Space Coast LIVING - Downtown Melbourne

space coast

FEB 2020

Pictures of Home: FEB 2020

$4.95 USD

A look at some of Downtown's favorite murals PLUS! Special Section:

Space Coast LIVING HEALTH

Quality Furniture & Interior Design

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Contents 26

FEBRUARY 2020

ON THE COVER Photography by Stephen Oliveira

26

PICTURES OF HOME MELBOURNE MAIN STREET MURALS

FEATURES

18

20 22 24 30 34

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36 40 42 34 45

MODERN DINING CRUSH XI

DOWNTOWN MELBOURNE’S BEST BITE CRYDERMANS BARBEQUE

NOT YOUR TYPICAL NINE TO FIVE THE 905 CAFÉ NOURISHING TO THE BODY AND THE SOUL NOURISH

DOWNTOWN MELBOURNE’S BEST DATE-NIGHT SPOTS A SECONDHAND SHOP FOR NEW BEGINNINGS GENESIS BOUTIQUE

SHOPPING IN DOWNTOWN

ONCE UPON A THEME PARK UNIVERSAL MARDI GRAS

FAMILIES HELPING FAMILIES THE MASUCCI FAMILY

SPECIAL SECTION SPACE COAST LIVING HEALTH

46 48 49 50 52 54 58 60 62 63 64

30 HAVE A HAPPY, RESULTS-DRIVEN NEW YEAR ANYTIME FITNESS THREE DOG NIGHT DRUMMER FINDS HIS RHYTHM AGAIN HEALTH FIRST

TRAUMA SURVIVOR GETS VIP TREATMENT HEALTH FIRST

A RISING TIDE IN THE HEALTH CARE INDUSTRY THE SCOTT CENTER FOR AUTISM

PARRISH MEDICAL GROUP OFFERS REGION’S FIRST MEN’S REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH PROGRAM

54

A NEW AND IMPROVED TREATMENT ROUTE FIRST CHOICE ORTHOPAEDICS

AGING SAFELY VNA (VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION)

A PERSONALIZED APPROACH FAMILY PRACTICE OF SUNTREE AND VIERA

LESLIE A. COLLINS, OD BREVARD EYE CENTER

DR. GERALD MOLLOY LASER SPINE BREVARD

VICTOR SORIANO SORIANO MED

40

IN EVERY ISSUE

68 71 72

RESTUARANTS, RETAIL AND SERVICES DIRECTORY

THE SCENE

BREVARD COUNTY EVENTS FEB R UA RY 2020: 9

The First 2020 Toyota Supra Arrives in Brevard.

Toyota of Melbourne Celebrates with a $30,000 Donation to the Haven for Children.

24 N Harbor City Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32935 (321) 426-9420 • ToyotaofMelbourne.com

March 14 - 22, 2020

Parade of Homes Awards Ceremony

Thursday March 19th Melbourne Hilton Rialto

Showcase Home DiPrima Homes

Showcase Community Viera

Exclusive Signature Sponsor US Bank

The Home Builders & Contractors Association of Brevard (HBCA) 2020 Parade of Homes™ - Beautiful Homes Tour - is the premier annual event designed to showcase local builders, suppliers and craftsmen.

The self-guided tour will open many possibilities to discover your new home and new ideas in design, style and comfort.

For more information: Events@HBCA-Brevard.org • (321) 254-3700 • paradeofhomesbrevard.com

FEBRUARY | VOLUME 17 | NUMBER 2 SpaceCoastLIVING.com Eric Wright, Publisher

EDITORIAL Sara Santora, Managing Editor Heather Motro, Jr. Assistant Editor

PRODUCTION & DESIGN Cheyenne McCully, Director of Creative & Print Operations Evelyn Sutton, Designer

PHOTOGRAPHY Harmony Lynn Goodson, Jason Hook, Jess Mack, Summer Merrell, Stephen Oliveira

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Harmony Lynn Goodson, Jess Mack, Abby McHenry, Summer Merrell, Yasmeen Noelle, Jack Roth

ADVERTISING & SALES Lori Reader, Director of Sales lori@spacecoastliving.com Jessica Benitez, Director of Business Development jessicab@spacecoastmagazines.com Natalie Guzman, Account Manager natalie@spacecoastmagazines.com

ADMINISTRATION Helen Reyes, Director of Operations & Human Resources

MARKETING Tasha Macri

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Joseph Duda, Eric Wright For general inquiries call (321) 622-5986.

TO SUBSCRIBE: Subscribe online at SpaceCoastLIVING.com or send $27.95 for a one-year (12 issues) or $39.95 for a two-year (24 issues) subscription to Space Coast LIVING, 335 Pineda Ct. Ste. 101-104, Melbourne, FL 32941-0901. Please include name, mailing address, city, state, zip code, phone number and email. Please allow 4-6 weeks for subscription to start.

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CHANGE OF ADDRESS If you are moving or changing the mailing address for your subscription, send your complete old address (where the magazine is currently being mailed), your complete new address, including zip code, to info@spacecoastmagazines.com

BREVARD PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & REALTY GROUP, LLC

BACK ISSUES $10.00 each. To purchase call (321) 622-5986 or email info@spacecoastmagazines.com

F U L L S E R V I C E R E A L E S TAT E SALES

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

R E N TA L S

• We advertise on MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE, our website, signs and national rental websites • COMPUTERIZED ACCOUNTING FOR MONTHLY AND YEAR END STATEMENTS • TENANT SCREENING to include criminal, credit, job income, eviction, and residential verification • Move-in/Move-out PHOTOS, INSPECTIONS AND ATTORNEY APPROVED LEASES 901 JORDAN BLASS DRIVE, SUITE 101 MELBOURNE, FLORIDA 32940

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FINANCIAL ADVISOR colleen.mitchell@edwardjones.com (321) 254-5202 OFFICE: Viera 7370 Cabot Ct., Suite 102 Viera, FL 32940

FINANCIAL ADVISOR cameron.mitchell@edwardjones.com (321) 425-6493 OFFICE: Downtown Eau Gallie 600 W. Eau Gallie Blvd.

Melbourne, FL 32935

We want to understand what’s most important to you. We’ll use an established process to build personalized strategies to help you achieve your goals. We will partner together throughout your life to help keep you on track.

-Cameron & Colleen Mitchell

Financial Strategies | Life Insurance | College Savings | Estate Considerations Preparing for Retirement | Living in Retirement MEMBER SIPC

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REPRINTS Reprints and commemorative plaques may be ordered from That’s Great News. Contact www.thatsgreatnews.com.

CONTRIBUTE Send press releases, article submissions, announcements and images to editorial@ spacecoastmagazines.com. Please provide 2-3 months advance notice for requests for event announcements and/or coverage.

“MAKING THE SCENE” SUBMISSIONS Please submit electronic hi-resolution images and captions along with a brief description of your event (who, what, where and when) to editorial@spacecoastmagazines.com.

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Space Coast LIVING 335 Pineda Court, Suites 101-104, Melbourne, FL 32940 Tel. (321) 622-5986 SpaceCoastLiving.com ®

Space Coast LIVING® is a registered trademark of Space Coast Magzines, LLC (“SCM”). The contents of Space Coast LIVING, associated websites, and any other print or electronic publications published by SCM or related to the brand, including advertisements, articles, graphics, websites, web postings, photographs and all other information (“content”), are for informational purposes only, are protected by copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published, broadcast or modified in any way without the prior written consent of SCM, or in the case of third party content, the owner of that content. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. SCM does not necessarily endorse, verify, or agree with the content, and makes no warranties or representations, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or usefulness of any content. SCM shall not be held liable for any errors or omissions in the content. ©2020 All rights reserved. Any reproduction, in whole or in part, is prohibited without written permission from the publisher.

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DOWNTOWN MELBOURNE

modern dining

Crush XI is a classic American restaurant with a modern twist.

Article and Photography by Harmony Lynn Goodson, Contributor Website: harmonylynn.com | Instagram: @harmonylynngoodson

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C

rush XI is an experimental scratch kitchen. It is both an upscale yet casual dining restaurant located in the old Flatiron Building in the heart of Downtown Melbourne.

The restaurant serves its guests with a chef-driven menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, hand-made cocktails and unique wines.

Owners Mona and John Foy describe the rustic American restaurant as trendy and hip, perfect for the growing town of Melbourne. Crush XI moved to Melbourne from its original Cocoa location in 2018 and brought with it a much-needed modern design. The flatiron building features brick walls, tin ceilings, exposed piping and gorgeous wood detailing.

The social atmosphere is spread out between several rooms and features quirky artwork and refinished vintage furniture. Every piece is handpicked and carefully thought out – just like the ever-changing menus. You are sure to get a fresh culinary experience with each visit.

The dishes are an explosion of flavors, artfully put together to delight the senses. If you don’t fall in love at the first presentation, you are sure to after your first bite. The duck or salmon are always favorites along with the duck fat fries with garlic aioli. And for lunch, I highly suggest the duck confit tacos or the smash burger! Sharing is encouraged so if you can’t decide, order a mixed selection and try a little of everything. The bar features some of the best and most unique cocktails (and mocktails) in town. You won’t want to miss these fun creations. You can also pop in for happy hour and grab a bite from their delicious bar snacks menu if you want something smaller than a full meal.

Crush XI is open for dinner and for select brunch/lunch hours. Also, keep a lookout for one of their many special events like the Valentine’s Day Prix fixe menu or the super popular repeal day!

FEB RUA RY 2020: 19

DOWNTOWN MELBOURNE

Downtown Melbourne’s Best Bite

Article and Photography by Harmony Lynn Goodson, Contributor Website: harmonylynn.com | Instagram: @harmonylynngoodson

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C

rydermans Barbecue opened its highly anticipated second location in Downtown Melbourne just last year. Chad and Amy Cryderman opened their first location in Cocoa Village in 2017 serving wood-fired barbeque from scratch with in-house recipes. It quickly became a popular lunch destination with a line out the door, and the restaurant would serve until it ran out of food, which happened daily. The Melbourne location was opened to fill the need for overflow, adding a local BBQ restaurant to the Melbourne area.

Having won the “best bite” at Melbourne Food & Wine Festival for three years in a row, you can imagine how excited Brevard residents in the southern region were to get a taste of the excitement. The new location features an even larger outdoor eating area with the same beloved hand-built reclaimed hurricane-wood tables and benches.

Chad smokes all of the meats on his two large smokers which are both located at the Cocoa Village location. With recipes developed over years of trial and error, Crydermans focuses on oak wood-smoked central Texas-style barbecue

made fresh daily with dry rub recipes for the freshest, most tender and juiciest BBQ you can find locally. Chad is a true barbeque enthusiast and puts his heart into everything that he creates. He believes in sticking to the time-honored traditions of “salt, pepper, meat, fire and a little patience”. If you ever get a chance to meet him, you will be treated as an instant friend.

When you enter the front door, you are immediately greeted by a very enthusiastic team ready to take your order. I highly suggest trying a little bit of everything, but at the very least, you must try one of the sandwiches, like the Texas 2-Step – a local favorite featuring a large sampling of the menu. Or try the delicious sausage, brisket or pulled pork with one of the signature sauces. You will taste the delicious melt-inyour-mouth flavor achieved only by the slow smoking process. You may not even feel the need to try the sauces but make sure you do.

