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.

COCOA BEACH LABOR DAY SURF FESTIVAL!

Cocoa Beach, FL – Surf’s up at the 23rd Annual Cocoa Beach Surf Company NKF PRO-AM Surfing Festival taking place Labor Day Weekend, August 29 through September 1, at Shepard Park, located at the end of S.R. 520, Cocoa Beach Surfers and beach-goers alike will enjoy the festivities while helping to raise funds to fight kidney disease.
Professional and amateur surfers will hit the waves beginning Saturday, August 30. Competitions include the $5000 Steve Casanova Esq.Men’s Pro presented by longtime surfer and Melboune attorney Steve Casanova, Esq, the Women’s Pro sponsored by Angel Eyewear, Junior Men’s Pro, Men’s Pro Longboard, and the Male and Female Tandem Pro. Surfing continues throughout the weekend with amateur and professional finals taking place on Labor Day.
Stop by and see some Dialysis patients and transplant recipients in action as they hit the surf and ride the waves! These miracles of life prove the successes of organ transplantation and the importance of becoming an organ donor. Transplant recipients attending include the Repasky family from Pittsburgh, a multiple donor/recipient family, Jay Smith from Savannah, Georgia, and Katie Castonguay from the west coast of Florida.
Festival goers can enjoy food, bands, bikini contest, massages on the beach, poster signings, BMX and skate demonstrations, register for a chance to win a 1954 Chevy Show Truck, a surf movie in the park Saturday evening, free surf lessons from Cocoa Beach Surf Company Surf School, and much more.
For more information on the NKF Pro-Am Surfing Festival call (407) 894-7325 or visit us online at www.nkfsurf.com. The National Kidney Foundation is dedicated to preventing kidney and urinary tract diseases, improving the health and well being of individuals and families affected by these diseases and increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation.

Surf Festival Highlights

• Contest location: Alan Shepard Park at the end of S.R. 520, Cocoa Beach
• Featuring the Steve Casanova Men’s $5,000 Pro, Angel Eyewear Women’s Pro, Space Coast Credit Union Luke Mackin Junior Pro, Coconuts Women’s Longboard pro, and the Anarchy Eyewear/Barry Weisner Men’s Pro Longboard
• 29 Amateur Divisions covering an age range of 4 to 80
• Win a show quality 1954 Chevy Surf Truck equipped with a Chevy Turbo engine
• The Surf Festival highlights the success of all transplant recipients and will feature six transplant recipients participating and available for media interviews
• For the first time there will be an ITSA 6 star Tandem Competition Featuring Tandem champions from around the world competing for the $6,000 prize
• Cocoa Beach’s Party of the Year, the Taste of Brevard & Silent Auction presented by the Halifax Hospital Transplant Center and Regions Bank will be at the Radisson at the Port August 31
• Free poster signings each day in the demo tent
• Register to win one of many surfboards given away on site and at the auction
• Mar Chiquita Bikini Contests 4 pm daily at the host restaurant the World Famous “Sandbar”
• Capri Sun will feature the 12ft vertical half pipe with pro skateboarders, inline skaters, and BMX riders all weekend
• Live music each day at the “SandBar” with Drink specials
• Professional and Amateur Surfing Divisions starting Saturday morning at 8 am
• Registration, Press and Sponsor Party Friday evening, 6PM to 10PM at the Cocoa Beach Surfing Company
• Cocoa Beach Surf Company Surf School demonstrations and lessons on the beach
• All Pro and Amateur and Division Finals Monday
• All proceeds benefit the National Kidney Foundation of Florida, Inc.

RON JON TO CELEBRATE 50TH ANNIVERSARY!

Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach is commemorating its 50th anniversary later this month. As part of that, now through Aug. 9, it’s hosting “50 Days of Ron Jon,” a series of special events with customers getting the opportunity to win thousands of dollars in gift cards and prizes.

There also will be numerous other events for the anniversary.

On July 26, the actual Ron Jon anniversary date, the store will have a ceremony to mark the occasion.

COCOA BEACH TO HONOR FORMER MAYOR

The city of Cocoa Beach will lower the flag at City Hall on Friday in rememberance of an ex-mayor who passed away on Sunday.

The flag at City Hall will be lowered to half staff to remember Joe Morgan, 77, who served as the city’s mayor from 1993 to 1999.

