COCOA BEACH IS HOSTING DOG PRO SURFING CHAMPIONSHIP!

The Florida International Dog Surfing Championship is happening November 2-3, 2013 at Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach. This Ultimate Water Dog Sporting event features Ultimate Air Dogs, Dog Pro/Am Surfing and the SPCA of Brevard Adoption Village.
Competitive dog surfing is a well-established sport on the West Coast, but the FIDSC will be the first dog surfing competition in the country with a cash purse. Where else could this Ultimate Paws Sporting Event take place but Cocoa Beach, the birthplace and destination of countless human surfing champions and now the home of the East Dog Surf Champion, Booker D. Surfdog!
Pet parents can register their canine companions to participate in any of the competitions scheduled for the weekend, including Dock Diving at ultimateairdogs.com/cocoa. A special Iron Water Dog Challenge with a cash purse of 250 bones (dollars) is winnable by all around best proficiency in dock diving, dog surfing and speed racing. General registration for the Pro/Am Dog Surfing is open to all dogs from beginners to those with advanced skills. There is a 250 bones (dollars) cash purse for the Dog Pro Surf Challenge. WaterDog Paddleboard Company, from South Carolina, will be demonstrating human and “surFUR” partner tandem surfing. If time allows, there will be a Dog/Grom Contest, which is a tandem contest dog and child team. Registration for all Surf Dog Competitions is at http://www.fidsc.com.
The Dog Pro, America’s first cash prize dog surfing competition, "Is going to draw contestants from all over the USA. The competition is really going to be RUFF, as East meets West for the first time. This event combines three of my favorite things: dogs, the beach and rescue," says Tina Valant, official phoDOGrapher.
Coming in from the West Coast, a Guinness World Record surf dog will be squared off with a first place winner in the Purina Incredible Surf Dog Competition, against East Coast Champion, Booker D. Surfdog and Onyx Shorepound, to see who rules the surf.
In addition to the high-stakes competitions scheduled, there will be family-friendly activities scheduled all weekend long. On Saturday and Sunday, from 1pm – 2pm, the main stage will feature Florida’s own renowned animal communicator, Eden Cross; discussing complete issues of therapy dogs vs service dogs vs emotional support dogs by master dog trainer Eric Wells; and world famous animal phoDOGrapher, Tina Valant, discusses life in the Dog Lane and what it’s like in the world of phoDOGraphy.
Animal Communicator Eden Cross says, "This is the PAWfect new event for Florida! It's time to get on the map, more FUN-SHINE pet events for those on the East Coast!"
Local heroes, Boaz and Koa, from Patrick Air Force Base are therapy dogs for the founders of the non-profit AVET Project will be competing in the Dog Pro. Garren Cone, of Sebastian, says, “Koa is simply a natural!”  
An Adop-A-Thon is at the SPCA of Brevard Adoption Village, located at the South end of Lori Wilson Park, with adoptable animals from different animal rescue organizations on site from 10am – 4pm both event days, in hopes that many homeless pets will find homes. "Booker D. Surfdog wants to make 2014, the Year of No-Kill Brevard", says show promoter Pops Steinberg. "There were 6049 dogs and cats, healthy adoptable animals, killed last year in Brevard County. Of the thousands of dogs killed in Brevard, many are bully breeds, specifically pit bulls. Booker D. Surfdog is a testament to what bully breeds are capable of accomplishing if allowed to live. Let's not mince words; there is no good side to euthanasia. The SPCA of Brevard is the largest, private No-Kill shelter in this county. I'm hoping that the attention that the surf dog and dock diving competitions will bring, can translate into happy furever homes."
Beach access to the designated SPCA Dog Beach area will be available to non-competitor, well-behaved, leashed dogs that are up to date on vaccines. Hours will be 10am – 4 pm both days. There will also be a special Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, by Pastor Kevin Wright of Faith City Church from 10:30am -11:30 am on the SPCA Dog Beach, which the community is invited to attend with their furry family members.
For more information, schedule of events or to register to compete, please visit http://www.fidsc.com.
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About SPCA of Brevard
The SPCA of Brevard is a private, non-profit organization with the mission of “protecting and providing a voice to the homeless animals of Brevard County.” Founded in 1979 in Titusville, Florida, the SPCA is the largest private no-kill animal rescue group in Brevard, finding homes for more than 1,300 animals a year. It is the first adoption facility with free-roaming cat rooms in the County, allowing adopters to interact with the cats in a more home-like setting. The SPCA of Brevard Clinic also provides reduced-price vaccines to the public and has performed more than 50,000 low-cost spay/neuter surgeries since 1999.

