Word On The Street: August ‘09

Article Category: Word on the Street

CITY

The City of Satellite Beach is proud to announce the Grand Opening of Hightower Beach Park at 10 a.m. on August 1st. Located at 815 Hwy. A1A, Hightower Beach Park is a 17-acre oceanfront park with a 650 foot-long raised handicapped accessible nature boardwalk over palmettos and other vegetation from the roadside sidewalks to the shoreline and features dramatic ocean views. The improvement project in the planning for several years includes restrooms, a picnic pavilion, two observation pavilions and 31 parking spaces in addition to the boardwalk. Check out the City website at www.satellitebeach.org for details concerning parking and alternate transportation, or call 773-3657 for more information.

The theme for downtown Melbourne’s August 14th Friday Family Fest is “Cure for the Summertime Blues,” with the Steve Thorpe Blues Orchestra serving as the featured band. From 6 to 10 p.m., visit over 50 art, craft, business and food vendors, as well as the Kid’s Zone and rock climbing wall throughout the evening. Also, August is when Melbourne celebrates “Football Rivalry Night” and the college football season with various alumni clubs setting up tables and promoting their teams and clubs. So far, the City has the Brevard County Gator Club, the Space Coast UCF Alumni Chapter, and the Brevard Seminole Club participating in the planned events. Other alumni groups can contact Laird Gann, of Melbourne Main Street, for more information by calling 724-1741. Check www.downtownmelbourne.com for more details.

The Melbourne Civic Theatre, Brevard’s oldest community theatre, presents Ken Ludwig’s hilarious comedy, “Moon Over Buffalo.” As the moon rises over the Erlanger Theatre in Buffalo, New York, in 1953, it doesn’t take long for mistaken identities, unrequited love, a bottle of whiskey poured into a pot of coffee, and a lot of slamming doors to cause havoc in the lives of second-rate actors George and Charlotte Hay. ”Moon Over Buffalo” runs through September 6th, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for Adults, $18 for seniors, military, and students, and may be reserved by calling the box office at 723-6935. For more information, visit www.mymct.com. The theatre is located in Le Gallerie Plaza, 817 E. Strawbridge Avenue in downtown Melbourne.

This August 4th, join the Cocoa Beach Police Department as they host the 3rd Annual “National Night Out,” a celebration of the Neighborhood Watch Program. The Department is sponsoring the event, which features free food and drinks, games, prizes, crime prevention tips and fingerprinting kits. Beginning at 5 p.m. behind City Hall in downtown Cocoa Beach, the free event will also feature kid’s games, a dunk tank, a bounce house and a bicycle rodeo. Bring your lawn chairs and children and mingle with your neighbors, police officers and firefighters as well as City officials. This year’s theme for the celebration is “I Dream of Jeannie,” and the young-at-heart are encouraged to dress as their favorite character from the show. All who come in costume will be recognized. For more information, visit www.cityofcocoabeach.com

Through the City of Cocoa Beach’s “News and Views” newsletter, we’ve learned from Commissioner Skip Williams  that beginning July 20th, the city, in conjunction with funding from the Space Coast Area Transit and Florida DOT, has been providing ADA-compliant connecting bus service on Minutemen Causeway from downtown to the Freedom 7 Senior Center, golf course, pool, tennis courts, skate park, ball fields and public schools. Monthly passes are available with discounted fares to seniors and students.

The Brevard Schools Foundation is conducting a Back To School Supply drive for students in need of attending Brevard Public Schools this month. Supplies are accepted at any time, though distribution will begin on August 1st. Donated supplies can be turned in at the Cocoa Beach Public Library check-out desk (550 N. Brevard Ave.; Cocoa Beach; 868-1103). There are a number of requested items — too numerous to mention here — so stop by the Cocoa Beach Library for a list, or contact the Brevard School Foundation (2700 Judge Fran Jameison Way; Viera) at 633-1000, ext. 756, or visit www.bsf.brevardschools.org to learn more.

