Viera Vision, Volume 19, Issue 1

BIKE & PARK SAFETY I N V IER A

Reminders can be very helpful any time of year and when it comes to summer safety, it is important for everyone to keep a careful eye out for anyone on a bike, in a crosswalk, driving a golf cart, visiting a local park, or playing in a pool. The information contained here provides you with visuals on several important safety procedures and also great links to obtain more information on these topics. Please share the information with others, discuss with your family and even tear out and hang in your garage next to the equipment.

As summer moves into fall and a new school year begins, be alert and watch for children

on sidewalks and in crosswalks. Remember, the crossing guard is the rst to enter and the last to leave the street and school speed zones are posted at 15 to 20 miles per hour.

We wish you all the fun the last part of summer brings and have a wonderful and safe school year.

Protect yourself from UV rays: SLIP on a shirt

SLOP on sunscreen

Watch for pedestrians crossing

Ride with cautionStay clear of parked cars and the door zone

Additional safety information: PoolSafely.gov/ SafeKids.org/safetytips

Cancer.org/healthy/be-safe-in-sun.html

Facebook.com/SCTPO

cdc.gov/healthequity/features/kidsafety/

Keep a distance of at least 3 feet from a bicyclist when passing

PARK & POOL RULES

• Parks open dawn to dusk

• NO glass containers

• NO alcohol

• Park reservations must be made about 6-8 weeks prior to event and require a deposit

• Signs are posted at each pavilion for pool safety procedures

• Signs are posted at each dog park for safety procedures

• Supervision of children is strongly recommended

Go with the flow of tra cFollow the signs and tra c signals

Stop behind the crosswalk at the stop bar

Be visible at night with white front lights and red rear lights and reflectors

“Slip! Slop! Slap!® & Wrap!”

SLAP on a hat

WRAP on sunglasses to protect the eyes and skin around them

Donald M. Marumoto Memorial Fund

Nanialei Golden, MD

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

The team involved in the redesign of the Viera Vision magazine is very proud of this new look for 2023. We wanted to remain true to the new businesses that call Viera home, showcase the tremendous achievements by our students, and bring you some new stories that focused on a “behind-the-scenes” theme within the photography and story-telling. I’m also letting you in on a little secret: I broke my leg earlier this year and it delayed the magazine from the regular publishing schedule for a few months. But, it worked into a wonderful opportunity to expand the publication and provide our readers with a reversed add-on with a look back at our Viera history.

The Top 10 designation (you will read about this in the coming pages) is an accomplishment that we are very proud to share. It is an effort made by many individuals, running through the fabric of Viera, that continue to lift us into the upper echelon of MasterPlanned Community (MPC) designations. We welcome all our new residents and encourage them to participate and enjoy all the best attributes that Viera has to offer.

The reverse flip allows you to dive into our historical archives of photos and accomplishments over the last 30 years. We pulled quotes from various Duda family members and company leaders to provide context and to highlight how powerful the mission remains and it is in the forefront of everything we do in Viera.

I’m also happy to announce that we won another American Advertising Federation of the Space Coast Silver ADDY Award for our cover in 2022. The cover highlighted all the fun amenities you can find in Viera within our cover shot of models playing rink hockey at a local park.

Have a wonderful new school year! We are looking forward to more business openings, home closings and celebrations in the coming months.

Stephanie Byrd Editor in Chief, Viera Vision

(Left to Right) Stephanie Byrd, Melissa Gayle, and Robin Aldridge

The A Grade * Congratulations to our local schools who acheived outstanding accomplishments during the 22-23 school year

PRESIDENT

Todd Pokrywa

EXEC. VP SALES, MARKETING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Scott Miller

VP SALES & MARKETING

Mary Mead

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Stephanie Byrd

STAFF EDITORS

Carmen Vastola, Laurie Widzgowski, Todd Pokrywa, Scott Miller, Karen Esposito

SENIOR WRITERS

Maria Sonnenberg, Stephanie Byrd, Linda Brandt

COVER PHOTO

Jason Carter

MAGAZINE DESIGN

Dana Vinci, Linda Brandt, Tina Shea

HISTORICAL DESIGN COVER AND LAYOUT

Tina Shae, Linda Brandt, Julian Bennett

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photos provided by subject unless otherwise noted.

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY

Stephanie Byrd

PUBLISHER

The Viera Company

LEGAL

Jay Decator, Ben Wilson

VIERA VISION IS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF

Articles and advertisements printed in Viera Vision do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. The Viera Company and Viera Vision assume no liability for the content and shall not be held liable for any errorsor omissions.

©2023. All rights reserved. Any reproduction, in whole or part, is prohibited without written permission from the publishers.

*All school achievements were gathered by May 10, 2023. We apologize in advance if we did not include your achievement.

VIERA VISION MAGAZINE 7380 Murrell Road Suite 201 Viera, Florida 32940

(321) 242-1200 VIERA.COM

01.

TOP 10 DESIGNATION

Viera is designated as a Top 10 Master-planned community in the United States.

Viera, on Florida’s Space Coast, continues to demonstrate that its highly sought after location is more insulated to real estate headwinds experienced nationally. I am proud of the dedicated team at The Viera Company and the many external stakeholders whose value creation efforts have led to this accomplishment.

Todd Pokrywa President, The Viera Company

TOP 10 DESIGNATION

Viera has always had a unique selling point as a Master-Planned Community (MPC). It started with a family decision and it continues to thrive on this action time and time again. Like the generations before them, members of the Duda family in the early 1980s understood the value of what they inherited and the importance of a future vision. It would also be a decision made together, as a family, with generational stakeholders, business associates, investors, and advisors. They believed the Viera community should be diverse with the best attributes of a small town and create the opportunities to know your neighbor and participate in its daily success.

As a fifth-generation family-owned company, A Duda & Sons started in 1926 as a small celery farm and today is a diversified land company with subsidiary companies in agriculture, cattle, sod, real estate (including commercial and home building), and other related business. The Duda family values guide them as a faith-based company that includes a stated purpose to “Multiply and Share in God’s Blessings”. The company will celebrate their 100 years in business next year.

MPC ATTRIBUTES

The area will continue to grow based on the textbook style of a master-planned community with the attributes that act as starting blocks: 1) a strong vision with a comprehensive plan; 2) a unified community with distinctive signage, entry features, and architectural/design standards with landscaping; 3) a variety of housing styles that must also have a common space with amenities; 4) a means of interaction among neighbors; 5) provide educational opportunities, encourage neighborhood shopping and services, and nearby healthcare options; and 6) the plan must still be flexible enough to be responsive to the market and environmentally sensitive to nurture the lifestyle of the residents that inhabit it.

The attributes of a good team are those that participate in outside counsel and seek out experienced members in their field. The experience of the Duda family, employees, and others has led everyone to this very important milestone in the timeline. What is a fundamental marker that could signify a major accomplishment or a checkpoint to help measure Viera’s progress and ensure it is reaching a successful MPC goal?

In early 2023, the Duda family and the management team were extremely proud to be designated as a Top 10 master-planned community in 2022 by RCLCO, who has been a leader in the real estate consulting industry with case studies, resources, and leadership summits. According to their Top-Selling Mas-

ter-Planned Communities Report, MPCs have “historically increased their market share in times of uncertainty because of their insulation from broader market trends.” According to RCLCO, the state of Florida represented about 46% of sales among ranked master-planned communities with Texas following behind at 30%. The surveys are used as a tool to monitor the health of the for-sale housing industry. Viera was also given a new ranking from John Burns Consulting, a similar leader in the field of real estate consulting and nationwide measurement, moving up to 8th place within their Top 10 list. To carry out this ongoing plan and the move up in the yearly rankings is a daily push forward by everyone who is in contact with the Viera community.

PROOF POINTS

But what does that Top 10 designation mean to the residents of Viera? It is a proof point that their family decision to live, work, invest, play, grow, build, or learn in Viera is a good one. The area prides itself on the high graduation rate and engagement between parents and school administrators and staff. Outdoor life is enhanced by the trails, parks, playgrounds and other amenities to keep the members of the immediate and even extended family, as well as the residents, healthy. Business owners are also part of this family decision process. They may have moved to Viera to open a local franchise or run a medical practice and those types of decisions are life-changing moments. The designation also flows into the culture of local philanthropy as the volunteers who sit on their community association boards do so because they value their role in the success of the community and its ability to thrive. The physical connectivity of the community is found in the interiors of the neighborhoods with sidewalks and paths that extend out to the schools, parks and business centers. These elements combined make for a thriving community that has an investment mindset on the ideas behind the family decision to live, play and stay motivated to grow in a Top 10 community.

02.

in Borrows West

Homewood Suites and Hilton Garden Inn breaking ground in Viera.

