Viera Vision Volume 17, Issue 2 by Viera Vision

MAKING HISTORY IN STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

VO L . 1 7 ISSUE 2

ISSN PRINT 2688-9331 ISSN DIGITAL 2688-9358

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CONTENTS

VOLUME 17: ISSUE 2

PRESIDENT Todd Pokrywa

VP OF MARKETING Lauri Duda

EDITOR IN CHIEF Stephanie Byrd

STAFF EDITORS

20 CAROLINE MARKS A Florida native setting records and heading to the Games of the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo this Summer

Carmen Vastola, Laurie Widzgowski, Todd Pokrywa, Ben Wilson, Scott Miller

SENIOR WRITERS

Maria Sonnenberg, Lyle Smith, Stephanie Byrd, Laurie Widzgowski, Sue DeWerff Panzarino, Guest Writer: Lance Skelly

COVER & PUBLICATION DESIGN Annette Thomas

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photos provided by subject unless otherwise noted

IN THIS ISSUE

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY

Celebrating our local schools and their accomplishments

Protecting your pets this summer

THE A-GRADE

Carmen Vastola, Katie Norton, Stephanie Byrd, Laurie Widzgowski, Maria Sonnenberg, DeAnna Murano

THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER

PUBLISHER

The Viera Company

ADVERTISING SALES

Stephanie Byrd

HEALTHCARE

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

LAUNCH SCHEDULES

Members of the Air Force Thunderbirds have a virtual visit with Health First Hospital Volunteers

Shawn O’Keefe, Jennifer Swan, Laurie Widzgowski

LEGAL

Jay Decator, Ben Wilson

DISTRIBUTION

Mark Peeples, All Service Graphics

Viera Vision is the official publication of

SURFING IN BREVARD Learn how to surf in Brevard County

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.

TURFIN’ IT OUT

“WHY I LOVE VIERA” PHOTO CONTEST

A pro's guide to keeping your lawn beautiful

Photo contest winners showcased and new categories listed

Letter from the Editor

VIERA DISCOVERY CENTER 2261 Town Center Ave. #105 The Avenue Viera Viera, Florida 32940

IN EVERY ISSUE

Snapshots Around Town

Calendar of Events

Developer Letter

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/VIERAFLORIDA

VIERA.COM

#VIERAVISION #EXPLOREVIERA /VIERAFLORIDA

e ask the local principals each year for their list of achievements and each year I’m left in complete awe. The hurdles this year were not just the usual mix of keeping students engaged in the classroom, tirelessly helping athletes push harder, and keeping staff motivated. They had to do this in various styles of masked learning, distance learning, six-foot-apart learning, and thick-plastic-sheetsaround-the-instructor’s-desk type learning. The ability to achieve and safely persevere, during these difficult times shows leadership, commitment, and patience. Each of us have had to modify our behavior, think outside the box, and test limits beyond what any of us ever imagined. We are excited to share these achievements with you.

Editor

Bee in Flight | Taste of Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2021 at Walt Disney World

LETTER FROM THE

Did I mention that three schools opened their doors during a pandemic? Viera Elementary, Amazing Explorers Academy, and Pinecrest Academy Space Coast each led both their internal and external teams to complete their construction projects before the start of the school year and then open their doors to the students and parents in the area. They absolutely deserve all the praise we can give them. As the mother of a now graduated senior, it has been a wonderful journey for my husband and me to see our kids grow up in Viera and attend the local schools. The time spent volunteering on field trips, fundraisers, performances, and school functions allowed us to connect with the school in ways that are now part of our children’s success. School is out; summer is upon us, so let’s have some fun. We have a lot of “new” things to do this summer: new roads to get us to the beach, trails connecting us to new community parks, games to learn (Footgolf and Pickleball), and new exhibits to explore at the Zoo. The new restaurants in the area are ready for you to order something unique off their menus. Your local favorites such as 28 North Gastropub are ready to see your face once again too. Our close proximity to the Indian River Lagoon, Kennedy Space Center, and the theme parks in Orlando cannot be understated. They are easy to enjoy any time of year. Our community is thriving with groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings and re-openings. The energy is positive and people are passionate about their new start this summer. We could not agree more! Have a safe and fun summer, Viera!

THE A-GRADE VIERA HIGH SCHOOL (VHS) • •

I n a year brimming with mind-numbing

challenges and disruptions, the students, educators and staff at our local schools forged ahead with the business of learning with dedication, patience, humor and commitment. Normal was anything but, which makes their many accomplishments even more impressive. Our popular “Bragging Rights” issue celebrates the strength and resilience of our schools and their people, and there is plenty of well-deserved praise. 2021 Scholarships Awarded: 2.4 Million Top 10 schools seniors will attend in the fall: • Eastern Florida State College

• •

• • • •

• University of Central Florida • University of Florida • Florida State University • University of South Florida

• •

• University of North Florida • Florida Tech • Florida Atlantic University • Florida Gulf Coast University • University of Miami * most include a Bright Futures Scholarship

• • • •

CLASS OF 2021: 43 Florida Academic Scholars, 51 Florida Medallion Scholars, five Gold Seal Cape Scholars and 20 Gold Seal Vocational students. 43 seniors received an AA degree from Eastern Florida State College along with their Viera High School diploma. Nine students selected by audition to Florida All-State bands and orchestras and 10 to All-County bands and orchestras. Lavanya Natarajan placed first in the Environmental Engineering category at the State Science Fair and earned awards from the Florida Engineering Foundation, Sierra Club of Florida, the U.S. Agency for International Development and the American Society of Agriculture and Biological Engineering. Business Academy students Mai Jensen, Summer Myers and Alex Rowe captured second place at the National Junior Achievement Social Innovation Competition. Olivia Byrd was named the Florida Scholastic Press Association State Chair. Rich Orloff’s play, “Take It Outside,” enjoyed its world premiere at the VHS Courtyard. Viera High Thespian Troupe 7083 earned eight Superior ratings, four Excellent ratings and a Top Honors Award for student Bailey Freye’s Solo Musical. Cape Coast Conference Championships in Cross Country and Girls’ Golf. District Championships in Football, Swim & Dive, Boys’ Basketball, Boys’ Soccer, Cross Country, Girls’ Track and Girls’ Tennis. Regional Championships in Boys’ Soccer and Girls’ Tennis. The Hawks’ Baseball Team earned their fifth District Championship. State Team Runner-up in Cross Country. Devon Fox was the recipient of the 2021 Viera High School Congressional Medal of Merit.

HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL ACADEMY • Class of 2021: 97 graduating seniors with college acceptance letters for all seniors who applied. • Fourteen seniors were accepted into various Top 30 schools, including the University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon, Cornell, Notre Dame and John Hopkins. • Graduating senior, Ellen Choi, was selected a National Honor Society Scholarship semifinalist, one of only 575 students chosen from nearly 10,000 applicants. In addition to the NHS distinction, Ellen earned numerous other academic honors, including being named a National Merit Semifinalist and a National AP Scholar. She formed her own organization, Buddies United to Dream, or BUD, recruiting more than 40 high school students to become personal pen-pals and tutors for under-resourced students around the world. • Six Holy Trinity athletes signed National Letters of Intent to play collegiate football at different universities, including Georgia Tech. • Less than one week after making what was called “the interception of the year” by ESPN, New York Jets safety Marcus Maye announced that he had made a sizable gift to his high school alma mater, Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, to fund the “Marcus Maye Strength and Conditioning Center” at Holy Trinity’s new Tiger Athletic Complex. Maye graduated from Holy Trinity in 2012 and went on to play football at the University of Florida. He was drafted by the New York Jets in 2017.

DELAURA MIDDLE SCHOOL • Scotty Ben Leptich earned third prize in the Mathematics and Computational Sciences Category of the State Science Fair. Ben’s outstanding stem research received the U.S. Navy Science Award from the Office of Naval Research. He has been invited to participate in the Broadcom Masters’ Competition, offered only to students with the top 10% of projects in the nation. • 23 DeLaura students placed in Brevard’s All-County orchestra group. • The NHJS/BETA club raised more than $3,000 for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society charities, plus conducted a holiday toy drive and a campaign for the Brevard Humane Society. • Band teacher, Veronica Curran, was one of a select group of educators chosen for a Phoenix Foundation Grant. • The accelerated program students in SALT partnered with Brevard Zoo to foster mangroves for shoreline replenishment. • Student Alaina Antenucci took top honor in the City of Melbourne’s “Drop Savers” water conservation poster contest.

DELAURA MIDDLE SCHOOL HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL ACADEMY

JOHN F. KENNEDY MIDDLE SCHOOL

RONALD MCNAIR MAGNET MIDDLE SCHOOL

• Boys’ and Girls’ Panthers Track Team are this year’s County Champions. • One of only eight schools in the state designated as an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) National Site of Distinction. • Panther Peers offered a “kids supporting kids” approach to help each other. • First middle school in Brevard to offer the Cambridge Curriculum, the gold standard for education recognized by universities and employers worldwide. • Continued to be a Florida Arts model school since 2017. • A+ School for approximately two decades. • Third prize winner in the District-Wide Virtual L3 Harris STEM Challenge and first place in the Collaborate/Escape Room Challenge. • Winner of the Phoenix Foundation Morning Glow Grant for the purchase of band equipment. • Kennedy welcomed new “Head Panther,” principal Travis Diesel (page 9).

• This year was particularly challenging for the Challenger musicians in the band and orchestra, where classes as a group setting are a necessity, but McNair students and teachers took up the gauntlet. Mrs. Michelle Scheen made house calls to beginning band students and one-on-one Zoom calls to help them get started. String consultants Jameson Tucker and Silvia Cisneros used breakout rooms on Zoom to help students at home get the same experience as if they were in the classroom. Students were asked to perform in the middle of class with the goal of hearing every student play every day. • Four band students and seven orchestra students auditioned for the All-County Band and Orchestra. • Sponsored by the Brevard Cultural Alliance, McNair’s Bucket Drumming Club allowed students to enjoy the performing arts even without performing arts classes. • Six McNair students received the rating of Superior with Distinction at the District 10 Virtual Solo and Ensemble Music Performance Assessment. Five students and one duet earned Superior rating and three students, a duet and quartet received an Excellent rating. • Eastern Florida State College music students worked with McNair students to play together at a May 25 concert at Riverfront Park in Cocoa.

JOHN F. KENNEDY MIDDLE SCHOOL RONALD MCNAIR MAGNET MIDDLE SCHOOL

STEM = SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, MATH AVID = ADVANCEMENT VIA INDIVIDUAL DETERMINATION

PINECREST ACADEMY SPACE COAST • Despite the COVID-19 obstacles, Pinecrest Academy Space Coast welcomed 350 students on the new school’s first day. The student body grew to approximately 400 by midyear. • Students benefitted from unique hallmark programs that include a Spanish dual language program with immersion components in the lower grades, a handson STEM program delivered in addition to science classes and one-on-one technology for all students. • Students practiced perseverance and being amicable, nurturing, tolerant, humble, engaging and responsible! • Pinecrest’s remote learning model provided cameras and large monitors in all classrooms to allow remote learning students easy and safe access. • Pinecrest’s I-Ready® scores indicate that it is well on its way to being an “A” school.

MANATEE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL • Through the Manatee Gives Back initiative, students collected more than 200 gifts and $2,145 in gift cards for Friends of Children of Brevard, Family Promise and the Brevard Humane Society. • 600 reading door chains were awarded to Manatee classes for high achievement in iReady® and Reading Counts. • Tasha Benton, who teaches third grade, is officially a published author with her first book, “Mamudah the Great.” • Seventy-one students earned Hogwarts Hall of Fame status by reading Sunshine State Books during Manatee’s year-long reading challenge.

