Brevard County, Florida

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Brevard County, Florida
Image:Brevard County Fl Seal.png
Map
Location in the state of Florida
Florida's location in the USA
Statistics
Founded	March 14, 1844
Seat	Titusville
Area  - Total  - Land  - Water	4,032 km² (1,557 mi²) 2,637 km² (1,018 mi²) 1,395 km² (539 mi²), 34.60%
Population  - (2006)  - Density	534,359 202.6/km²
Website: countygovt.brevard.fl.us

Brevard County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida, along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. As of 2006 U.S. Census Bureau estimates, the population is 534,359[1]. Because of the presence of the John F. Kennedy Space Center, Brevard County is also known as the Space Coast.

The official county seat is Titusville, however nearly all county administration is performed from Viera⁶. There has been no official change to the county seat since 1894. Since Brevard County extends so far from north to south, it has more than one county courthouse and police station. The government services are not centralized in one location, as they are in many American counties.

It is possible to observe a Cape Canaveral rocket launch or NASA Space Shuttle launch, from anywhere in the county, as well as experience related structural shuddering throughout most of the county.

Contents 1 History 2 Government 3 Elected officials 3.1 Democracy 3.2 Justice 3.2.1 Juveniles 3.3 Public Safety 3.4 Libraries 3.5 Social Services 4 Volunteers 5 Health 5.1 Public Health 6 Education 6.1 Undergraduate and Graduate 6.2 Elementary and Secondary 6.3 Social Services for juveniles 6.4 Continuing Education 7 Geography 7.1 Adjacent counties 7.2 Climate 7.3 Places 7.3.1 Incorporated 7.3.2 Unincorporated 7.3.3 Former place names 8 Demographics 8.1 Religion 9 Status of Women and Minorities 9.1 Women 9.2 Minorities 10 Economy 10.1 Personal Income 10.2 Housing 10.3 Industry 10.3.1 Agriculture 10.3.2 Tourism 10.3.3 Film Making 10.3.4 Competitiveness 10.4 Labor 11 Environment 12 Military 13 Communication and Utilities 14 Sports teams 15 Media 15.1 Newspapers 15.2 Radio 15.3 Television 16 Arts and Culture 17 Transportation 17.1 Major Routes 17.1.1 Bridges 17.2 Rail Lines 18 Politics 19 Footnotes and References 20 See Also 21 External links

[edit] History

Juan Ponce de León is said to have arrived in Florida at the shores of the future county in 1513.

The last naval battle of the American Revolutionary War was fought off the shores of Cape Canaveral in 1783, between the USS Alliance and the HMS Sybill. ^[1]

"Mosquito County" was formed while the state was still a territory, and on some maps is absorbed into an unofficial "Leigh Read" county between 1839 and 1845. "Saint Lucia County" was created in 1844: it was renamed Brevard County in 1855 after George Washington Brevard, who served as Florida State Controller from 1854 to 1860.^[2] Between 1907 & 1910, St. Lucie County was created from the southern third of the county. There was a drive in the mid-1990s of creating a county out of the northern-third of the current county, but it did not pass.^{[citation needed]}

In the 1800s the Hernandez-Capron Trail passed through the county.

In the early 1900's the Union Cypress Railroad was built from present day Lipscomb Rd and University Blvd west to Deer Park.

Starting in the early 1990s, there was discussion in the county, especially in the southern and central part of the county, to officially move the county seat from Titusville to what was at that time uninhabited cow pasture land, now called Viera. This move was surrounded by some controversy. While Viera provides a location for administration of the county nearer to the county's major population center (Melbourne and Palm Bay, the two largest cities in Brevard County, are 50 miles from Titusville), some suspected that the center of government was moved to enrich the owners of the once-valueless land. An amendment was put onto the ballot to default on the bonds which the county had issued to pay for the massive building project, but it failed.^{[citation needed]}

In 1989, county administration was moved to a government complex at Viera, as part of a mid-county development project that included a Baseball Spring Training complex at Space Coast Stadium, and a master-planned community, known as Viera.

[edit] Government

Elected county commisioners establish ordinances and policies for the county . The Commission appoints a County Manager, who carries out the will of the Commission.

A centrally located County Government Center in Viera houses the various county government branches. Departments include Housing and Human Services, Juvenile Justice, Public Safety, Public Works and Solid Waste Management.

Transparency in government is mandatory in Florida through the "Florida Sunshine" law. All meetings are public meetings. Politicians who discuss final action without the public present are liable to be indicted. ^[3]This has been in effect since 1967.^[4]

In Brevard, county and school board meetings are televised. The public is present for all city and town council meetings.

Cities,towns and villages have varying reliance on services provided by the county government.

Real estate taxes are less than 2% of the real value of the property or less.^[5]

Brevard County government spends over $1.16 billion annually, exclusive of the municipalities.^[6]

The ex officio Space Coast League of Cities suggests legislation to it's representatives.^[7]

The Brevard Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is run by senior locally elected municipal and county officials. This multi-jurisdictional agency decides where federal and state road money will be used. Local decision making is vital in solving local transportation problems.^[8]

Various elected officials often hold voluntary meetings called "town meetings" to allow the public to express their concerns about issues that the officials should address.^[9][10][11]

The Brevard County Housing Authority acquires and leases housing projects; investigates housing conditions; determines where slums and unsafe housing exist and investigates conditons dangerous to the public. It is managed by citizens appointed by the county commission.^[12]

Brevard County has two unique election districts. One governs the Cape Canaveral Port; the other, the operation of the Sebastian Inlet Recreation Park.

The Canaveral Port Authority is an independent governmental agency created by the Florida Legislature. Five elected commissioners representing the five port regions are the governing body of Port Canaveral and have jurisdiction over all fiscal and regulatory policies and operations of the Port. The Authority sets policy and can levy taxes. They stopped levying an ad valorum tax on district residents, becoming only the second taxing authority in Florida to do so.^[13]

The county has hired a federal lobbyist to represent it's interests.^[14]

[edit] Elected officials

County Commissioners:
District 1 - Truman Scarborough^[15]
District 2 - Chuck Nelson^[16]
District 3 - Helen Voltz
District 4 - Mary Bolin
District 5 - Jackie Colon

The following are considered state officials but are elected and paid by the county:
Sheriff - J.R. "Jack" Parker
Clerk of the Courts - Scott Ellis
Property Appraiser - Jim Ford
Tax Collector - Rod Northcutt
Supervisor of Elections - Fred Galley
State Attorney - Norm Wolfinger
Public Defender - James F. Russo

[edit] Democracy

Grant and Valkaria petitioned the county and conducted a vote to incorporate themselves as a city in order to preserve their rural character which they believed was threatened by development.^[17][18]

Merritt Island with 50,000 people is not incorporated.^[19]

The largest city, Palm Bay, with 65 square miles, is the sixth largest city in Florida.^[20]

The Sebastian Inlet State Recreation area is used by fishermen and others interested in water recreation.^[21]A board elected by nearby citizens sets policies for the district encompassing the recreation area. Preservation of the environment is a paramount issue.

[edit] Justice

The county has centralized most county and circuit courts in Viera which try a variety of cases including felonies, misdemeanors, traffic, and domestic. An elected prosecutor tries cases for the public. Defendants can be represented through the auspices of the office of the elected Public Defender.

The County elects a sheriff, immediately responsible to the courts but also to the state for the enforcement of state laws.

Police chiefs, appointed by their cities or towns, perform the same function locally. There is no overlap in jurisdictions.

Many volunteers work alongside our paid professionals. Included are Citizens Offering Police Support (C.O.P.S.). C.O.P.S. volunteers work under the direction of the County Sheriff and play a part in our county's policing operations.^[22]

On Christmas Day 1951, Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore (founders of the local NAACP and Civil Rights activists) were slain by a bomb, well before the "Civil Rights Era. "Florida's Attorney General has offered a reward and established a hotline to solve the slaying.^[23] The Brevard justice center is named after them as a memorial.

