'Pirates of Penzance'
Date: Sun Mar 30, 2008
Location: Surfside Playhouse, 300 Ramp Road, Cocoa Beach, FL, 32932
Description: Surfside Playhouse, 300 Ramp Road, Cocoa Beach, presents "Pirates of Penzance" through March 30.
Showtimes are 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays.
An additional show will be 2 p.m. March 29. Tickets are $18. Call 321-783-3127 or visit www.surfsideplayers.com.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Disney commits to keep cruising from Canaveral
The deal will bring 2 new ultra-liners to the Brevard port and require millions in upgrades.
Jason Garcia Sentinel Staff Writer
March 20, 2008
PORT CANAVERAL - After more than a year of negotiations, Disney Cruise Line and Port Canaveral struck a deal Wednesday that will keep Disney ships sailing out of Brevard County for the next 15 years.Under the agreement, Disney will station the two new cruise ships it is having built in Germany at Port Canaveral for at least three years after they begin sailing in 2011 and 2012. Each of the ships will carry 4,000 passengers, or 1,300 more than the existing Disney Magic and Disney Wonder liners.The agreement also ensures that some combination of Disney's four ships will remain based at Canaveral until at least 2023, making a combined 150 calls every year.For its part, Canaveral will spend as much as $10 million to build Disney a 1,000-space parking garage. The port will borrow an additional $22 million to finance further upgrades to Disney's custom-built terminal, work that will include extending docks, expanding check-in space and installing environmentally sensitive technology.
Related links
The construction work must be complete by Oct. 1, 2010.The debt ultimately will be paid off by a new, $7-per-round-trip charge on Disney Cruise Line tickets. A Disney spokeswoman said the charge would begin in 2010.Stan Payne, Canaveral's chief executive officer, said the deal gives the port the assurance it needs to embark on the multimillion-dollar upgrades required to accommodate the next generation of ultra-sized ocean liners.Disney's new ships, for instance, will each be three decks taller, 150 feet longer and 15 feet wider than its existing ships.
"Our key objectives during the negotiations were balancing Disney's needs for flexibility . . . with our need for a commitment," he said.He projected that the agreement would generate at least $200 million in revenue for the port in the next 15 years. Disney Cruise Line President Tom McAlpin called the promise to keep the new ships in Brevard until at least Dec. 31, 2014, "a pretty big commitment on our part."But he also said it was vital that Disney have the freedom to begin deploying some of its ships full-time to new locations all over the world.The company is increasingly experimenting with far-flung itineraries, sending the Magic to the U.S. West Coast during the summer of 2005 and to Europe last summer. The ship will return to the West Coast this summer."When you invest hundreds of millions of dollars in an asset, you'd like to maintain flexibility," McAlpin said. "The benefit of our industry is that our assets our mobile."Disney is expected to send ships even further afield in the coming years.The company views the cruise line as a way to introduce consumers in new markets to the Disney name and spark demand for its other parks and products.
Disney Co. Chief Executive Officer Robert Iger has called the cruise line "an important brand-builder."McAlpin would not discuss where Disney might station the Magic and another ship, the Wonder, once the new ships arrive."We're still studying that," he said.Disney's inaugural 10-year deal with Port Canaveral was set to expire this summer, and the negotiations on an extension haven't always been easy. Disney executives suggested, publicly and privately, that they were considering moving ships to rival ports in Miami or Fort Lauderdale. They toured the Port of Tampa last year.The talks "reached a pinnacle on Christmas Eve when my wife wanted to know what I was doing standing in my front yard without shoes on, talking on my Blackberry to Tom McAlpin," Payne said.Port officials were still scrambling to finalize the deal as late as Wednesday morning, just hours before Canaveral Port Authority members voted to approve it.Payne said the port faced an extra hurdle because the nation's credit turmoil made finding a way to finance the construction improvements difficult."This is a complicated deal," McAlpin said.Port officials also announced Wednesday that they have reached a tentative agreement with Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. in which the Miami-based cruise operator will station its Freedom of the Seas liner at Canaveral beginning in May 2009.The Freedom-class vessel, which will have room for more than 3,600 passengers, will become the largest ship home-ported at Canaveral when it arrives.It will replace the roughly 3,100-passenger Mariner of the Seas, which Royal Caribbean plans to send to Los Angeles in early 2009, and ensure that the company continues to have two ships stationed in Canaveral.Payne said he expects to sign a five-year contract with Royal Caribbean for the ship soon. Jason Garcia can be reached at jrgarcia@orlandosentinel.com or
407-420-5414.
Jason Garcia Sentinel Staff Writer
March 20, 2008
PORT CANAVERAL - After more than a year of negotiations, Disney Cruise Line and Port Canaveral struck a deal Wednesday that will keep Disney ships sailing out of Brevard County for the next 15 years.Under the agreement, Disney will station the two new cruise ships it is having built in Germany at Port Canaveral for at least three years after they begin sailing in 2011 and 2012. Each of the ships will carry 4,000 passengers, or 1,300 more than the existing Disney Magic and Disney Wonder liners.The agreement also ensures that some combination of Disney's four ships will remain based at Canaveral until at least 2023, making a combined 150 calls every year.For its part, Canaveral will spend as much as $10 million to build Disney a 1,000-space parking garage. The port will borrow an additional $22 million to finance further upgrades to Disney's custom-built terminal, work that will include extending docks, expanding check-in space and installing environmentally sensitive technology.