VIERA CHARTER SCHOOL • Several young Panthers placed at the Regional Science • Viera Charter’s Volleyball Team earned Second Place and Engineering Fair. in Conference Championships. • The Panthers grabbed twin SCCAA basketball titles! • Students joined the Basket Brigade to help needy families • The Boys’ and Girls’ Middle School Basketball Team with Thanksgiving meals, collected supplies for local brought home League Championships. veterans and sent approximately 800 thank- you postcards • Members of the National Elementary Honor Society to veterans. Safety Patrol students led a Blanket and raised $1,143 for the Brevard Humane Society. Towel Drive for the SPCA. The National Elementary • The Kindergarten Soccer Team had an undefeated Honor Society and Student Council partnered to season and the Fifth grade Soccer Team earned second collect food for the Children’s Hunger Project and place in the Season Finals. the Viera High School Food Pantry. • Viera Charter’s three Odyssey of the Mind teams placed in the top five of their divisions and have been invited to participate in the OM World Finals in June. MANATEE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL • AVID Students shined as they bragged what it meant to VIERA CHARTER SCHOOL be a Panther. Students kept journals and shared ideas, reflecting on how being a Panther has helped develop STEM = SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, MATH a growth mindset, reach goals and embrace learning. AVID = ADVANCEMENT VIA INDIVIDUAL DETERMINATION • The Panthers’ Middle School Cheerleading Team took top title in the Ultimate Championships 2020-2021 Battleground Competition.

QUEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL “Quest teachers and staff have done an amazing job keeping our students motivated while supporting them through their educational journey this year,” said Principal Christine Boyd. “This year, the true heroes at Quest are our students. Their perseverance and hard work have shown through daily successes.” • Media technician, Lori Kessel, continued Quest TV virtually, offered online bookfairs and ran the Sunshine State Awards program. • Quest educators offered more than 16 hybrid settings across all grades, with rigorous instruction, support services and interventions both virtually and in-person. • Under the leadership of PE coach Christina Nestor, Explorer families and staff raised $16,000 for the American Heart Association and $27,000 through a Fun Run for educational programs and technology. • Quest Explorers created artworks with the help of art educator Kim Haggard. The “masterpieces” were purchased by parents to help support Quest and were part of the Brevard County Student Art Exhibition.

RALPH WILLIAMS JR. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL • Ralph Williams Elementary was recognized by the Department of Education as a School of Excellence for the 2020-2021 academic year. • The little Sandhill Cranes in Mrs. Rosean’s second grade class adopted an American Eagle to honor the many military families in the schools. • The school was honored to receive a flag flown onboard a KC-135 Stratotanker during a combat mission in Operation Inherent Resolve over Iraq. • The local chapter of Rolling Thunder veterans dedicated a POW flag to Williams. Fifty-five students, all children of military families, plus safety patrols and Boy and Girl Scouts, attended the ceremony. • Students competed via Zoom in the SLAM event to test their knowledge of Sunshine State Young Readers’ Award Reading List. • The Sandhills got artistic and created colorful cards and artwork presented to Meals on Wheels recipients through Aging Matters in Brevard.

VIERA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL • Northrop Grumman partnered with Viera Elementary for hands-on STEM education through a state-of-the-art STEM lab. In addition to funding the lab, Northrop Grumman provided a team of employees to serve as volunteer STEM mentors, showing students how topics they study can translate into real-life STEM professions. “It is extremely beneficial to introduce STEM education early on, because in today’s age of information, the ability to innovate, be technologically fluent and understand how and why things work together is incredibly important,” said Principal Adrienne Schwab. • Eight Falcons placed in the North Regional Science and Engineering Fair, including a Best of Show Award and the Lockheed Martin Innovative Award.

• Art teacher, Sara Bohman helped each student and staff member create a tile that was later incorporated into a mosaic commemorating the first class at Viera Elementary. • Students raised $49,000 in the Boosterthon Fun. • Coach Sarah Dingus received the Outstanding Education Accomplishments in Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Award from the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization. • Educators Stacey O’Connor and Jessica Davis each received a Bright Ideas Grant to assist the STEM Lab and a gifted classroom.

QUEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL VIERA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL RALPH WILLIAMS JR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Yes, 2020-2021 was tough, but students, with the support of their schools and families, showed abundant grace under fire. Viera Elementary Principal Adrienne Schwab’s comments best sum up the year not just at her school, but for every school in the area. “We have been amazed by the flexibility, tenacity and creativity our students have shown,” said Schwab. “They are resilient and we know they will come through this difficult time having learned important lessons about themselves. What amazing things we have accomplished in 180 days!” QUEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

holy trinity episcopal academy

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2021!

GRADUATES

100% accepted to college

95% four-year college 4% two-year college 1% military

ATTENDING

DIFFERENT COLLEGES

51%

TO ATTEND

COLLEGE IN FLORIDA

49%

OUT-OF-STATE

CLASS OF 2021 STUDENTS WERE ACCEPTED TO 25 OF THE TOP 50 COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, INCLUDING: Boston College Boston University Carnegie Mellon University Case Western University Cornell University Georgetown University Georgia Institute of Technology Johns Hopkins University Miami University

New York University Tulane University University Notre Dame University of California - Berkeley University of California - Davis University of California - Los Angeles University of California - San Diego University of California - Santa Barbara University of Florida

University of Georgia University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University of Michigan University of Pennsylvania University of Southern California University of Texas - Austin University of Virginia

Learn how your child can “Start Here. Go Anywhere.” www.htacademy.org 321-723-8323

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ACTUAL CLIENT PHOTOS

BY: LAN

CE SKE

LLY

L-R Flight Physician Maj. Mary Eisma, Flight Surgeon Lt. Col. Noel Colls, and Staff Sgt. Laurel Richards answer questions from Health First hospital volunteers during a live Zoom meet and greet opportunity in advance of this year’s Cocoa Beach Air Show in Brevard County, FL.

rriving in Brevard County from their home base of Las Vegas for the Cocoa Beach Air Show, three members of the United States Air Force Thunderbirds “flew in” for a special virtual visit with members of the Health First Volunteer auxiliary.

“This was a real treat for our team, and we are so glad members of the Thunderbirds wanted to invest a part of their day – and during important preparations for this weekend’s air show – with some of our team,” said Phillips.