The Homewood Suites by Hilton and the Hilton Garden Inn help fulfill the vision for the commercial mixed-use hub of Borrows West in Viera.

Hotel chains love Viera for the same reasons its residents do.

The unbeatable recipe of easy accessibility to Interstate 95, a robust economy, and the tourist magnets of Brevard provided the impetus for Indianapolis-based General Hotels Corporation’s decision to site a Homewood Suites by Hilton and a Hilton Garden Inn at Borrows West.

“We knew of the area through one of our investor partners,” said Glenn Brook, principal with GHC Development and former Executive Vice President with General Hotels Corporation.

“We investigated and discovered what a great area it is.”

The company’s original plan was for one hotel, but Borrows West--where offices, medical facilities, entertainment and dining venues and multi-family opportunities are planned---was too good for just one.

“We were so impressed with Viera that we changed our plans from one hotel to two,” added Brook.

The hotels are being developed at the southwest quadrant of Interstate 95 and Viera Boulevard.

Todd Pokrywa President, The Viera Company

Fulfilling the Vision

“The Homewood Suites by Hilton and the Hilton Garden Inn help fulfill the vision for the commercial mixed-use hub of Borrows West in Viera,” said Todd Pokrywa, President of The Viera Company. “Both projects deliver a much-needed supply of additional hotel rooms for visitors to Viera and in proximity to USSSA [United States Specialty Sports Association] Space Coast Complex and the adjacent potential future corporate offices. The Viera Company is thrilled at the addition of these new lodging assets in our top-selling master-planned community.”

Vice

General Hotels Corporation, which is developing the hotels in partnership with Weathervane Capital Partners, intentionally staggered opening dates for the project, with Homewood Suites expected to open in the spring of 2024, followed by Hilton Garden Inn during the summer.

“They’re both very upscale products,” said Trina Black, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for General Hotels Corporation.

GHC operates a range of hotel brands, from Marriott and IHG to Choice and Hyatt Place, in nine

It will be a fantastic location to view rocket launches.

Trina Black Executive

President of Sales and Marketing, General Hotels Corporation

states. In addition to the two Viera properties, the company is constructing a new hotel in Estero, located in southern Lee County between Ft. Myers and Naples.

The two neighboring Viera hotels will draw strength from each other. “Having two hotels allow for better efficiencies in terms of staff and business,” said Brook.

“They complement each other, and each brand has a certain clientele.”

The new Homewood Suites will join a chain of approximately 500 hotels with 58,000 rooms. The brand was founded in 1989 in Omaha, Nebraska.

TheViera

The Hilton Garden Inn chain includes more than 862 properties with more than 126,000 rooms in 49 countries and territories. Hilton founded the brand in the late 1980s under the first name of CrestHill by Hilton.

Over 300 new rooms and suites

Homewood Suites will feature 131 suites that average 550 square feet each. Breakfast is complimentary, even though all suites include a full kitchen. The building will be encircled by a hardscape that invites guests to enjoy the Viera weather and includes a pool, firepit with seating and an outdoor kitchen with grill.

A definite bonus for extended-stay travelers or for vacationers eager to refresh their wardrobe during their trip are the washer and dryer featured in the one-bedroom suites.

“The suites work well with extended stays as well as for short stays,” Black said.

At 500 square feet in size and with a microwave and mini-fridge in each, the average Hilton Garden Inn room offers ample elbow room for extended stays, but the hotel will not offer suites. An on-site restaurant will serve breakfast and dinner at the 208-room hotel.

The jewel in the crown at the Hilton Garden Inn, for both guests and locals alike, will be the rooftop bar.

“It will be a fantastic location to view rocket launches,” said Black.

The rooftop will also offer an expansive view of the existing 30acre lake and surrounding trails in Borrows West.

Open to guests as well as to the general public, the rooftop bar will offer a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, complemented by a menu designed for grazing.

“The rooftop bar is special,” said Brook. “It is meant to complement the atmosphere of Borrows West.”

Company is thrilled at the addition of these new lodging assets in our top-selling master-planned community.

Todd Pokrywa President, The Viera Comany

The Inn’s pool should prove another visitor magnet, since the cabanas included in the design will be available for private parties.

Although the interiors of both properties are dictated by the brand, both hotels will feature artwork that nods to Space Coast attractions. Art at the Garden Inn will celebrate beach culture. “Bright colors, palm trees, but in a very modern display,” said Black.

Homewood Suites, on the other hand, will display more of a space theme.

Guests will be able to purchase locally made items in “The Suite Shop” and “The Shop.” Fitness centers and guest laundry round out the list of amenities at both hotels.

Brook anticipates that the guest list will include both business and leisure travelers. The new hotels’ proximity to the USSSA Space Coast Complex in Viera will provide convenient lodging for participants in the stadium’s slate of events.

“They are the closest hotels to the complex,” said Brook. “This area is booming in major growth mode. There is tremendous need for these hotels.”

Having two hotels allow for better efficiencies in terms of staff and business. They complement each other, and each brand has a certain clientele.

Glen Brook Principal, GHC Development

03.

BEHINDTHE SCENES

John Burns Real Estate Consulting LLC and RCLCO Real Estate Advisors released their Top-Selling Master-Planned Community lists which included the sales performance of all the top selling Master-Planned Communities across the United States. Viera moved into the Top 10 Best-Selling Master-Planned Communities due to the exceptional efforts of each of the authorized builders in Viera.

Partnering with award-winning architects and innovators, the team at Viera Builders continues to use the advancements in construction methods and materials to cement their reputation as a builder of quality, integrity and innovation. Customers are encouraged to visit the design showroom and work with the professional design consultants to make a customer’s lifestyle become the center point within the home design. They were named as one of the fastest growing builders in the nation by Professional Builder Magazine in the 2020 Housing Giants report.

321.204.0797

Building in Brevard for over 49 years, they enjoy providing their customers with individualized and personal service. From home site selection to design construction, the Joyal family has the local knowledge, contacts and experience to bring the best resources together for their customers. They are very selective in the projects they accept and this business model allows them to maintain a high level of personalized service to each homeowner.

321.254.0997

As a third generation Brevard homebuilder, Stanley Homes believes in providing customers with the ultimate flexibility and convenience. They design residences with families in mind and their attention to detail ensures you will feel a sense of pride every time you mention the name. The president, Jason Stanley, received the 2013 Builder of the Year award from the local HBCA of Brevard.

321.369.9160

The recipe for their award-winning style is equal parts care and passion. Building with pride, style and vision within each custom home is a bond between builder and owner that endures long after they complete a custom home. The essence of their success is within their employees and subcontractors who are committed to delivering a home that will allow each homeowner a lifetime of enjoyment and satisfaction.

321.757.3247

As a perennial industry innovator, they have the distinct advantage of best-in-class building resources, innovative design and budgeting software, as well as their unrelenting efforts to meticulously craft homes they would be proud to call their own. There’s nothing offthe-shelf about their vast collection of over 300 award-winning customizable home designs with 3D technology to product plans you can experience virtually.

321.501.3424

With a fusion of modern luxury homes and a Florida lifestyle, Elan Builders builds homes that feature clean lines, open living spaces, contemporary architectural details, premium finishes and state-of-the-art living efficiencies. All home designs are created by nationally recognized architect Phil Kean, AIA, and each design appeals to a distinct homeowner who enjoys the contemporary blending of indoor and outdoor environments.

321.241.6508

A promise to build smarter, cleaner, and more efficient homes, the team at LifeStyle Homes is committed to helping customers live a better life at a lower cost. They were the first builder in Brevard County to complete the Department of Energy’s “Builders Challenge” program and build a solar powered “extreme” home in 155 hours. They were also featured on ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Employees are inspired daily by the values of small-town America.

321.727.8188

The team at CDS Builders has a combined 60 years of experience building homes in Brevard County, you can take comfort in their financial stability and their dedication to the continued growth and prosperity in their local communities. They have deep roots in the community and understand the lifestyle, the culture, and what it’s like to call the Space Coast home. Discover CDS Builders, where their focus is to make every step in the process a little bit better.

321.419.4441

Pulte has been in the homebuilding industry for over 70 years. They rely on quality construction and a simplified buying experience that includes innovative and personalized floor plans. In addition to local building requirements, Pulte Construction follows their own standards that meet or exceed those of the industry by using their field managers and third-party inspectors.

407.214.3005

WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION

Making their mark in a male-dominated field.

President

Robin Aldridge

Robin Aldridge’s blood type matches her attitude. “My blood type is B+ and that’s my motto,” said Viera Builders’ Vice President of Construction. Aldridge has relied on her positivity to rise through the ranks of the testosterone-rich construction industry, considered one of the most male-dominated fields in the world. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics*, women compose 46.8 percent of the United States workforce, but only 10.9 percent of workers in the construction industry are female.

