Hot Rod Magazine visits the Space Coast

The Hot Rod Power Tour®, sponsored by Hot Rod Magazine, will kickoff it's 2011 tour in Cocoa Beach on June 4. Over 3,000 Hot Rods from across the country are expected to be in Cocoa Beach for the kickoff.
There are some events open to the public (besides the car show) - read about them here!

Summer camp drama

For those who are still seeking something different to do this summer...the Henegar Center still has a few spots available for their summer camps. For those who favor the dramatic - this camp is for you! There are half v.s. full-day options and kids are divided into two age groups: grades 1-5 and 6-9. More info here!

The real meaning of Memorial Day

When I think of Veteran's Day, I think of all those who have or are currently are serving in the military. When I think of Memorial Day - I think of this picture. It says it all.

Ouch!

Hundreds of  reddish-colored jellyfish are invading the Space Coast beaches, stinging Memorial Day weekend beach-goers. County Rescue reported more than 200 jellyfish stings Saturday and by 3 p.m. Sunday, the icky creatures claimed another 200-plus sting victims, primarily in the Cocoa Beach area. Traditionally a huge weekend for the beach, these creepy things have chased away a lot of people, taking with them much-needed business. They can't get into the water because there's so many jellyfish. Lifeguard stands offered victims spray-on vinegar to neutralize stinging cells. Benadryl & Lidocaine cream help, too. This writer saw only one of the creepy blobs at Patrick, so they must like Cocoa Beach better.

Bark in the Park

Space Coast Stadium will hold their "Bark in the Park" event Sunday night so those wishing to attend a game can do so without feeling guilty about leaving man's best friend home. Up to two dogs per person may attend the game, which starts at 5:05 p.m. Tickets are $5 for humans and $2 per dog, which includes a goodie bag for each dog! Your dogs will be able to enjoy a K-9 demo with Brevard County Sheriff Dept K-9 unit and all proceeds go to local SPCA. Gates open 4 p.m. The Manatees play Jupiter and what could be more American than baseball??????????

Beach Clean-up

Sunday's beach clean-up project will be at Coconut Point Park in Melbourne Beach. Time: 8 a.m. - noon. Holiday week-ends have a way of really bringing out the careless & clueless and sending them to our beaches. It was after a holiday week-end that I found the laptop at the beach by Patrick. And no, that wasn't the strangest thing I've ever found. That award goes to the VCR player with the tape still inside and connecting cables attached! Followed closely by the IV bag with tubing and clamp still attached. Sea creatures don't need to eat this junk and turtles don't need to get tangled in it either.

Unwanted visitors for the holiday week-end

Space Coast lifeguards, gearing up for one of the biggest beach-going week-ends of the year,  are warning beachgoers to watch out for stinging jellyfish that are washing ashore. Yikes !! Already, authorities report maroon-streaked cannonball jellyfish have turned up by the hundreds along the beach, mainly in the Cocoa Beach, CapeCanaveral areas. Several hundred people have reported being stung.

Yellow and purple flags were flown along county’s 26 towers and lifeguard stations to warn residents about the creatures. The cannonball jellyfish secrete a sticky mucus-like toxin that can cause minor irritation and even irregular heartbeats in some people, experts say. Lifeguards have purchased several gallons of vinegar, a common remedy used to soothe the pain from minor jellyfish stings.

Memorial Day in Cocoa Village

 Enjoy the week-end but Monday, Memorial Day, wherever you are - take time to thank the people who gave all they had to give, just so we could remain free. From 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Monday, May 30, come out to Riverfront Park in Cocoa Village for the annual Memorial Day Celebration.  Every year the City of Cocoa takes time to honor the fallen veterans of war with a Guest Speaker, special Flag folding ceremony, 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, period costumes, a moment of silence, entertainment and much more.  Admission is FREE!  For more information, please contact Leisure Services at (321) 639-3500 or visit the website at www.cocoafl.org.

Ice Cream, you scream...