Additionally, a memorial service will take place on Sunday at Riverside Presbyterian Church at 3400 N. Atlantic Avenue. Viewing will start at 1 p.m. which will be followed by a service at 2 p.m.

NEW ATLANTIC EXHIBIT AT KENNEDY SPACE CENTER!

The Atlantis exhibit opens to the public Saturday at Kennedy Space Center, the centerpiece of a $100 million attraction dedicated to the entire 30-year shuttle program.

For the first time ever, ordinary Earthlings get to see a space shuttle in a pose previously beheld only by a select few astronauts.

Tilted at a deliberate angle of 43.21 degrees - as in 4-3-2-1, liftoff - Atlantis is raised in feigned flight with its payload bay doors wide open and a replicated robot arm outstretched.

Toss in a life-size replica of the Hubble Space Telescope and astronaut-captured images of the International Space Station beamed on the wall, and the impact is out-of-this-world.

More than 40 astronauts who flew on Atlantis planned to take part in Saturday's grand opening at the visitor complex, a popular tourist attraction an hour's drive due east of Orlando.

Retired astronaut Bob Springer got a sneak preview last week and liked what he saw. He rode Atlantis into orbit in 1990 - one of its 33 missions from 1985 to 2011.

"It's awesome what they've been able to do," Springer said.

So many museum displays are static and cold, he noted.

"This is exactly the opposite. It's like seeing a wild animal in its native habitat. It really looks like you're looking at Atlantis from an astronaut's vantage point in space."

Only a small group of astronauts have seen Atlantis like this in orbit - those out on a spacewalk or those aboard a space station watching Atlantis come and go.

It makes this perspective - in flight in orbit - all the more riveting.

A family visiting from Karlskrona, Sweden, lucked out last week, among a limited number of tourists granted early access as part of a trial run for the exhibit.

"Amazing," said Peter Trossing, accompanied by his wife and two young daughters.

"Pretty cool," added Cincinnati's Amanda Cook as her two sons tried out the space station toilet display. Children lined up to pose for pictures on the space potty mock-up.

Another hands-on draw for the younger set: two main landing gear tires used on Atlantis' final touchdown on July 21, 2011. One after another, children spun the tires, which were mounted on a low pedestal.

Retired for two years, Atlantis is the last of NASA's three space shuttles to go on public display.

Discovery is parked at a Smithsonian Institution hangar in Chantilly, Va. Endeavour is also horizontal at the California Science Center in Los Angeles; it will be displayed upright in launch position once its permanent exhibition hall is completed in 2018.

And the prototype Enterprise rests atop the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York City. The exhibit was closed following damage caused by Superstorm Sandy last fall; the new pavilion opens in two weeks.

Unlike its sister ships, the 155,000-pound Atlantis - tilting to the port, or left, side - has its nose 30 feet off the floor, its right wing 62 feet up and its left wing 7 feet up. Visitors can walk underneath and gaze up at its belly and the thousands of thermal tiles, and all the way around.

Towering over the outside entrance is a full-scale model of a shuttle external fuel tank paired with two booster rockets, 184 feet tall just like for launch. Inside are an authentic shuttle main engine (the three engines on Atlantis are facsimiles), astronauts' spacewalking tools, the so-called beanie cap that covered the tops of space shuttles on the launch pad, as well as numerous interactive exhibits showcasing the phases of flight.

The display does not ignore the NASA's two lost shuttles - Challenger, destroyed during liftoff in 1986, and Columbia, shattered during descent in 2003. In fact, the short movie viewed before entering the Atlantis gallery pays special homage to NASA's first shuttle flight, by Columbia, in 1981.

The so-called "reveal theater" ends with Atlantis appearing right before the guests.

"You want an emotional connection and you want that wow factor, and it delivers on both of those," said Tim Macy, director of project development and construction for Delaware North Co., which operates Kennedy's visitor complex for NASA.

Delaware North nabbed Atlantis in a high-stakes national competition two years ago. Kennedy was considered a shoo-in by many, given all 135 shuttle flights began here and most ended here as well.

A six-story structure was built to accommodate Atlantis. The fourth and final wall was erected once the shuttle was towed inside last November.

"It's a doggone big building, and it really tells the shuttle story in an amazing way," said William Moore, chief operating officer of the visitor complex.

Delaware North hopes to recoup some of its $100 million outlay through increased ticket sales. The Atlantis exhibit is included in the ticket price for the visitor center: $50 for adults; $40 for children ages 3-11.