Part of the industry for thirty years, Aldridge is a trailblazer who routinely challenged stereotypes and paved the way for more women to enter the field. “I have had to deal with many uncomfortable situations over the years, but there is no crying in construction.”

Because of pioneers such as Aldridge, the industry is slowly adding more women to its workforce, particularly in project management, where women, experts at multitasking and mediating, particularly excel.

Many of these workers, like Aldridge, did not grow up in the industry and thus bring fresh ideas and skill sets to the table.

Aldridge moved to Florida with her husband in the early 90s. “I majored in public affairs and anthropology, with a minor in writing,” said the Vermont native, who worked in contract administration after college.

I look for those moments when I can provide challenges to my team and still give them the support they need for on-going success.

Vice

of Construction, Viera Builders

Robin Aldridge Vice President of Construction, Viera Builders

The job landscape awaiting her in the Sunshine State had few paths in public affairs and anthropology, but plenty of trails in construction, and Aldridge accepted the bumps she would have to navigate along these roads. “I didn’t have any homebuilding experience, but I’m a lifelong learner and always ask lots of questions,” she said.

Viera Builders has a long-standing reputation within their internal teams to trust each other while verifying the work. Robin is always leading forward and sees the possibilities in everyone’s future position on her team. “I look for those moments when I can provide the challenges to my team and still give them the support they need for on-going success,” said Aldridge.

A PIONEER

Thirty years ago, she began in commercial construction in that quintessential Florida tourism attraction, Disney World. “We were busy building roads and bridges at Disney,” Aldridge said.

From roads and bridges Aldridge moved on to residential construction for builders such as Park Square Homes, a well-respected residential and resort development company in Orlando. Less than 10 percent of contractors are women, but Aldridge is one of that elite group of ladies to hold a residential contractor’s license.

Among the many homes she helped build was a 5,000 square foot, two-story Park Square Homes beauty in St. Cloud. Not only was the residence large, but it went up at amazing speed. “We built it in 34 days,” she said.

Seven years ago, Viera Builders hired Aldridge as the company’s first female superintendent. Promotions over the years followed and she was well-suited to follow the path from senior superintendent, then area manager, then director of construction and finally to her current title as head of construction.

While she has spent many years “out in the dirt,” as she calls working in construction sites, these days she is often behind a desk as she oversees the architecture and construction of Viera communities such as Avalonia, Sierra Cove and Sendero Cove, Pangea Park, Laurasia and Reeling Park North and South. Her job involves logistics, communication and delegation,

Melissa Gayle Architectural Manager, Viera Builders

and it also keeps her behind a desk. “I am out in the field only about 30 percent of the time these days, and I do miss talking to the subcontractors as much as I used to,” she said.

LITTLE GIRL’S DREAM REALIZED

For many years, Aldridge was often the only woman on the job. Fortunately, numbers are steadily increasing for women entering construction. One of Aldridge’s colleagues at Viera Builders is Architectural Manager Melissa Gayle. Unlike Aldridge, Gayle had plans to enter the field since she was a little girl drawing dream homes.

“I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was already doing floor plans,” she said.

When she entered Titusville High School, she enrolled in drafting classes as soon as she could. A career-shadowing internship for six months turned into a permanent job for Gayle, who earned vocational certification in drafting and holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Central Florida.

During the 17 years that she has been part of the building industry, Gayle has seen more and more women choose the drafting field for their careers. “It’s now about 50/50 in our department,” she said.

Gayle, part of the Viera Builders team for five years, oversees a staff of seven tasked with developing and maintaining the more than 500 building plans that will eventually transform into

dream homes for the residents of communities such as Pangea and Laurasia.

Spending considerable time manipulating AutoCAD commercial computer-aided design and drafting software application is a big part of the job, but so is meeting with clients who take advantage of Viera Builders’ “Our Plans, Your Ideas.” customization options, which starts with the company’s home plans as the jumping point for floor plan modifications that deliver unique, distinctive spaces. “It’s always fun and interesting to meet with the clients, because you are helping to make their dream home a reality,” she said.

When framework goes up in a Viera Builders home, Gayle is called to the site to help troubleshoot issues. “I enjoy getting to see the houses go up,” she said.

On any given day, Gayle may be juggling and fine-tuning between a dozen to 20 plans for homes. Picking favorites among the hundreds of houses she has helped construct is as impossible as picking favorites among offspring. “I am proud of every single one of all the houses we’ve done,” she said.

Aldridge and Gayle are representative of a trend in construction. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that women have been increasingly entering the construction industry since 2016. Last year, during a speech at the North American Building Trades Union’s Tradeswomen Build Nations Conference, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo unveiled the Million Women in Construction Initiative and its goal of doubling the number of women in construction in the next decade.

It’s always fun and interesting to meet with the clients, because you are helping to make their dream home a reality.

Melissa Gayle Architectural Manager, Viera Builders

Robin Aldridge, Vice President of Construction, Viera Builders (left) Melissa Gayle, Architectural Manager, Viera Builders (right)

To women interested in a career in building but hesitant to jump in, Aldridge suggests embracing the opportunity to shine in what had for too long been a man’s world. “Don’t let others tell you what to do or what you are capable of doing,” she said.

Gayle agrees. “Just go for it,” she recommends. “Hard work and passion will shine through.”

Resources: https://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat18.htm

Robin Aldridge, Vice President of Construction, Viera Builders (left) Melissa Gayle, Architectural Manager, Viera Builders (right)

Calistoga II Mode

THE A GRADE

Another successful year for all!

It begins in August, when the air is still heavy with humidity and the summer vacation photos are still within one swipe on your cell phone. The academic year in Florida is 180 days or 10 months long and once it begins, the work includes personal determination and perseverance. Each individual the students will encounter within the Brevard County School system is pulling their weight to teach, coach, advise, mentor, and celebrate with every student. They establish routines and systems for learning, teach concepts and skills, access materials to share that can help better motivate, inspire or be empathic towards others.

The schools highlighted are just a small collection of what is accomplished by all schools in Brevard County and we applaud all of the academic opportunities and achievements. We also celebrate what is not shown because achievements are forward progress no matter how big or how small. Congratulations to everyone involved this year and to the incredible progress by students, teachers, administrators, staff, parents and volunteers. You have made a difference in a student’s academic life and we appreciate your optimism, and collaboration. Enjoy the summer break.

Manatee Elementary Family Game Night

Viera Charter Powerlifting Team

Viera Elementary Ms. McMahan

Manatee Elementary

• Manatee Elementary is the only School of Excellence, Blue Ribbon, and Green Ribbon award recipient in Viera

• 20+ athletic and academic after-school clubs including Spirit Squad, Chess, ESports, Chorus, Strings, and more

• Manatee supports community outreach by contributing to several local charities through our Manatee Gives Back and Family Ties programs and celebrates the seasons and family with the Fall Festival, Kindergarten-Snow Much Fun, and Family Game Night

• Over 400 students in grades 4-6 participated in the annual Science Fair with 15 students advancing to Brevard Public School District Science Fair, ten of which placed for recognition in their category

• 3 Odyssey of the Mind teams advanced to the Florida state competition with one advancing to World Finals

• Over 120 students read six or more chapter books and celebrated with a huge festivity that incorporated selections from the 2023 Florida Sunshine State Books

Shannon Daly Principal

• 1st place at the District Art and Science Fair

• We partnered with Special Olympics and celebrated Unity Day to promote inclusion with the Ralph Williams Legacy Contest with students participating in the form of essay writing or art creation for the school’s namesake

• We hosted our first International Night that celebrated a variety of different cultures and a student-produced Talent Show which gave students the opportunity to learn production, talent coordination, venue arrangements, marketing, advertising, and include their own unique show-stopping performances

GO CRANES!

• Quest received the Purple Star School of Distinction for working with and supporting their military families and is proud to be in collaboration with Patrick Space Force Base

• A community learning garden became a reality this year, thanks to Erika Beagle, a teacher at Quest with community support, grants, and family donations

• Quest introduced 4 “Science Saturdays” for its 5th grade students this year. Cheryl Hanneman, a teacher at Quest, organized and implemented explorations and science experiments, supporting concepts and skills tested on the 5th Grade Science State Assessment

• Quest’s PTO and parents raised over $50,000 for technology, playground beautification, and classroom supplies through our Annual Boosterthon

• Erika Beagle, one of our 5th Grade teachers, was selected as Teacher of the Year and Isabel Gaudet, Quest’s Secretary, was selected as Employee of the Year. They are wonderful examples of Quest’s dedication to student success and family partnerships

GO EXPLORERS!