As part of their outreach efforts, the Thunderbirds wanted to take time to recognize some of Health First’s volunteer network and thank them for standing ready - before, during, and after the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The Hospital Division at Health First is blessed with the partnership of the Cape Canaveral Auxiliary that launched in 1962, the Holmes Regional and Palm Bay Hospital Auxiliary established in 1953, and a robust and engaged volunteer team at Viera hospital that is now 10 years strong. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Health First relied on approximately 1,100 volunteers across the four hospitals. After suspending services twice in the last year due to the pandemic, we have recently relaunched many of our services with increasing numbers in all hospitals, including Cape Canaveral Hospital, which is

According to Marcia Phillips, who manages customer experience and volunteer services, this virtual visit by the Thunderbirds was a nice opportunity to recognize our own “behind the scenes” heroes who have eagerly awaited their opportunity to get back in service to our patients and community.

nearing full strength. We look forward to getting our team back to full strength with our existing members – as well as others interested in joining our mission,” Phillips continued. The USAF Air Demonstration Squadron ("Thunderbirds") is the air demonstration squadron of the United States Air Force (USAF). Cre a t e d 6 8 ye ar s ago i n 1953, the USAF Thunderbirds are the third-oldest formal flying aerobatic team (under the same name) in the world, after the French Air Force Patrouille de France formed in 1931 and the United States Navy Blue Angels formed in 1946. The Thunderbirds Squadron tours the United States and much of the world, performing aerobatic formation and solo flying in specially marked aircraft. The squadron's name is taken from the legendary creature that appears in the mythologies of several indigenous North American cultures. Members included Staff Sgt. Laurel Richards, Flight Surgeon Lt. Col. Noel Colls and Flight Physician Maj. Mary Eisma. Guests answered questions for more than a half hour on a wide variety of topics including the history of the Thunderbirds, how the team was affected by the pandemic last year, how members are chosen to be Thunderbirds, the types of events they participate in (including many hospital flyovers in 2020) … and even what it’s like to fly at 9Gs – or nine times the force of gravity. “It was a great opportunity to share more about our team, and a real honor for us to meet some of the important members of the Health First volunteer team who have pledged their time and commitment to help care for your patients in Brevard County,” said Richards. “We certainly appreciate and admire the men and women of our healthcare volunteer Lanny Lillibridge (standing) poses a question to members of the force - and the important U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds during a live Zoom meet and greet opportunity in advance of this year’s Cocoa Beach Air Show in impact they have across the Brevard County, FL. Mr. Lillibridge also is a U.S. Navy veteran. entire country.”

It was a great opportunity to share more about our team, and a real honor for us to meet some of the important members of the Health First volunteer team who have pledged their time and commitment to help care for your patients in Brevard County,” said Richards. “We certainly appreciate and admire the men and women of our healthcare volunteer force and the important impact they have across the entire country.

hile Brevard has been known as the Space Coast since the first rocket was launched from Cape Canaveral more than sixty years ago, it has also often been named one of the best surfing destinations on the East Coast. Since Brevard is home to eleven-time World Championship Tour (WCT) surfing champion, Kelly Slater (Cocoa Beach) and women’s (WCT) superstar and Olympic team member, Caroline Marks, (a native of Melbourne Beach), it seems only mandatory that both residents and visitors alike should experience a surf lesson!

While the waves that break along the Space Coast’s 72 miles of coastline may not be as big or powerful as Pacific destinations such as California or Hawaii, they are fairly consistent year-round and the water is never extremely cold. Typically the surf is smaller during the summer months (with the exception of when long period swells make their way to shore resulting from the Atlantic Hurricane season). Cocoa Beach and surrounding areas throughout the north county locations, including Jetty Park and Playa Linda, offer sand bottoms with gradual slopes that create gentle, fun wave conditions ideal for beginners.

SURF CAMP “During our weekly surf camps and school instruction we strive to present to students everything from surf history, water etiquette, swell tracking, ocean safety, and equipment maintenance to basic pop-up and balance technique and progressive wave maneuvers,” said Holland. All lessons are based on the fundamentals of surfing and ocean safety with CPR-certified instructors.

Surfing SCHOOLS Whether seeking a private one-on-one lesson or opting to join a surf camp, depending on your age, budget, skill level and goals, there are options for everyone. Among two of the most popular surf schools in the Cocoa Beach area that offer both surf camps and private or group lessons are School of Surf and Ron Jon Surf School. Both are operated by a world tour veteran and former Association of Surfing Professional (ASP) Todd Holland and his wife, Ron Jon Team Rider and former NSSA (National Scholastic Surfing Association) Champion, Lauren McLean Holland. Holland, who was once ranked 8th in the world and named Rookie of the Year during the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, has mentored multiple NSSA and Eastern Surfing Association (ESA) contest winners who first learned to surf at one of his camps and then progressed with his private instruction.

According to Holland, the best board to learn to surf on is a foam constructed longer board, known as a “softtop” that is generally 8 ft. to 9 ft. 6 in. in length and approximately 3 in. thick. “It provides width for stability and plenty of buoyancy for flotation and is designed to be more forgiving as compared to the standard polyurethane or epoxy in the case of accidental injury that could be caused by the board,” he said. Though the instructions at both locations offer private lessons, School of Surf primarily focuses on hourly lessons with classes featuring a 4:1 student/instructor ratio. The surf camps feature week-long sessions that run from May through August and provide a complete list of activities held in classroom and on the water. The camps include a box lunch, and all necessary equipment.

CAROLINE MARKS Before you watch the opening ceremonies on July 23rd at 6:55AM (EST) and the subsequent events of the XXXII Olympiad, check out the documentary “That’s Caroline” featuring Caroline Marks, a Florida native and self-described “surf rat” that has shot to the world stage as a dominant competitor in the world of surfing in just under 3 years. She is seen here at Stop 3 of the 2021 tour, Rip Curl Narrabeen Beach in New South Wales, Australia. Photo credit: WSL Dunbar

Brevard native Caroline Marks will compete in the inaugural surfing Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan in July. The 19-year-old, along with Hawaii’s Carissa Moore, are the two females representing Team USA. Marks grew up in Melbourne Beach, where she began breaking local records in the sport at the age of nine and qualified for the Championship Tour at age 15. She was the youngest surfer ever to accomplish this achievement and is currently ranked in the top three on the 2021 tour.

Both Lauren and Todd, along with Todd’s son, Calvin, and their expertly trained staff, specialize in educating students about the importance of water safety before even hitting the beach. “There is much to learn about the ocean, and we try to make it fun and interesting,” said Holland. “The importance of learning tide conditions, rip currents, and proper equipment use is as important as learning how to ride a wave. My goal has always been for a student to learn and experience enough here during our lessons to be able to safely paddle out and catch a wave upon their return to their own beach or vacation destination.” For more information visit: SchoolofSurf.org RonJonSurfSchool.com Lessons range from $65 and up for a private hourly instruction and camp rates vary depending on enrollment times.

