Mags Bags help Haitian kids Nov 19, 2008
MELBOURNE BEACH As a teacher at Gemini Elementary School, Cathy Savery enjoys sharing current events and the interesting stories she finds with her gifted third-grade class. I was reading the paper about the devastation in Haiti from the multiple storms, Savery said. (Florida Today)
Titusville Terriers advance to postseason Nov 19, 2008
Titusvilles Bantams will play Palm Bay at 3 p.m. Sunday at Crane Field in Melbourne. The Terriers Juniors will play Merritt Island at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Rodes Park in West Melbourne. (Florida Today)
Port St. John nails down playoff berths Nov 19, 2008
The Rockets traveled to Melbourne last Saturday to take on the Bulldawgs in games that were postponed on Aug. 23 by tropical storm Fay ... The Rockets Rookies have to feel good about their first-round playoff opponent as the Rockets defeated the Melbourne Bulldawgs 40-24 last Saturday ... The win gave the Rookies the third seed in the playoffs and a first round match up against the same Melbourne squad. (Florida Today)
Our views: Building on hope Nov 19, 2008
When it comes to restoring Melbournes crime-plagued Booker T. Washington neighborhood to a decent place for lower-income families to live, its sometimes two steps forward, one step back ... And drug dealing is proving hard to eradicate in the six-block area where law enforcement agents, Melbourne officials and private groups striving to revitalize Booker T. must battle ills rooted in decades of cyclical poverty, from addiction to prostitution and gang activity ... A down tick in some crime... (Florida Today)
Gemini Elementary students help make a difference Nov 19, 2008
MELBOURNE BEACH Students at Gemini Elementary School in Melbourne Beach decided 24 hours just werent enough to celebrate national Make a Difference Day. . (Florida Today)
Kids camp lets parents go shopping Nov 19, 2008
Hundreds of people lined up early last year to catch specials at Target in West Melbourne on Black Friday. (2007 FLORIDA TODAY file). (Florida Today)
Inmate Charged With Killing Cellmate Nov 19, 2008
Marketplace+++Extras. E-Mail News Alerts Get breaking news and daily headlines. (News4Jax.com, FL)
FAA against proposed Daily Bread site Nov 18, 2008
A proposal to move the Daily Bread soup kitchen to land owned by Melbourne International Airport off Apollo Boulevard may have hit a snag. The Federal Aviation Administration and Melbourne International's lawyers have recommended against leasing or selling the property in question below fair market value ... 3-acre piece of property either outright from Melbourne International, or having the city of Melbourne purchase the land and then having the municipality lease it to the charitable... (Florida Today)
Cheerleading finals set for Saturday Nov 18, 2008
MELBOURNE Pompoms are flying in preparation for the 2008 Brevard County Youth Football and Cheerleading Associations annual cheer competition starting at 9 a.m. Saturday at Melbourne High School ... Brenda Lynn, mother of one of the West Melbourne Mustangs Mighty Mights division cheerleaders, said the evening before is hectic ... Besides West Melbourne, girls representing other league programs including Palm Bay, Port St. John, Suntree/ Viera, Bayside, Sebastian, Melbourne, Rockledge, Merritt... (Florida Today)
Young musicians Nov 18, 2008
This happy trio is all smiles before the Brevard Symphony Youth Orchestras first concert of the year, Nov 9 at the King Center in Melbourne. Shown are Ashlee Hirgi, age seven, Shayla Hirji, age six and Amber Fisher, age eight. (Florida Today)
County to keep its auditor Nov 18, 2008
Cherry, Bekaert nd has an Orlando office, and proposed to partner with a Melbourne accounting firm, Whittaker Cooper Financial Group, for 5 percent to 10 percent of the audit work. Ronald Conrad, managing partner with Cherry, Bekaert nd, complained that bidding records stated "there is no local preference" in Brevard's selection process. (Florida Today)
Suntree/Viera Gold claim Rookies title Nov 18, 2008
