have in this issue and in others as we showcase their work; they not only provide a sense of place but in so many instances we would not otherwise see the extreme beauty of some of nature’s most wondrous gifts. For example, Harry Behret, a nature photographer at the Viera Wetlands, has captured the Limpkins in the centerfold (pg. 20) and the Purple Gallinule (pg. 2) and without his patience, keen eye, and equipment we would not know how truly striking the colors really can be. Sometimes they are lucky, but a majority of the time they have to get up before dawn and find a place where the action may take place on a treetop hundreds of yards from their location. Thank you to all those, like Harry, who commit to the painstaking work of capturing nature and allowing us all to partake in its unique beauty and provide more than what my eye would have caught so far from a nest or location while visiting our Viera Wetlands.

#VIERAVISION #VIERAWETLANDS

“I have been going to the wetlands since 2002. It quickly became my second home. My wife was concerned that I might be having an affair with an egret.

Every time I enter the wetlands, I am amazed that five minutes from McDonald's there is a place where the noise and distractions of modern living disappear. One will find photographers, artists, bird watchers, joggers, bike riders, dog walkers, and families out for a stroll. There will be birds, plants, wildflowers and alligators to be seen. The only cost for this show is the investment of some time.

I obtain my images mostly through the investment of time.

I make frequent trips to the wetlands. I try to visit in the two hours after sunrise and the two hours before sunset. The wildlife is more active in those hours and the light is more diffused and pleasing. Patience is the key factor. Whenever I find a subject, I will stay with it and wait. Sooner or later it will fly, start to hunt or do something interesting. One must be willing to wait those 30-60 minutes.

The wildlife in the wetlands are tolerant of humans and you can be closer to your subjects than most locations. One doesn’t need extremely long lenses to get captures at the wetlands.

What is my favorite story? It would not be one incident but the opportunity to observe the great blue herons during a mating season. Watching them build a nest, mate, watch over the eggs, the hatching of the eggs, and the development of the chicks until they fly off on their own. It is a privilege to observe this cycle of life.”

Photograph by: Harry Behret

- HARRY BEHRET, WETLANDS PHOTOGRAPHER

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Answering the

Why?

WHAT’S VIERA ALL ABOUT, ANYWAY?

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HAT IS VIERA ABOUT? IT’S WHERE WE BEGIN A STORY AND IT BEGINS WITH WHAT WE CALL THE FIVE Ws. THE WHAT? VIERA IS ONE OF THE TOP 25 MASTER PLANNED COMMUNITIES IN THE COUNTRY. THE WHERE? IT’S LOCATED IN CENTRAL FLORIDA, BREVARD COUNTY. THE WHEN? IT WAS FOUNDED IN 1989 AND HAS BEEN IN A STATE OF ALMOST CONSTANT GROWTH SINCE. THE WHO? IT WAS THE VISION OF AND FOUNDED BY THE DUDA FAMILY AFTER IMMIGRATING TO THE UNITED STATES FROM THEIR NATIVE SLOVAKIA IN THE EARLY DAYS OF THE 20TH CENTURY AND AFTER GROWING AN ENORMOUSLY SUCCESSFUL, SIXTH GENERATION AGRICULTURE BUSINESS HERE.

But while all of these things are important to the story, in many ways, Viera isn’t really about any of them at all.

Viera is all about the WHY. And even the briefest conversation with the leaders of The Viera Company makes it crystal clear that the WHY is all about building a community people are happy to call home.

BUILDING A TOWN CENTER The Town Center project has been part of the Viera master plan since its inception. It’s moved a few times in the 30year history of Viera, but it has always been envisioned to emerge as a true heart of the community.

“I think we’re at concept D or D2, really, at this point,” said Senior Vice President of Sales and Community Development Scott Miller, laughing a little bit. “It’s a market-driven project that’s changed over the past ten years or more. The vision reflects the market, which is now likely less retail and more restaurant and experiential focused.”

The vision, according to Miller, is to embrace the central park and town green-style space with a mix of restaurants and public amenities ranging from a concert/amphitheater to a wide stretch of linear park designed to accommodate tents and booths for everything from art shows to a farmers market.

It is a green, shared space designed to host events and become a gathering place for residents and visitors alike.

And to also become a way of connecting all of the best elements of our community from East to West, North to 4

South.

“Food is an amenity in a master planned community,” Miller said. “And having good food in a community creates an environment.”

THE WHEN… An ongoing topic of conversation among residents has been just when the Town Center will be up and running.

The Viera Company President Todd Pokrywa points to preparation as the key to the success of this and just about every project the company undertakes.

“Under construction right now is more of the network of

“IT’S NOT A CONTRIVED TOWN CENTER. WE’RE TREATING IT LIKE AN ORGANIC TOWN CENTER THAT’S GROWN UP OVER TIME.” TODD POKRYWA, PRESIDENT, THE VIERA COMPANY

roads to and through the town center area,” Pokrywa said.

“We want to make sure we deliver something that is going to work. Something that is responsive to the demands of the community. Getting it right is more important than getting it right now.”

And that’s a key thought behind everything that Pokrywa and his team are working on here, the concept of developing the right elements to fit the community, not just business-wise, but people-wise.

“It’s not a contrived town center,” Pokrywa said. “We’re treating it like an organic town center that’s grown up over time."

What will become the Town Center will be surrounded by several “anchor” properties designed to attract visitors to the space.

The first anchor, the Fairfield Inn and Suites hotel, was completed more than a year ago propelled by the development and opening of the USSSA organization as it took over the Space Coast Stadium property. Since its opening, according to Pokrywa, the Fairfield Inn has enjoyed 90% occupancy.

“That success led to the second hotel development along Lake Andrew Drive, the Home2Suites,” Pokrywa said.