The county jail is a modern facility which rapidly became overcrowded. When voters consistently turned down expanding the jail, the sheriff solved the problem by the construction of a large though inexpensive "hardened tent" to house non-violent offenders.

The county jail retains prisoners who have been sentenced to a year or less. Longer sentences must be served in state prisons, such as the facility in Sharpes for young men.

The Coast Guard, homeported at Port Canaveral, plays a major role in preventing illegal immigration, and is the major interdictor of drugs in the area.

Brevard has a Drug Court to reduce the prison population resulting from drug issues.^[24]Drug Court programs adjudicate cases in which offenders are chronic substance abusers through an extensive supervision and treatment regimen. Drug Courts require offenders to acknowledge their problems with substances and provide him/her with tools and mechanisms to deal with their addictions, in an effort to reduce or eliminate future criminal conduct. The Drug Court program utilizes a team approach to serve the offenders and the team consists of a judge, prosecutor, defense attorney, treatment specialists, supervision officers, law enforcement agencies, corrections officials, and others. In exchange for successfully completing this intensive program, the Court may dismiss the charge, reduce the sentence, or offer a combination of other incentives. Melbourne led the nation in MDMA seizures in 2005.

Brevard Legal Aid provides general, civil and domestic violence legal services to low income persons.^[25] Providers consist of five staff attorneys, three paralegals and 300 volunteer attorneys who offer pro bono assistance to referred eligible clients. Victims of domestic violence receive immediate need legal assistance with injunctions for protection through a partnership project with the Women’s Center and the domestic violence shelters.

There is a local chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).^[26] In May 2005, the ACLU accused local police and Sheriff's offices of attempting to intimidate protests by conducting surveillance and filming them. As a result, authorities stopped the practice except for good cause.^[27]

The State's Attorney's Office sponsors the Victim/Witness Services.^[28] This provides advocates to victims of violent crime and their families. The advocate helps the family understand the legal system as they navigate through it. They also seek out financial assistance or counseling they might need. In 2005 they helped 8,448 victims in Brevard County.

After one 2004 outdoor graduation was drenched, the School Board moved ceremonies in 2005 to the least expensive place, Calvary Chapel. It was half the cost of the outdoor facility. An atheist parent took them to Federal Court. The judge allowed the locale because of the potential disruption, but ordered them to change in 2006.^[29]

[edit] Juveniles

The Rainwater Center for Girls, a day program for girls ages 12-18 who are referred by the Department of Juvenile Justice, offers education, vocational training, counseling, life skills, cultural arts activities, recreation, and community service focused on the developmental needs of girls.

The Department of Juvenile Justice refers selected youths to the Space Coast Marine Institute (SCMI).^[30] The SCMI is a six to eight month moderate security residential facility for juvenile boys ages 14-18 who have committed around 4-12 crimes. The young men arrive at the institute with little or no self-esteem and have experienced minimal positive interaction with adults and peers. The mission of SCMI is to address their by providing a scheduled curriculum of academic, vocational and mental health awareness activities. In addition to a personalized academic education, the daily schedule includes programs that build self-confidence and a greater understanding of the world around us.

Juvenile delinquents are sometimes remanded to the Brevard Sheriff's Ranch in Rockledge, a small ranch with buffalo and other animals requiring care.^[31][32]

Reentry Brevard contracts with a contractor, often non-profit, to provide halfway services to youth conditionally released from prison.^[33]

[edit] Public Safety

The Brevard Emergency Operations Center (EOC) provides Homeland Security for the Space Coast.^[34]

The EOC coordinates information regarding the occurrence or threat of any disaster or emergency threatening the safety of the County residents. The EOC uses telephone, television, and the Emergency Services of the County Sheriff, the City Police and Fire Departments to provide coordinated management of all services for cataclysmic events such as Hurricanes, Floods and Terrorism.

The EOC has successfully conducted mass evacuation and relief of hundreds of thousands of residents from hurricanes since 1999 including two in 2004.

Cape Canaveral Port is under the direction of the Port Authority. Emphasis is placed on monitoring the content of containerized cargo on incoming ships, as well as underwater inspection of arriving ships that could be carrying explosive devices.

A Coast Guard Cutter, homeported at USCG Station Port Canaveral, Florida, stops potentially threatening commercial shipping prior to reaching the coast.

Evacuation routes are insufficient to handle the resulting heavy traffic westbound when an emergency is declared. The Metropolitan Planning Council directed that a major westbound route (US 192) be expanded to four lanes to accomodate the south Brevard population. This is more than half complete.^[35]

In 2004, hurricanes destroyed one in every hundred homes in the South County area. Within two blocks of the beach nearly every building sustained some damage. Barefoot Bay, a mobile housing development, was essentially destroyed.^[36] Winds tore off the roof of a shelter for special needs people in an elementary school.^[37] Emergency Workers were forced to evacuate these people at the peak of the storm.

In September 2005, the county hosted an estimated 1,400 refugees from Hurricane Katrina.

Experience with hurricanes Charley, Frances and Jeanne in 2004 prompted the formation of the Brevard Long Term Recovery Coalition, consisting of United Way officials and other emergency-needs experts.^[38] They recorded the experiences Brevard had developed to restore services after the storms struck. In fall 2005, they passed information they had learned along to Gulf Coast planners attempting to recover from Katrina.

The media has estimated that 26,000 people who would need evacuation have not volunteered this information to Emergency Officials. In the past people have tended to postpone evacuation notification until after the causeways and bridges have been closed and no evacuation is possible.

Brevard County posts lifeguards at fourteen protected areas at various beach front parks. The county is 70 miles long and most areas cannot be protected. The scope of responsibility for the lifeguards include accident and drowning prevention, public education, citizen assist, search and recovery of lost children, basic life support, and swimmer rescue.^[39]

Two Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotillas offer boating safety courses.

Highway fatalities have decreased nationally, but increased in Florida and locally. Officials are focused on setting and enforcing speed limits and widening the local turnpike, now underway. The flatness of the area prevent runoff during rainstorms and causes cars to hydroplane. The highway department takes deliberate measures to re-engineer roads to avoid hydroplaning.^[40]

Project Lifesaver can tag at-risk adults and children with locator devices. This allows guardians to track wandering people with Alzheimers, dementia, autism, etc.^[41]

[edit] Libraries

The county centrally controls all 20 libraries in the county.^[42] There are 900,000 volumes.^[43]One library card is valid at all locations, and materials are loaned between locations through a daily courier service and outside our libraries via Inter-Library Loan. Periodical subscriptions stand at about 2,250. The libraries own over 18,000 videos and 21,000 sound recordings. Personal computers for public use are hooked up on broadband in all libraries.

[edit] Social Services

ARC-Brevard, Inc. provides a spectrum of services for the lifespan of 1200 individuals (and their families) with developmental disabilities in nine locations throughout Brevard.^[44] Most clients are mentally challenged. ARC furnishes work crews for long term- contract, often for sanitation or lawn care. ARC is funded through various government sources including Medicade, School Board; also through fundraisers, crafts, and contributions.

[edit] Volunteers

Tens of thousands of volunteers work on the Space Coast for charitable and organizations such as Daily Bread soup kitchen, Salvation Army, Sharing Center assistance to the needy, service clubs, churches charitable groups, etc. Some of the unique ones follow.

Leadership Brevard is a private non-for-profit organization that educates interested people in the challenges of the future for Brevard.^[45] Much of their education is aimed at inspiring graduates to volunteer their (unpaid) skills in tackling some of these challenges.

The Veteran's Administration runs a small clinic locally.^[46] While there is a core of professional physicians, it is mainly staffed by volunteers.

