LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Stephanie Byrd Editor in Chief
The ongoing progress in Viera is extraordinary. We celebrated our 35th year with new residents, business owners, students, employees, and many others becoming part of the Viera family. These new traditions, relationships, and patterns emerge and create a personal story that connects us daily. Moving into a new home and neighborhood, keys in hand, is exciting and the friendships forged may last a lifetime. Opening a new business can be exhausting but it is the labor of love and the smiling faces holding the shovel during the groundbreaking ceremony or cutting the wide ribbon on opening day can be life-changing events. In the service sector, our new fire house, Station 49, is a beautiful example of modern architecture with state-ofthe-art equipment employing well-trained men and women as part of our first-responders team in Brevard. If you attend any of our schools, no matter what year, you are part of the ever-changing growth within our educational system that maintains the A-Rated standard helping our children succeed and grow each year. We continue to sew our collective story into the fabric of Viera.
As we highlight some of these moments and businesses in the pages ahead, we included our annual recipes from Duda Farm Fresh Foods. They provide us with a fun opportunity to bring something new to the table this holiday season and speaking of holidays, Light Up Viera will once again highlight our spirit on November 30th through the streets of Viera. The route has expanded to 3-miles, and you are sure to find a seat to enjoy the pageantry and lights.
We are proud to have the Joyal Homes family as part of our authorized home builders and you will learn more about their family-oriented, team-focused success story. I have had the opportunity to talk to Bob Joyal over the years and he is one of the kindest businessmen you will meet.
Duran Golf Club is not only home to experienced pro-golf players and professionals but to thousands of wildlife species and their included habitat areas both large and small. Duran shines through conservation and the ongoing maintenance to make stewardship a priority, all while having the best game of your life. You should visit and take the time to look around at the incredible efforts they make every day to enhance wildlife and your enjoyment of it.
Finally, the cutest little baby boy was born at our hospital this year in the new Labor and Delivery Unit at Health First Viera Hospital. Little Dallas Bridges has no idea that he made history, but his parents Tyler and Lenise were just as surprised. Health First’s team created a wonderful place for him to spend his first hours with his parents and be a part of our community’s legacy.
We look forward to spending time together with new adventures, fresh faces, and new locations to explore and discover. Have a happy holiday and exciting new year.
Marketing Team ( L-R) Laurie Widzgowski, Stephanie Byrd, and Rachel Terry at the Scarecrow Stroll and Harvest Festival.
FEATURES
Trendsetter Dallas Bridges at 8lbs, 2oz
pg 04 The first child is born at the new Viera Hospital Birthing Suites
Viera's Most Awarded Local Builders
pg 13 Our builders are setting the ultimate standards in home building
Urban Prime Recipe
pg 24 Urban Prime wants you to proudly cook in your beautiful kitchen
Going Vertical
pg 30 New places, faces, and experiences to discover
Light Up Viera Christmas Parade
pg 38 A magical parade night with lights, music, and holiday traditions
Audubon Recertification at Duran Golf Club
pg 08 Protecting the environment and preserving the natural heritage of golf
The THD Endless Isle Comes to Viera
PRESIDENT
Todd J. Pokrywa
EXEC. VP SALES, MARKETING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Scott Miller
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Stephanie Byrd
STAFF EDITORS
Carmen Vastola, Laurie Widzgowski, Rachel Terry, Todd J. Pokrywa, Scott Miller, Karen Esposito
SENIOR WRITERS
Joyal Homes Turns 50
pg 26 Carefully, purposefully, and methodically getting better each day
Fun and Unique Recipes
pg 35 A classic seafood dish and a fun holiday hors d'oeuvre
IN EVERY ISSUE
pg 02 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
pg 46 EVENTS CALENDAR
pg 48 DEVELOPER LETTER
Maria Sonnenberg, Stephanie Byrd, Carmen Vastola, Laurie Widzgowski
MAGAZINE DESIGN
Dana Vinci & Brandt Ronat & Co
COVER DESIGN
Brandt Ronat & Co
PHOTOGRAPHY
Photos provided by subject unless otherwise noted.
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY
Stephanie Byrd, Carmen Vastola
PUBLISHER
The Viera Company
LEGAL
pg 21 Home Depot opens a local store and the community is ready for it VIERA VISION IS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF
Ben Wilson, Mark Boyd
Dallas Bridges Trendsetter
Dallas Bridges doesn’t know it yet, but he is a true trendsetter. Exactly at 12:54 p.m. on Thursday, August 22, the eightpound, two-ounce Dallas inaugurated the new Labor and Delivery Unit on the fifth floor of Viera Hospital, ushering in a happy new chapter in the history of the Health First facility that opened in 2011. Many, many babies are expected to follow Dallas’ tiny footsteps.
Viera Hospital’s Birthing Suites, which officially opened August 21, replace the labor and delivery care unit at Cape Canaveral Hospital, as the latter facility gears up for the new construction of Health First’s Cape Canaveral Hospital on Merritt Island.
“At this time, a dedicated Labor and Delivery unit at Health First’s Cape
Canaveral Hospital on Merritt Island is not part of the plans for the 120-bed facility, but that hospital is designed and being built for anticipated growth in the region,” explained Bobby Ampezzan, lead external communications/public relations for Health First.
The new maternity facility will draw new moms from Viera and beyond. Dallas is the son of Lenise and Tyler Bridges of Titusville. Among the four children in this blended family, Dallas is the first native Floridian.
“Because we’re both active military, Tyler and I have spent a lot of time in military healthcare facilities over the years, so it was really nice to be here in this beautiful hospital and the new birth suites,” said Lenise.
Ironically, construction of the new Labor and Delivery Unit had been delayed in part because of the pandemic, and Lenise was fighting a Covid virus when she went into labor with Dallas. However, all’s well that ends well, and the whole family is thrilled with the new addition.
“Dallas being the first baby born here will always be a special memory, and I guess having Covid just adds a little more to the story,” Lenise said.
Cheery & Bright
Dallas couldn’t have picked a better place in which to be born. Cheery and bright, the new Labor and Delivery Unit offers 14 spacious Birth Suites with state-of-the-art bells and whistles, plus two operating rooms for Caesarean sections and other obstetric procedures.
“We’ve created an environment that feels cozy and was designed for advanced bedside care,” said Dr. Vanessa Dance, who previously had delivered babies for 20 years at Cape Canaveral Hospital. “This is important to physicians who believe that every baby and every mom must get the very best care. At our Birth Suites, moms— and dads—receive the entirety of their care in one comfortable place – labor and delivery to postpartum care and all the consultations new parents get in a Health First hospital. What was accomplished here is a jewel for Viera.”
Dr. Dance, along with Drs. Sherri Caplan and Aimee Raup, practice OB-GYN out of the new Health First Vidina Obstetrics and Gynecology office on Vidina Drive immediately south of the hospital. At the new practice, board-certified OB-GYN providers work alongside board-certified nurse midwives and advanced practice registered nurses such as Alanna Colon.
