Surfing odds

Meet Nikki Viesins, All-American, from Indialantic.

And this is Jasset Umbel, also All-American, from Melbourne Beach.

The PacSun USA Surf Team, consists of two boys divisions, Under 16
yrs old and Under 18, and one girls division, Under 18. Both boys
teams are made up entirely of boys from California. The girls team,
seven in number, have 4 girls from California, one from Long Island,
NY and the remaining two are from Florida. Not just that, they live
less than a mile away from each other and their birthdates are within
two weeks of each other. The Space Coast has several surfing champs
and it looks like these two will join the ranks. Who says our little
waves will get you no-where! What are the odds of an All-American
Surfing Team having 21 team members, 18 from California, one from NY
and the other two almost neighbors in Florida??? Obviously, the odds
are in our favor!

No summer break for these guys!

Satellite High School athletes, representing every sport, have
scheduled workouts on the beach. Only excuse: working, family
vacation or physician excuse. Heat index today: 106. Yikes! I
bet they all make it to the water in 3 seconds, once practice
ends. I wonder if they realize they sign up for these workouts
when they try out for a team!

Robin Hood, kind of

Described by critics as 'frantically funny', the play The Somewhat
True Tale of Robin Hood will be presented at the Henegar Center in
downtown Melbourne, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from August
6 - 22. Friday and Saturday's show starts at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday's
starts at 2:00 p.m. Just being in this building, one of the oldest in
the city, is a joy. See the show and support your local efforts but
give yourself enough time to walk around the building a little before
the show, too. For ticket info, call the box office at 321-723-8698.
For a more in-depth look at the Henegar Center for the Arts, check out
the Space Coast Events Examiner.

Dog Days of Summer

The Eau Gallie Arts District (EGAD!) is located in and around the
Highland Ave - Eau Gallie Causeway area. It is composed of several
art shops, galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. The first Friday
of every month, those businesses remain open so visitors may stroll
through, admire, and perhaps purchase something. On August 6th, the
theme will be the 'Dog Days of Summer', and will feature the 'Who
Let the Dogs Out?' parade and fashion show. Live music will be from
The Dog Bones Band and those who wish to participate (or their owners)
must register. The event is from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. and the number to
call to register is 321-752-0463. And don't forget the camera!

Surfrider Foundation

On hiatus for the month of July, Surfrider Cocoa Beach Chapter is
gearing up for the August state conference, being held the 13-15th.
For those who enjoy watching the sport, those days should provide
plenty of enjoyment. The conference is at the Cocoa Beach Hilton so
they may hit the waves (please let there be some) there or somewhere
between the Hilton and the Pier.

In case you are not familiar with Surfrider, they are an environmental
organization dedicated to protecting our oceans, the waves, and our
beaches. There are over 50,000 members in the U.S. and should be more.
Visit the main website and prepare to be impressed. More to follow!

Women surfer exhibit

In 1996, Lisa Anderson was featured on the cover of "Surfer Magazine",
only the second cover shot of a women in the magazine's 40 year history.
She won two world titles to get there. Later that year, she won her third.
The following year, 1997, she took home her fourth. Forced, by recurring
back injuries, to retire in 2003, she now lives in California.

Now through Labor Day, Ron Jon's is featuring a 'Women of the Waves'
exhibit and visitors can see her autographed magazine cover, in addition
to some of her surfboards. The exhibit, located in the Ron Jon's Water-
sports Rental building just north of the main store on A1A, is amazing!
125 female Florida surfers are featured in the largest assemblage of
female surfing history ever!

Free program for Children

The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a classroom all
by itself. But 140 acres, housing 1500 species of plants and animals, is
a rather large classroom, and can be intimidating. The best way to
become aquainted with it is by attending one of many small programs
offered free of charge. One such event is upcoming. Read on...

On Friday, July 30th, the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge will
host a free nature program for children, ages 5 to 10. The program
will be about reptiles and will include a story, craft, nature activities
and a visit with a live snake. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Call 321-861-5601 to make reservations, information, and directions. For
a more in-depth look at the refuge, go to the Space Coast Events Examiner.

All Clear

It's been a week, but Cocoa Beach pier area has been given the
all-clear for safe swimming. It had been on alert due to high
bacteria counts that can lead to all kinds of creepy stuff if
they enter the human body. All is good, it's Saturday and Bonnie
has sent actual waves. This time of year, that's a gift! Enjoy!