On Sunday, May 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Brevard Zoo will hold an Ice Cream Social fundraiser. The event will be held in the Nyami Nyami River Lodge with the spacious, shaded deck overlooking the savanna that is home to the zoo's giraffes. (And the new baby is out on display!) The Zoo will showcase several local ice cream vendors including Alpine Yogurt Cafe,  Cold Fusion Iced Cream, Ben & Jerry's, Ice Cream Junction, Steve's Frozen Chillers, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, and Twisty Cone Palm Bay. The event will also include live music, crafts and games for the kids, and special animal encounters. Cost to attend is just $5 plus the price of regular Zoo admission. Special discounts on admission are available, as always, for those who enjoy a membership! For details.....go here.

Hotel California

The King Center Classic Albums Live Series for 2011 begins Friday night and what a way to start! The music troupe will present the album Hotel California by the Eagles. This musical group, originally from Canada, is a treat. As a long-time concert attendee and music-lover, this writer can safely say that these people know their instruments and do an outstanding job. For a glimpse of their work, you are invited to view our articles about the following two shows seen locally: Led Zeppelin and Woodstock and Woodstock 40th anniversary. For more on the group and their 2011 season coming to the King Center, click here.

Turtles have arrived!

Friday evening saw the first two turtle nests of the season on my stretch (by second light) in Satellite Beach. For more info on nesting and how to safely view a nesting sea turtle with a guide, read our article on the Examiner! Lights out!!!

Beach clean-up

Keep Brevard Beautiful will hold a clean-up event Sunday morning, from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Seagull Park, in Satellite Beach (1st Street, just south of Pineda Cswy). Love bugs are just about gone so please come help them! It's turtle nesting season. In the dark, the gentle giants can't see, much less manuever around trash.

Home Game week at Space Coast Stadium

Brevard Manatees are playing 8 home games in a row at the Space Coast Stadium from May 22-29 and the promotions are wonderful. Check them out HERE and then log on to get your tickets!!

Love ain't always that grand...

 Seen at Second Light last evening....mounds of love bugs. Walking in the water left the dead ones clinging to your skin. UGH! Who'd want to swim in them! Never in my 60+ years have I ever seen that...

The radio reports that millions of dollars in lost revenue has been reported by the beachside businesses from Melbourne Beach to the Cape. Gross Gross Gross! Be done!

Arts and Crafts time!

This week-end there will be an Arts & Crafts Fair in Cocoa Village. Time to support local, support those trying to makes ends meet in a not-so-art-friendly economy, and get shopping!

Jazzy Astronaut

Winston Scott, USN-Retired, former NASA astronaut, and currently Dean of the College of Aeronautics at FIT, will show off his trumpeting 'chops' Friday night at the Brevard Art Museum on Highland Avenue. Mr. Scott will be joined by some friends as they perform some jazz favorites. Mr Scott is a very friendly guy and actually has a music degree! 5:30 - 7:30p.m. Enjoy!

Hook Kids On Fishing

The Hook Kids on Fishing program is coming to Kiwanis Island Park, Merritt Island, Saturday, May 21, 2011, from 9-11am (kids and parents should show up by 8:45 am). Kiwanis Island Park is located on Sykes Creek immediately north of State Road 520 (GPS: 951 Kiwanis Island Park Road, Merritt Island).

Kids 6 to16 are welcome along with their parents. The first 100 registered kids may get a free rod, reel and tackle box. There will be learning centers on casting, fishing techniques, habitat restoration, conservation, fishing safety, knot tying, catch and release tactics. The kids will also get to fish with professional guides and knowledgeable anglers.

The event is part of Waterfest - which runs until 2:00 pm. After fishing, participants can enjoy all of the rest of the fun including boat rides, kayak tours, food, workshops, and more. Go to natres.brevardcounty.us for more information. 

Pre-registration is required and limited to the first 100 registrants. Please contact Matt Culver or Jeanette Scott at the Brevard County Natural Resources Management Office, (321) 633-2016, to register. School will soon be out and fishing is a great summertime activity for kids. Teach them how to fish correctly & safely!

Florida???????

 Wonder what's in the bags they are carrying?

 As the bags are filled, they are being carried away. No section of the beach remains untouched. Men, women and children all help.

