Innovative & Biological Comprehensive Dentistry
The absolute best dentistry. The entire staff is amazing. The painstaking attention to detail and quality of work is unsurpas sed. They have a commitment to the patient’s overall well being that goes beyond simple oral hygiene. I am extremely fortunate and thankf ul to be under their care.
SERVICES
• Same Day Dental Crowns
• Dental Implants
• Laser Dentistry
• Cosmetic Smile Design
• Safe Mercury Filling Removal
• Ozone Therapy
• Periodontal Treatment
• Minimally Invasive Dentistry
~ David V .
Dr. Chris Edwards
Dr. Rob Brown
Dr. Haley Freymiller
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Stephanie Byrd Editor in Chief
Graduation season has now officially passed and summer has begun. I attended my daughter’s graduation ceremony a few weeks ago and there was a prominent theme with the commencement speeches. First, most of our 2024 college graduates did not have a traditional formal ceremony when they left high school. The Covid years took their toll but we have all gathered once again in stadiums, auditoriums, and cafeterias to honor our achievers. Second, self-care is no longer something we need to define. We are now at a stage to remind our graduates to establish these behaviors and keep nurturing relationships, find the time for mental and physical exercise, and embrace what makes you happy. Be a cheerleader for your own passions and adventures. Third, don’t let the road others have taken create a barrier for how you achieve your own success. When you hear stories of how some professionals have lived their lives, it is amazing to me how the road stops, curves and sometimes takes an unexpected turn. The individuals narrating these stories have a smile and recount how crazy it has been but how happy they are now. Keep sharing these stories because even the most introverted of us will influence thousands of people during a lifetime and it may just be a random story at a graduation party or gathering that gives you the first sentence to the next chapter of your future.
We highlight our school achievements* each year and I enjoy the excitement that each principal brings with their responses. Because there are so many schools to highlight, we must condense the text but believe me when I say, the students, staff and administration work very hard and are absolutely amazing. The Viera Vision can also brag a little too and say that we won awards again for last year’s issue.
Viera is turning a very young 35 this year on August 4th and we plan to have a few cake-sharing moments at various locations this summer. I recently organized a few tours of Viera for several groups and my enthusiasm and pride for the community is easy for me to share. I have historical facts and stories to tell but once in a while, a new memory is made. Like others, I try to “play” golf and one night on the 5th green at Duran was my unique moment. I could smell the food from Urban Prime and hear the jazz music playing on the patio. When the singer finished, I could hear the cheers from the field at the high school. Those are the moments that you may not get anywhere else and I’m proud to say we have that opportunity to enjoy in Viera.
To all our graduates from Kindergarten to College, I applaud your perseverance and hard-work. May you continue to lead and influence others in a positive, thoughtful and kind way and we celebrate your dreams and originality.
*All school achievements were gathered by June 1, 2024. We apologize in advance if we did not include your achievement.
FEATURES
Luxury Living
Beautiful homes showcased by builder and
Happy
30th Brevard Zoo
A community-built zoo that continues to shine on a local and national level
Health First
Advancements in technology continue to make Health First a leader in healthcare and a new birthing unit is coming this summer
Duran's Happenings
pg 34
Learn the game with pros and bring the family for fun at one of the busiest places in Viera
Dine On!
pg 36
A look at the ongoing growth of Borrows West and the culinary opportunities coming our way
The A Grade
pg 39
Achievements from powerful schools across Viera and the Space Coast - Bravo!
New Schools
pg 49
Tech-focused designs that are safe, healthy and fun. Learn more about the new Viera Middle School and the Goddard School of Viera
PRESIDENT
Todd J. Pokrywa
EXEC. VP SALES, MARKETING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Scott Miller
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Stephanie Byrd
STAFF EDITORS
Carmen Vastola, Laurie Widzgowski, Todd J. Pokrywa, Scott Miller, Karen Esposito
SENIOR WRITERS
Maria Sonnenberg, Stephanie Byrd, Laurie Widzgowski
MAGAZINE DESIGN
Dana Vinci
COVER DESIGN
Brand Ronat & Co
PHOTOGRAPHY
Photos provided by subject unless otherwise noted.
DRAWINGS
Kennedy Carter
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY
Stephanie Byrd, Carmen Vastola
PUBLISHER
The Viera Company
LEGAL
Ben Wilson, Mark Boyd
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.
luxury living
delwebb.com
Design Studio
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
The Brevard Zoo Turns 30
In the early 1990s, an amazing event happened in Viera: the building of Brevard Zoo, a center for education and conservation which is also the world’s largest communitybuilt zoo. On 72 acres of prime land donated by A. Duda and Sons, more than 16,000 Brevard residents banded together to design and build a conservation hub where people could gather to learn about animals and nature, a place to escape from the manmade world and reconnect with the diversity of the life with which we share this planet.
The nonprofit East Coast Zoological Foundation always had ambitious goals and champions to transform goals into reality. Former “Florida Today” publisher Frank Vega recruited leaders from major aerospace companies to help craft the architecture and add to the massive volunteer force who built everything from boardwalks to animal buildings, such as the otter night house. The 303-member Founder’s Society raised $3.5 million, an astonishing amount for the time and place.
In March 1994, residents and tourists first poured into the new facility, which at the time featured only La Selva, Wild Florida, and the Paws On play area. They haven’t stopped visiting, as the zoo added more and more to see, do and support. Australasia opened in 1996 and Expedition Africa in 2003. Treetop Trek, with its five aerial obstacle courses, was ready to thrill in 2011. The Sea Turtle Healing Center, the only sea turtle rehabilitation center in the county, was added in 2014.
“It is a true community zoo, built and managed by the community, but punching above its weight in quality and impact,” said Keith Winsten, the zoo’s chief executive officer.
Indeed it does. Brevard Zoo is recognized as a leading institution by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Last year, Brevard Zoo earned third place among USA Today’s top
ten zoos in North America, a list that includes heavy hitters such as the Cincinnati Zoo, one of the oldest in the nation and home base for conservation guru Jack Hanna, and the St. Louis Zoo, made famous by Marlin Perkins in the popular television show, “Wild Kingdom.” This year marks the fifth time in a row that the zoo has been nominated for the list.
The small zoo that does big things is home to more than 900 animals representing 195 species. The not-for-profit organization is also a leader in the fields of animal wellness, education, conservation and just plain fun. The zoo and its creatures have easily kindled the affection of the community. When Rafiki, the first resident of Expedition Africa, passed away last fall from old age, his human friends honored his memory with a memorial where guests could share favorite photos and memories of the gregarious giraffe. At 25 years old, Rafiki’s age was exceptional for male giraffes, who live an average of less than 16 years at other accredited Association of Zoos and Aquariums facilities. His longevity is a testament to the care the zoo’s veterinary staff and keepers provide the animals under their care. Chiropractic sessions, acupuncture, laser therapy, medication and even a pair of “giraffe” shoes helped the old tall guy fight crippling arthritis. Hospice care kept him comfortable in his last days, and when his quality of life worsened beyond help, the zoo delivered the ultimate comfort of euthanasia, surrounded by the keepers who loved him.
“I feel so blessed to have worked with him all these years,” said keeper Vanessa Kunz.
Strong connections
Volunteers and staff are strongly connected with the zoo and its mission. Cheri Purnell, director of Membership Programs & First Impressions Department, began her association with the zoo during the community builds, then segued into a job.
“In those first few years, I was the receptionist, animal registrar and board of directors’ liaison,” she said. She left the zoo for another job in 1999 and regretted it immediately. “Within the first month, I knew I’d made a mistake,” she said. “I was absolutely miserable!”
