Coastal Connection with Terri Wright

Florida Wildlife Hospital hosts 5K and Hoot in the Park. Tracey Frampton, Executive Director of the Hospital talks about the events and gives information on how you can help storm stranded babies.

August 1st, 2024 at 6:30pm Hybrid Meeting – Zoom and LiveUnitarian Universalist Friendship Fellowship Center3115 Friendship Place, Rockledge, Florida Zoom Weblink:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84175950107OR call in on your phone, enter the phone number, and then follow the prompts to enter the meeting IDMeeting ID: 841 7595 0107Phone: +1 929 205 6099Watch on YOUTUBE after the event:https://www.youtube.com/@SCPABrevard The “Hobnob with the Candidates” event is a non-partisan program jointly hosted by the League of Women Voters, the Central Brevard Branch of the NAACP, and The Space Coast Progressive Alliance.This is an opportunity for candidates running for office in 2024 from various races across Brevard County and the Space Coast. Candidates will briefly share the stage and introduce themselves, connecting directly with the public in a neutral, positive setting. More info at scpaflorida.com

SBB is a local beekeeping club that meets monthly and focuses on educating and helping people get started. We have start-up kits, tools, accessories, and materials to build hives. Our monthly meetings held on the SECOND TUESDAY of each month at Christian Development Center (343 Nail St. Palm Bay, FL 32904) will primarily provide hands-on education and information specifically pertinent to the Southern Coast area. Subject matter will be relevant to the current season and weather, any insect threats, and seasonal behaviors of the bees. 6:30-7:00 is a presentation for New-Bees and 7:00-8:00 is for education and conversation. Our mission is based on "Paying it Forward". We will help and assist every member with startup (including a "split" or captured swarm or hive), understanding that the same will be given in return to future members. EDUCATION●POLLINATION●REPOPULATION

Brevard Schools Foundation fills educational funding and opportunity gaps at all of our 85 public schools for 75,000 students and 5,000 teachers by supporting innovation, engaging communities, and changing lives. Brevard Public Schools will serve our community and enhance students’ lives by delivering the highest quality education in a culture of dedication, collaboration, and learning. Brevard Schools Foundation supports students and teachers and enhances educational opportunities through citizen and corporate support. Brevard Schools Foundation fills educational funding and opportunity gaps. Funds come from private contributions, corporate support, public matching funds, fundraising, and endowments.

For the last 100 years, all students have been taught subjects such as math, reading, science, etc. Still, almost 50% of elementary schools don't mandate nutrition education, a vital factor to their overall health, as these habits kids develop at a young age are likely to follow in the future. Nutrients Without Limits is an organization dedicated to teaching children about nutrition and healthy eating, especially at Title-1 schools. Nutrients Without Limits is a passionate and forward-thinking organization committed to championing nutrition literacy among school students. Our mission is to empower the youth with the understanding and capabilities to make informed, healthy dietary choices and lay the groundwork for a lifelong wellness journey. At Nutrients Without Limits, we firmly believe that knowledge is the cornerstone of nutritional empowerment. We engage with schools across all levels, from elementary to high school, conducting interactive and captivating workshops on nutrition. Our team comprises seasoned nutritionists and educators who spearhead these workshops, ensuring that students gain practical insights into understanding balanced diets, the importance of various nutrients, meal planning, and cultivating healthy eating habits. Recognizing the diverse needs across age groups, our curriculum is meticulously tailored to address the specific nutritional needs of each grade level. For younger students, we focus on the basics of nutrition, food groups, and healthy choices. In comparison, for older students, we delve deeper into macronutrients, mindful eating, and the impact of nutrition on mental health. Our approach transcends theoretical knowledge. We connect nutritional concepts to real-life scenarios, making them relatable and understandable for students. Through hands-on activities and engaging demonstrations, we equip them with the skills to make informed dietary decisions as they progress through different life stages. Complementing our in-person workshops, we offer a treasure trove of online resources, including articles, videos, and interactive tools, enabling students and educators to continue their nutritional education journey beyond the classroom. Nutrients Without Limits also organizes contests and challenges, fostering practical application of acquired knowledge, instilling confidence, and celebrating their dietary endeavors. Community engagement forms the bedrock of our mission. We actively collaborate with parents, educators, and school administrations to reinforce the significance of nutrition education. We provide resources for parents to further discussions at home and encourage schools to integrate nutrition literacy into their curriculum. Beyond the school confines, Nutrients Without Limits advocates for enhanced nutrition education both locally and nationally. We collaborate with policymakers, educational institutions, and allied organizations to advocate for including nutrition literacy in school curricula. Partnering with Nutrients Without Limits allows schools and communities to ensure their students have the knowledge and skills to make wholesome dietary choices, steering them toward lifelong well-being. Our commitment to promoting nutrition literacy is an investment in fostering a healthy, informed, and empowered generation. https://www.nutrientswithoutlimits.com/ Nutrients Without Limits is a community-based organization in Brevard County aiming to provide nutritional educational resources to children, especially at Title-1 schools.  For any questions, send an email to [email protected]