BOO AT THE ZOO!

 

WEEKENDS OCTOBER 11-27!

This year's Boo at the Zoo, guests will enjoy an evening of mystical wonderment throughout the Zoo. Enjoy a variety of fun Halloween activities, including trick or treating in a safe environment at treat stations sponsored by local businesses and organizations.  Experiences include:

• Zoola! Mystical performances each evening.

• Nightly Costume Contest

• Pirates, princesses and monsters alike - enjoy activities and a Ball in the Mystical Mansion.

• Ride the Mystical Boo Choo Train.

• See the Mystical Fright Lights.

• Explore Professor Wormwood's Mystical Garden.

  • Enter Professor Wormwood’s Mystical Garden, where you’ll be enchanted by the mystical plants within.  Often frequented by fairies and gnomes, the Mystical Garden allows guests to explore the florae known for their magical properties. Learn about the magical plants that can help you cultivate your own fantasyland and if you’re lucky, you might even see a fairy or two!
    

• For those who dare, enjoy a scare on the Mystical Haunted Trail (recommended for persons at least 10 years of age).

Friday through Sunday evening, Oct. 11*, 12, 13*

EXTRA, EXTRA: Treat yourself to some extra dough by coming to Boo at the Zoo the first Friday or Sunday and only pay $8 admission!

• Saturday tickets are $12 per person.
• Friday and Sunday tickets are $8 per person.
• Special member only pricing of $5 for this Friday and Sunday.
• Children under two are free all nights.

Friday and Saturday hours are 5:30 to 9 p.m. Last admission is 8 p.m. Mystical Haunted Trail is open from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday hours are 5:30 to 8 p.m. Last admission is 7 p.m. Mystical Haunted Trail is open from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
NOTE: If you are visting the Zoo during the day, the Zoo will close at 3:30 p.m. to prepare for Boo at the Zoo. Last daily Zoo admission is 2:30 p.m.

Friday through Sunday evening, Oct. 18*, 19, 20*

• Saturday tickets are $12 per person.
• Friday and Sunday tickets are $10 per person. 
• Special member only pricing of $5 for this Friday and Sunday.
• Children under two are free all nights.

Friday and Saturday hours are 5:30 to 9 p.m. Last admission is 8 p.m. Mystical Haunted Trail is open from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday hours are 5:30 to 8 p.m. Last admission is 7 p.m. Mystical Haunted Trail is open from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
NOTE: If you are visting the Zoo during the day, the Zoo will close at 3:30 p.m. to prepare for Boo at the Zoo. Last daily Zoo admission is 2:30 p.m.

Friday through Sunday evening, Oct. 25, 26, 27

• Saturday tickets are $12 per person.
• Friday and Sunday tickets are $10 per person. 
• NO special member pricing for this Friday and Sunday.
• Children under two are free all nights.

Friday and Saturday hours are 5:30 to 9 p.m. Last admission is 8 p.m. Mystical Haunted Trail is open from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday hours are 5:30 to 8 p.m. Last admission is 7 p.m. Mystical Haunted Trail is open from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
NOTE: If you are visting the Zoo during the day, the Zoo will close at 3:30 p.m. to prepare for Boo at the Zoo. Last daily Zoo admission is 2:30 p.m.

BEAT the lines and purchase your tickets in advance online! 