Purnell called the director and offered to take any job available. She was in luck, for the organization had budgeted for a membership coordinator position. “This past January, I celebrated 24 years back at the zoo! I can honestly say I love my job and look forward to coming to work every day!”
When the Aquarium and Conservation Center in Port Canaveral opens in 2027, Purnell will have more than 900 new colleagues, for the ambitious project is expected to create that number of new jobs. The zoo’s annual economic impact in the county already approximates $60 million, and the new aquarium will help to further fuel the county’s economic engine. Like the zoo, the aquarium project falls under the umbrella of the nonprofit East Coast Zoological Foundation, governed by a volunteer board and receiving no recurring operating funds from any government, instead relying on donations from individuals and companies. The zoo earns 90 percent of funds through admission-related income garnered from the 400,000 annual visitors, 44 percent of them from outside the county.
For the zoo, the Aquarium and Conservation Center represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to revolutionize coastal conservation, environmental education and the rehabilitation of imperiled marine species in Central Florida. Public support of the project also represents the community’s commitment to the zoo and its mission.
“We’re at 75 percent of our $100 million goal and hope to break ground by the end of the year,” Winsten said.
A $25 million gift from an anonymous donor in 2021, a $5 million donation from the DSF Charitable Foundation, a $2.5 million gift from Blain and Annette Nelson (who owned and operated North Nelson Engineering in Merritt Island), and $2 million from Ron Jon Surf Shop and Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation have been transformative for the project. The aquarium, which will encompass 14 acres of shoreline along the Banana River at Port Canaveral, is expected to attract more than 300,000 tourists and engage 525,000 visitors each year. The project includes a Manatee Critical Care Center and Habitat, Sea Turtle Care Complex, Shark Flats, Ray Encounter, Alligator Alley, Otter Run, tarpon feeding experience and beach-themed entrance complex that includes an interactive dune exhibit modeled to mimic real coastal sand dunes; the exhibit will highlight the
work of the zoo’s Perdido Key beach mouse conservation program. “I am very proud of the work we have done restoring unique Florida species like the Perdido Key beach mice,” Winsten said.
They might be tiny, but the Perdido mice are mighty as one of seven subspecies integral to coastal dune ecosystems in Florida and part of Alabama. The nocturnal critters help sow the seeds of critical dune plants like sea oats and their tunnels aerate the soil. Coastal development, rising sea levels and storms pose threats to their survival. Through experimentation with husbandry techniques, Brevard Zoo has rapidly increased the population of these mice from an initial stock of a dozen wild mice collected at Perdido Key State Park after Hurricane Ivan significantly impacted their population.
On Going Conversation and Education
The zoo’s involvement in conservation reaches far and wide. The zoo’s pioneering efforts to translocate Florida scrub-jay families have proven useful in the recovery of a species beleaguered by habitat loss because of development. Before the zoo’s Sea Turtle Healing Center opened in 2014, sick and injured turtles had to be driven up to 100 miles to receive the care they needed. The zoo has been an integral partner in efforts to restore oysters to the Indian River Lagoon through oyster gardening and oyster mats that provide habitat for oyster larvae.
Since the Paws On play area welcomed visitors on opening day 30 years ago, Brevard Zoo has never wavered in its commitment to
educate both young and not so young. Programs for children, adults, families, educators, and groups both on-site and off-site, channel the wonders of nature. Daily presentations, summer camps and field trips touch the lives of tens of thousands each year. As part of the “Lagoon Quest” program, every Brevard Public Schools’ fourth grader enjoys two full days of hands-on exploration and learning about the Lagoon. Because everyone has the right to enjoy Mother Nature’s magic regardless of their abilities, the zoo provides an experience accessible to all.
Feed a kangaroo, a giraffe or a lorikeet. Scratch the back of a Baird’s tapir or a rhino. Go behind the scenes in Expedition Africa or kayak around it or in Wild Florida. See Rainforest Revealed from a new perspective by taking a canopy walk or zip at 20 miles per hour over the Wetlands. Ride the Cape to Cairo Express past camels. Attend Zoo School. Take a Safari under the Stars or celebrate Planet Earth during Party for the Planet Sunset Bash. Volunteer for everything from special events to educational programs. Stop in just to say hello to Rafiki’s son, Mapenzi, and the other zoo residents. By keeping us connected with nature through innovative, fun ways, Brevard Zoo has helped us better appreciate our planet. Thanks for 30 glorious years and here’s to 30 more, Brevard Zoo!
Seismic Changes
Modern Health Care Innovations
It’s always wonderful to know someone has your back, particularly when it comes to disease and illnesses. In Viera---and the rest of the county---Health First has the latest technology and expertise to fight for the well-being of residents. How is this improving our lives? Take a look.
Big heart for cardiac patients
Physicians from Jacksonville to South Florida and the Gulf Coast now refer cardiac patients to Health First’s Advanced Cardiac Imaging, which provides the winning combination of state-of-the-art Signa™ Artist MRI and an elite team of radiologists and technicians, led by Dr. Richard Thompson. The program has revolutionized cardiac imaging on the Space Coast and beyond.
“It is simply a game-changer,” said Dr. Vishal Patel, a Health First cardiac electrophysiologist responsible for hundreds of successful ablations to address Afib, atrial fibrillation.
With Signa Artist MRI, the radiologist team can biopsy heart tissue to consult with a cardiothoracic surgeon about the patient’s myocardial viability following bypass or angioplasty surgery. Myocardial viability identifies if there is significant viable myocardium to warrant coronary revascularization. If no significant viability is identified, risk for morbidity during the time of operation is higher than the gain from revascularization. Health First’s Cardiac MRI program can also uncover and locate valvular heart disease, scar tissue, fibrosis, and blood clots and make granular assessments of patients’ risk level for sudden cardiac death, separating patients with life-threatening conditions that would most benefit from surgical intervention.
“Before these advancements that we bring together at Health First’s Cardiac MRI program, surgeons relied on less accurate tests and were forced to use guess work to predict the urgency of a procedure and its likely outcomes,” Thompson said. “Today, we have imaging that allows them to work only on areas that will recover function, sidestepping risks that won’t benefit our patients. Our patients have better longterm outcomes and face far less risk.”
Valuable valve health
Last fall, Brevard mom of four Barbara Urenovich became Health First’s 1,000th transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) patient. Two weeks later, she hopped a flight to New Jersey for her youngest son’s wedding.
“Patients with critical aortic valve stenosis, which is rather common here, don’t have to leave the county for a state-of-the-art procedure,” said cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Matthew Campbell, who performed Urenovich’s procedure and who also founded the Valve Clinic and TAVR services. “Ours is the first structural heart program on the coast between Jacksonville and South Florida. It is minimally invasive, patients typically go home the next day or two, and the best part about it is they’re able to get back to their ordinary life and do exactly what they want to do.”
Keeping up the pace(maker)
Also last fall, two Health First patients became the first in the Southeast and among the first in the country to receive the Abbott AVEIR™ DR Leadless Pacemaker, a dual pacemaker system implanted directly into the atrial and ventricular chambers of the heart during a minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure that eliminates the need for cardiac leads. These leadless pacemakers reduce lead-related complications and provide for a less restrictive recovery period.
“This long-awaited, tiny device is a seismic innovation in cardiac pacing that will have a huge impact on our patients’ lives,” said Dr. Ken Lee, who along with Dr. Vishal Patel are among the first cardiac electrophysiologists in the world to successfully implant the new pacemaker system.
Dr. Patel noted that “as many as 80% of our patients with slow heart beats could end up needing this kind of pacemaker.”