In addition, the seasonal treats are secret recipe treasures! Crydermans also caters events both small and large for all your event needs.

Be sure to check the hours before you go. Crydermans recently changed its closing times to include early dinner at the Melbourne location! And an extra tip is to show up as close to opening as possible as the line can get long and they do sell out.

FEB RUA RY 2020: 21

DOWNTOWN MELBOURNE

Not Your Typical Nine to Five

The 905 Café offers guests all the comforts of home.

By Abby McHenry, Writer Photography by Jason Hook Facebook: Jason Hook Photography | Instagram: @jasonhookphotography

I

f you are walking through Downtown Melbourne, it’s hard to miss the pink building with the staircase: one of Melbourne’s more famous Instagram locations. But when you walk inside, you’ll find yourself standing in The 905 Café – a hidden gem and a local favorite.

It is hard to ignore the heavenly smell of coffee, and mismatched furniture and tables give the shop a unique look among nearby cafes and coffee joints. The 905 Café offers a variety of caffeinated drinks, pastries and other breakfast and brunch items. But Heather Tyner, the owner, says that what truly makes 905 different from other coffee shops is the relationship the shop has with its customers, many of which are regulars. With cute places to take photos and perfectly brewed coffee, it is easy to see why!

“I think we’ve always been kind of like mom and pop, family owned and run,” Tyner said. “I think we do things a little differently.”

Tyner says 905’s most popular drink (and her favorite drink) has to be the iced mocha. But if you’re not a chocolate fan, the café offers several different coffee flavors including fun seasonal flavors. The shop also offers milk alternatives for those who are dairy-free or just wanting to try something different. I love their coffee with some coconut milk!

The breakfast and lunch menus are as popular as the coffee. The brie apple nut melt sandwich is a fan favorite according to Tyner. The shop also has great bagels, my personal favorite being the lox bagel.

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Tyner worked at 905 for a little while under the previous owner of the business and was excited to step into the ownership role herself.

“I just love the business, so I took over and went from there,” she said.

She also mentioned loving the ability to spend more quality time with her family.

She has two children and the coffee shop allows her flexibility in her schedule so she can be there for her children as well as the shop. She also loves working with the 905 staff.

Of course, she loves the Downtown Melbourne location because she can witness all the change and growth it is experiencing.

She enjoys making connections with other shop owners and seeing their businesses grow as well.

Tyner and her staff know their customers' names and orders upon walking in; something that might be unheard of at your local Starbucks or Dunkin. In addition to being a smaller, local business, their coffee is locally sourced. It is roasted weekly at 905 and sold in individual bags for purchase as well.

Many of today’s coffee shops have a very modern, minimalist feel, but The 905 Café offers something unique.

905 is timeless and makes you feel at home the second you walk through the door.

FEB RUA RY 2020: 23

DOWNTOWN MELBOURNE

Nourishing to the Body and the Soul

Nourish bath products are safe to use and impossible not to love.

By Yasmeen Noelle, Writer Photography by Jason Hook Facebook: Jason Hook Photography | Instagram: @jasonhookphotography

T

ake a stroll through Downtown Melbourne, and you’ll find Nourish - a natural bath products store that provides skincare, soaps and scrubs, hair bars, essential oils and more natural remedies for your home. It could be the luscious aroma throughout the shop that put me instantly at ease or the kind, knowledgeable employees who offered information when I needed it, but I was more relaxed and

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refreshed when leaving than I was before entering.

When it comes to choosing natural skin and body products, many questions and skepticisms may arise.

From labels, ingredients, pricing and articles about how natural is better for you, navigating the skincare world can be a confusing one without knowing who to trust. With poor Food and Drug Administration regulations and false advertising, it is often better to

seek a professional or a small business for help. For Brevard residents, Nourish can be your trusted guide.

help you relax and unwind; and PMS and menopause formula (Rose Geranium).

Like many bath shops, Nourish carries all of the favorites and essentials, including, but not limited to: a variety of scents for their soap bars and scrubs (the Cinnamon Oat scrub bar was my favorite for this past Winter season); the shop’s own line of handmade essential oils; hair bars to get the most out of your product while being waste free; and the fizzy bath bombs we all know and love. A couple of unexpected products I came across were their essential oil patches, soaps for your furry friends and a soap to prevent bug bites!

Of course, I would highly recommend the store’s regular essential oil bottles. Often times, when opting for a cheaper, local alternative than doTERRA or Young & Living, the result can lead to a scent that quickly fades. But with Nourish essential oils, I found that they were cheaper and worked just as well as the more well-known brands. I purchased their Defense formula (cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary) to boost my immunity and prevent sickness. In the long run, I’ve been very satisfied and have incorporated it into many cleaning supplies to prevent sickness.

The essential oil patches contain a certain oil or formula that are individually created to fulfill a specific purpose. For example, muscle and joint comfort formula (Arnica), to help ease pain or tension in your joints; stress comfort formula (Bergamot), to

Today, consumers are more aware about the dangers of the products they consume. Nourish’s bath products are not only natural but homemade, so you can feel good about the products you are using on your skin and in your own home.

FEB RUA RY 2020: 25

DOWNTOWN MELBOURNE | COVER FEATURE

Pictures of Home:

Melbourne Main Street murals connect art to life on the Space Coast.

By Heather Motro, Junior Assistant Editor Photography by Stephen Oliveira, Contributor Website: stephenoliveira.com | Instagram: @focusstephen

W

alk down Main Street and you’ll feel it: Downtown Melbourne buzzes with an artistic atmosphere. The eclectic shops, exotic restaurants and luxuriant spas are united by one factor: the vibrant murals decorating their walls, painted by local artists. With stories as rich as their colors, these murals make Downtown Melbourne feel like “home” for native Floridians.

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Ad Astra Aspirations

Chris Maslow balanced several responsibilities in the mural project: as curator, he chose each of the artists for each property’s mural; as an artist himself, he painted three murals. One is The Goliath Grouper and the Blue Crab on The Seafood Station, a work which helped Maslow through the loss of his beloved dog. Another is the explosion of flowers on Millefiori. And the third gave life to the mural project for years to come.

When the Downtown Melbourne mural project started in 2015, funds were scarce. Then, under Maslow’s curation and the leadership of project facilitator Jarin Eisenberg, the mural project gained the support of Florida Institute of Technology. As a gift, FIT

commissioned a mural that Maslow himself painted, the famed panther mural. “The panther is the mascot, or the icon, of Florida Institute of Technology, and the panther is traveling through land, sea, air, and space in pursuit of the stars,” Maslow said, referring to FIT’s motto, “Ad astra per scientam,” Latin for “To the stars through science.”

Thanks to the support of the worldrenowned university, Maslow and Eisenberg attained a state grant to keep the project going for a second wave of murals. “It was the first time the organization has ever received that grant,” Eisenberg said. “Chris and I worked really hard to match that grant dollar for dollar, and that is how the remaining murals got completed.”

FEB RUA RY 2020: 27

DOWNTOWN MELBOURNE | COVER FEATURE

High-up Hibiscus

Artist Kimber Grobman was no stranger to large-scale painting, having painted murals in Trader Joe’s in California and, closer to home, on the walls of Crush XI. Still, at 53-feet-wide and roughly eight-feet-tall, her hibiscus mural on the side of the Melbourne Regional Chamber building was among the largest murals she had ever done. “I did have to stand on a little step stool on the scaffolding to reach everything, which was frightening because I’m afraid of heights, but I – well, I did it,” Grobman laughed.

The hibiscus flowers are a tribute to Florida’s tropical beauty, but that same tropical weather presented a challenge to Grobman. “It was raining one day, and everything I put on, all the rain pulled all the paint off. One day was just a disaster. But I managed to recover pretty well,” Grobman recalled, adding that despite the rain she completed the mural in less than a week – her record time.

Next time you walk by the Regional Chamber building, take a closer look: Grobman has hidden her name in one of the flowers’ leaves. “I like to try to hide something in everything I do if I can without taking away from what they’re trying to do,” Grobman said. “I like doing something that’s a little different. I like to be different.”

Backwater Blue Jays

If you didn’t take a group photo in front of the blue jay mural, did your brunch at Backwater really happen? Tattoo artist Mark Gilliam painted the iconic mural, but it didn’t start out as a wall-sized painting. Early in 2015, Gilliam drew the image on paper and then colored it “out of the pure want to experiment.” It was a quick, just-for-fun drawing: he spent around nine hours total on it over the course of two

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days, then put it to the side.

When the Melbourne Main Street mural project started up, he submitted the drawing along with several other works of art. The Florida-centric blue jays and oranges caught the eye of the owners of old-Floridastyle restaurant Backwater. “In retrospect,” Gilliam said, “I think it was the most fitting business for the art and vice versa.” Soon, Gilliam’s sketch turned into the first mural in Downtown Melbourne.

In contrast to the quick two days Gilliam spent on the original drawing, the mural took him three weeks to complete. “I did it in between my full-time job of tattooing,” Gilliam explained. “I also chose to work a little slower on the project so I could render the imagery as close as possible to the original artwork.”

In total, 12 murals adorn the walls of businesses throughout Melbourne Main Street. If you walk the street to find each one, you’ll also find a community thriving with art and lifestyle intertwined.

FEB RUA RY 2020: 29

DOWNTOWN MELBOURNE

From One Local to Another:

Downtown Melbourne’s best date-night spots.

Article and Photography by Summer Merrell, Space Coast Foodies Website: spacecoastfoodies.com | Instagram: @spacecoastfoodies

or the last two years, my husband and I have commited to trying at least one new restaurant per week on the Space Coast. We document our favorites along the way – you can follow us at @spacecoastfoodies on Instagram and Facebook. You could say we’ve become “field experts” in local eats, and as our online platform has grown, so has our love of being restaurant guides for thousands of locals.

One of the most common inquiries we get from our followers is for ideas on great date spots. From wanting to impress on that first date, to celebrating a 25th anniversary, locals are looking for that perfect restaurant to spend an intimate meal connecting with their partner.

Fortunately, Downtown Melbourne has become something of a hot spot here on the Space Coast when it comes to great local eats. We love pointing people this way for their dates because of the sheer variety of cool, local restaurants to be found all within that quaint, historic Main Street.

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It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all of the dining options found there, so in no particular order, we’ve rounded up 6 of our can’t miss spots to take your date:

Matt’s Casbah

for the sushi and seafood lover This spot is for anyone who appreciates great Asian fusion, seafood and/or sushi. It offers a more bouisterous patio area for outdoor dining right along Main Street, but we suggest bringing your date inside for the dimly-lit, quieter atmosphere where romantic string lights hang from the ceiling.

Dishes we recommend : Warm Nutted Goat Cheese Salad, Garnet & Gold Sushi Roll

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F

The Mansion

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a classic Florida destination If views and atmosphere are a musthave for you, we recommend The Mansion. This crowd-pleasing spot offers rooftop (terrace) dining that boasts views of the Indian River. The menu of American fare has something for everyone and we love the vintage Floridian details found in this historic home-turned-restaurant.