• New outdoor canopy was installed after 7 years of fun-fundraising to provide shade during various times during recess

Josefina Melendez Principal

Ralph M. Williams Elementary

Christine Boyd Principal

Viera Elementary

• The Destination Mars team competed against 10 other schools from Brevard School District and won 1st place in 4 missions, 2nd place in 1 mission, and won Best Overall Team

• The Viera Falcons RoboPuffins Robotics Team earned the opportunity to compete at the Florida FIRST Lego League Regional Competition

• Thomas Carlisle, a 6th grade student, thought it would be great to have an augmented reality kinetic sandbox in the STEM lab modeled after the same design used by the GeoBus™ at the University of Central Florida. He researched, priced out, and presented his proposal to PTO to fund the learning project. After months of construction and coding, he successfully brought a new hands-on learning component to the Viera STEM Lab for all students to enjoy

• Falcon Flyers won 1st place at the Innovation Games Drone Competition

• VES’s Kindness Club partnered with a Falcon parent to help support the West Coast community impacted by Hurricane Ian with donations

Adrienne Schwab Principal

AugmentedRealitySandbox

After researching and presenting to the PTO, Thomas Carlisle helped designed and built an Augmented Reality (AR) Sandbox for the stem class. It is a great tool for teaching about mapping, topography and for students to learn to visualize in 3D. The interactive topographic box functions by modeling the sand into varying sceneries and holding a sensor which reacts when virtual rainfall, waterbodies, topographic contour lines and an altitude color chart is projected. AR Sandbox offers students, an interactive method of studying precipitation, dams, drainage basics, water bodies, contour lines, levees, catchment areas, watersheds, elevation, topography etc.

Jennifer Marcoux, STEM teacher

I’m proud to have the opportunity to add something new to the STEM lab that allows all the students at Viera Elementary the opportunity to learn about topography through the use of AR.

Thomas Carlisle, 6th grade student

Viera Charter

1st Place Science Fair Winner

Eighth grade Viera Charter School student, Sophie Schuh, has been awarded top recognition at the state level in the State Science Fair. Sophie was recognized for her Environmental Engineering project “Making a Better Rope Cutter for Entangled Whales”. Sophie has been granted a provisional patent and will pursue a full patent over the summer. We wish her the very best with her bid to the Thermo-Fischer International Science Fair and her patent. So far, her winnings include the following:

Regional Science Fair Award

1st Place - Environmental Engineering & Best of Show

State Science Fair Award

1st Place - Environmental Engineering & Best of Show for the Entire Fair

Thermo-Fischer International Science Fair

Bid to go to Washington, D.C. in Oct. 2023

• The VCS Powerlifting Team, along with their coach Dr. Spero Tshontikidis, won the 2022 World Powerlifting Championships in November

• The VCS Odyssey of the Mind team came in 1st Place in the district competition

• The Viera Charter School Foreign Language Department hosted the first annual VCS International Heritage Festival with 200 attendees

• Students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade participated in the annual VCS Character Parade and The Viera Charter School PTSO held a Jungle Gala as students and families danced the night away

• The 10th annual Viera Charter School Panther Cup fundraiser was held at Duran Golf Club (proceeds provide the VCS STEAM program with essential enhancements)

• The Viera Charter School PTSO sponsored the annual Cookie’s and Cocoa event with the VCS Spirit Squad

• Students and teachers celebrated School of Choice week by wearing yellow and decorating our halls with writing, poems, and drawings of reasons they love Viera Charter School

Julie A. Cady, Ed.D. Principal

Pinecrest Academy

• 5th through 8th graders participated in the Student Spaceflight Experimental Program (SSEP) and students created a microgravity experiment to be performed in space. One of the 7th grade teams was chosen to have their experiment launched in a Falcon 9 rocket to the International Space Station

• Our 4th grade cohort wrote letters to the Governor petitioning to have a stop in Brevard County for the Brightline Train. When this was written about in Florida Today, the executives at Brightline saw what the students had done and invited our entire class to be the first people to tour the station and the trains

• Principal Barringer paired with Redwire Space, Microsoft, ISS National Laboratory, and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 to produce a fantastic virtual field trip to create a Microsoft Zune through a 3D printer

• Students start building robots and coding as early as Kindergarten and we are so excited to be adding VR to our school for the 2023-2024 school year. Our Million Moonshot Girls Club received their Federal Aviation Administration TRUST Drone Pilot License with FAA Maneuver Skills Training sponsored by the Colēgia Drone Academy

Heather Barringer Principal

Viera Middle School

(opening 2024)

I am humbled and honored to serve the Viera community as principal of the new, mid-county middle school. I look forward to engaging with future students, families, and community members as we enjoy this exciting and wonderful opportunity to build a new school .

Catherine McNutt Principal

Delaura Middle

• Brevard Public Schools Secondary Math Tournament - highest ranked traditional middle school math team in the county. DeLaura Future Educators of America Team placed 1st in the County Competition (Lesson Plan, Display Board, Speech)

• Florida Alliance for Arts Education (FAAE) Secondary Music Enrollment Award + 24 placements in All County and 12 All State in Chorus, 18 All County in Band, 11 All County and 1 All State in Orchestra

• County Science Fair: First Place in Environmental Engineering, 2nd Place in State, 1st Place in Physics and Astronomy, and 1st Place in Math and Computer Science, 6th Place in State

• Undefeated Girls Basketball Champions 16-0

• 8th Grade Girls Track Champions

• 8th Grader Fastest Middle School Girls Mile Time in Florida this Year

• 8th Grader Member of the USA Surf Team

• 7th grade L3Harris STEM Challenge Team won 1st Place Communication, 2nd Place Collaboration and tied for 1st Place Overall

Scott Corso

John F. Kennedy Middle

• Brevard County Schools Division 1 Math Bowl, 2nd Place, Algebra 1 and 2nd Place Geometry

• Produced The Onyx Felis, an online literary magazine for the John F. Kennedy Middle School. It is published bi-annually and the submissions are open to all students with short stories, short plays, poems, photography, or art

• Emily Jensen is the 2023 Brevard County Middle School Social Studies Teacher of the Year

• Ashley Urness, Speech and Language Pathology is our Teacher of the Year

• Brevard Middle School Track & Field Championship: 7th grade girls and 8th grade boys took 1st Place

• Clubs and activities include Speech/Debate, Poetry Club, Drama Club, FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), Drone Club, and Future Problem Solvers

• The Poetry Club performed at the City of Rockledge’s Lift Every Voice event with great success and the event showcased work sample displays from classrooms

Travis Diesel Principal

* Photos taken from Kennedy Middle and Delaura Middle FaceBook page

Ronald McNair Magnet Middle

• McNair Magnet middle school (home of the Challengers) is a center for STEAM programs. That means we offer an extensive selection of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math programs. Presently, we are the only middle school in BPS that has a fully developed performing arts building that’s geared toward our professionally trained drama/acting teacher conducting musicals, plays, and other productions

• Placed in drone and STEM competitions through Brevard Public Schools

• Students have excelled in STEM classes, forensics, and the high school equivalent of algebra, biology, geometry, Spanish I and Spanish II

• As an AVID school (Advancement Via Individual Determination), we have increased student success and the program is also excellent for first-year college students

• Two days a week, we offered an African dance and drumming option as an after school extracurricular. Students were super excited to learn tribe dancing and the basics of tribal drum beating. It has been an amazing pastime for students engaging in something new and different

• McNair offers ELLs (English Language Learners) with Mrs. Lannie Bravo

• Our ESE students are showing gains far above the state average. Students with disabilities can have support facilitation and/or a learning strategies class to assist them in their progress

Dr. Stephen (Steve) Richardson Principal

Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy

• All 104 Holy Trinity seniors were accepted to at least one college. This year’s graduates will be enrolling at 56 different colleges (58% in Florida, 42% out of state) and were accepted to 27 of the top 50 colleges in the nation -- including 6 of the 8 Ivy League schools with students committing to Princeton, Yale, Brown, and Columbia, as well as Duke, Johns Hopkins, and Rhode Island School of Design

• 8 National Merit Scholar finalists and 3 NMS scholarship recipients

• 1 Academic All-American for Speech and Debate and 10 Latin students earned “Double first place” at the State Latin Forum

• Holy Trinity’s Techno Tigers Robotics team was recognized as one of the top teams in the state at the Florida FTC Championship

• 4 Elementary All-State music students; and more than 165 Superior Ratings at Music Performance Assessments for Junior High and High School, 2 Florida Music Education Association (FMEA) Honors Ensemble students, 6 FMEA All State students, 1 American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Honors Chorus student, and 1 NAfME All-National Honor Ensemble student (ANHE)