Now that all 27 holes of the Cocoa Beach Golf Course are using temporary greens, their rates have been revised during the re-greening and recovery period. Golfing rates are now $25 for 18 holes before noon with cart and $20 for 18 holes after noon with cart. According to pro-golf manager Joe Tucker, the temps are certainly a challenge for golfers, but their newly planted papsalum greens are looking better each week. If all goes as planned, residents can hope to be playing on their greens sometime during the month of September. Contact the Pro Shop at 868-3351 for information.

The Surfside Players of Cocoa Beach will be holding open auditions for “Beyond Therapy,” by Christopher Durang, on Sunday and Monday, August 2nd and 3rd at 7 p.m. at the Playhouse. There are roles for four men and two women of various ages. Audition consists of cold readings from the script; no preparation required. The show will run from October 2-11.  Please visit www.surfsideplayers.com or call 783-3127 for more information. The Surfside Playhouse is located at 301 Ramp Rd., Cocoa Beach.

The Cocoa Beach Library “People in Print” program welcomes back best selling spy novelist Daniel Silva for a book talk and signing on Saturday, August 8 at 2 p.m. His new Gabriel Allon thriller, “The Defector,” will be on sale for $26.95. All of Daniel Silva’s books have been New York Times and national bestsellers. Over the course of a brilliant career, he has established himself as the “gold standard” of thriller writers, a master writer of espionage and intrigue, and the creator of some of the most exciting fiction since Ian Fleming put down his martini and invented James Bond. The Library is located at 550 N. Brevard Ave. in Cocoa Beach. For more information on other events, please call 868-1103, or visit www.cocoabeachpubliclibrary.org

BUSINESS

Join the organic food revolution with the good people of Café Surfinista (222 1st St. N. in downtown Cocoa Beach), where Julie (formerly of the Garden Cottage in Cocoa Village) is in the kitchen cooking up a new wave of phenomenal organic delicacies. You’ll find things like burritos, wraps, and sandwiches accompanied by chips and fresh house-made salsa, salads, a wide range of Sambazon smoothies (made with South American açaí berries), hearty, granola-based breakfast bowls, coffee drinks, fresh-baked goods like muffins and cakes, and a selection of organic beers and microbrews. Our favorites include their Pura Vida wrap (hummus, tomato, carrot, cucumbers, onions, spinach, green pepper, cabbage, mushroom and baby greens) and Da Bomb, a high-octane surf fuel sandwich comprised of peanut butter, banana, pineapple, brown sugar, cinnamon and crunchy granola. But check out their menu for yourself; everyone is sure to find a delicious obsession. Kids are catered to with an inventive and healthy-alternative menu in their beautifully-designed digs. Current hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from Noon to 5 p.m. Check with the Resident next month for new developments, or call 868-0203. Visit Café Surfinista at www.cafesurfinista.com to view their full menu.

Sue, Eddy and Ambra Raouda are back at Resident favorite the Pita Garden for a few weeks helping to hand it over for new owner Bobby Hallam, former owner of Cape Canaveral’s legendary Moon Hut. Amiable Bobby brings with him over 25 years of restaurant experience and the addition of some of his famous Greek specialties to their menu of popular, heart healthy Lebanese fare. Expect all your favorites like shwarma, felafel and hummus and baba ganoush platters along with newer items like gyros, spinach pies and more. Current hours are 11-9, Monday through Saturday, with plans to open Sundays for excellent breakfasts in the near future. Check back with the Resident for more details next month, and be sure to drop in and wish the Raoudas all the best on their well-earned retirement. The Pita Garden is located at 269 W. Cocoa Beach Cswy. (SR 520) in Cocoa Beach’s White Rose Shopping Plaza. Call 799-9933 for more information and to place orders ahead for pickup.

Jersey Girl Deli (3800 N. Atlantic Ave., Ste. 6 in Cocoa Beach) makes absolutely incredible sandwiches with an equally incredible attitude. Apart from offering 13 styles of cheese steaks (including 5 gourmet chicken varieties), they haev a strong selection of cold sandwiches, hot sandwiches (like the Carnegie Hall: hot pastrami with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on grilled Jewish rye), 5 kinds of hamburgers, hot dogs, 12 fabulous hoagies (including the Ben Franklin: sliced roasted turkey with mayo and cranberry sauce), 12 styles of green salad (plus four which can be ordered in a large tortilla bowl), desserts like frozen bananas, brownies and Philly water ice. Though hours are subject to change, Jersey Girl is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 to 7 p.m. and Fridays through Sundays from 11 to 9; closed Mondays. Call 613-2953 to call your order in ahead or for delivery within their large delivery zone. Catering service is also available. Check out their huge menu (which has to be seen to be believed) online at: www.jerseygirldeli.com.