February 12 – April 14| During Zoo Hours BREAKING NEWS: Sasquatch spotted monkeying around Brevard Zoo! Word is that the creature with the big feet has been camping out in Wild Florida. The Zoo has inspired Bigfoot to sustain and protect the places that creatures like himself call home. Enjoy fun educational activities and shop the rustic retail space. Whether you’re a skeptic or a true believer, join the fun and chase the legend at the heart of cryptozoology! You may see Bigfoot, but you may not. Let the fun begin! Special Bigfoot Activities • Stranger than Fiction Chat: Attend our Saturday sessions at 10:00 a.m. in the Lands of Change theater to explore the significance of research in discovering cryptids. Free with Zoo admission. • Bigfoot Biologist Field Test: Bigfoot needs your help searching for cryptids! Become an entrusted conservationist as you reunite Bigfoot with friends. Begin your field test at the Front Plaza!  $5 for 5 participants with 1 Jr. Cryptozoologist patch, $3 per additional patch. Open daily from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.; additional times may vary. • Breakfast with Bigfoot: Guests’ outdoor survival skills will be tested as they search for Bigfoot with a family-style obstacle course. Course activities include tracking, scat identification, knot tying, and more. 

Give of Your Time It may be the most valuable gift. Calling All Empathetic Warriors! The Women’s Center could not develop and offer its services without the invaluable assistance of its volunteers. We have ongoing volunteer opportunities depending on your interests, skills, and availability. We provide TRAINING FOR ALL VOLUNTEER POSITIONS and work around your schedule. Consider volunteering as a/an... • Sexual Assault Victim (SAVS) Advocate • Domestic Violence Victim Advocate • Administrative/Front Desk Receptionist We have all types of volunteer positions, from direct client interaction to behind-the-scenes work. • Data Entry • Thrift Store • Housekeeping • Outreach & Education • Facilities Maintenance, Repair & Upgrade • Group Volunteer Opportunities  VOLUNTEER NOW

MCT is organized to promote community interest in the performing arts, provide opportunities in all production and theatre management phases, educate in all areas of production and theatre management, and provide quality cultural entertainment to the community it serves. We are Brevard County’s ‘longest running’ arts organization, an intimate 93-seat Community Theatre in the heart of Historic Downtown Melbourne. Melbourne Civic Theatre began life as the Indian River Players in 1951. Indian River Players staged three seasons in the municipal auditorium at Trailer Haven, starting with its first play – Big Hearted Herbert – in February of 1952. Renovation of a partially burned Navy Mess Hall resulted in the theatre that would be IRP’s home for over 23 years. IRP was incorporated as a Florida Not For Profit Company in 1965. In 1988, Indian River Players joined the effort to renovate the Henegar Center in downtown Melbourne and changed its name to Melbourne Civic Theatre to better identify the community we serve. When the Henegar Center for the Performing Arts opened in 1991, we were the resident theatre group. Then, a 1999 move took us to the Metro West Shopping Center in West Melbourne, where we renovated the former Meadowland Library into a theater. Since 2006, MCT has made its home in the intimate space at La Galerie Arcade in Downtown Melbourne. This 93-seat theater opened as The Ensemble Theatre of Florida in 1986 and was later occupied by The Phoenix Theatre. Our award-winning theater was named Winner of the Florida Theatre Conference in 1980 with The Dumb Waiter and again in 1990 with Painting Churches, for which IRP mainstay Gillian Wilson also won Best Actress. Over six decades of entertaining and educating theatergoers, MCT has had its ebbs and flows, changes, moves, and challenges like any volunteer organization. Faces may change, but the passion for theatrical excellence remains. As part of the flourishing Historic Downtown Melbourne, Melbourne Civic Theatre continues to enrich the quality of life in Brevard County. Melbourne Civic Theatre Team PEG GIRARD - MANAGING/ ARTISTIC DIRECTOR TORI SMITHHOUSE - MANAGER ALAN SELBY - TECHNICAL DIRECTOR WENDY READER - SOUND DESIGN MCT Board of Directors Frank Wolking - President Barbara Milford - Vice President Pamela Hein - Treasurer/ Secretary Darcia Jones-Francey - Board Member More info: mymct.org