Pain, managed better
Dr. Campbell’s team at Health First have also successfully deployed innovative pain management technology for chest procedures. AtriCure’s cryoSPHERE™ system stuns nerve tissue with targeted, freezing temperatures that temporarily deaden pain receptors. Because regenerating these receptors takes months, patients of invasive chest procedures such as valve replacements can now recover with minimal pain.
“This technology has stopped us from having to refill scripts for opioid medications, which is the biggest predictor of addiction origination in patients and nonpatients,” Dr. Campbell said.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO THE RESCUE
Strokes, which happen when a blood clot circulates to the brain and causes a blockage, are a leading killer or cause of incapacitation for those that have one. According to statistics from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about 795,000 people in the United States have strokes, and of these incidents, 137,000 of the people affected die. About 610,000 of these cases are first strokes, and 185,000 people who survive a stroke will have another stroke within five years. Three-quarters of these strokes occur in people ages 65 and older.
During a stroke, minutes are critical, and can mean the difference between recovery and permanent disability. In the last two years, Health First’s Stroke Center has onboarded Viz.ai, artificial intelligence-based software over smartphone that spots strokes in radiological scans to immediately alert the Stroke Team with images physicians can study and evaluate.
Even before engaging Viz.ai, Health First had patients’ backs with endovascular thrombectomy, or EVT. In an EVT, interventional neuroradiologists such as Dr. Fawad Shaheen thread a microcatheter up an artery and into the brain to physically retrieve the blood clot.
Healthy hearts
In 2022, Health First launched an innovative cardiac rehab program that helps patients recover from a major cardiac event and optimize their heart health through exercise, lifestyle education, counseling and comprehensive monitoring.
Patients access this physician-supervised outpatient program at Cardiac Rehab Centers in Viera and Melbourne. At the heart of the program are several weeks of exercise with heart-monitoring electrocardiogram (ECG). The program has been so successful that last fall Health First unveiled a Pulmonary Rehab version geared towards the needs of individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and significant breathing difficulties from a lung cancer diagnosis.
Wellness goes virtual
There is no need to take off the bunny slippers and get up from the couch to access health care. Health First’s Care Finder brings health care to the living room, the kitchen, the bedroom or any other room in the house, with same-day face-to-face virtual visits with an experienced, empathetic provider over a secure video line. The process begins with a quick, secure questionnaire that helps individuals, whether existing patients or not, get started.
The service is helpful for anyone who has an obvious ailment such as a urinary tract infection or a cold and who would like the reassurance of a face-to-face visit with a physician without having to leave home or work. They may not have accessible transportation or enough available time for an in-person visit, but with virtual visits, they can access health care for diagnosis and medication from home or office.
Another option are eVisits. The patient completes a comprehensive questionnaire that a provider will use to determine a diagnosis and email a treatment plan to the patient.
The cost? A flat self-pay fee of $30 covers the service.
Collaborative care
One in 20 primary care appointments are made to address a mental health concern. In the past, the process to direct a patient from primary care provider to mental healthcare was convoluted and difficult, but that is no longer the case.
Two years ago, Health First introduced Onsite Collaborative Care at four family medicine and primary care offices in Brevard, including Murrell Road in Viera. Patients are paired with a behavioral care manager at their primary care office. If additional treatment is necessary, the behavioral care manager will engage with a consulting psychiatrist to develop and implement a personalized care plan. In 2023, the program made more than 1,400 referrals and welcomed 450 new admissions.
At Health First, investing in the most advanced treatment modalities is not just desirable, it’s a mandate.
Arriving summer 2024
Health First’s Viera Hospital is undergoing the final touches of their 5th floor renovation project estimated at $9.5 million dollars. The new floor will be focused on labor, delivery, and post-delivery care with 14 rooms and two Birth Suites. The special Birth Suites will feature two operating rooms and patients in the labor and delivery rooms can remain in the same room throughout their stay. They did not leave additional family out of the design as each room will also have a private space for family. visits.
Dentists
Innovative healthcare extends to dental care, as three young Viera area dentists can attest. Drs. Robert Brown, Michael Hosking and Yoshita Patel were named “40 under 40---America’s Best Young Dentists” by “Incisal Edge,” a magazine that curates the latest in dental innovation and the people behind them.
Dr. Robert Brown, who leads Smile Design & Wellness Center in Rockledge, has embraced a holistic approach to dentistry. “We consider ourselves biological dentists, which means we use the greenest, cleanest dental materials with our patients,” he said. “We view the patient as a whole individual. You can be healthy only if you have a healthy mouth.”
A graduate of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Brown designed his practice to pamper patients, with themed treatment spaces like “The Beatles Room,” where patients can experience the Laser Disc Concert Experience. Aromatherapy, acupressure, massage chairs, headphones, paraffin hand dips and an organic tea bar make a visit to the dentist more like a visit to a spa.
Dr. Michael Hosking, a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, has instituted the GentleWave® System into his Viera practice, Space Coast Endodontics. The system delivers a broad range of sound waves, along with continuous irrigation that results in complete cleansing and disinfecting of the canal system and the conservation of more tooth structure. GentleWave is a major advancement to effectively clean a tooth’s entire root canal system, no matter how complex.
Dr. Yoshita Patel Hosking of Viera Pediatric Dentistry last year started “The Hive: A 4th Trimester Collective,” a collaboration of local female healthcare professionals who provide education and resources for new families to prepare for the postpartum period known as the fourth trimester. She is passionate about creating a positive experience with her young patients, so they are empowered, educated, cavity-free and look forward to their next dental visit.
She partners with her husband, fellow “40 Under 40” honoree Dr. Michael Hosking, whom she met in dental school, to treat children who need root canal therapy.
Dr. Robert Brown Dentist, Smile Design & Wellness Center
E xceptional P layability
Duran Golf Club | Tradewinds Restaurant | Duran Development Center
DID YOU KNOW?
• Duran Golf Club consists of an 18-hole Championship Golf Course, 9-hole lighted Par 3 course, and driving range.
• Duran Golf Club is an Audubon Certified Sanctuary - only 10% of golf courses nationwide have earned this certification.
• Duran Development Center and the Duran Academy of Golf is home to 5 professional golf instructors and is a US Kids and PGA Hope facility. The PGA Hope program was developed by the PGA to provide instruction and therapy to disabled veterans.
• Tradewinds Restaurant has been the location for hundreds of wedding celebrations, family gatherings, and local community events.
• Duran Golf Club helps local charities raise $500k+ each year with various golf tournaments, events, and donations.
• The Duran Championship Course is host to annual national collegiate and junior golf tournaments.
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Photo by Josiah Cuda
Food Attitude
Very soon, a shimmering Greek village will welcome visitors to enjoy the gustatory delights of the Mediterranean, all without ever leaving the shores of Lake Andrew in Viera. For foodies, the opening in coming weeks of the reimagined Olive Tree Greek Grill is part of the big picture in the Borrows West restaurant scene. This enhanced dining landscape will also include the comfort food delights of Ford’s Garage, a celebration of the era of the beloved Model T.
“Food is an amenity for any master planned community, and we have two examples of that fact with the local favorite and architecturally significant Olive Tree and the new-to-the-market Ford’s Garage in Borrows West,” said Scott Miller, The Viera Company's executive vice president of sales, marketing and community development. "Both restaurants will significantly enhance Brevard County’s culinary opportunities with their unique atmosphere and menus.”
Olive Tree Greek Grill
When Mike and Allyson Kastrinakis envisioned a successor to their original---and much loved---restaurant at The Avenue Viera, they originally planned a traditional restaurant with patio dining. Enter Andrew Roman and Steven Wade Braun of BROSROMANBRAUN, a Melbourne architectural firm with limitless vision, given the need to better embrace the many benefits of al fresco dining post COVID-19. “The original plan was for a formal restaurant, then COVID hit and everyone was reevaluating projects,” Braun said of the seven-year-long project. We took a scalpel to the plan and came up with an abstraction of a Greek village.”