“Then the Pearl of Viera by Davis Development will offer 5

an additional, different apartment product to that same area.”

The whole area has seen a steady state of development over the past two years or more from the Centre Pointe Apartments that started leasing in 2019 to the Artisan at Viera, also by Davis Development.

The singular goal, according to Miller and Pokrywa, is to develop the Town Center area with a more urban and contemporary feel providing living space, recreational space, and business/office spaces creating a true central downtown to serve the region.

Walkable and golf-cartable are both terms that are used often in discussing the new space. The vision is for a place that all members of the community can share and enjoy and access with ease.

“And that’s one of the unintended benefits of our efforts here. People are interacting more because they have these purpose-built pathways and these vehicles that promote interaction and enable them to get to know their neighbors better,” Miller said. “If you’re traveling somewhere in Florida, you’re probably driving with your windows up and your air conditioning on, but if you’re in a golf cart and you’re going to pick your child up from the elementary school and you pull up next to another person in a golf cart as well, you’re probably going to strike up a conversation.”

The vision includes building with more height and density, not just for visitors and hotels, but also office use providing a true urban business-hours experience with a

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vibrant lunch and daytime crowd as well as evening dining.

“That’s all part of creating that interwoven fabric of experiences that is the town center,” said Miller. “Not just evening dinner traffic, but day-to-day vibrancy. A true downtown.”

And that is not just a benefit to Viera alone. The Viera Company has included research and outreach to local employers to answer the question, “What can we provide that will be attractive to your employees as you’re recruiting them to come work here?”

And the answers to those questions help the area grow as a regional showcase, not only a small town center. It’s very much about creating a feeling of home and belonging.

“Brevard is at an advantage compared to so many other parts of the country,” Miller said, pointing out everything from the weather to easy access to the beaches and river.

“The neighborhood that you live in is the other component.

And we need to deliver on that. We need to provide that fulfillment.”

NETWORKING ROADS A large part of the plan involves completing numerous road projects that connect and extend from the Town Center as well.

In the end, Lake Andrew Drive will extend from one terminus at Viera Boulevard all the way south and east to Pineda Boulevard, giving residents and visitors easy access

Viera Town Center Dog Park and Playground Ribbon Cutting 2019

Large and small dog park areas

Cover pavilion and restroom facilities

Resting benches in dog park

to US Highway 1 and the beaches.

When the road projects are completed, multiple thoroughfares will help manage traffic from the new development and give motorists options for traveling north and south throughout the central part of the county.

Trails and pathways through-out

Modern playground area

Open-use area

Themed playground elements

MARKET DRIVEN The linear park and adjacent dog park are both open and available for resident use. The dog park is the first artificial turf park of its kind in the area, making it not only easy to maintain, but simple to keep clean for community use.

Both Miller and Pokrywa speak of balance when discussing what types of businesses and amenities the new areas of Viera will offer.

“Authenticity is important,” Miller said. “This town center is growing organically as the market dictates what really needs to go in there.”

The Town Center is designed to compliment The Avenue Viera across the road.

“We’ve had the luxury of seeing how it grows,” Pokrywa said. “While residents are anxious to see what the end product will be, having this be a market driven product has given us the chance to get it right.”

And as these new offerings to the area come out of the ground, it is that demand that is going to drive what it will become rather than a push of development.

Pokrywa and his team talk often about being stewards of the land and paying close attention to what the market is telling them it wants. The strength of the Viera master plan really is in its ability to be fluid. Miller points often to the fact that if you look at the original plan, many of the components of the community have been developed in locations where they were not initially intended. But almost all of these components remain in the plan.

“If you’re too rigid and not adaptable, you may miss opportunities,” Pokrywa said. “When we look at opportunities that come to us, we evaluate them. Is this something that helps enhance the value of what we’ve done in the past and what we will do in the future?”

The Viera community just celebrated its 30th anniversary last year. With a time horizon that long, it cannot be considered in terms of a typical construction project or a building project. The duration of the development is a living thing. It goes through and needs to survive and thrive through economic cycles over time. But the company from its inception has held to a vision to build a vibrant community.

“The fact that we are now ranked the 22nd best-selling master planned community in the nation is a great honor for us, but we’re not satisfied,” Miller said. “We want to raise the bar. We want to continually improve and strive to get better.”

And what comes next is so completely tied to what’s come before.

“It’s such a part of our day-to-day thought process,” Miller says.

“What we build today, we have to drive past to get to what we build tomorrow.”

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NAME: Borrows West “Borrows West will provide stakeholders and visitors a uniquely Viera experience, where exceptional accessibility and visibility are enhanced with A-rated schools and thoughtful residential neighborhoods that are all interconnected by parks and trails.�

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SIZE: 115-acres AMENITIES: Sites for corporate, medical, and professional offices, higher-learning campus, waterfront dining venues, retail, entertainment venues, hotel, and multi-family housing.

VISIONING: Modern design-focused architecture throughout including grand scale entrance, pedestrian crosswalks, and traffic-calming infrastructure. The Urban-style site amenities include scenic lake with walking trail and a linear park with various reflection and resting areas.

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Photograph by: Harry Behret

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“The Viera Wetlands Nature Festival celebrates the success of the site and the contributions of its volunteers. It also focuses attention on funding challenges: the ongoing cost of repairing roads to allow continued vehicle access, a much-needed “Ranger Station” to shelter volunteers while on duty, maintenance concerns for existing observation towers, limited public parking, and other improvements essential to ensure the public’s safety and enjoyment while preserving the site’s natural beauty and diversity of wildlife.”