 

$2.9 Million Minuteman Causeway Face-lift!

A big new project could change how drivers get to Cocoa Beach in Brevard County.

Renderings show new changes on the $2.9 million Minuteman Causeway face-lift.

Officials said it would mean new drainage, sidewalks and landscaping and residents may only have to pay for half of it.

Owners whose businesses sit along the beachfront tourist hot spot said they couldn't be happier.

"I'm a long-time Cocoa Beacher and we've all been waiting for something like this to happen to Minuteman," Fat Kahuna's restaurant owner Dewey Siljestrom said.

The street acts as the downtown main street for Cocoa Beach and ends at the access to the Atlantic Coast.

It's a popular spot for travelers and locals, lined with party spots and restaurants that have long hoped for a new look along the short corridor.

"We're very excited," Cocoa Beach City Manager Bob Mijka said.

Some of the cost will be deferred because the new drainage system will help clean up the Indian River Lagoon by limiting storm runoff.

That means federal money is available to cover about half the cost.

"There's about 40 acres of storm water that flows through this system right here, and part of this is to improve the storm water, basically a capture and treatment system," Mijka said.

Business owners hope it all adds up to more beach-goers spending more money in downtown Cocoa Beach.

"It's been a long time coming and we're all super stoked and it's just gonna give us a little identity here in Cocoa Beach," Siljestrom said.

City officials said the current drainage system along the street meets all state and federal environmental standards.

But the new system could be a model, for an even cleaner, better drainage process.

80'S IN THE PARK THIS WEEKEND!

80's in the Park is a two day celebration of everything 80"s.

Featuring: Quiet Riot, Slaughter, Warrant, Molly Hatchet, LA Guns, Georgia Satellites, The Motels, Tommy Tutone, Gene Loves Jezebel,Thor, Bertie Higgins With a special appearance by
Robbie Dupree
AND Gallagher as the weekends MC!!!

From popular bands of the decade to iconic movie & TV cars, TV and film stars and sports figures, the event will offer something for everyone.

The top 40 hits of your decade will fill the air while you play vintage arcade games like Ms. Pacman and Space invaders.

Watch impersonators perform hits from the king and queen of 80"s pop " Madonna and Michael Jackson, while you wait in line to get your picture taken with TV & Movie celebrities.

Great tribute bands of The Blues Brothers, Billy Joel, Motley Crue, Dio and Poison will rock the afternoon away and the Sledge-o-Matic comedian himself Gallagher will keep the show rolling as the weekends Master of Ceremonies

Dance with 80"s look a likes, shop for t-shirts, hats, handmade jewelry and memorabilia at one of over 60 vendors at the event and maybe even enter the classic Nintendo game contest and help Mario in his quest.

Then when the sun goes down sit under the stars enjoying food from some of
Brevard"s finest restaurants and relive those hair metal fantasies as iconic 80"s rock bands Slaughter, Warrant, La Guns And the Georgia Satellites take the stage and rock the night!

It will be a weekend of memories both old and new!
September 28 &29 at Wickham Park Pavilion, Melbourne Fl
For more information and tickets locations go to
www.80sinthepark.com

BREVARD COUNTY SALES ARE UP!

August was a good month for the local real estate market.

Sales rose 11.5 percent over the year to match the second-highest volume of 2013.

Also increasing was the median sale price — the point at which half the homes sell for less, half for more. That figure was $130,000, matching the yearly high so far.


Brevard County figures for single-family homes and condos were released Thursday by FloridaRealtors, an Orlando-based organization that compiles sales data throughout the Sunshine State.


August data show the rebound in real estate is solidifying, fueled by tight inventories, but also a federal monetary policy that is keeping mortgage rates at historically low levels.



“We’ve already had double-digit increases in sales this year, so I think our inventories are going to go low, and interest rates may go up slightly,” said Rebecca Sparks, owner of the 25-year-old Apollo Realty in Cocoa Beach. “But I think we’re going to finish 2013 with a bang and start 2014 off just as strong as we finish 2013.”