The Space Coast Habitat for Humanity builds two houses a month for families who would otherwise not be able to afford one.^[47] The families pay back a no interest loan, and are financially mentored. In March, the organization sponsors a "Strawberry Festival" to raise money for this purpose.

The Daily Bread is a "soup kitchen" which feeds hundreds of people daily.^[48] It serves as a conduit for food donors and gives it away to other charitable organizations. Home owners do not want the kitchen in their backyard (NIMBY). They are now attempting to open a new facility in the next few years.

Candlelighters of Brevard provides emotional and financial support to children with cancer and their families.^[49]

AmeriCorps Brevard Project Elderserve help elders at risk of institutionalization, especially those with Alzheimer's, to remain in their homes. An emphasis is placed on assistance to caregivers to delay institutionalization of elders through respite, education and support services.

The Brevard Alzheimer's Foundation, founded in 1995, is a local, non- profit agency.^[50] The Foundation offers adult daycare services for frail elders and those diagnosed with Alzheimer's or dementia, in-home respite training and support groups. Financial assistance is available for very low-to-moderate income families in Brevard County.

Watershed Action Volunteers (WAV) provides workers, from among their 300 members, to help monitor water quality, conduct nature surveys, planting sea oats and other eco-friendly tasks.^[51]

Native flora is threatened by various imported species including the Brazilian pepper tree. Volunteers periodically cut down these invaders, particularly along waterways.

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) sponsors an NKF Pro-Am Surf Festival in September. About 90,000 people attend.^[52]

The local Grayhound Pets of America outplaces 500 racers that will retire from the Melbourne Greyhound Park each year.^[53] Locally, 100 will be adopted. Volunteers search the country for good homes for the rest.

[edit] Health

The Space Coast Early Intervention Center is a nationally recognized not-for-profit pre-school and therapeutic center that offers care and maximizes the development of small children with special needs and typically developing children.^[54] Childen are treated and educated with the specific goal of mainstreaming children diagnosed with the following into public school: Down syndrome, William's syndrome, Rett syndrome, Cerebral palsy, Autism, P-4 Deletion syndrome, PDD and Apert syndrome as well as children with visual, speech and hearing delays.

Health Outreach Prevention & Education (HOPE) is a network of community partners working together to provide care for people without insurance, and for children with special needs. This network includes hospitals.

Brevard introduced (2005-6) a Federally approved experimental Medicade program which puts volunteering 60+ years olds in an HMO-like organization in order to save money.

The non-profit Circles of Care provides mental health programs to Brevard.^[55]

211 Brevard responds to people in crisis and/or needing information about community resources.^[56]

Space Coast Center for Independent Living offers over-all services for individuals with all types of disabilities: Peer support, advocacy, skills training, accessibility surveys, support groups, transportation, specialized equipment and sign language interpreter coordination services.^[57] Additional program for high school students for career development.

Harmony Farms runs “Horses for the Handicapped," a therapeutic riding program located on the Duda Ranch in Viera.^[58]

[edit] Public Health

The state^[59] has three public health locations in the county which give immunization shots, provide health information, and track and report on serious diseases or conditions, like HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, encephalitis, and West Nile.^[60]

The area was once named "Mosquito County."^[61] Mosquitos carry serious diseases, including encephalitis. Brevard County Mosquito Control reduces the mosquito population by many means including adulticiding, larviciding, source reduction, aquatic weed control, waste tire abatement, disease monitoring (of chickens and mosquito-susceptible animals,) environmental monitoring, and biological control of mosquitoes.^[62]

Brevard is among the top 100 counties in the US for asbestos-related deaths. Government officials have addressed this issue.

While no one has ever died in Brevard, animal rabies is prevalent, often carried in this area by racoons.^[63] Public announcements and public awareness appear to have prevented fatalities.

In 2005, a woman died from flesh-eating bacteria (Necrotizing fasciitis) that she contracted from the St. Johns River. Two or three cases of flesh-eating bacteria are typically reported in the county each year. Officials caution against exposing open sores to this river.

[edit] Education

The Space Coast contains a higher percentage of college graduates than any of the other 66 Florida counties.

[edit] Undergraduate and Graduate

College education in Brevard County is provided by the Brevard Community College and Florida Tech in Melbourne.

The Brevard Community College is a two-year college, which has multiple campuses. 13,600 students attend Brevard Community College with sites in Melbourne, Palm Bay, Titusville and Cocoa. A modern planetarium and observatory is located on the Cocoa campus. BCC also offers vocational programs that do not count for College credit and serve to meet the needs of the community.

The Palm Bay branch of the Brevard Community College offers technical and vocational training for Associate Degrees and Certificates for entering the workforce, improving professional skills, and developing new competence.

Other courses include a two year nursing degree and certification by the "Police Academy" which is a basic requirement for employment in law enforcement in Brevard County.

Florida Tech is a typical University which offers Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees, specializing in engineering, technology and the sciences. 4,400 students are enrolled on site, of which half are at the graduate level. About 26% are from abroad. It is located in Melbourne.

The University of Central Florida has a branch on the Community College Cocoa Campus. Additionally it operates the Florida Solar Energy Center.^[64]

Other colleges include Barry University^[65][66], Columbia College^[67], Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida Metropolitan University-Melbourne, Keiser College and Webster College.

[edit] Elementary and Secondary

Main article: Brevard Public Schools

For 2005, the students had higher SAT scores than any other Florida School District.

For 2005, the District has a higher percentage (9%) of National Board Certified Teachers than any of the other largest ten districts in the state.

In 2005, Brevard is first in Florida in the number of "A"-rated schools in the 10 largest districts.

In 2005, Brevard led the state in science in fifth and 11th grade assessments.

In 2006, the District had 5 of the top 10 Elementary Schools in the state, according to the Florida Dept. of Ed.

Brevard is in the top ten in the state in each of the 22 areas of assessment on the standard statewide exams given students each year.

In 2005 & 2006, Newsweek ranked Cocoa Beach High School among the top 100 US high schools (out of 21,000) in part due to it's International Baccalaureate program.

10th graders led the state in the writing exam in 2006.

The state has ranked 15 of the elementary schools as tops in the state including a Title I South Lake, a former "D"-ranked school!

AARP ranked the school district No. 8 on the 2005 list of Best Employers for Workers Over 50. It was the only public-school system and the highest-ranked Florida employer on the national list.

The superintendent of schools was selected as best in state by his peers in 2005.

Brevard leads the state in the number of high school students dual enrolled in secondary and college courses.

[edit] Social Services for juveniles

The Childen's Home Society (CHS) provides Florida families with a unique spectrum of social services, including foster care, adoption, child abuse prevention, emergency shelters, group homes, case management, and treatment for developmentally disabled children.^[68] It is a 501(c)3 organization.

Among other local services, CHS also runs the Hacienda Girls Ranch which provides a safe haven for forty-five abused, neglected and/or abandoned girls from the ages of 10-18.^[69]

Children's Advocacy Center of Brevard is an organization serving abused and neglected children.^[70] A primary goal is to secure and maintain a permanent facility from which professionals may provide services to abused and neglected children and their non-offending family members.

The Child Care Association of Brevard County, is a private non-profit agency that coordinates child care, early childhood education and early intervention programs and services for families in Brevard County.^[71]In April, the Association sponsors a Children's Festival.

Florida is the seventh deadliest state for teen drivers. This has caused much concern for parents and well as local authorities.

In August, the county stages a parentless "Teen Fest," which is also drugless and alcohol-free!^[72] It attracts 3000 teens.

The local chapter of American Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE) sponsors a "Toy Run" the first Saturday in December. This brings 15,000 bikers to the community to bring toys for sick and needy children. Their efforts fulfill the community's need.

[edit] Continuing Education

Continuing education is provided by the Brevard Community College, and the University of Central Florida.