"Pack the Park"

VIERA, Fla. - America's national pastime and America's largest organization funding childhood cancer research will come together at Space Coast Stadium on July 3, combining Independence Day celebrations with a night of raising awareness for childhood cancer research.
The Brevard County Manatees will "Pack the Park" with an evening full of events surrounding that night's game, promoting and raising money for the St. Baldrick's Foundation.

"The Space Coast has been very, very supportive of the St. Baldrick's Foundation," said volunteer event organizer Garrett Lamp. "The Manatees have been a great organization to work with. They've been a fantastic community partner for us, supporting St. Baldrick's, childhood cancer and our mission."

Scheduled events include raffles, information tables, a field of dreams featuring patients and survivors from Brevard County, Home Run to Remember with Ryan Campanaro, an 8-year old from Melbourne in remission from acute lymphoblastic leukemia and a military salute honoring an area serviceman. There will be a blood drive from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m and the National Marrow Donor Program will also be set up on the concourse to enlist potential bone marrow matches for life saving transplants. A fireworks show will take place immediately after the conclusion of the game.

Additionally, members of the Manatees front office staff, coaches and players will shave their heads in support of St. Baldrick's before, during and after the game. Among those volunteering to participate are General Manager Kyle Smith, field manager Joe Ayrault, second baseman Greg Hopkins, designated hitter Cody Hawn, pitcher Stephen Peterson and more.

"We are excited to partner with the St. Baldrick's Foundation because we firmly believe in its values and its mission," said Manatees Assistant General Manager Chad Lovitt. "It is a large, up and coming non-profit in Brevard County, one of few focusing specifically on childhood cancer research, and has already impacted so many families in our area."

After a head-shaving event at The Avenue Viera in March, St. Baldrick's has gained over $250,000 from the area in 2013 alone and is nearing the $500,000 mark in just three years of fundraising in Brevard County. Volunteers will be accepting donations at the park, with a portion of ticket proceeds going towards the foundation.

Until July 1, $4 of the $7 ticket price will be donated directly to the foundation when fans mention St. Baldrick's at the time of purchase. Along with the Manatees box office, other locations where tickets can be bought include: Firehouse Graphics in Merritt Island, World of Beer & Pizza Gallery at The Avenue Viera, Speech Path Brevard and Dr. Richard Helton in Suntree, Fia's Italian Restaurant in N. Melbourne, Play it Again Sports in W. Melbourne and beachside at Christie's 5th Ave Salon.

2013 Cocoa Beach Pirate Fest!

COCOA BEACH, Florida -- The 2013 Cocoa Beach Pirate Fest will take place at the International Palms Resort located on 1300 North Atlantic Avenue in Cocoa Beach during the 2013 Father's Day weekend.  Admission is free.

 This 2nd Annual family-friendly event will feature arts & crafts and pirate-themed vendors, food & beverage, a Living History Pirate Encampment, Live Mermaids, Sword Fighting, Blackbeard’s Pirate Ship, Live Music & Entertainment, Black Powder Weapon Demonstrations, and a pirate ship with water cannon battles in a 150,000 gallon pirate-themed kiddie pool with over 1,000 cannonball water balloons.

The event hours are:

12 Noon to 5 p.m. on Friday, June 14th, followed by a Pirate’s Ball (8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Cost $20.  Adults only)
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 15th.
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 16th Father's Day.

Once you arrive there is no need to drive, the entire event is intertwined throughout the grounds of this beautiful 500-room beachside resort. For reservations, please call 800-206-2747 and mention code PYRT to receive the Pirate Festival Discount Rate.

For More Information Contact:  (561) 792-9260 or E-mail cocoabeachpiratefest@gmail.com.

3RD ANNUAL BBQ AND BLUES!

WHEN: Vendors will have food available at 11 a.m. Friday. Pro-teams start cooking at 6 p.m. Friday with the festival and tastings from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.

WHERE: Riverfront Park, 401 River Edge Blvd., Cocoa Village

COST: Free admission; tastings are $5

INFO: Call 321-631-9075 or visit www.visitcocoavillage.com.

THE STORY: More than 40 professional teams will showcase their rib-stickin’ barbecue this weekend in Cocoa Village as the third annual BBQ & Blues kicks off Friday and Saturday at Riverfront Park.