Key points of the Brevard market from the FloridaRealtor report are:


• Pending sales — when the buyers and sellers reach an agreement and are close to finalizing a housing transaction— were up 27 percent in August over the year.
• Average days on the market remained at 37 days.
• The months supply of inventory fell 13.3 percent to 4.1 from 4.8.
• People paying in cash rose 14.1 percent to 348 from 305 a year earlier.

Nationwide, the housing news also was positive.

Existing-home sales increased in August and reached the highest level in 6½years, while the median price shows nine consecutive months of double-digit year-over-year increases, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Total existing-home sales— which are completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops — rose 1.7 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.48 million in August from 5.39 million in July, and are 13.2 percent higher than the 4.84 million-unit level in August 2012.
Sales are at the highest pace since February 2007, when they hit 5.79 million, and have remained above year-ago levels for the past 26 months.

11TH ANNUAL PAWS AT THE PIER!

This event is everyone’s favorite interactive pet friendly fundraiser that includes the whole family and their “furry” friends. Some of this year’s activities will include live entertainment, pet contests, door prizes, silent auction and a vendor village. Paws at the Pier is one of the Central Brevard Humane Society’s signature events that helps raise awareness and financial support for the thousands of unwanted and abandoned pets that visit the shelter each year, who need a safe and loving “forever” home.

Location:

Cocoa Beach Pier

401 Meade Avenue

Cocoa Beach, FL

32931

Additional Features:

Gate Admission

Hours:

10am-3pm

Admission:

Admission Charge

Phone Number:

(321) 636-3343

Alt. Phone Number:

(321) 459-2200 

 

NEW BOAT RAMP CONSIDERED FOR JETTY PARK

PORT CANAVERAL — A site in Jetty Park is the top choice among recreational boaters for new boat ramps to replace ones at Freddie Patrick Park that could be displaced by a proposed cruise terminal in the port’s Cove district.
Wherever Port Canaveral’s new boat ramps end up, though, they will be free to use, port officials said.
A survey of more than 250 people who attended two workshops last week on the issue showed that the largest number of them favored the Jetty Park site, which is closest to the ocean of the six options presented. Many of the people at the meeting were recreational fishermen and other boaters.
But their views were diverse, and port commissioners agreed Wednesday to keep the top three options in the running for further study.
In order, the top three choices at the workshops were Jetty Park (36 percent); the existing boat ramps at Freddie Patrick Park (24 percent); and a site in the Avocet Lagoon area, east of the Canaveral Locks, on the west end of the port (18 percent).
David Perley, director of port construction and infrastructure, said port staff will study potential costs of building boat ramps at each of the three sites and how long it would take to build the ramp complexes. He plans to bring the issue back to port commissioners, either in September or November, for a final decision.
Port Chief Executive Officer John Walsh said port officials have decided against instituting a fee for boaters using the new boat ramps, opting instead to keep it free.
Port commissioners in November also will be asked to green-light a proposed $75 million cruise terminal and parking garage complex just east of the Cove’s restaurants. The new terminal would be able to handle the largest cruise ships of the future.
If port commissioners choose the Jetty Park site for the recreational boat ramps, Walsh said, it would have to be designed with future cruise expansion in mind. Port Canaveral’s next new cruise terminal, after the proposed Cove site, likely will be just west of Jetty Park, at the site of the port’s current smaller Cruise Terminals 3 and 4, which would be torn down.
If commissioners pick the Cove area for the boat ramps, the new 158,000-square-foot cruise terminal and the boat ramps would have to be designed so they can coexist there.
Port officials also are studying the feedback they received from boaters about potential amenities at the new boat ramps, such as restrooms, pavilions, boat-washing areas and fish-cleaning stations.
Port commissioners said they were pleased that port management gave boaters the opportunity to weigh in on the boat ramp locations, although Port Authority Chairman Tom Weinberg noted that “it’s not going to be easy” to please everyone.