(Below) Dr. Vanessa Dance, surrounded by hospital leaders, physicians, nursing staff, and other community partners, cutting the ribbon for the official opening.
“This new location allows us to collaborate closely with other nearby specialists, too,” Colon said. “As we continue to support our pregnant moms and their families, our new location also accommodates women throughout all stages of life from adolescence to post-menopause. We know how important it is to our clients to come into a facility that has the capability of providing evidence-based holistic care for all women in this community.”
Tiny Dallas Bridges was born in the right place at the right time, according to Dr. Dance.
“If the state of Florida is growing fast, Viera is growing in leaps and bounds, and now there’s a place to deliver our littlest Floridians that honors that growth and is ready for action,” she said.
(Right) Dustin Boring, Viera Hospital Administrator, in one of the new Labor and Delivery operating rooms.
AUDUBON RECERTIFICATION AT DURAN GOLF CLUB
In a moment of flawless serendipity, two bobcat cubs darted across the greens at Duran Golf Club, to Dr. Jim Papritan’s delight. The two kittens couldn’t have appeared at a better time. It was one of those lovely Viera days in February of 2020 and Papritan had been escorting Audubon International staff as part of Duran’s process of earning official certification by the non-profit organization that promotes sustainable resource management. The sight of the two cubs, reflective of the thriving wildlife in the area, was also proof that Duran and The Viera Company and its homeowners took their role as environmental stewards very seriously.
Certification attests to a commitment to protect the environment and preserve the natural heritage of the game of golf. Becoming certified by Audubon International’s Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf is not easy.
“You have to earn it; it is a significant effort,” said Frank LaVardera, director of environmental programs for golf at Audubon International. The New York-based organization helps to put environmentally sustainable management practices in the golf, recreation, and hospitality industries around the world, positively impacting environmental health at multiple geographic scales, from individual properties to entire communities and eco-regions.
Recertification Components
More than 16,000 golf courses operate in the United States alone. Currently, only 1,000 golf courses around the world are certified by Audubon International, with the same number currently working towards certification. The effort required from golf courses is significant.
Sponsored by:
The program is centered around six basic components:
• Site assessment and environmental planning
• Wildlife and habitat management
• Chemical use reduction and safety
• Water conservation
• Water quality management
• Outreach and education
The process does not end with certification. Once a course is certified, there is a recertification process that takes place every three years. The recertification alternates between a documentation/case study and site visits with the recertification conducted by a member of the Audubon International staff.
Why go through all this hassle and expense?
“One of the core values of A. Duda & Sons is to be good stewards of the land,” said golf course general manager Jeff Von Eschen. A Duda & Sons, Inc. is the parent company of The Viera Company, which owns Duran.
Certification is a win-win for the course, the players and the community, not only because it enhances and benefits the environment, but also because it provides courses with a template for efficient land management.
Duran received original certification in 2020 after the site visit that the bobcat cubs happily crashed. It took years of work by the golf club team and volunteer Dr. Jim Papritan to meet the exacting requirements of Audubon International.
“There was a lot to do to modify the golf course and our ways of maintaining it.” said Von Eschen.
Von Eschen, who was the grounds superintendent during the certification process, has been with Duran since the course was carved out. Andrew Norman, Von Eschen’s assistant at the time, is now grounds superintendent.
“It is a bit of a process, because you have to address every aspect of how the golf course is managed, down to how you store your chemicals,” Norman said, adding that there is always room for improvement. “I’m constantly learning and trying to improve the golf course.”
Daily Sights to See
Out of Duran’s 180 acres, 100 are maintainable turf and 40 have been designated as wildlife habitat. For Dr. Jim Papritan, the abundance of feathered “birdies” he routinely encounters makes any game that much sweeter, even if that recalcitrant little white ball refuses to obey his orders that day.
“You see sights like a bald eagle or an osprey swooping in to get a fish from one of the lakes, and you feel proud,” he said. “Duran is special to me.”
Papritan should feel proud about those eagles and ospreys, for the Viera resident was instrumental in the Audubon certification process, volunteering many, many hours to the project. In Papritan, Von Eschen and Norman found the right man to get the job done. As a professor at The Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, he taught teachers how to teach. After he retired and moved to Viera, Papritan looked for an activity that could utilize his experience. An avid golfer, Papritan approached Von Eschen for volunteer opportunities.
“I informed him about our Audubon project that we needed help with,” Von Eschen said.
Antigone canadensis
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
“He then visited other Audubon properties and decided he would like to be part of it. While working with us on Audubon, a former student of his was visiting and had information about spraying chemicals on the ag side that might help golf course superintendents, so we got with the Brevard County Extension Office to see if we can do a training for CEUs. This was the birth of the Space Coast Golf and Turf Association.”
The Space Coast Golf and Turf Association continues to offer training in best practices for golf course management.
Institutional Changes and Reductions of Chemicals
For several years prior to certification, Papritan detailed the exhaustive amount of changes Duran was instituting. Documentation on water conservation practices alone fill 40 pages with specific irrigation layouts, sprinkler head locations, photographs and diagrams and more. For the Chemical Use Reduction and Safety component, for example, he provided comprehensive details on how the golf course educated employees on responsible chemical usage and how staff scouted for insect, disease and weed pressure and sprayed only when pressure reached a pre-set threshold level.
He discussed Duran’s use of Fishsh!t to condition the soil with an “ecosystem in a bottle.” The aptly named product is derived from feeding tilapia a proprietary mix of feed that, when digested, lends itself nicely to bacteria and microorganism production and growth. By introducing a wide variety of beneficial bacteria and microorganisms into the rhizosphere with Fishsh!t, Duran is creating an optimal symbiotic relationship between plant and soil. With healthy soil, less fertilizers and herbicides are needed.
“We do fertilize and spray chemicals, but we do it responsibly,” Von Eschen explained.
“We use slow-release fertilizer and do it at a certain time when runoff is not as much of a problem. A typical homeowner utilizes more chemicals than the golf course.”
All of Duran’s 13 lakes are regularly tested for nutrient loading and pH, and the results of these water quality tests are impressive. Of particular interest are the numbers from the lake at Hole 15, which receives runoff from the area around The Avenue Viera and Viera Hospital and subsequently delivers the water to Six Mile Creek.
“We have documented evidence that the water that comes off the golf course is considerably superior to the water that enters the golf course,” Papritan said. “The process of going through the lake will purify that water.”
While golfers may not notice that Duran lakes enjoy excellent water quality, they do notice the resident wildlife that, like the humans, think Viera is the perfect place in which to live. Attracting the furry and feathered residents proved a concerted effort.