Raleigh Berry, Senior Environmental Scientist, Brevard County Natural Resource Management Department

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&

RITCH GRISSOM MEMORIAL WETLANDS

VIERA WETLANDS NATURE FESTIVAL

S

EVERAL TIMES A WEEK BEFORE HEADING OFF TO WORK BACK IN THE EARLY 2000S, JIM ANGY WOULD HEAD FROM HIS INDIALANTIC HOME WELL BEFORE THE CRACK OF DAWN TO SOME WONDERFULLY WILD ACREAGE IN VIERA. FELLOW PHOTOGRAPHER CHARLIE CORBEIL WOULD BE WAITING FOR HIM AND THE TWO WOULD GREET THE NEW MORNING WHILE DISCOVERING THE TREASURES VIERA WETLANDS HELD. “Charlie was there almost every day,” remembers Angy.

During their visits, Corbeil and Angy would encounter

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only perhaps a handful of humans, all die-hard birders or nature photographers. Animals were another story. Crested Caracaras, barred owls, herons, alligators, bobcats, coyote, otters, deer and even a bear were their companions back then.

Charlie Corbeil, one of Viera Wetlands’ most passionate advocates, passed away in 2013. His memory continues in Charlie Corbeil Way, the road that leads straight to this enchanted land, and in the annual Charlie Corbeil Conservation Awards, sponsored by Viera Voice newspaper in memory of the photographer/naturalist who was also one of the original Wetlands Rangers, the volunteer group

Photograph by: Cathy Heinz

Photograph by: Jim Angy who serve as ambassadors for the Wetlands.

Angy, among the first recipients of the award named after his friend, still returns to Viera Wetlands whenever he can.

The wildlife is still abundant, but is now joined by the more than 200,000 people each year who have discovered what Angy and Corbeil knew long ago: the place never grows old, no matter how many times you visit.

The birders and photographers are there in much bigger numbers, and joggers and families are plentiful, too. When the weather is dry, some visitors prefer touring by car. Dog parents take their canine children to stretch their legs, tourists visit for a look at natural Florida, cyclists hone

their calf muscles tackling the dirt roads and some folks just come to clear their minds in a wild place less than five minutes’ drive from suburbia’s bustle.

“Initially, it was only known by a few people, but it’s a very important destination now,” said Raleigh Berry, senior environmental scientist and the Natural Resources Management Department Brevard County as the environmental land manager for the Wetlands.

Formally known as the Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands in memory of a beloved county employee who worked nearby, Viera Wetlands represents one of the rare examples of man’s ability to copy Mother Nature’s efforts to perfection. The Wetlands emerged thanks to the County’s South-Central Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility, which needed land to cleanse the additional treated water required to meet the area’s burgeoning population. The utility could have opted to build an industrial facility.

Fortunately, it instead designed a 200-acre site encircling four large ponds and a central deep lake with a mile of shoreline seeded with wildflowers native to Florida.

Because the Wetlands are situated smack under the Atlantic Flyway, the major north-south path for migratory birds in the continent, a host of avian visitors routinely use it as stopover during migration, regaling humans with memorable sights such the time in 2002, when thousands of birders descended upon the Wetlands for the first U.S. sighting of a Mangrove Swallow.

“On any given day, a good birder should be able to spot around 75 species of birds here,” said Berry.

The Wetlands isn’t just a pretty face of Florida. It is also a hard worker. With high concentrations of phosphorus, the wastewater from the facility would nurture harmful algal blooms were it to reach the Indian River Lagoon or the St. Johns River. At the Wetlands, vegetation helps to lower phosphorus levels. The Lagoon wins, the St. Johns River wins, the community wins.

Viera Wetlands’ popularity has soared since the days Charlie Corbeil would lead Jim Angy to new sights waiting to be photographed, and with more visitors comes a need to improve the berm roads and gates to allow safe vehicular access. A hardtop parking area, a ranger station/welcome center, observation platform repairs, visitors pavilion and an observation deck for visitors with disabilities are all on the wish list.

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Financial support for public access to the Wetlands is not within the scope of the Utility Services. The Wetlands need the community to survive.

“We rely on donations and our volunteers,” said Berry.

“Funding to support public access is non-existent.”

A major fundraiser is the annual Viera Wetlands Nature Festival, a two-day event hosted by Brevard County Natural Resource Management Department and Utility Services and the Viera Community Institute to acquaint first-time visitors with the Wetlands’ natural wealth, as well as to remind Wetlands “regulars” not to take for granted the magnificent natural resource at their doorsteps.

This year’s Festival will run from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, and from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 5.

“The festival is the annual showcase that lets the community understand what a treasure we have,” said Berry.

The eco-friendly and educational exhibitors and vendors are gathered under a large tent that provides respite from the Florida elements. Hands-on children’s activities, meet-and-greet of wildlife ambassador animals and food trucks will also be available during the event.

Returning for the third year is the popular Flight of the Raptor with their exquisite birds of prey, including falcons, hawks and owls.

“The Falconers are very interactive with the spectators and always attract large crowds,” said Laurie Widzgowski, marketing and event coordinator for The Viera Company and the Viera Community Institute.

Wetlands Rangers will guide tours throughout the main festival hours, and sunrise and pre-festival tours and workshops will also be available, all free, although donations are cheerfully accepted.

Physicist Albert Einstein spoke to the need for a connection with the natural world when he encouraged us to “look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” Viera Wetlands provides us all with a precious opportunity to better comprehend our world and ourselves, without having to leave our backyards. It can be an addictive place. Just ask Jim Angy.

“After all these years, I still love to go out there,” Angy said.