On a local scale, the Suntree/Viera Gold Rookies division team defeated the West Melbourne Spurs 24-8 on Saturday at Viera High School to wrap up an 11-0 regular season and claim the county title. It was a total team effort offensively as well as defensively, Rick Helton, Suntree/Viera Gold defensive coordinator said. (Florida Today)
Boil water alert issued for Melbourne neighborhoods Nov 18, 2008
Melbourne Public Works and Utilities office has issued a precautionary boil water notice affecting some residents in Melbourne, Director Robert C. Klaproth Jr. said this morning. Water has been shut off while a repair is made to a broken water line, prompting the boil notice, affecting residents at. (Florida Today)
Live traffic: Road closed to most drivers in Cocoa Nov 18, 2008
In Melbourne, John Rodes Boulevard, between Sheridan Road and Ellis Road, will be closed through Friday to replace a damaged storm drainage structure. Drivers should use Wickham Road instead. (Florida Today)
Longtime auditor expected to get $1M Brevard job Nov 18, 2008
Cherry, Bekaert nd planned to subcontract with a Melbourne accounting firm -- Whittaker Cooper Financial Group -- for 5 percent to 10 percent of the county audit work. "Whittaker Cooper Financial Group has been a viable Brevard County business for the past 24 years," managing partner Wayne Cooper told the commission last month. (Florida Today)
Back to Booker T.: Silence still dominates Nov 18, 2008
Calls to police from Booker T. Washington residents declined slightly in 2007, but remained at more than 1,200 for the fourth straight year, Melbourne Police Department records show ... " Several were in foreclosure, others had multiple lenders, title problems and even competing buyers."We will be able to keep a close eye on the apartments," Brockwell-Carey said, adding that she has worked with police on lighting, landscaping and sidewalks as part of a crime-prevention strategy."Also, we expect... (Florida Today)
West Melbourne downs Lightning Nov 18, 2008
WEST MELBOURNE Call them champs. The West Melbourne youth football program clinched three county titles in the Juniors, Mighty Mights and Pee Wees divisions and won five of the six games against Suntree/Viera at Viera High School last Saturday ... West Melbournes only defeat was in the Rookies division. (Florida Today)
Morning chill not even close to setting record Nov 17, 2008
While it was chilly this morning, the record low for the date is safe and sound, the National Weather Service in Melbourne said this morning. Were not breaking any records, but its chilly out there, Meteorologist Peggy Glitto said. (Florida Today)
All-GOP group heads to Tally Nov 17, 2008
Steve Crisafulli of Merritt Island, John Tobia of Satellite Beach and Ritch Workman of Melbourne ... Thad Altman, R-Melbourne, moving over to the Senate to replace Bill Posey, who moved up to Congress ... Mike Haridopolos, R-Melbourne, who is in line for the Senate presidency in the 2010-11 session. (Florida Today)
Jetmaker Embraer breaks ground Dec. 4 Nov 17, 2008
Brazilian jetmaker Embraer has set a Dec. 4 date to break ground on its aircraft assembly facility at Melbourne International Airport ... Embraer's plant will be off General Aviation Drive at Melbourne International ... Embraer plans to hire at least 200 workers for its Brevard operation, and more spin-off jobs are expected as companies move to Melbourne International to work with Embraer. (Florida Today)
Thompson takes King of the Peak Nov 17, 2008
The Billabong rider collected $1,470 (each skin, or heat win, was worth $245) in the 92-man event to beat out Ponte Vedra's Ryan Briggs and Melbourne Beach's Justin Jones by two skins ... The 24-year-old Melbourne Beach surfer -- the older brother to Blake Jones, who won two skins and the ESM Air Show on Saturday -- looked smooth, especially on long lefts, just as he had done the previous week at the Sean and Skippy Slater Invitational in Cocoa Beach. (Florida Today)
Bob Stover: The wide world of kids Nov 17, 2008
