Viera Vision Volume 17, Issue 1 by Viera Vision

Happiness is a Healthy Smile Beverly Rose, DMD Always Gentle, Always Friendly

If you and your family are seeking personalized care by a highly trained and experienced dentist in a comfortable setting, Exceptional Dentistry is the place for you!

“Whether your smile needs a little help or a lot, I can help.”

ACTUAL CLIENT PHOTOS

CONTENTS

PRESIDENT Todd Pokrywa

VOLUME 17: ISSUE 1

VP OF MARKETING Lauri Duda EDITOR IN CHIEF Stephanie Byrd STAFF EDITORS Carmen Vastola, Laurie Widzgowski, Todd Pokrywa, Ben Wilson, Scott Miller

VIERA’S MODEL HOME TOUR The local builder models inspire and showcase new home design

WRITERS Maria Sonnenberg, Stephanie Byrd, Laurie Widzgowski, Steve Wayne (pg.30) COVER AND PUBLICATION DESIGN Annette Thomas PHOTOGRAPHY Photos provided by subject unless otherwise noted. STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY Richmond Gibbs, Cathy Heinz, Stephanie Byrd, DeAnna Murano

IN THIS ISSUE

PUBLISHER The Viera Company

Kick back, relax, have fun and repeat.

A beginner’s start for a local sport and pastime.

ADDISON VILLAGE CLUB

VIERA TOUR OF HOMES A quick reference map to find the model homes in Viera.

FISHING ON THE SPACE COAST

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION Shawn O’Keefe, Jennifer Swan, Laurie Widzgowski LEGAL

Jay Decator, Ben Wilson

DISTRIBUTION Don Gust, All Service Graphics

ON THE DRIVE HOME

A historical look at street and neighborhood names.

Enticing signature flavors from a few of our best locally owned restaurants.

A recap in photos of our local and successful holiday parade.

DELICIOUS DISHES

ADVERTISING SALES Stephanie Byrd

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 errors or omissions.

LIGHT UP VIERA

PUBLISHER ADDRESS 7380 Murrell Road Ste.106 Viera, Florida 32940

PHOTO CONTEST Why I Love Viera’s new photo contest.

VIERA DISCOVERY CENTER 2261 Town Center Ave. #105 The Avenue Viera Viera, Florida 32940 (321) 253-2800

/VIERAFLORIDA

VIERA.COM

IN EVERY ISSUE

Letter From the Editor

Snapshots Around Town

Calendar of Events

Developer Letter

#VIERAVISION

@VIERA DISCOVERY CENTER

/VIERAVISION

LETTER FROM THE

right orange, yellow, and purple colors start to pop up everywhere you turn now that spring is here. It is exciting to see the community plant new flowers in the entranceways, see a neighbor installing a pool for the upcoming summer season, and athletes of all ages back on the soccer fields at the regional park. I have always had a soft spot for seeing the little four-yearolds kick a soccer ball around. Spring brings Easter baskets, running events, pet-related events, festivals and the wellearned spring break week. It is also the best time of year when it comes to seeing our wildlife emerge from the long winter days. The walks before dinner might feature a visual play starring a fluffy baby sandhill crane (colt) growing larger by the day while learning to forage with its parents. In this first issue of the year, we have featured our newest neighborhoods (page 5) that drive our growth. They are each unique in their own way and support the future opportunities of this ever-growing community. The models highlighted in this edition showcase beautiful modern-day living in ways that complement just about any family size. They are simply beautiful and if you can’t see them in person, we suggest a virtual tour found at our website, Viera.com.

Editor

With each issue this year, I hope to cover a topic that has a history all its own. Having lived in Viera for almost 17 years, I know the area well but I still have a curiosity about things and why they are what they are. Starting with something easy, like street names, was the goal, but once you read our story (on page 32) you may realize it is not as easy as it sounds. We hope that you participate in the 2021 photo contest (page 38) that will be ongoing with various themes each edition. Since most of us are walking around with a phone camera that can take amazing photographs, we hope to see the unique, surprising, celebrated, and happy moments in your lives. Finally, I want to mention our well-earned award wins for our teams at Viera Vision and Viera Discovery Center. The Viera Vision winter cover, Volume 16, Issue 6, won gold at the American Advertising Awards Space Coast, and the winter window display at the Viera Discovery Center won silver. We are extremely proud of both teams for showcasing their talents. Enjoy these cool days of spring and stay safe,

With such a diverse population, we have a plethora of dining choices and many of these restaurants come from a singular vision by their owner. We feature them (page 25) as they continue to stay open during these difficult times. We encourage everyone to grab some take-out if they do not feel comfortable dining indoors yet. They need our support now more than ever.

Turn inspiration into

Whether it’s offering color ideas, finding finishing touches or creating a complete room makeover, our Design Specialists can help! Book your private appointment through our website.

IndianRiverFurniture.com

3200 South U.S. 1, Rockledge, FL 32955 ● 321.636.4348

Furnishing Brevard’s Lifestyle for Over 82 Years

NEIGHBORHOOD

ADELAIDE A

delaide, Viera’s newest premier luxury community, embraces both nature and privacy. “The Adelaide buyer has an appreciation for luxury living at its finest, where it’s possible to have a sense of community and yet ultimate privacy,” said Stephanie Morgan, marketing manager for Christopher Burton Custom Homes, which, along with AR Homes (Arthur Rutenberg) and Elan Builders, are the three companies selected to build at Adelaide. The three are truly custom home builders ready to make homeowners’ dreams into reality. For one Adelaide homeowner and car collector, for example, the dream included a 16-car garage, a feat accomplished by grouping four two-car garages around the courtyard of the Casa Bella model and adding two lifts to every garage. Yes, no dream is too big at Adelaide. “Adelaide was developed around a natural lake,” said Morgan. “The beauty of Adelaide is its close proximity to all the great conveniences of Viera,

while having a rural aesthetic that makes you feel tucked away in the Florida countryside.” The community of more than 171 exclusive home sites broke ground in 2016 and includes four distinct neighborhoods: The Park, The Lakes, The Preserve and The Reserve. The Park is a private complex of 24 unique home sites. The Lakes features oversized home sites overlooking or adjacent to Lake Adelaide. The Preserve lives up to its name with home sites nestled amidst a 25acre water-to-wetlands preservation area. Eighteen of the finest residences in Brevard will be at The Reserve, where the largest home sites in Adelaide can be found in a gated enclave that provides an even larger measure of privacy beyond Adelaide’s manned main gates. The sky is the limit in terms of home size and amenities, from 2,000 to 3,000-square-foot homes at The Park to over 10,000 square feet at The Reserve. Prices for the homes begin at $1 million.