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Viera Wetlands Nature Festival Tours Tour Sign Up https://tinyurl.com/2020VWNF SUNRISE BIRDING TOURS WITH CHRIS KOEPPEL Saturday & Sunday Sunrise Tour 1: April 4, 6:30 – 8:00 AM Sunrise Tour 2: April 5, 6:30 – 8:00 AM Each tour is limited to 20 attendees Join Chris Koeppel for an early morning jaunt through one of the region’s most diverse and rewarding birding destinations. Expect to see and hear freshwater birds, birds of prey, shorebirds, and other species. Attendees will witness foraging techniques, and learn to recognize some birds by their vocalizations and telltale visual clues. Chris, of Brevard County’s Natural Resources Management Department, was the Viera Wetlands’ first land manager, and has been an avid birder for 40 years. A biologist and conservationist, Chris 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. Bring quality optics, if you have them available.

11th Annual Viera Wetlands Nature Festival April 4 & 5 When: Saturday, April 4: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday, April 5: 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Where: 3658 Charlie Corbeil Way, Viera, FL 32940 Parking is available on Wickham Rd. near the Wetlands entrance.

For more information visit: vieracommunityinstitute.com

MORNING WALKING TOURS WITH WETLAND RANGERS Saturday & Sunday Morning Tour 1: April 4, 8:00 – 9:30 AM Morning Tour 2: April 5, 8:00 – 9:30 AM Each tour is limited to 20 attendees Join our Wetland Rangers for an early-morning walking tour of the wetlands. Attendees will stroll along approximately 1.5 miles of berm trails. Beginning birders will learn to identify species encountered during the tour, and everyone will undoubtedly see and hear other wildlife – such as alligators, turtles, and frogs. The tours will swing through the volunteers’ butterfly garden to learn about native pollinators.

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WETLANDS PHOTOGRAPHY – BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS WITH RICK ALLEN Saturday Only Wetlands Photography: April 4, 9:00 – 10:00 AM Class limited to 15 participants Walk and learn wildlife photography. Rick Allen is a volunteer Wetlands Ranger who picked the camera up in 2014 after retiring from the Public Safety Field. Rick can be found most weekends walking with his camera at the Viera Wetlands. His class will be helpful for anyone wanting to photograph wildlife, whether with an iPhone or DSLR camera. Basic camera settings will be discussed as will basic composition and control of exposure. Emphasis will be placed on safety while photographing wildlife.

WETLANDS WALKING TOURS WITH WETLAND RANGERS Saturday & Sunday Mid-morning Tour 1: April 4, 10:00 – 11:30 AM Mid-morning Tour 2: April 5, 10:00 – 11:30 AM Each tour is limited to 20 attendees Join Wetland Rangers on mid-morning walking tours of the wetlands as they share their knowledge gained through years of service at the Viera Wetlands. Tours will cover approximately 1.5 miles and attendees will be introduced to the history, function, diverse vegetation, and wildlife found in the wetlands. Beginning birders will learn to identify any birds seen along the route. Volunteer activities and ongoing improvements to the wetlands to create and preserve its diverse habitat will also be discussed.

WETLANDS TOURS WITH DAVE MACDONALD AND RALEIGH BERRY Saturday and Sunday Wetlands Tour 1: April 4, 10:00 – 10:45 AM Wetlands Tour 2: April 4, 11:00 – 11:45 AM Wetlands Tour 3: April 4, 12:00 – 12:45 AM Wetlands Tour 4: April 4, 1:00 – 1:45 PM Wetlands Tour 5: April 4, 2:00 – 2:45 PM Wetlands Tour 6: April 5, 10:00 – 10:45 AM Wetlands Tour 7: April 5, 11:00 – 11:45 AM Wetlands Tour 8: April 5, 12:00 – 12:45 PM Wetlands Tour 9: April 5, 1:00 – 1:45 PM Each tour is limited to 10 attendees Ride along with Dave MacDonald and Raleigh Berry as they tour the Viera Wetlands. Dave has volunteered as a Wetlands Ranger since 2014, 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. Raleigh is a Senior Environmental Scientist with Brevard County Natural Resources Management Department and has been the environmental land manager for the Viera Wetlands since 2006. Dave and Raleigh will also discuss the history and function of the wetland system.

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SUNSET PHOTO-WALK, WITH RICK ALLEN Saturday Only Photo-Walk: April 4, 6:30 – 8:30 PM Limited to 25 attendees Rick is a volunteer Wetlands Ranger and amateur photographer whose work has been used by local news outlets, businesses and others in promotion materials. Opportunities for subjects include birds and wildlife, macro-photography of the plants, landscapes, sunsets—and maybe a gator will pose for a photo. Photographers of all levels are welcome. If you have the equipment, consider bringing a tripod and cable release, especially if photographing the sunset, a variety of lenses: long for the wildlife, macro for the plants, and wide for the land and water. Point and shoots and phone cameras work as well.

EVENING TOUR WITH WETLAND RANGERS Saturday Only Evening Tour: April 4, 7:00 – 9:00 PM Come on a night hike with a waning crescent moon and listen to the sounds and sights of the wetlands at night. During the evening, roosting birds return to the wetlands for the night. Is that a pig frog or a gator growl? What is that glowing in the dark: a lightning bug or a frog’s eye or something else? From bats to meteors, who knows what we may see or hear? Note: Bring bug spray and a flashlight. Our gates will close at 7:00 PM and will reopen only when the tour concludes.

School’s in Session!

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Miami-based Pinecrest’s dual-language programs in its South Florida campuses have been extremely successful.

The charter school network operates nine schools across 12 sites in Miami-Dade, Orange, and Lake counties, and Clark County in the metropolitan area of Las Vegas, Nevada. Like members of a family, every Pinecrest campus has some similarity to its sibling schools, but each is unique.

Mijuskovic, a former principal at Space Coast Junior/ Senior High School, is pumped about Pinecrest’s arrival in Brevard. Parents’ interest in the new school is high. “We have space for up to 600 students and we have 253 families interested already, with just a sign to advertise,” she said.