Sanctioned by the Florida BBQ Association, the judges will pick the best sauce, best dessert and “anything butt” (pork butt). But don’t feel left out; guests can play along and vote for people’s choice.

Last year, the barbecue competition was open to amateurs, with 34 teams participating. This time around, it’s all pro.

Hosted by the Historic Cocoa Village Merchants Association, features include entertainment, a pub crawl, vendors and arts and crafts. Admission is free.

“We all do this because we love this area. We love the downtown,” said BBQ & Blues organizer Emma Kirkpatrick, president of the merchants association and general manager of Ossorio Bakery and Cafe.

As far as attendance, “the first year was amazing,” she said. “Last year, we got rained out both days. We still had 8,000 to 10,000 over the two days. We’re expecting another 10,000 this year.”

Josh Miller sets up the other half of the BBQ & Blues festival, scoring a headlining appearance by blues musician Damon Fowler. Other blues bands on tap are Matt Rossman, a one-man band who, Kirkpatrick said, was most recently on stage at nearby Cocoa Village Playhouse for “Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” the Betty Fox Band, the Shaun Rounds Band, and Josh Miller’s Blues Revue. The music kicks off at 11 a.m. Saturday.

Magic Dove Magic Shop will host Friday night’s entertainment. You can see a stiltwalker, unicyclist and kids doing magic. There’s no kids zone Friday night, but there will be one Saturday. Expect a bounce house, Shetland ponies, a petting zoo and some surprises.

The fountains will be on, Kirkpatrick said, so kids can bring their bathing suits and towels, and parents can bring their lawn chairs. Pets are welcome, but leave the coolers at home.

Part of the proceeds will go toward the Brevard Schools Foundation’s music program.

Huge Pet Adoption June 1st!

Hundreds of furry companions and forever friends will be in abundance during “Rescue Me,” a Community Pet Adoption Event, set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 1, at Viera Regional Park.

The “Rescue Me” goal is to adopt out dozens of animals in one day. Brevard County Animal Services, along with other area groups including SPCA of Brevard and Central Brevard Humane Society, will have many wonderful animals looking for their new homes.

“Between the attending groups you will find a huge variety of dogs and cats all in one place,” said Karla Torpy, director of the Brevard County Animal Services Department.  ”This is the best place to find your new best friend.”

DOG-TO-DOG INTRODUCTION

If you have a resident dog and you’re looking to adopt another one, you’re encouraged to bring your dog along with proof of its vaccines and county registration to the event.

Several groups require a dog-to-dog introduction when completing an adoption. There will be special adoption fees at the event, with spay/neuter and shots included.

Additionally, it’s recommended to bring all members of a household to meet the future family member. Adopters will also need a drivers license or some other form of photo ID. Adoption counselors from participating organizations will work with families at the event in order to finalize adoptions on the spot.

“If we can save 100 pets at this event, that is 100 success stories,” said Torpy. “We want folks to make adoption from one of the many shelters or rescue groups operating in our community, their first option for a pet.”

VISIT THE AREA’S ADOPTION FACILITIES

“Rescue Me” participants on Saturday, June 1, are encouraged to visit the area’s multiple adoption facilities to find a furry companion. Visit the websites for business hours and photos of pets currently available for adoption.

“Rescue Me” is sponsored by URS Federal Technical Services, Inc., Florida Today, Daphne Foundation, Brevard ASAP and FloridaNoKill.multiple adoption facilities to find a furry companion.

For information e-mail Karla.Torpy@BrevardCounty.us or FloridaNoKill@aol.com

Disney's Magic Kingdom Open 24 Hours Memorial Weekend!

ORLANDO, Florida -- The Walt Disney World Resort will kick off a "Monstrous Summer" by keeping the Magic Kingdom Park open for 24 hours nonstop during the 2013 Memorial DayWeekend from 6 a.m., May 24 to 6 a.m., May 25, 2013, Eastern Daylight Time.

The oversized fun of a 24-hour Disney park "All-Nighter" called for an equally epic announcement, and the huge sphere of Spaceship Earth at EPCOT was transformed from Disney Parks icon to Disney•Pixar "Eye-con," becoming a 180-foot-tall, fully-animated Mike Wazowski, the loveable green-bodied, one-eyed monster who joins best pal James P. Sullivan ("Sulley") in the prequel toMonsters, Inc., this summer as college students with hopes of becoming Scarers.