Unlike many developments, home sites at Adelaide connect with nature organically through selective use of green spaces. Each residence is unique. “We’re custom home builders with hundreds of floor plans from which to draw inspiration,” said Morgan. “We work with buyers to make sure we check all the boxes regarding how they want to live. Do they like to entertain? Is this a

Amenities of Adelaide • 120-acre Lake Adelaide • Community and optional private docks for electric watercraft • Community pavilion • Tennis courts • Playground • Basketball half-court • Linear Trail around Lake Adelaide • Gated entrance with attendant

multi-generational family? Do they want to maximize their outdoor living? What are their hobbies? We design a home that will suit them perfectly.” For a peek at an Adelaide home, the Laguna model at 4533 Milost Dr. is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and from noon until 5 p.m. on Sundays.

Amenities of the Central Viera Community Association (CVCA) • Multiple parks that include tennis courts, basketball courts, open spaces, pavilions, playgrounds, dog parks, and trails.

Sales Agent

Karen Paige 321.960.8860

NEIGHBORHOOD

MODERN DURAN

ith unique designs by architect Phil Kean, AIA, creator of the National Association of Home Builder’s Great American Home in Orlando, along with a lavish landscape and hardscape design by Susan Hall, ASLA, homes at Modern Duran are the jewels in Viera’s only community of exclusive contemporary residences. Each home site has a preferred floor plan to optimize views of the surrounding championship 18-hole course at Duran Golf Club. With sleek, clean lines, meticulous craftsmanship and state-of-the-art features, the residences at Modern Duran embrace the light, bright lifestyle of the Sunshine State with the same panache of a well-appointed South Beach luxury home. These homes seamlessly integrate indoor and outdoor living through sleek contemporary style paired with innovative technology at your fingertips. Starting in the $900,000s and ranging in size from 2,000 to 4,000-square-feet, the one-of-a-kind houses were designed for the specific home site

and carry names such as Aurora, Equinox and Orion, all inspired by celestial bodies or other wonders of nature. Among the features are multiple master bedrooms, covered lanais with retractable screens, separate casita/guest rooms, summer kitchens, tandem garages, lofts and swimming pools. No two homes look alike, and all offer special features such as European-influenced custom gourmet kitchens, ethanol-burning fireplaces that leave no residue, artfully integrated pool and landscaping, hurricane impact-rated glass, garage door panels, floating staircases with cable and glass railing, and 22-foot ceilings. Guest casitas offer visitors privacy yet still remain organically connected to the house, and motorized, retractable screen enclosures that define indoor and outdoor spaces operate at the touch of a button. It is also worry-free. Cutting-edge technology allows homeowners to manage the security and surveillance system, audio system and climate control effortlessly.

Amenities of Modern Duran • Private Gate • Professional lawn care and irrigation maintenance services

Amenities of the Central Viera Community Association (CVCA) • Multiple parks that include tennis courts, basketball courts, open spaces, pavilions, playgrounds, dog parks, and trails.

Sales Agent

Angelina Bisbiglia welcomes visitors to Modern Duran at the Iris model, 6324 Modern Duran Drive. Select home sites are still available. 321.208.7774

NEIGHBORHOOD

REELING PARK

eeling Park’s three cutomizable home series offer unique floor plans that include expansive lanais, pools, summer kitchens and Spanish-style courtyards that stylishly and significantly increase outdoor living space. These 1,850 to 3,455 square feet, one- and two-story homes start in the upper $300,000s. Indoors, the singular floor plans can be further customized with custom options, thanks to Viera Builders’ “Our Plans, Your Ideas” program. “You can customize most everything within the interior walls,” said Mary Mead, Vice President of Sales. “The buyer has the opportunity to take all or none of the proposed changes.” Flex options run the gamut and include bonus rooms, golf cart garages, wood-beamed ceilings, free-standing tubs in the master bath, snack bars, dedicated wine cellars neatly tucked under the stairs and gourmet kitchens that boast natural gas, preferred by both chefs and Mother Nature. The study at Reeling Park homes could become a Zoom Room when Viera

Builders incorporates dense wool insulation surrounded by a hard rubber, outer casing noise barrier and solid wood core doors to create the quietest room for working or studying at home.

Each home at Reeling Park has three distinctive bonus features from a technology and certification standpoint. It will be FPL BuildSmart® Energy Certified, a Google Smart Home™ and have the Home Healthy AdvantageSM features. The BuildSmart® certification incorporates the newest in energy efficiency technology, such as high-performance windows, upgraded ceiling insulation and high-performance cooling/heating systems to save homeowners up to 30 percent on energy bills. A Google Smart Home™ includes a Nest video doorbell, Nest X Yale lock, Leviton 2 Way Light Switch, and the Google Mesh Internet. As with all homes from Viera Builders in Reeling Park, The Home Healthy AdvantageSM includes the Sherwin Williams Duration exterior paint, voiceactivated faucets and anti-microbial doorknobs as standard features.

Amenities of the Central Viera Community Association (CVCA)

Amenities of Addison Village Club on pages 20/21

• Multiple parks that include tennis courts, basketball courts, open spaces, pavilions, playgrounds, dog parks, and trails.