Satellite Beach landmark Sun On The Beach (1753 Hwy. A1A; Satellite Beach) is now hosting live music and outdoor barbecue on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. at their beachside tiki bar. August 2nd sees a performance by Stormin’ Norman; August 16th: Good Time N’ Band; and August 23rd: WilCor. The 3rd Annual Balsa Bill and Ocean Natural Paddleboard Challenge takes place Saturday, August 8th behind the Sun On The Beach/Balsa Bill plaza with food provided by Sun On The Beach. First race: 9 a.m. water start. Activities include a sand castle building competition and a North vs. South tug-of-war. The all-ages event will donate all proceeds to the Surfrider Foundation, the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame and the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum. August 7th sees their pre-registration party at Balsa Bills Surf Shop from 6 to 8 p.m. with an Ocean Natural photography exhibit. For more details, visit www.balsabill.com, or call 799-8580. To view Sun On The Beach’s stellar menu, go to www.sotbfl.com). You can reach them by phone at 777-9483.

Stop into Cocoa Beach Health and Fitness to try out the Smoothie Shack, located at 1355 N. Atlantic Ave. in Cocoa Beach. They offer a huge and healthy array of fresh fruit smoothies, juices, wraps, salads, sandwiches, fresh juices, shakes and coffee drinks. They also sell a variety of energy and fitness products. Ask about their popular wheat grass shots. They’re located inside the gym and are open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 613-2629 for more information.

Welcome the new owners of the Angler’s Inn (formerly the Cottage Pub) at 366 N. Orlando Ave. in Cocoa Beach. Don and Bill’s smoking-friendy bar is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and features an eclectic collection of microbrews and craft and specialty beers. Taps include Arrogant Bastard, Dead Guy Rogue, Sierra Nevada, Blanche de Bruxelles, Guinness, Stoudt’s American Pale Ale, Peroni and Harpoon IPA. Angler’s also provides a wide range of of all your favorite domestic bottles and some specialty brews like cans of Oskar Blues Brewery’s Mama’s Little Yellow Pils. Regulars can request special labels if they’re not in stock. Happy Hour is celebrated Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 with $2.25 domestics. Ask about recurring craft beer specials. Monday is darts night and 2-4-1 Ladies Nights are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 to 11 p.m. For more information, call 799-9180.

Indian River Outfitters, (formerly Extreme Sports Kayaking) is now bigger and better to serve Brevard’s kayakers. Come in and see their new 2,000 sq. ft. store, packed with new items for fall. Let their educated staff put you in the kayak that’s right for you. They now offer Patagonia clothing and accessories and also carry the full line of Malone Auto Racks. If you want to try stand-up paddleboarding, you’ll want to try the new Ocean Kayak Nalu — a sit-on-top kayak that you can stand up and paddle. Great for the ocean or the river. We also carry the new Ocean Kayak Torque which takes your kayak fishing to a new level. It comes with a removable Minn Kota trolling motor and many outstanding comfort features. Need a lesson or two to help you paddle more effeciently? Looking for a specialty tour? Call the store and speak to one of their associates. Indian River Outfitters is located at 294 E. Eau Gallie Blvd., between A1A and the causeway. Call 779-4228 for more information.

The Firehouse Restaurant and Lounge, located at 923 E. New Haven Ave. in downtown Melbourne, and run by two volunteer firefighter brothers, offers hand-cut steaks and generous dishes, including a 56-oz. porterhouse. Decorated like an antique firehouse, the popular eatery is open daily for lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and for dinner Sunday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Their spacious bar is open daily from 11 a.m. to close. For more information or to place reservations, call 327-7919.

