Viera Vision Volume 19, Issue 2

FEATURES Light Up Viera

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

pg 04 The 11th Annual Light Up Viera Holiday Parade takes place on December 2nd with a new theme, new floatoons, and the incredible music lead by local marching bands.

It is always a welcome surprise when the last few months of the year arrive.

We have filled our previous months/days with the usual 9 to 5 workload, academic schedules or other rou nes. The challenges throughout the year might have included learning a new skill or taking a trip. In order to slow it all down, so we can enjoy the moments as they come, we must prac ce the art of mindfulness. What does this mean to our daily rou ne? When we stay fully focused as we experience new and unique events, and not allow ourselves to be distracted by our surroundings, we are making a more conscious effort to be “mindful”.

Parade Event Schedule A meline to find your spot and enjoy the food trucks before/a er the fireworks with plenty of room to spread out and see your favorite floats.

PRESIDENT Todd J. Pokrywa EXEC. VP SALES, MARKETING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Sco Miller VP SALES & MARKETING Mary Mead EDITOR IN CHIEF Stephanie Byrd STAFF EDITORS Carmen Vastola, Laurie Widzgowski, Todd Pokrywa, Sco Miller, Karen Esposito

A fast-paced, non-stop lifestyle can create days that are just consumed versus created.

What if we took me to visit the Zoo or a local park? Some days the weather is perfect for walking a trail or volunteering at a local charity. Pick a day this week and do something new and get out of your rou ne to slow life down a li le and enjoy a moment.

Parade Map

SENIOR WRITERS Maria Sonnenberg, Stephanie Byrd

A guide to all the important loca ons for food trucks, MC loca ons and restrooms.

MAGAZINE AND COVER DESIGN Dana Vinci

In this issue, we provide informa on about the upcoming Light Up Viera holiday parade (pages 4-11). The annual event, from an insider’s perspec ve, is just as exci ng to a end as to produce. The new floatoons, five incredible marching bands, various entertainment groups and the incredible MCs of the parade, iHeart’s Mindy and Wingnut, allow us to present a hometown holiday parade that is as unique as Viera. It is a perfect opportunity to change a rou ne and make it a new memory.

Holiday Recipes

PHOTOGRAPHY Photos provided by subject unless otherwise noted.

Each year I visit the local cra stores and generally want to decorate my home with all the styles shown because each is so cute, or pre y, or cozy. In order to help narrow these choices down, I asked the local design team at Viera Builders to provide some ps for holiday décor that you will want to learn (pages 17-18). Some mes a few simple tricks make for an environmentally friendly solu on.

A Designer Holiday

We support and provide the lanterns for the yearly Light the Lantern hygiene drive at the Brevard County School Board office in Viera. On December 7th please visit us and drive through our lantern display and donate items (from the comfort of your vehicle) from 5-7 pm. This event has collected thousands of items and made a difference in twice as many lives. It is designed to be one of the easiest ways to give this year but we have also provided a great list of other local chari es that need your monetary dona on or your volunteer me (pages 20-21).

As the community grows, each new project, business opening, home closing, or other various project, gains the momentum of me within the story of our town development. I’m excited about all the new places to visit, culinary dishes to try at the new restaurants, trails to explore and moments to get to know new neighbors and families. Viera has been in a state of con nual growth each year and I enjoy the new memories created with each new phase. My commitment is to become more ‘mindful’ and slow it down to a few micro-moments when I’m dining out, playing a sport, making holiday cookies, or enjoying me with family and friends. It is on my ‘must do list’ but I’m not wai ng un l January 1st to begin.

From all of us at the Viera Vision magazine – Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

pg 12 A savory new favorite and two fun cookie recipes to try this year with the family.

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY Stephanie Byrd PUBLISHER The Viera Company LEGAL Jay Decator, Ben Wilson

pg 17 The design pros from the Viera Builders Design Studio give you ps for a unique holiday home.

Spreading Cheer Collection event at Addison Village Club for the Brevard Sharing Center in 2022

pg 20 A look at a few non-profits doing incredible things in Brevard year a er year.

IN EVERY ISSUE pg 02 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR pg 23 EVENTS CALENDAR pg 24 DEVELOPER LETTER

Ar cles and adver sements 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. ©2023. All rights reserved. Any reproduc on, in whole or part, is prohibited without wri en permission from the publishers.