Sales Agents

Lucy Strote & Paula Jones 321.327.2045

NEIGHBORHOOD

STONECREST

he gated community of Stonecrest showcases the Mediterranean and Tuscan style architecture, with one- and two-story floor plans ranging from 2,613 to 3,530 square feet and priced starting in the high $400,000s. Like Reeling Park, Stonecrest offers the “Our Plans, Your Ideas” program of fully customizable home layout under the guidance of architectural and design specialists trained to adapt floor plans to meet the needs of the buyer. For aspiring home-based Emerils, for example, the chef-inspired gourmet kitchens deliver style and convenience with Samsung Gold appliances that include a 36” gas five-burner cooktop with stacked 36” drawers below, a vented hood, wall oven with vented microwave and an Energy Star-rated dishwasher. A second wall oven and microwave drawer option is also

available. The 42” Aristokraft® upper cabinetry sports crown molding, light rail and rollout shelves, and breakfast bar/nook all standard. More options include a butler’s pantry, wine cooler, and summer kitchen, that make entertaining a breeze. The Siena model showcases a customizable floor plan with a glassfronted wine cellar in the dining room and a sleek linear electric fireplace in the great room. Stonecrest’s network of multi-use trails connects with exterior sidewalks for easy golf cart accessibility. Since Viera Builders adheres to Florida’s Build Smart program, every home in Stonecrest is FPL BuildSmart® certified for energy efficiency features such as the Rinnai® tankless gas water heater and the Trane 15 SEER-rated HVAC.

Amenities of the Central Viera Community Association (CVCA) • Multiple parks that include tennis courts, basketball courts, open spaces, pavilions, playgrounds, dog parks, and trails.

Amenities of Addison Village Club on pages 20/21 Sales Agents Ian Scalia and Edgar Cobos at 321.610.3381

NEIGHBORHOOD

SIERRA COVE T

he Viera Company designed the neighborhood based on the coving philosophy of community design, which incorporates varying and expansive lot shapes with winding roads and open spaces for a natural look. The name coving derives from the coves of green spaces among the homes, made possible by meandering setbacks and winding roads. This building design alternative enhances curb appeal and eliminates monotony. The interior of Sierra Cove homes is as outstanding as the outdoor setting. Viera Builders’ floor plans in Sierra Cove are designed to organically connect with the landscape, offering the utmost privacy. Like the home sites, each house is one-of-a-kind, for the buyer can select from a host of options, including in-law suites, bonus rooms and “Zoom Room” home offices. Since they are FPL BuildSmart® Certified Energy Efficient, Sierra Cove homes save both money and the environment. Ranging in size from 1,590 to 3,215 square feet and starting in the mid $300,000s, Sierra Cove homes prove the perfect fit for a variety of buyers, from multi-generational families to young professionals and empty nesters.

Amenities of Sierra Cove

Amenities of the Central Viera Community Association (CVCA)

• • • • •

• Multiple parks that include tennis courts, basketball courts, open spaces, pavilions, playgrounds, dog parks, and trails.

Outdoor street hockey rink Rock climbing feature Miles of 10-foot-wide trails Corn hole game area Horseshoe game area

Amenities of Addison Village Club on pages 20/21

Sales Agents

Debbie Hunter & Paula Tchorowski at 321.305.4939

NEIGHBORHOOD

SENDERO COVE L

ike Sierra Cove, Sendero Cove was created using the coving philosophy of community design, so named for curvy style of roads that abound in this approach to development. With coving, each home takes full advantage of the diverse landscape and placement of the homes. Also similar to Sierra Cove is Sendero Cove’s multitude of “flex” options to customize each home to the needs of its owner. Starting in the mid $300,000s, Sendero Cove

homes range from 1,670 to 2,723 square feet and include features such as Rinnai® tankless gas water heaters and Delta Voice IQ voice-activated kitchen faucets and Kwik Set interior Microban Door Hardware to minimize exposure to germs. The maintenance-free landscaping of Sendero Cove provides homeowners with plenty of extra time to enjoy the outdoor amenities shared with neighboring Sierra Cove.

Amenities of the Central Viera Community Association (CVCA)

Amenities of Addison Village Club on pages 20/21

• Multiple parks that include tennis courts, basketball courts, open spaces, pavilions, playgrounds, dog parks, and trails.

Sales Agents

Debbie Hunter, Tony Garcia, Laura DiGiovine, & Paula Tchorowski 321.305.4939

NEIGHBORHOOD

AVALONIA “T

he approach to each home design in Avalonia is based on providing a beautiful paired or multi-family villa for young professionals, empty nesters or young families,” said Suzy Haughwout, sales agent for Avalonia. The ceilings in each home allow for large windows to provide natural light. Kitchens are designed with room to move around during family gatherings, and the master bedroom and bath are truly expansive in their feel and available square footage.

about many of the usual home maintenance issues typical of (non-HOA-supported) homes.” Monthly HOA fees at Avalonia include maintenance of lawn, landscape, exterior paint, roof and pest control, along with a master insurance policy that covers exterior and adjoining walls, PLU electrical, plumbing and roof systems. Priced from the high $200,000s, Avalonia homes range from 1,482 to 1,769 square feet, a versatile option for many looking in this size range.

The villas of Avalonia are tailor-made for folks eager to experience the classic Florida lifestyle without the bother of home maintenance. “It is a major attraction to buyers that Avalonia is turnkey,” said Ms. Haughwout. “They don’t need to worry

A plethora of flex-options allows buyers to realize their dream home inside and out. “The most popular has been when we extend the patio and add a screen enclosure,” said Haughwout.

Amenities of the Central Viera Community Association (CVCA)

Amenities of Addison Village Club on pages 20/21

• Multiple parks that include tennis courts, basketball courts, open spaces, pavilions, playgrounds, dog parks, and trails.

Sales Agents

Suzy Haughwout & Ryan Reilly 321.610.3014

Addison Village

CLUB

A grand clubhouse created for Addison Village residents and approved license holders to engage in a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. The exceptional amenity allows for socializing with neighbors and friends and offers a variety of lifestyle activities.

NEIGHBORHOOD

BRIDGEWATER T

he gated community of Bridgewater is a resort-style, “55 and better” community on 408-acres featuring nearly 870 single-family homes. The homes are designed to accommodate the modern retiree with many onsite amenities, clubs, social activities, and programs. The three collections include homes with one-and two-car garages with floorplans ranging from 1,410 to 2,389 square feet and starting prices in the mid $200,000s. Floorplans on-site feature options such as large owner’s suites, walk-in closets, and open-concept kitchens. Bridgewater is a community designed with interior sidewalks and pathways around community lakes that connect to exterior sidewalks for easy golf cart use. The community is close to shopping, dining, parks, and local entertainment venues.