• Girls Diving: Individual State Champion

• Boys Tennis: Regional Champions

• District Championships: Football, Volleyball, Boys Soccer, Boys and Girls Basketball, Boys Tennis, Boys Lacrosse, Boys and Girls Track and Field

Dr. Katherine Cobb Principal

Viera High School

• Viera High School was ranked by the Florida Department of Education as a School for Excellence

• Every student received a laptop to utilize during the school year

• The track team utilized a new rubberized track this year with donations from the community

• VHS National Student Council’s 2023 National Gold Council of Excellence (6th year in a row)

• Viera High School is extremely proud of Lavanya Natarajan who was recognized as a Regeneron Science Talent Search finalist! #RegeneronSTS is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. Lavanya will receive a minimum of $25,000 in award funds because of her science research project

• Viera Bands and their District Music Performance Assessment results: all three Viera HS bands earned a “Straight Superior” rating

• Viera High School’s Wind Ensemble was awarded through their performance at State Music Performance Assessment a very impressive “Straight Superior”. This is the second year in a row in receiving the coveted Otto J. Kraushaar award

• Every large ensemble earned a superior rating at the District Music Performance Assessment (first time in our school’s history): Chorus (2), Orchestra (2), Jazz (3), and Concert Band (3), and Marching Band

• Performed at the 2023 UCF-Music for All Concert Band Invitational at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando

• Earned 2nd place at FFCC indoor percussion championship held in Daytona Beach

• Chorus performed on 3 dates at the annual EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays – Candlelight Processional

• Boys Soccer – Won third straight Class 6A, District 7 title (a third straight regional title and the first state championship in program history)

• Boys Cross-Country -- Finished fourth at the Class 4A state meet

• Girls Cross-Country-- Finished seventh at the Class 4A state meet

• Girls Golf – Finished seventh at the Class 3A state meet

• Boys Swimming – Won a 50-meter individual district title

• Girls Swimming – Won the Class 3A, District 10 title and won an individual diving championship

• Volleyball – Won second straight district and regional titles. Class 6A state runner-up

• Girls Basketball – Won second straight Class 6A, District 8 championship

• Boys Wrestling finished second in Class 3A, District 10 dual meet tournament

• Girls Wrestling finished with individuals district championship titles

• Boys and Girls Lacrosse – Class 2A, District 8 runner-up

• Girls Tennis –Class 4A, District 10 runner up

Sarah Robinson Principal

2023 Graduating Class

510 Graduates

253 Honor Grads (3.5 Weighted GPA or higher)

2 National Merit Scholar Finalists

71 students graduating with Associates in Arts Degree from Eastern Florida State College, concurrently with their high school diploma in May 2023

Bright Futures Awards – 108 Students

Florida Academic Scholars (100% funding) – 58 students

Florida Medallion Scholars (85% funding) – 34 students

Gold Seal Vocational – 8 students

Gold Seal Cape – 8 students

New addition to Viera High School. Expected to open for the 2023-2024 school year.

The new addition will include 8 classrooms, 3 science labs, space for the BLAST program, Career & Technical Education program, and the Choir program.

Redefining Apartment Living

With the amenities and style of a five-star resort, Linz of Viera is redefining apartment living in a community where the vacation doesn’t stop just because you are home.

“Linz of Viera is a brand-new luxury apartment community crafted with the ultimate resident experience in mind,” said Carissa Brogdon, Director of Marketing and Branding for Davis Development.

Linz is the third luxury community Georgia-based Davis Development has constructed in the area.

“Davis enjoys working with Viera because of the lifestyle and value the vision for the master-planned community,” Brogdon added.

The feeling is mutual with The Viera Company management, who appreciate how Davis Development further enhances their premier master-planned community.

“Each of these multi-family communities play a vital role in the master planning of Viera and provide synergies by locating dense residential uses in proximity to mixed-use commercial nodes,” said Todd Pokrywa, President of The Viera Company.

“We are thrilled to add Linz of Viera to the wide spectrum of living options available in the top-selling master-planned community of Viera, Florida.”

At Viera’s newest apartment community, prospective residents will find that it is easy to achieve the goal of dreaming big and living well.

Linz of Viera, at 2301 Willet Place, is ideally situated at

the south end of the emerging mixed-use commercial hub of Borrows West in the southwest quadrant of Viera Boulevard and I-95. While minutes from the interstate and The Avenue Viera, Linz of Viera nevertheless provides a quiet, secluded environment.

AMENITY RICH ENVIRONMENT

Stylish one, two and three-bedroom apartments offer open-concept plans designed for entertaining and relaxing. Nine to 10-foot ceilings, modern sconce and pendant lighting, two-inch faux-wood blinds, wood-finish flooring, walk-in closets, two-tone paint scheme, in-home washer/dryer and gourmet kitchens with designer tile backsplashes, executive chef undermount sinks, quartz countertops and flat-panel custom cabinetry with wine rack are just some of the high-end touches within the apartments, which range in size from 684 to 1,535 square feet. Select homes also include walk-in showers with rain shower heads, soaking tubs, urban mudroom with storage and a screened-in patio or balcony. The apartments are surrounded by amenities anchored by a

winding lagoon-style salt-water pool with Wi-Fi, sun shelves, cabanas and grilling areas.

There is no need to trek to a gym, since a two-story fitness center sports cardio, resistance and free weights opportunities. A golf simulator helps residents hone their game, while a yoga room nurtures mind and spirit with quiet contemplation while serving as a serene location for stretching the body.

Todd Pokrywa President of The Viera Company

The airy and upscale clubhouse invites with multiple lounges, televisions, kitchenettes, cyber lounge and an 80-seat movie theater. The Linz’s sip lounge beckons for coffee, juice, tea and a snack any time of day. Special private functions can happen effortlessly by renting entertainment spaces. The community also regularly schedules curated events for residents.

Luxury is not restricted to the human residents, for the pet-friendly community---unique with no weight restrictions---pampers pets with a pet spa with dog washing stations, plus a dog park where furry residents can catch up with their

Each of these multi-family communities play a vital role in the master-planning of Viera and provide synergies by locating dense residential uses in proximity to mixed-use commercial nodes.

friends and enjoy zoomies close by and in safety.

Business matters can be addressed at home, thanks to a conference room and two private offices.

When family or friends visit, as they will, residents can reserve two guest suites that feature a guest lounge.

Additional conveniences include elevators, indoor trash chutes, bike storage and repair station and 24/7 package lockers. Controlled access, plus home intrusion alarms with optional monitoring, provide peace of mind. Nest power-saving digital thermostats in every apartment control energy usage. Ample resident parking with corridor attached garages includes multiple electric car charging stations.

Ensuring residents’ satisfaction, a hallmark of Davis Development, is paramount.

“Our online leasing and maintenance team provide exceptional and on-demand customer service,” said Brogdon.

Many a tree has been spared thanks to the Linz’s online application process and paperless lease with resident portal. Rent payments and maintenance requests are just a click away online.

The Manuel Morales family, one of the Linz’s first residents, were smitten by the new community the day they toured the complex. “All the awesome amenities sold us from the start,” Morales said.

For a virtual tour of the Linz, visit linzofviera.com. For more information, call 321-346-7684.

THE AVENUE 07. Viera

The Avenue Viera’s Anniversary Planning.

New owners plan for complex makeovers including art displays, special events, and new stores for the 20th anniversary.

The Avenue Viera celebrates its 20th Anniversary next year. Hard to believe it, right?

Viera’s---make that arguably East Central Florida’s---top shelf shopping destination has big plans to continue delivering the goods not just with outstanding shopping and dining opportunities, but also with a robust slate of special events to keep the entire family entertained.

In May of this year, Massachusetts-based WS Development acquired partial ownership of The Avenue Viera and now manages the operations of the 550,000-square-foot lifestyle destination with more than 80 retailers, restaurants and entertainment venues. WS Development shares ownership of The Avenue Viera with PGIM Real Estate, owners of the complex since 2006.

One of the country’s largest privately owned development companies, WS owns, operates and leases more than 100 properties across the country, including the Royal Poinciana Plaza in Palm Beach and Hyde Park Village in Tampa.

Coming Soon

Plans are for The Avenue Viera to enjoy a facilities makeover that will include repainting, new public art, and additional tenants and amenities. In the works is also an enhancement of the schedule of special events that have long been the hallmark of the center.

“We are thrilled to enhance our events, programs, and amenities this year and beyond.” said Kyle Cooper, General Manager of The

Avenue Viera. “The Viera community is incredible and their enjoyment of our programming is an integral part of our planning.”

The popular Third Thursday concert series, which features concerts by popular local bands, and Music in the Park performances continue. So, too, will The Avenue Viera’s annual holiday celebrations. The Superhero 5k, Brevard Children’s Business Fair, St. Baldrick’s Big Shave are proven guest magnets and should return, along with special programming for the kids and fitness programs for the entire family.