Apantesis phalerata
Leuconycta lepidula
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Athene cunicularia (Burrowing Owl)
~ Small, sandy color, yellow eyes
~ Ground hunter - mainly eats insects and rodents
“The natural habitat is fine-tuned,” Papritan said. “Duran is making it better.”
The fine-tuning included installing and monitoring nesting boxes at every hole throughout the course. Four bat boxes welcome Mother Nature’s voracious insect-controlling flyers. Pollinator gardens such as the one by Holes 8 and 9 are favorites of monarch butterflies that can’t resist the tasty milkweed. Naturalized acreage, particularly along Holes 10 and 16, are not sprayed to encourage the growth of native vegetation that acts as core habitats for wildlife. With a diverse population of plants for food and shelter, it is not surprising the wild creatures choose it for a home.
“We have rabbits, raccoons, squirrels, possums, deer, fox, bobcats and gopher tortoises,” said Von Eschen. “None of them were here when the golf course was built.”
Exhaustive Efforts with Big Payoffs
Duran’s continuous efforts to explain the uniqueness of the course to golfers and the general community have paid off. Homeowners adjacent to Duran have also taken a cue from Duran, and some are minimizing chemical usage and designing a landscape more conducive to wildlife. Golfers have embraced sharing their course with the varied wildlife that greets them when they play.
“Some of the golfers who didn’t initially understand have learned and now you can see the look of pride on their faces
when they see the wildlife that can be found at Duran,” Papritan said. “They also know the effort it took to get Duran certified and keep it certified.”
The course also acts as a living laboratory for students from Viera High School and Viera Charter School. Environmental Science classes at Viera High depend on Duran for data for water and soil management projects. Additionally, Papritan recently met with staff from Brevard Zoo to discuss a possible cooperative project that would include the use of Duran resources for the zoo’s environmental education offerings.
“Using Duran for environmental outreach is the right thing to do,” Papritan said.
Golf courses have been criticized for negatively impacting the community through high water usage, disruption of wildlife habitat and usage of chemicals, but that reputation is largely undeserved, according to LaVardera.
“The majority of golf superintendents consider themselves environmental stewards,” he said. However, those who choose the path of Audubon certification are going several steps further. “They’re not your average golf course,” Papritan said. “They are above average because they are taking care of the land as God intended. Duran is doing it right.”
Most Awarded in 2024:
Viera’s Local Builders
The Home Builders and Contractors Association (HBCA) held its annual Parade of Homes in late September with the luxury and elegance to rival that of any major metropolitan city. Viera was named by the HBCA as the 2024 “Showcase Community” and CDS Builders took the “Showcase Home” designation within the new neighborhood of Aripeka. Six new-home neighborhoods in Viera took Gold, Diamond, and Platinum awards in various categories within their value division.
Viera as a Showcase Community relies on various professionals who plan roads, build homes, businesses, parks, trails, and amenities, and who continually keep up to date with development trends across the country. The success of these planning teams depends on cohesively working together with an eye toward the balance between nature and human progress.
The Viera Company has developed Viera, Florida over the last 35 years based on a mission and vision that includes land stewardship within a defined scope of environmental planning and is perpetually striving to safeguard nature while building a diverse and thriving community.
“In Viera, we are committed to designing and delivering vibrant and livable communities where people can live, work, play, worship, and learn, while being responsible stewards of the land.”
—Todd J. Pokrywa, President of The Viera Company.
“In Viera, we are committed to designing and delivering vibrant and livable communities where people can live, work, play, worship, and learn, while being responsible stewards of the land. By enhancing the value of our current developments through thoughtful and dedicated conservation and development practices, we are setting the foundation for future growth in Viera. It is a rare opportunity to create a new town with faith, integrity and thoughtful stewardship of the land and I am proud to be leading our team in this mission,” said Todd J. Pokrywa, President of The Viera Company.
The builders in Viera are exceptional and provide the continued expectation of award-winning innovation, value, and beauty.
Without further ado, we present our authorized builders and their 2024 winning homes in the annual parade.
Todd Pokrywa, President of The Viera Company, who won the Showcase Community award with John Thomas, CEO of the HBCA
Homes
Best Feature Award: Outdoor Courtyard Living
Homes
Best Feature Award: Indoor Architectural Details
Homes Special
Best Feature Award: Overall Family Design
Model: The Mecina II in Reeling Park
Special Award: Diamond ($600K - $700K)
Model: The Parker II in Pangea Park
Special Award: Gold ($600K - $700K)
Model: The Highland in Pangea Park
Award: Diamond ($700K - $800K)
“We share these awards with our entire team at Viera Builders, and we continue to strive to be one of the best homebuilders in the industry.”
—Todd J. Pokrywa, President of The Viera Company.
vierabuilders.com
L-R: Ryan Reilly, Ian Scalia and Kenya Holmes, Sales Managers, Todd Pokrywa, President of The Viera Company, Paula Tchorowski, Christine LaTulippe, Suzy Haughwout and Michelle Maheuron, Sales Managers, Carmen Vastola, Sr. Supervisor Viera Discovery Center
The Altamura II in Laurasia
Homes Special Award: Diamond ($900K - $1M)
Best Feature Award: Bonus Room/Bedroom Combination
Model: The Ellington in Laurasia
Homes Special Award: Platinum ($900K - $1M)
Best Feature Award: Best Wine Display
Model:
L-R: Mike Jaffe, First Vice President of the HBCA, Chris Simms, President of CDS Builders, Kelly Riese, Sales Manager for CDS Builders, Tim McWilliams, VP Development for CDS Builders and John Thomas, CEO of the HBCA
Model: Live Oak Special Award: Showcase Home
Best Feature Award: Overall Architectural Experience
“We’re thrilled to be building custom homes in Aripeka, Viera's newest development, and we look forward to continuing to contribute to this beautiful community!”
Model: Key Largo
Special Award: Platinum ($1M-$2M)
Best Feature Award: Best Architectural Design buildingalifestyle.com
Paul and Anette
Home sales specialists of Aripeka with Mike
First Vice President of the
L-R:
Stradtner,
Jaffe,
HBCA
L-R: John Thomas, CEO of the HBCA, Jeff Joseph, Executive Designer and Sales Consultant for Joyal Homes and Mike Jaffe, First Vice President of the HBCA
L-R: Deninis Calhoun, Andrea Calhoun, New Home Sales Consultant for Stanley Homes with Mike Jaffe, First Vice President of the HBCA
John Thomas, CEO of the HBCA, Taylor Yancey and Nicole DeRoy, Sales Associates, Craig Schmauss, Purchasing Manager and Mike Jaffe, First Vice President of the HBCA
arhomes.com
L-R:
L-R: John Thomas, CEO of the HBCA, Julian Stoyles and Alex Marangakis, Construction Managers, Claire Varney and Kelli Folse, Custom Home Advisors, and Mike Jaffe, First Vice President of the HBCA
L-R: John Thomas, CEO of the HBCA, Katy Arrington, Sales Consultant Del Webb at Viera, Bridget Perers, Sales Consultant/Certified Field Trainer, Del Webb at Viera, and Mike Jaffe, First Vice President of the HBCA
The opening ceremony on October 16th for The Home Depot was like no other, and it was an honor to be invited!