Friday, the Space Coast section featured pupils at Indialantic Elementary trying to break a record for stacking cups, and of Melbourne High students meeting with a C-Span broadcast representative. We also try hard to address important issues about this age group, too. (Florida Today)
Latest arrest reports Nov 17, 2008
Arrested: Anthony Paul Walding, 19, of 2280 Shady Oak Road, Melbourne ... Arrested: Alicia Lakeda Cohen, 22, of 721 E. University Blvd. No. 14, Melbourne ... Arrested: Deborah A. Amoruso, 41, of 2651 Chapparol Drive, Melbourne. (Florida Today)
Live traffic: Lanes closed on U.S. 1 Nov 17, 2008
In Melbourne, Parsons Avenue, between Pegasus Court and Hall Street, will be closed to all traffic at 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. today through Wednesday. Photo Galleries. (Florida Today)
Zap Squad: Mainstreet Pub Nov 17, 2008
Friends hang out Friday night at Mainstreet Pub in downtown Melbourne. . (Florida Today)
Brevard students celebrate! Nov 17, 2008
Melbourne Central Catholic Oct. 25. Merritt Island Oct. 25. (Florida Today)
Artificial arm a true gift Nov 16, 2008
Airlifted to Holmes Regional Medical Center, the 19-year-old remained in the Melbourne hospital for a week, before CBS producers heard about his plight and contacted him about getting a bionic replacement for his missing limb as part of a new network television show. "They surprised me on air," he said of the decision to fit him with the iLimb, the first commercially available prosthetic hand with five fingers that allow grasping and holding objects, much as a normal hand would. (Florida Today)
EGHS teachers, staff drop 760 pounds Nov 16, 2008
MELBOURNE Pounds are dropping off across theEau Gallie High School all thanks to the schools very own Biggest Loser competition. Barbara Berry, head of the schools physical education department, said the 90 teachers, staff and administrators involved formed teams and have lost more than 760 pounds since the first weigh-in on Aug. 29. (Florida Today)
Your views: Transitioning to new presidency Nov 16, 2008
I live in Lamplighter Village in Melbourne, which is predominantly white, yet there they are, including mine, which once hung over the White House, compliments of my nephew, Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Turner. The reason. (Florida Today)
Two cities negotiate water feud Nov 15, 2008
Melbourne, W. Melbourne at the table ... Melbourne would allow West Melbourne to distribute water to a 280-acre proposed retail hub if the western city backs off a 4,000-acre ranch both cities covet ... "We're here with an arm outstretched," Melbourne City Manager Jack Schluckebier told West Melbourne staff during talks to end the two cities' years-long water feud. (Florida Today)
Our views: Stop the hemorrhaging Nov 15, 2008
Its why people such as Dale Young, president of the Melbourne Area Association of Realtors, told FLORIDA TODAY on Thursday that foreclosures will continue mounting on the Space Coast and nationwide unless the government intervenes strongly. Recent moves similar to the FDICs plan are good and helpful. (Florida Today)
Realty's reality hits home Nov 14, 2008
Dale Young, president of the Melbourne Area Association of Realtors, said that he has been "educating" his clients about their home prices. "They'll tell you, 'That can't be because my neighbor got this much,' or 'they'll tell you, 'But I put granite countertops in,' " but granite isn't the deciding factor," Young said. "I tell them don't put in the granite unless you're doing it for yourself. (Florida Today)
Weather: Near-record high temps then a big chill Nov 14, 2008
Theres a chance Brevard County will match the record high temperature for this time of year today, but the National Weather Service in Melbourne said those chances turn cold on Sunday. Those who want to go to the beach will find 86 degree temps today (the record high was 87 degrees on this day in 1970), and most of Saturday, NWS Meteorologist Tony Cristaldi said. (Florida Today)
Live traffic: Accidents on M.I. and in Melbourne Nov 14, 2008