EVENTS

Beachside resident and visionary artist Rick Piper is hosting a premiere showing of new art on Monday evening, August 3, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Pizza Gallery and Grill in The Avenue, Viera. He’ll be premiering over 20 new original paintings and pieces of art. Called “A Midsummer Night Celebration,” this is the first time Pizza Gallery has hosted a showing of Rick’s art, and they’ll be changing gears for the evening by featuring a $10 food sampling bar, a wine tasting/full bar, live music on the patio, and wonderful large gallery walls filled with Piper’s new inspirations. Rick’s art will be featured there throughout the month of August.

The Kelly Slater Sculpture Project and the Central Florida Animal Reserve are teaming up to host a Casino Night Fundraiser on August 29 at the Cocoa Beach Country Club. Activities include blackjack, Texas Hold ‘Em, craps, roulette, video horse racing, a silent auction, and a raffle. Tickets are $50 in advance and $100 at the door. The ticket includes entry, a buffet style meal, and $500 worth of “funny money” that may be traded for raffle tickets at the end of the evening. To order tickets, visit the events page at www.thekellyslaterproject.com. You can also email your request to tdrazich@hotmail.com. If you order your tickets before August 1st, you’ll receive a free raffle ticket at the door. They’re also currently seeking businesses that are interested in sponsoring a gaming table ($250). If your business decides to sponsor a table, they’ll display an electronic banner, a placard on the gaming table advertising you as a sponsor, a link to their website, two free tickets to the event, and an announcement by the emcee. If you decide to sponsor two tables ($500), they’ll include an engraving of your business name as a Bronze Sponsor on the final Kelly Slater monument. This bronze statue is to be installed at 4th St. N and A1A in Cocoa Beach. The other organizer of the event, Central Florida Animal Reserve, is dedicated to the preservation of the “great” cats. The facility houses over fifty lions, tigers, and cougars. Half of the proceeds of this event will benefit this worthy non-profit organization as well. Find out more at: www.thekellyslaterproject.com. See this issuees “Twenty Question” feature with the Kelly Slater Project’s sculptor, Tasha Drazich.

Local favorite Ron Pirtle will perform at the Brevard Art Museum on Friday, August 7th at 5:30 p.m. Ron Pirtle, jazz bass player and long-time performer on the Space Coast, will entertain in the Brevard Art Museum galleries. The Museum’s Jazz Fridays are held the first Friday of each month. Admission is $10 and Museum members are free. Jazz Fridays are sponsored in part by WFIT and AT&T Real Yellow Pages, and include both raffle and door prizes. The Brevard Art Museum is also offering second and third helpings of the wildly popular exhibition “Take Out.” The exhibition has been so well-received that the Brevard Art Museum is extending the show through August 30th. Visitors have returned two and three times to marvel at the artists’ interpretation of the take-out containers. Using a restaurant take-out container as a jumping off point, artists were invited to create artwork with few limitations. This national exhibition allowed artists of all levels to participate. Also on display at the Museum: “From Gutter to Gallery: Graffiti Gets In,” guest curated by Cynic, features artists and writers Sone 2, Slow, Typoe, Enve, This, Deps, Books, and photographers John Sluder, Casey Decotis, and James and Karla Murray. The Museum is located at 1463 Highland Ave. in the Eau Gallie District of Melbourne. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m., and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission: adults $5; seniors $3; children and students with I.D. $2. Free for Museum members. Special rates and tours are available for groups of 8 or more, and can be scheduled by calling Tina at least two weeks in advance. Call 242-0737 for more details.

It’s time for the Fifth Avenue Art Gallery’s annual August Madness auction and sale. Members are going crazy cleaning their studios to offer up a treasure trove of original works (framed and unframed), art supplies, and used art books specifically priced to find new homes. The auction starts August 1st and runs through the 29th. Join them at the opening reception on August 7th from 5:30 p.m to 8 p.m. Visit them, see the goodies and enjoy light refreshments with wine. The reception is free and open to the public. Afterwards, continue your stroll down the street to enjoy dinner and other shops and galleries as well as the museum in downtown Eau Gallie. During August Madness, the gallery features a member giving free demonstrations each Saturday morning at 10 a.m. Come see the methods behind the work and chat with highly respected artists. August 8th: Renee Decator “Texture & Color”; August 15th: Nancy Crawford ”Transparent Watercolor”; August 22nd: Mark Mittleman ”Photography”; August 29th: Judy Edwards “Encaustic Painting.” The gallery is located in the historic Olde Eau Gallie Riverfront area of Melbourne, across the street from the Brevard Museum of Art. Gallery telephone number is 259-8261. Visit them online: www.fifthavenueartgallery.com