The first part of the ceremony began with several introductions, the raising of the American flag by the JROTC cadets and members of the marching band from Viera High School, and a fire knife dance called Ailao Afi by a member of the Brevard Hawaiian Dancers. The crowd enjoyed the opening day’s events, with a slight chill in the air, and then headed inside for the official boardcutting ceremony.
The Home Depot does not cut a traditional ribbon as they have their own unique tradition of cutting a formal wood board for good luck.
Did you know they have or carry the following?
• An appliance showroom, a tool showroom, and specialty rental options.
• Two special areas were created to hold customers’ and contractors’ orders.
• Tools are displayed and showcased by brand so you can view the new battery options and look at the entire line the brand carries from home tools to garden tools.
• Self-checkout pod stations for faster and easier payment.
• You can return anything you buy if it does not do the job.
• Problem solvers – they can help you find someone when your DIY project is not what you wanted.
• The Home Depot employs expert-level electricians and plumbers.
Two weeks prior, I sat down to speak to the store manager, Keith Heberling, about the new store in Viera. We talked about the growth in the Viera community and how the store will bring employment opportunities to Brevard, but we always want to learn what we do not know. We discussed the retail portion of the store and the culture of the employees.
The Home Depot Employee Value Wheel is the core component of everything that Keith and his team work to achieve each day. On the wheel you will find named values such as building strong relationships, entrepreneurial spirit, excellent customer service and taking care of their people. Vice Presidents, regional managers, store managers, team leaders, and every staff member that wears an apron or has worn an apron will have these eight values top of mind. The Viera store has a combined staff of ninety-plus associates. Many of these employees started working part-time and then stayed with the company for many years since.
Keith told his own story of wanting to play pro baseball, but an injury kept him from moving forward in the sport. One day, he walked into The Home Depot and after a brief conversation, the associate told him, “You know your plants!” and 24 years later, he is a store manager and has successfully opened his first The Home Depot location. “The leadership teams I have worked with over the years have been exceptional. We do everything we can to create a value from within by developing leaders the employees can trust,” said Heberling.
Jumping into what will be different in Viera, we discussed the unique items that the store may carry, although the customers in the area will dictate the need for those unique products. “Just because you do not see it on the “endless aisle” does not mean we do not have it at another store or online,” said Heberling. This was reinforced by a local fan of The Home Depot stores I had spoken to months ago at a local restaurant. “A lot of people I talk to do not know that The Home Depot rents specialty equipment and different stores have different equipment along with special-order items,” said Jerry Saylor. There is truth to this as I once rented a 12ft ladder to decorate a Christmas tree from the The Home Depot in Melbourne. The Home Depot also rents trucks for large purchases like lumber or moving equipment.
“We value exceptional customer service, and this store has been designed with that in mind. The associates and department leaders have been either with The Home Depot for many years or have trained in their area of expertise for a long time,” said Heberling. “They are familiar with tools you need to use to get the job done. The employees are always
Keith Heberling, Store Manager
learning and educating themselves on the advancements within the industries represented, so a customer can give us a call with their questions. Because we are not commissioned based, we do not push hard in one direction or another. We want to help them and if there is a problem, we will be there.”
WE BLEED ORANGE
The ceremonies on opening day showcased the internal team spirit of the associates with stories like “…five-thousand pieces on a morning truck delivery with an additional five trucks behind it!” and “…we (the associates) bleed orange!” The term is a way to underscore their commitment to the store and each other. Inside the store, Keith and other managementlevel employees presented special badges to various associates for all their hard work on the new store. The crowd cheered when various names were called, and sometimes a few tears were shed over the demanding work and the satisfaction of getting it to the finish line. At any time, you can walk into The Home Depot and see a store associate with their badges sewn on their aprons or multiples collected on a carabiner hook. They wear them with pride and can tell you about each ceremony, like this one, when they received it, and what they did to earn it.
“The leadership teams I have worked with over the years have been exceptional. We do everything we can to create a value from within by developing leaders the employees can trust.”
—Keith Heberling, Store Manager
After 50-plus badges were handed out, the store provided a $5,000 donation to the ARC of the Space Coast. The ARC is an organization that provides support for local community members with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A few chapter members were in attendance and the crowd enjoyed their smiling faces and support.
The celebration did not stop at the board cutting. Store staff handed out branded cupcakes and hard hats, and then the doors were opened to customers with greetings by Polynesian dancers and performers rhythmically beating drums and waving ceremonial feathers. The associates who worked hard to get the store ready were standing by to answer questions and direct anyone to what they might be looking for in the store or out in the garden shop. Keith is proud of his team, and he continues to state their customer service motto whenever asked: If you have a project that isn’t coming out right, we will do whatever we can to make it right.
20 Minute Prep Time. 45 Minute Cooktime.
By Executive Chef CJ Hughes, URBAN PRIME
Marketplace + Restaurant
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp. Butter
1 cup onion, diced
1 cup celery , diced
1 cup carrot, diced
4 cups Chardonnay (Albertoni)
1 Tbsp. fresh thyme, chopped
2 whole bay leaf
8-oz. button mushrooms, sliced
4-oz. shitake mushrooms, sliced
4-oz. cremini mushrooms, sliced
3 cups vegetable stock (can sub for mushroom stock)
1 ½ cups heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
1 Tbsp. corn starch
2 Tbsp. water
Directions:
1. Melt butter until almost brown in sauce pot
2. Add vegetables and cook until they are soft (onions, celery, carrots)
3. Add mushrooms and cook for 10 minutes (button, shitake, cremini)
4. Add wine & herbs (Chardonnay, thyme, bay leaf)
5. Add stock & simmer for 15-20 minutes (vegetable or mushroom)
6. Add cream and seasonings (heavy cream, salt, pepper)
7. Make slurry with cornstarch and water (1 part cornstarch and 2 parts water is preferred ratio for slurry)
8. Slowly add slurry while mixing to desired thickness
Serves 6
(L to R, standing in the back) Jeff Joseph, Mitchell Hull, Danny Joyal, Sara Joyal, David Dunahee, and Mike Casteel (L to R, sitting) Ben Joseph, Jennifer Wadsworth, Tom Hull, Lori Hull, Kerrie Kunde, and David Johannessen
FAMILY-ORIENTED AND INDUSTRY POWERFUL:
Joyal Homes Turns 50
When discussing what makes Joyal Homes unique, Florida Homebuilder Magazine nails the essence of this Brevardbased builder. “If every builder in Florida had the integrity, work ethic, painstaking attention to detail and consumer commitment of the Joyals, oh how much stronger and better our industry would be,” noted the publication.