Amenities of the Bridgewater Clubhouse • 19,000 A/C sq. ft. clubhouse with event lawn, coffee lounge, card rooms, and theatre • State-of-the-art fitness center • Resort-style swimming pool • Tennis court • Aerobics Studio • Pickle ball and bocce ball courts

Sales Agents

New home consultants can be reached at 855.463.9515 for a guided tour.

Delicious

Dishes

warning: Reading this story when hungry will result in extreme desire to eat out at restaurants described. Come to think of it, that’s not a bad idea...

ood, some very wise person once anonymously noted, is love made visible. Given that as a fact, there is plenty of love going around in Viera, where there is no shortage of palate-tempting restaurants showcasing everything from fast food to fine dining, from colorful Indian dishes to hot dogs dressed up to shine.

Conneen’s restaurants are both unique. At first glance, 28 North sports a casual pub atmosphere, but don’t let that fool you into thinking the food is just pub fare. The restaurant has earned a well-deserved reputation for locally sourced, chefcurated entrees and handcrafted cocktails. Top among guest favorites is the 28 North’s Bistro Filet.

Chain restaurants such as Bonefish Grill, Melting Pot, Beef O’Brady’s and Longhorn Steakhouse are well represented, as are the independent mom-and-pop eateries, many with deep roots in the community, and patronizing these eateries also means helping them help many worthy causes.

“It’s a guest favorite that has been a mainstay on every menu so far, even if it does get seasonal updates,” said Conneen.

Chris Conneen, owner of 28 North Gastropub and Pizza Gallery & Grill, believes it is much better to give than to receive, and his restaurants reflect that philosophy of reaching out to make Brevard better. “We have literally supported thousands of organizations in our 31 years and donated or helped raise over five million for Brevard County Schools, Youth Athletics, Children’s Hunger Project, Family Promise of Brevard, Pregnancy Resource, New Life Missions, Hospitality for Life, Junior League, Brevard Cultural Alliance and so many more,” said Conneen. “I love the fact that Viera means “Faith” and the master plan for this community is intentional with balancing environmental needs with residential and commercial wants.”

The fall menu version featured chimichurri, shaved radish, roasted shallots, crispy Brussels sprouts, roasted carrots and fingerling potatoes. For spring, it may change in ingredients, but never in taste. A Viera mainstay for more than 15 years, Pizza Gallery & Grill is, as Conneen will tell you, “where food becomes art,” so it is not surprising that the restaurants most popular dish, the Renoir Chicken Bruschetta Pizza, should carry an artistic moniker. “It’s a twist on our long-time favorite chicken bruschetta appetizer,” said Conneen. “This gourmet masterpiece is prepared on our original crust and topped with a slightly spicy bruschetta mix, mozzarella and feta cheeses, fresh basil and balsamic reduction.”

TRADEWINDS - SALAD

28 NORTH - FILET

EL LEONCITO - MANGO CEVICHE

LONG DOGGERS - TACOS

Speaking of art, Pizza Gallery may well be the most artistic pizzeria in Florida. Since its inception in Brevard 32 years ago, the restaurant has showcased the works of talented local artists, who can count on the gallery for exhibit space, not to mention sales of their masterpieces. Like Conneen, the Sanchez family of El Leoncito is also deeply embedded in the community. Second generation restaurateur Michael Sanchez lives in Sonoma, just across from El Leoncito, so he didn’t have far to go when his restaurant enjoyed a visit from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, in town to thank Sanchez for his restaurant’s support of the Meals of Love program for seniors during the pandemic. Both young and old have benefitted from El Leoncito’s generosity. Viera Suntree Little League, Manatee Elementary, Viera High School, Friends of Children of Brevard, Golfview Elementary and many others have also been beneficiaries of El Leoncito’s support. “We are grateful the community embraced the restaurant,” said Sanchez. ”Viera offers a lot to do within such a small area, but it’s the people that really make it great.” With more than three decades in the industry, the family has the perfect recipe for success with a winning combination of Mexican and Cuban cuisine. The energetic atmosphere of the Stadium Parkway restaurant reflects its menu’s vibrancy. The Mango Ceviche, with shrimp, fish and mango marinated in fresh citrus juices and served with fresh avocado, is an explosion of flavor. Oh, and the Enchiladas!

“Our enchiladas are a delicious combination of corn tortilla with desired filling topped with our homemade red mole sauce and melted cheese,” said Michael Sanchez.

topped with grilled pineapple and house-made key lime remoulade. “This sandwich has had a version on the menu for years, and I feel the current sandwich is the best yet!” said Nicole Latner, marketing and events coordinator at Duran Golf Club. A recent contender on the menu is the Caribbean Jerk Pulled Pork Sandwich. “We use traditional Jamaican peppers and spices to marinade our pork as we slow cook it for hours,” explained chef James “Jimmy” Ensell. “We then grill the pork with a house-made jerk sauce and serve it with melted pepper jack cheese and jalapenos on toasted sourdough. Both of these sandwiches, created by our Sous Chef Joy Gaskin and myself, really embody the flavor and feel we want at The Tradewinds and Duran.” There is not a bad seat in the house at Tradewinds, since both indoor and outdoor seating in this British West Indiesinspired restaurant surrounded by an expansive veranda enjoy views of shimmering lakes and pristine golf greens. As an added bonus, Tradewinds’ loyalty program allows patrons to earn points redeemable for food and drink at subsequent visits. Viera is also home to the Beast, the formidable sandwich that is the signature dish of Slow & Low Barbecue. Pulled pork, beef brisket burnt ends (called Meat Candy by the staff), in-house smoked sausage, cole slaw and pickled onions are piled high and served with a side.

SLOW & LOW BARBEQUE

The Cuban side of the menu features traditional dishes such as the slow-roasted Ropa Vieja, as well as the Mojarra, a lightly breaded whole red snapper. As for drinks, El Leoncito margaritas, voted “Best” by readers of Florida Today, are legendary. Golf food is also elevated in Viera, home of Duran Golf Club and its Tradewinds Restaurant, known for to die-for Island Fish Tacos since its opening in 2007. Tacos aside, Duran’s Reef Mahi Sandwich is another star. It starts with a fresh eight-ounce portion of mahi, best prepared blackened and served on a fresh brioche bun

The restaurant also draws raves for its baby back ribs, as well as the pulled pork, presented in iterations such as The Hog, a pulled pork and brisket sandwich served on a hoagie bun smothered with sauteed onions, mixed cheese, chipotle barbecue sauce, and with upgrade options of jalapenos or bacon.

three million plastic straws per year from the Viera Long Doggers and its sister restaurants. This past spring, the local chain did away with all Styrofoam to-go boxes and cups, replacing them with biodegradable, eco-friendly takeout boxes, saving the environment from an additional 1.3 million Styrofoam containers per year.