Recognized as one of the most biologically diverse estuaries in the world, with a warm-temperate climate to the north and a subtropical climate to the south, the IRL is influenced by both, contributing to the spectacular biodiversity found within the Lagoon. Several distinct habitats serve as home to the plants and animals of the IRL. Seagrass meadows, mangrove forests, and salt marshes are essential for a healthy Lagoon. The Indian River Lagoon stretches 156 miles from Ponce De Leon Inlet in New Smyrna Beach in the north to Jupiter Inlet near West Palm Beach to the south. The Indian River Lagoon system includes Mosquito Lagoon, Banana River Lagoon, and Indian River. This unique and diverse system connects Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie, and Martin counties. A large portion of the IRL system, 71% of its area, and nearly half its length is within Brevard County. More info: helpthelagoon.org

The Point-in-Time (PIT) count counts sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons on a single night in January. HUD requires Continuums of Care to conduct an annual count of homeless persons sheltered in emergency shelters and transitional housing on a single night. Continuums of Care also must conduct a count of unsheltered homeless persons every other year (odd-numbered years).  PIT data can provide insight into a community’s homeless population and service gaps. It provides a “snapshot” of homelessness on a single night in our community. The HUD PITC Reports for prior years can be found on the HUD exchange by clicking here.

BIRLC's Mission - To advocate for the healing of the Indian River Lagoon with an independent, unifying voice connecting our community partners. Helping the Lagoon starts with understanding what harms it and how to make a difference in your life. The www.helpthelagoon.org website seeks to help every individual find a way to help the Lagoon—something doable, someplace to begin.

For over 47 years as a local non-profit organization in the Brevard County community, the Women's Center has been on a focused mission to help women, men & children who have faced trauma related to domestic violence & sexual assault. Their mission is made possible through the support, kindness, and continued charitable donations from others. Serving thousands of people annually, the Women's Center can be the first and last step in helping people transition from victims to survivors. Trauma-informed, wraparound programs provide victims with the hope, tools & resources needed to build a healthy & prosperous future for themselves & their families.

OUR MISSION: Our mission is to bring medical professionals, educators, community organizations, and parents together to identify the needs of families and individuals dealing with Autism in Brevard County. Our membership includes representatives from Pediatrics in Brevard, the Brevard County School System, The Scott Center for Autism, UCF - C.A.R.D., Space Coast Early Intervention Center, Family Liaison Project, Angels Bridging Gaps, SOAK, and Child and Family Consultants. Brevard Autism Coalition provides free educational seminars, workshops, and events. All funds raised by the Brevard Autism Coalition benefit families in Brevard County. Brevard Autism Coalition wants to thank you for your generous support of our events and your support of our endeavor to bring together the resources of our Brevard community to address the needs of families and individuals with Autism in Brevard County. 5K Race Saturday, February 24, 2024. More info: https://brevardautismcoalition.com/our-upcoming-events

The Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit, nonpartisan organization seeking and facilitating education and collaboration--bringing together organizations, businesses, and individuals who share the goal of supporting the restoration of the Lagoon.  What we do Foster awareness, education and actions in support of returning our Lagoon to health through science-based efforts designed to address the complex problems affecting the Lagoon Collaborate and support the community of citizens, boaters, tourism, anglers, businesses, and non-profit organizations to advocate for the lagoon effectively Support, monitor and suggest changes to the Save Our Lagoon Citizens Oversight Committee that provides oversight and input to county government regarding the Save Our Lagoon Project Plan Regularly report the progress of Brevard County’s Save Our Lagoon Project Plan to the community Educate politicians and officials on the importance of adequate funding and support to clean up our waterways Support state and federal funding assistance for Florida’s cities and counties working to clean waterways throughout Florida.    MISSION: The Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition is a leading, independent, unifying voice connecting community partners to restore the Indian River Lagoon. VISION: Our vision is an Indian River Lagoon of clear waters, alive with lush seagrass beds, thriving fish, birds, manatees, and dolphins – a healthy place where our families can play.