In a huge understatement, Allyson modestly notes that her new restaurant is “not typical.” In fact, this is one of the most stunning and daring pieces of architecture on the Space Coast. Three buildings, connected by canopies and Mediterranean landscape by premier Space Coast landscape architect Susan Hall, evoke the look and atmosphere of the sun-blessed Peloponnese, of the Greek villages
Roman and his wife routinely frequented during annual pilgrimages to visit family in Greece. ”You’re walking through olive groves and you come upon a village,” Roman said, referring to the arrival sequence from the lakeside pathway.
A courtyard, a nod to the village square, leads visitors to a truly Greek market. “When you step into the threshold, you are confronted by an image of what makes Greek architecture,” Roman said. “We’re telling a story, because we want guests to ask questions.”
Roman and Braun have fashioned an environment that is purposefully tactile, where touching and exploration are encouraged. The walls, crafted from a special stucco popularized in Andros, the northernmost island of the Greek Cyclades archipelago, are made to be touched. Olive Tree Greek Grill will also be a visual feast with interior furnishings that include quartz tabletops that mimic the exquisite Cipollino stone widely favored from antiquity for its unique ornamental quality. Outside, specimen olive trees, plus a variety of other Mediterranean vegetation, dot the landscape.
Olive Tree Greek Grill has earned a reputation for casual
dining, and the new restaurant will expand upon that tradition. In the open-air dining area on the first floor of the centerpiece building, Roman and Braun have relied on environmental control techniques learned through architectural projects in Southeast Asia. These methods deliver shade and shadow to patrons throughout the day and have situated the building to catch the cool constant breezes from the lake. Roll-down screens will provide protection when the rains arrive. Rain or shine, patrons can enjoy a menu of classics enhanced with favorites-in-the-making. “We will be adding some traditional Greek dishes that we could not offer at the current location,” Allyson said.
In coming months, foodies will also have the opportunity to experience the upscale Pano, a jewel box fine dining restaurant that crowns Olive Tree above the open-air dining pavilion. Named after the Greek word for “from above,” the elegant space, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lake, should quickly become a luxury location for date nights and special occasions. Although the Pano menu will be completely different from the Olive Tree’s, it will focus on unique and upscale Greek cuisine.
The market, as you enter the restaurant, will carry olive oils, vinegars, honey and cheeses, plus gift items and even natural cosmetic products such as olive oil soaps and lotions. “The market will have items all of which are imported from Greece,” Allyson said.
Roman explains that there is “Little a” architecture, the utilitarian buildings of the routine, and “Big A” architecture, buildings that tell a story. The new Olive Tree Greek Grill is definitely in the “Big A” architecture league. It tells a story that encapsulates the rich wonders of Greek history, food and architecture, while whispering of new adventures along the shores of Viera’s Burrows West Lake.
“Mike and Allyson Kastrinakis are exceptional restaurateurs and community stakeholders who have become part of the fabric of Viera,” Miller said. “We are proud to have their passion for culinary excellence and their desire to provide elevated design lead the way for our waterfront dining experience in Borrows West.”
Ford’s Garage
“Where great food meets vintage vibes” describes 23 Restaurant Services’ vision for Ford’s Garage, one of the company’s immersive and delicious dining experience brands. “Our vision is to be the trusted hospitality champion of iconic brands,” said Lisa Longest, director of marketing for the Tampa-based hospitality company.
The first Ford’s Garage opened in Ft. Myers less than a mile from Henry Ford’s winter home. An official licensee of the Ford Motor Company, the brand---which now counts 23 locations throughout Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New York, Ohio and Texas--serves up American comfort classics in a 1920s service station-inspired dining room.
“Florida-grown Ford’s Garage really elevates the themed restaurant concept with a fun and fresh take on the All-American experience of craft burgers, fresh salads and fun drinks in a nostalgic setting,” Scott Miller, The Viera Company’s executive vice president of sales, marketing and community development, said.
Everything, from the auto shop uniforms used by the serving staff to the vintage gas pump handles in the restrooms, carries the theme. Old-school oil cans, restored gas pumps from the 1920s and a host of other automobile memorabilia complete the look.
“It’s very important for us to pay attention to detail,” Longest said. “No detail is spared.”
Taking center stage both inside and out are the two authentic and lovingly restored Model T Fords. The wheels of the classic automobiles used for the interior display are in constant motion as the exhaust releases bursts of steam. Very few guests can forego not honking the horn of the antique autos.
“It’s fun and interactive,” Longest said.
Seating 260 guests in both indoor and outdoor spaces, Ford’s Garage in Viera will feature a menu of classics that include a “Burgers of Fame” section with options such as the “Model A,” a brioche bun brimming with Tillamook® sharp cheddar, applewood smoked bacon, pico de gallo, arugula, lettuce, tomato, red onion and a sunny-side-up egg. The eatery’s Roadsters burgers are aimed at guests who may be counting calories, but don’t want to forgo taste. The “Cali” Roadster, for example, includes roasted garlic aioli, tomato, avocado, Tillamook® pepper jack and crisp lettuce. Part of the appeal of the “Burgers of Fame” menu is that several will be named after prominent local figures. Who will be on the menu in the Viera restaurant? The names have been chosen, but they remain a closely guarded secret until opening day.
Ford’s Garage Motorclub Loyalty Rewards Program offers members a free birthday appetizer, exclusive news and events and significant discounts on every fourth visit. A full bar completes the car theme with “Ford Fusions” with names like the “Motor-jito,” a concoction of Blue Chair Bay® coconut rum, pure cane syrup, lime juice, mint leaves and club soda, and the “Rattle and Roll,” an elevated spicy margarita.
The restaurant will welcome the community with two days of celebration for friends and family.
“We treat everyone that day,” Longest said.
Dining out is more than just good food in a pleasant dining room. It is now about memorable meals in notable settings.
“Today, we all eat out more and we also demand more from the quality and innovation of the food we eat and our overall dining experience.” Miller said.
Ford’s Garage and Olive Tree Greek Grill, with their own unique settings and menus, reflect that new attitude towards dining out.
The A Grade
A Reflection of Maximum Learning and Future Potential
The curated list of accomplishments on the following pages reflects not only those of students but also thousands of Brevard County School employees, volunteers and local businesses. We are proud and enjoy highlighting everyone as each were part of the process this year for individual transformations and incredible feats of physical abilities and academic success. Forward progress, in all its forms, provides students with confidence and we appreciate the ongoing partnerships, quality leadership and the involvement of our community.
The most common advice business leaders receive is to never stop learning and to view personal growth as a continual process. Research shows that consistent learning helps retain information which in turn leads to long-term success. For students, predictability with schedules and instructors makes it easier to internalize progression. We must make the commitments necessary each year to understand the needs of our local schools and find a way to enhance their progress with the personal growth mindset. We can collectively make a difference and contribute resources and make an impact towards the incredible success of our schools in Brevard County.
We are already looking forward to next year’s list!
MANATEE ELEMENTARY
• 21 Consecutive Years of Excellence, Blue Ribbon, Green Ribbon, U.S. News & World Report Top School – Manatee Elementary School continues to be the only school in Viera to hold not just one, but four prestigious awards of excellence. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment of our students, teachers, staff, and families.
• Community engagement included fostering meaningful connections with multiple non-profit organizations in Brevard County.
• 20+ athletic and academic after-school clubs including Spirit Squad, Chess, ESports, Chorus, Strings, and more.