 No sooner has the female turtle laid the eggs then someone comes along and digs them up.

Horrified? Me, too!!! But it's not Florida - these photos were taken in Costa Rica.And we wonder why sea turtles are becoming extinct?????????

Enough, already

Is it me, or is this one of the worst years for love bugs? I hear people telling horror stories about bugs getting in the house, up their noses, and forget having an uncovered drink outside...what's up this year? Each night there are piles lying on my porch to the extent that I have a broom sitting out there. After I've swept a path to the front door, I carefully navigate my way up there. Then open the door and jump through, hoping against all odds, that no love bugs followed me in. No such luck. UGH!!!!

When people don't speak up

Well, the good news is - the bill didn't pass! If Obama had his way, there would be drilling for oil off the coast of central Florida - as in the Space Coast. But he will try again. With current gas prices rising by the hour, the topic will come up again and again. Especially when elections are coming up. Wondering how many residents actually know what they almost lost...

Seriously disappointed in my fellow Space Coast residents. Not shocked, however. I walk miles of beach weekly and, no matter the season, I am often the only one there. I do not frequent isolated beaches - second light and hangars are popular surfing spots. But, no waves, few people. To pull out onto A1A, a four-lane coastal highway - no problem. In contrast, ride inland and count the cars you see. Ga-zillions! They want gas prices that are affordable. They complain loudly. Beach-lovers seem to say nothing. Sigh.....read on.....

[Sources: The Huffington Post and the New York Times - May 15, 2011]
Reversing a ban on oil drilling off most U.S. shores, President Barack Obama ... announced an expansive new policy that could put oil and natural gas platforms in waters along the southern Atlantic coastline, the eastern Gulf of Mexico and part of Alaska. The plan modifies a ban that for more than 20 years has limited drilling along coastal areas other than the Gulf of Mexico. It would allow new oil drilling off Virginia's shoreline and considers it for a large chunk of the Atlantic seaboard. At the same time, he wants to reject some new drilling sites that had been planned in Alaska.

The move, a reversal of Obama's early campaign promise to retain a ban on offshore exploration, appeared aimed at winning support from Republicans in Congress for new laws to tackle global warming. Under the proposals, a vast swath of Atlantic coast from northern Delaware to central Florida, including about 167m acres of ocean, would be open to drilling.

Space Coast residents are fearful of a future without space shuttles. But that fear has been present before, however, following the end of the Apollo program and after the Challenger explosion. Tough times, but in an "up" economy, we persevered. What residents should fear is the loss of their coastline - the tourist draw. The very thing that they have ignored. All the gasoline in the world won't help the Space Coast if no-one wants to drive here.

Beach Blast

Beach Blast 17 will take place this week-end, May 13-15,  in Cocoa Beach. New for 2011 is the expansion to 280 spots, up from the 200 it has always been. The event sold out in less than a month which shows what a quality event it really is. The show is open to all makes, models & years.

The Beach Blast will once again be held in the same location that it has its inception, the International Palms Resort & Conference Center (formerly the Holiday Inn Cocoa Beach Resort), located on 1300 N. Atlantic Ave. (A1A) just 2 miles south of Ron Jon Surf Shop. There will be activities for the kids, and of course the beach - so guys, bring everyone. While they build sand castles, you can walk around and drool over the amazing vehicles on display.

Home & Garden Show

This Saturday, May 14-15, at the Melbourne Auditorium on Hibiscus Blvd., from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - the 4th annual Spring Home & Garden Show.  THE place to get all you need to know about everything from plant fungus to hurricane shutters!

Brevard Zoo Overnighter!

This Saturday, May 14, Brevard Zoo will host an Overnight Adventure for children ages 7-12. Times are from 6 p.m. - 9 a.m. and the cost is $35-$40 (Membership really helps!). Kids need only to bring sleeping bag and pillow, flashlight, non-aerosol insect repellent, and a change of clothes. Register HERE or call the zoo at 321-254-9453 Ext 219.