Related links
The construction work must be complete by Oct. 1, 2010.The debt ultimately will be paid off by a new, $7-per-round-trip charge on Disney Cruise Line tickets. A Disney spokeswoman said the charge would begin in 2010.Stan Payne, Canaveral's chief executive officer, said the deal gives the port the assurance it needs to embark on the multimillion-dollar upgrades required to accommodate the next generation of ultra-sized ocean liners.Disney's new ships, for instance, will each be three decks taller, 150 feet longer and 15 feet wider than its existing ships.
"Our key objectives during the negotiations were balancing Disney's needs for flexibility . . . with our need for a commitment," he said.He projected that the agreement would generate at least $200 million in revenue for the port in the next 15 years. Disney Cruise Line President Tom McAlpin called the promise to keep the new ships in Brevard until at least Dec. 31, 2014, "a pretty big commitment on our part."But he also said it was vital that Disney have the freedom to begin deploying some of its ships full-time to new locations all over the world.The company is increasingly experimenting with far-flung itineraries, sending the Magic to the U.S. West Coast during the summer of 2005 and to Europe last summer. The ship will return to the West Coast this summer."When you invest hundreds of millions of dollars in an asset, you'd like to maintain flexibility," McAlpin said. "The benefit of our industry is that our assets our mobile."Disney is expected to send ships even further afield in the coming years.The company views the cruise line as a way to introduce consumers in new markets to the Disney name and spark demand for its other parks and products.
Disney Co. Chief Executive Officer Robert Iger has called the cruise line "an important brand-builder."McAlpin would not discuss where Disney might station the Magic and another ship, the Wonder, once the new ships arrive."We're still studying that," he said.Disney's inaugural 10-year deal with Port Canaveral was set to expire this summer, and the negotiations on an extension haven't always been easy. Disney executives suggested, publicly and privately, that they were considering moving ships to rival ports in Miami or Fort Lauderdale. They toured the Port of Tampa last year.The talks "reached a pinnacle on Christmas Eve when my wife wanted to know what I was doing standing in my front yard without shoes on, talking on my Blackberry to Tom McAlpin," Payne said.Port officials were still scrambling to finalize the deal as late as Wednesday morning, just hours before Canaveral Port Authority members voted to approve it.Payne said the port faced an extra hurdle because the nation's credit turmoil made finding a way to finance the construction improvements difficult."This is a complicated deal," McAlpin said.Port officials also announced Wednesday that they have reached a tentative agreement with Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. in which the Miami-based cruise operator will station its Freedom of the Seas liner at Canaveral beginning in May 2009.The Freedom-class vessel, which will have room for more than 3,600 passengers, will become the largest ship home-ported at Canaveral when it arrives.It will replace the roughly 3,100-passenger Mariner of the Seas, which Royal Caribbean plans to send to Los Angeles in early 2009, and ensure that the company continues to have two ships stationed in Canaveral.Payne said he expects to sign a five-year contract with Royal Caribbean for the ship soon. Jason Garcia can be reached at jrgarcia@orlandosentinel.com or
407-420-5414.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Cocoa Beach Woman's Club Awards for 2007
Cocoa Beach Woman's Club earned an impressive number of District Awards for 2007. These awards were presented on February 29, 2007 to Barbara Holden, President, Cocoa Beach Woman's Club.
Below are awards with cash and volunteer hour donation summaries:
Category: EDUCATION - 1st Place
High School Scholarships $7,500
Athletic Award -$100
Tutoring 16 children at Roosevelt - $2,633
Friends of the Library Fund - $700 (cash and goods)
Hacienda Girls Ranch - $100
Saved Soup Labels for Schools
Donated 12 Recorded books - $120
Donated volunteer time to SAG committee on Literacy
Book Pals Library Support and Mentoring at Elementary level - 150 hours
Total monetary donations: $ 11,153
Category: CONSERVATION- 1st Place
Thousand Islands Environmentally Endangered Lands Program 72 hours
Right Whale Watch - 24 hours
Migration of Birds - 48 hours
FL Wildlife Hospital - brought supplies - 48
Cocoa Beach Garden Club - Garden Tour - 24 hours
Recycled Inkjet Cartridges
Recycled aluminum cans, plastic & newspapers
Category: HOME AFFAIRS - 1st Place
Donated goods to Brevard Sharing Center Food Pantry goods - $150
Special Olympics Reach Out to Cancer Kids $125
CCI - Canine Companions $140
R.O.C.K. Camp $25
Immunizations 43
Mammograms 40
Made 25 pairs of flip flops for GFWC Convention 16 hours $50
Comfort Heart Pillows - distributed Brevard Hospitals 4 hours
Volunteered to man Salvation Army Angel Tree in Mall 16 hours
Category - MOST IMPROVED OVERALL- 1st Place
Size, Service and Stats
134 Projects
8,150 hours
$31,842 cash and goods contributed
Category - INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - 2nd place
Mtg. Program: "Direct Relief" World Vision Organization 90 hours & $100
Cocoa Beach Woman's Club is the the local branch of the international Women's Club. The General Federation of Women's Clubs is an international women's organization dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service.