VIERA VISION MAGAZINE 7380 Murrell Road Suite 201 Viera, Florida 32940 (321) 242-1200 VIERA.COM

Editor, Viera Vision

I love a parade, the tramping of feet, I love every beat I hear of a drum.

I love a parade, when I hear a band I just want to stand and cheer as they come.

---“I Love a Parade” by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler e iconic Broadway song encapsulates the sheer thrill of parades such as the Light Up Viera Holiday Parade, one of Central Florida’s must-do events and an official herald of the holidays. ere is much to love about the Light Up Viera Holiday Parade, so it is not surprising the event is a crowd magnet. Back for its 11th performance on Saturday, December 2nd, the Light Up Viera Holiday Parade attracts more than 18,000 spectators, some of whom stake their claim along the parade route early in the morning and return later with family and friends, plus perhaps a tailgate feast to enjoy during the show. While its focus is hyper-local, the parade---one of only a handful of evening parades---is so outstanding that it entices spectators from as far as Orlando. ose in the know are also aware how the parade evolves from year to year with key changes.

“Each year’s parade is unique in its own way,” said Laurie Widzgowski, Marketing and Event Coordinator for e Viera Company and the secretary of the Viera Community Institute.

energy of the event. e fun begins with reworks for distant viewing at Space Coast Daily Park at 6 p.m. just before an escort of deputies from Brevard County Sheriff ’s Office motorcycle unit usher in the parade. e parade starts and nishes at Viera High School, but parking at the school is available only for parade participants and marching bands. Not to worry, for spectators can access plentiful parking at Brevard County Government Center, the Harry and Harriette Moore Justice Center, Brevard County Health Department, the Brevard County School Board and Calvary Chapel.

From Stadium Parkway, the parade heads north to turn west on Veterans Way, past Tommy’s Car Wash before turning south on Breslay Drive, changing tempo and owing east on Judge Fran Jamieson Way to turn back north on Stadium Parkway. e route closes to traffic at 5 p.m.

2022 Light Up Viera Holiday Parade *Note: Floats and Floatoons featured in 2022 have changed for Light Up Viera Holiday Parade 2023 Food trucks will be stationed near Calvary Chapel and Viera Charter School, where portable restrooms will also be available.

Light Up Viera has since its inception been timed by e Viera Company and the Viera Community Institute to be one of the earliest holiday parades each year to give the community time to enjoy other parades scheduled during the holiday season. “For many in the community and surrounding areas attending the Light Up Viera Holiday Parade has become a wondrous tradition during their holiday season,” Widzgowski added. “We appreciate all the sponsors, volunteers and participants that take part in the event each year making this a lasting memory for all.”

With a theme of “Sounds of the Season” this year’s parade shimmers with lights, holiday music and the sheer joy of the season. A highlight for spectators are the versions of the iconic balloons at the Macy’s anksgiving Day parade.

Both the spectators and the folks who make the parade possible appreciate the joy the event brings. Tony Romano, President of Tropic-Care of Florida, has for years been a proud sponsor of Light Up Viera’s military oat and will again do so this year.

“Among the line up this year are oatoons, professional parade balloons secured to a base and pulled along the parade route,” Widzgowski added. “A spectator favorite last year, we’re excited to be presenting new characters to Viera this year.”

“I always enjoy the hometown feeling you get from the Light Up Viera Holiday Parade,” he said. “Seeing the community come together to enjoy the holiday season is always a joy and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

Joining the colorful oatoons will be oats, ve marching bands, professional entertainers and local community groups, including dance groups, sports teams, cheerleaders and other organizations that exuberantly enhance the already abundant

e parade is a signature Space Coast event that brings people together from around the area to share in the joy of the season. “e Light Up Viera Holiday Parade is the cornerstone community event for Viera, with participation and impact that extend well beyond the boundaries of the mas-

ter planned community. For me, the Light Up Viera Holiday Parade really kicks off the Christmas season and reminds me of the times when I would ride on the Viera Realty oat and had the opportunity to wish everyone a “Merry Christmas” for the rst time each year,” said Scott Miller, Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Community Development for e Viera Company and President of the Viera Community Institute.