Guilt-free quality time for parents

Guilt-free parents night out - sound tempting? Brevard Zoo offers
child care on Saturday nights, from 5 - 9p.m., for children ages
4 - 12. The kids get dinner and educational fun for a very modest
amount of money. There are several nice restaurants close by and
the Avenues of Viera is ten minutes away from the zoo. Your kids
will actually thank you! For more info about schedules and cost,
go to the Brevard Zoo Examiner.

And we're off......!

Not the kind of event the Space Coast, or anyone's coast, likes but
since it's here...let's talk about it. The first tropical disturbance of
the season has surfaced. Residents don't need more advice on
preparing, and newcomers can consult with the residents, but here is
something this writer will share that is really essential. It is a web site
called Weather Underground. An Air Force pilot shared this in 2004 and this writer has the printouts to prove that the three direct hits this area took were forecast accurately by Weather Underground. The above is the computer model of the low pressure area that has been forecast to develop in the Carribean. It is currently on the Weather Underground
website, under Tropical, as are other forecasts concerning the system. If
a storm develops, readers will be able to see mountains of detailed
information. Just check it out; Patrick and Kennedy Space Center use it!

Triple Header @ King Center July 23-25

The King Center, in Melbourne, has a big week-end planned. It
all starts Friday night at 8:00 p.m. with Weird Al Yankovich.
Weird Al isn't weird, by the way; he has a degree in Architecture
which is a really hard math-core major. Anyway, on Sunday, July
25th, Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard will be there with their
"Timeless" show. Recall American Idol 2003 and how close the votes
were for both of these amazing men.

For info, tickets, etc. - go to King Center website. For more on
the show and the performers, go to Space Coast Events Examiner.

Butterflies by the hundreds

As if Brevard Zoo didn't have enough for all to see, with over 500
different creatures, they occasionally feature a special exhibit.
Through August 8th, it is a huge butterfly exhibit aptly named The
Butterfly Connection. There are 2 parts to the exhibit, one geared
for the smaller zoo visitors, and the other for everyone. Guides to
identify each butterfly, as well as fun facts, are available at the
exhibit. The Brevard Zoo is an amazing gift to the Space Coast and
one of the best bangs for your recreation bucks available. Check the
Brevard Zoo Examiner for more about all the zoo offers and for info on
becoming a member, which saves mega bucks, visit the Examiner article
on membership.

Report: Led Zeppelin at King Center

Classic Albums Live promises to recreate music note by note, and
that's what they delivered last night at the Led Zeppelin II show.
Unlike other CAL shows this writer has seen, the look, the vibe,
the mannerisms of Led Zeppelin took a back seat to re-creating the
music accurately. The band composition differed, but the sound was
dintinctly Led Zeppelin. Rolling Stone magazine has said that the
Led Zeppelin II album was the textbook for heavy metal bands, and
this group did a great job showing the audience just how.


Most impressive was the musical talent. Two lead guitarists had a
combined arsenal of 4, 8, and 12 string electric, acoustic, electric
acoustic, and double neck guitars - all of which were used.


Playing an electric guitar with a violin bow is a complex move that
hasn't been attempted by many. Those that became famous for it were,
from L -> R Led Zeppelin, The Creation, and Sigur Ros. You don't get
to see it often, and last night's crowd rewarded the effort with one
long standing ovation. A little loud, some eating of the mike that is
just annoying, but overall a great show. Two hours, too!

Arts & Crafts Fair

The 12th annual Indialantic Craft Festival will be held on Saturday
July 17th and Sunday, July 18th, from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The
Fair is at Nance Park, on A1A and admission is free. Yours truly did
the craft fair thing for years and these people are some of the most
amazing people in the world. Go out and support them, a dying breed
who are having a hard time right now. They work long hours for little
pay and their faces light up when you compliment their work. They'll
tell you that's what it's all about. Support 'Made in America'!

Kayaking

The Space Coast's water playground has over 100 miles of beach, rivers,
and waterways to play in and on. Kayaking offers a peaceful, up-close
view without disturbing the wildlife that call this area their habitat.

Residents have the option of using their own kayaks but visitors and
those of us that don't own a kayak have opportunities, as well. Cocoa
Beach Kayaking, owned and managed by Kathleen Bennett, is one option.
Kathleen is a manatee behavioral specialist and educator, with extensive
hands-on experience especially in the Indian River Lagoon habitat. She
even has published a children's book about manatees! Kayaking is a
great way to explore and visit manatees, dolphins, pelicans, turtles,
and otters, in their own back yards.