Joyal Homes’ philosophy of doing business is firmly rooted in the concrete values brothers Paul, Bob, and Danny Joyal brought to the company they launched in 1974. Do the right thing for your customers as well as your staff, be honest and accessible, and build thoughtfully crafted homes that will exceed expectations and provide joy to the families who live in them. Throughout five decades of growth and success, the company has never veered from these tenets.
After Bob passed away 11 years ago, Paul and Danny helped prepare a new generation to continue the family tradition. Paul has since retired, but Danny continues his involvement as vice president, with Bob’s daughter, Lori, and her husband, Tom Hull, overseeing — as vice president and president, respectively — a team of staff and subcontractors steadfastly loyal to Joyal for 2,600 homes, plus remodels, and counting. Tom and Lori ushered in the third generation of Joyals when son Mitchell joined the company in 2023 as an administrative assistant. Sara Joyal, Bob’s wife and Lori’s mother, leads the Accounting Department.
“To see this type of continuity in the industry is rare,” said Tom Hull. “We’re very family-oriented and we’re also unique in the loyalty we have in our team.”
Valuable Team Members
While average length of service for the Joyal team is an impressive 23 years, many team members far exceed that time frame. Pat Guerry, for example, has been the go-to tile master at Joyal since 1976, and master carpenter Manny Rodriguez has been responsible for creating outstanding craftsmanship in Joyal Homes for a quarter of a century. Executive designer Jeff Joseph has been part of the Joyal work family for 40 years. It is Jeff’s creative vision that helped the company evolve into a highly regarded custom home builder.
“I actually do the design work myself,” Jeff said. “Our floor plans are unique because they have been developed and designed based on the premise of carefully listening to our customers.”
Although he has been on the job for four decades, Joseph remains eager to develop elevations, floor plans, and accents that are both visually appealing as well as efficient.
“I hope my best work is always my latest project, because I have been carefully, purposefully, and methodically trying to get better each and every day for the last 40 years,” he said.
Jeff not only designs the plans to encompass the wishes of clients, but also develops the preliminary plans and budget for the projects. The process can take several iterations in order to ascertain all parties are on the same page.
“Once we finalize the preliminary plan, I put together the estimate to build the project,” Jeff added. “Moreover, I write the specification for bidding and then write Joyal’s proposal for the client. If the client decides to move forward, I meet with them to sign the contract to build and also stay involved after contracting by doing the detailed working drawings.”
Most builders utilize salespersons to finalize the contract and then turn plans over to a superintendent, but not Joyal Homes.
“A lot of important information gets lost in this transition” said Jeff, who routinely slots three to four hours to work through the plans one last time in a preconstruction meeting that includes both the customer and the project manager, in order that customers feel confident that their vision for the perfect home will be realized.
Industry Award Winner
Joyal Homes is no stranger to industry awards, including the Builder Leadership Award from the Florida Solar Energy Center, a Silver Aurora Award, numerous First Places, “Best of Show” and “People’s Choice” during the Parade of Homes, and the first U.S. Green Building Council’s “LEED” for Homes for a goldcertified home in Brevard. Equally as important as these recognitions are the stack of testimonials from homeowners such as “Loyal Joyal” customer Kathie Andrews.
“We have just completed our third renovation project with Joyal Homes,” Andrews noted.
“With each experience the Joyal team has met our expectations to the fullest. We had a vision and they took the steps to make it a reality. We have a beautiful home with the comfort of knowing they always stand behind their work. Being customer-oriented is not a thing of the past with them.”
When Ernie and Elisa Short decided it was time to build their “forever home,” the couple selected Joyal.
“Since I am retired, I was able to spend a lot of time on site and observe the workmanship and materials used in building our house,” Ernie said.
“The workmanship exhibited by the tradesmen used on the job was topnotch and the materials used were the best. Joyal personnel were very professional and easy to work with. We were particularly impressed that we were able to specify the amenities we wanted and even from whom we wanted sourced for each amenity.”
Joyal homeowner Teri Eno echoed the Short’s assessment of the company’s knowledge, support, and professionalism.
“First class!” Eno said. “I am so glad we are building with Joyal.”
View-Oriented Design Principals
Incorporating the new home to the best advantage of its setting is another important part of the Joyal philosophy of building. For example, Joyal’s Sandhill Key model home at Viera’s latest community, Aripeka, was custom designed to maximize the existing mature oaks, pines and palm hammocks that make the lush green community so desirable.
All Joyal Home plans are also based on the concept of view-oriented design, which optimizes the view of the most outstanding features around the lot, be it the pool, golf course, lake, ocean, or intracoastal rivers.
The Sandhill Key model exemplifies the craftsmanship of a Joyal home. The jewel in the crown of this 4,397 sq. ft. home, which includes all the bells and whistles of the latest home trends, is the bespoke walnut accent wall with LED back lighting, a feature that immediately draws all guests to the home.
Although Joyal builds throughout Brevard, the company’s roots in Viera run as deep as the community’s signature live oak.
“One of my favorite pictures of early development of Viera is a picture of Paul Joyal and our first customer in The Heritage community in Viera East,” said Scott Miller, executive vice president of sales, marketing, and community development for The Viera Company.
“While Viera’s early housing offerings were often modest, The Heritage represented our first luxury estate homes and validated the vision for Viera by convincing a premier local homebuilder like Joyal to invest their time, money, and reputation into our master planned community. From The Heritage in Viera East to Seville, Valencia, and Aripeka in Central Viera, Joyal Homes has grown with Viera over the decades and helped build the dream we shared at our groundbreaking in 1989 into the dynamic reality we see today. I have always felt that Joyal Homes matched the core values and beliefs of Viera.”
(Below ) Joyal Brothers - Paul, David, and Bob Joyal
(Above to Left L-R) Lori Hull, Jeff Joseph, and Tom Hull
(Above to Right) HBCA Chili Cook-off
There is nothing like the excitement of opening a new business and when it starts to go vertical, you know it is time to start making opening day plans.
We want to highlight all the new businesses in Viera that went “vertical” and opened with the enjoyment of the owners, new employees and residents who will enjoy what they bring to the greater community of Brevard.
Going Vertical
Sparrow Boutique is a carefully curated space where customers can find unique, meaningful pieces that support women makers, sustainable practices, and the local community. We’re here to offer a shopping experience that feels special and inspiring and we are grateful to be in Viera!
—Katie Butler, Owner/Operator, Sparrow
“ “
Carr Riggs & Ingram
CVS
Fairway Cigar Lounge
Fifth-Third Bank
J. McLaughlin
Lilly Pulitzer Sparrow
Sur La Table
The Home Depot
Warby Parker
SHOPPING & SERVICES
“We are really focused on being involved in the community.
—Tony Brown, GM of Ford’s Garage
“We have more than 400 recipes that we cycle through. ..everything is made in the store.