Did you know the average American produces 4.4 pounds of trash per day? All that waste ends up in a landfill. Replacing disposables at events with reusable ware reduces trash. Sustainable Settings is an initiative by WOW women to encourage community members to borrow packs of reusable tableware for their next event instead of using disposable plates, cups, and flatware. Each pack includes a serving set of 12. Questions? Please email [email protected]. How does Sustainable Settings work? 
1. Click here to request a pack.
 2. A refundable deposit of $50 is required for the first two packs and $25 for each additional pack.
3. Use the pack at your event, wash it, and return it. Here is a complete description of Sustainable Settings.
 What is included in the pack? 
Here are some additional low-impact tips.

Join us in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a world-class Aquarium and Conservation Center on Florida’s East Coast! Your participation can help bring to life the East Coast Zoological Society’s second campus. Sitting on 14 acres of shoreline at Port Canaveral, the Aquarium will capture the beauty and benefits of natural Florida while serving as a regional conservation hub emphasizing restoring the Indian River Lagoon and our coastal estuary. This space can be a new home for the vital conservation, education, and volunteer work that Brevard Zoo has been leading for years and provides the needed medical and research facilities for rehabilitating sea turtles and manatees. It will help educate and empower half a million people a year on how to preserve our natural resources and inspire the next generation to become environmental stewards. Click here to donate!

Florida Wildlife Hospital Hosts Hoot in the Park Subaru of Melbourne and One Sotheby’s International Realty Presents the 10th Annual Pet & Family friendly event benefitting Florida Wildlife Hospital Event includes: Live Animal Presentations Lots of Vendors Raffle Items Photos of your dog with Santa Lure Course for dogs (Saturday) 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Wickham Park 2500 Parkway Dr, Melbourne, FL 32935 For more info: [email protected]

Brevard Autism Coalition Presents Brevard Uncorked Friday, November 10th, an annual wine-tasting fundraiser to benefit individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders, their families, and support professionals. Silent Auction, light Hors D'oeuvres, wine and more. Our mission is to bring medical professionals, educators, community organizations, and parents together to identify the needs of families and individuals dealing with Autism in Brevard County. Our membership includes representatives from Pediatrics in Brevard, the Brevard County School System, The Scott Center for Autism, UCF - C.A.R.D., Space Coast Early Intervention Center, Family Liaison Project, Angels Bridging Gaps, SOAK, and Child and Family Consultants.

Native Rhythms Festival November 10 - 12, 2023, coming to you live from Wickham Park Melbourne, Florida. The Indian River Flute Circle and Native Heritage Gathering, Inc. proudly present the fifteenth annual gathering of the Native Rhythms Festival. This three-day festival during Native American Heritage Month honors the culture of the indigenous peoples of the Americas through music, especially the music of the Native American Flute. More information: nativerhythmsfestival.com INDEX OF 2023 WORKSHOPS Basic Introduction to the Native American Style Flute  (Indian River & Riverwind Flute Circles) Understanding Pow Wow Drumming  (Lowery Begay) Threads Through Time: Traditional Twining  (Joyce Bugaiski) Children's Workshop: Making a Corn Bead Necklace  (Joyce Bugaiski) Walking With Wisdom and Compassion  (Will Davis) What You Didn't Know About the Cherokee Trail of Tears  (John Ellis) Flute Workout: Flute Exercises, Patterns, and a Whole Lot of Flute Playing   (Timothy J.P. Gomez) Guided Meditation with Drumming  (Randy Granger) Fluting to Improve Your Health and Wellness  (Gareth Laffely) Finding Your Way: Clear Up Improv Chaos and Confusion  (Jonny Lipford) Unleash 'Da Blues' with Your Native Flute  (Jonny Lipford) She Talks to the Animals  (Shelley Morningsong & Susan Oliver) Rhythmic Connection: Drumming and Fluting Together  (Painted Raven) World War II Navajo Code Talkers  (John Pasko) Flutes in the World of Electronics  (Tom Ransom) The Art of Storytelling   (Dr. Frankie Rinaldi) Chasing Winddancer  (Ed Winddancer)