http://www.gfwc.org/
Below are awards with cash and volunteer hour donation summaries:
Category: EDUCATION - 1st Place
High School Scholarships $7,500
Athletic Award -$100
Tutoring 16 children at Roosevelt - $2,633
Friends of the Library Fund - $700 (cash and goods)
Hacienda Girls Ranch - $100
Saved Soup Labels for Schools
Donated 12 Recorded books - $120
Donated volunteer time to SAG committee on Literacy
Book Pals Library Support and Mentoring at Elementary level - 150 hours
Total monetary donations: $ 11,153
Category: CONSERVATION- 1st Place
Thousand Islands Environmentally Endangered Lands Program 72 hours
Right Whale Watch - 24 hours
Migration of Birds - 48 hours
FL Wildlife Hospital - brought supplies - 48
Cocoa Beach Garden Club - Garden Tour - 24 hours
Recycled Inkjet Cartridges
Recycled aluminum cans, plastic & newspapers
Category: HOME AFFAIRS - 1st Place
Donated goods to Brevard Sharing Center Food Pantry goods - $150
Special Olympics Reach Out to Cancer Kids $125
CCI - Canine Companions $140
R.O.C.K. Camp $25
Immunizations 43
Mammograms 40
Made 25 pairs of flip flops for GFWC Convention 16 hours $50
Comfort Heart Pillows - distributed Brevard Hospitals 4 hours
Volunteered to man Salvation Army Angel Tree in Mall 16 hours
Category - MOST IMPROVED OVERALL- 1st Place
Size, Service and Stats
134 Projects
8,150 hours
$31,842 cash and goods contributed
Category - INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - 2nd place
Mtg. Program: "Direct Relief" World Vision Organization 90 hours & $100
Cocoa Beach Woman's Club is the the local branch of the international Women's Club. The General Federation of Women's Clubs is an international women's organization dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service.
http://www.gfwc.org/
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Beach Boys Bring it Back to the Beach!
Posted on March 18, 2008 by Space CoastDue to overwhelming public response, The Beach Boys are coming back to Cocoa Beach for another great beach concert this March 28, 2008.
One of the world’s most famous bands who have sold over 100 million albums, The Beach Boys,will perform all of their greatest hits at the home of East Coast surfing, The Cocoa Beach Pier, 401 Meade Ave., Cocoa Beach. A special concert stage will be erected on the beach so all guests will have an excellent view. The gates to the concert area will open at 6pm and the concert will begin at 7pm.
The Mayor of the City of Cocoa Beach, Skip Beeler and the City Commission, will be asked to issue a special City of Cocoa Beach Proclamation naming March 28, 2008 “Beach Boys Day” in Cocoa Beach. “The Beach Boys are a true American icon and we are thrilled to have one of the world’s most famous bands coming back to the home of East Coast Surfing - The Cocoa Beach Pier. This is a great event for our City and we wish we could host them every year” said Mayor Beeler.
Advance tickets are $29 for general admission and $60-$99 for VIP seats. Tickets purchased on the day of the show will be $5 more each. For reservations, tickets and information call (321) 783-7549 or visit the web site http://www.cocoabeachpier.com/beachboys.htm.
The Beach Boys concert will cap off a week full at fun, which begins with the 44th Annual Ron Jon Easter Surfing Festival.!
Don’t forget about the Space Coast’s 6 day/7night giveaway! Sign up at http://www.iwantmyspacecoast.com/
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Easter Egg Hunt & Spring Break Camp - Cocoa Beach
Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday Morning, March 22nd at 9:00AM, Cocoa Beach Ball Field Complex, off Minutemen Causewaybr>
A DAY CAMP FOR CHILDRES AGES 5-13, April 7—April 11, COCOA BEACH RECREATION CENTER ARTS & CRAFTS; ACTIVE & QUIET GAMES; COOKING; SPECIAL EVENTS; AND LOTS OF FUN! Please contact the Cocoa Beach Recreation Department for more information: 868-3252
A DAY CAMP FOR CHILDRES AGES 5-13, April 7—April 11, COCOA BEACH RECREATION CENTER ARTS & CRAFTS; ACTIVE & QUIET GAMES; COOKING; SPECIAL EVENTS; AND LOTS OF FUN! Please contact the Cocoa Beach Recreation Department for more information: 868-3252
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
March 11, 2008 Space Shuttle astronauts
From the left (front row) are Pilot Gregory Johnson and Commander Dominic Gorie. From the left (back row) are mission specialists Richard Linnehan, Robert Behnken, Garrett Reisman, Michael Foreman and Takao Doi, a Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut. Credit: NASA
Monday, March 10, 2008
Healthy Food vs. Health Food: How to tell the difference Mar 15
This event is free to the public. Bring a friend!Saturday, March 15, 2008 at 2:00 PM
Cocoa Beach Library
550 N. Brevard Ave. Cocoa Beach , FL 32931
Healthy Food vs. Health Food: How to tell the difference
by Jeff Novick - Nutritionist
Jeff Novick, formerly of the Pritikin Institute, will be coming to the Cocoa Beach Library to give a speech and presentation on the multifaceted benefits of a plant-based diet.
As a nutritionist, Mr. Novick recently joined the well-known McDougall Health and Medical Center in Santa Rosa, California. We are very fortunate to have this marvelous speaker coming to Cocoa Beach. Don't miss this one! Begins at 2pm. For more info about Jeff and the work that he does, please visit his extensive and informative website: http://www.jeffnovick.com/
Cocoa Beach High Graduation Fundraiser April 17
Share a good meal with family and friends at the Elks Lodge, 175 N Brevard Ave, Cocoa Beach and support this generous “Project Graduation” fundraiser.
Dinner tickets will be going on sale soon for $10.00, of which 80% of the proceeds will return directly back to “Project Graduation”! Two dinner seatings are planned for April 17th at 6 pm and 7 pm. Graduating seniors will be your servers!
Please contact Janice Sherlock at kellyskurtains@bellsouth.net or call her at 784 – 1509 to purchase tickets and/or to volunteer.
Dinner tickets will be going on sale soon for $10.00, of which 80% of the proceeds will return directly back to “Project Graduation”! Two dinner seatings are planned for April 17th at 6 pm and 7 pm. Graduating seniors will be your servers!