Life long learning is offered by the Community College at four branches throughout the county as well as evening courses at high schools.

The County School Board sponsors BPS-TV. Those interested can study for the General Education Development exam, learn a foreign language, or learn about the arts. From midnight to 6 a.m., the station's Classic Arts Showcase offers ballet, jazz and classical music programming.

[edit] Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 4,032 km² (1,557 mi²). 2,637 km² (1,018 mi²) of it is land and 1,395 km² (539 mi²) of it (34.60%) is water, primarily the Atlantic Ocean, the St. John's River and the Indian River Lagoon.

Located half-way between Jacksonville, Florida and Miami, Brevard County is an extra-long county, extending over 70 miles from north to south, but only a handful of miles inland from the seacoast at any point. In marshes in the western part of this county is the source of the St. Johns River.

The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway along the eastern edge of Brevard County is the major waterway route in Brevard County.

Brevard County is the sole county in the Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville Metropolitan Statistical Area.

[edit] Adjacent counties

• Volusia County, Florida - north
• Indian River County, Florida - south
• Osceola County, Florida - southwest
• Orange County, Florida - west
• Seminole County, Florida - northwest

[edit] Climate

January is the coldest month with an average low of 50.7 degrees Fahrenheit; average high 71 F.The warmest months are July and August with average highs of 90 F; average lows 72.2. The driest month is April with 1.6" rainfall; the wettest September, 6.6".^[73]

Florida is a large subtropical state that experiences hurricanes. A look at the map will reveal why Brevard is seldom affected. Although Brevardians usually, and incorrectly, refer to past storms as "hurricanes," by the time they strike here, they have often subsidided to tropical storms or depressions. Because of the threat of storm surge, the beach community on the barrier island is often required to evacuate well in advance of the storm.^[74]

Tornados spinning off from even small storms can result in severe damage in small areas.^[75]

The following hurricanes have affected affected Brevard since 1950: David (September 3, 1979), Charley (August 13, 2004) - Caused damage in Titusville and North Brevard. Frances (September 3, 2004) - Struck neighboring Vero Beach, Indian River County directly, Jeanne (September 26, 2004) - Struck Vero, directly, following very nearly the same path as Frances! The latter two storms caused widespread damage in South Brevard. Slightly more than half of one percent (0.6%) of houses were lost.^[76]

The following storms were not hurricanes when they hit Brevard: Floyd (September 15, 1999)^[77], and Irene (October 16, 1999).^[78]

[edit] Places

[edit] Incorporated

• City of Cape Canaveral
• City of Cocoa
• City of Cocoa Beach
• Town of Grant-Valkaria
• Town of Indialantic
• City of Indian Harbour Beach
• Town of Malabar
• City of Melbourne
• Town of Melbourne Beach
• Town of Melbourne Village
• City of Palm Bay (formerly Tillman)
• Town of Palm Shores
• City of Rockledge
• City of Satellite Beach
• City of Titusville
• City of West Melbourne

[edit] Unincorporated

• Barefoot Bay
• Canaveral Groves
• Cocoa West
• June Park
• Kennedy Space Center
• Merritt Island (formerly Merritt's Island)
• Micco
• Mims
• Port St. John
• Sharpes
• South Patrick Shores
• Suntree
• Viera

[edit] Former place names

Main article: Former place names in Brevard County, Florida

There are place names currently used, or used at one time by the USGS. Some are early developments, others are former stations along the main line of the Florida East Coast Railway. Several of these disappeared when Kennedy Space Center took over their area.

[edit] Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there were 476,230 people, 198,195 households, and 132,394 families residing in the county. The population density was 181/km² (468/mi²). There were 222,072 housing units at an average density of 84/km² (218/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 86.81% White, 8.40% Black or African American, 0.37% Native American, 1.50% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 1.09% from other races, and 1.77% from two or more races. 4.61% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 198,195 households out of which 26.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.00% were married couples living together, 10.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.20% were non-families. 26.90% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.84.

In the county the population was spread out with 22.00% under the age of 18, 6.80% from 18 to 24, 27.10% from 25 to 44, 24.30% from 45 to 64, and 19.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 95.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.30 males.

9.50% of the population and 6.80% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 13.00% of those under the age of 18 and 6.50% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

In 2005, the census bureau estimated that the Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area, which consists solely of Brevard County, stood 91st in population out of 263.^[79]

In 2006, the county stood 10th in population in the state, out of 67.^[80] The increase in population from 2000 was 11.8%, less than the Florida average of 12.7%.

[edit] Religion

An Episcopal Holy Trinity pastor spearheaded the construction of three towers (Trinity Towers!) for the elderly needy consisting of over 500 units.

Brevard Kairos/Torch is a ecumenical Christian group of volunteers who conduct retreats for young men at the local state prison.^[81] The retreat gives the prisoners an opportunity for reflection and a spiritual experience. The prisoners sign up for this retreat - there is a waiting list - and must be approved by prison officials. The recidivism from the retreated groups is one-third that of the non-retreatants.

In March, the Brevard Jewish Federation sponsors a Jewish Festival. This is an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate Jewish culture.^[82] It is part bazaar, part educational, part trade show, part entertainment and all fun. It attracts 3000 people.

In February, St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church runs the Greek Festival featuring Greek food, dancing and a tour of the church which displays its icons.^[83] It attracts 10,000 people.

A book, "Excellent Catholic Parishes..." selected the Holy Name of Jesus (HNJ) as one of the top 100 parishes in the county.^[84] About the same time, the Federal Department of Education selected the HNJ elementary school as both a "Blue Ribbon School of Excellence"^[85] and "Blue Ribbon No Child Left Behind School of Excellence."^[86] The US Department of Education and the National Association of Elementary School Principals named the principal as "distinguished."^[87]

Predominately white HNJ Catholic Church partners with predominately black Mt. Moriah Baptist Church to build a Habitat for Humanity house about every 18 months.

133 Protestant and Catholic churches of all denominations hold an annual religious Christmas parade in the streets of Melbourne. The life of Christ and scenes from the Bible are among the most popular scenes.

In May, the Banana River Sail and Power Squadron, the largest such association in the county, hosts the "Blessing of the Fleet," a centuries-old mariner's tradition.^[88]

Resurrection Ranch is a sanctuary offering food, shelter, and safety in an environment where people can regain hope, develop skills, find jobs, and rejoin society. The Ranch is a family restoration ministry. Facilities include family units, separate men and women's dormitories, a central kitchen and eating area, laundry facilities and multi-purpose areas. Between 40- 50 people can be accommodated at one time and the Ranch is usually filled to capacity. About 1/3 of the of the residents are children under 12 years. Residents perform all kitchen, housekeeping, grounds keeping, laundry and maintenance activities, in addition to other employment responsibilities. Prayer, daily Bible study and Spiritual growth are as integral to life at the Ranch as food, shelter and safety.

East Coast Christian Center distributed 2,000 backpacks, costing $30,000 to children from low-income families during its annual summer giveaway, drawing thousands of visitors.^[89]

The Holy Name of Jesus Parish is a sister parish to two in Haiti. They send down a teaching mission twice a year involving a dozen volunteers.

Various religious groups have demonstrated near the local abortion clinic forcing it to move twice since it's founding in 1977.

150 members of local Mormon churches volunteered to help after the damage done by Hurricane Katrina. Volunteers brought their own food and water.

Brevard was the beneficiary of help from 3,000 Mormons who helped out after Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne in 2004.

[edit] Status of Women and Minorities

[edit] Women

The Women's Center provides counseling services, educational programs, criminal justice support/advocacy; crisis counseling; information and referral; personal advocacy; support groups; therapy; translation services; victims compensation claims.^[90]Victims served includes adult victims of sexual battery, domestic violence victims; homicide survivors, other violent crime victims, and stalking victims.

The Florida Civil Rights Conference has given an Advocacy Award to The Central Brevard Women's Center in Cocoa Beach.