• Science Fair & Art Stars - Our 4th- 6th grade budding scientists and innovators showcased nearly 400 projects at our annual Manatee Elementary School-wide science fair. Fifteen of those students advanced to the higher echelons of the Brevard Public School District Science Fair with winners in multiple categories.
• Nearly 20 talented Manatees received accolades at the Brevard Public School Art Show, showcasing the depth of their artistic prowess and the breadth of their imagination. With groundbreaking experiments, innovative research, and a passion for the arts, our students have left an indelible mark on the scientific and art community.
QUEST ELEMENTARY
ELEMENTARYRY
• Odyssey of the Mind Conquer New Frontiers – Manatee’s five Odyssey of the Mind teams have proven themselves to be true wizards and three teams advanced to the Florida Odyssey of the Mind state level competition. One team member received the noteworthy Ranatra Fusca Award for Creativity advancing her team to the World Championships.
Shannon Daly, Principal Manatee Elementary School
• We were proud to celebrate Mrs. Cheryl Hanneman, Grade 6 Science teacher, who received the Exemplary Science Teacher award by the Space Coast Science Education Alliance. Mrs. Hanneman will be leading our new STEM lab in the 24-25 school year.
• Mrs. Kimberly Haggard, Quest’s Art teacher, is our Quest Teacher of the Year.
• Mrs. Terri Bagby, Quest’s Brevard Afterschool Coordinator, as one of Florida’s School Related Employee of the Year finalists.
• Quest's Art Program was the recipient of a grant from the Brevard Cultural Alliance which is focused on school partnership with an artist-in-residence. We are proud to have Ms. Mary Moon as our artist-in-residence!
• Quest was recently recognized as a 23-24 Florida School of Excellence.
• Quest’s PTO and parents raised over $45,000 for technology, playground beautification, classroom supplies, and events throughout the year.
Karry Castillo, Principal Quest Elementary School
• Viera Elementary’s Destination Mars team competed against 10 other schools from Brevard School District. They took home 1st place in 2 missions, 2nd place in 2 missions, and won Best Overall Team!
• VES Odyssey of the Mind students worked diligently and collaboratively for months to perform in front of many individuals! A few of our teams placed and went to State competition in March!!
» Problem 3 Division 1-1st place Problem 3 Division 2-3rd place
» Problem 1 Division 1-1st place. This team also won for their division and problem the Spontaneous 100 award!
• The US News and World Report released the 2024 Best Elementary School rankings. Viera Elementary ranked #4 in Brevard and #23 in the state!!
• Falcon Musicians were selected through an audition process to participate in the Regional Honor Orff Ensemble sponsored by The Florida Elementary Music Educators Association. Celena C., Silas M., Brynn R., Peighton T. and Mrs. Hasker spent the day at Southeastern University with twenty-six other elementary musicians learning music and instrument parts to prepare for a concert.
ELEMENTARYRY
GO CRANES
• The 4th Boosterthon Fun Run was held at Viera Elementary, raising enough funds to put in our very own track during the 2024-2025 school year.
• A fifth-grade student, Madison W. entered the Why I Want to be an Astronaut essay contest and won the opportunity to attend the Astronaut Training Experience at KSC.
Adrienne Schwab, Principal Viera Elementary
RALPH WILLIAMS, JR ELEMENTARY
• Celebrating our 25th year in Viera!
• Teacher of the Year is Cathy Thompson, Employee of the Year is Kelley Caudill, Volunteer of the Year is Meghan Reichley.
• Our hands on Science Night was called “Gross Out” where the Orlando Science Center came in and provided some “gross” science projects with the students.
• Ann Ellis won 2nd place in the BPS School Art Show in the 3/4 grade category with her art piece entitled “Golden Swan” and Brooklyn Barton won a Merit Award in the 5/6 grade category for her art piece entitled “Cosmo Cat”. Ann is a two-time winner with the “Golden Swan” winning 1st place in the North Area Arts and Science Fair.
• Our music program is tremendous with a grade level musical for every grade level in the school. The students perform in a musical production for the school as well as a 2nd performance for their parents. We had a total of seven musicals over the entire year.
• We had our 1st ever Veteran’s Day celebration where we honored our veterans. This included a retired marine/army veteran (who is also our SRO) speaker, a visit from the Buffalo Soldier, a musical performance, a clap out, and all of our veterans received a gift and goody bag.
Susan Schroeder, Principal Ralph Williams, Jr. Elementary
VIERA CHARTER CHARTER GO PANTHERS
• Viera Charter School was again named a Governor’s School of Excellence this year for 2022-23, and has received an A rating from the Florida Department of Education each year.
• Odyssey of the Mind teams won top awards all year, and our six-member middle school team won State and will go on to compete at the World competition in Iowa May 21-25. Go Panthers!
• Middle school boys basketball team won first place in the District back to back after unbeaten seasons and middle school girls volleyball team went unbeaten and won a District trophy. We had 70 students in Swimming, winning many top ribbons in their heats all season long.
• Our 12th annual Panther Cup golf tournament produced resources to upgrade and renovate our elementary STEAM lab, and add two state-of-theart robotics labs for the upcoming school year, enabling students to use AI to develop even more useful robots.
• Heritage Night doubled its attendance to several hundred, as students whose forefathers hail from various parts of the globe dressed to represent their motherlands, shared important facets of their cultures, engaged others in playing authentic games, and everyone enjoyed a selection of international tunes by middle school Band and Chorus.
• Middle school Musical Theater performed The Little Mermaid Jr., with more than 90 students performing in stunning costumes specially designed for them. Alumni from Viera High returned to provide and manage the stage crew and work sound and lights. It starts in elementary to build dynamic fine arts skills used in middle school. We also added Reader’s Theater to the elementary enrichment wheel, a tremendous hit with students. Everything works together to put the A in STEAM, which is our school’s focus.
Julie A. Cady, Ed. D., Principal Viera Charter School
CHARTER
GO PANTHERS
• David R (8th grade) achieved 1st place in the County and State Science and Engineering Fair for Microbiology.
• Our Bacteria Boys were selected and sent a science experiment testing whether horseshoe crab blood can detect E.coli on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to be performed on the ISS by NASA astronauts. Be on the lookout for our second experiment being sent up to the ISS in the fall.
• Named the number 3 Middle School in Brevard County (behind Edgewood Jr./Sr. High School and West Shore Jr./Sr. High School) by U.S. News and World Report. We take our academics extremely seriously and believe that our scholars will rise to the level of rigor we provide.
• We are so excited for the opening of our stateof-the-art building that will include Robotics labs, Coding, Dance and Drama Studio, TV production studio, and enormous mixed-use space, and an amazing science lab to add to our already accelerated programing.
• Our 7th and 8th graders took home the first place at The Great History Challenge Regional and National Competitions.
PINECREST ACADEMY
• Through our MGM College of Engineering’s girls club, we have had 14 girls earn their official Commercial Drone Pilot's License through the FAA in grades 5 through 8.
• Zane P. was named Pop Warner First Team All-Region (FL, GA, AL, MS) Scholar Athlete - one of two athletes in the SVYFL league (the only 7th grader). Kalan M. and Zane P. were both recognized as SVYFL East Coast All Conference Scholar Athletes (2 of only 19 athletes in SVYFL) earning Pop Warner "Academic All-American" status.
Heather Barringer, Principal Pinecrest Academy Space Coast
MIDDLE
DELAURA MIDDLE
• BPS Science Fair results: 1st place in Mechanical Engineering, 3rd place in Environmental Sciences, Animal; and Intelligent Machines, and 5th place in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Animal, and Biomedical and Health Sciences.
