Viera Vision | Top Notch Workforce in Viera

THE 8TH ANNUAL VIERA WETLANDS NATURE FESTIVAL APRIL 22-23 VO L . 1 3 ISSUE 1

Financial Planning

|

Asset Management

Life & Long Term Care Insurance

Justin Connors, MBA Wealth Advisor, CEO

www.CONNORSWEALTH.com Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Independent Financial Partners (IFP), a registered investment advisor. IFP and Connors Wealth Management are separate entities from LPL Financial.

contents vo l u m e 1 3 : i s s u e 1

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PRE SIDENT

Steve Johnson EDITORIAL DIREC TOR

Lauri Duda

BREVARD COUNTY'S TOPRATED WORKFORCE

EDITOR

Stephanie Byrd STAFF EDITOR S

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

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA SHINES IN TERMS OF HUMAN CAPITAL.

SENIOR WRITER S

Chris Poindexter, Sarah Levanti, Lyle Smith, Todd Jensen, Stephanie Byrd

in this issue

DE SIGN

17 FAMOUS HOMES -

Christina Geiger PHOTOGR APHY

PART 2

SOME OF THE BEST CHEFS, ENTERTAINERS AND ENTREPRENEURS IN THEIR FIELDS GIVE US SOME INSPIRATION ON HOW TO DESIGN YOUR HOME IN VIERA.

10 ACTIVE RETIREES

20 BUSINESS EXPANSION

FLORIDA'S SPACE COAST IS THE PERFECT HOST FOR THE NEW TREND IN RETIREMENT.

14 NEW NEIGHBORS

GROWTH AND EXPANSION IN VIERA

TAKE UP A NEW HOBBY IN 2017, AND JOIN A GROUP THAT MAKES IT MORE ENJOYABLE.

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SNAPSHOTS AROUND TOWN

ADVERTISING S ALE S

Lauri Duda, Stephanie Byrd FINANCE & ADMINISTR ATION

Laurie Widzgowski, Shawn O’Keefe, Rita Holder LEG AL

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

24 8TH ANNUAL

VIERA WETLANDS NATURE FESTIVAL

in every issue 04

The Viera Company

DISTRIBUTION

A FESTIVAL FULL OF FUN, FAMILYFRIENDLY EVENTS, ACTIVITIES, EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND ENTERTAINMENT AT THE RITCH GRISSOM MEMORIAL WETLANDS.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

PUBLISHER

Jay Decator, Ben Wilson

IN JANUARY, OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE RELOCATED TO A BRAND NEW LOCATION ALONG LAKE ANDREW DRIVE.

15 YOU NEED A CLUB

Cathy Heinz, Stephanie Byrd, Carmen Vastola

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UPCOMING EVENTS

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WHY I LOVE VIERA

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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, Viera Realty Inc., and Viera Vision assume no liability for the content and shall not be held liable for any errors or omissions. ©2017. All rights reserved. Any reproduction, in whole or in part, is prohibited without written permission from the publishers.

VIERA DISCOVERY CENTER 7350 Shoppes Drive, Ste. 103 Viera, Florida 32940 (321) 253-2800 VIERA.com /VIERAFLORIDA

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/VIERAVISION

letter from the

Editor

Spring is here!

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n just a few short weeks you may see the fuzzy Sandhill crane chicks begin walking with their parents by our local lakes rooting around for insects and seeds. The chicks walk with their parents within a day of birth and residents grab a quick photo when they are within a ‘smart-phone length’ distance.

The birds in spring are exciting to watch. You may see an Osprey flying by with a fish in its talons heading to a nearby nest at Viera Regional Park. On one of these occasions my daughter was about to begin a soccer match and had to remove a fish off the field before the game started. These are moments that remind me just how close and accessible we are to the wildlife in Florida.

Our next big nature-led community event will take place at the Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands on April 22nd – 23rd. The wetlands area consists of 200 acres that contain a collection of birds and wildlife that is truly a gift to behold.

We are excited to showcase for you in the pages ahead all the new energy Viera has this spring and encourage you to take a trip to see the wetlands area soon.

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BREVARD COUNTY BOASTS

TOP-RATED WORKFORCE [by Chris Poindexter]

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HEN EXECUTIVES AND ENTREPRENEURS EVALUATE AREAS TO LOCATE OR EXPAND A BUSINESS, ONE OF THE TOP ITEMS ON THEIR SHOPPING LIST IS THE AVAILABILITY OF AN EDUCATED WORKFORCE. THOSE WHO STUDY THE ISSUE USE THE TERM “HUMAN CAPITAL” AND IT’S A HIGHLY COMPETITIVE METRIC FOR CITIES AND REGIONS TRYING TO ATTRACT NEW BUSINESS. ACCORDING TO

Currently,

CITYLAB, THAT’S ESPECIALLY TRUE FOR STARTUPS AND ENTREPRENEURS PRODUCING THE TYPE OF HIGH-TECH, HIGH-IMPACT INDUSTRIES THAT ARE COVETED BY LOCAL COMMUNITIES AS THE SOURCE OF WELL-PAYING JOBS. THE TECHNOLOGY FIELD HAS AN INSATIABLE DEMAND FOR HUMAN CAPITAL AND THE COMPETITION CAN BE SURPRISINGLY FIERCE IN THE QUEST TO ATTRACT THE BEST MINDS.

6,712 engineering jobs filled in Brevard,

188% above national average in terms of workforce share.

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In the search for an educated workforce there is one surprise in the data. According to figures from the Census Bureau, Brevard County, Florida shines in terms of human capital. With nearly 91% of residents completing high school and nearly half (47%) of young people, 18-24 years of age, having an associate’s degree or some college, Brevard County has one of the largest educated workforces in the country. There are some municipalities along the Space Coast where more than half the population holds a college degree.

That emphasis on education puts Brevard County well ahead of Florida as a whole in terms of both high school graduation rates and college admissions.