Calling all art history lovers! Learn the fascinating history of Florida’s landscape painters at 5:30 p.m. on November 14th at the Evans Library at Florida Institute of Technology. This event is free and open to anyone who would like to attend. RSVP When: November 14, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Where: Evans Library Digital Scholarship Lab The Evans Library celebrates community arts and culture and is happy to welcome the community to the Library for this exciting arts talk and presentation. Secure your spot! Send an email to [email protected] or call 321 752 5505

“Stop the Block Party” is a Halloween-themed day-long indoor/outdoor music festival featuring a variety of popular local bands. There will be speakers you won’t want to miss, food trucks, beverages, art, informational vendors, and activities for adults and children. Sunday, October 29, between 12 pm and 8 pm at the Eau Gallie Civic Center.
 Joining the efforts will be EC-LEARN (ec-learn.org). They are an esteemed local nonprofit that has consistently demonstrated its commitment to fostering growth, unity, and positive change within our community.
 This event will focus on critical topics that affect our community. These topics include voter participation, clean water advocacy, educational funding and censorship, preservation of arts programs through budget cuts, cost of living concerns, our 1st and 2nd Constitutional amendment rights, fascism, healthcare, bodily autonomy; and equality and human rights for ALL.
 As a non-partisan event fostering this environment of inclusivity and understanding, we believe we can contribute positively to the fabric of our community.
 If you are interested in being a vendor or sponsor or would like to donate a gift to our raffle, please get in touch with us by emailing [email protected] This is a free public event with security on site.
 Feel free to dress in costume for a chance to win a prize at the costume contest! Get ready for fantastic music, speakers, activities, vendors, decorations, and street theater!
 ARE YOU READY TO GET LOUD BREVARD?! 
BANDS:
 Day Tripper
, Smashing Pixies
, Mangrove
, Sike!
Honey Miller & the Galaxy Cats
, Speed Spirits, Sounds of Nebula
, and more!
 SPEAKERS:
 Anna Eskamani
, Shauna Rae
, Jaime and Dempsey Jara
, Addisyn Mayer
, David Weismann, David Kearns
, Josephine Griffith
, Kristi Von
, Vance Aherns
, Guerdy Remy
, Ronda Wallace, 
Lola Smyth
, Derek Gores
, and more!

Changing lives for the better, forever. Stephanie Husted, Executive Director, and Lori Sutherland, Director of Development of the Women's Center, speak about the services and mission of the Center. Their services include:Victim AdvocacySexual Assault Victim ServicesCounselingPrevention EducationEmergency Safe & Transitional Housing More information at womenscenter.net

Bettina S. Kuske is the author and creator of LOOVEBUGS. She emigrated from Schorndorf in Remstal, Germany to the USA in 1991. She brought with her a love for animals and children. Bettina followed her heart, leading her to write books for children about rescuing special needs animals from shelters.

Brevard Children's Business Fair is being held Saturday, November 18th, in Viera from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. We are a non-profit team of passionate entrepreneurs, mentors, and parents who want our children to learn about entrepreneurship in a practical and fun way. All committee members volunteer their own time to make this event a reality! 
Kids want the chance to do what their parents did: open a 'lemonade stand' in their neighborhood. Imagine a safe and fun environment for children to have their own business. 
For 2023, we will be hosted for a 5th year by The Avenue Viera! Since our first event, we've grown from 25 to 100 kid businesses! All entrants age 6 to 17 are automatically entered into a business competition. More info at www.brevardcbf.org

