Viera Vision | Land Development Projects

VISION ISSUE 2

LAND DEVELOPMENT

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NEW COMMUNITIES, TIMELESS ARCHITECTURE

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THE “A” GRADE

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I-95 and Wickham Road (Exit 191) | 321.634.5390

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VIERA VISION • VOLUME 11 • ISSUE 2

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CONTENTS

LAND DEVELOPMENT 18 HEALTHCARE Joint Replacement PROJECTS AHEAD

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20 EDUCATION

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10 TIMELESS ARCHITECTURE

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The “A” Grade

From Outside & Within

14 BUSINESSES PetSmart Burger 21 Buffalo Wild Wings

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16 FAMILY OF COMPANIES Viera Builders Viera Realty

22 AROUND TOWN Ribbons, Awards & Wildlife

24 WHY I LOVE VIERA Andrea Shaffer

25 CALENDAR OF EVENTS June / July / August

26 CLOSING LETTER Steve Johnson

CONTRIBUTORS Viera Vision is the official publication of

PUBLISHER

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

The Viera Company with SCB Marketing

Lauren Maleski, Stephanie Byrd, Allison Arteaga

THE VIERA COMPANY

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Articles and advertisements printed in Viera

Tracy Duda Chapman | CEO Stephen Johnson | President Lauri Duda | VP of Marketing Stephanie Byrd | Marketing Manager

SCB Marketing

Vision do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. The Viera Company, Viera Realty,

PHOTOGRAPHY

Inc., SCB Marketing, Space Coast Business, LLC,

Cathy Heinz, Stephanie Byrd, Andrea Shaffer, Carmen Vastola

Evolve Design Group, and Viera Vision assume

Josh Field | Co-founder / President Jeff Piersall | Co-founder / CEO

no liability for the content and shall not be held liable for any errors or omissions.

SCB MARKETING ADVERTISING Mark Calvert

© 2015. All rights reserved. Any reproduction, in whole or in part, is prohibited without written permission from the publishers.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

PRODUCTION/DISTRIBUTION

Stephanie Byrd

Emily King, Kenny Kozack

EDITORIAL Donna Duda, Susan Howard

THE VIERA COMPANY

The Viera Discovery Center

7380 Murrell Road, Suite 201 Viera, FL 32940 P: (321) 242-1200

7350 Shoppes Dr., Viera, Florida 32940

Additional copy location and information:

P: (321) 253-2800

/VieraFlorida

/VieraVision

Tracy Duda Chapman is chief executive officer of The Viera Company and General Counsel of A. Duda & Sons, Inc.

Welcome Friends Building a vibrant and livable community like Viera takes a team of talented professionals with a mission and vision. At The Viera Company, we are blessed to have a seasoned team of employees who are committed to ensuring we continue Viera’s positive growth.

As you drive around Viera you will notice that there is no shortage of residential and commercial activity. With all this growth comes the need to expand our team. To keep pace with Viera’s current and future expansion, we have been fortunate to bring additional professional capabilities to our in-house team, as well as additional planners and consultants in a variety of disciplines vital to our development. It has been important for us to choose team members who will not only help us accomplish our planned growth, but who will also offer fresh ideas and strategies to build the Viera community in a manner that serves the needs of our residents, while also stewarding the natural environment.

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On page 5 of this issue, Land Development & Projects Ahead, you will learn more about this important aspect of our team and the work they contribute to achieving the vision for Viera. On page 16 and 17, Family of Companies will give insight into the underlying values that guide the character of Viera Realty and Viera Builders.

Our efforts to strengthen and enhance our team will allow us to continue delivering on our promise and vision for Viera as a vibrant, livable community that residents love to call home.

Sincerely,

LAND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AHEAD Todd Pokrywa was introduced to our readers in the November issue and he has been very busy over the last several months in his role as Senior Vice President of Land Use Planning and Development at The Viera Company. Our team sat down with Todd and asked him a few questions about the current land development activities in our community, his team and the road work we see happening on Wickham Road. continued on next page >>>

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LAND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

1. Can you tell us about some of the plans for future land use and development in Viera?

The past 25 years of growth in Viera have witnessed the evolution of agricultural land into an exciting mixed-use community with over 23,000 residents, about 10,000 homes, hundreds of businesses generating approximately one job for every household, plus a host of amenities.