According to the Brookings Institute, The Viera-MelbourneTitusville-Palm Bay metro area workforce is even competitive, on

10 engineering programs available in Brevard, 411 graduates in 2015 a national level, with technology heavy hitters like SiliconValley and, on a per capita basis, beats out areas like Seattle, Atlanta, Portland and Raleigh in quality and depth of its human capital. Three world-class colleges and universities within an hour’s drive of Viera/ Melbourne supply the educational infrastructure to meet the demand for engineers and science skills. In addition to engineers, chemists, and scientists, companies flocking to the Space Coast need a literal army of technicians, machinists, electronics specialists, and skilled laborers to assemble the nuts and bolts of our future among the stars. Educators and business leaders are scrambling to meet the demand for quality skilled labor to fill those jobs.

Lynda Weatherman, president and CEO of the Space Coast Economic Development Commission, is one of the people who goes face-to-face with business leaders thinking about relocating to Brevard County.

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According to Weatherman, decision makers immediately recognize the desirability of Brevard County's human capital. “When you reference the Space Coast, employers recognize that we have to have a sophisticated workforce,” she says. “We point to companies like Blue Origin...

OneWeb, SpaceX,” Weatherman continues, “For them to be able to make that commitment shows that we have what it takes.”

The demand for high-tech skills forces the Economic Development Commission to work closely with local educational resources and partner organizations like the CareerSource Brevard Development Board. “We’re always working with our universities, always working with our Florida State College and our workforce board,” Weatherman explains. Programs to match local students with internship opportunities not only provide a pipeline of jobs for the local economy, but a mechanism for the brightest and best of Brevard County's youth to remain close

to home after graduation. A skilled local talent pool cuts relocation costs for companies moving here, so the relationship is mutually beneficial for all.

Brevard County and the Space Coast went through a tough time in 2011 at the end of the space shuttle program but the area has not only bounced back but surged ahead in a recovery that is nothing short of spectacular. Even iconic Pad 39A found new life when SpaceX testfired one of its Falcon 9 boosters on February 12th, marking the facility’s return to active service.

The initiative that put Brevard back on the tech center map was when NASA started the transition to private space flight. The shift to commercial space operations

opened up the Space Coast to a host of new high tech companies like SpaceX, Boeing, Lockheed-Martin, Orbital ATK, ULA and satellite manufacturer OneWeb. While many jobs were initially lost during the transition, private companies have since moved in to capitalize on the abundant human capital and flight facilities now open to commercial interests. Just last year, Blue Origin announced its intentions to set up shop in Florida where it will not only launch rockets from the Space Coast but build both the rockets and engines there. Companies are already scrambling to find enough skilled technicians to fill the available jobs.

Relocating staff and resources to Florida’s Space Coast for companies thinking about moving here is an easy sell. Brevard County has largely steered clear of the unchecked high-rise developments and associated traffic that plagues South Florida. Luxury homes, townhomes and condominiums are priced thousands below more expensive areas to the south and west. Lower land prices mean less congestion and accessible amenities like the world class Duran Golf Club.

Employees relocating from more congested urban areas are likely to be pleasantly surprised at the home they can afford.

Those moving into the area will also be able to enroll their kids in some of the best schools in the nation, according to a 2015 USNews national school ranking. Coupled with the year-round

ability to engage in outdoor sports and a wide variety of cultural activities, Brevard County excels as a family-friendly environment.

For those used to a more urban environment the big-city experience of Orlando, Daytona, and Fort Lauderdale are all just a short drive away and perfect for a weekend getaway. Port Canaveral offers two-and three-day cruises leaving for the Bahamas and Caribbean Islands on a regular basis as well as longer cruises to the Gulf Coast of Mexico. For those seeking more nature, the Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands and the Brevard Zoo are less than five minutes away and include some of the most scenic photography, bird watching, and personal wildlife experiences Florida has to offer.

With abundant land resources, competitive commercial lease rates and a seemingly inexhaustible need for businesses to support the commercial space race, Viera and Brevard County look well positioned to continue to lead the state in job growth and the world in the commercialization of space.

BREVARD COUNTY RANKINGS WORKFORCE #1 – Highest average number of patents per 10,000 workers in Florida, The Brookings Institution, 2013

#1 – Largest share of science, technology, engineering and math-related jobs in Florida, The Brookings Institution, 2013

#5 – Most concentrated hightech workforce in the U.S., TechAmerica Foundation, 2013

#1 – Highest advanced industry share of total employment in Florida, and #6 the U.S., The Brookings Institution, 2016

EDUCATION #1 – Eastern Florida State College Top 50% – Brevard ranks among voted best Community Colleges most educated large metros in the for Workforce Training in Florida, U.S., WalletHub, 2016 Southern Business & Development Magazine, 2015

#7 – Florida Institute of Technology ranked top 10 in Florida’s, Forbes America’s Top Colleges, 2015

#10 – University of Central Florida top 10 in Florida’s, Forbes America’s Top Colleges, 2015

FIT – One of the top tier National Universities, 5th consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report, 2016

FIT – One of the Top 50 Most Entrepreneurial Universities, Forbes Startup Schools: America’s Most Entrepreneurial Universities, 2015

ECONOMIC VITALITY #1 – Most concentrated #2 – Top cruise port in high-tech economy in the U.S. per passengers, Florida, and #10 in the American Association of Port U.S., Milken Institute, 2015 Authorities, 2013

#2 – Florida Space Coast #4 – Melbourne ranked #1 – Melbourne voted Best voted best aerospace in Top Small Cities to Start Tech Hub in Florida, Southern location in Florida, Southern a Business in Florida, Business & Development Magazine, 2015

Business & Development Magazine, 2015

#7 – Port Canaveral among top water born total cargo value in Florida, Florida Business Journals, 2016

Nerdwallet, 2015

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FLORIDA’S SPACE COAST IS THE ACTIVE RETIREES

PLAYGROUND

B

RIAN GRANDE, A BREVARD COUNTY RESIDENT RETIRED FROM THE MEDICAL I.T. FIELD, SHOWS OFF HIS 12-FOOT HOBIE KAYAK THAT CAN BE RIGGED WITH A SAIL FOR THE OPEN OCEAN. IN THE BACK STORAGE COMPARTMENT HE PACKS HIS SCUBA GEAR, FINS, BEACH CHAIRS AND A DIVE FLAG; ALL THE GEAR HE AND HIS PARTNER, DEBBIE HUSTIN, WILL NEED FOR A DAY OF DIVING OFF THE COASTLINE OF THE NEARBY MERRITT ISLAND WILDLIFE REFUGE. GRANDE SQUEEZES KAYAK TRIPS IN-BETWEEN SWIMMING, BIKING, FISHING AND SURFING; AN OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE THAT IS IN CONSTANT MOTION.