—Richard Chase, Owner, Whit‘s Frozen Custard
Botto Neapolitan Pizzeria and Bakery
Ford’s Garage
Foxtail Coffee Co
Kelly’s Ice Cream Counter
Miller’s Ale House
Panda Express
Piesano's Stone Fired Pizza
Playa Bowls
Poke Fin Viera
Publix
“ “
Sushi Kawa Japanese and Thai Restaurant
The Soup Shop
Venezia Wine Veranda
Whit’s Frozen Custard
Congratulations to each and every one of you and all the future success in Viera!
Going Vertical
I chose to establish my business in Viera because I live here and have come to love this community. I want to create a “hometown dentist” experience for my patients by providing care in an honest and friendly environment, while also being very involved in the community. Viera has everything to offer me and my family and I can’t think of a better place to establish a new business!
—Dr.
“ “
Lance McGavin, White Palm Dental
Fire Station #49
No.49
Oh Baby! Health First Birth Suites
Island Animal Hospital
Kehoe Animal Clinic
Sage Dental
White Palm Dental
SCHOOLS
I look forward to the energy and excitement of the first year and working with our students, teachers, staff and families to define, develop and nurture our school culture.
—Catherine McNutt, Principal Viera Middle School
“ “
New Lion Habitat
Reopening of Viera Wetlands
Big Peak Running Great Clips
Pristine Spas
Skin Laundry
The Athletic Club
Goddard School of Viera
Viera Middle School
Congratulations to each and every one of you and all the future success in Viera!
Going Vertical
Since the beginning, Viera has faithfully executed its master plan and its mission to create vibrant, livable communities that are built with faith, integrity and thoughtful stewardship of the land.
—Scott Miller, Executive Vice President Sales, Marketing & Community Development at The Viera Company
“ “
NEW NEIGHBORHOODS
Crossmolina
Farallon Fields
NEW MODELS OPEN
Aripeka
Laurasia
APARTMENTS
Addison Square Apartments
NEIGHBORHOODS & HOMES
Sometimes it is good to spice things up a little and try new things. We found a fun dish the kids can help with and could be easily altered to almost any plate sized shape. The grownup dish is sure to bring some Cajun fun to your home when you just cannot eat another bite of turkey.
Recipe found at: dudafresh.com/recipes/caprese-christmas-tree
Ingredients:
1 Dandy® Romain Heart
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1, 8-oz. package of small mozzarella balls
(sometimes called pearls)
¼ cup Basil Pesto (homemade or store bought)
1 ½ Tbsp. olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 Dandy® Celery Stalk
1 Dandy® Radish
Directions:
1. Place the romaine leaves on a large serving platter. Place the biggest spears at the bottom of the platter. Work toward the top using smaller and smaller spears to create a Christmas tree.
2. To a mixing bowl, toss to combine cherry tomatoes and mozzarella with pesto and olive oil. Mix well until tomatoes and mozzarella pearls are well coated in pesto.
3. Spoon Caprese mixture into each romaine leaf. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, if desired.
4. Use a small celery stalk for the trunk of the tree.
5. Use Dandy® Radish for the star top.
Ingredients:
7 Tbsp. Unsalted butter
6 Tbsp. All-purpose flour
1 large white onion, diced
1 ½ cups Dandy® celery, diced (about 3 ribs)
1 medium green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups shrimp or seafood stock, clam juice or chicken broth
1 (14.5-oz.) can diced tomatoes
1 tsp. Cajun seasoning
½ tsp. black pepper
1 bay leaf
1 pinch salt to taste
1 ½ - 2 lbs. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups cooked white rice, for serving
Fresh chopped parsley, or green onion, sliced (optional)
Directions:
1. Start by making the roux. Melt butter in a large saucepan or heavy bottomed pot (such as a Dutch oven) over medium heat, cook until the butter starts to brown. Cook, whisking constantly, until the roux is golden brown, similar to the color of peanut butter, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper to the roux and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for a minute.
4. Add the shrimp stock and diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, pinch of salt and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes, until the vegetables are soft.
6. Add the shrimp and continue cooking for about 3-4 minutes, until the shrimp are cooked through.
7. Spoon the shrimp etouffee over rice. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and/or green onions, if desired.
Serves 4
Recipe found at: dudafresh.com/recipes/shrimp-etouffee
He may not be dressed for the part, but Sheriff Wayne Ivey will become one of Santa’s helpful Elves as the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Charity, Inc. joins The Viera Company in orchestrating the Light Up Viera Christmas Parade this year.
“The annual Christmas event has become a community favorite, and we love being part of it each and every year as our team kicks off the holiday season with an incredible parade and fireworks,” Ivey said.
The enhanced role of the Sheriff’s Office with Light Up Viera is a perfect dovetail, since the office has from the get-go provided both a significant presence and security to what is now the most colorful and ambitious holiday parade in East Central Florida. The Sheriff’s Office is also no stranger to helping other parades run smoothly.
“It compliments well with all the parades the Sheriff’s Office is involved in, including two in Merritt Island: the July 4th Parade and the Christmas Parade,” said Lindsey Deaton, executive director of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Charity, Inc.
In addition to parades, the Sheriff’s Office Charity supports youth programs such as the Police Athletic League, as well as the Pet Posse, which helps animals currently awaiting a new home at county shelters. The group also raises funds to assist first responders and their families during critical times, including medical emergencies, long-term illness and line-ofduty deaths.
The Sheriff’s Office has been an integral part of Light Up Viera, as has Sheriff Ivey, who wouldn’t miss Light Up Viera if he can possibly help it.
“The Sheriff always walks the parade route, and the entire office comes out in full force,” Deaton added.
For 2024, the parade returns to officially herald the holidays at its original Thanksgiving Saturday time slot, November 30th this year, after flirting with an early December date in the past. Now in its 12th year, Light Up Viera attracts between 15,000 to 20,000 residents from Viera and well beyond. Regular fans all have insider tips and tricks for the best parade experience.
ARRIVE EARLY
Lisa Conway, vice president of care services at One Senior Place, has attended the parade with her son, Coleman, since he was in elementary school. Coleman, now a senior dually enrolled at Eastern Florida State College through the Cambridge Program at Rockledge High School, still makes time to check out the parade with his mom and his grandmother, Vicky Peake. The three Viera residents will stake out their spot early.
“You often have to get up early and bring your chair to reserve a spot. We will usually meet friends and pack a cooler with snacks and drinks,” said Conway.
Christine and Julio Valencia, with sons Danny and Christian and Christine’s mother, Janice Fiorletti, have been faithful parade goers since 2014. Even better, Danny and Christian have been in the parade, Danny as a sousaphone player with the Viera High School marching band and Christian as a member of Suntree/Viera Youth Football League. Danny is now with the U.S. Navy in the Greek island of Crete, so, unfortunately, he won’t be able to attend, but the rest of his family will, and Christian, a seventh grader at the new Viera
Middle School, will again represent his football league. The family arrives at their favorite hangout, the Calvary Chapel parking lot near the food trucks, early enough to leisurely enjoy some hot cocoa.