Viera is only about one third built-out and it is estimated there will eventually be approximately 60,000 residents. The master plan for Viera’s build-out focuses on four distinct village areas with each village being 1,500 – 3,000 acres in size. Addison Village, located south of Wickham Road and

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west of I-95, is the first of these areas. Its development is underway and will ultimately include approximately 4,000 residential units as well as a Village Center that will provide neighborhood commercial uses and a community gathering place. This first village is planned to include a diverse offering of residential products. Addison Village’s first neighborhood is Strom Park, which offers 343 single-family homes and has been a resounding success as an exclusive community for Viera Builders.

The number of homes in Viera and the community’s appeal has also paved the way for new and varied commercial, economic development, and employment opportunities.

There are several prime locations, ideally situated in the center

AHEAD

The Viera Company land development team

of Brevard County with great visibility and accessibility, which have been planned for businesses seeking to establish new or relocated corporate headquarters within the Viera community where they can thrive.

2. What progress is being made towards these plans?

Residents have asked the Viera Discovery Center Ambassadors about the changing landscape along the south area of Wickham Road.

We have advanced construction for additional phases of Addison Village’s first neighborhood, Strom Park, given its great market response. We are also diligently

preparing other Addison Village neighborhoods for construction with mass grading and infrastructure development activities in progress.

3. Tell us about your team. Who else supports your work as the Senior Vice President of Land Use Planning and Development?

While working closely with CEO Tracy Duda-Chapman, President Steve Johnson and General Counsel/Senior Vice President Jay Decator as The Viera Company’s primary liaison with local, regional, state, and federal governments, I am building relationships with government >>>

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leaders as well as business and community decision-makers throughout Brevard County to strengthen and diversify the Viera community as it continues to grow.

My work as Senior Vice President of Land Use Planning and Development is supported by Director of Land Development Mary Ellen McKibben, Superintendent Jason Carter and Executive Assistant Charlene Spangler. In addition, Karen Kunz has recently joined the team as an Administrative Assistant. We have the responsibility for planning the future uses in new areas of development in response to market demand by working in conjunction with Vice President of Sales and Community Management Scott Miller, Vice President of Commercial Properties Lee Ward and the rest of the outstanding management team; the team is diligently readying these new parcels to accommodate continued residential and commercial growth in Viera.

Land development duties also include the construction of new and expanded infrastructure to support this planned development. An example is the scheduling and implementation of many roadway improvement projects throughout Viera such as the current widening of Wickham Road.

“…the team is diligently readying these new parcels to accommodate continued residential and commercial growth in Viera.”

4. Are there any interesting facts or statistics you can share about Viera, your team or the work you do?

Viera is the premier master planned community in East Central Florida. The community is the most desirable place to live in Brevard County and is ideally located less than an hour from Orlando along I-95 on Florida’s Space Coast and a mere 15 minutes from the local beaches. The Viera Company’s Duran Golf Club is rated as the best public golf club in Brevard County and is ranked in the Top 50 in the country for its practice range. At the beginning of 2015, Viera was ranked 37 in the Top 50 of all Master Planned Communities across the US; the exceptional team at The Viera Company has the tools necessary to move Viera into the Top

20 during the next few years. I am excited to come to work every day and do what it takes to help us achieve such recognition and distinction while continuing to build on the extraordinary legacy that has been created at Viera.

5. A question everyone has on their mind is the Wickham Road Widening Project. Can you give us a progress report and timeframe for completion?

Work is underway as it relates to the widening of Wickham Road from just east of Murrell Road to the roundabout at Lake Andrew Drive. Within the project limits, an extra lane is being added in each direction for a total of six lanes. This roadway improvement project, paid for by The Viera Company, is currently scheduled to be substantially complete during late 2016. However, rain and storms can impact the project timetable as they did last year when the construction activities were first commencing. The work thus far has been performed at night and, going forward, construction efforts will alternate between day and night work depending on the operation in order to minimize impacts to traffic flow. When completed, the additional lanes on Wickham Road will provide additional capacity and, when coupled with Brevard County’s adjustment of signal timing, will serve to improve traffic operations through the interchange. •

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Timeless

Architecture

From the Outside & Within

AUTHORIZED BUILDERS AMEK Homes, Arthur Rutenberg Homes, Christopher Burton Luxury Homes, Holiday Builders, Joyal Construction, Lennar, Lifestyle Homes, Stanley Homes, Viera Builders

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Scott Miller, VP of Residential Sales and Community Development for The Viera Company says, “We are always looking to raise the bar when it comes to architecture and design.� He mentions that when considering construction within existing and new communities he always looks for timeless design. Will the community be as applicable in years to come as it is today?