• DeLaura's Odyssey of the Mind teams were a huge success in their first year at competition. Our Problem 3 team got 3rd place in Long Term and are going to state. Our Problem 4 team got 3rd place in Long Term and are also going to state, and our Problem 5 team got 1st place in Spontaneous!
• DeLaura’s math teams competed in the BPS Math Competition and took 2nd place in Geometry, and 3rd place in Algebra. One student, Charlie Kelford, a one man team, placed 2nd in the high school Pre-Calculus category!
GO CHALLENGERS
• 100% of DeLaura’s Digital Information Technology students passed their Industry Certification Exam in 2023-24!
• DeLaura music programs continue with 12 students making All-County Orchestra, 19 students making All-County Chorus, 14 students making All-County Band, and one student making All-State.
• Girls’ Basketball went undefeated in the regular season.
Tina Susin, Principal DeLaura Middle School
JOHN F. KENNEDY MIDDLE
• KMS continues to be the longest standing AVID National Demonstration School in the State of Florida. After being the first school in Florida to be given the designation in 2004, KMS has continued to retain the status. This year, KMS was revalidated as a National Demonstration School, and a Site of Distinction, placing them in the top 1% of AVID schools Nationwide.
• KMS completed a beautification day during March of this school year. BETA Club was the sponsoring group. What a great event it was, bringing students, parents, and community together to improve our facilities.
• KMS students completed the clean sweep during the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest. KMS finished 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in the competition.
• For the first time in school history, the Girl's Basketball Team completed their season undefeated and won the county championship. Additionally, the Boy’s Team ended the season undefeated, and finished 2nd in the county tournament.
• Energy Transfer Machine contest at Florida Solar Center: Placed 1st in the competition overall, and also won the Precision Award.
• L3 Harris STEM Team Competition:
» 7th Grade- 2nd Place Coding
» 8th Grade- 1st Place Collaboration, 1st Place Coding, 1st Place Communication, 1st Place Overall
• KMS had a strong showing at innovation games with several podium finishes.
» Coding- 1st place
» Drone Racing- 1st place and 2nd place
» SeaPerch- 2nd Place
Andy Papczynski, Principal John F. Kennedy Middle School
GO SCOTTIES
RONALD MCNAIR MAGNET MIDDLE
• McNair Magnet Middle School (home of the Challengers) is a center for STEAM programs. Presently, we are the only middle school in BPS that has a fully developed performing arts building that’s geared toward our professionally trained drama/acting teacher conducting musicals, plays, and other productions.
• We are the only BPS middle school with a dance studio and a certified dance teacher instructing dance as an elective.
• We offer six (6) high school classes: Biology, Algebra, Geometry, Spanish I and II, and DIT (Digital Information Technology).
• As an AVID school (Advancement Via Individual Determination), we have increased student success and the program is also excellent for first-year college students.
• We have enhanced elective offering to include TV production (in which students create a weekly news show), coding, and woodshop.
• McNair offers ELLs (English Language Learners) support via an amazing teaching assistant named Mrs. Lannie Bravo.
• Our ESE students are showing gains far above the state average. Students with disabilities can have support facilitation and/or a learning strategies class to assist them in their progress.
Dr. Stephen (Steve) D. Richardson, Principal Ronald McNair Magnet Middle School
(L-R) Heather LeGate, M.Ed. , Principal and Jeffrey Draves, Teacher of the Year
VIERA HIGH
• Viera High School will have 550 graduates in the Class of 2024.
» We have 368 Honor Grads meaning they are all graduating with a 3.5 weighted GPA or higher
» Class of 2023 has 2 National Merit Scholar Finalist and 3 semi-finalists
» 60 AA Grads
» 1 student received appointment to the US Navel Academy
• Teacher of the Year – Jeffrey Draves
• VHS Student Government Association was awarded by the National Student Council as a 2024 National Gold Council of Excellence (7th year in a row).
• 30 Viera High School students selected for the Brevard All-County Band and Symphony Orchestra.
• The 55-member VHS wind ensemble performed in March at the 2024 College Band Directors National Association conference at the University of Memphis in Tennessee.
• Both male and female JROTC Raider teams placed 2nd in the biggest Brevard County meet in history.
• Girls Soccer – Class 6A, District 7, Regional Final Champions
• Boys Soccer – Class 6A, District 10 (state tournament finals)
• District Champions: Cross Country teams, Boys and Girls Swim and Dive teams, Girls Basketball (District 8, Class 6A), Boys Basketball (Class 6A, District 10), and Boys Wrestling (Class 3A, District 10)
• Boys Lacrosse – Class 2A, District 8 runner-up (regional playoffs)
• Girls Lacrosse – Class 2A, District 8 runner-up (regional playoffs)
• Girls Tennis – Class 4A, District 10 (regional semifinals)
• In February, 16 students won award at the Mainland Science and Engineering Fair in chemistry, biology, robotics and environmental sciences.
• Richo Sustainable Award: Aswath Rajesh – 1st in environmental engineering
• Collins Aerospace Award: Vishal Kommoju –3rd in cellular/molecular biology and biochemistry
• US Stockholm Award/STEM Innovation Award/ Zal Research Award: Luke Rodgers – 1st in chemistry, Jack Iben – 2nd in microbiology, Ames Egdorf – 2nd in physics and astronomy
• 2.5 Million+ in scholarships
Heather LeGate, M.Ed., Principal Viera High School
HIGH
UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE
Florida Universities: University of Florida, Florida State University, University of South Florida, University of Central Florida, University of Miami, Florida Atlantic University, Florida Institute of Technology, Florida Golf Coast University, Eastern Florida State College, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Rollins College, Ringling College of Art and Design and others.
SEC Conference Schools: Auburn University, Louisiana State University, Mississippi State University, Texas A & M, University of Alabama, University of Arkansas, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Kentucky, University of Mississippi, University of Missouri, University of Oklahoma, University of South Carolina, University of Tennessee, University of Texas, Vanderbilt University
HOLY TRINITY
• All 91 Holy Trinity seniors were accepted to at least one college. The Class of 2024 has been accepted at 115 different colleges (as of April 9, 2024); 103 of the acceptances are in-state and 172 are out-of-state. Thus far, 2024 acceptances include Cornell, Johns Hopkins, Duke, University of Florida, Florida State, Tulane, U Miami, Baylor, Emory, and Georgia Tech.
• 1 National Merit Scholar finalist, 6 National Merit semi-finalists, and 2 College Board National Recognition Awards.
• Academics & STEM: Holy Trinity students took over 18 awards including the top two Best of Show honors in the 2024 Mainland Regional Science and Engineering Fair; the Academic Team placed 1st in the Brevard County playoffs and two team members selected to compete in the Academic Team Florida Challenge.
• Academics & STEM: Holy Trinity students took over 18 awards including the top two Best of Show honors in the 2024 Mainland Regional Science and Engineering Fair; the Academic Team placed 1st in the Brevard County playoffs and two team members selected to compete in the Academic Team Florida Challenge; Techno Tigers Robotics team was Division Finalists.
• Speech and Debate team boasts the only national championship qualifiers and Academic All Americans in Brevard County; Future Problem Solvers two Middle Teams and one Senior Team competed at both the District and State levels, earning one 1st place and three 2nd place showings.
• The Mock Trial team won 1st place overall in the Circuit Competitions and placed 8th (out of 17 schools) in the Florida High School State Mock Trial competition.
• Latin, Greek, and Ancient Greece & Rome students scored 1st place in 36 out of 46 academic tests in the Regional Latin Forum and won all three levels of the prestigious Certamen competition. Holy Trinity 7th grader Tedd Du finished 6th overall and 3rd in the individual sprint round of the Math Counts Competition consisting of 36 of the best and brightest middle school minds in the county.