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[by Chris Poindexter]

“I guess I do have a lot of hobbies,” Grande admits, with his usual penchant for understatement.

In many ways Grande and Hustin are indicative of a new trend in retirement which entails combining fitness, travel, volunteer work and sometimes a second career. Traditionally, when we think about active seniors, we tend to picture more sedate activities like gardening, water aerobics, shuffleboard and mall walking but that’s not how grandma and grandpa are keeping busy these days. Today’s retirees are no longer content with limiting themselves to low-stress activities. Now you’re more likely to find them sailing, biking, swimming and kayaking in between hot yoga and Zumba classes.

Ginger Twigg and her husband, James, own Revolutions Cyclery, a bicycle shop in Melbourne. Ginger says retirees are also a sizable part of their business, especially during the winter. “My best riding partner is going to be 75,” Twigg explains with a laugh. “I get lots of wisdom from her.”

Apparently a lot of motivation and inspiration to ride as well.

One of the new and more popular exercises among seniors is stand-up paddle boarding. If you’ve ever seen people out on the water standing on what look like surfboards, motoring (like a slow vehicle) along with a long paddle, then you’re familiar with the sport. With miles of saltwater marshes and sheltered

GETTING STARTED IN STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING (SUP)

Stand-up Paddleboarding, better known by its acronym SUP, is one of the fastest growing sports in America. Virtually any body of water becomes your playground and SUP is also an excellent cardio and core workout.

CHOOSING A BOARD

Now is a great time to start paddleboarding, with a huge selection of boards available for almost any conditions.

For beginners, go with a wide board, greater than 30 inches, which will make it easier to learn the basics of balance and maneuvering.

CHOOSING A PADDLE

Your SUP paddle is basically a long, thin canoe paddle and will be the second most expensive part of your SUP kit. Most sporting goods stores can help you adjust the paddle length for your height and comfort.

waterways, stand-up paddle boarding is a hit among active Brevard County retirees.

More than a few retirees are even lining up for what most of us would consider extreme sports.

Brian Grande is one of an estimated 402,000 Americans between the ages of 55 and 74 who engage in open-water diving, according to figures fielded by NextAvenue. Josh Hatt of Hatt’s Diving in Melbourne says diving is a good fit for active seniors because it accommodates many levels of fitness. “Scuba diving can be as easy or as hard as you want to make it,” Hatt explains.

“If you just want to go down for the scenery, take a few pictures, it doesn’t have to be that demanding.”

Retirement-age Americans are no longer simply accepting the

PICK A LIFE JACKET

A life jacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is not mandatory in all circumstances but it’s still a good idea to wear one.

A BOARD LEASH

A board leash keeps your paddleboard from drifting away if you fall off.

Start in shallow water in a sheltered bay, lagoon, or calm river and then graduate to an ocean or “white water” SUP as you gain strength and confidence.

says senior participation has made a difference in the race awards they hand out. “Our awards go up to 80-plus now,” she says. “We have people competing at those ages in every race.” Piercy believes that there are more older Americans running longer into old age because they started running when they were younger.

When it comes to the new, active senior lifestyle, Brevard County is a particularly attractive choice.

The proximity to the ocean and an endless string of inland lakes provides the perfect setting for water sports like paddleboarding, sailing, fishing, kayaking, kite surfing and scuba diving. In this part of Florida fresh water is plentiful

VISIT:

revolutionscyclery.com hattsdiving.com runningzone.com paddlingparadise.com physical limitations of aging.

Some are visiting health and wellness centers to make sure they’re in shape for their active lifestyle.

As bizarre as it sounds, there are many putting together a fitness plan so they’re in shape for the activities they plan during retirement. In some cases that means seniors are seeking help from their doctor to combat muscle loss.

The drive for a healthier and more active retirement means more seniors are taking part in what are generally classified as extreme sports.

Add the mountain bikers to the open water divers, the snowboarders and skateboarders and you get over a million people who are retirement age and engaged in sports that would damage those of us of lesser physical capabilities. Those figures don’t account for seniors taking on physical challenges like running a marathon or half-marathon.

According to figures from RunningUSA, people over 40, called “Masters” in the running world, now account for nearly half of the men finishing marathons and over 40 percent of female finishers. Retirees in their 60s and 70s completing a marathon are commonplace today.

Denise Piercy of the Running Zone store and Running Zone Race Management in Melbourne

which means Brevard County boasts numerous golf courses with water hazards that can challenge even pro level players.

When you get tired of fishing, golfing, surfing and cycling, you can hop one of the many cruise ships that make their home at Port Canaveral, including the Disney cruise ship, when the kids are in town. If theme parks and ornate mini-golf are more your speed, Orlando is right about an hour’s drive to the west.

Florida’s Space Coast is a retiree playground. If you’re ever taking part in the Space Coast Marathon or one of the shorter 3K or 5K races, don’t be surprised if one of the people chugging past you is an octogenarian. When it comes to retirement, seniors just aren’t slowing down anymore.

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G’DAY! VIERA DINES DOWN UNDER STYLE

D Neighbors new

Proprietor CB Clemens makes sure the entire staff offers a celebratory welcome to this casual dining environment featuring steaks, chops, burgers, chicken, seafood and their world renowned “bloomin’ onion” appetizer.

“Business has been very good since we opened,” Clemens said.

“Very busy. People are excited to have a new place to dine.”

Formerly located in Suntree, it seems the restaurant has both retained much of its former clientele and expanded its audience on the west side of I-95 in Viera.

Clemens is quick to point out the community feel within his operation. Outback is an active sponsor of many community events like the Thing-a-ma-jogger 5k race at Manatee Elementary School. The restaurant receives many requests from local charities to take part

OWN UNDER JUST GOT A BIT CLOSER. LOCAL RESIDENTS WON’T HAVE TO TRAVEL TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE GLOBE TO GET A TASTE OF SPECIAL DISHES. IN JANUARY, OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE RELOCATED TO A BRAND NEW LOCATION ALONG LAKE ANDREW DRIVE NEAR THE AVENUE VIERA.