The Junior League of South Brevard is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.^[91] Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The League reaches out to women of all races, religions and national origins who demonstrate an interest and commitment to volunteerism. The League raises money for charity during their "Festival of Trees" held in November. About 6,000 people attend.

Serene Harbor provides a domestic violence hotline which is staffed 24/7 by trained advocates.^[92] Information regarding injunctions for protection, safety planning, education, financial and professional services, legal aid, housing, mental health issues, medical care and children's service options are given to hotline callers.

The Salvation Army provides a Domestic Violence Shelter to abused partners and their families.^[93]

The Brevard County Commission on the Status of Women advises the County Commission on issues affecting women. It's members are appointed by the County Commission.^[94]

Both the Sheriff and Palm Bay have a reserve status for former law enforcement officers who wish to work part time. This has been particularly useful for women needing to focus on their families, as well as the community.

A Sally Ride Science Festival is held in November to promote science careers for girls in grades 5-8. A woman astronaut gives the keynote speech.

In 1994,after hundreds of arrests, the Brevard abortion clinic was at the center of a Supreme Court ruling that established buffer zones to protect patients from protesters.

[edit] Minorities

In June, the Juneteenth Festival is held, commemorating the freeing of the slaves at the end of the Civil War. This attracts about 500 attendees.^[95]

The monthly Brevard Ebony News is a newspaper publishing articles of interest to the Afro-American community.^[96]

Their are several local chapters of NAACP committed to improving the lot of minorities.^[97]

The Alliance for Neighborhood Restoration sponsored the third Youth Crime Prevention Summit, drawing 200 9-to-17-year-olds together to help them make positive life choices and to interact with law enforcement officers. The event was currently funded by a Department of Justice "Weed and seed" grant.

ComeUnity of Brevard in Cocoa, a community-based prevention and development organization, sponsors SoulFest in October.

The Brevard Multi-Cultural Unity Council has annually sponsored a Race Unity Day celebrating diversity since 1989.^[98]

In 1995, the Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Multi-Cultural Center was created to improve race relations and human relations in Brevard County and the state of Florida. The center sponsors public forums that focus on the value of racial and cultural diversity. Every February they also sponsor a Moore Heritage Festival of the Arts and Humanities. Their slogan is "Building Unity through Diversity."^[99]

Local centers for worship include the Islamic Society,^[100] and B'ai Hai.

In February the 300 member Indian Association of Brevard sponsors an "Indiafest," a festival featuring food, culture and dancing from India, as well as "Basakhi," a harvest festival.^[101] It attracts 6,500 people. They also sponsor an "India Day" around August 15, celelebrating India's Independence. In 2006, 4000 people attended.

Local Thai-Americans stage a Songkran Festival in April on Thai New Year featuring food and culture of Thailand.^[102]

8.4% of the population is black, not far below the national average of 12.7%; 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, compared to the national average of 13.4%.

2,000 individuals of American Indian extraction live in the area -- Cherokees, Mohawks, Navajo, Cree and Lakota. This number represents a slightly higher percentage than Florida as a whole. Each December, The Native Heritage Foundation sponsors a "Gathering and Pow-Wow" to publicize and preserve the Native American culture. This attracts upwards of 1,500 attendees.^[103]

In September, the Annual Family Salsa Festival draws about 1000 people where Puerto Rican heritage is celebrated.^[104]

[edit] Economy

[edit] Personal Income

As of the census of 2000:

• Median income for a family - $47,571
• Median income for males - $36,542
• Median income for females - $24,632
• Per capita income - $21,484
• Median income for a household - $40,099
• In 2005, the median income for a household had risen to $43,281^[105]

The following were below the poverty line in 2000:

• Families - 6.80%
• Total population - 9.50%
• Under age 18 - 13.00%
• Age 65 or older - 6.50%

[edit] Housing

The county's median home price reached a high in 2005 and is down over 18% to $202,500.^[106]

Brevard expects to have 100,000-300,000 more people by 2020, and increase of 60%. This offers a challenge to local government to keep infrastructure ahead of growth, while preserving the environment.

Based on only the mid-point of the growth estimates, if Brevard has 200,000 new residents by 2020, taxpayers will have to meet a list of new requirements, including: 400 more police officers and 362 more firefighters; 25 million more gallons per day of drinking water; 1,334 more teachers; 600 more jail beds.

Rockledge is hoping to revitalize Barton Boulevard.

Three communities have either decided or are considering placing electric lines most vulnerable to high winds, underground despite the high cost.

Cape Canaveral and Satellite Beach have declared a moratorium on converting commercially zoned areas to residential.

The company developing West Viera is seeking state permission and county acquiescence to create a self-governing board that could raise taxes or sell bonds to pay for roads, water lines, pumping stations and other infrastructure needed to support the construction of 16,500 houses, apartments and condominiums. The company is attempting to prove that development can fund itself.

[edit] Industry

The Brevard economy is driven by Trade, Transportation and Utilities (18%), Professional and Business Services (17%), Total government (15%), Education and Health (14%), Manufacturing (12%), Leisure and hospitality (10%), Construction (6%), Financial (4%).

In 2005, Inc. Magazine voted the Space Coast as the best place to do business in Florida and sixth in the country.

In 2004, Brevard County ranked 13th out of 318 largest counties in the US for increase in the number of jobs.

Port Canaveral is the world's busiest cruise port. It is served by seven cruise lines. They have six major cruise terminals. There is 750,000 SF of covered freight storage capacity. It handled 4 million tons of cargo in 2004. The port boosts Brevard's economy by 1/2 billion dollars annually.

Brevard County/Space Coast ranked 13th out of 318 largest counties in the US for increase in number of jobs.

The county ranks 17th for per capita income, out of Florida's 67 counties.

American City Business Journals rated Brevard 7th for quality of life out of 67.

For 2004, Brevard County moved from 70 to 31 out of the top 200 metropolitan areas "Best Performing." This improvement was driven mainly by job growth.

Two hospitals are among the top five private employers in the county.

A long term concern is the probable re-assignment of thousands of space coast workers when the shuttle is replacd in 2010.

Two locally headquartered builders, Mercedes and Holiday are among the top 30 in the nation. Mercedes had $1 billion in sales in 2004.

The Cocoa Redevelopment Center works on programs to improve housing in the city's older areas.

Another organization, Main Street Cocoa, works toward restoring business sites in the historic area, known as "Cocoa Village." The restored area has become a tourist attraction and an economic magnet.

Inc. magazine has selected two local small companies as among the fastest growing in the country over the past 3 years - Applied Global Technology (nearly 100% annually) and Stops (nearly 200% annually).

[edit] Agriculture

23% of Brevard County is agricultural-usable for citrus, raising cattle or horses. Cattle ranches include the Deseret and Duda Ranches; citrus growers include Victory Groves and Harvey's Indian River Groves.

The county ranked 21 out of 24 Florida counties in the shipment of gift fruit.

The volunteer |4H clubs focus on youth development, sometimes using animals as a focus. There are 40 4-H related clubs in the county including livestock- and pet-related and after school clubs.^[107]

[edit] Tourism

Tourism brings $1 billion annually to Brevard.

Brevard must compete with other Florida areas for tourists. A number of organizations help with this.

The Tourism Development Office is comprised of indirectly elected officials. It is funded by a small tax on tourist accomodations. The money is spent on beach improvements, visitor information centers, promotion and advertising, the Brevard Zoo, additional beach improvements, the Space Coast Stadium.

The mission of Keep Brevard Beautiful (KBB) is to motivate and educate business, school, group and individual partnerships to reduce litter, recycle, landscape, and beautify for the environmental and economic benefit of Brevard County. Among other tasks, KBB schedules and oversees cleanups four times a year along roads, parks and beaches.