8:10 a.m.: Road blocked in Melbourne ... On North Wickham Road and Lake Andrew in Melbourne ... In Melbourne, Bahia Lane southbound will be closed from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. between Laguna Vista Drive and Lake Washington Road for about a week. (Florida Today)
Things to do this weekend in Brevard Nov 14, 2008
The Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival grows up ... The 90 Seconds to Fame winners will be featured in screenings at the Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival on Saturday. (Florida Today)
Drivers pumped up as gas price drops Nov 14, 2008
"You drive where you have to drive -- and that's it," said Lois Proctor of Melbourne Beach, still anxious that gas could surge at any moment depending on what may happen in the economy. Statewide, the average price for regular unleaded gas dropped to $2. (Florida Today)
Man dies in home invasion Nov 14, 2008
MELBOURNE -- Two Palm Bay men face homicide charges in connection with a botched home invasion Thursday that left a 50-year-old man dead, police said ... It was the 21st reported homicide in Brevard County and the seventh in Melbourne's jurisdiction this year ... Ron Bell of the Melbourne Police Department said. (Florida Today)
Dining out? Check our inspection data Nov 14, 2008
How drug dealing, government spending and -- above all -- personal choices have shaped one Melbourne neighborhood. See the history of the case that brought Mark Dean Schwab to death row for killing Junny Rios-Martinez. (Florida Today)
Playoff teams attempt to focus on tonight Nov 14, 2008
Others with "tweener" games tonight are Palm Bay (8-1) and Space Coast (7-2) meeting in Port St. John, Holy Trinity (7-2) at home against Melbourne Central Catholic, Bayside (6-3) at Viera and Cocoa (8-1) at home against Rockledge. Each game has its own complications, from physical opposition to intense rivalries. (Florida Today)
Ramsay to Open Branch of Maze in Melbourne, His First Australian Eatery Nov 14, 2008
Ramsay to Open Maze in Melbourne, His First Australian Eatery ... Nov. 13 (Bloomberg) -- plans to open his first restaurant in Australia with a branch of Maze in Melbourne, as the British chef extends his dining empire across the globe ... This is our first step in bringing the Gordon Ramsay brand to Australia and, after having seen Crown's Melbourne operation, feel that this is an exciting and challenging opportunity,'' Ramsay said in an e-mailed statement issued by Crown. (Bloomberg -- Australia & New Zealand)
Sezmi Set-top Eyes Early 2009 Launch Nov 13, 2008
The company has successfully tested its service with Fisher Communications and Tribune Broadcasting in Seattle, and begun broadcasting through a partnership with Harris in Melbourne, Florida. Next up is a consumer trial, due sometime in the first quarter. (PC Magazine)
MEGU prepares for end of season event Nov 13, 2008
MELBOURNE -- With the fall youth soccer season almost over, the MEGU Fusion are ready to celebrate the occasion with an end-of-season bash from 8:30 a.m. to noon this Saturday at Southwest Park. Activities include. (Florida Today)
Local seniors choose sites Nov 13, 2008
Four of them were at Melbourne Central Catholic, a significant number for a school with 116 seniors ... For Joyce and Milton Eblen of Charleston, S.C., Wednesday meant a trip to Melbourne to see their son take a step toward his next home away from home. (Florida Today)
Brevard weather will be more of the same Nov 13, 2008
The National Weather Service in Melbourne rerports that Thursday weather across Brevard County will include sunshine this morning, turning breezy and humid with a chance of a shower later in the day. For this afternoon, Space Coast residents will see sunshine with a possible shower; breezy and humid conditions in the afternoon. (Florida Today)
Police chase shooting suspect Nov 13, 2008