Outback is an active sponsor of many community events like the Thing-a-ma-jogger 5k race at Manatee Elementary School. in their events and, Clemens says, he tries to sponsor as many as possible, offering everything from gift cards to baskets for silent auctions.

Keep an eye out for a special charity night at Outback in support of Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

Clemens himself was a little brother in the program so he’s excited to be able to give back through his business.

Details are still to come, but Clemens is excited to announce that Outback will be offering delivery service beginning mid-March.

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE

OPEN 11 A.M. TO 10 P.M. SUNDAYTHURSDAY AND UNTIL 11 P.M. ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY.

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YOU NEED A CLUB AND A CLUB

NEEDS

YOU

I

F YOU’VE NEVER THOUGHT OF JOINING A CLUB, YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU’RE MISSING. THE BENEFITS ARE ALMOST TOO NUMEROUS TO LIST.

Socialization plays an important role in both mental and physical health. Studies continue to show that people who stay socially active live longer. If that weren’t enough incentive, clubs are really fun. They provide a venue for pursuing your hobbies alongside people who share your interests.

Social media has made it easier than ever to get clubs started and enlist members.

Book clubs, bridge clubs and art leagues still abound, but there’s a far more diverse variety of organizations than ever before.

You can learn about clubs by searching online or visiting community websites.

Colleges, libraries, cafes and houses of worship usually post club information.

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Being a joiner has a number of benefits: 1. Clubs are an ideal forum for expanding your social circle. You’ll meet a wide variety of people who share your enthusiasm for science, ancient Rome or aged whiskey. As new friendships multiply, you’ll build a network of support. Your connections may even lead to romance or an exciting new job.

2. Clubs improve interpersonal skills like eye contact, listening, communication, empathy, collaboration, respect and even anger management. These will carry over to your workplace and personal relationships.

3. Clubs help people to get better at their skills and hobbies. If you’ve just taken up knitting, for example, a seasoned member of the group will most likely share knowledge, experience and helpful tips. If you’re the local genealogy expert your contribution to a brand new club will be invaluable.

4. Club membership renews energy, relieves stress and keeps depression at bay. Sometimes, just getting out of the house and engaging with others is all you need for a fresh perspective.

Depending on the club, there are board game

nights, interesting lectures, concerts, outdoor activities or other scheduled events. Your calendar will quickly fill up.

Clubs are especially beneficial if you’ve just moved to a new place.

5. There’s strength in numbers. Clubs increase your confidence and bolster your courage for doing things you’d never do on your own. Group skydiving could change your life.

6. Many clubs serve their communities.

Service club members volunteer their time to the benefit of the environment, the poor, the elderly, schools, local politicians, small businesses, the stray pet population and a host of other causes. If you want to give back, teaming up with a club is the best way to do it.

Take up a new hobby in 2017, and join a group that makes it more enjoyable.

Toastmasters, Sea Turtles or Geeks & Nerds Meet-up may be just what’s missing from your life.

You need a club, and a club needs you.

LIST OF LOCAL CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

There is a seemingly endless selection of clubs and organizations in which to participate. And it is certainly more fun to do the things you enjoy, or learn something new, with others who share the same interest. We’ve selected a few of the most popular clubs and some that simply piqued our interest (Scottish Country Dancing, anyone?) If you don’t see just the right club, please stop in to the Viera Discovery Center for a guide to many more in Brevard County.

Art | Dancing | Crafts

Recreational | Travel Book Club Brevard Archers

(321) 633-1000 ext. 644 (321) 302-4145 type : Book Club type : Archery Brevard Cultural Alliance Melbourne Yacht Club ArtsBrevard.org (321) 768-9921 type : Art League type : Sailing Brevard Scottish Country Dancers Space Coast Table Tennis Club (321) 427-3587 (321) 243-1048 type : Dancing type : Table tennis Dance Club Wickham Park Senior Center Travel (321) 264-5040 (321) 255-4494 type : Dancing type : Travel club idea: Sea Turtle Preservation Society Mystery in the Morning Professional | Technology | Other SeaTurtleSpaceCoast.org (321) 952-6318 Brevard Users Club type : Nature Group type : Book Club BugClub.org Palm Bay Promenaders Square type : Computers/Tech Dance Club Central Florida Accordion Club (321) 426-9813

CFAccordionClub.com type : Dancing type : Music Space Coast Magic Club Classic Reflections Car Club SpaceCoastMagicClub.com (321) 795-7363 Chapters/Fraternal type : Magic type : Classic Cars Organizations Writers’ Club FDNY Retirees AARP#219 Viera (321) 607-6450 location : Holy Name of Jesus Church location : Viera Manor type : Writing type : Prof. Organization GFWC Viera Woman’s Club Nature | Environmental One Senior Club GFWCVieraWomansclub.com Brevard County Orchid Society OneSeniorPlace.com Kiwanis TheBCOS.org type : Social Group (321) 253-1324 type : Gardening Society of Women Engineers B.P.O.E. Viera Elks Club #2817 Fishing Club SWE-SC.org (321) 504-3111 (321) 773-4647 type : Prof. Organization Viera Lions Club type: Fishing South Brevard Coin Club (321) 635-8491 Keep Brevard Beautiful (321) 987-7982 Loyal Order of Moose Lodges KeepBrevardBeautiful.com type : Coin Collecting (321) 724-1480 type : Environ.

Space Coast Inventors Guild Woman of the Moose Melbourne Garden Club (321) 768-1234 (321) 676-5272 (321) 952-5618 type : Inventors type : Gardening American Legion

Space Coast Wine Guild (321) 723-2939 SpaceCoastWineGuild.com type : Wine/Homebrew Fraternal Order of Police (321) 635-8388 Viera/Suntree Toastmasters (321) 610-8621 Knights of Columbus type : Toastmasters (321) 632-6125 15

Whether it’s offering color ideas, finding finishing touches or creating a complete room makeover, our Design Specialists can help.