Please contact Janice Sherlock at kellyskurtains@bellsouth.net or call her at 784 – 1509 to purchase tickets and/or to volunteer.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Bearcats Baseball Departs to Florida for Six Games
Article from Baruch College NewsletterThe Bearcats will open their season on Thursday against Wilkes (Pa.)
The baseball team left Wednesday night for six days of games and plenty of practice in Cocoa Beach, Florida.
The trip marks the third consecutive year the team is heading south to take advantage of warm weather and the Cocoa Beach facilities (former Houston Astros training complex) to begin their season. Cocoa Beach is a suburb of Orlando.
While in Florida, the Bearcats will play six games (schedule below) against a group of schools that are also in the area for the good weather, practice, and games.
The 2008 Baruch roster is one of the youngest in team history and returns solid players from last year's squad, including CUNYAC Rookie of the Year David Chestnut, star pitcher Greg Polius, and clutch hitter Joseph Valentin.
The baseball team, which arrived in Florida to a local temperature of 71 degrees, will return home to New York City on Tuesday night.
Thursday, March 6
Baruch vs. Wilkes (Pa.), 4:00 pm
Friday, March 7
Baruch vs. Moravian (Pa.), 9:00 am (Doubleheader)
Saturday, March 8
Baruch vs. Oneonta State, 9:00 am
Monday, March 10
Baruch vs. Oneonta State, 12:30 pm
Tuesday, March 11
Baruch vs. Clarion (Pa., NCAA Div. II), 9:00 am
The baseball team left Wednesday night for six days of games and plenty of practice in Cocoa Beach, Florida.
The trip marks the third consecutive year the team is heading south to take advantage of warm weather and the Cocoa Beach facilities (former Houston Astros training complex) to begin their season. Cocoa Beach is a suburb of Orlando.
While in Florida, the Bearcats will play six games (schedule below) against a group of schools that are also in the area for the good weather, practice, and games.
The 2008 Baruch roster is one of the youngest in team history and returns solid players from last year's squad, including CUNYAC Rookie of the Year David Chestnut, star pitcher Greg Polius, and clutch hitter Joseph Valentin.
The baseball team, which arrived in Florida to a local temperature of 71 degrees, will return home to New York City on Tuesday night.
Thursday, March 6
Baruch vs. Wilkes (Pa.), 4:00 pm
Friday, March 7
Baruch vs. Moravian (Pa.), 9:00 am (Doubleheader)
Saturday, March 8
Baruch vs. Oneonta State, 9:00 am
Monday, March 10
Baruch vs. Oneonta State, 12:30 pm
Tuesday, March 11
Baruch vs. Clarion (Pa., NCAA Div. II), 9:00 am
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Cocoa BeachTown Hall Meeting March 4, 2008
I was one of the "handful" of attendees. Here is an article that came out about the meeting:
Cocoa Beach delays projects this year Cocoa
By R. NORMAN MOODY FLORIDA TODAY
COCOA BEACH -- - Mayor Skip Beeler told a handful of Cocoa Beach residents who came Tuesday night to hear about the "State of the City" that, while the city made good progress last year, new projects may have to wait because of budget cuts.
"What's coming up this year? Not a lot," Beeler said. "Amendment 1 is going to affect every municipality and county."
The city completed stormwater projects, landscaping and other work, and acquired a new ladder truck that can reach up to nine floors.The city also installed new lighting, completed a water-spray park at the city Aquatic Center, and did substantial work on the stormwater project at Maritime Hammock Park.
Longtime resident Mary Staff said that, while she applauded the effort made for younger people in the city, she wanted to know what's being done to find a permanent home for seniors."We need it badly," Staff told the city council. "We've done for the children. Now let's do for the senior."
The city commission today (March 5) will discuss the impact of the tax-cutting amendment referendum voter approved in November. The city, which has a budget of about $48 million, of which about $15 million is from property tax, will see cuts in its tax revenues.
Upcoming meetings at Cocoa Beach City Hall, 2. S. Orlando Ave., include:
City budget meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday March 5, 2008.
There will be a discussion of the impact on the city budget of Amendment 1 and the real estate downturn.
Regular City Council meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday March 6.
For more information, go to: www.cityofcocoabeach.com/FlashHomePages/government_home.html
2007 Accomplishments photo video (edited by Claudia Davis) YouTube - Cocoa Beach 2007 Accomplishments
2007 Highlights
Acquisition of Thousand Island environmentally sensitive land.
Stabilization of Banana River shoreline along the city's golf course.
Renovation, landscape and storm water project of Shepard Park.
Sidewalk and landscaping at Fischer Park.
Built water spray park at the city's Aquatic Center.
Substantial work completed on Maritime Hammock Preserve.
Contact Moody at 242-3651 or nmoody@floridatooday.com.
Cocoa Beach delays projects this year Cocoa
By R. NORMAN MOODY FLORIDA TODAY
COCOA BEACH -- - Mayor Skip Beeler told a handful of Cocoa Beach residents who came Tuesday night to hear about the "State of the City" that, while the city made good progress last year, new projects may have to wait because of budget cuts.
"What's coming up this year? Not a lot," Beeler said. "Amendment 1 is going to affect every municipality and county."
The city completed stormwater projects, landscaping and other work, and acquired a new ladder truck that can reach up to nine floors.The city also installed new lighting, completed a water-spray park at the city Aquatic Center, and did substantial work on the stormwater project at Maritime Hammock Park.
Longtime resident Mary Staff said that, while she applauded the effort made for younger people in the city, she wanted to know what's being done to find a permanent home for seniors."We need it badly," Staff told the city council. "We've done for the children. Now let's do for the senior."