You’ll think you’re in the islands when Art Gallery of Viera features “Tropical Daze,” a tropical wonderland on Friday, August 21st from 5 to 9 p.m. Savor the flavors and the sounds of the islands while perusing the best in tropical art. The event features the art of Angelie Villacampa, the Viera High School graduate who won the Central Brevard Art Association’s Scholarship award. Enjoy the steel drums of Frankie Lutz, cultural dancing by Sanlahi Filipino dance group, see an actual hammer and chisel demonstration by tiki carving wonder Ed Volonnino of Ed’s Heads tiki, the amazing driftwood carvings of Chuck Masek, the shell art stylings of Carol Smith and more. Artists will have hand-painted coconuts and palm fronds for sale, with the proceeds going to Devereux Florida located in Viera. Art Gallery of Viera is a full service gallery and art educational center. Classes are being added all the time, so check their website — artgalleryofviera.com — for continual updates. They’re located inside the Home Center in the Village, on the corner of Viera Blvd. and Murrell Rd. in Viera. Call 890-1415 for more information.

Here’s a list of free scheduled events at the Barrier Island Center in Melbourne Beach: Saturday, August 8th: “Lookout for Land Crabs!”; 1 p.m. Create a crazy crab in recognition of the giant land crab’s spawning migration, from their burrows in the intertidal lagoon across the barrier island, to the ocean to release their eggs. Saturday, August 8th: “Miracles from the Mangroves: Great Land Crabs, Mangrove Rivulus and Mosquitoes”; 2 p.m. Join D. Scott Taylor, Central Region Land Manager for the Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands Program and world renowned expert on the bizarre mangrove rivulus, and see what all the buzz is about. Learn about the fascinating great land crab spawning migration, the secretive fish that share their burrows, and the intrinsic value of those menacing mosquitoes of the mangrove swamps. Saturday, August 15th: Beach Clean-Up; 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Help keep our beaches and ocean clean for the nesting and hatching sea turtles as well as spawning great land crabs. Wednesday, August 19: Oyster Mat Making; 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Help the Nature Conservancy with their community project to restore oyster reefs in the Mosquito Lagoon of North Brevard County. The Barrier Island Center is located at 8385 S. Hwy. A1A in Melbourne Beach. For more information on events and programs, call 723-3556, or visit www.barrierislandcenter.com

Don’t miss the Titusville Coin Show on August 8th sponsored by the Titusville Coin Club, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Searstown Mall, 3550 S. Washington Ave. in Titusville. Dealers will be present to appraise or purchase coins, paper money, gold, jewelry and exonomia. Contact: Kevin Seymour at (386) 427-8927 for more information.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

A friendly reminder that turtle hatching season is upon us. To prevent turtle hatchling disorientation, all indoor and exterior lights that are visible from the beach should be shielded, repositioned, or turned off after 9:00 p.m. during sea turtle season. Because adult nesting females can also be disoriented by improper lighting, lighting ordinances apply through October 31.

North Star, the child grief support program at Hospice of St. Francis, needs caring adult volunteers to help. Volunteers play a major role in providing their services and are looking for men and women who are energetic, compassionate and patient. Volunteers must be willing to commit to the required screening and training. The North Star children’s groups are designed for children ages 3 to 18 and meet in the evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Volunteers are asked to commit to eight hours per month. No previous experience is required. Training is free of charge. Classes will be held on August 4, 11 and 18 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Classes will meet once a week for six weeks at Hospice of St. Francis, 1250-B Grumman Place in Titusville. To register for the North Star Volunteer Training, please contact Brooke Davis, North Star Coordinator, at 321) 264-1687.