3200 US Hwy 1 I Rockledge, FL 32955 I (321) 636-4348

indianriverfurniture.com

Furnishing Brevard ’s Lifestyle FOR OVER 78 YEARS

DESIGNING A NEW HOME IN VIERA?

Homes W Famous

E INVITED A GUEST WRITER, TODD AARON JENSEN, TO CALL UPON SOME OF THE BEST CHEFS, ENTERTAINERS AND ENTREPRENEURS IN THEIR FIELDS TO GIVE US SOME INSPIRATION.

Ryan Seacrest Home Theater Images Courtesy of Modern Home Theater

PA R T [ 2 ]

Ryan Seacrest

HOME THEATER

[by Todd Aaron Jensen]

Let’s say that you’ve been anointed the second coming of legendary television show host and multimedia entrepreneur Dick Clark – a decade before Clark shook off his mortal coil – and you’re now tasked with transforming the 10,000-square foot estate you just bought

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INTERIOR STYLIST JE ANDREW LABORED TO HONOR SEACREST’S PREFERENCES THAT THE SCREENING ROOM – AND THE ESTATE IN TOTAL – WAS “WARM AND INVITING, BUT WITH A CERTAIN SENSE OF DRAMA.”

from Kevin Costner for a cool $12 million into a swanky pad for parties with American Idol compatriots Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Paula Abdul However do you polish up your newly acquired palatial digs, bring to it a possible state-of-theart home theater system that will nimbly handle binge-viewings of favored series like The X-Files and CHiPs? Hopefully, you haven’t given Kevin Costner your last nickel.

(And if you’re the 43-year-old media titan Ryan Seacrest, who last spring wrapped 15 seasons of Idol on Fox, introduced the world to the Kardashians via a long-term reality TV production deal with E! Networks, keeps

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morning commuters company on his nationally-syndicated radio program, and has ushered in the last dozen new years from frigid Times Square climes on network television, you’ve probably got a few nickels rolling around your couch cushions…)

The multimedia mogul bagged up some loose change to secure the design services of interior stylist Je Andrew who labored to honor Seacrest’s preferences that the screening room – and the estate in total – was “warm and inviting, but with a certain sense of drama.”

Andrew says, “We decided to play up some of the ethnic accents throughout the house and bring in a little more Old Hollywood glamour.”

Aesthetically speaking, Andrew chased “a contemporary

Ryan Seacrest Home Theater Images Courtesy of Modern Home Theater

Mediterranean mélange,” applying dark stains to pine-colored wood beams and oars, employing a masculine burgundy trim around doorways and arches to connect the property’s rooms. The home theater’s design scheme began with the room’s cozy, stone-framed fireplace and panoramic plasma screen, extending outwards to the theater’s private restroom, which boasts a seafarer’s nautical window. The room is adorned in Mexican and Spanish lanterns which pair lusciously with hemp draperies that draw the eye to “that undertone of ethnic influence, but without feeling too much like a movie set,” says Andrew. The bulk of projects screened at the Seacrest estate are run on a vintage 35mm film projector, allowing for optimal audio and visuals at 24 frames per second.

HERE ARE A FEW TIPS FROM ANDREW TO KEEP YOU IN THE DIRECTOR’S CHAIR: STASH THE WIRES. Key to the crisp, aesthetic style of Seacrest’s home theater is the stowing of unsightly cables and wiring in unseen compartments. Projection is stashed inside a custom-made closet near the theater’s private restroom, while an audio tuner and controllers are concealed in a small built-in wall panel. Four speakers are hidden in-wall, while two subwoofers are cleverly dropped into the theater’s floor itself, creating the illusion that everything is working by… magic.

GET INTELLIGENT. No, you don’t have to study any books to pass this test; you just need to have room in your budget to have everything automated – from your recessed lighting system to your universal remote control to your streaming options. Spring for the extra bucks to have all hardware and software streamlined.

MAKE IT INVITING. For the perennially overbooked Seacrest, comfort is a top priority. Rejecting the leather recliners or traditional theater-style seating, Seacrest opted for lush, deep-cushioned couches, oversized pillows, throw blankets that merge handmade artistry with temperature-controlled fabrics, the home theater’s feng shui honored with mindful placement.

Last year Seacrest – newly liberated from crowning American pop sensations on television week in and week out – threw $49 million into the pockets of Finding Dory phenom Ellen DeGeneres, taking off her hands a three-acre, Beverly Hills compound that covers an entire city block. Who knows what Seacrest will do there!

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BUSINESS [by Lyle Smith]

EXPANSION 20

EXPANDING HORIZONS

W

HILE MANY BUSINESSES ACROSS

PROVIDING AN EXCELLENT PRODUCT. AND

THE COUNTRY ARE STILL

FINALLY, HAVING A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING

TALKING ABOUT THE EFFECTS OF

OF WHAT THE MARKET NEEDS.

THE GREAT RECESSION, IT’S A GROWTH AND

VIERA CHILDREN’S ACADEMY ON

EXPANSION STORY THAT’S BEING TOLD IN

VIERA BOULEVARD AND ONE SENIOR

VIERA THESE DAYS.

PLACE ON SPYGLASS HILL ROAD HAVE

TWO BUSINESSES WE FOCUS ON IN

GROWN ORGANICALLY IN THE RICH

THIS ISSUE OPENED UP AN OPPORTUNITY

SOIL OF A GOOD IDEA, THE FIRST AS

TO EXPAND WITHIN AND EVEN GROW

A HIGH-QUALITY PROVIDER OF EARLY

BEYOND THE BOUNDS OF BREVARD. WHAT’S

CHILDREN’S EDUCATION, THE OTHER AS AN

THE SECRET? THERE ARE ACTUALLY THREE.

AGGREGATOR OF VETTED SERVICES FOR

CONFIDENCE IN THEIR RESPECTIVE VISIONS.