K-12
• Sports: Holy Trinity Football finished the 2023 season as regional semifinalists; Boys Golf had 2 individual regional qualifiers and 1 State Championship qualifier; HT Swim team had an individual state qualifier (in three events) and 1 team State qualifier (in the 200 Free Relay); Boys Cross Country are 5th in the state and Girls Cross Country are 7th; Volleyball, Boys and Girls Basketball are District Champions, Boys Soccer are District and Regional Champions and Girls Soccer are Regional Quarterfinalists. At time of publication, Holy Trinity Boys Lacrosse and Track advanced to the second round of Districts with the regular season still in play for other sports and teams.
• Holy Trinity broke ground on a $10M+ 30,000 square-foot, elite academic facility on the grounds of its Upper School (Pineda) campus in April. The IDEAS Institute will be the first of its kind, college-inspired academic facility in Brevard County serving grades 7-12, and is expected to be completed by the start of the 20252026 school year.
Elizabeth Miller, Head of School Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy
Shiny and New Opening Fall 2024
As an English teacher back when Viera High School opened, Cathy McNutt could glimpse a neighboring empty lot from her classroom window. That lot is not empty anymore, but rather abuzz with construction as workers put the finishing touches on the new Viera Middle School, where McNutt will soon welcome students as principal. “It was special to be part of Viera High School back then and is special to now be part of Viera Middle School,” McNutt said.
Given projections, McNutt expects approximately 700 students to join her at the new school when it opens this next school year. “We have identified more than 1,000 prospective students
from feeder schools, so we anticipate reaching our capacity of 900 pretty quickly,” she said.
Located next to Viera High School where McNutt taught and across the street from USSSA Stadium, Viera Middle School will draw students from Manatee, Ralph Williams, Quest and Viera Elementary Schools. Current middle schools serving these students are DeLaura Middle School, Kennedy Middle School, McNair Magnet School and Johnson Middle School. The new school will ease rush hour commutes for many Viera families. “It will definitely make a difference,” McNutt said.
Viera Middle School
Modern design
The school campus was designed by Orlando-based institutional architectural firm Schenkel Shultz, recognized for design culture and sustainable practices with projects that range from the University of Florida’s new Public Safety Building to UCF/Valencia College’s Dr. Phillips Academic Commons. Wharton-Smith Construction Group, which specializes in schools and community and recreation centers, is realizing plans that feature three one-story buildings housing state-of-the-art classrooms with the latest technology, including Promethean interactive whiteboards and laptops for every student. Given Brevard’s affinity for space and technology, Viera Middle School will emphasize an integrated STEM curriculum developed with the input from Brevard Public Schools’ Career and Technical Education and STEM leaders and the Aldrin Family Foundation.
A makerspace collaborative work lab and entrepreneurship incubator, plus an array of digital and technology-focused classes, should serve to shape the next generation of innovators.
In her 17 years with Brevard Public Schools, McNutt has served in guidance roles, as an assistant principal and principal, and as an English teacher, of course. With children at Viera Elementary, the Viera resident thinks she has the ideal job in the ideal location. “It is so exciting to be part of the design process for the school,” she said.
Viera Middle School is not the only school making its debut in the area this year. At 8557 Bower Lane, not far from the intersection between Stadium Parkway and Pineda Boulevard and steps from Viera Elementary School, construction is in full swing for the new Goddard School® of Viera, anticipated to open this August. Goddard is expected to serve 280 children when it reaches capacity, which should not take long, according to onsite managing partner Kelly Huddleson, already busy discussing the school with interested families. “We have so many young families moving to Viera that the quality pre-school options that exist all have waiting lists,” Huddleson said. “I’m honored to bring such a premium childcare program to the families of Viera and the surrounding communities.”
Goddard School of Viera is part of the Goddard School for Early Childhood Development®, a leading national network of early childhood education providers that cares for and educates approximately 100,000 children in more than 615 schools around the country. The schools, which serve ages six weeks through elementary school, offer programs for infants, “first steppers,” toddlers, preschoolers, pre-kindergarteners, kindergarteners, and schoolage children.
According to a recent survey conducted by the parent company, the most important factor in selecting a daycare or preschool program is its focus on children’s social-emotional development, followed closely by safety and security and a focus on academic growth. Goddard checks all these boxes and more. “Our proprietary educational program, backed by expert knowledge, data-driven insights and unwavering compassion for growing minds, encourages children to explore their curiosity and interests as they discover the wonders of learning,” said Dennis Maple, chairman and CEO of Goddard Systems, LLC, manager of the Goddard School franchise system.
The school network prioritizes holistic development through play-based activities and hands-on learning experiences that encourage children to explore, create and develop essential skills. Parents of kindergarteners have the option of private kindergarten and kindergarten enrichment, a halfday program that picks up after the regular school day ends so children can benefit from a full day of kindergarten. Junior kindergarten is designed for children who can benefit from an extra year before full-day kindergarten. After-school care for older students and a 12-week summer program will also be available.
New Kid on the Block
Safe, Healthy and Fun
Goddard’s physical space will be, not surprisingly, themed around outer-space. “So many of our families are associated with the space program,” Huddleson said. Interior design will feature space-related décor and individual classrooms will carry names such as “Bright Futures” and “Shining Stars.”
To keep youngsters healthy and ready to learn, Goddard features ZONO™ Disinfecting and Sanitizing Cabinet, a cutting-edge centerpiece of a comprehensive disinfecting and sanitizing program for childcare centers, fitness centers, schools and similar facilities. Additional protocols include HALO disinfection system, thermal cameras, air purifying system, water filtration system and more. “We want to keep everyone safe and healthy,” Huddleson said.
Adhering to the philosophy that children learn best when having fun, the campus has been designed for “playful learning.” The new facility includes interactive whiteboards, STEAM carts and a computer lab with an array of ever-changing technology that taps into each child’s individual interests and prepares them to be critical thinkers. Learning is not restricted by four walls, either. Goddard takes playtime seriously, creating age-appropriate outdoor play spaces that encourage imaginative play.
“We want to give the children as many opportunities as possible to learn and play,” Huddleson said.
Goddard enrichment programs include secondary languages, yoga, dance, music appreciation, learning technologies, among others. A robust calendar of fun events creates the foundation for a community of Goddard families.
“The teachers are not only teaching and growing the kids, they are also teaching and growing the parents,” said Goddard mom Julia Ziechmann.
Amy Shah, another Goddard parent, sums up the school’s appeal. “My kids are consistently excited to come to school,” she said.
Around Town
(L-R) Big Peach Running Co. Scott Bascue (Owner) with Mike Cosentino (Founder of Big Peach Running)
(below) Venezia Wine Veranda (L -R)Stephanie Byrd (The Viera Company), Carmen Vastola (Viera Discovery Center), and Rich Abbruscato (Owner)
Playa Bowls (L-R) Becca (Playa Bowls) and Daisy Pickett (The Avenue Viera) (Below) Playa Bowls grand opening
(Above) TogetHER Women's Day International Event at Central Park in The Avenue. (L-R) Panelists: Sophia Kaur (Author/Chef), Emma Reynolds (Brevard Zoo), Alayna Curry (Florida Space), Eva Rey (The Viera Company), and moderator Beth Cocchiarella (EMC Public Relations)
Lilly Pulitzer - Grand Opening (L-R) Janice Rutherford, Jill Connelly, Stefanie Redding, and Veronica Crudele (Lilly Pulitzer) (R image) Maggie (Lilly Pulitzer)
(Below) Gastropalooza (L-R) Shane Burgman (Emcee & Compass Realty), Robin Conneen, and Chris Conneen (Owner of 28 North and Pizza Gallery)
Todd J. Pokrywa President, The Viera Company
As we bask in the warmth of summer here on Florida’s Space Coast, I am thrilled to share exciting updates and celebrate the remarkable achievements within our vibrant master-planned community. From new neighborhoods to educational milestones, Viera continues to thrive, and it’s all thanks to your investments in the community and unwavering support.