TURFIN’ IT OUT A PRO'S GUIDE TO KEEPING IT

If it’s not the first thing at the top of their checklist when relocating to the Sunshine State, it’s the second or third: A lush, green lawn and garden around their home all year round. But as much as we like to say “everything grows here all the time,” there’s more involved in growing a beautiful home garden and lawn in Central Florida than may first meet the eye.

So many of us moved to Florida from points north envisioning a beautiful, colorful garden, lush, green lawn, and outdoor living. For those of us more native to the area, we understand that as much as we love the old joke about “everything in Florida grows all the time!” it’s all a bit more involved than throwing seed out on the property and waiting for the rain.

We talked to a collection of true arboreal and agronomy experts operating in and around Viera to gather some of their best recommendations for establishing and maintaining the home yard/garden of your dreams without breaking the bank, making mistakes, or embracing the myth of the “green thumb” required for success.

THE SECRET IS IN THE DIRT

According to Mark Rutkowski, owner of Ground Professionals in Melbourne, making sure you have fertile soil available for planting is absolutely the first step in just about any project.

It's important to identify any deficiencies on the property after getting a soil sample - Cal Leggett

Homes may be built on soil suitable for housing, but not immediately for lush gardens. Understanding what makes a fertile environment for grass and plants is the first step to creating the back garden of your dreams, so say the experts.

Beautiful

“The number one thing if you’re doing a house or anything else is to get a water sample AND a soil sample,” Rutkowski said. “Then you know what’s going on. It’s not so much about shade or no shade, it’s the trees and plants and how they absorb nutrients that affect the quality of the soil and how particular plants thrive or don’t.” Cal Leggett, Director of Agronomy at Juniper Landscaping in Apopka agrees. “…After getting a soil sample,” he said. “Then you can turn around and put together a program to meet your expectations.”

As to where to get soil and water samples, there are a variety of resources from just about any of the local pool companies the University of Florida IFAS Extension [https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/ agriculture/soil-testing/] to any number of the many landscaping companies throughout Brevard County.

THE LAWN Chris Leffler, Sod Farm Manager for A. Duda & Sons, has worked in the industry since graduating from the University of Florida’s soil science program in 1997. “This is where I first understood Duda’s stance on land stewardship. Our R&D staff has been on the cutting edge of agricultural alternatives such as biological insect control as well as innovative plant breeding programs,” Leffler said. “In Florida’s tropical climate, insect and disease pressure is most challenging. At Duda Sod we strive to grow turf varieties that thrive with minimal inputs such as chemicals and fertilizers.” With the lawn as the central feature of most residential properties in our area, how to best care for this green canvas of our homes? Leffler says the best approach to keeping your lawn healthy in a sustainable way is to be as vigilant with your lawn as you would your pet. “We ensure that our pets are fed, groomed and treat them for ticks and fleas. We also care enough about our pets to visit the vet when needed,” said Leffler. “Your lawn is no different. Homeowners would do well to monitor their lawns for plant health and practice preventative care.”

HOW MUCH WATER IS TOO MUCH? Water is also critical for your lawn during the dry season but it is also a time where reclaimed water can be in short supply. It may be worth looking into watering alternatives in the spring. During the tropical season (June – October), Mother Nature will likely supply you with all the water you need for your lawn, so this is a good time to shut off those irrigation timers and conserve water. Typically, the winter months require little to no irrigation due to the lack of evaporation in cooler weather and frontal rainfall. When it comes to watering and fertilizing your lawn, Leffler suggests watering only as needed. “In terms of fertilization, we don’t (or shouldn’t) over-feed our pets,” he says. “The same is true of our lawns. Fertilize as needed. However, we will do more harm than good without fertilizing at all.” In order to obtain the functional and aesthetic benefits we expect, our lawns should be maintained to keep a healthy green appearance. Duda sod recommends slow-release fertilizers. Unless you need weak spots in your lawn filled in, we

recommend avoiding fertilizers with phosphorus - (P) on the label. Look for slow-release fertilizers with at least a 1:1 ratio of Nitrogen (N) to Potassium (K). This may look like an N-P-K ratio of 10-0-10 or 6-0-6.

THE FERTILIZER Again, with soil quality being central to a successful landscape, it is important to understand the needs of your lawn, garden and specialty plants when it comes to fertilizer, as well as the local ordinances regarding when you may and may not fertilize. As a way of protecting our waterways, Brevard County has an ordinance that requires a blackout period for fertilizer between June 1 and September 30, designed to protect the waterways from chemical runoff during the rainy season. This is why, Leggett says, it’s important to fertilize in the months leading up to that blackout period with slow-release products. “The first application is usually after winter, mid-February into March, primarily to the turf,” said Leggett, “with a second application in May enabling it to be absorbed when it needs to be.” The key, he

ASK CHRIS: 3 TIPS FOR A LUSH LAWN Q: Is it best to allow grass to grow longer in the summer? A: No. Lawns should be maintained at the recommended mow heights per variety. Allowing your lawn to grow longer than the recommended mow height for an extended period of time in the summer is detrimental to your lawn and a playground for turf diseases. Best practice: mow weekly during the warm season and every two weeks during the cool season. Q: Does it naturally go dormant in the winter? A: Yes. Like many plants, turf does go dormant in cold weather and does not readily take up nutrients. This is generally a pointless time to fertilize. The good news is, you can cut back on your mowing! Q: Are rain sensors important to a healthy lawn? A: Rain sensors are a great technological feature to your irrigation system. When functioning properly, rain sensors will shut off your irrigation system during rain events. Rain sensors must be maintained in order to continue to function properly. Or weather-head homeowners can just look outside occasionally and manually shut of the irrigation system during a rain event or long- term tropical patterns. [SOURCE: A. DUDA & SONS]

says, is to make sure you start with a healthy lawn and plants. As a certified pest control expert, Leggett says understanding a problem lawn often comes down to experience. What’s the difference between an overwatering issue and chinch bugs? “It just comes down to diagnosis,” he says. “To an experienced person, you know what chinch bug damage looks like. Chinch is the number one pest for St. Augustine grass and usually only appears in mid-June to Sept.” For these problems, Leggett recommends a preventive application in May/June. Regarding herbicides and pesticides, there is a wide variety of products on the market, all usually safe for pets when applied according to the label. Leggett says when these products are not used according to their labeled instruction, they are in fact in violation of federal law. For landscapers the label is truly the law.