Kathleen has two guides to help her: Ellen & Jodi. Ellen has travelled
the Indian River Lagoon in one kayak, canoe or another, for 40 years.
Jodi, a Sea World trained guide, has lived in the area for 15 years and
is an avid kayaker!

Cocoa Beach Kayaking offers tours, lasting two hours and more, five
days a week. They get my vote because they supply everything but a
camera and any snacks you might want. That means they supply: kayak,
paddles, life vests, polarized sunglasses, 50 SPF sunblock, bottles
water, and insulated drink holders. Plus their gallery shows very happy
people of all ages! For more info call: 321-784-4545. To see the smiling
faces and read the rave reviews in the guest book, visit their web site
www.cocoabeachkayaking.com For other kayaking tours/locations, go to Brevard Zoo Examiner.

Classic Albums Live & Led Zeppelin

The King Center will host Classic Albums Live: Led Zeppelin, on
Fri, July 16th at 8:00 p.m.The Classic Albums Live series is a
group of studio musicians and vocalists who reproduce classic rock
albums with an accent on accuracy. Great pains, as well as long hours
of rehearsing, must be a big part of these productions because they
are extremely accurate.

Led Zeppelin II is the second album by the band, and was released
in 1969. It was their first album to reach number one in the United
States and Great Britain. It sold 12 million copies and was claimed
to be one of the most influential albums in history.

The album was written and produced while Led Zeppelin was touring,
in-between concerts, while on the road, and wherever a studio was
available at the time. It has been described as raw, suggestive, and
carnal. It was the first time Jimmy Page, lead guitarist, played a
1959 Gibson Les Paul, an electric guitar he helped make famous.

Whether you are a Led Zeppelin fan or just a fan of good music, the
Classic Albums Live series are not to be missed. Tickets, directions
and other info available at the King Center website, the Led Zeppelin website, and the Space Coast Events Examiner.

Brevard Zoo offers free admission Saturday nights

The Space Coast is truly lucky to have the Brevard Zoo. This zoo
is a community zoo, built entirely by 16,000 volunteers, which
means it can offer wonderful deals. During the summer, on every
Saturday night, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., admission is free.
Although a few of the exhibits aren't open, the majority are.
The kayak rides and the train ride are available, as is the chance
to feed the giraffes. Reasonably priced food, a clean place to
enjoy it, and live music makes this deal one of the summer's best!
For an in-depth view of the zoo, as well as lots of photos, go to
the Brevard Zoo Examiner.

Live music at Ron Jon's

Ron Jon's Surf Shop, on A1A in Cocoa Beach, features live music
every Saturday from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. Popular local musicians
are featured and the key word is casual. One particular crowd-
pleaser is singer and songwriter Danny Morris.



Danny came to the Space Coast in 2003 and is known for songs
inspired by the sun, the surf, and the sand. He can be seen at
Ron Jon's on the following Saturdays: July 17, 25th, August 7th,
and September 5th. Showtime 12 noon - 4 p.m. To learn more about
Danny Morris and his music career, visit Space Coast Events Examiner.

Surfside Players present the musical Hair

Ever wish you could go back in time? Do you wonder what it was like,
say in the 60's? Well, here is your chance to get a glimpse. Cocoa
Beach has the only beachside theatre on the Space Coast, and they are
doing the rock musical Hair. This is the rock musical that took
Broadway by storm in 1968 and is still rocking it today. This writer
has seen the musical three times and each time it just gets better.
The show will only be for one week-end, July 16 & 17, and it will
begin at 8:00 p.m. Tickets, directions, and more info available at
321-783-3127 or on their web site. Recommended for mature audiences only!

Summertime Baseball deals

The Space Coast Stadium and Brevard County Manatees have some
great promotions that make going to an evening game impossible
to resist. For those thirteen and under, there are 'Mini-Tees'
nights, which means free admission to all Friday and Sunday home
games. Sign up at the box office, pay $20, and the rest of the
season is yours. Other promos include military, college alumni,
college student, ladies, realtors, and Harris employees nights
which translates to either free or greatly reduced tickets. The
night games start at 7:05 p.m.. Visit their website for schedule
and promos: www.minorleaguebaseball.com/promotions.

July 5th

This is Cocoa Beach, where thousands sat on the beach and watched
the fireworks being launched from the barge. Has someone ever had
the notion that recycling containers on the beach just might work?

This is another section of Cocoa Beach. Keep Brevard Beautiful
and Surfrider Foundation both had organized clean-ups planned.