PARADE LORE
Light Up Viera has been sparking holiday spirits since its launch in 2013, when it gained an instant fan base with 24 professionally decorated lighted floats, a pop concert by the Brevard Symphony Orchestra and Holoplex glasses given out to transform parade lights into dancing reindeer and smiling Santas. Fun fact: two adult camels and a camel calf accompanied the Nativity float in the first parade.
“The baby camel just stole the show,” said Stephanie Byrd, director of marketing for The Viera Company. “As the Nativity float passed, you could hear the crowd say, “Awww!” "
The idea for Light Up Viera came from Lauri Duda, former vice president of marketing at A. Duda & Sons/The Viera Company, as a tangible reflection of The Viera Company’s vision for a vibrant community. Through the years, Ms. Duda kept upping the ante on showmanship. For the 2016 parade,
for example, she and her staff fashioned fanciful walking Christmas trees, glowing angels, larger-than-life holiday sweaters and dancing reindeers. Making the costumes required enough tulle to stretch the length of four-anda-half football fields. “The holidays are about kids and family and this parade is about community spirit and family togetherness at Thanksgiving and Christmas,” she said.
The Viera Company has always allocated significant resources to the parade. For the marching bands attending, schools will receive funds for transportation and uniform cleaning expenses to ease the burden on school funds.
The new parade route will be 3-miles—more than double its current 1.5-mile route. The increase will continue to provide plenty of viewing and parking areas.
The Sheriff’s Office Charity team is busy with preparations, and the program has not yet been finalized, but expects Light Up Viera 2024 to continue the tradition of wonderment.
“We hope that this new partnership will keep everything smooth and only increase the numbers for the parade,” Deaton said, adding that the Sheriff’s Office is working on exciting new surprises.
PARADE TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS:
Laurie Widzgowski, events and marketing coordinator at The Viera Company, is a veteran of nine Light Up Viera parades, six years as the parade organizer. She suggests arriving early to allow plenty of time to pick a good viewing spot and enjoy a leisurely meal from the food trucks. If you can use a golf cart instead of a car, so much the better. If no golf cart is handy, consider parking further away in order to minimize traffic snarls. In any case, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office are experts at moving traffic along, so the waits are not really that bad, as long as you practice a little patience.
Stephanie Byrd, editor of Viera Vision and director of marketing for The Viera Company, has been instrumental in parade organization since the parade’s first year. As a parade pro, she offers the following insider tips for finetuning the parade experience:
• Bring a speaker and play music with iHeart during the parade.
• Don’t forget bug spray. Mosquitoes don’t know they have not been invited!
• Bring a family game to play to pass the time before the parade starts. Use camping lights to make it fun once it gets dark (see tip about bug spray).
As in the past, a shimmering display of fireworks precedes the parade at 6 p.m. (weather permitting) and Santa brings the parade to a close, officially ushering in the holiday season. As per tradition, expect floats big and small, colorful costumes, fire trucks, and an abundance of holiday music, thanks to the marching bands. No hunger pangs will be felt that evening, since designated food truck areas will offer plenty of temptations, just in case the tailgating goodies weren’t enough.
Hundreds of volunteers, students, parents, teachers, civic organizations and businesses each year make this outstanding 3-mile-long holiday “street party” a reality. Businesses such iHeart Media, along with many others, have been staunch supporters of the merriment over the years.
Light Up Viera delights the senses and renews holiday cheer, but it also brings people together, as families, as friends, as neighbors and as fellow travelers in the glorious adventure of life.
“I like the sense of community and to see all of the families and friends enjoying time together,” Conway said.
PARADE ROUTE
LIGHT UP VIERA
Christmas Parade
• ROADS CLOSE at 5 PM
• FIREWORKS at 6 PM
USSSA Space Coast Stadium Complex
VETERANS WAY
Calvary Chapel
FELLOWSHIP PLACE
• PARADE begins after Fireworks
JUDGE FRAN JAMIESON WAY
Viera Charter School
VIERA
HIGH SCHOOL
Parking for Parade Participants and Marching Bands Only
Parade Route
Parade Viewing Areas
Sidewalk Viewing Only Fireworks
TUNNEL
Duran Golf Club Duran Golf Club
AROUND TOWN
Happy Birthday Viera and Viera Builders (above)
The Viera community celebrated its 35th year with cake at local races and events around town. Viera Builders celebrated its 19th year with employees from all areas of the company enjoying sweet-treat fun.
Whit's Frozen Custard (right)
Whit’s Frozen Custard opened this summer at the new Addison Center Shopping Center on Stadium Parkway. Owner Rick Chase and family, Chalee, Teagan, and Richard, brought this cool treat to Viera and opening day lines were long as people came by to welcome them to Viera and try out all the great flavors!
Space Coast Credit Union 1st Birthday (below)
In July, Space Coast Credit Union, located at Lake Andrew Drive and Pineda Causeway Extension, celebrated their oneyear anniversary with delicious cupcakes and lots of giveaways! Branch manager Vanessa Lott, and associate Amber, were on hand to welcome guests.
Home Depot Grand Opening (above)
See story on page 21
Pizza Gallery and Grill (PGG) (right) * picture by Viera Voice
In October, Chris Conneen , owner of PGG, celebrated their 35th year and they didn't just sell pizza, they got involved in the community, built lasting friendships, and changed lives.
Scarecrow Stroll and Harvest Fest (below to left - Urban Prime's 'crow)
The Scarecrow Stroll and Harvest Festival, Viera Voice’s signature event, was a true autumn-in-Florida event! On hand to delight kids of all ages were the most creative scarecrows, a delightful hay maze sponsored by Viera Builders, and toetappin’ bluegrass music by Penny Creek Band. Attendees were able to vote and bid on the ‘crows, on display and up for silent auction. 100% of the Scarecrow sales proceeds went to Harmony Farms.
Trunk or Teeing (below to right)
The Trunk or Teeing event at Duran Golf Club and Tradewinds Restaurant was THE best Halloween event around! The costumes were amazing, and all the kids and their families enjoyed the beautiful evening out on the Par 3 course. Someone must have told the condiment family to hold the mayo, as it was nowhere to be found!