“Our goal is to build upon these customer favorites, as well as adding new events and activities, that continue to bring our community together,” Cooper added.

As for new stores, look for The Paper Store.

“The Paper Store at The Avenue Viera will serve as the retailer’s flagship store and largest location in the State of Florida,” Cooper explained.

Launched as a stationery shop in Maynard, Massachusetts, more than half a century ago, The Paper Store has evolved into a sophisticated chain of mini-department stores that includes gifts, fashion, bath and body, custom invitations, educational toys, gourmet foods, books and more. With an emphasis on customer service, each department features knowledgeable gift specialists happy to help customers find the perfect item.

The Paper Store will join additions to The Avenue Viera tenant lineup such as Sephora, Lululemon, and , Crumbl Cookies.

Our goal is to build upon these customer favorites, as well as adding new events and activities, that continue to bring our community together.

Kyle Cooper General Manager, The Avenue Viera

Higher Standards

The Viera Company welcomes the injection of fresh ideas and projects The Avenue Viera’s new administration brings.

“The recent addition of WS Development to the ownership and management of The Avenue is a positive step forward in the renaissance of our beloved shopping and dining destination,” said Todd Pokrywa, President of The Viera Company.

“WS Development sets a very high standard when it comes to their lifestyle centers throughout the country and The Viera Company is proud to welcome them to Viera.”

One of the best-selling, master-planned communities in the country deserves a world-class, state-of-the-art shopping center. With WS Development at the helm, The Avenue Viera will continue shining brightly. “As one of the best-selling, master planned communities in the country, Viera is also home to the premier retail destination on the Space Coast, The Avenue Viera,” said Pokrywa. “We are excited to see our aligned visions come to fruition in the coming months and years.”

Thank you to our students during the Pop Jet Model Play Day: Oliver & Elliot Bills

Felicia, Ian & Chloe Carnahan

Sophia, Lilly, and Haley Hemelgarn

Melanie & Nila Tani

Jack, Owen, & Benjamin Waller

08.

A Day in the Life

The Viera community is thriving with businesses and services of all shapes and sizes.

The staff at various locations might do something each day that is unique to that profession or they may bring a simple joy to others. Storytelling in this visual format allows us to see the energy and commitment that comes from these moments.

They may work hard at making sure your meal is delicious or they continue to care for injured wildlife putting in the hard work to make it happen. Some may provide a space to play and celebrate a childhood win or play with a room full of tail-wagging, happy-go-lucky canines. Either way, it’s fun to see what a day in the life can bring.

“How are the hole locations today?” This is a typical question between golfers and the placement could mean a different approach to the pin or a new challenge that day of play. Joe Marsh is the Irrigation Tech at Duran Golf Club and we captured him early one morning moving the hole location. The birds are walking the greens behind the camera, enjoying the early sunrise on the course.

DURAN GOLF CLUB

28 NORTH GASTROPUB

Chef Chris Morales is no stranger to working at a high profile restaurant and the demands of making fresh local ingredients delight the palates of the local customer base. As a Food Network Competitor, he enjoys the challenge and you can see him here creating the deconstructed mushroom chowder plate here with local gulf grouper and fingerling potatoes in a mushroom confit and chardonnay cream.

THE BREVARD ZOO Sea Turtle Healing Center

Jolen, a green sea turtle is receiving a tank side exam from a local veterinarian at the Brevard Zoo’s Sea Turtle Healing Center. The dedicated staff and volunteers use a combination of medication, surgeries and nutrition to nurse the turtles back to health. As you can see in the second photo, tank cleaning can be a time of silly interaction while the serious cleaning is underway.

Go big or go home, and this team earned every bottle of Welch’s Sparkling Grape Juice. The ski goggles are not part of the standard uniform but come in handy when the bottles begin exploding juice after shaking. In the second photo, a soccer team is practicing their drills under the lights of the main stadium complex. The USSSA Space Coast Stadium Complex is busy all twelve months of the year with team play, concerts, and local charity events.

USSSA

WORSHIP

Faith Viera Lutheran Church is undergoing a remodeling project that will include some modern updates and enhancements. The church opens its doors for worship service, community meetings, gatherings, and is used as an official polling location. Pastor Troy Countryman, Roger Stickels their facility manager and their team have been working hard for their big opening day reveal. Jeffrey Dec, handyman, is seen here installing more cabinetry with a parishioner and Julie Deal, the church administrator looking on.

URBAN PRIME

Urban Prime is a labor of love for Chef Ercan. He is faithfully at the location every day to make sure this newest marketplace and restaurant is one of the finest in Viera. The entire experience, from the moment you arrive, is carefully designed like a master artisan.

Stephanie Pino does her best to allow each pup to get some attention during their time at Dogtopia. These photos are taken within seconds of each other and you can see Kylo, Bash, Stitch and Jasmine making sure they say hello to her. We thank Sage Casey for grabbing these shots for us.

RIGHT PLANT RIGHT PLACE

A thriving, low-maintenance home landscape starts with putting the right plant in the right place.

Your Home Landscape

Choose Florida native plants and turfgrass that match your site’s soil, light and water conditions.

You can also pick plants to attract butterflies and other pollinators. Avoid the urge to overcrowd to make a landscape look mature faster; it can cause disease and increased maintenance in the long run.

The goal is that when your plants mature, they will require less water, fertilizer or pesticides, saving you time and money.

Tips

• Plants once established, require a limited amount of supplemental irrigation and less pruning.

• Plants in the correct soil type and pH require fewer nutrient additives.

• Planting pest-resistant plants means fewer applications of pesticides.

• It helps to grow plants according to their water needs.

• Use groundcovers where turfgrass is difficult to grow or maintain.

Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)

FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING PROGRAM

1. Right Plant, Right Place

Plants selected to suit a specific site will require minimal amounts of water, fertilizer, and pesticides.

2. Water Efficiently

Conserve water and maintain a healthy yard by irrigating only when your lawn and landscape need water.

3. Fertilize Appropriately

Less is often best. Over-use is hazardous to plants and the environment.

4. Mulch

A 3” mulch layer helps retain moisture, enrich soil, and suppress weeds.

5. Attract Wildlife

Plants in your yard that provide food, water, and shelter can conserve Florida’s diverse wildlife.

6. Manage Yard Pests Responsibly

Unwise use of pesticides can harm people, pets, beneficial insects, wildlife, and the environment.

7. Recycle Yard Waste

Grass clippings, leaves, and yard trimmings recycled on site provide nutrients to the soil and reduce waste.

8. Reduce Storm Water Runoff

Water running off your yard can carry pollutants which adversely impact water quality.

9. Protect the Waterfront Waterfront property (on a river, stream, lake, or pond) requires care to maintain water quality for both humans and wildlife.

Since 1993, the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) Program has helped promote sustainable alternatives to homeowners and others, providing guidance on low impact, environmentally friendly, science-based landscape practices that use less water and reduce pollutant loading to Florida waters.

Explore the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ website to find additional how-to guidance from UF/IFAS Extension experts.

Didyouknowthereare139Florida Native plants located inViera zip codes?

FFL Plants

Florida-Friendly landscaping ™

Get customized information for your zip code, your soil and sun conditions and even the shape and size you want plantings at maturity. Get the App.

Scorpion Tail (Heliotropium angiospermum)

SIGN UP FOR A SITE VISIT!

Learn how to:

• Figure out how much fertilizer to apply to your lawn

• What kind of fertilizer will give you the healthiest lawn

• Decide the best time to apply fertilizer

• Calculate how long to run your sprinkler system

• Maintain a healthy lawn while complying with your local fertilizer ordinance

AND REMEMBER:

BREVARD COUNTY IS, BY ORDINANCE, FERTILIZER-FREE FROM JUNE 1-SEPT 30.

My Brevard Yard is part of the UF/IFAS Florida-Friendly Landscaping® Program.

HOW TO BEGIN

Sometimes you just need a little help finding a way to start. Explore these short videos from the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition, a group of volunteers on the Space Coast, working to keep harmful substances out of our waterways.

Right Plant Right Place

Build a Rain Garden

Just Let the RAIN Go Down the Drain

Make a pledge; Only clean water down street sewers or drains — no trash, no grass, no oil or soap.

BIRLC is a group of volunteers on the Space Coast working to help all of us learn how to preserve the place we live.

HOMEOWNERS WEBINAR SERIES

Go here to get them on your calendar:

You can also view past webinars here. Subjects include:

Shade Gardening in Florida, Mulching Practices, Gardening for Birds, Design with Intent, Soil Testing, Plant Propagation, Youth Gardening and more.

Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris)

Eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly perched on a Florida native Blue Flag Iris (Iris virginica)

EVENTS CALENDAR

5th ANNUAL BREVARD CHILDREN’S BUSINESS FAIR

Date: November 18th

Location: The Avenue Viera

Contact: brevardcbf.org

LIGHT UP VIERA HOLIDAY PARADE

Date: December 2nd

Location: Viera HIgh School

Contact: lightupviera.com

SUMMER & FALL LAUNCHES

Date: Various

Location: Kennedy Space Center

Contact: spacecoastlaunches.com

SPACE COAST PIRATE & SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

Date: Oct 20th – 22nd

Location: Space Coast Daily Park, Viera

Contact: spacecoastpiratefestival.com

SCARECROW STROLL & HARVEST FESTIVAL

Date: Scarecrow Stroll Oct 5-19

HOLIDAY MARKET & SNOWFEST

Date: December 16th

Location: Melbourne Auditorium

Contact: melbourneflorida.org/departments/parks-recreation

3rd THURSDAY

Date: every 3rd Thursday from 5PM- 8PM

Location: Central Park at The Avenue Viera

Contact: theavenueviera.com

1st FRIDAYS - VIERA PARK MARKET & FOOD TRUCKS

Date: every 1st Friday from 4pm - 8pm

Location: Viera Regional Park

Contact: tcsfoods@yahoo.com

BOO AT THE ZOO

Dates: Saturdays and Sundays in Oct

Location: Brevard Zoo

Contact: brevardzoo.com

Date: Harvest Fest Oct 21st

Location: The Avenue Viera

Contact: vieravoice.com

JAZZOO

Date: Nov 4th

Location: Brevard Zoo

Contact: brevardzoo.com

FUNDRAISERS

MAKING STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER

Date: October 28th

Location: The Avenue Viera

Contact: cancer.org/involved

HOOT IN THE PARK WILDLIFE FESTIVAL

Date: November 18th

Location: Wickam Park, Melbourne

Contact: floridawildlifehospital.org

39th ANNUAL JUNIOR LEAGUE OF THE SPACE COAST’S FESTIVAL OF TREES

Date: November 4th

Location: Wickham Park Community Center, Melbourne

Contact: spacecoast.jl.org/festival-of-trees/

CONCERTS/THEATRE/COMEDY TOURS

THE ADDAMS FAMILY

Date: September 29th- October 22nd

Location: The Henegar Center, Melbourne

Contact: henegarcenter.com

WILLIAM SHATNER: LIVE WITH Q&A

Date: Nov 10th

Location: The King Center for the Performing Arts

Contact: kingcenter.com

BROADWAY AT THE KING

CENTER: MEAN GIRLS

Date: Dec 11th -12th

Location: The King Center for the Performing Arts

Contact: kingcenter.com

ACTIVE EVENTS

TREE TOP TREK (MILITARY DISCOUNT)

Date: Weekly

Location: Brevard Zoo

Contact: treetoptrek.com

CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE: THE POLICE | SYNCHRONCITY

Date: Oct 21st

Location: The King Center for the Performing Arts

Contact: kingcenter.com

BREVARD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA FREE FAMILY CONCERT

Date: Oct 29th

Location: The King Center for the Performing Arts

Contact: kingcenter.com

KEVIN JAMES: THE IRREGARDLESS TOUR

Date: Nov 5th

Location: The King Center for the Performing Arts

Contact: kingcenter.com

A CHRISTMAS CAROLE: THE MUSCIAL

Date: November 17th - December 10th

Location: The Henegar Center, Melbourne

Contact: henegarcenter.com

BREVARD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA | SOUNDS OF THE SEASON: HOLIDAY CONCERT

Date: Nov 25th

Location: The King Center for the Performing Arts

Contact: kingcenter.com

SPOOKY 5K RUN/WALK

Date: October 14th

Location: Viera High School

Contact: runningzone.com

SPACE COAST MARATHON & HALF MARATHON

Date: November 26th

Location: Cocoa Village, Cocoa

Contact: runningzone.com

RUN RUN SANTA 1 MILEVIERA

Date: December 23rd

Location: Calvary Chapel, Viera

Contact: runningzone.com

A CHARLIE BROWN

CHRISTMAS

Date: December 10

Location: The King Center for Performing Arts

Contact: kingcenter.com

SISTER ACT: THE MUSICAL

Date: November 17th - December 3rd

Location: Cocoa Village Playhouse, Cocoa

Contact: cocoavillageplayhouse.com

LETTER

The master-planned community of Viera is the community of choice on Florida’s Space Coast. Through a diversity of builders and developers, we continue to introduce a variety of housing options in new neighborhoods and invite new businesses into our mixed-use commercial centers attracting recognition from across the nation as a highly desirable place to live, work, and play.

Recently, Viera was ranked by both John Burns Real Estate Consulting and RCLCO in the top 10 best-selling master-planned communities in the United States. This is the first time that Viera has broken into the top 10 and it marks a significant accomplishment as many of our peer master-planned communities on the best-selling list are in major metropolitan areas. This prestigious ranking is evidence of the strong fundamentals in the local economy, job market growth, the wide range of housing opportunities and highly desirable amenities such as the Duran Golf Club and Addison Village Club. This recognition can also be attributed to the efforts of the highly dedicated and professional team at The Viera Company and its affiliated companies as well as the many residential and commercial stakeholders that have invested in the community.

The Avenue Viera is the premier retail lifestyle center on the Space Coast and we are excited to welcome WS Development as they implement plans to elevate the look and feel of the center and introduce new tenants in the coming weeks and months. WS has developed over 100 mixed-use properties across 13 states and has a proven track record of creating impactful experiences for customers, tenants, and partners.

Brevard Public Schools (BPS) are some of the best in Florida and the A-rated neighborhood schools in Viera help attract families to the community. The Viera Company welcomes Dr. Mark Rendell as the new BPS superintendent as he works with the School Board and district staff to achieve excellence for our community’s students and the leaders of tomorrow. In addition, we congratulate Heather LeGate as the new principal of Viera High School and Catherine McNutt as the inaugural principal of the new Viera Middle School.

Many new developments are underway in several of Viera’s commercial mixed use hubs. Southwest of the I-95 and Viera Boule-

vard Interchange in Borrows West, construction is in varying stages for the Homewood Suites by Hilton, the Hilton Garden Inn, Ford’s Garage, Olive Tree, Venezia Wine Bar, and Island Animal Hospital while the new luxury multi-family Linz of Viera is now leasing. Much of this commercial demand has been driven by the robust tournament activity at the USSSA Space Coast Stadium Complex. In the Viera Town Center, we are excited to introduce Chef Ercan’s Urban Prime Marketplace and Restaurant to the community while North American Properties, which developed the Luna apartments, is planning its second vertically mixed-use, multi-family residential over retail, development in 2024. The new Publix shopping center is under construction in the Addison Center, and Space Coast Credit Union recently opened its newest branch to the west of Costco in the Pineda Interchange District.

The long-awaited remaining Pineda Boulevard segments between I-95 and Wickham Road are substantially complete and ready to open to public traffic. These improvements enhance accessibility and navigation to new Viera neighborhoods such as Pangea Park, Laurasia, and Del Webb at Viera.

There is much more on the horizon in Viera and we invite you to explore the evolving landscape of this nationally-acclaimed master-planned community.

Todd Pokrywa President, The Viera Company DEVELOPER

Todd Pokrywa in Todd Talks, a monthy video update about happenings in Viera. To view, follow us on Facebook and LinkedIN

Sandhill Cranes

by Chef Ercan

Owner, Urban Prime Marketplace and Restaurant

Chef Ercan has a love for fine foods and nature photography and won our photo contest in 2021 with this moment between an adult craine and thier colt.

Introducing The History of Viera

In 1989, the master plan for Viera was unveiled. Not long after this, I began my studies at Canada’s University of Waterloo in Urban and Regional Planning. When it became time to select the topic and focus for my thesis, I chose New Towns as an Alternative to Urban Sprawl Development: A Case Study of Viera, Florida. I traveled to the Space Coast to conduct my research while the initial development of Viera was in its infancy. I met with the management of The Viera Company, Brevard County Government staff and the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council.

In 1995, I moved to Florida to work in the land use planning and real estate development fields and have ever since. In 2014, I joined The Viera Company and the experience of working alongside this tremendous team of professionals as we have entered the next phases of growth is fulfilling both personally and professionally. I never take for granted the faith and trust the executive management at our parent company, A. Duda & Sons, Inc., has placed in the team and me to continue the legacy of Viera’s development that started over three decades ago on what was then the Cocoa Ranch which also provided a source of recreation for the Duda family.