Six upcoming events, including an open house and carnival in May, should fill desks of the kindergarten-tosixth grade academy nicely.

In addition to dual language learning, Pinecrest stresses STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) through Project Lead the Way, a hands-on program that introduces students to computer science, biomedicine and other disciplines.

Although the school has been built to accommodate kindergarten through eighth grades, Pinecrest Space Coast 28

will initially stop at the sixth grade, adding additional grades as the student body grows larger. Fee-based after-school care and a pre-kindergarten program will be available, too.

Even the littlest learners will start learning a second language.

“The pre-kindergarten program will also offer a form of Spanish to prepare them for the kindergarten program in the future,” explained Mijuskovic.

The school’s philosophy focuses on instilling a collegebound mindset. The challenging standards-based curriculum is designed to nurture college readiness from the elementary grades.

Parents will appreciate that, since Pinecrest is a charter school, tuition is free. The required uniforms should dissipate fashion angst within the student body.

Board chair Judith Marty notes that Pinecrest schools always perform extremely well in state assessments.

“We give principals the latitude to succeed and our faculty buys into the rigor,” said Marty.

“We believe in children.”

i Pinecrest Space Coast principal Sylvia Mijuskovic will host office hours in February to meet with parents interested in the school for their children. Registration packets will be available during office hours and at community events. Packets will be accepted through April for priority registration.

For more information visit: pinecrestspacecoast.com

Photos provided by Pinecrest Academy

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TUDENTS AT THE NEW PINECREST ACADEMY SPACE COAST IN VIERA WILL LEARN THEIR NUMBERS AS WELL AS MAKE CALCULATIONS IN ENGLISH AND “EN ESPAÑOL.” THE CHARTER SCHOOL, SET TO OPEN AT THE INTERSECTION OF STADIUM PARKWAY AND TRASONA DRIVE IN AUGUST OF THIS YEAR, WILL OFFER A DUAL LANGUAGE PROGRAM THAT TEACHES SOCIAL STUDIES AND MATH IN BOTH ENGLISH AND SPANISH. “NOT ONLY WILL THEY BE LEARNING A NEW LANGUAGE, BUT THEY WILL ALSO BE REINFORCING THEIR SKILLS IN TWO DIFFERENT LANGUAGES,” SAID PINECREST ACADEMY PRINCIPAL SYLVIA MIJUSKOVIC.

Our Primary Focus is You By choosing a primary care provider, you are choosing a health advocate to assist with: Managing your medications Preventing and detecting potential diseases Overseeing the full picture of your health to ensure proper care

Find a primary care provider you can trust by calling 321.408.5252 or visit HF.org/pcp

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“We definitely emphasize STEAM in our curriculum,” said Lisette Raynor, regional manager for Amazing Explorers.

The Viera campus, located at 8911 Trafford Drive on the west side of Stadium Parkway, is anticipated to open August of 2020 with programs that address the learning needs of infants through preschool and more. The new academy can accommodate a student body of 200, with plenty of room for future expansion. Amazing Explorers currently operates three campuses in Orlando, plus additional facilities in Winter Springs, Winter Garden, Ocoee and Ponte Vedra. Each campus has a signature STEAM experience, including an oceanography “lab” and a NASA space capsule to name a few. The schools share their exhibits between campuses so every student can benefit from the experience. There is no word yet what Viera’s special exhibit will be.

Based on the principle that science is the basis for a child’s understanding of his world, Amazing Explorers encourages students to explore through science, together with technology, the arts, mathematics and engineering.

The school draws inspiration from the Reggio Emilia Schools in Italy, with its renowned pedagogical approach that nurtures children to become imaginative thinkers, and combines this philosophy with parent connection tools and individualized lesson plans for each child.

Learning begins early here, with programs for infants and one-year-olds, and continues with toddler-specific programming that build skills in early literacy, math and 30

pre-STEAM. For 3s and 4s, the curriculum emphasizes self-identity, collaboration, discovery, social learning, problem-solving skills and creativity through hands-on activities. “We give them the time and encouragement to explore and learn,” said Raynor.

Strong, inquisitive minds require strong bodies, so the Academy also addresses optimal nutrition and activity for youngsters through its partnership with the Nemours Children’s Health System. It’s not just for the kids, either.

“By serving healthy foods and encouraging physical activity, we advocate a healthy lifestyle for children, staff and parents,” said Raynor.

Although the school bells at Amazing Explorers won’t be ringing until the summer, local parents have already enthusiastically expressed interest. The Johnson family, for example, quickly joined the waiting list, impressed after their visit to another Amazing Explorers campus.

“Expect amazing things for Viera,” promised Raynor.

i For more information visit: aexplorers.com/viera

Photos provided by Amazing Explorers Academy

T’S FULL STEAM AHEAD FOR THE NEW VIERA CAMPUS OF AMAZING EXPLORERS ACADEMY, A LEARNING CENTER THAT FOCUSES ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ART AND MATH, AKA STEAM, FOR THE EVEN THE YOUNGEST OF LEARNERS.

Photo provided by Amazing Explorers Academy

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King Centers e d a r g p U

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A sophisticated look for the King Center for the Performing Arts

Photos provided by King Center

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HEN IT COMES TO GATHERING PLACES SHOWCASING THE ARTS, THERE IS NO OTHER VENUE IN BREVARD COUNTY THAT HAS HOSTED MORE INTERNATIONALLY FAMOUS TALENT THAN THE MAXWELL C. KING CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS. AFTER MORE THAN THREE DECADES OPERATING WITH MINIMAL CHANGES— WHILE SURPASSING THE TWO-MILLION MARK FOR PATRONS ENTERTAINED—MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AGREED LAST SPRING THAT THE TIMING WAS RIGHT TO “FRESHEN UP” THE AGING FACILITY AND GIVE IT A MUCH-NEEDED SOPHISTICATED LOOK.