Ease of maintenance and quality materials that pay homage to the ranching culture and heritage of the land also play a vital role when planning new projects. Two materials that Miller specifically refers to are corteen steel and coquina stone. Both capture the essence of the land and utilize Florida style at its best.

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At the heart of Viera is a vision that encompasses attention to detail all while remaining true to its origin and staying on trend and ahead of the curve when it comes to architecture and design. There is a focus like never before on developing a sense of community style consistent with our ranching heritage.

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Authorized builders for Viera know that excellence is at the heart of every design and customization is essential to creating homes for the unique array of residents calling Viera home. For this reason, only a select few are approved to build within the community and pride of craftsmanship and attention to detail, along with a partnership with every individual client makes these builders special. This coupled with keeping the vision for Viera at the forefront makes for strong architecture and design that is timeless and will serve the community for years to come.

Viera Builders captures the spirit of Viera by creating homes that suit both form and function. They understand that by listening to past homeowners they gain insight into tomorrow’s buyers.

Usable indoor living spaces and expanding outdoor entertaining spaces are important considerations when building a home, and the company always seeks to design with this in mind.

Viera Builders has had the opportunity to serve many of the residents of Viera. Vice President Chris Wright recalls one client in particular that purchased a Mediterranean style home with modern interior design features. “There can be challenges when creating homes with unique needs but these can be overcome by listening to the needs of clients, understanding their expectations and then exceeding them,” he explains. Paying close attention to detail and listening to the needs of its clients is what sets Viera Builders apart.

Viera attracts everyone from retirees and young families to working professionals because of its well thought out design and commitment to convenience without sacrificing the integrity of its vision.

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Another key aspect of architectural design for Viera Builders is creating bonus rooms that can play several different roles depending on the client’s needs. “What starts out as a playroom can easily be adapted to suit the needs of a home office or in-law suite,” says Wright.

Tom Davis, Vice President of Burton Homes, says, “It’s all about the buyer.” For Burton Homes, it truly is all about customization and collaboration.

Working within an established framework set by a specific neighborhood, Burton Homes seeks to create “seamless” living with the wishes of its clientele in mind. Part of keeping on trend means listening to the buyer and what Tom has noticed is that trends are moving towards clean lines and modern living. Incorporating outdoor living areas, additional garage space, multipurpose rooms, and flawless design are just some of the components that go into making a Burton Home. Burton Homes also focuses on green design, incorporating the most intelligent materials for its creations, thus giving buyers everything they need.

Davis has also noticed that Viera draws a crosssection of people. Many are moving from the beachside and out-of-state to take part in all that Viera has to offer. Viera attracts everyone from retirees and young families to working professionals because of its well thought out design and commitment to convenience without sacrificing the integrity of its vision.

One client in particular took the time to send a glowing thank you note expressing their exhilaration over their new home saying that it was “off the planet” good!

Bob Wille, Vice President of Development and Marketing for

Joyal Construction, has noticed that today’s buyers are increasingly interested in flexible living spaces for dining and entertainment. Jeff Johnson, Executive Designer and Sales Consultant for Joyal, says, ”For the last few years people have no longer wanted the traditional living room/family room plan. They want a more open great room plan. Buyers are also interested in a flex room that can be used either as a bonus room or a bedroom. Our clients really want big open spaces with a lot of glass on the rear of their home,“ says Johnson. The trend towards areas that serve a variety of purposes is something Joyal Construction has seen and are experts at creating.

Viera offers so much for its residents who live hectic lifestyles yet still want to feel relaxed and composed in their home environments. “They are looking for unique spaces to handle their on-the-go lifestyles,” says Wille.

Wille also notes frequent requests for ‘drop zone’ areas, strategically placed, where residents can place items carried in from their cars.

There are several approved builders for the Viera Community, each bringing a unique perspective and capability to their clients. The stylized communities within Viera are not by accident but rather created with a long-term vision in mind. Scott Miller and his team at The Viera Company seek to serve an extensive variety of residents all with specific ideals in mind.

“We like to reach a balance that allows for individual creativity in design with a requirement that the buildings complement the overall look and feel of Viera,” says Miller. A critical eye for form and function always plays a role when considering architecture and design. It is for reasons such as these that Viera truly is like no other place to live, work and play. •

Glass tile inlays, freestanding tubs, porcelain tile and polished nickel are examples of our “Contemporary Luxe” homebuyer.

— Bob Wille, Joyal Construction

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business

PetSmart

Offers Products for Cats, Dogs & More

At the newly constructed Viera Shops along Lake Andrew drive, there’s soon to be a top-notch retail destination for everyone, including the furry, feathered or scaled members of your family.