The Magic Kingdom will feature a Monsters University theme where Mike and Sulley will be the Grand Marshals of the "Celebrate a Dream Come True" day parade – complete with pomp and circumstance – and make appearances in Tomorrowland.  Guests also will find extra entertainment throughout the day and night, including characters in their pajamas in Town Square during the late night and early morning, and late-night dance parties in and around the courtyard of Cinderella Castle. 

The Walt Disney World Monstrous Summer includes new offerings and popular favorites in all four parks. This is the first summer for the New Fantasyland and an interactive "Pirates Adventure" game at the Magic Kingdom, a newly re-imagined Test Track at EPCOT, a new Disney Junior show, featuring Sofia The First and Doc McStuffins, at Disney's Hollywood Studios, plus Wilderness Explorers at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Speedy Boats Set to Thrill Cocoa Beach!

The Super Boats are preparing to soar up and down Brevard County’s coastline this weekend.

And they come to the fourth annual Space Coast Super Boat Grand Prix with a new Superboat Class as well as a new competitor.

Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al-Thani, owner of Team Qatar Racing, and throttleman Steve Curtis have purchased a boat and a new set of motors for the new Superboat Spec class. “We have been working really hard to prepare the boat and installing new motors. We are excited about the new class and are looking forward to racing in Cocoa Beach,” Curtis said in a release.

The new 700+ hp class recently saw team STIHL win the season opener in Mississippi. This is the second stop of the season for the Super Boats.

Another competitor ready to hit the waves is Team Instigator. Fresh out of retirement, Peter Meyer is returning with a new driver (Travis Lofland) and is excited to be back racing again.

“I don’t think I will be competing in all the races this year, but the ones that I do make, one thing is for sure … I’ll be giving it my all,” Meyer said.

Teams will start to arrive to The Cove (Dry Pits) in Cape Canaveral today and stage their boats and equipment. The teams will test on Saturday from noon to 5 p.m., and the racing begins at noon Sunday.

The start-finish line is at Shepard Park, with Turn 1 being at Lori Wilson Park and Turn 2 at the Cocoa Beach Pier.

Super Boat races schedule

Super Boat races schedule
Today

3-11 p.m. - Power Boats on Parade at The Cove, Port Canaveral

Friday

3-11 p.m. - Cocoa Beach street party

Saturday

Noon-5 p.m. - Testing

6-10 p.m. - Meet the racers at The Cove, Port Canaveral

Sunday

Noon - Race 1

2 p.m. - Race 2

5 p.m. - Awards presentation

Mother's Day Events Around Brevard County

Let’s be honest, Moms deserve at least the entire weekend. So as far as Brevard Happening is concerned, all the things to do this weekend in Brevard County should be dedicated to all the wonderful moms, mothers and mamas out there. Sure, not all the Space Coast events listed are traditional, special just-for-mom activities, but you know as well as we do that Mom doesn’t care. As long as she gets to spend quality time with the people who love her, she’s happy. So check out this week’s list and plan a Mom’s weekend to remember!

Happening Fri. May 11

Friday Fest Family Street Party
Downtown Melbourne
6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Food, craft and business vendors. Live entertainment. Kids activities.
No admission fee. Some activities require fee.

Parents’ Night Out
McLarty Park, Rockledge
6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
For children ages 5-12. Games, crafts, pizza and movies for kids.
$12 for first child and $10 for each additional child in the same household.
Call 321-633-1870

Live at the Avenue
Central Park at The Avenue, Viera
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Music by John Quinlivan, Heartbreaker
No admission fee.

Happening Sat. May 12

Home and Garden Show
Melbourne Auditorium
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Home and garden booths, displays and vendors.
No admission fee.

Mother/Daughter Tea
Barnes & Noble, West Melbourne
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Free refreshments and special mother/daughter activities in honor of Mother’s Day.
No admission fee but please RSVP.
321-726-9505

10th Annual Support Our Troops Rally
Veterans Memorial Park, Palm Bay
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Massing of the Colors, K-9 demonstrations, EOD Robot demonstration, music, free hot dogs and more.
No admission fee. Support our troops and vets!

Got Art? An Exhibit
Art Gallery of Viera
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Reception and party with gallery artists.
Free admission.

Melbourne Ballroom Dance Party
Melbourne Ballroom
7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Group ballroom dance class at 7 p.m. followed by dance party starting at 8 p.m.
$15 for both or $10 just for the party.