Under the leadership of the King Center’s only executive director in its history, Steve Janicki, the $3.6 million project, “Keeping the King Center Cool”, that is part of a two-phase plan for renovations to the nearly 33-year-old building, is now in full swing. “We are nearing completion on Phase I of major upgrades that included the installation of a new HVAC system in the main theater area. Last fall, design upgrades to the exterior, main lobby and the VIP Crown Club began and are slated to be finished this spring,” he explained. Janicki, who will retire this May, said he couldn’t be more excited.

In recognition of a $1 million donation by L3Harris Technologies to the project, the King Center will rename the 2,016-seat main theatre the L3Harris Technologies Theatre. “One of the biggest visible changes to the venue is the addition of the new security vestibules at the front entrance that will streamline the bag check process. This will free up much needed space inside the main lobby,” Janicki said. The Center will coordinate this project with the Eastern Florida State College campus.

Other Phase I initiatives include bold and contemporary designs to the lobby area and new exterior paint for the entire building. A new founders’ wall, located in the main lobby, built in honor of the performing arts center’s founder, Dr. Maxwell C. King, is made of brushed nickel with raised lettering. It features high-end shelving and a display of Dr. King’s many accolades. “It is beautiful and adds to the overall sophistication of the new look,” said Darcia JonesFrancey, who has served on the board of directors for the past eight years.

“Along with the addition of new carpet throughout the lobby, the VIP Crown Club will get new flooring and furniture and a new bar and buffet area with a contemporary design that will give our VIP patrons a 33

great, sophisticated area to mingle and enjoy food and beverages on offer.”

According to Autumn Shrum, Marketing Director for the King Center, the point-of-sale system bars, designed

by B.R.P.H. (architectural firm for the renovations project) will be implemented at both the main lobby and crown club bars, allowing a more convenient guest experience. She said Phase II of the renovations, set to begin by the end of 2020, will include updating of the existing restrooms and the addition of more. Though the specifics have not been finalized, there are plans to also update the rooftop terrace.

“Enhancing the quality of life in Brevard is what the King Center is all about. We have been selling out of so many shows and attracting more and more audiences in recent years. The need to focus on convenience and comfort for our patrons is a must,” said Janicki.

“ENHANCING THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN BREVARD IS WHAT THE KING CENTER IS ALL ABOUT. THE NEED TO FOCUS ON CONVENIENCE AND COMFORT FOR OUR PATRONS IS A MUST. ” STEVE JANICKI, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MAXWELL C. KING CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

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7380 Murrell Road, Ste. 200 Viera, FL 32940

321.259.8900

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Modern Duran Viera Discovery Center

Central Park

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Park

Practice Range & 9-Hole Short Course

Duran Development Center

Market Street Memory Care Residence

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Featured Trail Active Adult Community

Future Development

Proposed

Future Development

Fairway Lakes At Duran

Heritage Isle

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The Pearl of Viera Apartments METFIELD DRIVE Future Development

BANDINI WAY

Viera Town Center

ALTANO WAY

Future Development

Future Development

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Avenue 16

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Heritage Isle Clubhouse

Woodside Park

The Viera Market Center

Centre Pointe Apartments

Playground & Dog Park

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Marisol Viera Apartments

Bromley Lake Trail

Arrivas Village

Warm Up: SCENIC TREE-LINED WOODSIDE PARK Estimated distance 0.718m

Proposed

Proposed I-95 Flyover

Future Development

STADIUM PARKWAY

Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands

Arthritis & Joint Center Of Florida

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Viera Storage

Viera Medical Park

VARD NEDA BOULE ed PI P r op o s

In part 2 of our series on trails, we have includedLoren Cove a warm up and a local course that is fun, especially in the spring. If you to connect Sierrawant Cove the two areas the distance becomes roughly an Sendero Cove Stonecrest estimated 9.61 miles and is also a great bike Avalonia ride. Please obey all signs for parking and use as posted. We used the website Alltrails.com to provide all estimated distances. Enjoy the trails and the wildlife!

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Addison Village

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Woodmill Park

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Trasona Cove East

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Multi-Family Apartments

Course: WILD FLORIDA AT THE BREVARD ZOO LINEAR PARK Estimated distance 6.3m Extra Space Storage

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Amazing Explorers Academy Viera

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Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

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Linear Park

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Prado Vista Park

Strom Park

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Bridgewater Clubhouse

LEGEND

Jacksonville

02/05/20

New Home Communities

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Viera Pedestrian Trail System

Bridgewater At Viera

All plans (including maps and drawings) shown are conceptual only, are subject to governmental approvals and market factors, are approximate in dimensions and subject to change at any time without notice, and are not to scale. All plans (including maps and drawings) are not intended to be, and shall not constitute or be deemed to be, a representation or warranty of any kind or nature whatsoever. Represented price ranges are subject to change at any time without notice.

Land uses shown may not have been approved by applicable governmental authorities. Private and public facilities and improvements may not have been approved by applicable governmental authorities and financing may not have been obtained or approved for the same. Nothing herein obligates the master developer, any authorized builder, or any other entity within the Viera community to build any facility or improvements, and there is no guarantee that the illustrated land use concepts, facilities, or improvements will be implemented. This information does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy a residence of any kind and is void in states where prohibited by law, including without limitation, Connecticut, Idaho, New Jersey, New York, and Oregon.

north

Miami

Future Development

Viera is an equal housing opportunity housing community in which we encourage no barriers to obtain housing from our authorized builders because of race, color, religion, gender, handicap, family status, or national origin.

STARTHERE To U.S. 1 >

Propo

sed PI NEDA BOU LEV ARD

To I-95 >

EXIT

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PINEDA CAUSEWAY EXT.