PetSmart, one of the largest pet retailers in the country, has opened a brand new location in Viera, so if you’re a pet lover, be sure to

Burger 21

©Burger21

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slither, swim or scamper on in to check out the wide variety of pet products and services they offer.

With a large array of brands featuring food, bedding, treats, toys, flea and tick medication, grooming equipment and everything in between, PetSmart has all the essentials to keep your dog or cat healthy and happy. You might even find your next animal friend among PetSmart’s selection of fish, birds, reptiles or rodents, and if you do, expert staff will make sure you leave with all the necessary knowledge and products to take care of your new pet, including things like aquarium filters, cages, guidebooks and more.

But PetSmart isn’t just a pet shopping destination.

Look for PetSmart to start making a positive impact on animals in the Viera area as well. Their in-store adoption program has found loving families for thousands of homeless dogs and cats over the years, and their charitable fund donates to animal welfare organizations across North America.

For more information, visit PetSmart.com.

“Fast-Casual” Franchise Coming Soon It’s time to start preparing your taste buds for the arrival of a new burger joint at The Avenue Viera. Tampa-based company Burger 21 announced this spring that they’ll be moving into town with their 21 unique, chef-inspired burger creations, including handmade, freshly ground Certified Angus Beef, chicken, turkey, veggie, and seafood burgers. They also offer hot dogs, chicken tenders, salads, and a tempting selection of handcrafted shakes, floats and sundaes.

Burger 21’s unique upscale approach to fast-casual dining has the company on a rapid expansion course, with 15 locations currently in operation and 20 more under development across the country, including the planned Viera franchise. Dennis Saller, soon-to-be owner of the Viera restaurant, currently operates a successful Burger 21 franchise in Orlando at The Mall of Millennia and was actually the company’s very first franchisee. As Burger 21 looks to expand throughout the Southeast, Saller honed in on the potential of the Viera market and surrounding Melbourne area.

“We’re thrilled to bring Burger 21’s first restaurant to Viera,” Saller told the press. “Our experience with the Orlando location has far exceeded our expectations, and we are confident that the brand will be just as well received by the Viera and Melbourne communities.”

Keep an eye out for building to begin soon at the new Burger 21 location in Viera, as Saller and his two daughters hope to have the new location open by this winter.

For more information, visit Burger21.com.

©Buffalo Wild Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings Brings the Stadium to Viera On May 25th, Buffalo Wild Wings opened its newest Brevard location in Viera. Residents lined up to be among the first 100 eligible to win a year’s worth of wings.

“We have a very aggressive growth path for Buffalo Wild Wings here throughout North America. There are sports fans everywhere, so we’re always looking for places where we can grow our brand, and our team down in West Melbourne did a really great job introducing the brand to that part of the market,” said Randy Groover, marketing manager for the southeast division.

“We’ve got a new facility design called project stadium, and the interior is really designed to

enhance the guest’s overall experience. We always try to create that stadium feel, that look and feel of walking into a stadium or arena. We’ll have a larger bar section, with a stadium scoreboard over the bar area. We’ll feature a plethora of 45-inch flat screens, and large projection screens,” Groover describes.

The overall goal of Buffalo Wild Wings is to create a great, family oriented place where families can come and dine, enjoy sporting events, and have some really good food.

For more information, contact Erica Dudley, general manager for the new store; Randy Groover, marketing manager for the southeast division; or visit BuffaloWildWings.com.

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VIERABUILDERS Viera Builders is well known for creating appealing streetscapes with competitively priced homes featuring high quality standard features that new homeowners are proud to show off to their friends and family. However, Viera Builders attributes their early success to the faith it placed in the vision for the community, their employees, the residents of Viera, and, in return, the customer’s continued faith in the homes they build each day.

Every Viera Builders employee has met with COO Bill Moore to hear first-hand what is expected of them and how important they are to the entire team. The Viera Builders’ team values the relationship between the customer and the builder including setting expectations early on and communicating about the process every step of the way. “We are always asking the new homeowner for feedback, and each customer is asked to evaluate the entire process once their home is complete,” says Moore. “Integrity is doing what you have stated you will do and when you said you are going to do it. Anyone in contact with the company has the potential to refer us in more ways than just for a single home sale; making the right first impression is key and the continued relationship, in any capacity, should emulate our philosophy, policies and procedures as a company.”