This family-favorite Halloween activity returns as a daytime event! Visit us every Saturday and Sunday in October from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Halloween fun! Trick or treat at treat stations, enjoy Halloween-themed decorations, take advantage of photo opportunities, listen to spooktacular music, watch special performances, participate in activities, visit your favorite Zoo animals, and more! All Boo at the Zoo activities are included with general Zoo admission and free for members. Weekend Themes: 
Weekend 1- Pirates
 Weekend 2- Anime 
Weekend 3- Magic
 Weekend 4- Monsters Families of children with exceptionalities are invited to enjoy a magical evening of trick-or-treating, games, sensory exploration, and more as you stroll through the Brevard Zoo’s Paws On area. As a come-and-go event, timed entry tickets are available for $2 for members and $6 for nonmembers. Guests can enter the Zoo at 5, 5:30, or 6 p.m. Costumes are encouraged! Book your spot today. https://brevardzoo.org/education/ens/

Vince returns to speak with Terri to inform us about sea turtle nesting habits and the benefits of installing kiosks. The Ribbon cutting celebration for the new sea turtle informational kiosks was on Sunday, September 24, at 4 pm at the Barrier Island Center, 8385 S Highway A1A, south of Melbourne Beach.

Rocky Water Brew Fest is presented to you by the Eau Gallie Rotary Club. Rocky Water is an event that will bring together some of the best breweries in Florida. Only the finest breweries will be invited to the Rocky Water Brew Fest and you can enjoy unlimited tastings with your ticket to the event. Find a new favorite brew this October. The Rocky Water Brew Fest will take place in the heart of the Eau Gallie Arts District at the Eau Gallie Square, on October 21st, 2023. We apologize for any inconvenience, but children, strollers, or pets will not be allowed to enter the ticketed area of Rocky Water Brew Fest. No exceptions. More info at rockywaterbrewfest.com and on Facebook

Learn through hands-on animal encounters, crafts, games, guided Zoo excursions, and more! The Brevard Zoo offers several enriching opportunities for children ages 2-16 and families to experience the wonders of nature in a safe, healthy, and happy environment. The professional staff ensures a positive, memorable experience for all participants.

Marijuana laws at State levels are changing. According to DISA Global Solutions, a leading provider of statistical data, 38 states have legalized medical marijuana, and 32 states have decriminalized marijuana altogether. In 2016, over 70 percent of Florida voters approved medical marijuana via a citizen-driven constitutional amendment. The effort to put a question to voters on the FL ballot to legalize recreational marijuana has collected nearly 1 million petitions, reaching the number of signatures necessary to qualify for the November 2024 ballot. The ballot language is currently under review by the FL Supreme Court. FL Attorney General Ashley Moody urges the Court to reject the proposed amendment allowing recreational use of marijuana by people 21 and older (again). Despite the approval of legalization by so many state governments, the federal government has yet to advance federal legalization of cannabis. More info when you join in on Zoom! Meeting ID: 841 7595 0107 OR call in on your phone, enter the phone number, and then follow the prompts to enter the meeting IDPhone: +1 929 205 6099Zoom Weblink:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84175950107 Watch on YOUTUBE after the event:https://www.youtube.com/@SCPABrevard

This year’s annual Anchor Breakfast is scheduled for Thursday, September 14th, at the Hilton Rialto in Melbourne from 7:45 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Florida Tech's President, Dr. John Nicklow, is the featured keynote speaker. In addition to being a fun and inspiring time, the Breakfast is critical to Neighbor Up Brevard – it’s one of the best opportunities we have all year to introduce new people and businesses to our mission. You can play an integral role in Neighbor Up Brevard's growth by sponsoring a table and inviting others to be your guests. The breakfast boasts approximately 200-250 guests from diverse backgrounds, but all similar in desire to support Neighbor Up's mission and vision! Interested in being a sponsor or learning more? Contact Andrea Sasson, Community Engagement Director, at [email protected].

The Sea Turtle Preservation Society has protected sea turtles and their habitat in Brevard County for over 35 years. The annual Turtle Krawl 5K event provides needed funds to continue the organization’s education and conservation programs. All race proceeds benefit the Sea Turtle Preservation Society’s mission to help sea turtles survive. To become a sponsor or race participant, visit the newly revamped website at Turtle Krawl. This year’s race theme is the leatherback turtle.

