In the Spotlight...

Brevard County Celebrates Viva Florida 500

Brevard County joins the state in celebration of Viva Florida 500, a year long commemoration of the 500 year anniversary of Spanish Conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon's arrival on the shores of Florida. Some historians say that "first landing" was right here in Brevard County, near Melbourne Beach. Visit VIVAFLORIDA.org for a list of featured events, including some starting in late March in Brevard County, as well as historical details of Ponce de Leon’s voyage, a message from Florida Gov. Rick Scott, community celebrations and visitors' information.

In the Spotlight...

Brevard County Government Thinks "BIG Picture"

INSIDE Magazine: Brevard County government thinks "big picture" when it comes to economic development initiatives for the Space Coast. It entails cooperative efforts that focus not only on job development, but also on business expansion, improvements to the environment, and community redevelopment. That’s just one of the success stories you'll read about in INSIDE Brevard County Government Magazine, the county's annual publication to the community that is produced by FLORIDA TODAY and funded through advertising. INSIDE not only touts the county’s vision for the future but also takes a look back at the many accomplishments over the past year of the various county government departments. Read more...

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It's Time Brevard

Every year, there are over 100,000 crimes of domestic violence reported to law enforcement agencies throughout the state of Florida. Here in Brevard County, we are striving to reduce instances of domestic violence through awareness and prevention. So, when we came across a national campaign where President Barack Obama and prominent sports professionals were talking straight into the camera to domestic violence offenders and letting them know no one should be victims of abuse, we decided we needed to bring this important message home to our community with the help of some local sports celebrities and community leaders: Clint Hurdle, manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates; Geoff Bodine, former NASCAR driver; Jon McBride, astronaut; Wayne Ivey, Brevard County Sheriff; and Robin Fisher, Brevard County commissioner. It’s time to Take a Stand Against Domestic Violence.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4pQKG6mdAM

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Brevard County is "Open for Business"

Brevard County is one of seven counties and 24 cities that have been certified as Open for Business by MyRegion. Open for Business is a pioneer campaign that streamlines and unifies the individualized permitting and licensing application processes throughout Central Florida. It will help businesses open faster and more efficiently by providing:

• Predictable written standards for all participating local governments
• A consistent and streamlined process
• Application tracking and alerts
• A sounding board for businesses and local governments to submit feedback

Planning and Development stands ready to guide businesses through the development and permitting process. For more information please call 321-633-2069 or email (Robin Sobrino, Department Director).

In the Spotlight...

Trip Planner Helps SCAT Riders Navigate Transit System

As part of our commitment to innovation, serving our current riders, and attracting new customers, Space Coast Area Transit has partnered with Google Maps to create the new Google Maps Trip Planner on our website, RideSCAT.com. Using the site, you can view upcoming departures, see the bus route on the map, get step-by-step directions, travel times and transfers, plan a return trip, and print out a map and text directions. By accessing RideSCAT.com from a PC, MAC or mobile device, riders can also print out maps and schedules for any Brevard County bus route from the convenience of home or office. Additionally, an on-line Interactive System Map shows how to navigate the entire transit system throughout Brevard County. Connect with Space Coast Area Transit by receiving our quarterly E-Newsletter News On The Move, or on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. For personalized assistance, call 321-633-1878.

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Sea Turtle Nesting Season Underway in Brevard

Sea turtle nesting season has begun in Brevard County and will be in effect through Oct. 31. Leatherback sea turtles began coming ashore in March to lay their eggs. Brevard County 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. Loggerhead and Green sea turtles will soon follow with thousands of nests by the end of the season.

In the Spotlight...

What can you do to help the Indian River Lagoon? Change to Blue by adopting Blue Lifestyles.

For more details on Blue Lifestyles visit the LiveBlueFL.org website. Watch us on YouTube:   [ Video 1 ]   [ Video 2 ]