As Viera continues to grow, the team at VieraBuilders believes the long-term view for the community by The Viera Company, and its family-owned, multigenerational input, are major contributors to their continued success.

For more information, visit VieraBuilders.com.

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ver the last 25 years, The Viera Company has become a fully integrated real estate company with additional operations in real estate sales, commercial properties, home building, a world-class golf course and a non-profit community institute. This success is attributed to a strong parent company mission and a vision for Viera that provides meaning to the family-owned company’s owners, employees, business leaders and the community.

Each affiliated business offers its own unique competitive advantage, taking a longterm view when making decisions about the future in every aspect of their planning and growth. Distinguishing characteristics include hiring men and women who embrace and demonstrate core values of business integrity, families, people and relationships, land value and stewardship, vibrant communities and Christian faith.

For the next two issues we will highlight these companies to help the community understand how each business contributes to the overall vision for Viera.

VIERAREALTY INC. Their slogan is “No One Knows Viera Like Viera Realty.” and with good reason. Viera Realty, Inc. is the real estate brokerage office for the town of Viera on behalf of The Viera Company. Viera Realty is a comprehensive resource venue with expert real estate advisors and informational resources. Viera Realty agents are a community resource, the first to know and provide information about new residential developments and offerings in Viera, as well as providing full residential brokerage services to the surrounding areas of Melbourne, Suntree and the beaches of central Brevard County.

Viera is currently about a third complete and celebrating its 26th anniversary, and Viera Realty has been there every step of the way, helping the community grow by matching the desires of current and future residents with Viera’s exceptional array of new and existing homes.

With a guiding principle that their relationships extend far beyond the completion of a transaction, Viera Realty agents are determined to provide service and advice that is honest and straightforward.

“The experience our customers receive starts with being greeted by Nancy Bearden and Gail Benton,” says Scott Miller, Vice President of Viera Realty. “Nancy and Gail have a combined 35 1/2 years of experience with Viera Realty. They are the face of Viera Realty and their extensive knowledge and exceptional customer service sets the stage for every customer experience.”

“Whether your interest is in new construction, resale buying or selling, or a rental, Viera Realty agents have comprehensive experience and knowledge to fulfill your needs and effectively work with you throughout the process. I invite you to take a moment and get to know our team, which will surely demonstrate why they have gained such an exceptional reputation for excellence,” says Miller.

For more information, visit VieraRealtyInc.com.

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health

1990’s DR. SANDS BEGAN PRACTICING

C.A.R.E.

SQ. FT. UNIT

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DESIGNATED FACILITY

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99th

IN UNITED STATES WITH A C.A.R.E. DESIGNATION

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17,774

PERCENTILE IN SATISFACTION

JOINT

REPLACEMENT Health First Brings Center for Joint Replacement to Viera Hospital What does quality of life entail? Is it freedom to travel? Perhaps quality of life means more time with grandchildren or living the active lifestyle you become accustomed to. For each one of us, the answer is probably different. One thing is certain, however, if we don’t have the ability to move without pain, everything else is secondary.

Joint replacement surgery, including hips, knees and shoulders, has made strides over the years. When Dr. Kenneth Sands, orthopedic surgeon at Health First’s Viera Hospital’s Center for Joint Replacement, first began practicing in the 1990s, it was commonplace for patients having joint replacement to be sent on to rehab facilities after surgery and then spend countless weeks with a walker and cane. But times have changed. He says, “It is not uncommon for patients to be free of their walker and cane within two weeks of surgery.” Returning to a normal life post-replacement has never been quicker or easier.

The prospect of joint replacement surgery can be daunting. Where do you go for advice? How can you know that the team of doctors and nurses who will assist you are truly up to the task? With so much riding on a successful surgery and so many questions, it is vital that you trust your health care providers.

Health First’s Viera Hospital is now home to the Center for Joint Replacement. This facility is fully equipped to work alongside those needing joint replacement from beginning to end and after. Health First’s Viera hospital is a designated C.A.R.E. (Center for Advanced Recovery) facility and is only

“There is tremendous job satisfaction when you realize that you helped change someone’s life for the better.”

one of eight institutions that carries this distinction within the United States.

For patients, this means they can rest assured knowing they will receive excellent care and a high quality experience at the Center for Joint Replacement. The 17,774 square foot unit has 20 beds and is staffed with an experienced team of surgeons, specially trained nurses, Dr. Kenneth Sands therapists and technicians.