Even the ubiquitous hot dog tastes better in Viera, thanks to Long Doggers, a combination restaurant/state of mind. The doggies are fantastic here, but the laidback restaurant offers an extensive menu that also includes seafood bowls, salad and much more.

Long Doggers regularly hosts community beach cleanups and oyster-mat making workshops and maintains close connections with local environmental organizations. Where else can you enjoy guilty pleasures such as hot dogs and still feel you are saving the earth?

For a taste of paradise, Long Doggers’ Hawaiian Burger delivers with pineapple, bacon, teriyaki sauce, and Swiss cheese, served with lettuce, tomato and onion. The Hawaiian is part of Long Doggers’ new Crush Burgers collection, each featuring two perfectly flavored, hand-formed patties made with fresh, never frozen, 100% Angus Beef, crushed on the grill for a radical burger that scores a “10” in flavor.

POKE BOWL- POK

Long Doggers is even a plantivore magnet, thanks to dishes such as the Veggie Tacos, replete with shredded cheddar, lettuce, cabbage, corn, and black bean salsa, sauteed peppers and onions, avocado and Key Lime dressing. Meat- or plant-eaters alike can dine in or opt to watch the world go by under the large outdoor deck or opt to play some of the outdoor games. A trip to Long Doggers becomes a mini-vacation to the beach. The restaurant management is deeply committed to reducing environmental impact. Early in 2018, Long Doggers adopted the “Straws Upon Request” initiative and swapped out all plastic straws for paper, eliminating

The owners of Viera’s local restaurants even have advanced degrees in their fare. Jeff ÈB OB A Orlando, who runs Brooklyn Pizza & Pasta, is a graduate of the International School of Pizza and holds certifications from the Scuola Italiana Pizzaioli in Italy. Jeff is a true pizzaiolo, committed to making pizzas with Old World craftmanship and flavor, whether the pizza is a deep-dish Sicilian or a traditional New York cheese pizza slice. The menu also features entrees such as Pasta Calamari, Chicken Genovese and the formidable Zuppa di Pesce.

For a journey to Asia without leaving Viera, Bean Sprout Asian Cuisine and Sushi Bar is the place. Classics such as Massaman Curry, Pad Thai and Pho, are all here, as well dishes such as the Yum Talay mixed seafood salad, the addictive Drunken Noodles and Indonesian Fried Rice. Don’t forget to try the Viera Roll! Crispy Snapper, Lobster Fried Rice, Thai Curries, and Poke Bowls tempt at Thai Hana Thai Restaurant and Sushi Bar, home of The Avenue Roll, with shrimp tempura, avocado, spicy Krab, cream cheese and spicy mayo.

Thai Hana also features their own version of the Viera Roll, with soft-shell crab. When one vegetarian, one sushi chef, one carnivore, one omnivore and a gifted Chinese-Panamanian chef, all lunchlovers with a taste for the eclectic, and for Boba Tea, put their heads together for a restaurant concept, the result was Poke Bao, a fusion of Asian and Latin food cultures. Here, guests build their own meal with a base of rice or spring mix, plus protein that run from ahi tuna to pernil asado (Latino-style pulled pork), toppings and sauces, as for example, a bowl with chicken, pork belly, mango, jalapeño, corn, cilantro, cherry tomato, spicy mayo, and sweet teriyaki sauce.”

While many restaurants offer opportunities to fundraise for local community projects, no one does it better than Viera Pizza. Owner Mike Acosta, will greet you with a big smile and will continually ask community members, “How are you doing? What can I do to help?” They mill the tomato sauce in the store, roll and stretch the dough by hand, and the meatballs are made from a family recipe. You will find their pizza at celebrations, enjoyed during fundraisers, and in the hands of just about every student and faculty member at Viera High School. The launch of their Power of Pizza Charities has raised tens of thousands for the local running track project at the high school and for other local charities. You are now starving, aren’t you? Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Viera Pizza 321-636-7696 VieraPizza.com

Long Doggers 321-433-1116 LongDoggers.com

El Leoncito 321-349-3494 Elleoncito.com

28 North Gastropub 321-241-1159 28NorthGastropub.com

PokéBoba 321-210-5788 PokeBobaViera.com

Pizza Gallery & Grill 321-633-0397 PizzaGalleryAndGrill.com

Slow & Low Bar-B-Que 321-735-4809 slowandlowbarbeque.com

Brooklyn Pizza & Pasta 321-633-7003 BrooklynPizza-Pasta.com

Thai Hana Thai Restaurant and Sushi Bar 321-636-3363 Thaihana.com

Bean Sprout Asian Cusine and Sushi Bar 321-632-8999 BeanSproutViera.com

Duran Golf Club’s Tradewinds Restaurant 321-504-7776 Durangolf.com

Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux 321-345-7050 Walk-Ons.com

Brunch, anyone?

You can gobble breakfast, lunch or dinner, but no one hurries through brunch. That most delightfully laidback of meals, hard to find in these rush-rush days, is alive and well in Viera, where Duran Golf Club’s Tradewinds Restaurant and 28 North Gastropub continue the tradition. Tradewinds offers a traditional brunch breakfast with omelets, biscuits & gravy, pancakes, French toast, and seasonal fruit. The Chef will choose a specialty pasta each weekend that pairs nicely with the catch of the day or the eggs benedict. If you have a young family, they will enjoy the assorted baked treats and for mom and dad, the bottomless Mimosas are a delicious treat.

Open in Mar

ch!

At 28 North, guests can choose “Brunch Sammies” such as the BLiS BLT, made with BLiS brand bourbon maple syrup-glazed pork belly with local greens, tomato and aioli. The Crab Brunch Toast is heaped high with jumbo lump crab, dill cream, compressed cucumber and pickled fresno. Want waffles? How about the Chocolate Chip Waffle or perhaps Chicken & Waffles? All the classic egg dishes are here, plus some savory temptations such as the Truffle Mushroom Hash, created with local mushrooms, roast Brussels sprouts, fingerling potatoes, fried egg, truffle vinaigrette, truffle ricotta and, yes, fresh truffle.