THE PLANTS What plants should you be using in your garden? Rutkowski recommends taking the time to understand what plants grow best in which conditions. “For example, different plants

grow well here compared to what grows beachside,” he said. “That’s because of all the salt in the air and water.” If your property has oak trees or some other providers of shade, you can choose plants that will do well in some shade. Again, Rutkowski emphasizes an understanding of the soil and water before starting to figure out what types of plants you can use and specialty care for specialty plants. “Every other week you’re going out to baby your fruit trees looking for bugs or healthy leaves,” he says. “You don’t want to use too much in the way of sprays or pesticides because you’re going to be eating the fruit.”

Other plants Rutkowski recommends that thrive in the Florida sun include: bougainvillea arborea, oleanders, and allamanda for many different colors, and gardenia, particularly jasmine gardenia for fragrance. “A lot of people like those,” he said. In the end, it is important to consult a professional for some good advice. Even if you think you have a green thumb, there are things that may escape your attention in the soil around you. Before you embark on a large planting project, do your research and talk to the experts. They love to help.

Thanks for their input on this article to: Mark Rutkowski, Ground Professionals, LLC Melbourne Cal Leggett, Juniper Landscaping Apopka Chris Leffler, A. Duda & Sons Duda Sod Viera Allamanda Cathartica

IRRIGATION TIPS The Florida Sod Growers Cooperative can provide expert tips and help you save money by visiting them at FloridaLawn. com. When it comes to irrigation, they have a useful guide for making every drop count including the following points: 1.Automatic irrigation systems are only good when used properly. Consider switching the system off during the cooler months and during the summer rainy season. 2.Let your lawn tell you when it needs water. Sprinkler only needs to provide ½ to ¾ of an inch of water per zone. 3.Irrigate early in the day (before sunrise). Prune any plants or remove other obstacles blocking spray zones. 4.Get a rain gauge but watch your system run to be sure all the sprinkler heads are working and the zones are covered. 5.Mow smart by not cutting more than one-third of the height of your lawn at any one time. Leave clippings on the lawn and sweep back into the grass.

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S Y A D G O r D e m m u S f o AA

s the thermometer rises, do the s theso thermometer number of heat-related rises, so do the emergencies veterinarians number of heat-related encounter daily,veterinarians because emergencies Florida summers seem encounter daily,may because like heaven to humans, but Florida summers may seem for some pets,tothey can be, like heaven humans, but well, the opposite place. for some pets, they can be, well, the opposite place.

HEATSTROKE “The most serious summer-related medical emergency we see is heatstroke, also called hyperthermia,” said Dr. Ian Birkbeck of Island Animal Hospital at Viera. “A pet’s temperature becomes too high, usually due to physical activity in high outside temperatures or being left in a car without air conditioning.” Heatstroke can overwhelm a pet with lightning speed and serious results that require immediate professional assistance. “Heatstroke is definitely a medical emergency that can negatively impact multiple organ systems and lead to abnormalities,” said Dr. Alison Bywater of Viera

East Veterinary Center. “Immediately call the vet and head there right away. Keep the pet wrapped in cool wet towels as you are driving to the clinic.” Dr. Jennifer Freeman, Petsmart resident veterinarian and pet care expert, notes that signs of heatstroke include excessive panting, sluggish or unresponsive behavior, vomiting and bright red or pale, dry gums. Highest at risk are active dogs and brachycephalic, or short muzzle, breeds such as bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

POOLS Some dog breeds, like Labs and Goldens, love water and may decide to take a dip in the family pool. Cats may think they know better, but they may nevertheless be curious about that huge bathtub and lean down for a sip. In both situations, the animal can run into major trouble. “Make sure pets do not have access to the pool unattended, and, if possible teach them how to get out of the pool at the steps,” said Dr. Bywater. A gated pool, a necessity when children are present, is also a must-have with pets, particularly if they are young or elderly. “They can fall in and not be able to get out,” said Dr. Freeman.

Other bodies of water also present dangers. When boating, a dog life jacket is not just a fashion statement. “With pet parents hitting the beach, the number one product I recommend is a life jacket for their dogs,” said Molly Gores, merchandising inventory lead at PetSmart in Viera, which carries pet life jackets such as the Arcadia Trail™. “It’s an extra safety that allows pets to join in swimming safely.” Pets can also drink or gulp contaminated water from a river or lake, so bring a portable water bowl and clean H2O on these jaunts.

FIREWORKS, SUNBURN & HOT PAWS Summer storms and Fourth of July fireworks can also present problems. “Make sure your pet is microchipped and registered with up-to-date contact information, as dogs are especially prone to escaping during the summer months due to fireworks and storm anxiety,” said Dr. Freeman. Even lounging in the backyard can turn tragic, for dogs easily overheat when humidity and temperatures skyrocket. And forget playing. “It’s best to avoid physical activity during the hottest part of the day to be safe,” said Dr. Birkbeck. Water should always be available, as well as shade.

Products such as the K&H Cooling Pad™ and the Arcadia Trail Cooling Pet Vest™ help, but it is best to limit exposure to the sun, for several reasons. Dogs are prone to sunburn, particularly on the nose. Epi Pet ™ offers an FDA-approved sunscreen for canines, and My Dog Nose It™ cream provides sun protection for the canine sniffer. Doggles™ are doggie goggles with 100% UV-protection with a 150% cute factor. Dog’s paws may appear tough, but they are really softies, easily blistered by sand or hot asphalt, which, on an 87-degree day, can reach temps of 143 degrees, enough for an egg to fry in less than five minutes. Poochie Pawz™, colorful,

breathable dog booties made especially for summer, prevent paw burns with heat-resistant soles. Summer heat also brings hurricane season. Dr. Freeman recommends an emergency kit for pets, with an extra collar and leash, a pet firstaid kit and a week’s supply of medicine and food. “Prepare for the unexpected,” she said. Any human owned by a dog or cat can relate to this advice.

g n i p s e r e a t K S e h t n e O y an e I

t may have been a pandemic year, but the world of space exploration was not deterred in the effort to explore beyond our atmosphere with more than 30 launches from right here at Cape Canaveral’s launch sites, including the first American-manned flight to space since the close of the Space Shuttle program in 2011. This year, 2021, shows no slowdown of that effort with 13+ launches scheduled from midJune through the end of the year, including two live crew launches to the International Space Station. We call it The Space Coast for a reason, and proudly. And we all love to watch the trail of that rocket thrust up through the atmosphere every time and return our crews safely back to Earth. Keep an eye on the schedule and cheer on each of these outer space adventures from right here on terra firma.