As reported in Florida Today: The grant funding in question comes from revenue generated by the county's 5% tourist development tax on hotel rooms, vacation rentals and other short-term rentals, and not from local property taxes. County commissioners decided instead to move the $530,000 in proposed grants into a budget that would help pay for beach lifeguards and promote the safety of Brevard's lifeguard-protected beaches, saying it will be part of the Space Coast Office of Tourism's marketing efforts to attract tourists to the local beaches. They also said they want to move another $900,000 in tourism cultural fund money expected to remain after the current budget year ends to the lifeguard program. A 2022 study produced for the BCA by Florida Institute of Technology economics professor Michael Slotkin estimated that Space Coast arts and cultural organizations were responsible for $122.74 million in annual sales, 1,541 direct and spinoff jobs, and $40.98 million in annual payroll. The study estimated that 19.3% of the 1.71 million arts and cultural attendees at Brevard venues that year were from outside Brevard.

H.A.L.O. No-Kill Rescue was created in 2006 with a mission to create a NO-KILL safe haven for abused and abandoned animals in Indian River County. We believe in a community where there are no more homeless pets and that together we can eliminate the killing of companion animals. For over a decade, H.A.L.O. has advocated for our community’s pets, paved the way for no-kill rescue, and reduced euthanasia by 92%! More info at halorescuefl.org

All are welcome to participate in the 14th Annual Landscaping with Florida Natives Tour. Visitors can explore wonderful native plant landscapes at various locations. This year, four homes, one commercial space, and two newly constructed local government sites are available to tour and learn about Florida native plants. The tour is a fabulous look at what homeowners and public spaces have done using native plants in different situations. Native plants are important to preserve our wildlife, pollinators, and local heritage. They require much less maintenance, water, and fertilizer, which benefits our local environment and the Indian River Lagoon. See how easy it is to use native plants and help make a difference in your yard! Conradina is the local chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society. More information is available at https://conradina.fnpschapters.org

Florida grasshopper sparrows are the United States’ most endangered bird. We recognized the need to keep these uniquely Floridian birds in our state and joined the breeding program in 2019. Our Zoo is part of a collaborative conservation effort to save this species with the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow Working Group, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, United States Air Force, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Archbold Biological Station. This species is only found in a few areas in Central and South Florida and has lost approximately 85% of their natural habitat to agriculture. Nonnative fire ants (which invade nests and feed on chicks), disease and genetic bottlenecking may be hastening the sparrows’ decline. We first took in individuals in September of 2019 as a holding facility. Birds were brought into temporary habitats off exhibit until a permanent structure could be built. Thanks to help from our Zoo supporters, a behind-the-scenes outdoor habitat was constructed and in March 2021 was ready for inhabitants. Native plants, perching, grasses for nesting, hollowed-out logs for shelter and multiple water and seed sources to provide the most natural environment possible for our sparrows. In 2021, just over 100 Florida grasshopper sparrows were detected in their natural habitat. Our very first successful breeding season in 2022 resulted in more than 40 birds being released back into their native range! There is still a long way to go, but due to the hard work of Brevard Zoo’s Conservation Team and its partners, more Florida grasshopper sparrows are now flying around their natural range. You can stay up-to-date on our Zoo’s Florida grasshopper sparrow conservation breeding program on our blog.

MELBOURNE ALUMNAE PANHELLENIC: A Gathering of Sorority Sisters Monthly Meetings begin again September 2023. The Board will still be hard at work creating new adventures for our members and always looking for new adventure seekers to join our ranks. If interested contact [email protected]

Seagrass monitoring is underway and the Restore Our Shores team is learning a lot! The goal of this pilot project is to learn which sites in the Indian River Lagoon may be ready for larger-scale seagrass restoration. Of the 22 beds we've planted thus far, some are currently seeing over 90% survival, while others are not doing so well. We'll continue to monitor and look forward to having a stronger understanding of where to expand our efforts at the end of this project. Want to learn more about our seagrass efforts? Read our blog: https://brevardzoo.org/tag/seagrass/ Seagrass monitoring is underway and the Restore Our Shores team is learning a lot! The goal of this pilot project is to learn which sites in the Indian River Lagoon may be ready for larger-scale seagrass restoration. Of the 22 beds we've planted thus far, some are currently seeing over 90% survival, while others are not doing so well. We'll continue to monitor and look forward to having a stronger understanding of where to expand our efforts at the end of this project. Want to learn more about our seagrass efforts? Read our blog: https://brevardzoo.org/tag/seagrass/