FISHING ON THE SPACE COAST L

ooking for a social distancing activity that is fun for the entire family and involves fresh air and breath-taking views? Fishing along Florida’s Space Coast offers that and so much more! Whether you are a beginner or more experienced angler, excellent fishing exists for both freshwater and saltwater angling. Professional Bass Angler JT Kenney makes his home in south Brevard County and looks forward to anytime that he can fish his home waters of Brevard County. “I travel and fish all over the country and have found that the Space Coast offers the best overall fishing in the world! It has everything, from saltwater species such as snook, trout, flounder, and redfish to freshwater species like trophy largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill. “The opportunities are endless!” boasts Kenney.

Taken by Steve Wayne, Professional Angler JT Kenney with a big Brevard County bass

FRESHWATER FISHING LOCATIONS The crown jewel for freshwater fishing is the newly opened Headwaters Lake Boat Ramp located next to the popular Stick Marsh at the county line of Brevard/Indian River counties. This 10,000-acre impoundment was a collaboration between the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the St. Johns River Water Management District. The FWC created enhanced habitats before flooding and they released over 1 million largemouth bass into the area along with over a million other species of freshwater fish. Other popular freshwater fishing include the Stick Marsh near Palm Bay, Three Forks Conservation Area in Palm Bay, Lake Washington in Melbourne, and Lake Poinsett and Lake Winder in the Cocoa/Viera/Rockledge area. Most of these popular areas offer both boat and bank fishing opportunities. Kenney recommends plastic worms, spinnerbaits, swim jigs and topwater lures as top producers for bass with panfish jigs and minnows being productive for black crappie (locally called speckled perch).

Taken by Steve Wayne, 11-year-old Stephanie Wayne catches a fish of a lifetime with her father Steve Wayne

SALTWATER FISHING LOCATIONS The Indian River Lagoon system consists of the Mosquito Lagoon, the Indian River, and the Banana River and is home to more than 4,300 species. Both bank fishing and boating anglers enjoy world-class fishing for popular inshore species such as snook, seatrout, redfish, flounder, and pompano. Bank fishing is permissible at many of the waterside parks along the Indian River Lagoon and at Sebastian Inlet State Park and Jetty Park at Port Canaveral. Wade fishing is popular and can be considered excellent for anglers targeting redfish and seatrout at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Titusville. Boating

Anglers can travel offshore through Sebastian Inlet or Port Canaveral to target snapper, grouper, mahi-mahi, cobia among many other saltwater species. Kenney loves fishing offshore and believes that the Space Coast has the best red snapper fishery in the world! Beach fishing is often considered excellent and permissible on many public beaches (outside of designated swimming areas) for pompano and whiting. Sand fleas, shrimp, and clams are effective baits.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO In general, a freshwater or saltwater fishing license is required unless the angler meets one of the exemptions found at MyFWC.com. Fishing licenses are available for purchase at many local bait and tackle shops and retailers, the Brevard County Tax Collectors Office and online at: GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. Size limits, bag limits and methods of take can be different for each species of fish and can be found at MyFWC.com.

GET GEARED UP Many Brevard County bait and tackle shops not only offer an excellent selection of affordable rods, reels, and tackle but offer up their expert knowledge about seasonal recommendations for equipment, techniques, and hot fishing locations.

POPULAR BREVARD COUNTY FISHING TACKLE RETAILERS

Taken by Chris Holleman, Snook is a prize species for saltwater anglers

Strike Zone Fishing Strike-ZoneFishing.com 2771 West New Haven Ave. Melbourne, FL 32904 (321) 956-3474

Handler Fishing Supply HandlerFishingSupply.com 270 Borman Dr. Suite A Merrit Island, FL 32953 (321) 799-9708

Black Dog Bait & Tackle BlackDogBait.com 207 Ocean Ave. Melbourne Beach, FL 32951 (321) 725-1200

Harry Goode’s Outdoor Shop 1231 East New Haven Ave. Melbourne, FL 32901 (321) 723-4751

ll states seem to have communities with unusual or unique street names. In Brevard County, I Dream of Jeannie Way in Cocoa Beach honors the I Dream of Jeannie television show. Several states have clever names like Supreme Court Drive in Illinois and Liquid Laughter Lane in Maryland. In Maine, you will find Uptha Road, and Mississippi approved an obvious choice, Memory Lane. In Ohio you may park on Seldom Seen Road, and Oregon has the famous Haviture Way. The best has to be in Nevada where you will find Elvis Alive Drive in Las Vegas. As the town of Viera grows, street and neighborhood names become more difficult to name. Brevard County requests that a name submitted must not be a repeat of another name or sound similar to another word or phrase used elsewhere in Brevard: “In no case shall a proposed name duplicate an existing name of a street in the same emergency service dispatch area,” per the Brevard County, Florida, Code of Ordinances, Chapter 86. We sat down with The Viera Company’s Mary Ellen McKibben, Director of Land Development, and Scott Miller, Senior Vice President, Sales and Community Development, to provide a historical look back at the names in Viera and how

they came about. “In Viera East you will find birds, animals and championship golf courses used in the naming,” said McKibben. “Family surnames are also a great option but it is difficult to obtain a good collection of easy or memorable names to use.” Ms. McKibben placed a large binder on the table during the interview with years of names submitted to the county for approval. “On many occasions, there has only been a twenty-percent approval on the names submitted.” “With neighborhoods, we try to choose a name that we can incorporate with the main road name as the primary entrance to that area,” said Miller. A large majority of names have a story behind them as it relates to the family business, or they might have a deep history within the Duda family. The name Charolais Estates was taken from the Duda ranch, as Charolais was a breed of expensive cattle on the ranch at the time. Strom Park, Trava Lane, Poulicny Lane and Agilny Lane all derive from Slovakian words.