The city commission today (March 5) will discuss the impact of the tax-cutting amendment referendum voter approved in November. The city, which has a budget of about $48 million, of which about $15 million is from property tax, will see cuts in its tax revenues.
Upcoming meetings at Cocoa Beach City Hall, 2. S. Orlando Ave., include:
City budget meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday March 5, 2008.
There will be a discussion of the impact on the city budget of Amendment 1 and the real estate downturn.
Regular City Council meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday March 6.
For more information, go to: www.cityofcocoabeach.com/FlashHomePages/government_home.html
2007 Accomplishments photo video (edited by Claudia Davis) YouTube - Cocoa Beach 2007 Accomplishments
2007 Highlights
Acquisition of Thousand Island environmentally sensitive land.
Stabilization of Banana River shoreline along the city's golf course.
Renovation, landscape and storm water project of Shepard Park.
Sidewalk and landscaping at Fischer Park.
Built water spray park at the city's Aquatic Center.
Substantial work completed on Maritime Hammock Preserve.
Contact Moody at 242-3651 or nmoody@floridatooday.com.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Next Healthy Planet of Brevard Potluck March 9
Our next meeting:March Vegan Potluck
March's Vegan Potluck is scheduled for Sunday the 9th (always on the second Sunday, same place and time) in the Auditorium at Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne, Entrance A on Hickory. The potlucks are sincerely such a pleasure and each one is better than the last! Help us spread the word and let others know about them as well. Read more
When?
Sunday, Mar 9, 2008, 5:30 PM 20080309T213000Z
Where?
Holmes Regional Medical Center Auditorium
1350 South Hickory St.
Melbourne, FL 32935
Info/Map
March's Vegan Potluck is scheduled for Sunday the 9th (always on the second Sunday, same place and time) in the Auditorium at Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne, Entrance A on Hickory. The potlucks are sincerely such a pleasure and each one is better than the last! Help us spread the word and let others know about them as well. Read more
When?
Sunday, Mar 9, 2008, 5:30 PM 20080309T213000Z
Where?
Holmes Regional Medical Center Auditorium
1350 South Hickory St.
Melbourne, FL 32935
Info/Map
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Surfside Playhouse Needs Helpers
BY R. NORMAN MOODY FLORIDA TODAY
Published March 3, 2008
COCOA BEACH - At Surfside Playhouse, costumes and props pile up backstage, light bulbs need to be replaced and ceiling tiles are waiting to be sprayed with fire retardant.
But despite the disrepair and chaos backstage, the show must go on, as it has for almost 50 years at this community theater.
The focus on maintaining the playhouse's hectic schedule of shows and other programs has meant that maintenance work got short shrift. That lead to fire code violations and an urgent need to get the 1964 building back into shape.
To do that, the theater is seeking volunteers, especially those skilled in carpentry, electricity and other trades.
"We need somebody that knows theater -- those kind of people to keep things neat and organized," said Robin Pena, a stage manager who also coordinates the volunteers.
Linda Dellenberger, a member of the theater board of directors, said props, wood and other materials from earlier shows were put aside to recycle for later productions to save money. This caused stockpiles of materials that fire inspectors saw as hazards.
Paints -- including oil-based paints -- were not stored safely, and costumes were never put away properly. Fire extinguishers were not readily reachable or clearly marked. In addition, light bars need to be repositioned, and electrical work must be done.
In 1987, the state stepped up and pitched in $119,000 when the theater was in dire need of major building improvement and repairs. But this time, the needed work is not structural, but more to do with general upkeep.
Problems were noticed when Cocoa Beach fire inspectors went to the building a few weeks ago to update department records.
Fire Chief Scott Shear said inspectors noticed fire code violations and notified the fire marshal.
"They've corrected many of them," Shear said. "They're in the process of working through the violations. They had a huge amount of props."
Already a few additional volunteers have come forward.
"I just recently became involved," Cocoa Beach resident Lisa Gorichky said. "It feels good to be involved with something that I know will make a difference."
Most of the volunteers are also directly involved with the productions, working in lighting, sound work, set construction and stage help, but theater improvement and maintenance workers are also needed.
"We need skilled people," Dellenberger said.
Pena said work times are scheduled for about four hours Wednesday nights and on Saturdays and Sundays.
"People can come for an hour or they can stay for the entire time," she said.
Contact Moody at 242-3651 or nmoody@floridatoday.com.
Published March 3, 2008
COCOA BEACH - At Surfside Playhouse, costumes and props pile up backstage, light bulbs need to be replaced and ceiling tiles are waiting to be sprayed with fire retardant.
But despite the disrepair and chaos backstage, the show must go on, as it has for almost 50 years at this community theater.
The focus on maintaining the playhouse's hectic schedule of shows and other programs has meant that maintenance work got short shrift. That lead to fire code violations and an urgent need to get the 1964 building back into shape.
To do that, the theater is seeking volunteers, especially those skilled in carpentry, electricity and other trades.
"We need somebody that knows theater -- those kind of people to keep things neat and organized," said Robin Pena, a stage manager who also coordinates the volunteers.
Linda Dellenberger, a member of the theater board of directors, said props, wood and other materials from earlier shows were put aside to recycle for later productions to save money. This caused stockpiles of materials that fire inspectors saw as hazards.
Paints -- including oil-based paints -- were not stored safely, and costumes were never put away properly. Fire extinguishers were not readily reachable or clearly marked. In addition, light bars need to be repositioned, and electrical work must be done.
In 1987, the state stepped up and pitched in $119,000 when the theater was in dire need of major building improvement and repairs. But this time, the needed work is not structural, but more to do with general upkeep.
Problems were noticed when Cocoa Beach fire inspectors went to the building a few weeks ago to update department records.