Brevard has five major art festivals annually attracting tens of thousands of people to displays of judged art. Most festivals are held in the spring or fall when many tourists can attend.

Due to extensive publicity and hard work by tourism agencies, Brevard experienced the best October and November 2004 than ever, despite widespread hurricane damage and loss of five beachside hotels. Four of these hotels were restored by 2006.

For Brevard County businesses, fishing tournaments,like the Wal-Mart FLW Redfish Series tournament in August, bring more than $2.5 million a year in direct spending. A lot more in indirect spending. Tournaments are a steady revenue source for the county and for local businesses.

In September 2005, FEMA diverted one cruise line from Canaveral (under contract) to shelter Hurricane Katrina evacuees. However, this has a negative influence on local tourism!

The Globe Sebastian Inlet Pro surfing contest, on the county line, draws 16,000 visitors the second weekend in January.

[edit] Film Making

The Space Coast Film Commission encourages film production, works with potential and current film makers, and ensures they have proper support from county and local government organizations.

[edit] Competitiveness

The Milken institute ranked Brevard number one, out of 200 largest metropolitan areas, in overall job growth for 2005.

Forbes magazine ranked Melbourne 2nd out of 150 metropolitan areas in the US, for the percentage of the population that are engineers, 6.6%, just ahead of Silicon Valley.

Brevard Count's unemployment rate fell to a record low 2.8% in December 2005.

In 2006, Forbes magazine named Harris Corporation, headquartered in Brevard, to it's "Platinum 400" List.

The Technological Research and Development Authority, based in the Space Coast, delivers technologies to schools and small businesses throughout the State of Florida. They obtain this information through strategic alliances with NASA, the federal government, the aerospace industry and state partners. They also sponsor a business incubator at the Melbourne Airport.

The National Association of Realtors reported that existing homes prices in Brevard rose 33% annually the third quarter of 2005, the sixth highest metropolitan area in the nation (out of 147). While this might be great for current homeowners trading down and speculators, it does have ramifications for new people trying to move into the area. There was a slight decrease in exisiting home prices the last quarter of 2005.

In October, 2005, Brevard realized that the average owner of a house could not afford that house at current prices! The same month, the sale price of existing homes dropped by 8%.

In January 2005, CNN/Money ranked the homes in "Palm Bay"^[108] as "49% overvalued" and within 10% of the most overvalued homes in the United States.

In 2005, the Sunrise Bank of Cocoa Beach became the first bank in the state to have a mobile branch.

The City of Palm Bay made the finals for "All American City" for three years 2003-2005.

[edit] Labor

Unions represented at the Kennedy Space Center include American Federation of Government Workers, International Association of Machinists and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

While there is concern about the new generation of space vehicles requiring 1/3 less workers, about that number are eligible for retirement by 2011.

Brevard County Teachers are represented by the Brevard Federation of Teachers (AFT).

In 2005, the Next Generation Consulting for Leadership Brevard, a leadership development organization for local business and civic groups, and Brevard Tomorrow commissioned a survey of people 21-44. Basically, these people often found the area "boring," mainly because it is family-friendly at the expense of being singles-friendly. While this may have labor repercussions later, currently business is having no problems hiring.

The county had an unemployment rate of 3.5% in August 2005, near a record low.

In early 2005, Forbes ranked the area 27th in job growth out of 150 metropolitan areas in the country.

Manpower Employment Outlook Survey said the hiring outlook in Brevard for the last quarter of 2005 was the 19th-best in the nation among the 470 communities participating in the survey.

2004 Hurricane recovery has helped the area achieve high employment.

[edit] Environment

Brevard County contains the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. the Canaveral National Seashore, the St. Johns National Wildlife Refuge, and the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge.

In 2005, divers and biologists want to restrict fishing and ocean dumping at Oculina Reef to protect the deep-sea coral that grows only here, about 30 miles offshore from Cape Canaveral to Fort Pierce. They are seeking a federal designation of a "National Marine Sanctuary." They are opposed by area fishermen.

The Florida Solar Energy Center conducts education and research into alternative energy sources including hydrogen, building construction, as well as solar thermal and photovoltaics.

The Florida Space Coast Clean Cities Coalition is headquartered in Brevard. It encompasses a nine-county area.

Local taxes support an Enviromentally Endangered Land (EELs) Program to protect environmentally sensitive areas. The 294 acre Enchanted Forest in Titusville was the first land set aside under this program. It preserves a significant sample of the natural communities that were originally found in this region, including xeric oak scrub, mature hardwood forests, wetlands and pine flatwoods. A recent controvery was solved when the County decided to rehire the Nature Conservancy to negotiate the purchase of EELs.

Sea turtles nest on Brevard shores. They are sensitive to night lights which have affected their reproduction. The not-for-profit Sea Turtle Preservation Society (STPS) educates the public about marine turtles. They rely on the donations from the public, its membership, and the efforts of its dedicated volunteers. The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service permits STPS to work with these endangered and threatened sea turtles. STPS is not an enforcement agency. The organization teaches people each year through lecture presentations, exhibits at area events, and through turtle watches during the sea turtle nesting season.

The 900 acre Archie Carr Wildlife Refuge contains a twenty mile section of coastline from Melbourne Beach south. This is the most important nesting area for loggerhead sea turtles in the western hemisphere and the second most important nesting beach in the world. Twenty-five percent of all loggerhead sea turtle and 35% of all green sea turtle nests in the United States occur in this twenty mile zone.

The Marine Resources Council focuses on issues affecting the Indian River Lagoon through its programs on shoreline restoration, water quality monitoring and right whale watching. It is possible to watch right whales in December as they migrate to their summer home in the South Atlantic.

In 1987, Brevard hosted the last member of the Dusky Seaside Sparrow, now extinct. There have been only two such avian failures since listing of endangered species began in 1973. This event has galvanized efforts to ensure this never happens again.

Watershed Action Volunteers (WAV) provides workers, from among their 300 members, to help monitor water quality, conduct nature surveys, planting sea oats and other eco-friendly tasks.

Brevard had 1 million gallons of escaped sewage in 2004. Aging sewer systems was blamed. Brevard stood tenth in the state, which is consistent with it's population.

2005 - For the third year in a row, five of Brevard County's beaches were picked as some of the nation's cleanest, according to the (National) Clean Beaches Council. Brevard's beaches that made the list are Alan Shepard Park in Cocoa Beach, Cherie Down Park in Cape Canaveral, Ocean Avenue Beach Park, Spessard Holland Park in Melbourne Beach and The Boardwalk in Indialantic.

Climate suprisingly varies in this very long (72 mile) county, particularly in winter. In north county, northern flora can thrive, like deciduous trees. In the south county, sub-tropical plants can grow, such as royal palm trees.

The 140,000 acre Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge provides and opportunity to observe animals in their natural habitat. It is home to many species of birds, wild boars, deer, alligators, bobcats, armadillos and other creatures . There are nature trails, a US Ranger Nature Center and a seven mile scenic drive through a wild bird habitat.

Nearby is the Canaveral National Sea Shore Park, a twenty-four mile stretch of undisturbed ocean beach near the Kennedy Space Center. Visitors take self-guided tours assisted by information from park rangers. Travelocity.com named this park among the top ten Florida beaches as well as among the top ten Family Attractions in Florida.

President Teddy Roosevelt established Pelican Island in 1903 as the nation's first federal wildlife refuge. The island is home to more than 30 species of birds, including brown pelican, wood stork, snowy egret and great blue heron. Loggerhead sea turtles and other endangered species rest along its banks.

The Enchanted Forest Sanctuary preserves a diversity of the natural habitats found on the Space Coast. Several miles of hiking trails allow visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the Sanctuary. There is a wonderful wealth of plant life in the Sanctuary as both temperate (northern) and subtropical (southern) species grow here together. There are five basic habitat types in the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary: oak, scrub, mesic and hydric hammock, wet prairie, and pine flatwood. Wildlife species found here include the Eastern Indigo snake, Florida scrub lizard, gopher tortoise, white-tailed deer, and bobcat.