“Daintree was named for a magical and beautiful preservation area in Queensland, Australia (where the Duda family owned land) and we also have several areas that are named for a collection of parks in Spain,” said Miller. As a nod to Ponce de Leon, the Spanish explorer and conquistador known for leading the first official European expedition to Florida, you will see Trasona Cove, Sierra Cove, and Sendero Cove on the neighborhood entryways south of Wickham Road. If the name is easy to pronounce, it provides a short, memorable, and unique name for the submission process. “PBS ran a series on the 3 billion-year story of our planets continents. They highlighted North America, Australia, and others by showing the movement and their names. Pangea Park and Avalonia are part of that inspiration,” said McKibben. Out of all the names in Mary Ellen McKibben’s binder there was one that she has kept for over thirty years. One that she hoped could one day be used because it had a history in Florida, in the Duda family business, and in the tribal language of the early spiritual and war chiefs of the Miccosukee Indians. Aripeka was a packing operation for the Duda family in the early 80s. “I’ve had Aripeka written

down since I worked in the Rockledge offices when the project first began,” said McKibben. McKibben’s love of dancing gave us “Reeling Park” (she enjoys dancing as exercise in her spare time) and love of family “Eason Landing and Wingate Estates” (both Eason and Wingate are family surnames) are showcased on neighborhood and street signs. A few other notables are Lake Andrew Drive, named for Andrew Duda, which is currently the longest-named street in Viera. Judge Fran Jamieson Way is named after a juvenile court judge and Wickham Road was named after Joseph Wickham, a Brevard land owner and politician who served on the county commission from 1952-1964 and again from 1972-1984. As you drive through the community, take a moment to look up a street name or two. You might find it means something clever or funny; it could be a term from the beginnings of our planet, the name of someone in our greater society who was a pioneer when the roads were just dirt, or who became an advocate for the rights of others who needed to have a voice. It might even be as simple as Napolo Drive or Slovak for “half-way”, as in the half-way point of Viera.

n Saturday, November 28th, spectators safely lined the streets in Viera and came together to view the 8th annual Light Up Viera Holiday Parade. All were asked to safely distance and wear a mask as they watched this community event unfold before their eyes. For those more comfortable viewing from home, the parade was streamed via Facebook Live to enjoy and share with family members and friends across the miles. From pre-show interviews of participants to the fireworks to the actual parade, the anticipation and excitement of the start of the holiday season could be felt by all. The Under the Sea float debuted this year showcasing a beautifully decorated underwater sea life and coral backdrop which was just one of the ways they wished everyone Warm Holiday Wishes. Brevard County Fire and Rescue and Brevard County Sheriff’s Office continue their support and participation in the parade and community partners, they continue to be a valued part of the parade each year. To see this year’s video, visit VieraCommunityInstitute.com/light-up-viera/

Behind the Scenes ANNETTE THOMAS

LAURIE WIDZGOWSKI

CARMEN VASTOLA WITH LUV VOLUNTEERS STEPHANIE BYRD

LIGHT UP Viera

Und er th

e Sea Float

1. LIGHT THE LANTERN A new event called Light the Lantern was held in December to support the needs of local low-income and homeless students in Brevard. Over $5,000 worth of basic hygiene products were collected at the event. Hundreds of lanterns were placed in the parking lot leading to a drop location within an area of the Brevard School Board parking lot.

3. VHS SENIOR SUNRISE Members of the 2021 VHS Senior Class took a moment to connect at a local beach during their Senior Sunrise event held on an early morning in January.

5. RAFIKI RUN 3K 2. BALLOON GLOW The first Balloon Glow event at Space Coast Daily Park was a big success. Hundreds gathered outdoors under the larger-than-life balloons while enjoying food trucks and carnival rides.

The annual Brevard Zoo fundraising run highlights one of their animals at the zoo and this year it was Rafiki, the giraffe. The course allows runners and walkers to go behind the scenes at the zoo while seeing various animals, with all the twists and turns of an Indycar race. Over 200 participants ran virtually in addition to the in-person event.

AROUND Town

4. VIERA CHICK-FIL-A OPENS ON VIERA BLVD. The 8th store location in Brevard County opened on February 2nd. The franchise usually celebrates their grand openings with a first 100 customer/free meal giveaway but this year decided to surprise 100 local heroes who made an impact in their communtity during the pandemic. Every new restaurant opened will also make a $25,000 donation given to Feeding America on behalf of the Chick-fil-A Foundation. Welcome to Viera!

6. TESLA SUPER CHARGERS Twelve Tesla Superchargers were installed in Viera East in February and they are now part of a global fast-charging network by Tesla. In 15 minutes, a Tesla vehicle can be recharged to add up to 200 miles of range. The onboard navigation system provides the driver with a planner to calculate routes that include these stops.

WHY I LOVE

Viera

PHOTO CONTEST

For many years we have enjoyed highlighting the families living in our community in the Viera Vision magazine. Since our homes and communities continue to be our personal sanctuaries, we are looking for photos to represent the ways your family enjoys this time together at home and outdoors. The photos can be your best shot of a white pelican or the kids on the swings or a painted sunset sky just after a rainfall. We will provide the topic and you take the photo. Winning photos will be showcased in the next issue of the Viera Vision and displayed proudly on the conference room wall at The Viera Company offices. We will also add a $100 gift card to a bag of Viera swag that is yours to keep! We encourage you to send a full-size JPEG file for any image and they must be 1MB minimum in size and no larger than 10MB. All photos must be taken in Viera, owned by you, and you must provide your contact information when submitting the photo for this contest to VieraPhotos@viera.com. Here are the first eight topics: • Tales from the trails • Stunning nature • Colorful skies over Viera • Wildlife in flight • Close up portraits at the local park • Signs of Spring • Sports of all sorts • Go dog go We will send you a ‘confirmation email’ when it is received. Terms and conditions will be sent to the submission address as part of the confirmation email.