Dishes we recommend: Key Lime Pie, Bavarian Pretzel Sticks appetizer

Mangetsu

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an interactive experience The coolest feature at Mangetsu is the grills found right at your table where they’ll cook your Korean BBQ. This more interactive experience is especially great as an “ice-breaker” for those on a first date. It’s also a more casual, unpretentious space, which can take some pressure off the evening as well!

Dishes we recommend: Korean Grill- L.A. Galbi , Sushi- Super Volcano Roll

FEB RUA RY 2020: 31

DOWNTOWN MELBOURNE

La Crepe de France a European escape

Who says your romantic venture out to eat has to happen at dinner time? If you’re looking for a sweet little brunch spot, La Crepe de France has your back. Quaint porch seating, an intimate indoor space and a menu full of yummy French delights.

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Dishes we recommend: all dessert crepes, Special Berries French Toast

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Crush XI

upscale food, casual mood If you and your date appreciate unique and thoughtfully-crafted food and drinks, Crush XI is sure to impress. A gourmet cookery offering a variety of smaller and larger plates, it’s a spot good for sharing and trying a variety of menu items. It’s a cool and modern space is sure to impress without feeling stiff or uppity.

Dishes we recommend; Sriracha Marinaded Flat Iron Steak, Medjool Dates (bacon-wrapped, goat cheesestuffed) ; Fried Chicken Sandwich (lunch only!)

Ember & Oak

for the serious foodie

⊲

This spot is in a class of its own for the foodie-minded couple. The menu here is intense, full of upscale food and drink options and the quality comes through in the taste.

This is the perfect spot for a special occasion, because you definitely don’t eat food prepared like this every day. Built with sharing in mind, the menu offers several small “tapas style” dishes as well as larger courses. Bonus points here for their large, romantic patio space.

Dishes we recommend: Beef Fat Fries, Raclette over baby potatoes There you have it! Our personal recommendations when planning the perfect date in Downtown Melbourne.

Connect with us on Instagram and let us know how you liked these spots!

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FEB RUA RY 2020: 33

DOWNTOWN MELBOURNE

A Secondhand Shop for New Beginnings A time capsule filled with grandma’s finest clothing and jewelry.

By Yasmeen Noelle, Writer Photography by Regina Crocker Instagram: @ohwalepix

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I

n the midst of fast fashion lies Genesis Boutique – a nonprofit organization, antique shop filled with vintage clothing, encapsulating everything from classic pieces to current trends. Often times, thrift stores or secondhand shops are ignored because they are seen as dirty or filled with lower-quality items. But never fear, clean, beautiful and high-quality secondhand clothing does exist right here on the Space Coast.

Stepping into the upscale resale thrift shop is less like stepping into your local thrift store and more like walking through your rich grandmother’s closet. And as an added bonus, much, if not all, of the profit goes toward a good cause to assist the community. Genesis Boutique focuses on assisting homeless women and their children find shelter and receive an education.

“We encourage our residents to find jobs, improve their education, rebuild their self-esteem, develop the ability to be self-sufficient, and live independently in permanent housing,” says founder Mary Allen.

As I walked up the steps onto the homey front porch, there stood multiple racks listed as 50% off. Within the racks hung everyday basics and other pieces with individuality and flare. I couldn’t help but swoon over a soft wool skirt with my favorite florals and patterns alongside a classic Express jacket and a H&M blouse. The sale also included accessories. A wooden picnic basket of bags and purses caught my eye with vintage beaded clutches and genuine leather bags that were 50% off as well. I couldn’t help but feel an attraction towards the beautiful basket that held them... Classic gold clip on jewelry from the 1950s were delicately spread on mirror plates and feather boas and fur coats became the décor along the wooden staircase. Coach, Jimmy Choo, Chanel and brands carried at Nordstrom can also be found throughout the shop. I knew I would not be walking out of this shop empty handed when I came across a Banana Republic linen trench coat for $22. As it is an antique store, Genesis offers luxury brand names at a lower price, and the organized racks make it easy and enjoyable to search for those hidden gems. And, the women who volunteer their time to run the shop are so kind and made me feel like I was shopping with a personal stylist. Easily, it became one of the most entertaining and stress-free shopping experiences I’ve had.

is the cheapest, where laborers don’t have many rights and where conditions are unsafe. So, while secondhand boutiques and thrift stores do often contain items from these fast fashion brands, you are still playing a direct role in straying away from trends and from giving money directly to the brands. And, by shopping at Genesis specifically, you are putting your money towards a good cause and helping your community.

Shopping at your local Target or favorite retail stores have their advantages, and by no means are we telling you to stop your shopping days at the mall. But Genesis Boutique goes to show that you can still have access to high end clothing and support a store that is more sustainable, ethical and positively impacts the community.

Shopping secondhand also helps limits the effect of fast fashion. According to goodonyou.eco, “Fast fashion can be defined as cheap, trendy clothing, that samples ideas from the catwalk or celebrity culture and turns them into garments in high street stores at breakneck speed.”

Essentially, fast fashion is not only meant to get to the consumer as quickly as possible but is meant to be purged from your closet as quickly as possible. The focus is on poor-quality, trendy clothing that is not meant to stand the test of time. This, of course, has been proven to have a negative effect on the environment.

Fast fashion brands also manufacture clothing where labor FEB RUA RY 2020: 35

DOWNTOWN MELBOURNE

Shopping in Downtown:

Where to go for your next great outfit.

By Heather Motro, Junior Assistant Editor Photography by Jason Hook Facebook: Jason Hook Photography | Instagram: @jasonhookphotography

D

owntown Melbourne has become quite the retail hub. The area offers everything, from today’s biggest trends to dresses for an elegant affair, making it hard to leave the area emptyhanded. So, the next time you’re shopping for a date night, a girls’ weekend or simply for something new, stop by one (or all) of these downtown boutiques.

Creative Accents by Sue Creative Accents by Sue is your first stop on the way to becoming a southern belle. The scarves are especially popular at this casual-elegant boutique.

Downtown Divas With an ever-changing inventory of unique items, Downtown Divas is here to help anyone rock their own individual style, from artsy flair to preppy chic to stunningly elegant. The store carries popular brands like Free People, MINKPINK and Show Me Your Mumu. Don’t forget to check out their glamorous selection of earrings and bags. The unofficial tagline of the store is, “Not recommended for women who wish to go unnoticed.” And trust us, you will not go unnoticed.

Coastal Cloth Baby & Co. For the littler divas, Coastal Cloth Baby & Co. is the place to go. Besides cute clothes and accessories for the youngest fashion icons in your life, Coastal Cloth offers babies’ toys that make learning feel like playtime. And, some of the outfits come in mom sizes, so you and your little one can stroll around town in matching outfits.

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The Love Hut Best known for its wide variety of drums, The Love Hut also offers clothes and accessories for the free spirit. The Love Hut’s new, upcycled and recycled clothing as well as locally handcrafted jewelry and all-natural skin care products create the perfect island vibe for any Floridian.

Jo-Vah-Nah Boutique No matter how new the trend, Jo-Vah-Nah Boutique has it. This sassy shop champions the clear handbag and the pantsuit, among other fresh styles.

Ana Mollies Boutique The owner of Ana Mollies Boutique discovered her love for fashion when she started offering fashion items for pet owners in her and her husband’s pet supply store. Now, she has her own shop with something for everyone: styles from brand names like Brighton and Simply Southern, locally made décor, natural cosmetics and even a pantry full of artisan preserves.

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TRAVEL

Once Upon a Theme Park

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!

Article and Photography by Jess Mack, Columnist Website: jessamack.com | Instagram: @jessamack_

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F

eet don’t fail me now! Mardi Gras starts this month and it’s a must-do event in the Central Florida area. Universal Orlando refers to it as Florida’s biggest party, and I would have to agree. It’s an event full of great music, nightly parades, amazing street performers, flavorful food and of course, beads.

From February 1st - April 2nd guests at Universal can take part in the festivities which are included with theme park admission. The streets of Universal Studios come alive with music and performers, making it a great time for all.

Universal’s New York area is transformed into New Orleans with the addition of the French Quarter Courtyard where true Cajun cuisine is offered, and authentic music is performed daily.

The food here is usually delicious. Last year, I tried gator for the first time and really enjoyed it. The Po Boys are always a safe bet and you can even get local favorites like gumbo, red beans and rice, jambalaya and beignets. And we can’t forget about the bar that has some great New Orleans themed drinks. It is Mardi Gras after all!

The nightly parade is something you definitely don’t want to miss. The floats are some of the best around.

Crowd favorites like the River Boat and King Gator make an appearance every year but Universal also chooses a new theme each year to introduce new floats, so you experience a brand-new parade year after year. And in true Bourbon Street fashion, beads are thrown into the audience throughout the parade. My advice to you is to not stand directly across from a spotlight as you may end up getting pelted in the face on accident.

If catching beads is your favorite part, stand by the

Horror Makeup Show theater. Here, you’ll be able to watch the parade in its entirety twice, which means you’ll get a ridiculous number of beads that no one needs but everyone secretly wants.

My all-time favorite thing about this event is that you, a normal day guest, can be in the parade on one of the floats!

It’s probably one of, if not the best, theme park experiences around. We try and do it multiple times every year. You get to stand on top of the floats as they make their way around the parade route throwing out beads to the crowd. You can sign up beforehand for your chance to join the parade as an Annual Pass Holder or you can hang around in the stand-by line day-of in the park. Neither of these options guarantee that you will get to ride but it’s worth a shot.

Mardi Gras also brings live concerts to the music plaza stage every weekend during the event.

Some of the past performers include Pitbull, Macklemore, Bush, Dan + Shay, the All American Rejects and even Fall Out Boy. The addition of these bigtime performers is amazing considering the concerts are also included in your park admission. Some of the concerts are so popular that people will get to the park and hang out by the entrance to the stage for hours and hours to guarantee a close spot.

I highly recommend attending this event if you have the chance and are looking for some serious Mardi Gras fun.

LIFESTYLE

Families Helping Families Father and daughter, Jack and Danielle Masucci, use their careers to help the families of Brevard.

By Sara Santora, Managing Editor Photos provided by Winship Photography

F

amily, whether by blood or by choice, is one of life’s greatest treasures. To have a group of people who will be there through the good and the bad, with whom to celebrate and cry, brings meaning and peace to everyday life. The Masucci family operates in this way, and both Jack and Danielle Masucci use their careers as the vehicle to help other families, to be an additional family member to those they serve.

Jack Masucci has owned Jack Masucci Jewelers for 22 years. In that time, he has experienced monumental moments in the lives of the families who have passed through his door.

“I’ve helped a lot of people, young and old, with their engagement rings and their family pieces … we’ve made 42: S PAC E COA ST L IV I N G | S PACECOAST L I V I N G .CO M

vessels for the ashes of loved ones … we’ve had a lot of sad times and a lot of joy,” says Jack.

More than a jewelry store owner, he is a master goldsmith, and he prefers to help clients create custom pieces, perfectly designed, not only for the taste of the client or their loved one, but for the specific need at hand. Some clients are ready to propose and want a custom ring for their fiancé to be. Others are further along in life and are coming to him – sadly – to reimagine a piece of jewelry that once belonged to a loved one.