LAUNCH DATE: June 23, 2021 ROCKET: United Launch Alliance Atlas V 500 Series LAUNCH SITE: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station - SLC 41

LAUNCH DATE: September, 2021 ROCKET: Boeing CST-100 Starliner LAUNCH SITE: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station - SLC 41

LAUNCH DATE: July, 2021 ROCKET: SpaceX Falcon 9 LAUNCH SITE: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station - SLC 40

LAUNCH DATE: September 15, 2021 ROCKET: SpaceX Falcon 9 LAUNCH SITE: Kennedy Space Center - LC-39A

LAUNCH DATE: July, 2021 ROCKET: SpaceX Falcon Heavy LAUNCH SITE: Kennedy Space Center - LC-39A LAUNCH DATE: July, 2021 ROCKET: Boeing CST-100 Starliner LAUNCH SITE: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station - SLC 41 LAUNCH DATE: August, 2021 ROCKET: United Launch Alliance Atlas V 500 Series LAUNCH SITE: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station - SLC 41 LAUNCH DATE: August 18, 2021 ROCKET: SpaceX Falcon 9 LAUNCH SITE: Kennedy Space Center - LC-39A

LAUNCH DATE: October 16, 2021 ROCKET: United Launch Alliance Atlas V 500 Series LAUNCH SITE: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station - SLC 41 LAUNCH DATE: October 23, 2021 ROCKET: SpaceX Falcon 9 LAUNCH SITE: Kennedy Space Center - LC-39A LAUNCH DATE: November, 2021 ROCKET: SpaceX Falcon 9 LAUNCH SITE: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station - SLC 40 LAUNCH DATE: November 17, 2021 ROCKET: SpaceX Falcon 9 LAUNCH SITE: Kennedy Space Center - LC-39A LAUNCH DATE: December 4, 2021 ROCKET: SpaceX Falcon 9 LAUNCH SITE: Kennedy Space Center - LC-39A LAUNCH DATE: December 7, 2021 ROCKET: United Launch Alliance Atlas V 500 Series LAUNCH SITE: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station - SLC 41

ERCAN EKINCI

WHY I LOVE

Viera

PHOTO CONTEST

The community photo contest we started earlier in the year yielded many photos of beautiful Viera sunsets, native wildlife, and a single submission of a wonderful group of residents in green Viera t-shirts posing at The Avenue Viera’s Thirsty 3rd Thursday event. The winners for the March contest are Ercan Ekinci, Ernie Sanchez and Martin Friedland. We enjoyed the subject matter presented, composition of the photo to the subject matter, and their ability to capture our local moments in time so well. For the next installment of the contest, we are looking for a variety of fun moments this summer in Viera, at the beach, or anywhere on the Space Coast. The topics are a suggestion but not a requirement. Winning photos will be showcased in the next issue of the Viera Vision and displayed proudly on our conference room wall at The Viera Company office. We will also add a $100 gift card to a bag of Viera swag that is yours to keep! We encourage you to send the full-size JPEG for any image and they must be 1MB minimum and no larger than 10MB. All photos must be taken in Brevard (unless otherwise noted), owned by you, and you must provide your contact information when submitting the photo for this contest to VieraPhotos@viera.com. 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. The new topics include: • Family Fun • Abstract Nature • Outdoor Portraits • Architectural Details • Foodie Fun • Playful Pets • Beautiful Gardens • Sports of all sorts • Composition ... Three of a kind

MARTIN

ERNIE

SANCH

FRIEDLA

1. OLEA GRAND OPENING EVENT Olea at Viera, is a beautiful new 166 - unit luxury apartment complex built by Pollack Shores. Members of the executive team spoke during their grand opening event and was applauded for their efforts on building the new 5 ¼ - acre complex.

4. EAST COAST CHRISTIAN CENTER The shovels were up as the offical groundbreaking was held for East Coast Christian Center’s new permanent facility in Viera. The campus will continue to provide outreach to the community in addition to supporting its congregation of over 300 families.

AROUND Town

2. VIERA BUILDERS AND THE BREVARD WOMEN’S CENTER A volunteer from the Brevard Women’s Center is seen here loading a portion of model furniture (that has maximized its life cycle for model homes) for future use. Viera Builders has routinely donated furniture to the organization that provides assistance to women, men and children who have faced trauma related to domestic violence and sexual assault.

3. WINN-DIXIE Winn-Dixie opened their newest store in Viera on May 5th to the beat of a drum, a few mighty horns and a loud cheer from the students in the Viera High School Pep Band and Cheer Squad. The store opened with rave reviews with lines stretched to the end of the plaza for a chance to visit the store on opening day. Congratulations to the team at Winn-Dixie!

5. LA ROCA PARK Neighbors in Viera gathered on June 5th at the opening of La Roca Park near the Sierra Cove neighborhood. The new park features Viera’s first outdoor hockey rink and members of the Tampa Bay Lightning hosted a ball hockey clinic for the kids. Special guests also included a 2009 Stanley Cup Champion Player, Mathieu Garon; Space Coast Iceplex Owner, Matt Smith; President of The Viera Company, Todd Pokrywa; Community Manager, Eva Rey; Sheriff Wayne Ivey, and Lightning Made Hockey Community Manager, Aaron Humphrey.

6. THIRD ANNUAL VIERA PET FEST The 3rd annual Viera’s Pet Fest Derby Day Hat Contest took place at the Viera Town Center Park on Saturday, May 1st. It was a fantastic turnout with both pets and their owners attired in their finest Derby Day hats. To see more photos, visit vieracommunityinstitute.com.