SENIORS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

VIERA CHILDREN’S ACADEMY EXPANDING A SCHOOL TO MEET A COMMUNITY’S NEEDS

“Good morning…!” comes the call in sing-song friendliness as the classroom door opens. The response from a room full of young students comes without delay and in near-perfect unison, a class full of bright-eyed children excited to welcome the director of their school.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, Ms. Flo!” And so it’s been for almost a decade now for Flo Hunter and her vision of Viera Children’s Academy serving the early education needs of families in the area. Flo and her husband, Devon, opened the school in August of 2007 and have been serving a steadily growing student population ever since. The school recently opened a sparkling brand new building, dubbed “Oceanfront,” on its campus along Viera Boulevard in time to celebrate its tenth anniversary this August.

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The greatest commodity to any community is its children and I wanted to be a part of the children’s formative years. – Flo Hunter

GROWING TO SERVE A GROWING COMMUNITY “The greatest commodity to any community is its children and I wanted to be a part of the children’s formative years,” Flo says. “I wanted to serve this growing community.”

Now, in addition to its main 11,000 square foot building, currently serving at its 182 student capacity, the 5,500 square foot Oceanfront building is open to 102 pre-kindergarten students in a series of rooms, each themed with undersea characters - starfish, stingrays, seahorses, and sharks.

CREATING A VISION

Any school that’s grown to capacity twice in less than ten years could be called a success. But what drives that success? Simply stated, it’s a clarity of purpose and a focused vision that Flo Hunter is game to explain. She uses phrases like “serving a growing community” and “our greatest commodity is our children,” but there’s another phrase that probably better explains her success.

“There’s no fear of failure,” she says. “Our structure is based on a combination of discipline with love and assembling a team; a cadre of experts to walk the vision with you.”

Beyond her husband, Hunter names business partner Trisha Ray Clemens and the organization’s controller Marjorie Waugh as two of the school’s biggest assets.

WHAT’S NEXT?

One thing becomes clear as Flo Hunter describes her work with the school. It is her philosophy and vision which drive the success of this community gem. And there is no doubt it is a thriving school. But with both buildings at capacity, the question becomes, “what’s next?”

Hunter admits she’s considering building something new on the west side of Viera. Her daughter is moving to Florida from New York over the next several months and she’s letting her imagination run on that thought.

“I don’t think I’m done,” she says slowly, thoughtfully.

“I’m hoping (my daughter) will come and literally harness some of my thoughts and some of my ideas and make them her own and grow them.”

ONE SENIOR PLACE

SILVER TSUNAMI DRIVES DREAMS OF SENIOR SERVICE PROVIDER They say more than 10,000 Americans turn 65 every day. And the services designed to serve that market of people and their families are varied, wide and complicated. The road is a challenging one to navigate as Don and Beth Kramer discovered more than a decade ago as they worked to guide their parents through the “senior system.”

“Now we were seeing the industry from the consumer side,” Don Kramer said, describing the earliest spark of their business. “There was an opportunity to

22

connect this giant pool of confused consumers who don’t know where to turn.”

One Senior Place is less a direct provider of services than it is a source of information and connections for people who need those services. The business model is unique, but built on a simple foundation. One Senior Place is a facility that rents out space to pre-screened providers of information and services for seniors.

“We’re like a little mall where seniors and their families can shop for senior information and services,” he says. “We’re a resource center.”

BRINGING THE VALUE

Kramer sees his business as having two different constituencies. Their revenue-drivers are the more than 75 businesses who rent space from One Senior Place and provide services. The second group is the seniors and families throughout Brevard who come to One Senior Place for information and guidance.

“So many of our seniors tell people they’ve been ‘members’ for years,” Kramer says, chuckling slightly. “We have no membership. They just feel that way.”

New visitors to One Senior Place receive a free consultation with an elder care expert, a nurse or social worker who sits down ideally with the senior and their family together, and develops a plan to meet their personal needs.

BRANCHING OUT

The concept was so successful that, after six years of serving the Brevard County area exclusively, the Kramers decided to branch out into the greater Orlando market, opening in Altamonte Springs on January 1, 2012.

One Senior Place hosts regular events and informational sessions and the space is designed specifically to be open, colorful and welcoming. The Viera location serves about 20,000 visitors per year while the Altamonte Springs location serves about 10,000.

There is no antiseptic, clinical feel here. And with more than a decade of experience, Kramer and his staff have developed a deep, trustful reputation in the communities they serve.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Kramer is working hard to create a smaller, scalable model of the business that they can repeat at about 1/3 the size of their current locations. Big goals to be sure, but with a proven track record, vision to spare, and a steadily growing market, don’t be surprised when you see One Senior Place locations throughout the state and beyond.

We’re like a little mall where seniors and their families can shop for senior information and services. We’re a resource center. – Don Kramer

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CELEBRATING EARTH DAY

–VIERA STYLE The 8th Annual Viera Wetlands Nature Festival

April 22-23, 2017

[by Lyle Smith | photography by Cathy Heinz]

F

OR A FULL WEEKEND IN APRIL, VIERA WILL ONCE AGAIN BE CELEBRATING ITS NATURAL WONDERS AND SUPPORTING NATURE IN OUR COMMUNITY WITH A FESTIVAL FULL OF FUN, FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS, ACTIVITIES, EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND ENTERTAINMENT AT THE RITCH GRISSOM MEMORIAL WETLANDS.

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The festival will once again play host at the far north end of Wickham Rd. to a slew of eco-friendly and educational organizations, van and walking

tours, food vendors and a children’s art contest on April 22nd and 23rd.

Stay tuned to the Viera Community Institute

Facebook page for updates and details on the festival: facebook.com/ vieracommunityinstitute

Related to the festival is the fifth annual Charlie Corbeil Awards dinner to be held April 13th at the Heritage Isle Clubhouse.

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VIERA WETLANDS NATURE FESTIVAL

EVENTS & CONTESTS

A Fairy Garden Contest for children of all ages sponsored by Kimberly Novak Designs will begin on Saturday within a miniature fairy forest setting. Participants may enter their own gardens beginning Saturday and the best gardens will receive awards on Sunday at noon.

A Children’s Art Contest will also be held with winners announced on Sunday at noon.

There are numerous other activities, classes, learning groups and clubs participating in the festival and waiting to be explored throughout the weekend.