“Spouses will pass away and we will convert the wedding bands into a separate, new piece of jewelry for the other spouse,” says Jack. “We also started taking wedding

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bands – let’s say the husband died – and so I’ll take his band, take the wife’s band, and intertwine them, so that they are forever intertwined together.”

He reassures me that being in the custom jewelry business isn’t always sad. He can help take a family heirloom and turn it into something new, maybe turn a diamond ring into a pendant. He can also replace a stone or update a piece, and remember, many young couples are going to him to find the perfect ring with which to begin their own families. Many bring in photos from their Pinterest accounts as inspiration for a custom engagement ring, and so, Jack gets to see and be a part of every stage of a family journey.

“A lot of these people are my friends,” says Jack.

Danielle Masucci is an independent realtor, and she finds joy in helping families establish their roots here in Brevard, like hers did over 30 years ago. She offers a lot for the community that other agents don’t. For example, she offers special rates to educators, as she wants to give back to those who are educating the community.

“I went through the school system here and the community has given me so much, and I want to give back to the community,” says Danielle. “The deeper the roots, the stronger the community.”

She also gives families lifestyle tours of the different

cities within our county. Palm Bay is much different than Satellite Beach, which is also much different than Melbourne or Viera. So, to help families feel more comfortable that they are making the right choice, she gives them tours of these communities, helping them to better understand the schools, the entertainment, the culture, and allows for families to choose where they want to live. Price point is of course one aspect of buying a home. The other is ensuring you love the community.

Danielle, like her father, has been around for many of the ups and downs in the lives of those who have come her way. She has helped families buy their first home, then helped relocate their parents. She has also returned to a client after a divorce or a death or with the addition of a new baby.

“It’s about relationship building,” says Danielle. “I am growing with the families.”

Jack and Danielle Masucci have made it a point to be there for families in times of sadness, and in times of celebration. They are sharing the love they have for this community and their family and extending it to the families of Brevard.

Danielle finishes with her and her father’s motto: “We want to know what the Masucci family can do for you.”

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HEALTH

Have a Happy, Results-Driven New Year Anytime Fitness’s Suntree location focuses on helping members meet their fitness goals.

By Sara Santora, Managing Editor Photos provided by Anytime Fitness

T

here is a reason why so many people across the country and around the globe list going to the gym as their New Year’s resolution – they aren’t already going. And according to an article in Men’s Health, lack of confidence is one of the main reasons why both men and women avoid the gym, not a lack of desire or discipline. Not only are people self-conscious about their bodies, but there is a lack of confidence that comes with not knowing how to properly use the gym’s equipment. With a lack of knowledge

comes a lack of results, causing people to stop working out altogether.

However, Anytime Fitness’s Suntree location prides itself on being a results-driven facility. Yes, the gym is a convenient 24-hour access gym, but you’re not expected to be an expert. Here, small group fitness classes and one-onone training is encouraged to help you be successful in achieving your fitness goals.

There are a variety of membership levels, which will ultimately determine if you see a personal trainer or how often you participate in a group class, but everyone who joins the gym will have an initial meeting with a coach. In this meeting you will complete a full evolt scan, which will help you to better understand your body. You will also discuss your health and fitness goals, past workout experience, complete a brief warm-up and light workout, and then (hopefully) create a fitness plan for your first 30 days as a member of the gym.

“There are no excuses here,” says owner Erik Hughes. “We have everything here you could want, and want to ensure you are achieving your goals.”

Evolt ⊲

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What’s an evolt scan? Well, it is a body scanner that measures different types of tissue and water throughout your body. When you complete an evolt scan, you will receive an in-depth print out that details where you have the most body fat. For example: do you have a high percentage of visceral body fat? Do you have a lot of water weight? What is actually body fat and what is muscle? Knowing the answers to these questions can help you create more realistic fitness goals. And, there is an app you can

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download which will help you track your progress.

The group classes are also for members of all different fitness backgrounds. The three classes offered are: base, burn and build. A coach will help determine which class is the best fit for you, ensuring you get the workout you need without overdoing it. And, all coaches will have the ability to scale up or scale down each class depending on the members involved, so you won’t be getting the same exact workout in each class.

The point of Anytime Fitness in Suntree is to drive results. They want to be sure you’re completing the recommended workout from your fitness plan so that you can see the positive health changes you’re there to see. Investing in a membership is an overall investment in your health: only good can come from getting the training you desire.

Amenities:

Florida’s largest Anytime Fitness 1800 square feet of turf Three power racks Heart rate monitors to be worn during small group classes (track heart rate and calories burned) Evolt 12 pieces of plate-loaded equipment Dumbbells that go up to 100 lbs

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FEB RUA RY 2020: 47

HEALTH

Three Dog Night Drummer Finds His Rhythm Again LINX procedure fixes musician’s chronic acid reflux.

By Sara Paulson, Health First Photo provided by Health First

A

t the height of his acid reflux, Pat would find himself waking up choking and hacking at night, despite sleeping at a 45-degree angle to alleviate symptoms. Not to mention the horrible heartburn that plagued him daily while traveling as a drummer for the band, Three Dog Night. But after finding himself in Health First’s Viera Hospital for emergency gallbladder surgery, a conversation with surgeon Dr. Kenneth Tieu made Pat realize maybe he didn’t have to live in such misery anymore.

“He said he could fix that easy,” Pat said, adding that his Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) likely affected his singing. “I was not feeling rested, and I am sure it affected my voice.”

After undergoing surgery for the LINX Reflux Management System, Pat’s GERD cleared up immediately. The bracelet-shaped system of flexible, magnetic titanium beads, placed around the esophagus, restores the body’s barrier to acid and bile reflux. The magnetic attraction of the titanium beads allows the esophagus to open and close to let food in or out, should it need to.

“I mean, when you have acid reflux, you just learn to live with it, and you don’t know how bad it was until it’s gone,” Pat said. “The symptoms were completely gone after the surgery.”

The procedure, done laparoscopically under general anesthesia, is used for treating acid reflux when medication no longer provides relief or if patients are seeking an alternative to using acid-suppression medications long-term, which can come with risks.

“It hasn’t slowed me down one bit,” Pat said of the surgery. “And with all the terrible choices for food on the run, I used to get a bad bout of heartburn and acid reflux. That’s all in the past. I have zero symptoms now and feel better than ever.”

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HEALTH

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Trauma Survivor Gets VIP Treatment Health First’s first flight reunites motorcycle accident victim with medical teams who saved him.

By Sara Paulson, Health First Photo provided by Health First

H

olden vividly recalls the moment the semi-truck pulled out in front of his motorcycle on U.S. 1 last October, seconds before he knew a collision was inevitable.

The 22-year-old remembers lying on the concrete, coughing up blood and overhearing someone on the scene saying to his best friend, “Hey, man. Your buddy’s not going to make it.”

That’s why it was so surreal for Holden to visit the medical professionals at Health First’s Holmes Regional Medical Center who saved his life, nearly a year after the crash that almost killed him, leaving him with broken ribs, collapsed lungs, a lacerated spleen and more. Holden was flown in on Health First’s First Flight, the same aircraft that ushered him to the trauma team at Holmes Regional after the accident. In addition, Holden was taken on a tour of

the Trauma Center and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, where he was to be reunited with the doctors, nurses and other associates who saved his life that day.

“It was definitely a whole new experience,” Holden said after exchanging plenty of hugs with associates and getting the VIP treatment. He was elated “seeing everyone, meeting the flight crew, because that part, I don’t even remember. I’m very grateful.”

The day of Holden’s near-fatal accident, he had been riding with a friend after both received tattoo consults. The full-sleeve design he had envisioned morphed into something more meaningful after the experience – a motorcycle angel leading up to the gates of heaven.

“There was no way I would’ve survived that if I didn’t have an angel with me,” Holden said. “I wanted to have a guardian angel on my left arm, close to my heart.”

FEB RUA RY 2020: 49

HEALTH

A Rising Tide in the Health Care Industry

The Scott Center for Autism’s telehealth program helps those with autism get the treatment they need.

By Sara Santora, Managing Editor Photos provided by The Scott Center for Autism

A

utism cases are rapidly increasing across the United States. According to autismspeaks.org, an estimated 1 in 59 children in the U.S. are affected by autism. Even more harrowing, data shows that the number of therapists required to treat all people with autism is about 50% of what’s needed; only half of those diagnosed with autism can receive access to the treatment needed to help cope with the issues autism brings. Four years ago, The Scott Center for Autism at Florida Tech began working on a program to help close this gap. Now, The Scott Center is a leader in telehealth and making autism treatment more accessible, bringing Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) to homes.

Boyd Mark, the director of telehealth for The Scott Center, shared that those at The Scott Center saw a “rising tide” across the health care industry, which was the increased use of telehealth services. Telehealth is the utilization of online services to deliver medical services such as 50 : SPAC ECOA ST L IV IN G | S PAC ECOAST L I V I N G .CO M

pediatrics, dermatology, etc. According to Mark, telehealth is gaining traction because it delivers on what is known as the “triple aim.” Essentially, telehealth services are cheaper, help improve the overall health of populations and increases the accessibility of quality health care services to those who could not otherwise afford health services. Think: you don’t have to leave your home to consult with a doctor, and you can consult your doctor on a more regular basis.

However, as the team noticed a rise in telehealth services, they also noticed the lack of telehealth services for autism treatment. So, Ed and Cheryll Scott, along with Mark and the team of talented researchers at Florida Tech, began working on a comprehensive program to help those they could not service at The Scott Center’s physical campus.

Mark shared that to build their program, they focused on “the family journey:”

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1. Parents become aware that there is something wrong with their child. The parents notice things like, “my child isn’t playing with other kids,” or, “when my child is watching tv and we call their name, they don’t respond to us.” So naturally, the parents search for information online, but with the overabundance of information, they don’t know what to believe or who to trust.

2. Once parents realize there is something wrong, they take their child to have an official assessment and/or official diagnosis.

3. Once their child is diagnosed, a treatment plan is given.

To address the first part in the family journey, The Scott Center decided to create a platform to provide free online education and information to families: autismadvisor.org.

Here, parents can find videos that were custom produced at The Scott Center which help parents recognize the early signs of autism, how to get a diagnosis, what a care team looks like and stories from other parents.

The next phase in the telehealth program was built to help with the second part of the family journey – screening. The Scott Center built screenourkids.org, a HIPAA compliant website where parents can create an anonymous account and screen their child. The site uses the same instruments pediatricians use when screening children but is offered for free. If the screening signals that a child may have autism, you can print out your results and take those to your pediatrician for further help and guidance.

The third phase was the delivery of clinical services. As previously mentioned, there is a shortage in professionals needed to help treat children with autism. Although the local community is fortunate to have The Scott Center, telehealth may be an option for busy families or families who live in areas where in-person services are not readily available. Phase three is meant to help deliver services to

those who cannot gain access elsewhere.