Family Fest in Melbourne Beach

Brevard County Parks and Recreation South Area will host Family Fest and Garage Sale at Melbourne Beach Community Center on Saturday, May 14 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The center is located at 500 Old Florida Trail in Melbourne Beach. Admission to Family Fest is free. The whole family can enjoy a free traveling skate park, music demonstrations, food and face painting. Trackless train rides will be available for $2.00. There will also be a community garage sale on site. Garage sale tables are $15.90 and pre-registration is required. All programs are supervised by Brevard County Parks and Recreation staff. For more information or to pre-register, please call South Beach Community Center at 321-952-3210.

Bicycle safety for kids

School will soon be out and kids will be hitting the streets with their bikes. Make sure your child is ready by attending the annual Satellite Beach Police Department Safety Day.10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Sat.,  May 14, 2011, kids ages: 5-10 are welcome. The SB Police Dept will help kids run through a bike safety course, get fingerprinted, learn correct fitting of helmets and Stranger Danger. Bring your own bike and helmet if you  want! Satellite Beach residents can register their bikes too. Lunch and snacks will be available for purchase from the PAL organization. The program is free, but you need to pre-register with Lori at the SB Police Dept., 773-4400 ext. 145. Parents must stay with their child. Address: DRS Community Center.1089 S Patrick Dr Satellite Beach Phone contact: 773-6458.

Waterfest !3rd Annual Space Coast Boating & Waterfest 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM May 07, 2011 The Palm Bay Utilities Department hosts WaterFest, a community-wide, family-oriented event each year to show appreciation for its customers and the City. This outreach event not only provides fun water recreational activities for children and their families, it also provides educational information to the citizens of the City of Palm Bay about water conservation, safety and quality. Residents from across the City have the opportunity to enjoy live entertainment, great food, educational booths, and exciting water rides and games. This year’s WaterFest will take place on Saturday, May 7th at Goode Park, 1300 Bianca Drive NE in Palm Bay.

On Saturday, May 7, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., the Palm Bay Utilities Department will host WaterFest, a community-wide, family-oriented event to show appreciation for its customers and the City. This event won't just provide fun water recreational activities for children and their families, it will also provide educational information to the citizens of the City of Palm Bay about water conservation, safety and quality. Residents from across the City will have the opportunity to enjoy live entertainment, great food, educational booths, and exciting water rides and games. Join the fun at Goode Park, 1300 Bianca Drive NE in Palm Bay.

First Friday Art Walk

On Friday, May 6, 2011, the Eau Gallie Arts District will hold its monthly First Friday Art Walk. All studios, galleries, museums, shops and restaurants in the Eau Gallie Arts District will remain open late for free viewing, demonstrations, refreshments and live music. Other First Friday Art Walk activities taking place in the Eau Gallie Arts District include: Brevard Art Museum will remain open FREE to the public, Brevard Symphony Orchestra will be on the lawn at the Symphony House to meet and greet Art Walk patrons, a band will perform in the Eau Gallie Square band shell and local artists will set up and sell their art in Eau Gallie Square from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Mom's Day !!

This year for Mom's Day, grab the camera and head to Mother's Day Brunch at the Brevard Zoo!
This Mother’s Day, let Brevard Zoo do the cooking while your family shares an adventure on Sunday, May 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy a delicious brunch while overlooking the Africa savanna where the giraffe and the antelope play! Event festivities include: animal encounters upon arrival, a tasty brunch, mimosas for adults, crafts for the children, and a chance to win prizes in a special Mother’s Day trivia game. Cost includes Zoo admission. Seating is limited, and you must register and pay in advance.The cost is $27 per child (ages 6 to 12) and $37 per adult. Members receive a $7 discount per ticket. Children under the age of 6 are free. Please call 321.254.9453 x 235 or e-mail sadkins@brevardzoo.org. If Brunch is sold out, go anyway! Mom gets in FREE on Mother's Day!!
Detail LINK.
Location:  Brevard Zoo, 8225 North Wickham Road, Melbourne, FL 32940

Mingle with Astronauts !!