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Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands Saturday, April 22 and Sunday, April 23 3658 Charlie Corbeil Way Viera, FL 32940 Contact: Events@Viera.com Sign up at: Eventbrite.com/ VieraWetlandsNatureFestival

PARKING

Parking for both days will be available along Wickham Rd. near the Wetlands entrance.

CONCESSIONS

A variety of refreshment options will be available from local food trucks on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

TOURS

A series of tours and educational events are scheduled throughout the weekend. Many have limits on attendance with suggested donations to benefit the wetlands so sign up early and don’t miss out.

• Sunrise Birding Tour, with Chris Koeppel Saturday Morning, April 22 6:15 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

• Sunrise Advanced Photo Class, with Pat “Whitey” Bryan Saturday Morning, April 22 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

• Wetlands Tour, with Dorothy Greenberg Saturday Morning, April 22 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Limited to 15 Attendees • Wetland Vegetation Tour, with Raleigh Berry Saturday Morning, April 22 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Limited to 15 Attendees • Introduction to Wetlands Photography, with Stephen Blythe Saturday Morning, April 22 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Eventbrite.com/VieraWetlandsNatureFestival

• Wetlands Walking Tour, with Roland LeBon Saturday Morning, April 22 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Sunday Morning, April 23 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Limited to 15 Attendees • Wetlands Van Tours, with Dave MacDonald Saturday & Sunday, April 22 & April 23 Tour 1 - 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Tour 2 - 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Suggested Donation: $5 Each Tour Limited to 10 Passengers

• Climate Change Presentation, with Rob Quayle Saturday, April 22 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

• Sunset Photo Class, with Patty Corapi Saturday Evening, April 22 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

• Sites & Sounds of the Wetlands at Night, with Ivan Green Saturday Evening, April 22 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

• Wetlands Walking Tour, with Ivan Green Sunday Morning, April 23 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Limited to 15 Attendees 27

snapshots

around

town

SUPERHERO RUN 700 RUNNERS

THE 5TH ANNUAL SUPERHERO RUN IS A FAMILY FRIENDLY 5K EVENT HELD IN VIERA TO RAISE FUNDING FOR THE FRIENDS OF CHILDREN OF BREVARD. THE 700 PLUS LOCAL SUPER HEROES USED THEIR SUPER STRENGTH AND SPEED TO CROSS THE FINISH LINE IN RECORD TIME.

PARADE

ESTIMATED 15K+ ATTENDEES

THE 5TH ANNUAL LIGHT UP VIERA HOLIDAY PARADE STARTED WITH A 10-MINUTE FIREWORK SHOW, DOZENS OF NEW COSTUMES, AND PERFORMANCES BY THE BEST MARCHING BANDS IN BREVARD COUNTY. THE PARADE BRINGS TOGETHER FAMILY AND FRIENDS DURING THE HOLIDAYS AND HAS GROWN TO RECORD CROWDS AND PARTICIPATION.

BATTLE OF THE BANDS WINNER: VIERA HIGH SCHOOL

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PHOTO CAPTION

COLOR RUN

COLOR RUNS ARE A FAST GROWING THEMED 5K RACE.

ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH KENNEDY MIDDLE SCHOOL HAD THEIR FIRST ANNUAL COLOR RUN. THE 5K RUN/WALK RACE CAME WITH SPECIAL SHIRTS AND A SERIES OF COLOR SPRAY STATIONS ALONG THE ROUTE WITH PURPLE, YELLOW, BLUE, AND PINK. THE EVENT HELPED THE GRADUATING 8TH GRADE CLASS EARN ENOUGH FOR A CHARTER BUS DURING GRAD NIGHT TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS ORLANDO.

OUTBACK RIBBON CUTTING

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE OFFICIALLY OPENED THEIR DOORS IN VIERA AFTER MOVING FROM THE LOCATION IN SUNTREE. AND WE ARE EXCITED TO HAVE THEM AS PART OF OUR VIERA FAMILY. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE OWNERS, MANAGEMENT AND STAFF.

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upcoming

Events APRIL (early) MAY

APR 23

MUSICAL DATE NIGHT

Mama Mia

FUN FOR ALL APR 1-2

King Center for the Performing Arts

Melbourne Air & Space Show 2017 DATE: April 1st & 2nd LOCATION: Melbourne International Airport

Smash Golf

Viera Family Fair

DATE: Ongoing LOCATION: Par 3 | Duran Development Center

DATE: April 8th LOCATION: Holiday Inn, Viera APR 22-23

UNIQUE FINDS

8th Annual Viera Wetlands Nature Festival LOCATION: Viera Wetlands

Keep Brevard Beautiful’s 36th Annual Trash Bash

DATE: April 1st LOCATION: Various site throughout Brevard County

FUNDRAISING EVENT Children’s Hunger Project Golf Tournament

ART SHOWS Vision 2017

DATE: April 8th LOCATION: Art Gallery of Viera

APR 22

THEATRE Grease

DATE: April 28th – 30th LOCATION: Viera High School

Mary Poppins

DATE: April 28th – May 14th LOCATION: Cocoa Village Playhouse

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DATE: April 29th LOCATION: Brevard Zoo

KID FRIENDLY

ACTIVE EVENTS

Spring Craft Fair and Children’s Event

Pirate Plunder 2 miler

Party for the Planet

Relay for Life – American Cancer Society

DATE: March 25th LOCATION: Viera Regional Community Center APR 28-30

DATE: April 22nd LOCATION: Duran Golf Club

Safari Under The Stars

DATE: April 22nd LOCATION: Brevard Zoo, Viera APR 22

DATE: April 8th LOCATION: Meg O’Malley’s

DATE: April 22nd - 23rd LOCATION: River Front Park, Cocoa, FL

Eat My Crust 5K

DATE: May 7th LOCATION: start at Viera Pizza, end at Viera High School

Run For The Gecko 5K

DATE: May 13th LOCATION: Wickham Park Community Center, Melbourne

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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why i

Love

viera

Y

OU’D BE HARD-PRESSED TO FIND A FAMILY MORE IN LOVE WITH WHERE THEY LIVE THAN KIM, DAVE AND JOEY AFRICANO. ORIGINALLY FROM MIAMI, THE FAMILY RELOCATED TO BREVARD ABOUT TWENTY YEARS AGO AND MOVED INTO WHAT IS CLEARLY THEIR DREAM HOUSE IN ARRIVAS VILLAGE, VIERA, A YEAR AGO.