With telehealth, The Scott Center can bring together a team of providers like a senior therapist, and a behavior technician – both provide ABA therapy with the child each week and also consult with and help parents – as well as a psychiatrist who can do, for example, 30 minutes of medication management a month. Because therapists don’t have to spend as much time driving to and from homes and offices, they can service more patients in a day. In this way, telehealth is more beneficial to the client and the provider. Though you could get therapy without telehealth, with telehealth, you can now get an array of coordinated services, all important and necessary in making a positive impact.

Of course, with autism on the rise and a shortage of therapists available, there is still a long way to go in treating autism. But The Scott Center’s telehealth program is shifting the landscape, and is doing its part to help close the gap.

FEB RUA RY 2020: 51

HEALTH

P Parrish Medical Group Offers Region’s First Men’s Reproductive Health Program

arrish Medical Group (PMG) in Titusville has established the region’s only medical practice focused on men’s reproductive health. Prostate health, male fertility, vasectomy reversal, erectile dysfunction and incontinence are treated at PMG by Dr. Mark Licht, a board-certified and fellowship-trained urologist.

Dr. Licht says that men’s urology issues are very common, but most men avoid talking about them, and worse, hesitate or fail to seek treatment.

“I want every man to know that most male urology problems are almost always treatable,” says Dr. Licht. “The reason I focus on this area of medicine is seeing men who thought there was no hope, or no chance for improvement or recovery feel as if they have been given a new life.”

Article and Doctor Photo Provided

by Parrish Medical Group 52 : SPAC ECOA ST L IV IN G | S PAC ECOAST L I V I N G .CO M

Patients are traveling from Miami, Jacksonville and other parts of Florida to seek treatment from Dr. Licht. One patient from Boca Raton says Dr. Licht is a life-changer.

“Dr. Licht enabled me to get my confidence back as a man,”

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conditions that, if left untreated, can become major health issues. In the U.S., one in five men is diagnosed with prostate cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for men.

Approximately 50% of men experience erectile dysfunction at some point in their lives, and another 10% deal with bladder control issues. About 9% of men in the United States struggle with infertility.

Dr. Licht is recognized as an expert on men’s urology and microsurgery and is invited to speak regularly at conferences nationally and internationally. Among the professional acknowledgements Dr. Licht has earned are Most Recommended Physicians in Florida in 2011, Best Doctors in America

by Best Doctors in 2001-2016, and Top Doctors in America by U.S. News & World Report in 2016.

Dr. Licht and Parrish Medical Group are accepting new patients. Dr. Licht is located at 825 Century Medical Drive, Suite B in Titusville.

To schedule an appointment, call (321) 268-6216.

Dr. Mark Licht

the patient said. “I traveled to see Dr. Licht from Boca and I am so glad I did.”

Dr. Licht received his medical education and specialty training at Columbia University, Cleveland Clinic Foundation and Mayo Clinic, regularly ranked at or near the top among American’s health care providers by U.S. News & World Best Hospital list and other ratings organizations.

Parrish Medical Center is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network.

“These important clinical services for men, provided by a physician who is an acknowledged medical authority in these areas, comes out of our continuing assessment of community needs,” says George Mikitarian, president and CEO of Parrish Medical Center/Parrish Healthcare. “It's another way Parrish Healthcare's certified integrated care delivery system serves to fulfill our mission to provide Healing Experiences For Everyone All The Time®.”

An estimated 30 million men in the U.S. suffer from prostate FEB RUA RY 2020: 53

HEALTH | COVER STORY

A New and Improved Treatment Route: First Choice Orthopaedics provides patients with a non-surgical treatment option.

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By Sara Santora, Managing Editor Photography by Jason Hook Facebook: Jason Hook Photography | Instagram: @jasonhookphotography

I

njuries are bound to happen. Whether you lead an active lifestyle or a more sedentary lifestyle, you still move, and are therefore subject to risk. Though you may not think working in an office can put your body at risk, you can still twist your ankle walking to and from your car or pull a muscle as you sit hunched over at your desk. And those who are more athletic can hurt themselves on a run, at the gym or on a hike. But, injuring yourself does not have to result in surgery. In fact, those at First Choice Orthopaedics believe surgery is and should always be a last resort. Your first consultation should be with a physical therapist.

Physical Therapy First According to those at First Choice, three out of four patients avoid surgery when completing physical therapy as their first resort.

Juan Maldonado, PT, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Melbourne Clinic Director with First Choice, shared that physical therapists are now required to hold a doctorate degree. This is because, “they need to have the differential diagnosis knowledge to determine, for example, nonoperative issues.” He explained that physical therapists need to ask questions like, “Is this truly a neuromuscular skeletal issue, or is this more sinister in nature? Is your back pain truly musculoskeletal, or is there a kidney issue here?”

Understanding how to ask and answer these questions gives physical therapists the ability to decide if you do need to see a different type of doctor, or if they can help you with your problem. More often than not, however, physical therapists can help you.

“Let’s use, for example a meniscus tear,” says Maldonado.

“A lot of people don’t know this, but the meniscus itself is a cartilaginous structure – it doesn’t have very good blood flow; however, the periphery does. So, if the tear is more on the peripheral third of the meniscus, chances are, through conservative treatment to include neuromuscular re-education of the knee complex, which will add more stability to the knee and make the joint more congruent itself, then time will heal, and patients won’t have to get surgery or go through postoperative rehab which can be painful.”

The opinion of Dominick Paluso, PT, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) First Choice's Director of Rehabilitative Services, is, “conservative treatment” is always physical therapy. And both agree that this conservative treatment should be the patient’s first resort.

But let’s say you are the 25% of patients that needs surgery.

Well, once you’ve begun physical therapy, “you’ve now developed a foundational base, so you have increased strength, increased size and muscle tissue, so that disuse atrophy after surgery is not going to play such a huge role,” says Maldonado.

“And now ... by building a foundation, your recovery post-op is going to be a lot better than had you just sat down for a few weeks anticipating surgery.”

But, Paluso explained that both he and Maldonado, along with everyone in the physical therapy department with First Choice, believe that all people should be seeing a physical therapist on a regular, annual basis.

“I take my car to get an oil change a couple times each year, and make sure my tires are in alignment … I do that with my car, so why wouldn’t I do that with my personal body?” says Paluso.

“People see their primary care, their OB, so why wouldn’t they see their physical therapist to make sure their body is set up for success? Your body is going to change … your desk setup changes, we can help guide you through and give you corrective exercises. These corrective exercises [and annual visits] can prevent injury.”

Completing an annual check-up with your physical therapist will not only prevent injury, but by extension, prevent surgery.

And, by preventing injury and surgery, you are saving time and money, and are ultimately adding more years to your life.

“Do you know how much money that would save, and the way we practice medicine in general?” says Maldonado. “If we were able to do an annual screening with a physical therapist where we break down the movements, see what the faults are, identify what could lead to a future meniscal tear or future osteoarthritis, no longer are you having to then drain the system with all this imaging, all of this medication that didn’t work and then ultimately leading to a prosthesis for a total knee replacement or total hip replacement, when you could have had an annual checkup and added so many more years to your life ... Medicine needs to move in that direction.”

Interdisciplinary Care First Choice Orthopaedics opened a new physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) center in Merritt Island at the end of January. This new center will allow them to service more patients on the Space Coast and makes PT and OT services more accessible to that part of the community.

“Merritt Island is a very underserved area in the county,” says Paluso. “Expanding the reach gives patients increased access to top-level PT and OT services.”

But what is the difference between physical therapy and occupational therapy? Maldonado and Paluso quickly assured me that most people don’t know the difference, and that in fact, there is a huge gray area when it comes to these two practices.

They explained that physical therapists treat the whole body, from head to toe. Maldonado shared that physical therapists have a knowledge base in every system, and that with this knowledge, physical therapists are trying to improve your

FEB RUA RY 2020: 55

HEALTH | COVER STORY overall function. Paluso shared that occupational therapists typically deal with more “fine motor components” that are required for a specific job. However, a physical therapist can help with that as well, so he further explained that the thing that can typically set an occupational therapist apart from a physical therapist is the focus on improving the ability to perform the activities of day to day living or working as opposed to improving a patients overall movement capabilities.

But, utilizing this gray area as well as the strength of each therapist is what makes First Choice so unique: they’re an interdisciplinary medical center.

Maldonado shared that he once had a patient who required a splint. Splint making was outside of his expertise – the client needed to see an occupational therapist for that – but because First Choice is interdisciplinary, he treated the patient and then coordinated for the client to meet with one of the First Choice occupational therapists who specializes in hand function to have the splint made. Once this was done, the patient continued therapy with Maldonado. With the coordination of PT and OT the patient regained excellent hand function.

If a patient is referred to First Choice and the referral reads, “PT/OT,” First Choice will give you to the first available

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therapist. Because all the therapists work together and communicate openly and effectively, you will receive the highest-quality treatment. First Choice’s Vision is “Continuous Commitment to Orthopaedic excellence and compassionate care.” You will find this is true of the entire physical and occupational therapy team.

Maldonado and Paluso also want patients to understand that they have autonomy when it comes to deciding who they want to see when receiving treatment. If your doctor doesn’t refer you to First Choice, you can request they refer you to First Choice to consult with the physical or occupational therapist team.

“Physical therapists are the neuromuscular skeletal experts,” says Maldonado. “For you to not consider us experts and not seek us out, that’s a disservice to you We’re movement science experts and, in this realm, we’re orthopaedic experts.”

So, the next time you have an injury, or even muscular discomfort, seek out a First Choice physical or occupational therapist, and start on the path to avoid potential surgery and further future injury. First Choice Orthopaedics /Physical Therapy wants to help you get back to your active lifestyle as quickly as possible.

SPONSORED

First Choice Orthopaedics Physical Therapists Dominick Paluso, PT, DPT Director Rehabilitative Services Juan Maldonado, PT, DPT Clinic Director – Melbourne Christy Moore, PT, DPT Clinic Director – Indian Harbour Beach Andrew Griffith, PT, DPT Clinic Director - Suntree Kimberly Yancey, PT, DPT Clinic Director - Viera Whitney Manges, PT, DPT Clinic Director – Barefoot Bay Lissette Guerra, PT, DPT Clinic Director - Palm Bay

First Choice Orthopaedics Physical Therapy Locations | For appointments call: 321.802.5817 Melbourne 709 S Harbor City Blvd #100, Melbourne, FL 32901 Indian Harbour Beach 2030 S Patrick Dr, Indian Harbour Beach, FL 32937 Suntree 6300 N Wickham Rd, #116, Melbourne, FL 32940 Viera 5445 Murrell Rd, Rockledge, FL 32955 Barefoot Bay 8000 Ron Beatty Blvd., Micco, FL 32976 Palm Bay 74311 Norfolk Pkwy Ste 116 West Melbourne, FL 32904 Merritt Island 255 N Sykes Creek Pkwy., Merritt Island, FL 32953

Pictured at the Melbourne PT Clinic, Dr. Juan Maldonado, Clinic Director, First Choice Melbourne PT/ OT Clinic & Dr. Lissette Guerra, Clinic Director, First Choice Palm Bay PT/OT Clinic work with patients, helping them return to their active lifestyle.

FEB RUA RY 2020: 57

HEALTH

Jessica Cassone & Ann Culley

Aging Safely

VNA is going above and beyond to deliver a safe and comprehensive private care line to patients.