Happening Sun. May 13 – Mother’s Day

Home and Garden Show
Melbourne Auditorium
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Home and garden booths, displays and vendors.
No admission fee.

Mother’s Day Ice Skating Show and Recital
Space Coast Iceplex, Rockledge
12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Figure skating show and recital especially for Moms.
$5 tickets available at Iceplex reception desk.

Mother’s Day Eco Tour Island Boat Lines
Sunset Waterfront Cafe, Cocoa Beach
All day event.
Dolphin and manatee viewing tours through the Cocoa Beach Thousand Islands.
$28 adults; Mom is free. Reservations required.
321-454-7414

Indian River Queen Mother’s Day Dinner Cruise
90 Delannoy, Cocoa
5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Upscale dinner by Black Tulip catering team, with dixieland music and a topside sunset viewing.
$50 per person.
321-454-7414

Art of Sand Exhibit and Free Admission for Mom's at the Brevard County Zoo!

 Evenings at Art of Sand- First Four Fridays in May

Brevard Zoo is offering guests the opportunity to experience Wild Florida: Past, Present and Future, an Art of Sand exhibit, at night during Evenings at Art of Sand. For the first four Fridays in May from 6 to 9 p.m., guests are invited to take in this incredible exhibit as the sun sets. To kick off the Friday evenings, come enjoy the sounds of Chris Kahl as he performs Friday, May 3, as you wander the Art of Sand trail and learn about the history of Florida. Created by eight international sand sculptors, these 13 incredible sand sculptures trace the history of people and wildlife in Florida. Hear the sounds of a time gone by as you view this breathtaking collaboration of art and history - just in time to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Ponce de Leon's first exploration of North America. Cost for this event is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Price only includes admission to the exhibit. The Zoo will not be open during the evening.

Free admission for moms on Mother's Day

You think giving birth to a 9-pound baby is tough, try giving birth to a 159-pound baby that is more than 6-feet tall. This was the case for Johari, a Masai giraffe at Brevard Zoo, when she gave birth to a male Masai giraffe on Feb. 6. We think all moms are super and deserve special recognition. In honor of Mother's Day on Sunday, May 12, Brevard Zoo is offering free admission to moms.

'Mad Men' Writers Consider Show About 1960s Cocoa Beach

Writers from the TV series “Mad Men” are working on a potential TV series that would focus on the space program of the 1960s and the journalists who covered it, Local 6 confirmed.

"Those were great times. They really were.  Walter Cronkite-you name 'em. They were all there," said restaurant owner Rusty Fischer, who owned several restaurants, including Bernard's Surf, which was the happening nightspot during the era.

The working title of the program is “Cocoa Beach" and the series could debut as early as this fall. The show would follow the 60s and 70s when NASA began sending humans to moon and focus on broadcasters who covered the Apollo programs.

"At night it woke up, got exciting," said Fischer. "It was really a small little town that, all of a sudden, when all these people came to town, it got alive."

The Space Coast film commissioner said "Cocoa Beach" is one of a number of television and film projects she is trying to attract to the Space Coast. She is looking for a local building that could serve as a soundstage for this show, as well as for other television shows and movies.

King said the production team would need a 100,000-square-foot facility, ideally with a 50-foot-high ceiling, from July through March 2014. She said a 25- to 30-foot-high ceiling might work, though. The production team is applying for financial incentives from the state, which has programs to encourage film and television productions to choose Florida, she said.

Cocoa Beach Wants to Fine Tune Beach Regulations

COCOA BEACH — Locals may again get to grill burgers and brats on the beach beneath large canopies without risking a ticket.

Tonight, the Cocoa Beach City Commission will introduce a trio of changes to the March 2012 beach ranger ordinance.

If adopted next month, the changes would permit cooking grills; waive tent regulations across residential Cocoa Beach; and clarify the digging of sand holes that “endanger” beach-goers.

“These are some of the things the city realized could be finer-tuned,” City Manager Bob Majka said of the ordinance.

More details:

• Charcoal grills or grills that use 1-pound propane gas cylinders would be allowed on the sand.

• Restrictions on “tent cities” and side-by-side canopies would be reduced to the two-block, heavily trafficked zone between First Street North and First Street South. Today, canopies cannot exceed 10-by-10 feet in area — and 10-foot buffers are required between tents — across Cocoa Beach’s 6-mile oceanfront.