CALENDAR OF Events

ACTIVE EVENT

FUN FOR ALL Great American Celebration 2021 | Fireworks Date: July 4th Location: USSSA Space Coast Stadium, Viera (look to the east) Contact: VieraCommunityInstitute.com Yoga in the Park Date(s) : Every Wednesday from 8AM - 9AM Location: The Avenue Viera, Viera Contact: AvenueViera.com/event

PERFORMANCES

Tailgate 2 Miler Date: August 15th Location: The Avenue Viera, Viera Contact: RunningZone.com

FAST PITCH SOFTBALL USSSA Pride vs. FL Gulf Coast League Date: July 22nd - July 24th Location: USSSA Space Coast Stadium, Viera Contact: USSSAPride.com USSSA Pride vs. Team Florida Date : August 2nd - August 4th Location: USSSA Space Coast Stadium, Viera Contact: USSSAPride.com USSSA Pride vs. Carolina Collegiate League Date: August 5th - August 7th Location: USSSA Space Coast Stadium, Viera Contact: USSSAPride.com

Thirsty 3rd Thursdays Date: July 15, August 19, September 16 Location: The Avenue Viera, Viera Contact: AvenueViera.com/event Bruce in the USA Date : July 24th Location: King Center for the Performing Arts Contact: KingCenter.com Classic Albums Live - Led Zepplin IV Date: August 14th Location: King Center for the Performing Arts Contact: KingCenter.com

SPECIAL EVENTS

Youth Environmental Summit Date: July 17th Location: Brevard Zoo, Viera Contact: BrevardZoo.org/special-events

SUMMER CAMP LIST SURF

GENERAL

School of Surf (S.O.S) Location: School of Surf, Cocoa Beach Contact: SchoolofSurf.org

Viera Regional Park & Recreation Center Location: Viera Regional Park, Viera Contact: (321)433-4891

Ron Jon Surf School Location: Ron Jon Surf School, Cocoa Beach Contact: RonJonSurfSchool.com

ENVIRONMENTAL

GOLF

Brevard Zoo Location: Brevard Zoo Contact: BrevardZoo.org/education/zoo-camps/ Marine Resource Council (MRC) Lagoon Castaway Summer Camp Location: Ted Moorhead Lagoon House, Palm Bay Contact: SaveTheIRL.org/education/summer-camp/

TO OUR

2021 Duran Summer Junior Golf Camp Location: Development Center, Duran Golf Club, Viera Contact: https://clients.uschedule.com/justinblazergolf/ booking/event Junior Golf Academy Summer Program Location: Viera East Golf Club, Viera Contact: (321)639-6500 ext. 2

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

HOLI DAY PAR A DE 2021

SUMMER | JUL 4th

HOLIDAY | NOV 27th

FALL | OCT 16th

For more information about upcoming events visit VieraCommunityInstitute.com /VieraCommunity Institute

/VieraCommunity Institute

/VieraDiscovery Center

DEVELOPER

Letter

Company is grateful to owner Richard Abbuscato for making the investment to bring this new offering to the community. Not far from Venezia, further enhancements are planned for the pedestrian and park features around the large lake in Borrows West.

TODD POKRYWA, PRESIDENT

arm summer greetings, Viera! It is that very special time of year when students are out of school, we are gathering with friends and family for outdoor barbeques and pool parties, taking in the Great American Celebration fireworks display on July 4th, and exploring the over 100 miles of trails that lead to various parks and destinations throughout our growing and vibrant community. Students attending the many schools that serve Viera have had a remarkable year while navigating many challenges. I commend Brevard Public Schools’ Superintendent Dr. Mark Mullins, the School Board members, and all of our principals and teachers for their leadership and dedication to the young leaders of tomorrow. There are numerous notable student achievements that are highlighted in this issue. Please take the time to peruse this impressive list of accomplishments. Congratulations to all of the new graduates from the team here at The Viera Company; we are excited for your next endeavors!

Christian Hurston, pastor of the East Coast Christian Center discusses the timeline of their new church in Viera. L-R: Bryan Moore, executive pastor; Todd Pokrywa, The Viera Company; Chris Johnson, worship pastor; Bill Taylor, Community Bank of the South, and Christian Hurston, pastor.

In the mixed use hub of Borrows West (southwest of I-95 and Viera Boulevard), in addition to the many new businesses that are coming your way soon, Venezia Wine Veranda will soon rise south of Chick-fil-A with an opening expected late next year. This promises to be a wonderful meeting place to experience a wide selection of wines with outstanding views from the second story. The Viera

Multiple ground breakings and openings continue to occur throughout Viera month after month with new businesses, retail establishments, neighborhoods, parks, and places of worship expanding the offerings available to our community. At the southwest corner of Tavistock Drive and Viera Boulevard, East Coast Christian Center has started site development and their facility will be a great new neighbor to Manatee Elementary School across the street. La Roca Park in Sierra Cove held a successful

Mathieu Garon, Lightning Made Hockey and Tampa Bay Lightning Alumni with Todd at the La Roca Park Grand Opening.

grand opening as Lightning Made Hockey and 2009 Stanley Cup Champion Mathieu Garon held ball hockey clinics for kids from K-8th grade. In the Viera Town Center, ground has been broken on Luna, the six-story multi-family-over-retail anchor building with structured parking, being developed by North American Properties at the southwest corner of Lake Andrew Drive and Town Center Avenue. Plans for the future Town Center Park are also being refined and advanced. This central gathering place is envisioned to host farmers markets, art shows, and concerts. Park construction is planned to commence after Luna is completed. Just in time for summer, the extension of Lake Andrew Drive to the I-95/Pineda Interchange opened to the public and the new Costco store is under construction. This roadway provides our residents with yet another option for convenient access to the other great outdoor amenities on the Space Coast, including the 72 miles of Brevard County beaches. The active outdoor lifestyle offered in Viera with an ever-expanding and integrated network of trails, parks, and other top-rated amenities such as the Brevard Zoo, Addison Village Club and Duran Golf Club is important to our community’s health. Take some time this summer to explore and enjoy all that Viera has to offer as you may very well discover something new.

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