By Sara Santora, Managing Editor Photography by Jason Hook Facebook: Jason Hook Photography | Instagram: @jasonhookphotography

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What is Private Care?

The Brevard County VNA office has been open for 20 years.

VNA is a not-for-profit organization, and the Brevard office has primarily been focused on home health, with private care debuting in the spring.

And, with VNA’s private care, patients will receive regular visits from a nurse to oversee their care, ensure caregivers are getting everything done and that the patient and the family are happy. This is complimentary to the client.

ging is an unavoidable part of life. For many, once a certain age hits, simple tasks such as shopping, cleaning the house and even bathing can become too difficult. Because of this, many place their aging family members in nursing homes, where they can be properly cared for. Of course, many seniors would prefer to stay at home, where they feel safe and comfortable. Though this may seem impossible, VNA (Visiting Nurse Association) makes private home care accessible and helps seniors “age safely.”

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Well, private care is based out of your home and can be anything you need. A caregiver can come and help you bathe, help carry groceries into the house, or even sit with you if all you need is companionship. You do not have to be medically homebound to utilize private care – as you would to benefit from home health – meaning, with private care, VNA can stay as long as you need. Because private care is self-paid, clients have flexibility and do not need to a referral to benefit from this program.

SPONSORED

“We feel very strongly that, when you choose a Visiting Nurse Association, a nurse should see you,” says Jessica Cassone, administrator for the VNA private care. “At the level of licensure we are pursuing, a nurse does not have to go out, so a lot of agencies don’t send a nurse out, or they do and they charge for it.” But this is just one way in which VNA chooses to go above and beyond the industry standard, putting families first.

What Makes VNA Different?

Cassone has worked in both the for-profit and not-for-profit health care industries and cites the biggest difference in notfor-profit being that care is always client-centered and clientfirst. And with VNA specifically, there are a lot of regulations in place that help the organization stand out from the rest.

“We are always talking about what it means to serve our patients,” says Cassone. “We’re an agency that puts the patient first, and that’s very gratifying.”

"We are currently rated five stars in satisfaction and four stars in quality," says Ann Culley, executive director of VNA Space Coast.

In regard to the new private care service starting in the spring, VNA is going above and beyond the industry standard to keep patients safe and happy. Because, when you make the decision to leave a loved one home alone with a caregiver, you need to trust that the caregiver can provide safe and proper care.

To ensure this safety, VNA conducts Level 1 and Level 2 background checks on all its employees. The industry standard only requires a Level 2 background check, which is a national check. However, AHCA (Agency for Health Care Administration)

has allowed for exemptions to a variety of offenses, meaning, someone with a criminal record could be cleared to come and work in your home.

The Level 1 check is a state check, which allows for VNA to find offenses that have been cleared by AHCA in the Level 2 check. For example, when completing a Level 1 check, VNA saw someone had a domestic violence charge, for which they had been arrested, prosecuted and found guilty. Had VNA just used a Level 2 check, this person would have been cleared and VNA would not have known their history. But with the Level 1 check, VNA made the informed decision not to move forward with the applicant, as VNA felt this applicant was not suited for a caregiver role. Again, this is not the industry norm, but this is the norm for VNA. “To us, it’s really important to put the right people into our patients’ homes,” says Cassone.

VNA also drug screens all its employees and requires all caregivers in the private care program to receive annual, continued education to sharpen their skills and stay up to date with industry changes. VNA has ensured that the nurses in their private health program are perfectly qualified to take care of you and/or your loved ones.

It can be hard to accept that either you or a loved one can no longer be totally independent; however, VNA helps make the transition safe and easy. For more information, call (321) 522-4868.

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FEB RUA RY 2020: 59

HEALTH

A Personalized Approach

Family Practice of Suntree and Viera focuses on providing local residents with concierge medical care across numerous areas of practice.

By Jack Roth, Contributor Doctor Photo Provided by Family Practice of Suntree and Viera

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rank Ditz, M.D., started Family Practice of Suntree and Viera when he left the U.S. Air Force in 2001.

Although he loved serving his country, he wanted to create an idealistic medical practice to best serve his patients. Attempting to break away from the increasingly institutional and insurance companydriven practice of medicine, Ditz focuses on the doctor-patient relationship and treating patients as a whole rather than just the sum of their parts.

“Nature, God and evolution have made the human body pretty resilient, and listening to patients’ histories as they transition from health to disease or the mechanism of trauma may reveal the key to solving multiple related conditions all with a common cause,” he explained.

Too often, Ditz experienced, doctors find a symptom to treat and do not spend the time and effort to go deeper to reveal the common cause of many of a

patient’s ailments and treat that issue, allowing the others to improve accordingly.

Ditz wants to change this dynamic, which is why Family Practice of Suntree and Viera is not a corporate medical resource. Diagnostic and treatment decisions are made between patient and practitioner, not in a boardroom. This focus on personalized care is part of why Ditz chose to offer concierge medicine through a partnership with SignatureMD. Concierge medicine is a relationship between a patient and a primary care physician in which the patient pays an annual fee or retainer. In exchange for the retainer, doctors agree to provide enhanced care, including principally a commitment to limit patient loads to ensure adequate time and availability for each patient.

“Doctors and providers need ample time to see patients in order to speak with and examine them and get a clear picture of their overall health,” he asserted.

“I care for fewer patients, which allows me to spend quality time with each of them. In the end, the goal is always on finding ways to help patients live longer and achieve the best possible quality of life, and I can better achieve this by spending more time with each patient.”

Besides providing SignatureMD concierge medicine, the practice also offers a variety of aesthetic services such as body sculpting, laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation, injectables, PRP injections and BioTE Hormone therapy. Family Practice of Suntree

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SPONSORED

and Viera has become a center of excellence and training center for both functional and aesthetic medicine, utilizing a family of Cutera medical devices that address a wide range of face and body medical aesthetic applications.

Examples include the Trusculpt ID, which helps patients reshape their bodies by almost painlessly melting body fat in a single non-invasive 15-minute treatment; and the Secret RF, which refines, brightens and rejuvenates the skin in almost any area of the body. The Cutera Xeo and Cutera HR retexture, rejuvenate, return collagen, improve color and appearance of skin, and remove unwanted hair. Ditz also provides the traditional fillers and neurotoxins for the quick treatments many people desire.

their own skin. They want to call their doctor and his staff their friends. We try to provide an environment where patients feel comfortable calling it their medical home.”

For more information or to book an appointment, call Family Practice of Suntree and Viera at 321-522-4720.

Frank Ditz, MD

“We believe in prolonging life traditionally but also increasing the longevity of a full-functioning quality of life for all our patients,” asserted Ditz. “There’s a significant difference between survival and truly living.”

Ditz believes concierge healthcare and treating the whole person is the future of medicine. He also believes there is nothing more important to an individual than his or her health.

“Patients are people, not objects,” he said. “They want to be able to call for help when needed. They want to feel comfortable coming in and getting preventive medical care easily and inexpensively. They want to have their issues truly listened to and fully addressed.

They want to look in the mirror and look good to themselves and others. They want to feel good in FEB RUA RY 2020: 61

HEALTH | PROFILE

SPONSORED

Leslie A. Collins, OD

665 Apollo Boulevard Melbourne, FL 32901 (321) 414-8211 250 North Courtenay Parkway Merritt Island, FL 32953 (321) 453-5700 7775 N. Wickham Rd. Suntree, FL 32940 (321) 255-5200 appointments@brevardeye.com brevardeye.com

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eslie A. Collins, OD is a licensed optometrist with nearly two years of experience practicing medical optometry. She graduated from Ball State University at the age of 20 with a degree in biochemistry. She then attended Indiana University School of Optometry earning her Doctor of Optometry in Spring of 2018.

Dr. Collins was chosen out of all her graduating classmates for a prestigious award, The Scholarship in Excellence for Ocular Disease. She has a passion for patient care and developing relationships with individuals which inspired her to go on to complete a one-year ocular disease residency at IUSO with an emphasis on glaucoma.

Dr. Collins has given lectures to students at IUSO and continuing education lectures to licenses practitioners for the Indiana Optometric Association on retinal, corneal and glaucomatous disease. She has presented clinical cases at the American Academy of Optometry

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meeting and is a grand prize winner for her research in glaucoma at the Heart of American Eye Care Congress hosted annually in Kansas City Missouri. Dr. Collins is currently presenting work to become a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.

Growing up in a small town in Indiana, she was the first generation in her family to get a college degree and has learned more about hard work and what it means to be compassionate from her parents. Every day, she strives to make everyone feel heard and to always give everyone the care she would want her parents to receive.

Dr. Collins grew up a competitive swimmer with a love for the ocean which brought her to Florida to establish herself.

She has been working at Brevard Eye Center since August 2019.

HEALTH | PROFILE

SPONSORED

Dr. Gerald Molloy Neurosurgeon

1747 Evans Rd, Suite #103 Melbourne, FL 32904 6619 N. Wickham Rd Melbourne, FL 32940 (321) 265-7246 (855) 614-7246 info@laserspinebrevard.com laserspinebrevard.com

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aser Spine Brevard encompasses the best BoardCertified Doctors who dedicate their lives to eliminate neck and back pain. Meet one of their Neurosurgeons, Dr. Gerald Molloy. After graduating with his Doctor of Medicine from George Washington University, he became the Chief of Neurosurgery at multiple hospitals across the country. He helped develop one of the most advanced, minimally invasive surgery techniques that uses the Mazor robot and has performed over 6,000 successful spine and brain surgeries. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Dr. Molloy calls Laser Spine Brevard his home because of their commitment to patient care. Their goal is to meet

patients where they are in their journey and develop a patient-specific treatment plan from conservative care to minimally invasive procedures. The advantages of Laser Spine Brevard’s minimally invasive spine surgery are reduced recovery time, high success rate, no hospital stays, lowest infection rate and small incisions. The commitment to quality and exceptional patient care has earned Laser Spine Brevard and its affiliated surgery centers continual recognition from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. See Dr. Molloy and Laser Spine Brevard’s Physicians at their new location in Suntree’s Medical City. Accepting new patients at both locations.

FEB RUA RY 2020: 63

SPONSORED

503 Delannoy Ave Cocoa, FL 32922 321-877-0007 sorianomed.com frontdesk@sorianomed.com

O Victor Soriano Physician

ne of the most impactful figures in Dr. Soriano’s career is Dr. Ricardo Henriques. Dr. Henriques’s love for the art of medicine, as well as the therapeutic relationships he builds with his patients are traits Dr. Soriano believes every physician must exercise in his/her interactions with the community.

Dr. Soriano grew up in the Dominican

Connect them to your company by connecting them to the community Experts agree that the only way to attract and retain the best and brightest talent, is to not only connect them to a career, but to connect them with the community.

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Republic, where he attended Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE) and earned his Doctor of Medicine degree. He began training in internal medicine as an intern at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, NY in 2013 and graduated as a senior resident at Yale-Waterbury Internal Medicine Residency Program (YWIMRP) in Connecticut in 2016.