Todd J. Pokrywa, President of e Viera Company, has attended or participated in the parade since he joined the company in 2014. “e Light Up Viera Holiday Parade has become an annual tradition to kick off the Christmas season in the top-selling master-planned community of Viera attracting thousands of residents and visitors that line the parade route with great anticipation,” Pokrywa says. “I am always impressed with the highly professional organization of this signature event presented by the Viera Community Institute,” he said. “I am also very grateful to all the sponsors and volunteers that make the parade come alive.”

Viera resident Caroline Carney counts on the parade to usher in the holidays. “e holiday parade is one of my favorite days of the year!” she said. “Seeing the streets lined with people from the community of all ages is heartwarming, it's a magical display of happiness and respect for those who serve our country! ank you to all of the people that make this amazing celebration happen.”

For more details on Light Up Viera, visit lightupviera.com or the Facebook page for the Viera Community Ins tute.

Event Schedule PARADE START AND FINISH: Viera High School 6103 Stadium Parkway The parade route will make a loop from Viera High School to Veterans Way and then le onto Breslay Drive, le again on Judge Fran Jamieson Way and the final le turn onto Stadium Parkway back to Viera High School.

PARKING: • Calvary Chapel • Government Center • Brevard County School Board • Viera Charter School (handicapped access area) • Judicial Center (handicapped access area) • Viera High School (Sponsors & Parade Par cipants Only) • Viewing areas on map (page 9) Please note, there will be no parking allowed on the parade route. The areas are for tents and blankets only. All vehicles not in designated parking areas will be asked to leave or be towed at owner’s expense.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2ND: LIGHT UP VIERA HOLIDAY PARADE 4:30 PM: Find your spot to view the magical parade.

5:00 PM: Roads begin closing.

6:00 PM: Look to the sky for the spectacular fireworks display.

6:10 PM: Light Up Viera Holiday Parade Begins!

Eau Gallie High Marching Commodores

Merri Island High Marching Mustangs

Rockledge High Marching Raiders

Satellite High Marching Scorpions

Band Director: Anthony Atkinson

Band Director: Kevin Bennet

Band Director: Ian Crumpton

Band Director: Joseph Leites

Year Marching Band Established : 1963

Year Marching Band Established: 1965

Year Marching Band Established: 1970

Year Marching Band Established: 1962

Number of Members: 88

Number of Members: 82

Number of Members: 71

Number of Members: 58

Number of Seniors: 23

Number of Seniors: 16

Number of Seniors: 17

Number of Seniors: 16

The Eau Gallie band has earned Superior ra ngs at MPA, Best Visual Apperance in the Space Coast Classic in 2022, and 3rd Overall in the Space Coast Classic in 2023.

The Merri Island band was awarded straight Superior ra ngs at State Jazz MPA in 2023 and straight Superior ra ngs for the concert band at MPA 2023.

The Rockledge band has earned Superior ra ngs in Marching and Concert Band, and their Symphonic Band qualified for State MPA this past year for the first me in 15 years. The Marching Band earned 2nd Place in Class 2A at this year's Space Coast Island Classic Compe on.

Satellite High band earned Excellent ra ngs at District MPA and was granted performances at UCF Celebrates the Arts and Essen ally Ellington.

Viera High Marching Hawks

Band Directors: Maria Dix & Nick Eggen Year Marching Band Established: 2006 Number of Members: 150 Number of Seniors: 29 The VHS Marching Hawks is the largest student organizaon at Viera High School. The group's focus is to support its school and community through performances at football games and parades and to provide a posi ve music and social experience for its par cipants. The Marching Hawks has been consistently rated superior at Florida Bandmaster Associa on MPAs and other marching fes vals throughout the state of Florida.

Sweet and Savory Recipes to Share We wanted to share a sweet and savory recipe this holiday season to get you ready for the caloric splurge we all enjoy when it comes to holiday parties with family and friends. To keep things healthy, we provided a tasty take on a star veggie and something fun to make and share at any cookie exchange.

Bon Appetit!

Mrs. Claus Pudding Cookies Ingredients: • ¾ cup butter, room temperature • 1 cup sugar • 1 egg, plus 1 yolk • 1 tsp. vanilla • ½ tsp. salt • 1 tsp. baking soda • 1 – 3.5 oz. packet instant vanilla pudding mix • 2 cups all-purpose our • ½ cup sprinkles (the nonpareils [little ball sprinkles] work really well) Directions: 1.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and set aside.