• Holes dug in sand or dunes would be limited to 18 inches deep, or no deeper than the knees of the group’s shortest person.

It would also become illegal to leave the area without completely re-filling the hole with sand.

Beach rangers give “reasonable commands” to beach-goers regarding a list of regulations. If violators still disobey, a police officer may be called to issue civil citations punishable by up to 60 days in jail and $500 in fines.

Back in 2010, Cocoa Beach police handled rowdy behavior by handing out 340 beach-related civil citations between First Street North and First Street South.

The beach ranger program debuted last year on a trial basis, and commissioners decided to continue the initiative. Since March, beach rangers have responded to 275 calls for service and issued 478 verbal warnings, Cocoa Beach Police Major Jay Harmon said.

The result? Citywide, Harmon said police officers handed out only 16 civil citations in March.

“Once the beach ranger count of verbal warnings went up, there was a sizable drop in civil citations. There’s a direct correlation there,” Harmon said.

Police records technicians do not track how many civil citations stem from beach ranger activities. Harmon said the vast majority of tickets are issued for open alcohol containers and glass bottles on the beach.

Other prohibitions from the beach ranger ordinance remain unchanged, including bans on drunken swimming, mobile DJ booths, campfires, high-volume drinking devices and leaping off the Cocoa Beach Pier.

What Low Inventory Means for Buyers and Sellers!

By Stacy Matlock, Realtor®  Top Producer

Paulsen Water Front Group

Coldwell Banker Cocoa Beach Realty

stacymatlock1@yahoo.com    

                                                     

www.http:www.stacymatlock.com

Real Estate is poised for an active season and both buyers and sellers need guidance.  What does all-time affordability mean in a low-inventory market?  How do you communicate either side of the business? 

The real estate market is alive and well! The multiple offers we are seeing on so many listings is proof of that. With resurgence in our market comes a rapid decline in inventory. Multiple offers are now as common as short sales used to be.

So what does this mean for buyers and sellers?  Should sellers line up to sell and take advantage of this?  Should buyers sit at home and wait until the crowds die down?  This entirely depends on the motivation of both the buyer and seller and their particular reason for buying or selling.

Typically, in a low inventory market, this means a seller will sell their home for more AND a buyer will pay more.  Does this mean a buyer shouldn't be buying right now? ABSOLUTELY NOT!  With interest rates hovering around an all-time low, it is absolutely a fantastic time to buy real estate.  And while most buyers might cringe at the price they may have to pay if competing in a multiple offer situation, they may possibly cringe more if they wait to buy and interest rates went up.

In today’s market, both buyers and sellers have to look closely at the pros and cons of being in the market now.  A seller might ask why they would want to list now if the inventory is so low.  Doesn't this mean house prices would go up because of the lack of inventory?  While this seems like a good assumption, there are many variables that make this kind of speculating just that … speculation.  Nobody knows for sure what the interest rates are going to do tomorrow, so sellers and buyers need to look at their particular situations very carefully.

If a seller needs to sell but they want to hold off in the event inventory gets any lower, they may also be holding off long enough to see an increase in interest rates which could cause the buyer pool to diminish. The question becomes whether or not the seller wants to speculate or if they want to be in the market as it is today. A "sure thing" today may not get sellers a speculated increase tomorrow.  Perhaps the stars will align tomorrow, but today's market, it is a sure thing. Sellers and buyers must look at an analysis of what it looks like to buy or sell today and what it could look like to buy or sell in the future – looking at how differing market conditions (such as changing interest rates and inventory) might affect the market for that property.

Buyers need to know we are still at an all-time high affordability rate and we have historically low interest rates.  While they may be paying higher than they wanted, if they have to compete in a multiple offer situation, what they save with interest rates will quickly make up for that over time.

Sellers need to know while the market seems to be in their favor right now, it does not mean this is going to last forever … or things could improve even more.  The decision to sell needs to be more than just speculation and playing the market.

Ultimately, both buyers and sellers are winning right now in what appears to be the perfect storm for both buyers and sellers. As an agent giving advice, present the facts about the market now and help paint a picture of a future with a number of scenarios so buyers and sellers can check their tolerance for risk and make a decision.  Call me today if you are interested in Selling or Buying, a Brevard Native that knows the Real Estate Market!