After finishing training, he earned a position as a Chief Resident at YWIMRP and was able to apply the knowledge, critical thinking and commitment to the care of patients in a compassionate fashion while assisting in the training of residents. After this, he relocated to Brevard County as the assistant medical director of the hospitalist program at Rockledge Regional Medical Center for two years before deciding to start his practice as an independent physician to better serve his patients.

Dr. Soriano is Board-Certified in internal medicine and is an active member of the American College of Physicians. With fluency in English and Spanish, he welcomes patients with acute and chronic conditions.

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DIRECTORY Gatto’s Tires & Auto Service www.gattos.com

Gatto’s Tires & Auto Service is Brevard’s go-to for friendly customer service, leading tire brands and ASE-certified technicians. Started by Mike Gatto in 1971, Gatto’s continues to be a locally owned and operated family business with 6 locations across the county. Whether you have a car, truck, RV or a commercial fleet, Gatto’s is dedicated to providing quality work at an honest price.

Burke Consignment & Gallery

327 N. Babcock St., Melbourne, FL - (321) 917-2815

We offer quality collectibles like Waterford and Lladro, as well as costume and fine jewelry, and original art work. With us, you can find brand name furniture like Drexel, Henredon and Tommy Bahama, that is in such good condition that local interior designers purchase from us. We also buy individual items or whole estates with highend items, which is a great solution for HOA’s that don’t allow estate sales. “Once You Visit, You’ll Keep Coming Back.” Hours of Operation: Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday close at 3:30 p.m.

Garage Experts of Brevard

5585 Schenck Ste #10 Rockledge, FL - (321) 878-8065 The leading lifetime warranty, epoxy floor coating, cabinet and organization company. They install the highest quality lifetime warranty epoxy floor systems as well as custom cabinets and other storage solutions. Garage Experts of Brevard is a local, independently owned franchise with Garage Experts. Call them today for a free estimate on how they can help transform your dirty, dingy garage into an extension of your home.

Central Coast Refinishing (321) 294-7824

Is your bathtub or shower aged and losing its original color? That can change in a matter of 1 day. With a proven product that has been around for over 60 years, your tub/shower will have a brand new look with a finish that lasts. The Kott Koatings process is used throughout the world with its award winning products. Call for a free estimate.

Melbourne City Dance Center

1600 Sarno Rd Unit 106, Melbourne, FL - (321) 425-0111

Melbourne City Dance Center offers Ballet, Ballroom, Jazz, Contemporary, Tap & Musical Theatre programs for all ages and levels taught by world renowned dancers and Artistic Directors of the Melbourne City Ballet Theatre, European and World Champion, Ekaterina Vaganova and Premier of San Francisco Ballet and Vaganova Academy graduate, Artem Yachmennikov in Melbourne, FL! Offering open enrollment throughout the year. Sign up for your trial class today! www.melbournecitydance.com

Sunrise Facial and Oral Surgery

1325 Pine Street, Suite 102, Melbourne - (321) 725-5377

Dr. Rick Schmid has been practicing oral and maxillofacial surgery in Melbourne, Florida since 1983. He is one of only two surgeons in Brevard County that has earned Board Certification as a Diplomate of both the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology. Sunrise surgeons, Drs. Schmid, Kim, and Kossak practice a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery with expertise ranging from corrective jaw surgery, trauma and dental implants to wisdom teeth removal. Website: SunriseOralSurgery.com

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Glamour Lounge

635 S. Wickham Suite 101 West Melbourne, FL - (321) 220-0023 The Glamour Lounge is about more than just creating beautiful hair. Our mission is to help you discover your inner glamour and let it shine through. Our team specializes in creating custom-tailored top trending cuts and color for our clients.

We believe in sustainable hairdressing and are a Green Circle salon.

Hours: Monday 10 am - 3 pm, Tuesday-Thursday 9 am - 8 pm, Friday 9 am - 6 pm and Saturday 9 am - 4 pm.

Sunrise Facial and Oral Surgery 7155 Turner Road, Suntree - (321) 255-7724 Dr. Kim, a respected Board Certified Facial Cosmetic Surgeon, has extensive training in facial cosmetic procedures from Botox to facelifts. He is offering a $3/unit Dysport special until the the end of March 2020. Drs. Schmid, Kim and Kossak practice a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery with expertise ranging from corrective jaw surgery and dental implants to wisdom teeth removal. Visit SunriseOralSurgery.com.

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Forming Well Rounded Students

Brevard County Catholic Schools form students who are confident to explore their passions and learn from Melbourne Palm Bay Merritt Island their experiences in the classroom, community, and on Melbourne Central St. Joseph Catholic School Divine Mercy the field. Dedicated teachers set the bar high for student Catholic High School Catholic Academy Indialantic behavior and accountability. Our safe, faith-filled, and Ascension Catholic School Holy Name of Jesus Cocoa Beach Our Saviour Catholic School nurturing environment encourages students to reach Catholic School Our Lady of Lourdes their full potential. A challenging curriculum prepares Catholic School Rockledge Titusville students for success in college and career.

St. Mary’s Catholic School St. Teresa Catholic School

Serving students in Pre-K3 and VPK4 through 12th grade | Visit BrevardCatholicSchools.org FEB RUA RY 2020: 69

L o c at e d w at e r f r o nt o n the beautiful Indian River Lagoon, River Rocks is Brevard County’s premier waterfront venue. The warm and inviting dining room is the backdrop for contemporary American cuisine focused on fresh local seafood. River Rocks has full banquet facilities, specializing in weddings, receptions and corporate meetings.

Hours Monday 4PM–9PM Tuesday 4PM–9PM Wednesday 4PM–9PM Thursday 4PM–9PM Friday 4PM–10PM Saturday 4PM–10PM Sunday 4PM–9PM

Pineda Crossing Bar & Grill has been serving the area for years and is known as “The Home of the Casual Gourmet,” which means classic comfort food with a gourmet twist.

Some favorites include seafood arriving fresh from the Port and steaks cut from aged midwestern choice beef. A tradition since 1996, Pineda Crossing Bar & Grill is a 16 time Best of Brevard with dishes prepared by a Culinary Institute of America Chef that has been with them for 20 years. Don’t miss out on happy hour here where the locals go.

Hours Monday CLOSED Tuesday 11AM–10PM Wednesday 11AM–10PM Thursday 11AM–10PM Friday 11AM–10PM Saturday 11AM–10PM Sunday 4–9PM

Watch the fishing boats pull up and unload the day’s catch while enjoying some of the freshest seafood on the coast. Open daily for lunch and dinner, Captain Butcher’s features a large deck overlooking the marina.

The happy hour specials at the waterfront bar always draw a crowd and are a local favorite. Inside, the inviting dining room is the perfect spot for a relaxing meal and includes private rooms to accommodate events of all sizes. Come join us!

Hours Monday 11AM–9PM Tuesday 11AM–9PM Wednesday 11AM–9PM Thursday 11AM–9PM Friday 11AM–10PM Saturday 11AM–10PM Sunday 11AM–9PM

The Dock Bar and Grill is open daily for lunch and dinner, featuring a casual seafood menu and handmade crafted cocktails. The 5,000 squarefoot covered waterfront deck is the perfect place to wile away an afternoon or enjoy live entertainment Wednesday thru Sunday evenings.

Hours Monday 11AM–10PM Tuesday 11AM–10PM Wednesday 11AM–10PM Thursday 11AM–10PM Friday 11AM–11PM Saturday 11AM–11PM Sunday 11AM–10PM

321.757.7200

321.259.7760

772.918.4229

321.757-0142

Location

Location

Location

Location

1732 Indian River Drive

6485 S. US-1 Rockledge, FL

6485 S. US-1 Rockledge, FL

US1 & Pineda Causeway 2515 Roberts Road Melbourne, FL

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Sebastian, FL

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Bay Equity Home Loans 3rd place margarita winner Event Organizer, Steve Sharkey

BMW staff

Michelle Tanner, Jenna Bemis

Wave Crest Realty runner up for the Best Margarita on the Lagoon contest: Donna Barnes, Dale Nemeth Jr., Vicki Nemeth

Robin Krasny, Whitney Bobbitt

Roxanne Coates, Sasha Adamson

Raymond Hight & Cassandra Maria Melendez

Dan Smith & Paddling Paradise Team winner of the Best Margarita on the Lagoon contest: Dan Smith, Karren Watson, Manuela Esposito Woodin, Kevin Woodin, Shanon Tates Kole, Michael Kole

BMW Maragritas for Mangroves The 4th Annual BMW Margaritas for Mangroves fundraiser was presented by the Marine Resources Council & hosted by Melbourne BMW. The fundraiser was for MRC's Indian River Lagoon restoration efforts.

Madison Carpenter, Nicole Broquet, Diane Chasick, Kate McMorris, Kate Zehnder, Lillie Newton

Photography by John Buck, Ledonna Polk Stephens and Karren Watson Photos provided by the Marine Resources Council

FEB RUA RY 2020: 71

Brevard Zoo’s Bear Bustle 3k February 8, 2020 7 a.m. – 9 a.m.

Brevard Zoo Cost: Individuals, $30; Teams, $25; Children, $15

“Metalsmithing” Class with Karol Bobb February 8, 2020 10 a.m. – 4p.m.

Studios of Cocoa Beach Cost: $75 plus $6 supply fee

The only race in town that takes you behind the scenes at our local Zoo!

Making jewelry with metal presents some unique challenges. The Studios of Cocoa Beach is hosting “Metalsmithing 101” with Karol Bobb.

In this beginning metalsmithing workshop, students will learn the fundamentals of jewelrymaking including layout, sawing, filing, wire work, dapping, texturing, stamping, finishing and patinas. Just a few tools and supplies are needed for each student to create a cherished work of art!

TWO START TIMES: • 7:00 a.m. - must complete the race UNDER 20 minutes • 7:35 a.m. - a more leisurely pace Finishers will receive: • An opportunity to see Zoo animals on the course • 50% off admission to the Zoo on race day, with your race bib • Food & BEER post run • A chance to win a $500 Disney gift card, as well as an Annual Brevard Zoo Membership Other amenities: • A free Lil’ Bear Kids Run with Zippy the Gecko • Cuddly Bear awards

Karol Bobb is an artist, instructor, and arts advocate who works in pastels, acrylics, and metals as well as mixed media. Her style of multilayered expression is influenced by formal training as a graphic designer. The subject matter often reflects her experiences and exposure to different cultures. Her work can be viewed at: goinglogo.wix.com/karol The class will be held at the Studios of Cocoa Beach, 165 Minuteman Causeway in downtown Cocoa Beach. Register online at www. studiosofcocoabeach.org Students should bring a ball peen hammer, needle file and a Dremel tool if they have one.

Contact Karol for details at 610-505-4023.

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Champagne & Chocolate Sweethearts Sip & Stroll in Historic Cocoa Village February 8, 2020 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Cocoa Village Cost: $25 Grab your sweetheart and come on down to Historic Cocoa Village for the Champagne & Chocolate Sweethearts Sip & Stroll.

In addition to our normal offering of wine and beer sampling and snacks, our merchants may have either champagne or sparkling wine and some chocolate.

Check-in is from 5 till 7 p.m. in the gazebo.