This is my unorganized clean-up. The empty spool of thread gets my
vote for strangest item found on the beach this day.

Farmer's Markets

The Space Coast is blessed to have seven Farmer's Markets in
operation. Here they are, in alphabetical order:

1) Cocoa - at Myrt Tharpe Square, Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ph 321-633-0806 www.CocoaMainStreet.com

2) Cocoa Beach - Cocoa Beach City Hall, Sundays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ph 321-917-0721 www.cocoabeachfarmersmarketpage.com

3) Eau Gallie - Square Park on Highland Ave., Sat. 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Ph 321-254-3261 www.brevardfarmersmarketpage.com

4) Rockledge - McLarty Park, Thursdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ph 321-917-0721 www.rockledgefarmersmarketpage.com

5) Satellite Beach - Lori Lane Plaza, Fridays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ph 321-917-0721

6) Titusville - U.S.1 & Broad Street, Fridays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

7) West Melbourne - Crossroads Park, Last Sunday of month, open
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ph 321-917-0721

8) Wickham Park - In the Equestrian area. Thursdays 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Info at www.brevardfarmersmarketpage.com

Farmers Markets are a great way to support both local and small
business. They offer fresh produce, honeys and jams, baked goods,
flowers and plants, handmade soap and beauty products, and more!

The morning after

Fireworks and partying are standard fare for the fourth of July,
but they are messy business. There are several organized clean-up
projects for July 5th, but don't feel obligated to join one. You
can do what I do and be your own committee. Who you go with isn't
as important as just going and doing it. Some stuff has already
gone out to sea with the tides and will be mistaken for food. Try
to prevent any more from going out. Sea critters will thank you.

Tis the season

Newcomers and natives alike need to be reminded that we are now
entering Florida's rainy season. And most of that rain will be the
result of a thunderstorm. Florida isn't called the 'Lightening
capitol of the country' for nothing. It's because we lead the nation
in deaths caused from lightening strikes. This group of clouds was
impressive enough to send everyone on the beach, even the fearless
tourists, scattering to their cars. It just crept up, as it often does
Don'y rely on the weather forecasts. In Florida, they aren't always
dependable because sea breezes rule.

Independence Day Weekend

Independence Day celebrations galore are planned along the Space
Coast. No matter what age you are, there is something for everyone.
Here is a sampling of some of the wonderful things planned:

Palm Bay
Saturday, July 3rd, BCC Palm Bay Campus will have patriotic bike
parade for kids ten and under, plus live music, food vendors, games,
bounce house, and water slides. FREE admission, FREE parking.
Fireworks 9pm! Visit www.playpalmbay.org for details.

Titusville
Sun., July 4th, "Red, White and Boom" at Space Coast Regional Airport
begins at 5 p.m. There will be flyovers, aircraft displays, food, and a
live performance by the Space Coast Pops Orchestra. Fireworks at 9 p.m.

Cocoa Riverfront Park
A 4th of July Pops Concert with the Brevard Symphony Orchestra
will be held at 8 p.m.. The music will include patriotic favorites plus
some musical salutes to local 'Space Coast Heroes', which includes our
military, emergency service professionals, and our space pioneers. The
fireworks start at 9:15 p.m.

City of Melbourne
On Saturday, July 3rd, starting at 11 a.m., an 'Honor America' parade
will take place on New Haven Ave. Fireworks along the causeway will be
at 9 p.m. with free shuttle service from Melbourne Auditorium, which
will start at 7:10 p.m.

Viera
On July 4th, the Great American Celebration, complete with barbecue,
baseball and fireworks will begin at 5 p.m. at Space Coast Stadium.
More info at www.viera.com

Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral
The hugely-popular fireworks from the barge offshore at A1A & 520 will
begin at 8:45 p.m. on Sunday, July 4th (Rain date July 5).

The Great American Celebration

The 16th annual "Great American Celebration" is coming to the Space
Coast Stadium in Viera. Scheduled for Sunday, July 4th, the stadium
gates will open at 5:30 p.m.. At 6:05, the game between the Brevard
County Manatees and the Tampa Yankees will begin.

During the evening, an all-you-can-eat barbecue will be available on
the grassy area behind left field. Besides all the wonderful food and
baseball, atendees will receive a souvenir item. And, of course, there
will be fireworks following the game.

Tickets may be purchased at Viera Realty, 254-4800, (Wal-Mart parking
lot in Viera), or Community Educators Credit Union, 690-2328, located
on Murrell Rd. For more info: email judi.john@duda.com