MELBOURNE -- A man who suffered a gunshot wound to the chest early this morning is undergoing surgery at Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne, and police still are pursuing a man they say was involved, a Melbourne police spokeswoman said this morning ... Melbourne police officers apprehened two men, but a third fled in a car and a chase ensued south on Babcock Street around 5:45 a.m. ... With assistance from Brevard County Sheriffs deputies, police established a perimeter around Babcock... (Florida Today)
County foreclosure filings remain high Nov 13, 2008
Filings on the Space Coast and elsewhere will continue at a high level without more meaningful government intervention, said Dale Young, president of the Melbourne Area Association of Realtors. Young said federal bailout plans should be retooled to provide more relief to homebuyers, and focus less on banks and other lenders. (Florida Today)
Sweet Tea Party benefit supports Brevard Ballet Theatre Nov 13, 2008
What: American Nutcrackers Sweet Tea PartyWhen: 2 p.m. SaturdayWhere: Suntree Country Club, One Country Club Drive, Melbourne Tickets: $20, available through the Brevard Ballet Theatre Information: Call 634-5466 or go to www. BrevardBalletTheatre. (Florida Today)
Data shows dip in flight delays Nov 13, 2008
In Melbourne, a much-smaller airport, passengers had to wait less than half that time-- about 41/2 minutes -- to reach the checkpoint ... At Orlando International and Melbourne International, it was about one in five ... Earlier this week, it took Steve Mellos an extra hour and 40 minutes to fly from Detroit to Melbourne International Airport for a visit with his son and granddaughter. (Florida Today)
Ensemble presents free political spoof Nov 13, 2008
Melbourne Beach library hosts performers ... MELBOURNE BEACH If you havent had your fill of political humor with the presidential elections, Melbourne Beach Public Library wants to help ... Members of the Brevard Theatrical Ensemble, shown here in Front Porch Old Time Tales, will perform Politically Religious Incorrectness at the Melbourne Beach Public Library. (Florida Today)
Chef mixes healthy message, fun Nov 13, 2008
The event is 6 p.m. to midnight Friday at the Melbourne Hilton Rialto Place. Tickets are $150 per person. (Florida Today)
Many seekers, few finds Nov 13, 2008
More than 3,000 people applied for 450 seasonal jobs, now mostly filled, at GSI Commerce, a Melbourne customer care call center company. At JCPenney at Melbourne Square Mall, hundreds applied for a few dozen part-time jobs, one of the largest waves of job seekers in the 10 years store manager Rob Rice has been there. (Florida Today)
Big day for Blake Nov 13, 2008
The 20-year-old talented aerialist from Melbourne Beach connected on back-to-back long rights early on and held off the 2001 world champion from Satellite Beach in the wind-blown semifinals ... Melbourne Beach's Blake Jones competes in the final round of the Sean and Skippy Slater Invitational Pro Shortboard surf contest in Cocoa Beach. (Florida Today)
West Melbourne starts search for new city manager Nov 13, 2008
The pay range for West Melbourne's city manager is $80,589 to $120,884 a year ... West Melbourne City Manager David Reynal said he did not want to renew his contract when it expires in August. (Florida Today)
Your views: Looking ahead to Obama presidency Nov 13, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008. Your browsers security settings are preventing some features from appearing. (Florida Today)
WEB EXCLUSIVE: News BriefsHow Jewish candidates fared in 2008 elections Nov 13, 2008
" With his soothing voice and calm demeanor, Shai helped to calm Israelis sitting in sealed rooms during radio broadcasts after Scud attacks. He is best remembered for instructing panicked Israelis wearing gas masks to drink water. Jewish Agency chairman Ze'ev Bielski also is considering joining Kadima, the Post reported. On Sunday, former lawmaker Benny Begin and former Israel Defense Forces spokeswoman Miri Regev announced that they would join the Likud Party. Lt.-Gen. (res.) Moshe "Bogie"... (Cleveland Jewish News, OH)
Latest arrest reports Nov 12, 2008