New Neighborhoods and Builders: Our commitment to thoughtful development remains steadfast. We are delighted to introduce several new neighborhoods, each designed with your lifestyle in mind. For example, the new exclusive Viera Builders’ neighborhoods of Farallon Fields and Crossmolina south of Pineda Boulevard just opened for new home sales. Our diversity of builders have crafted homes that blend elegance, functionality, and sustainability. Whether you seek lakefront views, lush green spaces, or modern amenities, Viera has a home for you.
Viera Schools: A Legacy of Excellence: Our schools are the heart of our community. We proudly welcome two new school facilities to the Viera family. The recent 20,000 square foot Viera High School expansion ensures that our students have access to top-notch facilities with 8 new classrooms and 3 science labs housing the Career & Technical Education and Choir programs as well as a supportive learning environment delivered through the Brevard Learners Achieving Successful Transition (BLAST) program. Additionally, the long-awaited new Viera Middle School is nearing completion and will welcome students this August.
Duran Golf Club: Where Champions Play: Duran Golf Club remains a crown jewel in Viera as the top-rated golf course on the Space Coast. Our meticulously maintained greens, challenging fairways, and stunning clubhouse make it a golfer’s paradise. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend enthusiast, Duran offers an exceptional golfing experience. Swing by and tee off—it’s time to create your own golfing legacy.
Borrows West Updates: Our vision for Borrows West is taking shape. This mixed-use development promises a harmonious blend of retail, office, dining, and hotels. In April, the Venezia Wine Veranda opened on the site just south of Chick-fil-A. Stay tuned for more announcements about exciting new businesses opening in our community. Borrows West will soon be the go-to destination for shopping, dining, and leisure.
Brevard Zoo’s 30th Anniversary: A Wild Celebration: Thirty years of conservation, education, and wonder! The Brevard Zoo has been a cherished part of our community since the day The Viera Company’s parent organization A. Duda & Sons, Inc. donated the land for this community amenity, inspiring generations to appreciate wildlife. Join us in celebrating this milestone. Special events, exhibits, and animal encounters await.
Viera’s 35th Anniversary: A journey of excellence in developing a centrally coastal master-planned community that is a living inspiration: On August 4th, we celebrate Viera’s 35 years of growth, innovation, and community spirit. From our groundbreaking beginnings to today’s thriving neighborhoods, Viera has evolved into a model master-planned community. Thank you for being part of this remarkable journey.
As we embrace summer’s outdoor activities in our community, let’s continue building connections, supporting one another, and creating memories. Together, we shape the legacy of Viera—one that reflects our shared values, dreams, and aspirations.
(L-R) Todd J. Pokrywa (The Viera Company), Bob Grey*(USSSA), Natasha Spencer* (Shelter Mortgage), Julie Shipley (The Soup Shop) *Also representing the Viera Regional Business Alliance (VRBA) of the Melbourne Chamber
FUN FOR ALL
Summer & Fall Launches
Date: Various
Location: Kennedy Space Center
Contact: spacecoastlaunches.com
LOCAL Running Club
Date: Thursdays (Weekly) at 7am
Location: Long Doggers Viera
Contact: longdoggers.com/events
Summer Splash
Date: Wednesdays this summer from 10am - 12pm
Location: The Avenue Viera
Contact: avenueviera.com
Karaoke Nights
Date: Thursdays (Weekly) from 5pm - 9pm
Location: Urban Prime
Contact: urbanprimefoods.com
Great American Celebration
4th of July Fireworks
Date: July 4th
Location: Space Coast Daily Park, Viera Contact: greatamericancelebration.com
Tailgate 2-Miler
Date: August 10th
Location: Start Viera High School Contact:runningzone.com
Running Wild 5K
Date: August 31st
Location: Wickham Park, Melbourne Contact: runningzone.com
BOO at the Zoo
Date: Saturdays and Sundays in Oct
Location: Brevard Zoo, Viera
Contact: brevardzoo.com
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
Date: October 26th
Location: The Avenue Viera, Viera Contact: cancer.org/involved
Jazzoo 2024
Date: November 1st & 2nd
Location: Brevard Zoo, Viera Contact: brevardzoo.org
Brevard Children’s Business Fair
Date: November 16th
Location: The Avenue Viera, Viera Contact: brevardcbf.org
Light Up Viera Christmas Parade
Date: November 30th
Location: Viera High School Contact: lightupviera.com
CONCERTS / THEATRE / COMEDY TOURS
Hot Pink Presents: Throwback
To The Future Part II The Sequel Returns!
Date: June 28th – 30th
Location: Cocoa Village Playhouse, Cocoa Contact: cocoavillageplayhouse.com
Jimmie Vaughan & The Tilt-A-Whirl Band
Brevard Music Group
Date: July 16th
Location: The King Center, Melbourne Contact: kingcenter.com
Donny Osmond
Date: July 26th
Location: The King Center, Melbourne Contact: kingcenter.com
Tootsie
Date: July 26 - August 18
Location: Titusville Playhouse, Titusville Contact: titusvilleplayhouse.com
UB40 - Red Wine Tour
Date: August 11
Location: The King Center, Melbourne Contact: kingcenter.com
Disney’s Beauty And The Beast
Date: August 16th – September 8th
Location: The Henegar Center, Melbourne Contact: henegarcenter.com
DIVA’s LIVE!
Through The Decades
Date: September 13th – 22nd
Location: The Henegar Center, Melbourne Contact: henegarcenter.com
Celtic Thunder ODYSSEY
Date: October 20th
Location: The King Center, Melbourne Contact: kingcenter.com
Dear Evan Hansen
Date: October 29th - 30th
Location:The King Center, Melbourne Contact: kingcenter.com
ART SHOWS
Space Coast Art Festival
Date: October 12th – 13th
Location: The Avenue Viera, Viera Contact: spacecoastartfestival.com
Historic Cocoa Village Art and Craft Fair
Dates: October 19th – 20th
December 7th – 8th
Location: Cocoa Village, Cocoa Contact: visitcocoavillage.com
Cocoa Beach Art Show
Dates: November 29th – December 1st
Location: Cocoa Beach
Contact: cocoabeachartshow.org
NETWORKING
Viera Regional Business Alliance
Date: June 20th
Location: Viera Builders Design Studio Contact: facebook.com/vierabusiness
Viera Means Business
Date: Second Thursday - Monthly 8am
Location: TBD Contact: 321-242-1235
Good Morning Space Coast
Date: First Thursday monthly Location: TBD Contact: melbourneregionalchamber.com
FOOD TRUCKS & FARMERS MARKETS
Viera Park Market & Food Truck Events
Date(s): Monthly 1st Friday Vendor Market and Food Trucks 4pm - 8pm (weather permitting)
Location: Viera Regional Park, Viera Contact: 321-759-3713
Viera East Farmer’s Market
Date(s): Monthly 2nd Saturday 10am – 2pm
Location: Woodside Park, Viera East Contact: vieraeastmarket@gmail.com
World Class Design
Visit Our Model Homes: Avalonia • Laurasia • Pangea Park • Reeling Park
Coming Soon: Crossmolina • Farallon Fields