2.

In a bowl, beat butter and sugar with a medium speed mixer for two minutes.

3.

Add in egg, vanilla, salt and baking soda until combined, scraping down sides as needed, then mix in instant pudding mix for 30 seconds.

4.

Turn mixer to low and add in our, mixing until just combined.

5.

Add in sprinkles and mix until evenly incorporated.

6.

Using a spoon, drop 2 tablespoon-sized dough balls 2 inches apart onto the prepared pan.

7.

Bake 8-10 minutes until almost set. DO NOT OVERBAKE. e cookies are best so.

8.

Gingerbread Snowflakes Ingredients: • 6 cups all-purpose our • 1 tsp. baking soda • ½ tsp. baking powder • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature • 1 cup packed dark brown sugar • 4 tsp. ground ginger • 4 tsp. ground cinnamon • 1 ½ tsp. ground cloves • 1 tsp. nely ground pepper • 1 ½ tsp. coarse salt • 2 large eggs • 1 cup unsulfured molasses • Royal icing • Fine sanding sugar for sprinkling Directions: 1.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2.

Si together our, baking soda, and baking powder into a large bowl. Set aside.

3.

Mix butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until uffy. Mix in spices and salt, then add eggs and molasses. Reduce speed to low.

4.

Add our mixture, a little at a time, until combined.

5.

Divide dough into thirds and wrap each in plastic. Refrigerate each for 1 hour or until cold.

6.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

7.

Roll dough onto a lightly oured surface making a large ¼ inch thick shape.

8.

Cut into snow akes using a 7-inch snow ake shaped cookie cutter, space each 2 inches apart and transfer cookies to a refrigerator to rm up again (about 15 minutes).

9.

Bake cookies until crisp but not dark, about 12-14 minutes.

10. Transfer cookies and parchment to a wire rack for cooling.

11. Place Royal icing in a pastry bag tted with a small round tip (Ateco #7 or Wilton #2). Pipe designs on snow akes and immediately sprinkle sanding sugar aer each design.

Let stand 5 minutes before tapping off the excess sugar. Let icing set completely at room temperature, about 1 hour.

Tips: •

Royal icing recipes can be found online but the adding of meringue powder allows the icing to dry completely smooth and hardens so you can stack the cookies and transport to parties.

Cool 3-5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips: • Prepare for the elves to leave a few crumbs aer eating.

Tools Needed: • A snow ake cookie cutter.

Yield 24 cookies Recipe from the family of Ian Scalia, Area Sales Manager at Viera Builders

Yield 24 medium cookies Recipe from the family of Leigh-Anne Langley, Closing Coordinator at Viera Builders

Corn, Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Sauté Ingredients: • 1 tbsp. vegetable oil • 4 slices bacon, chopped • 1 lb. Brussels sprouts, halved • 2 cobs Dandy® Sweet Corn, kernels removed • 2 shallots, chopped • 1 tbsp. nely chopped fresh thyme • ¼ tsp. salt • ¼ tsp. pepper • ⅓ cup sodium-reduced chicken broth • 2 tbsp. maple syrup • 4 tsp. balsamic vinegar • 1 tbsp. brown sugar Directions: • Heat oil in large skillet set over medium-high heat; cook bacon for 2 to 3 minutes or until fat starts to render. Stir in Brussels sprouts, Dandy® Sweet Corn kernels, shallots, thyme, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring oen, for 6 to 8 minutes or until Brussels sprouts start to brown.

•

Mix broth, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar and sugar together and then stir gradually into skillet.

Cook, stirring frequently, for 3 to 5 minutes or until sprouts are tender and liquid is reduced to a syrupy glaze.

Tips: • For a festive garnish, sprinkle with 2 tbsp. each dried cranberries and chopped toasted pecans.

• For holiday spice, add ½ tsp. pumpkin pie spice when sautéing the Brussels sprouts.

Yield 4 servings Recipe found on DudaFresh.com/recipes

A Designer We asked a few of our experts in home design to weigh in on tips for decorating a home this holiday season. It is easy to become overloaded with the vast amounts of choices and styles but using a few simple changes here or there, can assist you in getting your home ‘cover story’ beautiful.