Fire Chief Scott Shear said inspectors noticed fire code violations and notified the fire marshal.
"They've corrected many of them," Shear said. "They're in the process of working through the violations. They had a huge amount of props."
Already a few additional volunteers have come forward.
"I just recently became involved," Cocoa Beach resident Lisa Gorichky said. "It feels good to be involved with something that I know will make a difference."
Most of the volunteers are also directly involved with the productions, working in lighting, sound work, set construction and stage help, but theater improvement and maintenance workers are also needed.
"We need skilled people," Dellenberger said.
Pena said work times are scheduled for about four hours Wednesday nights and on Saturdays and Sundays.
"People can come for an hour or they can stay for the entire time," she said.
Contact Moody at 242-3651 or nmoody@floridatoday.com.
Ron Jon Easter Surfing Festival
Shepard's Park & Cocoa Beach Pier Florida
20 - 23 March 2008
Ron Jon Surf Shop to host 44th annual Easter Surf Fest
Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 28 February, 2008 : - - Cocoa Beach – More than 300 professional and amateur male and female surfers of all ages are scheduled to compete in the Ron Jon Surf Shop 44th Annual Easter Surf Festival, scheduled from Thurs., March 20 to Sun., March 23 in Cocoa Beach.
Competing surfers will travel from around the globe to participate in the annual contest, which is recognized as one of the largest, oldest and most diverse surfing events on the east coast of the United States. Surfers will vie for championship titles and more than $20,000 in cash and prizes during four days of events taking place at Shepard Park (March 20-23) and the Cocoa Beach Pier (March 21-23).
Featured surfing events at the festival include the $10,000 Ron Jon Surf Shop Men’s Longboard Pro, the Lost $3,500 Junior Men’s Shortboard Pro/Am, the Lost Energy Drink $5,000 Men’s Shortboard Pro/Am, the Wet N’ Wild Women’s $1,000 Shortboard competition, the Banana Boat $1,500 Junior Men’s Longboard contest and the Ron Jon Surf Shop $1,000 Women’s Longboard Pro/Am.
“We are pleased to present the Easter Surf Fest again this year,” said Heather Lewis, Ron Jon’s director of marketing. “The Ron Jon Easter Surf Fest is a great opportunity for spectators to watch an exciting competition and meet some of the world’s best surfers. Local and regional surf fans and families look forward to this event year after year.”
In addition to marking the beginning of the beach season for locals, the annual Ron Jon Surf Shop Easter Surf Festival provides endless entertainment for the thousands of visitors who attend each year.
Free activities offered to the public include a “surf off” for newcomers who sign up for the Ron Jon Surf School clinic, autograph signings with top surfers on the beach and at Ron Jon Surf Shop, as well as interactive displays and free giveaways from sponsors. Plenty of parking and on-site concessions are also made available to spectators.
For a complete schedule of Ron Jon Surf Shop 44th Annual Easter Surf Fest events, visit online or the Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach, located at 4151 N. Atlantic Ave.
About the Easter Surf Festival
Entering its 44th consecutive year, the driving force behind the Ron Jon Surf Shop Easter Surf Festival continues to be culture, tradition and history. Over the years, the festival has continually brought world-class surfers and the community together for a weekend of top-notch surf competitions and youth-focused events along the world-famous Cocoa Beach. This year, the Ron Jon Surf Shop 44th Annual Easter Surf Festival will take place from March 20-March 23 at Shepard Park and March 21-March 23 at the Cocoa Beach Pier.
www.ronjons.com
www.EasterSurfFest.com
More USA/Cen. Amer. surfing news available here
Check the latest East Coast Surf Reports and Forecasts
New! B2B News ASBE-Surf | Receive News-Alerts
John Griffin
Festivals - Surfersvillage
20 - 23 March 2008
Ron Jon Surf Shop to host 44th annual Easter Surf Fest
Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 28 February, 2008 : - - Cocoa Beach – More than 300 professional and amateur male and female surfers of all ages are scheduled to compete in the Ron Jon Surf Shop 44th Annual Easter Surf Festival, scheduled from Thurs., March 20 to Sun., March 23 in Cocoa Beach.
Competing surfers will travel from around the globe to participate in the annual contest, which is recognized as one of the largest, oldest and most diverse surfing events on the east coast of the United States. Surfers will vie for championship titles and more than $20,000 in cash and prizes during four days of events taking place at Shepard Park (March 20-23) and the Cocoa Beach Pier (March 21-23).
Featured surfing events at the festival include the $10,000 Ron Jon Surf Shop Men’s Longboard Pro, the Lost $3,500 Junior Men’s Shortboard Pro/Am, the Lost Energy Drink $5,000 Men’s Shortboard Pro/Am, the Wet N’ Wild Women’s $1,000 Shortboard competition, the Banana Boat $1,500 Junior Men’s Longboard contest and the Ron Jon Surf Shop $1,000 Women’s Longboard Pro/Am.
“We are pleased to present the Easter Surf Fest again this year,” said Heather Lewis, Ron Jon’s director of marketing. “The Ron Jon Easter Surf Fest is a great opportunity for spectators to watch an exciting competition and meet some of the world’s best surfers. Local and regional surf fans and families look forward to this event year after year.”
In addition to marking the beginning of the beach season for locals, the annual Ron Jon Surf Shop Easter Surf Festival provides endless entertainment for the thousands of visitors who attend each year.
Free activities offered to the public include a “surf off” for newcomers who sign up for the Ron Jon Surf School clinic, autograph signings with top surfers on the beach and at Ron Jon Surf Shop, as well as interactive displays and free giveaways from sponsors. Plenty of parking and on-site concessions are also made available to spectators.