Every April, the Friends of the Enchanted Forest present "Earth Day Family Fun Fest." About 800 attend.

Several ecologically knowledgeable Canoe and Kayak guides conduct river tours.

The Erna Nixon Park & Nature Center is a 54 acre natural Florida hammock and nature preserve that features a 2,345-foot long elevated boardwalk with 640 feet of trail that winds through three different ecosystems. Signs on the nature trail identifies many different plant species. A nature center with exhibits is on the site.

The Space Coast Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association (SCCCCA) is to advise and educate the public on conservation of marine resources. It is primarily interested in conserving fisheries for sportsman.

Lawmakers have purchased access to the ocean and beaches. Developers and owners were anticipated and not allowed to "wall off" ocean beach access as they have done elsewhere.

The Space Coast contains most of the sites included in the Florida East Coast portion of the "Great Florida Birding Trail."

The Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival (Space Coast Flyways Festival) is held in November. It attracts 2,500 attendees, the third largest in the US.

The Welcome Back Songbirds Festival is held at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in April.

Native flora is threatened by various imported species including the Brazilian pepper tree. Possession and cultivation of this tree is illegal. Large numbers of volunteers periodically cut down these invaders, particularly along waterways.

The City of Satellite Beach has permanently preserved 37% of it's oceanfront in it's natural state (prevented it from being developed).

During 94.5% of 2005 the air quality was "good."

The county has 8,000 miles of waterline!

The St. Johns River Water Management District maintains and protects local waterways and estuaries such as the St. Johns River, the Indian River, and the Banana River. 300 miles in length, the St. Johns is the longest river in Florida. It flows north, one of the few rivers in the Northern Hemisphere that does so. Among other things, the District often restricts irrigation, during drought, to early morning or late afternoons to avoid evaporation (and therefore unecessary additional irrigation).

Watershed Action Volunteers provides workers, from among their 300 members, to help monitor water quality, conduct nature surveys, planting sea oats and other eco-friendly tasks.

Authorities monitor water quality to try to free the waterways from floral pests such as the water hyacinth and hydrilla. In December 2005, four communities including Cocoa Beach, flunked the salinity test in the adjacent Indian River lagoon. This was too LOW due to excessive fresh water runoff, a frequent problem in the area. Each community must address this problem.

2005 - For the third year in a row, five of Brevard County's beaches were picked as some of the nation's cleanest, according to the (National) Clean Beaches Council. Brevard's beaches that made the list are Alan Shepard Park in Cocoa Beach, Cherie Down Park in Cape Canaveral, Ocean Avenue Beach Park, Spessard Holland Park in Melbourne Beach and The Boardwalk in Indialantic.

In 2005, divers and biologists want to restrict fishing and ocean dumping at Oculina Reef to protect the deep-sea coral that grows only here, about 30 miles offshore from Cape Canaveral to Fort Pierce. They are seeking a federal designation of a "National Marine Sanctuary." They are opposed by area fishermen.

A recent inventory disclosed a growing incidence of diseases, including cancers, lesions and tumors in dolphins, turtles and fish. Most recently, some shrimp and blue crab populations have been infected with a flesh-eating parasite, and scientists warn health problems may one day arise in people who use the estuary as well. The increasing appearance of invasive species -- such as an Asian green mussel recently found -- which can beat out other species for space in the lagoon and erode native diversity. Shrinkage has been documented in the lagoon's rich biodiversity and degradation of its water quality from crystal clear to murky green, which threaten its fisheries and Brevard's tourism industries.

In 2005, Palm Bay hosted Water Fest 2005 featuring many water games for children. The Fest teaches water conservation.

AJT has developed a self-contained sewage system which recycles water for use in boats, campers, remote camps. It sells for $15-$20k. When it becomes more consumer priced, this could have a positive effect on local lagoon and estuary water quality.

Oceanic Applied Sciences and Environmental Solutions (OASES) is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation that is dedicated to scientific research and education. It is Christian and valued at the local level for it's efforts.

A local state representative is attempting to force cruise lines, affecting Port Canaveral, to dump their sewage, which is now treated, at least 14 miles out. This was successfully blocked for the 2006 legislative session by yet another local state representative.

[edit] Military

Military installations in Brevard County include Patrick Air Force Base, near Satellite Beach, and CCAFSCape Canaveral Air Force Station, adjacent to the Kennedy Space Center.

The Navy maintains a Trident turning basin at Port Canaveral for Ballistic Missile Submarines. The Naval Ordnance Test Unit (NOTU) tests weapons on these subs which arrive at the rate of one a month. The 2005 Base closures included realigning NOTU out of state. The community was successful in getting this decision revoked! Much credit goes to the Space Coast Defense Alliance, a branch of the Economic Development Council.

CCAFS is the home of the Air Force Space Museum that is in the launch control bunker of Launch Pad 26 where many unmanned rockets were launched early in our space program, one of which was Explorer one of our first space craft to be placed in earth orbit.

The Cape Canaveral Navy League council supports the Sea Services by adopting ships and units of the Navy, and Coast Guard. It also provides a means for civilians to socialize with the officers and crew of allied Navies when they visit port.

[edit] Communication and Utilities

The area code for the entire county was made "321" in 1999: as in the "3...2...1... Lift Off!" countdown sequence.

Two power plants in Brevard generate electricity from petroleum delivered by barge. The output from one plant (Florida Power and Light) is used locally, the other by Orlando.

[edit] Sports teams

Minor league baseball

Brevard County is the home of the Brevard County Manatees.

Major league baseball

The Washington Nationals hold their spring training at Space Coast Stadium in Viera.They play about 14 games against other professional teams locally in March as part of the "Grapefruit" League.^[109]

[edit] Media

[edit] Newspapers

Florida Today is the major daily newspaper serving Melbourne, Brevard County and the Space Coast region of Florida. It is owned by the media conglomerate Gannett.

The monthly newspaper, El Playero, serves the Spanish-speaking population of the Space Coast.

The weekly Home Town News is a free newspaper, supported by advertising, that has versions in other Florida counties. They present local news.

Brevard Technical Journal is the industry monthly newspaper for business management, engineering, purchasing, manufacturing, and staff. It features news & features about the business and the science of technology in Brevard County - Florida's Space & Technology Coast.

[edit] Radio

Radio stations:^[110]

• WHYZ 88.5 FM Religious
• WFIT 89.5 FM (Jazz, National Public Radio)
• WSCF 91.9 FM 93.3 98.5 Religious
• WGRZ 93.1,100.7,* WGRV 107.9 FM The Groove (smooth Jazz)
• WFHA 94.1 FM (Variety, smooth jazz, oldies)
• WBVD 95.1 FM 95.1 The Beat (Rap & R&B)
• WSJZ 95.9 FM Pirate 95.9 (Rock)
• WLRQ 99.3 FM (Adult Contemporary, Radio)
• WGNX 99.7 FM Playing What We Want (Adult hits)(echo WJKD Vero)
• WHKR 102.7 The Hitkicker (Country)
• WAOA 107.1 FM A1A - The Coast's #1 Hit Music Station (Top-40, Radio)
• WMEL 920 AM- Your Talk To Me Station (News Talk)
• WMMB 1240 AM News Talk (Talk, Radio)
• WINT 1560 AM- Music of Your Life (Nostalgia)

[edit] Television

Cable is provided by Bright House Networks with Comcast Cable serving Micco and Palm Bay.