The significant milestones and accomplishments as the community has grown would not have happened without the Christian faith of the Duda family and the steadfast commitment of the company to our mission and vision. In fact, faith is at the very foundation of what we are doing each day and is what the word Viera itself means in the Duda family’s native Slovak language. Family members as well as the leaders of The Viera Company that have preceded me have used a set of guiding principles in creating what has become one of the top 10 best-selling master-planned communities in the nation after climbing the ranks for many years.

In creating a desirable mixed-use community that enriches quality of life, while being responsible stewards of the land, the team at The Viera Company and its affiliated businesses makes decisions each day that aim to innovate and enhance value for not only

a dedicated team

what we are currently doing but also for what is on the horizon. As Viera continues to grow and evolve, we are investing in infrastructure to ensure it is in place in advance of or concurrent with the impacts of development. While the master plan is a blueprint through build-out of the community allowing for development of diverse housing and employment options, it also provides the necessary flexibility so that we can be nimble and timely in responding to shifting residential and commercial market demands.

We are grateful to all of the community partners, businesses, and residents that have invested in Viera and who join us on this journey into the future.

Todd Pokrywa President, The Viera Company

Pictured above: Land Development Team circa 2017: L-R: Jason Carter, Land Construction Manager, Mary Ellen McKibben, Director, Land Development, and Todd Pokrywa, President

Then and now

“A Community considers all aspects of life from the very start. Where but in a community can you find easy access to health care and a hospital, government services, shopping and dining venues and schools all connected by a trail system to the residential neighborhoods?”

Joseph Duda

VIERA MISSION STATEMENT:

To create vibrant, livable communities that are built with faith, integrity and thoughtful stewardship of the land.

Mason Blake of Dean Mead with a local business leader at one of Viera’s first community information events

Joseph Duda and Jack Malloy enjoying a moment during an early 1980’s function

Joseph Duda and Jack Glatting reviewing concepts for the future Viera Town Center

David, Donna, Andrew and Joseph Duda at a planning session early 1990s

Ground breaking of Viera Boulevard

Joseph Duda speaking at the ground breaking of Space Coast Stadium

Retired

CEO,

The Viera Company

an exciting announcement

“We wanted to have a total community concept, a place that you would live, work, play and have your entertainment, and that’s what we did. That’s the underlying objective of Viera. You have everything right here.”

John L Duda Retired President, Viera Realty Viera Vision, 2014 The Vision Lives On

becoming the vision

Joseph Duda speaks at an open house describing the vision for Viera

• Viera Development of Regional Impact (DRI) approved for 3,200 acres on the east side of I-95

• Viera East Golf Course opens–a Joe Lee-designed public course

• Viera is home to four houses of worship

• Brevard County Fire-Rescue Station #47 opens east of I-95

• Viera earns ENVY Award from Florida Association of Realtors for balancing residential development with the natural environment

“In the beginning, we hired people who were the best in the business to set the vision and navigate the approval process – they were the heart and soul of what we created in Viera.”

Joseph Duda

Retired CEO, The Viera Company

Early planning L-R: David, Andrew, Donna and Joseph Duda reviewing plans for the next community

Hammock Lakes, Viera’s first residential community, has their new resident picnic

Land Donations

Early Land Donations

• 56 acres of land is donated for a new Brevard Zoo

• Space Coast Stadium and Spring Training Center opens on 74 acres donated by The Viera Company

• Veterans Administration Clinic opens on 40 acres donated by The Viera Company

• The Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Justice Center opens on 32 acres donated by The Viera Company

Ferdinand and Joseph Duda at the opening of the Brevard Zoo with the historical entrance plaque of the Duda family

Groundbreaking of The Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Justice Center

“One of the key things as a management team and as a family we always focus on is that we have this vision and we don’t compromise it. We want a community that has all the elements that people really want in the social fabric of their lives.”

Tracy Duda-Chapman

Sr VP Chief Legal and Administrative Officer, A Duda & Sons, Inc. Former CEO, The Viera Company Viera Vision, 2014 The Vision Lives On

Later Land Donations

• A total of 24 acres plus funding is donated to Brevard County for construction of the Pineda extension and interchange at I-95

• 125 acres are donated to Brevard County for the Viera Regional Park and Soccer Fields

“Making the vision of Viera a reality required faith, commitment and the dedication of the DUDA family, its company management and employees. These attributes not only saw us throughout the history of Viera but are the foundation for the entire DUDA company and have served it for going on 100 years.”

Bart Weeks COO/EVP A. Duda & Sons, Inc. Former CEO, The Viera Company

Brevard County School Board Complex

Space Coast Stadium and the Florida Marlins groundbreaking event

Brevard County School Board and Government Center, 1991

2000s

• Viera Builders is established

• Health First announces plans for an innovative, 50-acre healthcare campus

• Three elementary schools, a charter school, and a high school are opened

• The Duran Golf Club opens with a championship 18-hole course designed by Chip Powell

• The Avenue Viera, an upscale, open-air retail and entertainment center, opens

• Viera Blvd. is connected from east to west with a bridge across I-95, funded by The Viera Company

• Additional 11,500-acre expansion of the Viera DRI is approved for the western expansion of Viera

CALLING VIERA HOME WITH PRIDE

“...over the past 25 years the residents, businesses, schools and churches have all contributed to what we know as our community. From the earliest “pioneers” – the very first residents and businesses to call Viera home – to the most recent newcomers – each played a role in creating Viera’s reputation as one of the area’s most desirable places in which to live.”

Steve Johnson

Retired President, The Viera Company Viera Vision, 2014 The Vision Lives On

Members of the first graduating class at Viera High School

2010s

• Publix opens a new concept supermarket

• Viera is awarded the 2018 Business of the Year Award from the Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce

• Brevard County Fire-Rescue Station #48 opens west of I-95

• Expansion of new shopping and dining along Lake Andrew Blvd.

• Residential Coving Design is introduced south of Wickham Road

United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) constructs a state-of-the-art tournament and training facility replacing the original Space Coast Stadium

“I’m very proud of my team for being able to not only produce and sell more homes each year but also for maintaining the high quality of product that our customers expect from Viera Builders.”

Bill Moore

Retired COO, Viera Builders Florida Today, June 2018

Viera hosts a variety of events including the Light Up Viera Holiday Parade

Kerrington is one of ten new neighborhoods planned for Viera Builders

Viera Builders opens a Design Studio for their clients

Heath First opens a 100-bed, full service Viera Hospital

2010s

still going strong

• Road extensions and connectors are funded to connect Lake Andrew Drive and the Pineda Causeway

• Viera adds two new academies: Pinecrest Academy Space Coast and Amazing Explorers Academy Viera

• Six new pocket parks are opened including an outdoor hockey rink

• Brevard Zoo opens a 3.1 mile Linear Park Trail that extends from Wickham Road to Pineda Causeway

• Four new apartment centers open: Centre Pointe Apartments, Marisol Viera, Artisan at Viera, and Aura at Viera

“Every time I hear the undeniable pride in residents’ voices saying, ‘I live in Viera’, it validates all the long hours of planning and effort that went into the making of Viera as one of the most desirable places to live…”

Scott Miller Executive VP Sales, Marketing & Community Development Everything Brevard, 2020 In Demand

The first Diverging Diamond interchange is constructed in Brevard County across I-95 and Viera Blvd.

Addison Village Club is built as the signature amenity for the Addison Village area

Modern Duran is established and will be the first modern home community

Viera Town Center now includes three new apartment buildings, a local dog park with playground, and two hotels

2020s

• Viera Elementary opens as Viera’s 4th local elementary school

• Costco opens on Pineda Blvd. creating a new commercial hub

• New restaurants and services open in Viera East

• Borrows West becomes a new commercial center with two hotels, a park, restaurants and services

• Publix builds a second supermarket

• Joyal Homes celebrates 50 years of homebuilding in Viera in 2023

• New communities open and Viera Builders Inc. becomes the largest home builder in Viera

• Viera is ranked in the Top 10 for Best-Selling Master-Planned Communities

Sierra Cove, Viera

Adelaide, Viera

Explore VIERA App

top 10 master-planned community

“I am proud of our dedicated team that continues to take a long-term view, with flexibility to respond to market and consumer demands while enhancing the quality of life for existing and future residents and businesses alike, with vision and the DUDA family’s steadfast commitment.”

Todd Pokrywa

• 33,000 Total Population

• 13,800+ Homes

• 860+ Businesses

• 11,700+ Employees

• 3,800,000+ SQ FT commercial space

• Approximately $300,000,000 in Infrastructure Investments include arterial and collector roadways and do not include neighborhood roads and related infrastructure

• Annual population growth 5.25%

President, The Viera Company

Viera Vision, 2022 Developer Letter

Borrows West Park