For a complete schedule of Ron Jon Surf Shop 44th Annual Easter Surf Fest events, visit online or the Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach, located at 4151 N. Atlantic Ave.
About the Easter Surf Festival
Entering its 44th consecutive year, the driving force behind the Ron Jon Surf Shop Easter Surf Festival continues to be culture, tradition and history. Over the years, the festival has continually brought world-class surfers and the community together for a weekend of top-notch surf competitions and youth-focused events along the world-famous Cocoa Beach. This year, the Ron Jon Surf Shop 44th Annual Easter Surf Festival will take place from March 20-March 23 at Shepard Park and March 21-March 23 at the Cocoa Beach Pier.
www.ronjons.com
www.EasterSurfFest.com
More USA/Cen. Amer. surfing news available here
Check the latest East Coast Surf Reports and Forecasts
New! B2B News ASBE-Surf | Receive News-Alerts
John Griffin
Festivals - Surfersvillage
Cocoa Beach approves liquor measure
BY KAUSTUV BASU FLORIDA TODAY
The Cocoa Beach City Commission approved a measure to allow liquor sales at city restaurant and bars beginning 7 a.m. Sundays instead of noon. The measure passed 4-1, with commissioner Skip Williams voting against it.
Under current ordinances, people were not allowed to buy a mixed alcoholic drink at 7 a.m. Sundays in Cocoa Beach. Only beer and wine sales were permitted.
“This rule makes us more consistent with neighboring communities,” said Mayor Skip Beeler. “Otherwise, we were at a disadvantage.”
Many other Brevard County towns, such as Melbourne, have adopted a 7 a.m. rule for all alcohol sales.
The Cocoa Beach City Commission approved a measure to allow liquor sales at city restaurant and bars beginning 7 a.m. Sundays instead of noon. The measure passed 4-1, with commissioner Skip Williams voting against it.
Under current ordinances, people were not allowed to buy a mixed alcoholic drink at 7 a.m. Sundays in Cocoa Beach. Only beer and wine sales were permitted.
“This rule makes us more consistent with neighboring communities,” said Mayor Skip Beeler. “Otherwise, we were at a disadvantage.”
Many other Brevard County towns, such as Melbourne, have adopted a 7 a.m. rule for all alcohol sales.
The Surf has the area’s best chowder
BY KIMBERLY C. MOORE FLORIDA TODAY
If you’ve got a hankering for the area’s best bowl of clam chowder, head to The Surf Bar & Grill in Cocoa Beach.
That’s according to judges in the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce’s Convention and Visitor’s Bureau’s 23rd annual Chowder Cookoff, where the famed restaurant took the Judge’s Choice award.
Sixteen area restaurants competed Friday night. Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill finished second, while the Crowne Plaza Melbourne Oceanfront placed third.
Bunky’s Seafood Grill & Raw Bar at Cocoa Beach and Thrashers & US Foods tied for the People’s Choice Award, determined by a popular vote of those who attended the event. Runners up included Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill and The Surf Bar & Grill.
Bunky’s Seafood Grill & Raw bar at Satellite Beach garnered first place in the Best Decorated Booth category, while The Redhead Martini & Cigar Bar came in second. Thrasher’s & US Foods was third.
The Double Tree Cocoa Beach Oceanfront snagged the Best Seahorse Owner “Team Theme” award, with the Comfort Inn & Suites Resort placing second and La Quinta Inn Cocoa Beach coming in third.
This year’s event was chaired by Andrea Hill of the Brevard Zoo. Judges included Gen. Susan Helms of Patrick Air Force Base.
The Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce was established in 1968 and serves Cape Canaveral, Cocoa, Cocoa Beach, Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Patrick, Port St. John, Rockledge, Suntree and Viera.
If you’ve got a hankering for the area’s best bowl of clam chowder, head to The Surf Bar & Grill in Cocoa Beach.
That’s according to judges in the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce’s Convention and Visitor’s Bureau’s 23rd annual Chowder Cookoff, where the famed restaurant took the Judge’s Choice award.
Sixteen area restaurants competed Friday night. Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill finished second, while the Crowne Plaza Melbourne Oceanfront placed third.
Bunky’s Seafood Grill & Raw Bar at Cocoa Beach and Thrashers & US Foods tied for the People’s Choice Award, determined by a popular vote of those who attended the event. Runners up included Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill and The Surf Bar & Grill.
Bunky’s Seafood Grill & Raw bar at Satellite Beach garnered first place in the Best Decorated Booth category, while The Redhead Martini & Cigar Bar came in second. Thrasher’s & US Foods was third.
The Double Tree Cocoa Beach Oceanfront snagged the Best Seahorse Owner “Team Theme” award, with the Comfort Inn & Suites Resort placing second and La Quinta Inn Cocoa Beach coming in third.
This year’s event was chaired by Andrea Hill of the Brevard Zoo. Judges included Gen. Susan Helms of Patrick Air Force Base.
The Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce was established in 1968 and serves Cape Canaveral, Cocoa, Cocoa Beach, Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Patrick, Port St. John, Rockledge, Suntree and Viera.
Cocoa Beach Surf Museum Calendar March thru May 2008
The Cocoa Beach Surf Museum upcoming events:
March 01 Saturday at Picnic Tables PAFB Museum Pot Luck Fun day & memebership drive
March 02 Sunday 2:00 - 4:00pm At Cocoa Beach Public Library Lecture - The Meteorology of Surfing
March 22 Saturday at Shepard Park, Cocoa Beach Paddleboard Race - Florida State Paddleboard Championship
April 05 Sunday 2:00 - 4:00pm At Cocoa Beach Public Library Lecture - The Physics of Noseriding
April 10 Thursday - full day event, Location to be determined Clinic - Quicksilver Edition Paddle Clinic An all day clinic teaching advanced paddling and training techniques. For prone and Stand-up paddlers There is more information about these events on the museum's web site. It is still under construction so be patient if it loads slowly, and check back frequently. There is some pretty cool stuff in the works.