For the ticket price of $25, you will receive a Sip & Stroll commemorative wine or beer glass, a shopping bag and a map of the participating merchants. Don’t forget – your ticket purchase automatically enters you into the drawing for one of our fabulous gift baskets.

For each of the Treasure Zone businesses visited, (marked in red on the map), a chance to win the special Treasure Zone basket is earned. That’s one additional chance to win for EACH Treasure Zone business visited.

Then the fun begins … stroll through the streets of Cocoa Village sampling beer and wines, enjoying treats and taking advantage of merchants’ special deals.

While browsing our many unique shops, you will find that perfect gift for your sweetheart!

Event usually sells out. Buy your tickets early!

Questions? Call Susan at 321-631-9075.

Tickets are available at Ossorio Café & Bakery or online at Eventbrite.com.

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Whiskey in the District February 8, 2020 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Downtown Eau Gallie Cost: $90

Valentine’s Day Red & White Affair February 14, 2020 5 p.m. – 2 a.m.

St. Louis Caribbean Island Cuisine Inc. Cost: $25

Start 2020 off with the premiere event Whiskey in the District in the Eau Gallie Arts District. This spirited celebration delivers the complete whiskey experience to the aficionado, the casual enthusiast, as well as the curious newcomer. The event features a ticketed VIP area as well as an open-to-the-public component. Tickets provide the best overall experience as it provides a hospitality tent with full catering, dessert bar, non-alcoholic beverages and, the highlight of the event, whiskey sampling of some of the very best whiskeys and bourbons managed by brand ambassadors. The public is free to enjoy the activities on Highland Avenue with live music, food trucks, bars and more. Proceeds serve to support EGAD Main Street to further their mission of redeveloping the arts district.

“World Class Promotions” is proud to present a special Valentine’s Day Event.

To start off the night, the Dinner show will be hosted by the hilariously funny, Vince Taylor & Friends. At 9 p.m., rock away with three of the best DJs ever (DJ S. Class “the Beautiful” Invader “The Bad” & DJ Boom “The Ugly”) For our Red & White Affair!!!

As we get ready for the night’s highlight, a live performance by world renowned Reggae recording artist, Singer J. & more special guest performers! This will truly be an event you don’t want to miss. There will also be dancers and more for your enjoyment and entertainment. Please call 321-600-1234 for reservations and more information.

Melbourne Municipal Band Concert “Staci’s Top Ten” February 19, 2020 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Melbourne Auditorium FREE Free Concert by an 80-member Concert Band. Staci Rosbury is celebrating her 10th season as conductor of the Melbourne Municipal Band, plus her 50th birthday is in February. This concert will be the centerpiece of the season! Come hear one of Staci’s favorite selections from each of the 10 seasons she has been on the podium. We also have some new pieces, selected just for this special birthday/ anniversary concert! Come enjoy this milestone with the MMB. Pre-show at 6:30 by Adagio Sax Quartet

Inaugural Space Coast Hangar Party February 22, 2020 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum Who: The Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse to host the first of its kind fundraiser, replicating a 1940’s vintage swing dance WWII Hangar Party When: Saturday, February 22, 2020, from 5 -11 p.m.

Where: Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum, 6600 Tico Road, Titusville.

Why: The fundraiser to benefit the Playhouse and honor the 75th Anniversary of the conclusion of WWII. FEB RUA RY 2020: 73

Submit Your Event 5th Annual Mardi Gras Pub Crawl February 22, 2020 6 p.m. – midnight.

Cocoa Village Cost: $18 in advance/ $25 day of Tickets get you: Six (6) drinks.

Come get your Mardi on at this exciting and popular theme event. Costume Contests and other shenanigans. 50/50 drawing for The Children’s Hunger Project.

First Stop Norman’s Raw Bar, followed by Elks Lodge 1532, Murdock’s Bistro, George & Dragon, Pub Americana and Dog N Bone.

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Sculptor Charter School’s A. Max Brewer Bridge Back to the 80’s 5K February 22, 2020 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Max Brewer Bridge Cost: $20 Sculptor Charter School’s A. Max Brewer Bridge Back to the 80’s 5K will be a costume-themed run over the picturesque A. Max Brewer Bridge at sunset.

Gateway to Space February 29, 2020 3 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Kennedy Space Center Launch and Landing Facility Cost: $20-$50 The American Cancer Society brings the fight against cancer to the historic Launch and Landing Facility (formerly known as the Shuttle Landing Facility) at Kennedy Space Center through Gateway to Space.

New to 2020 is a full weekend experience starting with a family event on Saturday night that will include an extra mile fun run, an opportunity to be recognized as a cancer survivor and a ceremony to remember those we have lost to the disease. Sunday the 5K and 10K race participants will be escorted to the LLF for a race experience that’s out of this world.

Dress up in your favorite 1980s style, think musician/celebrity/fads from the ‘80s and/or break out the brightly colored spandex! Race SWAG includes the muchrequested finisher medal for the first 625 participants to cross the finish line, it’s totally radical! (glows in the dark too!) The custom collectible t-shirt is wrapped in a custom glow in the dark wristband. The chili packet included will tantalize your taste buds and don’t forget all of the great door prizes you are automatically entered to win.

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BREVARDCOUNTYEVENTS.COM There are many things to do on the Space Coast. Don’t miss out on the fun! Head to BrevardCountyEvents.com for a comprehensive list of events that are happening around the Space Coast. To be listed in our calendar, submit your event at www.brevardcountyevents.com.

SEE AND BE SEEN Sign up for the Brevard County Events e-newsletter.

Specially developed to keep you up-to-date on all the latest news, announcements and happenings around the Space Coast! Sign up online at: SpaceCoastLiving.com.

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SNEAK PEAK | SPACE COAST BUSINESS COVER STORY

W+J Construction Storied Past, Dynamic Future

(Above) New W+J Construction headquarters;; Photo provided by W+J Construction (Right) Photography by Jason Hook

T

hough the company is over 50 years old and has executed some of the most iconic building projects in the region, co-owner Erik Costin wanted to make a statement about W+J’s future. With a construction portfolio that includes everything from historic Launch Complex 39A and the stunning Saturn V Exhibit, to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Rockledge, designed by world renowned architect Michael Graves, their new headquarters speaks to a new trajectory for W+J in the decades to come.

“We wanted to make a statement about the type of company we are and where this area is going, as its diverse and cutting-edge economy continues to expand,” Costin said. “There is a new wave of innovative businesses, along with engineers and digital technologists moving to the Space Coast, which are attracting development investors who want to see something beyond the typical architecture that has characterized the area.”

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The new headquarters, on Viera Blvd., has an appealing contemporary exterior design, matched by a soaring interior, with glass enclosed offices and minimalistic design features. The interior spaces not only project the modern feel the company was looking for, but the glass offices convey the open, transparent and collaborative culture that has come to differentiate W+J. According to Nick Witek, who was the face of the company for decades, initially he thought perhaps the design was a little “too edgy.” “When I saw the reaction, prospective clients had when they visited out offices, who were from larger metropolitan markets, there is a surprising and unexpected ‘wow’ factor. That sold me on the idea,” Witek said.

The 19,024 SF facility, named “Glendale Park,” is a nod Costin’s development partner Dr. Vishnu Patel made to the blue collar, working class neighborhood he grew up by in Boston. The building is home to W+J Construction

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and its subsidiaries, ADI Development and Trivium Luxury Homes, along with the offices of Florida Today.

Complex? No Problem.

W+J has always gravitated towards challenging projects that other construction companies might shy away from.

But they have recruited a team of professionals, from some of the largest and most recognizable firms in the state, which make the challenges of these unique and many times complicated ventures part of the norm.

“There are several factors that have contributed to our ability to attract this caliber of talent. First, they are so experienced and skilled, that it has naturally generated a rather flat management organization, where they anticipate problems and self-manage their projects. This enables them to enjoy a good deal of independence,” Costin explained. “Secondly, we have a pervasive attitude of customer service that Nick (Witek) established at W+J, that is based on how we treat our people. This in turn carries over into the interactions our team has with clients. Often, it creates a relationship where customers are already thinking about us, when the next project comes around.”

The third factor Costin alluded to was the attraction his employees have to living and working on the Space

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SNEAK PEAK | SPACE COAST BUSINESS COVER STORY Coast. Many of his key people came here to work on projects for these larger firms and through W+J, found a way to stay here and live, while experiencing the same rewarding professional challenges.

of an 11-acre site and includes a six-acre parking lot for associates. The project involved three phases, including the newer building, a parking area and remodeling the existing building.

Their customer centric approach has paid dividends with a variety of companies in the ever-growing health care sector, including many of those that call Brevard home, like Health First.

This project was just one facet of W+J’s experience in the health care arena. They have completed eight Fresenius Kidney Care facilities throughout the state, since building their first one on Malabar Road in Palm Bay in 2016.

These state-of-the-art facilities range in size from 5,600 to over 10,000 square feet, where dialysis patients can

Carving Their Niche in Health Care The constantly evolving nature of health care has kept Health First on a growth and innovation curve. Along with several projects involving the remodeling or repurposing of existing facilities at all the Health First hospitals, two years ago, W+J also completed one of their office complexes – the Health First Business Center in Rockledge.

The two-story, 45,000-squarefoot administration building for Health First occupies a portion (Below and right) Health First Business center Photos provided by W+J Construction

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SPONSORED

undergo treatment at locations that are conveniently located within a short commute to their homes.

Building Brevard’s Future ADI Development is the perfect partner for W+J Construction, which grew out of the medical construction work Costin did with Dr. Vishnu Patel. ADI’s strategy approaches the small business owner, like a developer might approach a renter, who hopes to own their own home. Business owners can, as they say, “Own your own future,” as ADI enables the small to medium size business owner to purchase, rather than perpetually lease, the building they occupy.

“Most small business are paying for someone else’s longterm asset. We provide a mechanism where they are able to pay themselves,” Costin said. In addition, they believe this area is ripe for the kind of corporate headquarters that have made Lake Mary one of the most desirable live and work communities in Central Florida. “In my opinion the only thing keeping mid to large corporations from locating to this area is existing corporate office inventory,” he added.

Their first major foray into this type of development will be a multi-story office building, with possibly first story

Fresenius Kidney Care in Palm Bay Photo provided by W+J Construction

restaurant/retail space, just off the Pineda Causeway, in Palm Shores. With beautiful views of the Indian River, along with easy access to Viera, Merritt Island and the beaches, it is the ideal location for those who want to take advantage of the incredible housing opportunities that are within a short, leisurely commute to work. Add to that, it is on US 1 and minutes from I-95, which makes it the perfect location.

“Smart growth strategies demand that corporate workspace be located conveniently near the best residential areas and transportation arteries. What makes this community so amazing and why I personally love it so much, is it has the perfect balance between great business opportunities and an unparalleled lifestyle,” Costin said. “Trivium Luxury Homes, ADI Development and W+J Construction are all part of building and maintaining that synergy here, for years to come.”

Fresenius Kidney Care in Pembroke Pines Photo provided by W+J Construction

FEB RUA RY 2020: 79

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

Find a primary care provider you can trust by calling 321.408.5256 or visit HF.org/pcp