Independent stations include:

• Channel 9 BPS-TV
• Channel 15 NASA Select, Space Launches and News
• Brighthouse 1 or 99/Comcast 26 - Space Coast Government Television
• Channel 22 WMJV
• Channel 31 WSCF
• Channel 43 WOTF-TV Univision Spanish Language
• Channel 68 WBCC Brevard Community College Education

[edit] Arts and Culture

The King Center, seating 2000, features locally produced and former Broadway shows, ballet, and symphony. There are several different peformances scheduled each week.

The Brevard Symphony and the Space Coast Ballet offer shows performed by professionals. Both have encountered obstacles to production: fundraising, recruiting skilled skilled professionals and rehearsing them. For the Ballet, integrating a large number of qualified amateurs into their company for performances.

The Brevard Zoo is a 56 acre facility.^[111]

Ballet

The Space Coast Ballet encorporates professional principal dancers and instructors together with many roles for local senior talent as well as roles for students. They annually stage the "Nutcracker."

Classical Music

The Brevard Symphony Orchestra has been bringing the classics, performed by professionals, to the Space Coast for over fifty years.

The Brevard Symphony Youth Orchestra provides an opportunity for musically qualified students to be coached by professionals from the Brevard Symphony Orchestra and perform with other qualified novices.

Museums

The Space Coast has a number of museums from the rocket exhibitions at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor's Complex, and the Air Force Space and Missile Museum, to local museums and others of unique character such as the American Police Hall of Fame and Museum, and the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame Museum.

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers an educational look at the accomplishments of America's space program. A visitor can have a close look at the launch pads, first built for NASA's Apollo missions and presently used by the Space Shuttle fleet. The Observation Gantry near Launch Complex 39 offers a view of the Space Shuttle launch pads, the Vehicle Assembly Building, and the crawler-way over which the rockets are taken to the pad. The Saturn V Complex displays the largest vehicle ever flown.

The Astronaut Hall of Fame is the only facility in the nation dedicated to telling the stories of American astronauts and features the world's largest collection of astronauts' personal effects.

The U.S. Spacewalk Walk of Fame commemorates Kennedy Space Center's history with a museum, monuments and programs.

The Brevard Museum of History and Science features the remains of the "Windover Man", the oldest human remains found on the North American continent and a re-creation of the Windover Dig, a 'wet' archaeological site. A visitor may see how Native Americans lived and Florida pioneers survived.

Honor America runs the Liberty Bell Museum. This houses a replica of the Liberty Bell, historical documents, and patriotic memorabilia. Items are permanent reminders of our nation's history, as well as a memorial to military veterans.

[edit] Transportation

Regular, scheduled, commercial airline service is provided from Brevard County by the Melbourne International Airport in Melbourne. The airport serves about half a million people annually. It is served by Delta Airlines and several regional airlines. No tax money is used to fund opeations. The airport owns, develops and rents lands adjacent to the airport, many for non-aviation related purposes.

Northrup Grumman develops the military JSTARS electronics surveillance system used in all major US conflicts since 1990.

The U.S. Spacewalk Walk of Fame commemorates Kennedy Space Center's history with a museum, monuments and programs.

Extending all the way from the northern boundary with Volusia County to the southern boundary with Indian River County is the major expressway Interstate 95, which links all cities in Brevard County with each other, and with Daytona Beach to the north, and Vero Beach to the south. Extending westward from downtown Melbourne is the major highway US Rte-192, providing access to Osceola County.

Space Coast Area Transit is a government-subsized bus system serving the County area. Besides providing routine transportation, low cost service is available to disabled and disadvantaged citizens.

Florida is the seventh deadliest state (2004) for teen drivers. This has caused much concern for parents and well as local authorities. Auto insurance rates have risen to the seventh highest in the nation.

Barges can be an inexpensive form of transporting goods in Brevard. Important to NASA, since the barge canals connect the Michaud Works in Louisiana which works on the Shuttle's External Fuel Tanks and then transports them to the Space Center. Barges are useable the length of Brevard in the inland waterway. Among other uses, barges are employed for very heavy lifting where road transport would be impossible because of the total weight involved.

[edit] Major Routes

Travelocity.com named route A1A which runs along the Brevard shore as the "Best Driving Route" in Florida.

See State Roads in Florida for explanation of numbering system.

Interstate 95* U.S. Route 1* U.S. Route 192** SR A1A* SR 3** SR 46 SR 404 SR 405 SR 406 SR 407

SR 50* SR 501 SR 503 SR 507 SR 508 SR 509 SR 511 SR 514 SR 516 SR 518 SR 519 SR 520*, access to Orange County SR 524 SR 528*, access to Orange County

* Signifies that the road is almost always called by it's number locally.

** Signifies that the road is often called by it's number by locals.

Nearly all other routes are referenced locally by name, not it's number

[edit] Bridges

Seven bridges cross the Indian River Lagoon providing clearances for boat traffic using the Intracoastal Waterway, and five bridges provide access to the Banana River Lagoon.

Five bridges connect the mainland to Merritt Island, Florida.

• A. Max Brewer Memorial Parkway (CR 402)
• NASA Causeway (West) (SR 405)
• Emory L. Bennett Causeway (SR 528/SR A1A)
• Hubert H. Humphrey Bridge (Merritt Island Causeway)) (SR 520)
• Pineda Bridge (Pineda Causeway) (SR 404)

Two bridges connect the mainland to the barrier island:

• Dr. W. J. Creel Bridge (Eau Gallie Causeway) (SR 518)
• Ernest Kouwen-Hoven Bridge (Melbourne Causeway) (US 192)/(SR 500)

Five bridges connect Merritt Island, Florida to the barrier island:

• NASA Parkway (East) (SR 405)
• Banana River Bridge (Emory L. Bennett Causeway) (SR 528/SR A1A)
• Willard Peebles Bridge (Merritt Island Causeway) (SR 520)
• Banana River Bridge (Pineda Causeway) (SR 404)
• Mathers Bridge

[edit] Rail Lines

The Florida East Coast Railway runs through the county.

[edit] Politics

Brevard County has often voted Republican in past national, statewide, and local political races.^{[citation needed]}

Presidential elections results

Year	Republican	Democratic	Other
2004	57.7%	41.6%	0.8%
2000	52.8%	44.6%	1.8%
1996	45.1%	41.2%	13.6%
1992	43.2%	31.2%	25.6%
1988	70.3%	28.8%	0.9%

[edit] Footnotes and References

[edit] See Also

• Brevard County Public Schools

[edit] External links

Government links and constitutional offices

• Brevard County Government / Board of County Commissioners
• Brevard County Supervisor of Elections
• Brevard County Property Appraiser
• Brevard County Sheriff's Office

Special districts

• St. Johns River Water Management District

Judicial branch

• Brevard County Clerk of Courts
• Brevard County Public Defender
• Office of the State Attorney, 18th Judicial Circuit serving Brevard and Seminole Counties
• Circuit and County Court for the 18th Judicial Circuit of Florida

Local references

• Florida Today "Fact Book" on Brevard County
• USF Maps of Historical Brevard County
• Brevard County Florida Real Estate Guide
• Explanation of "Leigh Read" county
• Brevard County Fact Sheet - Brevard Clerk of Courts
• Old Florida Map Collection

Cities and communities of Brevard County, Florida

County seat Titusville (see also Viera) Incorporated places Cape Canaveral | Cocoa | Cocoa Beach | Grant-Valkaria | Indialantic | Indian Harbour Beach | Malabar | Melbourne | Melbourne Beach | Melbourne Village | Palm Bay | Palm Shores | Rockledge | Satellite Beach | Titusville | West Melbourne Unincorporated places Barefoot Bay | Canaveral Groves | Cocoa West | Courteney | Floridana Beach | June Park | Kennedy Space Center | Melbourne Shores | Merritt Island | Micco | Mims | Port St. John | Scottsmoor | Sharpes | South Patrick Shores | Suntree | Viera Adjacent Counties Indian River | Osceola | Seminole | Orange | Volusia