May 03 Saturday 7:00 - 9:00 pm At Cocoa Beach Public Library Slide Show - Peru 1980
May 17 Saturday 2:00 - 4:00pm At the Cocoa Beach Public Library Lecture - the Voice of the sea speaks to the soul Wyatt Werneth, Chief Lifeguard for Brevard County Florida discusses his world record setting paddle from Miami to Jacksonville.
http://www.cocoabeachsurfmuseum.org/
March 01 Saturday at Picnic Tables PAFB Museum Pot Luck Fun day & memebership drive
March 02 Sunday 2:00 - 4:00pm At Cocoa Beach Public Library Lecture - The Meteorology of Surfing
March 22 Saturday at Shepard Park, Cocoa Beach Paddleboard Race - Florida State Paddleboard Championship
April 05 Sunday 2:00 - 4:00pm At Cocoa Beach Public Library Lecture - The Physics of Noseriding
April 10 Thursday - full day event, Location to be determined Clinic - Quicksilver Edition Paddle Clinic An all day clinic teaching advanced paddling and training techniques. For prone and Stand-up paddlers There is more information about these events on the museum's web site. It is still under construction so be patient if it loads slowly, and check back frequently. There is some pretty cool stuff in the works.
May 03 Saturday 7:00 - 9:00 pm At Cocoa Beach Public Library Slide Show - Peru 1980
May 17 Saturday 2:00 - 4:00pm At the Cocoa Beach Public Library Lecture - the Voice of the sea speaks to the soul Wyatt Werneth, Chief Lifeguard for Brevard County Florida discusses his world record setting paddle from Miami to Jacksonville.
http://www.cocoabeachsurfmuseum.org/
Tony Sasso of Cocoa Beach is in the House!
Orlando Sentinal:Tony Sasso, the former Cocoa Beach commissioner elected to the Florida House last week, drew a boisterous welcome today at the House Democratic caucus.
Sasso arrived to predictions that this session will be disastrous, and that the mood seemed “like a funeral” with budget cuts.
But elated Democrats were more than happy to welcome a new Democrat who picked up the previously Republican House District 32 seat.
“You’ve made me feel like a rock star,” Sasso told the lawmakers before the official start of session today. Incoming House Democratic leader Franklin Sands, D-Weston, called him a “dragon slayer" for picking up the seat vacated when Merritt Island Republican Bob Allen resigned in disgrace.
Sasso still hasn’t decided which bills to file, and his office is way out of the way – the 13th floor of the Capitol.
But Sasso didn’t seem to mind. “I’ve got a good view of the (FSU) football stadium.”
Cocoa Beach State of the City" presentation Tuesday March 4
Published March 3, 2008 2:14 pm
City hosts "State of the City" presentation Tuesday FLORIDA TODAY ');
COCOA BEACH — The City of Cocoa Beach will host a “Town Hall” meeting in which the mayor will present the “State of the City” beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Cocoa Beach Country Club Auditorium on Tom Warriner Boulevard.Residents can meet the city commissioners and city staff between 6 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.
There will be a welcome of guests and participants, and an introduction of commissioners and staff.
Mayor Skip Beeler will then give the “2008 State of the City” presentation, followed by an open forum for public questions and discussions.
City hosts "State of the City" presentation Tuesday FLORIDA TODAY ');
COCOA BEACH — The City of Cocoa Beach will host a “Town Hall” meeting in which the mayor will present the “State of the City” beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Cocoa Beach Country Club Auditorium on Tom Warriner Boulevard.Residents can meet the city commissioners and city staff between 6 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.
There will be a welcome of guests and participants, and an introduction of commissioners and staff.
Mayor Skip Beeler will then give the “2008 State of the City” presentation, followed by an open forum for public questions and discussions.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Cocoa Beach Turtle Nesting
Turtles are coming ashore. Nesting season continues until the end of April.
Leatherback sea turtles start nesting on local beaches. The official early sea turtle nesting season has begun in Brevard County and will continue through April 30. During that time, leatherback sea turtles come ashore and lay eggs.
Residents and visitors are reminded to shield or turn off beachside lights, limit beach walking at night, avoid using flashlights or flash photography on the beach, and stay away from nesting sea turtles, hatchlings or sea turtle nests. Lights that shine or reflect onto the beach disrupt the instinctive nesting process.
While Brevard County and its municipalities have local lighting ordinances to protect sea turtles, the ordinances do not take effect until the main sea turtle nesting season begins May 1.
Call the Brevard County Natural Resources Management Office at 633-2016, extension 52431.
Leatherback sea turtles start nesting on local beaches. The official early sea turtle nesting season has begun in Brevard County and will continue through April 30. During that time, leatherback sea turtles come ashore and lay eggs.
Residents and visitors are reminded to shield or turn off beachside lights, limit beach walking at night, avoid using flashlights or flash photography on the beach, and stay away from nesting sea turtles, hatchlings or sea turtle nests. Lights that shine or reflect onto the beach disrupt the instinctive nesting process.
While Brevard County and its municipalities have local lighting ordinances to protect sea turtles, the ordinances do not take effect until the main sea turtle nesting season begins May 1.
Call the Brevard County Natural Resources Management Office at 633-2016, extension 52431.
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