Proposed PINEDA CAUSEWAY EXT.

GO ANYWHERE

At Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, we educate the whole child – mind, body and spirit – so students who start here are prepared to go anywhere – in college, career and life.

CALL FOR YOUR PRIVATE TOUR OR LEARN MORE AT HTACADEMY.ORG/STARTHERE 321-723-8323

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Golfer: Asher Joseph 36

Junior golfers ages 5 through 14 will now get an opportunity to advance their skills through age-appropriate competition and properly scaled course yardages for 9 and 18-hole play in their communities. “Bringing the U.S. Kids Golf tournaments here will now give our kids a chance to compete on their own turf, rather than having to travel to other locations throughout the state,” said Justin Blazer, Director of Instruction at Duran’s Academy of Golf, Blazer is responsible for bringing the initiative here and will be the Local Tour director.

“This is the last piece of the puzzle I wanted to complete,” he said.

In addition to starting up a PGA Junior league at Duran, Blazer, along with Matt Morrison, Duran PGA pro, was responsible for securing the Drive, Chip, and Putt (DCP) competition four years ago at Duran. The DCP is an annual skill qualifying event offering junior golfers an opportunity to advance in multiple age divisions at the local, regional, state, and ultimately national level. The final event is held in Augusta, GA during PGA Masters week.

Blazer, a U.S. Kids Golf Top 50 Master teacher, currently coaches more than 50 competitive junior golfers, many of whom are ranked at the top of their divisions in the U.S. Kids Golf (USKG) junior tours. The top five finishers in each division will receive priority status to gain invitations for play in the regional and state contests, leading to national qualifying.

Photos provided by U.S. Kids Golf

HE PRESTIGIOUS U.S. KIDS GOLF HAS ARRIVED IN BREVARD. THIS MONTH, DURAN GOLF CLUB WILL HOST THE FIRST OF THE ELITE YOUTH COMPETITIONS TO BE HELD AT SEVERAL LOCAL BREVARD COURSES, AS PART OF THE NATIONWIDE REGIONAL SPRING TOUR.

Eight of Blazer’s students have already qualified to compete in the World Championship in Pinehurst, NC this summer.

One of Blazer’s top students, Melbourne’s Asher Joseph, who began playing on the USKG junior tour back in 2013, at age six, was last season’s winner of the Future Masters (11-12) division competition. The prestigious 50-year-old event is considered a proving ground for future PGA champions. “We had always wished for a tour closer to home,” said Angelo Joseph, Asher’s father. “When Asher began, it was strenuous having to commute to Orlando, West Palm, Stuart or Boca Raton when he was so young. This will open up more opportunities for younger golfers to get involved.

Justin has played a huge role in growing the game of golf for kids here and bringing this full-fledged new tour is further testament to that.”

Blazer now works with 15 collegiate players, the majority of whom got their start as players on the US Kids Local Tours during their youth.

“It’s rewarding to watch kids progress from learning to play the game to playing in the Junior League and then progressing to compete in individual contests,” said Blazer.

Players can sign up for the tour on the U.S. Kids Golf website, www.USKidsgolf.com. For more information contact Justin at JKB@durangolf.com.

DURAN GOLF LOVES JUNIOR GOLF! SUMMER CAMPS JUNIOR PROGRAMS AFTER SCHOOL CLINICS PGA JUNIOR LEAGUE SKILLS CHALLENGES ...AND LOTS MORE! For more information: Duran Golf Club 321.504.7776 www.DuranGolf.com 7032 Stadium Pkwy, Viera, FL 32940

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1. PINECREST CHARTER SCHOOL GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY Pinecrest Charter School ground breaking ceremony and celebration was held on February 13th with speeches from Sylvia Mijuskovic, Principal and Matt Susin, District 4 School Board Representative and Vice Chairman, and others. The campus is projected to open in August 2020.

2. BEAR BUSTLE The Bear Bustle 3K, named after the newest member of the zoo family, had over 1,500 registrants and 1,400 finishers.

"It was a chilly morning, but getting to see the zoo animals during the race made up for it, " said Jennifer Roberts.

3. FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL'S MOCK TRIAL PROGRAM Led by teacher Jennifer Kalra and Attorney Brooke Benzio, the Viera High School Mock Trial group won the Mock Trial District Competition Round 1.

Need Photo (L-R) Taylor Callaway, Franklin Hallock-Diaz, Parker Duvall, Dylan Melby, Natalie Burgos, Olivia Byrd, Corey Grantham, Daniel Thew, Eve Wasil, Kevin Verduzo.

4. AMERICAN RED CROSS On February 14th , Rebecca DeLorenzo, Executive Director of the Red Cross Space Coast Chapter and other dignitaries presented Kate Dilulio, 3rd from the left, a Red Cross Certificate of Merit for using her American Red Cross training in Adult First Aid/ CPR. She helped save the life of a local resident and was recognized at the local ceremony.

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Photo by Mike Acosta

AROUND Town

CALENDAR of Events

FUN FOR ALL 3rd Annual Brevard Children’s Business Fair DATE: March 28th LOCATION: The Avenue Viera, Viera CONTACT: TheAvenueViera.com 11th Annual Viera Wetlands Nature Festival DATE: April 4th & 5th LOCATION: Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands, Viera CONTACT: VieraCommunityInstitute.com 2nd Annual Viera Pet Fest | Derby Day DATE: May 2nd LOCATION: Viera Town Center Park, Viera CONTACT: VieraCommunityInstitute.com

PERFORMANCES Brevard Symphony Orchestra: Tchaikovsky & Brahms DATE: April 4th LOCATION: King Center for the Performing Arts CONTACT: KingCenter.com Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons DATE: April 5th LOCATION: King Center for the Performing Arts CONTACT: KingCenter.com GREASE DATE: April 24th – May 10th LOCATION: The Henegar Center, Melbourne CONTACT: Henegar.org 9 To 5 The Musical DATE: April 24th – May 10th LOCATION: Cocoa Village Playhouse, Cocoa CONTACT: CocoaVillagePlayhouse.com Margaret Cross: Stars, Stripes & Songs – An American Celebration!