The Center for Joint Replacement provides exceptional care before patients even undergo surgery. They have programs set in place to educate patients about their procedures and what to expect afterward. Patients will never be left in the dark and will know what to expect before, during and after joint replacement surgery. This call to compassion is one of the reasons Dr. Sands believes their center has always had patient satisfaction scores in the 99th percentile. Health First puts the patient first and the highly qualified and specialized team they have assembled at the Center for Joint Replacement is just one more example of that. People matter to the center.

“The associates love their job and it shows. They are extremely well trained in the care of total joint patients and constantly go the extra mile,” says Dr. Sands. For him every patient has a story, something that makes them unique. He had the opportunity to perform a hip replacement on his father, something that brought him profound gratification.

To learn more about the Center for Joint Replacement, visit HFortho.org.

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THE

A

Characteristics of “A” Grade Schools

A few characteristics of a high performing school are effective leadership, high levels of collaboration and communication, a supportive, safe, civil and healthy learning environment and a high level of family and community involvement. The leadership and vision at our five local schools have been a vital part of our health and growth as a community. The 2014-2015 school year has come to a close and the list below is a direct correlation between the achievements and the overall learning environment.

The staff, instructors, students and parents each year work hard to create the future leaders of tomorrow. We asked local principals to give us their top five (in any given characteristic) that makes them a Viera “A” Grade school.

cartloads of pet food and supplies for the Central Brevard Humane Society; hundreds of toys, clothes, and even bicycles for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren of Brevard; and raised over $2,200 for Family Promise of Brevard.

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Over 640 runners participated in the inaugural “Thinga-ma-Jogger” 5K Race for Literacy and donated over 1,000 books to Teacher Supply Zone.

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Over 290 student computer stations were added, including Chromebooks and iPads.

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P.E. teacher, Tabby Best, was awarded the SHAPE Florida Program Recognition Award, which recognizes the Top P.E. teachers in the state.

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Students read over 11,200 books, totaling over 172 million words, during the school year.

QUEST ELEMENTARY MANATEE ELEMENTARY •

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The “Gives Back” program collected and donated: nine

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Received 2014-2015 Florida State Assessment Ranking of 3rd in the district and 10th in the state.

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Honored and recognized as a Model Professional Learning Community at Work by Solution Tree for sustained success in raising student achievement.

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Hosts a National Elementary Honor Society (Charter 1486) where students are encouraged in the cardinal qualities of scholarship, responsibility, leadership and service.

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Donated food supplies, animal shelter supplies and over $15,000 in monetary support for organizations such as the Humane Society, the Sharing Center of Central Brevard, Candlelighters of Brevard, the American Heart Association and the Leukemia Society.

RALPH WILLIAMS ELEMENTARY •

Recipient of the Model Digital Learning Campus award, which allowed them to put $90,000 worth of Chromebook computers in the hands of half of the student population.

education

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Added 30 iPads to their instructional resources.

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FAME conference winners Miera Boggs, Jacob McDonald and Brynna Shannon submitted an award winning video entry for the 2014 Jim Harbin Student Media Festival, placing first in the drama category.

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Recognized as an “A” rated school for 14 consecutive years.

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Reading Coach Jessica Webb was named Reading Coach of the Year by the Department of Education.

highest rank in their conference.

The Chess team won the Space Coast Scholastic Traveling Pawn and, for the second year in a row, students at VCS took the Brevard County Championship.

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VIERA CHARTER SCHOOL •

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The PTSO raised over $100,000, which is used to provide the school with state-of-theart technology and S.T.E.M. resources.

Youth sports program ranked at the top of their division for two years in a row. Girls’ middle school volleyball and basketball teams took first place in the Space Coast Christian Athletic Association Conference, and middle school boys’ basketball team achieved the second

Following the Six Pillars of Good Character, VCS students learn: Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Citizenship and Caring.

Participating in Share your Christmas Food Drive, The Giving Tree, Alex’s Lemonade Stand for Leukemia, Relay for Life, and Socktober gives students and staff opportunities to provide food, clothing, toys, financial and moral support to those less fortunate.

VIERA HIGH SCHOOL •

Ranked in the top 8% of all comprehensive high schools in Florida based on the state accountability system.

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Administered the most Advanced Placement Tests in Brevard County and had the highest pass rate in the district when compared to

other comprehensive high schools in the county.

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Business & Finance Academy and Academy of Communication, Art & Design students have the opportunity to learn valuable career and technical skills, and consistently succeed in achieving industry certifications such as Microsoft Office Bundle and Adobe Illustrator.

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Three VHS seniors qualified as National Merit Scholarship Finalists and over 90% of VHS seniors selected to continue their education in a college or university.