CALENDAR OF Events

FUN FOR ALL Photos with the Easter Bunny Date: April 2nd & 3rd Location: The Avenue Viera, Viera Contact: TheAvenueViera.com

2nd & 3rd

MUSIC/THEATRE Rock of Ages Date: April 2nd - 18th Location: The Henegar Center Contact: Hengar.org

2nd & 18th

8th - 9th

ACTIVE EVENTS Space Coast Classic 15K & 2 Mile Date: April 11th Location: Quest Elementary School, 8751 Trafford Drive, Viera Contact: RunningZone.com

WI LSON

Summer Arts & Crafts Fair Date: May 8th - 9th Location: Historic Cocoa Village Contact: VisitCocoaVillage.com

3rd Annual Viera Pet Fest | Derby Day Date: May 1st Location: Viera Town Center Park, Viera Contact: VieraCommunityInstitute.com

1st

FUNDRAISERS

NC E

24th -25th

st che Or

mp hon

36th Annual Melbourne Art Festival Date: April 24th - 25th Location: Wickham Park, Melbourne Contact: MelbourneArts.org

3rd

Brevard Sy

ART SHOWS/CRAFTS & ART FESTIVALS

1964 The Tribute | Celebrate the 55th Anniversary of the Beatles in America! Date: April 3rd Location: King Center for the Performing Arts Contact: KingCenter.com

RE TER

Brevard Symphony Orchestra: Season Finale featuring Terrence Wilson Date: April 10th Location: King Center for the Performing Arts Contact: KingCenter.com

10th Safari Under the Stars | Jean-Michel Cousteau, Protecting Our Water Planet Date: April 24th Location: Brevard Zoo, Viera Contact: BrevardZoo.org

24th

11th

AIR SHOWS

2nd

Mamma Mia! Date: April 23rd - May 9th Location: Cocoa Village Playhouse, Cocoa Contact: CocoaVillagePlayhouse.com

8th

Hot Pink: The Music of Elton John Date: May 21st – 23rd Location: Cocoa Village Playhouse, Cocoa Contact: CocoaVillagePlayhouse.com

Eat My Crust 5K Date: May 2nd Location: 6103 Stadium Pkwy, Viera Contact: RunningZone.com Run for the Gecko 5K Date: May 8th Location: VIRTUAL Contact: RunningZone.com

23rd - 9th

21st & 23rd

Cocoa Beach Air Show Date: April 17th & 18th Location: Cocoa Beach, FL Contact: CocoaBeachAirShow.com

17th & 18th

The Great Florida Air Show Date: May 15th & 16th Location: Orlando Melbourne International Airport, Melbourne Contact: GreatFloridaAirShow.com

15th & 16th 39

DEVELOPER

Letter

and the I-95 Interchange is imminent. The Viera Company’s investment in southward infrastructure extensions toward the Pineda Interchange has led to Costco beginning their entry into the Space Coast market, with construction having started on the new store located just east of the Lake Andrew Drive and Pineda Boulevard intersection. Additional planning is underway for the mixed-use district near Pineda, and new residential neighborhoods are set to open later this year in the vicinity of the Pineda and Lake Andrew Drive extensions.

TODD POKRYWA, PRESIDENT

appy Spring Viera! While we are a few months into 2021, we have already marked some important milestones in the development of our community during this new year with many more significant developments on the near-term horizon. During early February 2021, following the opening of the northern extension of Lake Andrew Drive, the first business opened in the 115-acre mixed-use hub of Borrows West with a new Chick-fil-A on Viera Boulevard, east of Stadium Parkway, welcoming customers through its drive-thru. In addition, development of The Blake at Viera, an assisted living and memory care community, commenced construction on its site immediately northeast of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. There are also readily available sites for corporate office, hotel, lakefront restaurants, and retail in Borrows West. In the Viera Town Center, The Pearl of Viera luxury multifamily community continues to make progress toward opening buildings to its first tenants later this year. North American Properties will soon be developing Luna, a new anchor for the Town Center on a site immediately south of the Fairfield Inn & Suites, which represents the first urban style and vertically mixed-use building in Viera with residentialover-ground-floor retail and incorporating structured parking. There are also plans to extend Town Center Avenue west to Stadium Parkway. The long-awaited opening of the Lake Andrew Drive extension south to make the connection to Pineda

The Addison Village Club recently marked its first anniversary and has hosted many well-received events and programs for its members. Duran Golf Club’s Development Center was recognized for the 8th year in a row as a Top 50 Practice Facility in the United States by the Golf Range Association of America. Both facilities continue to be highly sought-after amenities in Viera and are planning for programming that has wide appeal during 2021. Further, The Viera Company is planning new and unique offerings for residents in additional parks such as La Roca Park, which will open in a few months and includes, among other attributes, a rock climbing feature and street hockey rink.

“Viera climbed into the Top 20 on the annual list of best-selling master planned communities in the country for 2020. ” Viera climbed into the Top 20 on the annual list of best-selling master planned communities in the country for 2020. The developments witnessed thus far in 2021 and those to come during the course of the year are part of an overall master plan that The Viera Company shepherds. 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.

Chick-fil-A

I-95

LAKE ANDREW DRIVE VIERA BLVD

BORROWS WEST is a 115-acre mixed use project with corporate offices, hotel, and lakeside restaurant and retail opportunities.

VIERA BOULEVARD

Chick-fil-A

Restaurants, Retail, and PROMENDADE Offices

BORROWS WEST is a professional and social gathering place adjacent to the new I-95 interchange in the heart of the #2 Best-Performing MSA in the U.S.

LAKE ANDREW DRIVE

TOP 20 MPC OPPORTUNITY

STADIUM PARKWAY

VIEW TO SOUTH

VIERA BOULEVARD I-95 EXIT #193

Lakeside Restaurants

LAKE LINEAR PARK

POR ADA DR.

TRAIL

Community Hotel

(Milken Institute, Best-Performing Cities, 2021)

Lakeside Hotel

KEY AMENITIES:

Corporate Park

» I-95 Interchange (Exit #193) Visibility & Accessibility » Signalized Entrances on Viera Boulevard & Stadium Parkway » Ranked as 16th Top Selling MPC for 2020 (RCLCO) » Corporate Headquarter Office Sites Available » Lakefront Park with Trail

Plans are conceptual and subject to change based on market conditions.

Multi-Family Housing

Inquire about site-ready opportunities for Lease, Purchase or Joint Venture

VIERACommercialProperties.com | Commercial@viera.com | 321.242.1200

Brevard Eye is Now

DEDICATION

COMPASSION EXCELLENCE

Are at the heart of everything we do! Offices Conveniently Located in

Melbourne I Suntree / Viera I Merritt Island

321.984.3200 I TresVIsIon.com