DATE: May 24th LOCATION: Cocoa Village Playhouse, Cocoa CONTACT: CocoaVillagePlayhouse.com Seussical The Musical Kids DATE: May 29th – May 31st LOCATION: Cocoa Village Playhouse, Cocoa CONTACT: CocoaVillagePlayhouse.com

ACTIVE EVENTS Race The Sun 5K DATE: April 18th LOCATION: Health First, Viera Hospital, 8745 N Wickham Rd, Viera CONTACT: RunningZone.com Space Coast Classic 15K & 2 Mile DATE: April 19th LOCATION: Quest Elementary School, 8751 Trafford Drive, Viera CONTACT: RunningZone.com Who Runs the World? Girls! 5K DATE: April 25th LOCATION: 6103 Stadium Pkwy, Viera CONTACT: RunningZone.com Space Coast Final Mile DATE: May 2nd LOCATION: 6103 Stadium Pkwy, Viera CONTACT: RunningZone.com Eat My Crust 5K DATE: May 3rd LOCATION: 6103 Stadium Pkwy, Viera CONTACT: RunningZone.com

FUNDRAISERS Party for the Planet DATE: April 18th LOCATION: Brevard Zoo, Viera CONTACT: BrevardZoo.org Safari Under The Stars DATE: April 25th LOCATION: Brevard Zoo, Viera CONTACT: BrevardZoo.org 39

DEVELOPER Letter

and vendors diligently working to build new homes and neighborhoods that serve to enhance the quality of life on Florida’s Space Coast. This year, The Viera Company is privileged to be hosting the kickoff party at the new Addison Village Club and Viera is also being featured during the HBCA’s Parade as the Showcase Community.

On February 6th, I was honored to be the keynote speaker at the Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Good Morning Space Coast breakfast at the Holiday Inn Melbourne-Viera Conference Center. This was a meaningful opportunity to highlight, for our area’s business and community leaders, key accomplishments and milestones since the groundbreaking of Viera in 1989, and focus on the next 30 years. My remarks included a pivotal announcement symbolizing the beginning of this TODD POKRYWA, PRESIDENT journey with the unveiling of the plan for a mixed-use hub on the approximate 115 acres in the southwest quadrant HE FIRST QUARTER OF 2020 HAS BEEN of the new interchange at I-95 and Viera Boulevard being ACCOMPANIED BY SOME KEY VALIDATIONS called Borrows West (pg. 8).

AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS FOR VIERA. In reflecting on the major catalysts that led to the EACH YEAR, TWO SEPARATE RANKINGS OF THE TOP SELLING MASTER PLANNED COMMUNITIES IN THE vision for Viera, there was no single infrastructure NATION ARE RELEASED BY JOHN BURNS REAL ESTATE improvement more instrumental in setting a foundation CONSULTING AND RCLCO; NOT LONG BEFORE SITTING for the future than the construction of I-95. I-95 became DOWN TO WRITE THIS ISSUE’S DEVELOPER LETTER, THE the cornerstone that allowed the access and visibility to SURVEY RESULTS WERE PUBLISHED AND CONTINUE DUDA’s Cocoa Ranch and enabled the land to transition TO NOT ONLY RECOGNIZE VIERA IN THE TOP 25 BUT from agricultural uses to property that could develop into WITNESS UPWARD MOVEMENT ON THESE LISTS TO one of the top 25 master planned communities in the NUMBER 24 AND 22, RESPECTIVELY. country.

During the construction of I-95, various lake features, Our entire community can be proud of these rankings as called “borrow pits”, were created on adjoining property we compete for placement against major metropolitan owners’ land to provide fill dirt for the new interstate areas across Florida and around the country. This highway. One such area exists immediately southwest of recognition is also a testament to the diversity of products, I-95 and Viera Boulevard and is the central feature of the price points, amenities, educational options and lifestyle mixed-use Borrows West project. The Viera Company has offered in our vibrant community. recently reshaped this lake to be the focal point of this During the period of March 14th – March 22nd, new gateway to Viera around which a recreational trail is the Home Builders & Contractors Association planned. Uses are intended to front on the lake to take of Brevard (HBCA) will hold its annual advantage of the water views and to reflect the vibrant Parade of Homes which is open and active Viera lifestyle. We believe it is appropriate and to the public and a great historically interesting to acknowledge the heritage of the opportunity to land and the creation of the major north-south highway highlight the on the east coast of the United States. builders The Viera Company has started a new chapter in "THE VIERA COMPANY HAS STARTED A NEW the evolution of the master planned community and CHAPTER IN THE EVOLUTION OF THE MASTER we will continue to take thoughtful steps to add PLANNED COMMUNITY AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO neighborhoods, businesses and amenities TAKE THOUGHTFUL STEPS TO ADD NEIGHBORHOODS, with a connection to the past but an BUSINESSES AND AMENITIES WITH A CONNECTION TO THE overall vision for the future.

PAST BUT AN OVERALL VISION FOR THE FUTURE."

T

- TODD POKRYWA, PRESIDENT 40

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JOIN US FOR THE 11TH ANNUAL VIERA WETLANDS NATURE FESTIVAL When: Saturday, April 4: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday, April 5: 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Where: 3658 Charlie Corbeil Way, Viera, FL 32940 For more information visit: vieracommunityinstitute.com