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Orchestra, marching band, jazz and choral programs consistently earn superior ratings in Music Performance Assessments; and highly competitive athletic program boasts two FHSAA State Champions in the 2015-2016 school year.

For more information on Viera schools, visit Viera.com/The VieraLifestyle/Education.aspx.

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Snapshots

AROUND TOWN 2015

The Charlie Corbeil Conservation Awards were held at the Heritage Isle clubhouse in Viera. The six winners included some of the best leaders in conservation, research and education in the county.

Award Winners 2015 Parade of homes •

Arthur Rutenberg Homes The Coquina in Charolais Estates

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Emerald Homes The Avignon at Fairway Lakes at Viera

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Christopher Burton Homes Private Collection Model at Wyndham The Viera Discovery Center won a Showroom Showplace award from the HBCA for their participation in the 2015 Spring Parade of Homes.

Wildlife The 6th Annual Viera Wetlands Nature Festival shared the beauty of our local wetlands with wildlife enthusiasts from all over the county.

Quin Fredickson Poetry Winner 3rd-6th Grade | First Place

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WHERE THE GATORS SWIM EAGLES FLY IN THE AIR TURTLES HIDE IN THE TALL GRASS LAKES FULL OF FISH ANHINGAS DRYING THEIR WINGS NATS FLYING AROUND DEAD GRASS AS NESTS SUNLIGHT SHINING DOWN

Congratulations Slow and Low BBQ Restaurant has cut the ribbon at their second location in Brevard. The owners are regular contributors to local clubs and organizations in Viera.

Buffalo Wild Wings opens in Viera and the staff welcomed hundreds of wing fans to the new location.

See story on page 15.

Local pet lover cuts the ribbon and all cheered as PetSmart opens its new location in Viera. See story on page 14.

Unveiling

The Viera Community Institute held a reception to introduce community leaders to the organization and its mission.

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WHY I LOVE VIERA Andrea Shaffer & Jamal Perhaps you have had the opportunity to snuggle with Jamal, the precious 6 lb. Chihuahua Therapy Dog, belonging to Andrea Shaffer and her family.

Jamal has been making the rounds at Health First’s Viera Hospital since 2013, enriching the lives of patients and staff along the way. He is registered by Therapy Dogs, Inc. and has passed the vigorous background checks and testing necessary for his special job.

Jamal’s journey started several years ago when Andrea first went to visit Jamal, who was available for adoption at the Central Brevard Humane Society, something clicked between them. “He was so laid back and calm. We just knew we had a match.” Jamal had all the right stuff to be a therapy dog. Andrea worked closely with the administration at Viera Hospital to help develop and implement their new Therapy Dog Program. For two years now, he has visited countless patients and their families providing comfort, hope and a lot of love.

You may have even seen Andrea and Jamal out on the town in Viera visiting their favorite dog-friendly locations such as Long Doggers and the patio at World of Beer. Jamal is a staple of the Viera community and his owners’ love sharing their lives with their dogs throughout the area. They were all very excited to hear that a new dog park is coming to Viera. “Viera is such a family-friendly place. By adding a community dog park, it will create a fun, safe place for friends and their pets to go together,” says Andrea.

Andrea, her husband, Jim, and two children, Ben and Sam, have lived in the Viera area since 2006. Along with their furry family of rescue canines: Three Leg Fred, Wyatt and Jamal, they enjoy all the amenities that Viera has to offer their active family. All of the Shaffers are triathletes and grateful for the abundant running and cycling areas, wildlife trails and nearby pool facilities.

“The oversized sidewalks are great and make it safe to travel all over Viera by foot or bike,” says Andrea. She often rides her bike with a flatbed trailer to the grocery store and the gym.

They also love how proactive The Viera Company is with future community planning, growth and the preservation of the local wetland and wildlife areas.

“We love to see the Roseate Spoonbill migration, the American Bald Eagles and all the other amazing wildlife that is here year round.”

Viera is truly a special place and home to an incredible assortment of people, local wildlife…and pets. The Shaffer family and their love of Jamal are proof of that.