Arrested: Philip Earl Blain, 53, of 1568 Carribean Drive, Melbourne ... Arrested: Pedro Santos, 66, of 1927 Radmor Drive, Melbourne ... Arrested: Richard Lee Fisher, 51, of 1560 Vista Lake Circle, Melbourne. (Florida Today)
Police charge 18-year-old with armed robbery Nov 12, 2008
Melbourne police reported Tuesday that Antony Roger, 18, of 766 Crona Ave. was charged with robbery with a firearm, resisting without violence and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Police say that, at about 5:54 p.m. Tuesday, there was an armed robbery at Southwest Park, at 401 W. Florida Ave. in Melbourne ... Moments later, responding units from the Melbourne Police Department and the Palm Bay Police Department located the vehicle in the area of Applin Way. (Florida Today)
Fundraiser helps critters Nov 12, 2008
The run concludes at the County Line Saloon on New Haven Avenue in Melbourne ... Sponsor: Central Brevard Humane Society When: Sunday first bike out at 10 a.m.; last bike out at 11:30 a.m.Where: Starts at the societys shelter at1020 Cox Road, Cocoa, and ends at the County Line Saloon, 4650 W. New Haven Ave., Melbourne Cost: $7 per hand or two hands for $10Highlights: 50/50 drawing, prizes, vendor displays, food available at both beginning and end locations, and live entertainment Information:... (Florida Today)
Instead of holiday, a teaching moment Nov 12, 2008
MELBOURNE -- Anita Shinn, a pre-K teacher at Croton Elementary, said her students were bubbling with excitement Tuesday to see "real, live soldiers" -- so much so that she thought they would run over and hug them ... Ascension Catholic School in Melbourne honored them during a patriotic program. (Florida Today)
Controlled burn today in south Brevard Nov 12, 2008
Senior Meteorologist Bob Wimmer of the National Weather Service in Melbourne said theres about a 30 percent chance of rain today, with the high temperature around 82 or 83 degrees. Winds out of the east should be only around 10 to 15 mph and the relative humidity is expected to be around 60 percent. (Florida Today)
Paperworks exhibit on at the Henegar Nov 12, 2008
MELBOURNE A piece of paper can become a painting, a photograph or even a sculpture under the guidance of an artist ... Paperworks, which opened Nov. 1, will run through Jan. 22 at the Henegar Center for the Arts in downtown Melbourne ... What: "Paperworks" juried exhibitWhen: Through Jan. 22Where: Henegar Center for the Arts, 625 E. New Haven Ave., MelbourneInformation: 720-7532 or visit www. (Florida Today)
Live traffic: Crash in Cocoa Nov 12, 2008
In Melbourne, on U.S. 1 and Post Road ... In Melbourne, John Rodes Boulevard, between Sheridan Road and Ellis Road, will be closed today through Nov. 21 to replace a damaged storm drainage structure. (Florida Today)
Bulldawgs muzzle Terriers Nov 12, 2008
Titusville finds itself in this situation after winning just one of six youth football games played last Saturday at Crane Field in Melbourne ... Division-leader Suntree/Viera Blue remained undefeated by stopping the Terriers Mighty Mights 26-0 in Melbourne ... In a Pee Wees division game, Melbourne beat Titusville 41-0, while the Bulldawgs Bantams knocked off the Terriers 38-8. (Florida Today)
Imago Gallery showcases artist pair Nov 12, 2008
MELBOURNE In the process of helping out his wife, Ron Reichard found his muse ... Imago Fine Art Gallery in downtown Melbourne takes a look at the couples artistic output in The Marriage of Art and Engineering, which opens during Friday Fest ... What: The Marriage of Art and EngineeringWhen: Opens at 7 p.m. Friday; runs through Dec. 6Where: Imago Art Gallery, 701 E. New Haven Ave., MelbourneCost: FreeInformation: 953-5321. (Florida Today)
Your views: Those who served Nov 12, 2008
On Saturday, Nov. 8, I attended the annual Veterans Day parade in Melbourne. In the past, there was always a musical unit that led the parade, namely the Melbourne Municipal Band ... When I inquired as to why there was no band, I was told that members of the Melbourne band had other engagements that precluded them from participating in the parade. (Florida Today)