2011 U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction Gala - All Day Event  May 06, 2011
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) is rolling out the red carpet for space-age celebrities during its 2011 U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame (AHOF) Induction Gala, and the public is invited! The festivities begin Friday, May 6, 2011 with the Hall of Fame Induction Gala, benefiting ASF. Held at the Kennedy Space  Center Visitor Complex (KSCVC) Apollo/Saturn V Center, this black tie affair will leave guests star-struck as they mix and mingle with over 30 astronauts and space celebrities beneath a beautifully restored Saturn V rocket! Guests will join astronauts from Project Mercury through the Space Shuttle program in raising a glass to the 10th group of Space Shuttle astronauts to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. The Gala ticket also includes entry into KSCVC’s official induction ceremony for the Class of 2011 into the Astronaut Hall of Fame, the following day, May 7. Taking place in the heart of the Visitor Complex, this momentous occasion will be attended by dozens of astronauts and space icons there to take part in the ceremony. Cost: VIP Ticket $550 (limited availability), Individual Ticket $250 Call (321) 455-7014 for tickets and info. Tickets are limited and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

Kids and trucks

On Saturday morning, children of all ages will be able to explore a variety of large trucks &  heavy equipment up close at Wickham Park. They will be able to explore fire engines, a police car, Hazmat Truck, an oil truck, dump trucks, a backhoe, mowers, tractors, a tow truck, a Mobile Library, a street sweeper, a bus, a concrete mixer,a garbage truck, and more! Meet the Chick-fil-A Cow and Check out the “PitArea” of interactive inflatable fun. Track Pass to “Pit Area” - $3 per child Trackless Train Rides - $2 per ride Child Fingerprinting, Photo Opportunities, Live Animals, Food & Beverage Sales Sponsored by Brevard County Parks & Recreation, South Area Phone: (321) 255-4400
Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location:  Wickham Park Main Pavilion
DON'T FORGET THE CAMERA !!!!!!!!!

World of Beer rocks Cinco de Mayo

WOB is located in Avenue of Viera and has some great promotions. Check them out!

Pineapple Surf Contest

The 28th Annual Pineapple Surf Contest will be Saturday, May 7th, at Ocean Park, Melbourne Beach. Part of the Town's Founders Day celebration, this historic event will start at 8:00 a.m.  Surf Gallery's Patrick and Micah Madden designed the trophies this year and will be given out to the top three in 12 different divisions.  Come on down and enjoy a day of festivities. The bands for the night's street party will start with DanWilborn and the Westshore All Stars and then the Billy Chapman Band will be rocking the night! Also, Founders Day T-shirts were designed by Damien Share. He did a fantastic drawing of a view of Ocean Park.

Take Mom to the zoo

Mother's Day is this coming Sunday. All Moms love animals. Ergo, make Mom happy and bring her to the zoo. Her admission is free and just think of the pictures you can get! There is still room at the Mother's Day Brunch, which is wonderful! Click here for info and menu! Anyone can take their Mom/wife/grandma to a restaurant - how very uncreative! Check out our amazing zoo instead !

Time to speak up

Please tell Congress to oppose new legislation that would fast track new offshore drilling in our ocean waters. House Bills 1229, 1230, and 1231 would accelerate the leasing process for offshore drilling and mandate new drilling in sensitive ocean areas off virtually every coast.  

Click here [http://action.surfrider.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=4027 ] to take action!

As the BP disaster in the Gulf of Mexico demonstrated, offshore drilling is an inherently risky activity that can devastate the health of our coastlines. Yet, instead of addressing the safety and environmental issues that the BP disaster exposed, HR 1229, 1230, and 1231 would actually weaken oversight of offshore drilling and expand drilling to new places that have not been drilled before, including the Atlantic, eastern Gulf, and much of the Pacific.

Our nation's coasts provide billions of dollars in economic revenue through recreation, tourism, and healthy seafood. The Space Coast is heavily dependent upon tourism. We must protect these benefits from the risks of offshore drilling. Another hit after the loss of the space program could be devastating for our area!!

 

Please make your voice heard and tell your Representative that you support protecting our coasts from expanded oil and gas development! Click here to see how.