Rebekah Snell, Design Assistant

Drew Abramow, Design Coordinator

Nicole Wiggins, Design Coordinator

Sarah van Zyverden, Senior Design Assistant

Nicole Neufeld, Director of Design

For those of us blessed with family, friends, food and home, the holidays are a much anticipated time of year. However, Brevard residents continue to volunteer, donate, and support many organizations that provide assistance for the less fortunate, the homeless, and the hungry, but we can still do more.

“When you don’t have a permanent place in which to stay, the holidays can be very difficult,” said Jennifer Taylor, COO of National Veterans Homeless Support (nvhs. org). rough its Warm Full Safe initiative, the nonpro t, which assists vets who are homeless or living in transitional housing, delivers gis of basic needs to vets and their families. “We want vets to share in the joy of the season,” Taylor added.

Like the vets, the children assisted by Brevard School Foundation’s Light the Lantern Holiday Hygiene Drive may also have no place to call home. “Some students are homeless,” said Joan Perry, marketing and development coordinator for the Foundation (brevardschoolsfoundation. org). “ese children and teens may lack access to basic necessities such as toothpaste, soap and socks, resulting in low self-esteem and embarrassment that may prompt them to skip school.”

To remedy that situation, the Foundation, with the help of e Viera Company, will collect hygiene and personal products during a drive-thru event from 5 to 7 p.m., ursday, December 7th, at the Foundation parking lot, 2700 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera. Donated items will be distributed to students from low-income households through the Supply Zone for Teachers, a service of Brevard Schools Foundation.

Aging Matters in Brevard (agingmattersbrevard.org) also welcomes donations.

While the Brevard Schools Foundation focuses on the young, Aging Matters is all about serving the elderly. Donations are needed, including throw blankets, automatic night-lights, personal care items, and diabetic-friendly non-skid socks. Donations of time are also encouraged. “We are looking for people to help get gis and deliver them,” said executive assistant Kylie Higginbotham. “We always accept gis so that we can put them in gi bags and get them delivered if someone doesn’t want to deliver gis themselves. We do have companies that take a couple of Meals on Wheels routes and purchase and deliver gis to our seniors, but we de nitely need more. e more people we can get to deliver, the better.” ree Wishes Hope Foundation, aka Space Coast Basket Brigade (spacecoastbasketbrigade.com) supports families in need every day. “We provide food, clothing, supplies and experiences to the most vulnerable members of our community,” noted “Basket Brigade super volunteer” Amanda urn. e group’s Hope Filled Holiday Brigade aims to sponsor at least 500 children and teens. “While toy shopping is fun, our greatest needs lie in providing necessities, gi cards for different stores and food,” urn added. Volunteers play a vital role in assembling and distributing the baskets.

Like Space Coast Basket Brigade, e Children’s Hunger Project (thechildrenshungerproject.org) is a good friend to Brevard’s most at-risk residents. e grassroots charity distributes thousands

of nourishing backpacks of shelf-stable food to children at risk of going hungry on weekends, when the school lunch programs are not operating. Donations are needed to serve the more than 3,000 elementary school students the program reaches every week, and volunteers are always welcome to join in packing the food and distributing it to the 47 public elementary schools served. A gi of $200 feeds a child every weekend for a year.

Sharing Center of Central Brevard (sharingcenter.org) collects toys to be distributed through local elementary schools. Donations can be dropped off at the Center’s thri shop or at Community Bank of the South. Both perishable and non-perishable items are also needed.

President/CEO David Brubaker notes that while holiday donations are always much appreciated, the need for help for nonpro ts like the above mentioned charities does not stop when the holidays are over.

“Our mission is on-going, so we are always looking for support,” Brubaker said.

“Volunteers are the Christmas gi that keeps on giving.”

NOVEMBER November 25th SOUNDS OF THE SEASON Brevard Symphony Orchestra e King Center, Melbourne KingCenter.com November 26th SPACE COAST MARATHON & HALF MARATHON Cocoa Village, Cocoa SpaceCoastMarathon.com November 26th - 28th COCOA BEACH ART SHOW Downtown Cocoa Beach CocoaBeachArtShow.org