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FUN FOR ALL Father’s Day Brunch Date: June 21 Location: Tradewinds Restaurant at Duran

Upcoming Events

21st Annual Great American Celebration Date: July 4 Location: Space Coast Stadium

KID FRIENDLY

Summer Saturday Nights

Arctic Blast Tuesdays

Date: Every Saturday until August 22 Location: Brevard Zoo

Indian River Lagoon Ranger Guided Kayak/Canoe Tour Date: Every Wednesday until October 28, 2015 Location: Campbell’s Cove near the Sebastian Inlet

ART DISPLAYS Pop Art in America Date: May 30 – August 30 Location: Foosaner Art Museum

Art Gallery of Viera: Tropical Daze Date: August 8 Location: Art Gallery of Viera @ The Avenue Viera

Date: Every Tuesday until July 28 @ 11:30 AM Location: The Brevard Zoo

Teen Summer Camp Programs Dates: June 2 – August 7 Location: Viera Regional Community Center

ACTIVE EVENTS Firecracker 5K Date: July 4 Location: Liberty Bell Museum Melbourne

I Run for Pizza Football Kickoff 5K Date: August 8 Location: The Avenue Viera

2015 Brevard Heart Walk

THEATER RENT! Date: June 26 – July 5 Location: Cocoa Village Playhouse

Disney’s Aladdin Jr. Dates: July 19 Location: Merritt Island High School

Date: September 19 Location: Space Coast Stadium

UNIQUE SUMMER FINDS “Weird Al” Yankovic The Mandatory World Tour Date: August 14 Location: King Center for the Performing Arts

Oyster Mat Making

MUSICAL DATE NIGHT Keiko Matsui, Jazz Pianist and Composer Date: July 23 Location: King Center for the Performing Arts, Studio Theatre

LIVE After Five (Music in the Park): Various Artists Date: Thursday nights Location: Central Park, The Avenue Viera

Date: First Wednesday of each month until December 2 Location: Riverwalk Nature Center

BASEBALL Brevard County Manatees Date: Regular season runs until September 5 Location: Space Coast Stadium

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VIERA UPDATE

A Note From Stephen Johnson President, The Viera Company

A VILLAGE

In his interview on page 5 of this issue of Viera Vision, Todd Pokrywa, Senior Vice President of Land Use Planning and Development for The Viera Company, talks about the earthwork currently underway for new communities in Addison Village. All of us at The Viera Company are very excited to see this first village design in Viera come to life, starting with the very successful Strom Park community.

Located west of I-95 and south of Wickham Road, Addison Village is the first of four planned villages to be developed as Viera continues its growth. The concept for the village design is to offer walkable, connected neighborhoods that share a village center providing shops and other services, as well as convenient neighborhood parks.

In coming months, four new communities will break ground in Addison Village, offering a variety of lot sizes and home styles. Unique to these communities, and further emphasizing the village environment, some neighborhoods will be designed with a concept called coving, which offers more green space created by curved roads and the placement of homes. The layout of homes

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IT TAKES

and roads lets residents see more of their own yard and landscape rather than their neighbor’s. And the design also allows for ample walking trails – up to two miles in one community alone – allowing residents to take advantage of Viera’s year-round warm, sunny climate and its active lifestyle.

Adding to the recreational amenities in the new communities will be spacious park areas, some with covered pavilions, and even a few pickleball courts! And for our many dog lovers, Addison Village will feature a four-acre dog park, opening later this year.

The amount of residential home building activity we are seeing in Viera is exciting and promising.

The Viera Company and its entire team – from our planners and engineers to our marketing and sales staff – love being part of Viera’s continued, positive growth, building this vibrant and livable community for so many to enjoy.

Sincerely,

QUALITY IS WRITTEN IN THE STARS

ONLY Brevard Hospital TO EARN 5 Stars*

H

EALTH FIRST’S VIERA HOSPITAL EARNS 5 STAR RATING from The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS evaluated 3,500 hospitals in the U.S. for quality and patient experience—Viera Hospital was out on the top with 5 Stars.

Proud to be one of ONLY four 5 Star Ratings in the State of Florida Only 7% of hospitals in the U.S. earned the top mark of 5 Stars Viera Hospital in one of only 4 hospitals in Florida – and the only one in Central Florida – to earn 5 Stars The CMS 5 Star rating is reserved for the highest performing hospitals in customer service

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE Join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of Viera Hospital and a free lunch**.

Tours available on the following Thursdays: June 4 & 18 July 2, 16 & 30 Space is limited. To register, call 321.434.6717, option 1.

Transportation to Viera Hospital and lunch will be provided by Health First. Please meet at the Home Depot (3373 Ronald McNair Way, Titusville, 32780) in the northwest area of the parking lot. The bus will depart at 10:30 am and return by 2 pm. **Guests will receive a meal ticket to use in the hospital cafe.

Breast Center

*As rated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. For more information visit CMS.gov

& WOMEN’S IMAGING