Launches
Date: Various
Location: Kennedy Space Center
Contact: spacecoastlaunches.com
Carriage Rides
Date: November 22nd - December 21st
Location: The Avenue Viera
Contact: avenueviera.com/events
Light Up Viera Christmas Parade
Date: November 30th
Location: Viera High School
Contact: lightupviera.com
Space Coast Marathon & Half Marathon
Date: December 1st
Location: Cocoa Village, Cocoa
Contact: spacecoastmarathon.com
Meet Astronaut Barbara Morgan
Date: December 16th - 18th
Location: Kennedy Space Center Contact: kennedyspacecenter.com
Run Run Santa 1 Mile - Viera
Date: December 21st
Location: Calvary Chapel Viera, Viera
Contact: runningzone.com
Fight Child Hunger 5k
Date: January 11th
Location: Viera High School, Viera
Contact: runningzone.com
Brevard Zoo's Okapi Klip Kloppy 3k
Date: February 8th
Location: Brevard Zoo, Viera Contact: runningzone.com
Superhero 5k & One Mile Fun Run
Date: April 26th
Location: The Avenue Viera, Viera Contact: runningzone.com
Eat My Crust 5k Run/Walk
Date: May 4th
Location: Viera High School, Viera
Contact: runningzone.com
CONCERTS / THEATRE / COMEDY TOURS
A Christmas Story
Date: November 22nd - December 15th
Location:Henegar Center, Melbourne
Contact: henegarcenter.com
What a Wonderful World -
A Holly Jolly Musical
Date: November 29th - December 15th
Location:Titusville Playhouse, Titusville Contact: titusvilleplayhouse.com
Sounds of the Season | Brevard Symphony Orchestra
Date: November 30th
Location: The King Center, Melbourne Contact: kingcenter.com
The Nutcracker | Space Coast Ballet & Brevard Symphony Orchestra
Date: December 7th
Location: The King Center, Melbourne
Contact: kingcenter.com
Swan Lake | State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine & Space Coast Symphony Orchestra
Date: December 28th
Location: The King Center, Melbourne
Contact: kingcenter.com
Hello Dolly!
Date: January 31st - February 16th
Location: Cocoa Village Playhouse, Cocoa Contact: cocoavillageplayhouse.com
Little River Band |
50th Anniversary Tour
Date: March 21st
Location: The King Center, Melbourne
Contact: kingcenter.com
Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons: The Last Encores
Date: April 12th
Location: The King Center, Melbourne Contact: kingcenter.com
Historic Cocoa Village Spring Fine
Art and Craft Fair
Dates: March (TBD)
Location: Cocoa Village, Cocoa Contact: visitcocoavillage.com
Viera Regional Business Alliance
Date: June 20th
Location: Viera Builders Design Studio Contact: facebook.com/vierabusiness
Viera Means Business
Date: Second Thursday - Monthly 8am
Location: TBD Contact: 321-242-1235
Good Morning Space Coast
Date: First Thursday monthly
Location: TBD
Contact: melbourneregionalchamber.com
FOOD TRUCKS & FARMERS MARKETS
Viera Park Market & Food Truck Events
Date(s): Monthly 1st Friday Vendor Market and Food Trucks 4pm - 8pm (weather permitting)
Location: Viera Regional Park, Viera Contact: 321-759-3713
Viera East Farmer’s Market
Date(s): Monthly 2nd Saturday 10am – 2pm
ART SHOWS NETWORKING
40th Annual Melbourne
Arts Festival
Dates: April 26th - 27th
Location: Wickham Park, Melbourne
Contact: melbournearts.org
Location: Woodside Park, Viera East Contact: vieraeastmarket@gmail.com
Check out our golf clubs for exciting events and tournaments year-round:
Duran Golf Club: durangolf.com
Viera East Golf Club: vieragolf.com
As we approach the end of another remarkable year in Viera, I am thrilled to share with you some of the exciting milestones and accomplishments we’ve celebrated together in 2024. This year has been filled with growth, memorable moments, and new beginnings that strengthen our vision for a vibrant, connected, and thriving master-planned community.
One of the most beloved traditions in Viera is our annual Light Up Viera Christmas Parade, a magical event that brings residents, families, and friends together to celebrate the Christmas season. This year, we look forward to illuminating the streets once again with festive floats, music, and the sparkle of community spirit and welcome the Brevard Sheriff’s Office Charity’s new role in leading the event. This Parade truly embodies the warmth and camaraderie that makes Viera a special place to live, work, and play.
Speaking of celebrating milestones, it is my pleasure to recognize Joyal Homes on their 50th anniversary. Joyal Homes has been an integral part of our community, helping to shape Viera through quality homebuilding and dedication to excellence. Over the years, their commitment to creating beautiful, lasting homes has contributed to the charm and appeal of our neighborhoods. We are proud to have Joyal Homes as a valued authorized builder and
Todd J. Pokrywa President, The Viera Company
congratulate them on reaching this significant milestone.
Viera Builders, Inc. has achieved new heights in various national rankings and continues to sell in the neighborhoods of Reeling Park, Avalonia, Pangea Park, Laurasia, Crossmolina and Farallon Fields. This is the first year Viera Builders was ranked in the top 100 list for both Housing Giants and Builder 100 as well as in the Top 100 Private Homebuilders by Homebuilder Executive. Viera also remains one of the best-selling master planned communities in the country.
Our community continues to grow and expand, bringing new conveniences and opportunities for residents. We’re excited to welcome The Home Depot to Viera, offering a new resource for all of your home improvement needs right in our backyard. The addition of The Home Depot is part of our larger commitment to creating a well-rounded, accessible community that supports the lifestyle and needs of our residents. We’re confident that this new store will quickly become a valuable asset for homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, and local contractors alike.
This year also marked a particularly special event for the Health First Viera Hospital as we celebrated the arrival of the first baby born at Health First Viera. This heartwarming moment represents the growth of families who choose
Viera as their home and the expanding healthcare resources available to serve them. We are proud to have Health First as a partner in our community, ensuring that our residents have access to topnotch medical care close to home.
In our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, Duran Golf Club is committed to its Audubon Certification. This prestigious certification underscores our dedication to preserving natural habitats and protecting local wildlife. Duran’s efforts align with our vision for Viera as a place where residents can enjoy outdoor activities in harmony with nature, and we are grateful for their leadership in sustainability.
Viera’s development remains dynamic, with exciting new businesses, restaurants, and amenities coming to life in our community. In the past year, we have witnessed new commercial projects going vertical, adding to the variety and quality of services, dining, and entertainment available to residents and visitors. From locally-owned establishments to national brands, our community continues to flourish with choices that enhance our quality of life and bring us closer together.
And for those who enjoy great food, I congratulate Urban Prime on their first anniversary in the Viera Town Center. This culinary asset in our community contributes unique flavors and creativity to Viera’s food scene. We hope you’ll enjoy sharing their dishes with loved ones this season.
As we look back on this year, I want to thank each of you for being part of the Viera community. Your support, enthusiasm, and pride in this community are what drive us to continue building a place where memories are made, and futures are shaped. From everyone at The Viera Company and all of our affiliated businesses, we wish you a Merry Christmas, a safe holiday season, and a Happy New Year. May this season bring you joy, peace, and quality time with family and friends.