DECEMBER

December 2nd THE NUTCRACKER Space Coast Ballet & Brevard Symphony Orchestra e King Center, Melbourne KingCenter.com December 14th - 17th HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR GLAD TIDINGS e Henegar Center, Melbourne HenegarCenter.com December 21st CIRQUE MUSICA HOLIDAY WONDERLAND e King Center, Melbourne KingCenter.com December 22nd FILM: IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE Cocoa Village Playhouse, Cocoa CocoaVillagePlayhouse.com December 23rd RUN RUN SANTA 1 MILE - VIERA Calvary Chapel Viera, Viera RunningZone.com

JANUARY January 6th - February 4th BREVARD RENAISSANCE FAIR Wickham Park, Melbourne BrevardRenaissanceFair.com

December 2nd LIGHT UP VIERA HOLIDAY PARADE Viera High School, Viera LightUpViera.com

January 20th SYMPHONIC DANCES Brevard Symphony Orchestra e King Center, Melbourne KingCenter.com January 26th - February 11th OKLAHOMA! Cocoa Village Playhouse, Cocoa CocoaVillagePlayhouse.com

FEBRUARY February 10th BREVARD ZOO'S MANATEE MOSEY 3K Brevard Zoo, Viera RunningZone.com February 18th AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH DAVID FOSTER & KATHARINE McPHEE e King Center, Melbourne KingCenter.com February 23rd ART MARTIN: ROCK "N" ROLL REVUE Cocoa Village Playhouse, Cocoa CocoaVillagePlayhouse.com

MONTHLY MARKETS

January 13th FIGHT CHILD HUNGER 5K Viera High School, Viera RunningZone.com

1st Fridays - 4:00pm - 8:00pm Viera Park Market & Food Truck Events Viera Regional Park, Viera Contact: 321-759-3713

January 19th - February 11th SOUND OF MUSIC e Henegar Center, Melbourne HenegarCenter.com

2nd Saturdays - 10:00am - 2:00pm Viera East Farmer's Market Woodside Park, Viera East

Todd J. Pokrywa President, The Viera Company

DEVELOPER LETTER

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah, Viera! e holiday season brings out festive lights and decorations across the Viera community and the seasonal change is always welcomed. It also signals travel for many of our residents or preparations for receiving family and friends from other geographic locations. For Cyndi and me, this brings special signi cance in this time of our lives as we now have a spirited and loving granddaughter for which we feel so grateful and blessed.

Many of our local businesses are now arranging for holiday parties and other festivities that allow for meaningful celebration.

While we honor our individual and familial traditions, we also remember the reason for the season. is is especially important this year, as friends and family members across the globe remain away from loved ones in locations that are witnessing such large-scale violence and unrest. For those who need our prayers and front-line assistance a little closer to home, it is also an important time to help the countless nonpro ts in our community. Your time, talent and treasure are invaluable as their missions and demands on their services become more pronounced during this time of year.

you have the opportunity to become active in this council which serves to strengthen the business community in the fastest growing area on Florida’s Space Coast. Everyone is welcome and non-members will pay a small fee.

I would like to also take this opportunity to honor DUDA’s real estate operations team including e Viera Company, Viera Builders, Viera Discovery Center, Viera Commercial Properties, Viera Pools and Outdoor Living, Duran Golf Club, and the Addison Village Club staff for their continued commitment to providing exemplary service throughout the year. Our community would not be what it is today without their time, talent, and treasure.

From all of us at e Viera Company and our affiliated businesses, I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a blessed holiday season. I look forward to welcoming in 2024 with the promise of many exciting announcements about new developments on the horizon in Viera as we remain committed to keeping your community a safe and exciting place for you to live, work, play, worship, and learn.

Viera’s annual Christmas tradition continues with the 11th installment of the Light Up Viera Holiday Parade on December 2, 2023, beginning with its signature reworks display at 6pm. e parade gets better each year and always features new elements. is year, the theme is Sounds of the Season which promises to be an event to remember. e Avenue Viera will also showcase a number of holiday events throughout the month of December so be sure to keep an eye on their online events calendar.

And don’t forget to place your reservations now at the newest business in the Viera Town Center – Chef Ercan’s Urban Prime Marketplace and Restaurant. e Viera Regional Business Alliance (VRBA) will hold its annual Mix, Mingle and Jingle hosted at Viera’s Wesche Jewelers the evening of December 5, 2023. e VRBA is a council of the Melbourne Regional Chamber. By joining the Chamber,

Todd J. Pokrywa, balloon handler, at the 2022 Light Up Viera Holiday Parade