Kim, Joey and Dave Africano “We love our house!” Joey says with that unique energetic enthusiasm you get out of a twelve-year old. “It’s the best house ever!”

We caught up with the Africanos on Friday night as they walked across the street to their monthly family outing at the Pizza Gallery and Grill at The Avenue Viera. Dave explains they migrated from bustling South Florida after he completed his military service and launched a new career with Comprehensive Health Services in Cape Canaveral where he currently serves as V.P. of Information Technology.

32

Kim is a senior accounting manager with The Viera Company and Joey is in the sixth grade at Viera Charter School. “Eleven years ago my career path led me to an awesome opportunity with The Viera Company embarking on their new business venture in homebuilding with Viera Builders,” Kim said. “I had a first-row seat to witness the magnificent growth into a formidable Brevard County homebuilder rooted in integrity. I’m so proud to be a Viera resident in a product I truly believe in.”

It was the school and club activities Joey was involved in like the school’s math and science leadership club, summer and winter camps and Joey’s Boy Scout troop that first brought them to Viera from West Melbourne.

But it is a long list of other intangibles that made them fall in love.

“It’s really beautiful,” Joey says. “And condensed. It has such a small town feel.”

Coming originally from such a busy area in South Florida, Dave says he wasn’t sure at first how he’d take to Brevard County and Viera, in particular.

“I was really taken aback by how quiet and slow-paced it all was,” he says. “Now we have a hard time even going to South Florida anymore.”

For her part, Kim loves walking in her neighborhood and getting to be friends with the neighbors.

“We walk around the pond in the center of the neighborhood and we’ve had lots of little neighborhood parties,” she says, clearly embracing the sense of community she feels.

“And we just love the sunsets.”

Like many families in Viera, the Africano family shares their home with their dog, Cody, and two cats Cleo and Charlie. They lost their older cat, Babe, just after moving into Viera.

Joey raves about all the possibilities Viera offers him, from playing golf with his dad at Duran and the Brevard Zoo. “The Zoo is awesome!” Joey said. “I love visiting the giraffes.”

Like his son, Dave is particularly attracted to the small-town feel of Viera and fond of the fact that they live in a golf cartfriendly community.

“They’ve done a really good job on the aesthetic of Viera,” Dave says, describing the welcoming, polished and friendly feel of the town.

In the end, Kim jokes with dead seriousness, “Yeah, we’re NOT leaving.”

321.426.4177 VieraBuilders.com

Arrivas Village

321.633.4101 2200 Arrivas Way

Stadium Villas

321.305.6953 3255 Sedge Drive

Reeling Park

321.419.2505 7883 Desmond Avenue

Kerrington

321.419.3498 7619 Kerrington Drive

Trasona Cove

321.419.9189 3251 Casterton Drive

Loren Cove

321.426.4177 8004 Loren Cove Drive

SACS Accredited! A-Rated!

Viera Charter School is a premier, tuition free public charter school offering students in grades K-8 an opportunity to excel academically. 

   

Character-based education program.

Private school environment.

Rigorous and challenging curriculum.

Highly qualified teachers.

Enrichment in

S.T.E.A.M.

S cience, T echnology, E ngineering, Art & M ath education.

www.vieracharterschool.com 6206 Breslay Drive, Viera FL 32940

(321) 541-1434

A member of the Charter School Associates Family of Schools

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developer

Letter

VIERA’S INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT WILL CONTINUE TO EXPAND THROUGHOUT 2017, BENEFITTING RESIDENTS AND VISITORS ALIKE.

D STEVE JOHNSON, PRESIDENT

TODD POKRYWA, SENIOR VP OF LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT

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URING 2016, THE COMMUNITY OF VIERA WITNESSED CONSIDERABLE RESIDENTIAL AND BUSINESS GROWTH. THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND VIBRANT LIFESTYLE THAT VIERA OFFERS BECOMES INCREASINGLY SOUGHT AFTER, MAKING IT A PREMIER COMMUNITY AND DESTINATION IN CENTRAL FLORIDA. THE PACE OF VIERA’S EXPANSION NECESSITATES INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVEMENTS WHICH THE VIERA COMPANY HAS BEEN COMMITTED TO INVESTING IN AND FACILITATING, IN AN ONGOING EFFORT TO CREATE AN ENRICHING MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

2017 began with the completion of a number of significant roadway projects in Viera that residents have been eagerly awaiting, such as the Stadium Parkway widening which expanded a section of the road from two to four lanes north of Viera Boulevard to just south of the Fiske Boulevard/I-95 Interchange. A signalized intersection was also installed at Tavistock Drive to allow for safer traffic movement. The Viera Company as well as residents, businesses and visitors to Viera were all excited to see the substantial completion of the Wickham Road Widening Project. All 6 lanes of traffic (west of the roundabout to Murrell Road) were opened and fully functional by midFebruary and final paving of the lanes occurred during lateFebruary. This widening was important to provide capacity for the continued growth and expansion of Viera and to manage traffic during peak hours of the day along one of the busiest roads in Brevard County. The Viera Company also started the widening of Wickham Road west of the roundabout and plans to have this portion of the roadway completed by summer of 2017.

Near-term infrastructure improvements include a new interchange at Viera Boulevard scheduled to begin later this year. FDOT has chosen Viera to be the next location to utilize the Diverging Diamond Interchange design which allows for traffic to flow smoothly and unhindered on and off of I-95 while causing a much smaller environmental footprint and impact, preserving more of our lush Florida landscape and wildlife. The Viera Company donated land for the development of this interchange and contributed money towards the project’s design and permitting efforts. Residents will begin to see work occurring for this project in late summer/early fall 2017.

Not including the infrastructure projects planned for 2017 and beyond, The Viera Company has invested in building a significant portion of Central Brevard County’s roadway network with the construction of over 25 miles of arterial and collector roadways at a cost well in excess of over $100 million since Viera’s inception. We will continue to proactively address the need for infrastructure improvements and additional points of access in and out of Viera as the community continues to grow.