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Vol. 1, No. 6 — January 21, 2004           Archives | Obituaries | Subscription | Current issue |

Marching towards peace, unity

Titusville remembers Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King Day Parade       Many North Brevard residents joined together last Sunday, Jan. 18, to march in remembrance of Martin Luther King, Jr. and to spread a sense of hope, peace and unity in the Titusville community.
      Presented by the Concerned Citizens Group, local citizens, community leaders and organizations marched from the Gibson Community Center on Sycamore St. to Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, where a remembrance celebration of Dr. King's life and his mission to abolish injustice and discrimination followed.
      Martin Luther King, Jr., was a Civil Rights leader and clergyman. He received the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize for his leadership in attempting to bring about social, political, and economic equality for blacks through nonviolent means. King achieved a number of successes during the 1950s and 1960s for his crusade by combining peaceful mass action against racial discrimination and segregation with an appeal to his followers to bear no malice against those who opposed human and civil rights for all citizens. He used economic boycotts (Montgomery, Alabama, bus boycott), demonstrations against discrimination (Birmingham, Alabama), sit-ins (St. Augustine, Florida), voter rights marches (Selma to Montgomery, Alabama), and housing marches (Chicago, Illinois). On August 28, 1963, King captured the spirit of the Civil Rights Movement with his "I Have a Dream" speech to 250,000 people assembled in Washington, D.C., at a rally for equality.
      Dr. King's life was constantly in danger. He experienced jeering, bombing, stabbing, stoning, and all types of derogatory and sometimes violent haranguing. He rejected the ideas of Black Power, separatism, and militancy for blacks. Paradoxically, violence cut short his mission when an assassin shot and killed him on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. This year would have been Dr. King's 75th birthday.
      In November 1983, President Reagan signed a bill designating the third Monday in January, beginning in 1986, as an official federal holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
      And, as for the residents who participated in this year's remembrance march, honor him they did.

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Bollinger sworn in as new Chief of Police

Titusville Police Chief Tony Bollinger
Retired Titusville Police Chief Frank Ross (right) swears in Anthony "Tony" Bollinger as new Titusville Chief of Police during City Council neeting January 13th.
      With Titusville City Council Chambers filled to capacity with family, friends, co-workers and well-wishers looking on, Chief Anthony "Tony" Bollinger was officially sworn in at the Titusville City Council meeting on January 13.
      With the recent retirement of Chief Frank Ross, a vacancy was created for the position of Titusville Chief of Police. Bollinger beat out over 80 other candidates from throughout the country for the top spot in the Department.
      Titusville City Manager Tom Harmer said "It is exciting to be able to select one of our own to fill this very important department head position".
      Members of city staff stood and applauded for several minutes after Titusville City Manager Tom Harmer made the announcement during their monthly staff meeting.
      A 1981 graduate of Titusville High School, Bollinger began his career with the Titusville Police Department in April 1985. He rose through the ranks at TPD, being promoted to sergeant in 1992, Lieutenant in 1996, Commander in 1998, and has served as Interim Police Chief since April of 2003.
      Bollinger joined the Titusville Police SWAT team early in his career, progressing into a team leader and eventually the SWAT Commander. He has received numerous recognitions and Department awards during his career.
      After graduating with Honors from Warner Southern Institute in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Management, Bollinger went on to achieve his Masters in Public Administration from the University of Central Florida in 2000. He is also a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy and the Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute, and is currently an active member of the Brevard County Association of Chiefs of Police, Florida Police Chiefs Association and the FBI National Academy Association (Florida Chapter).
      Both Bollinger and his wife, Carol, are life-long residents of Titusville and are active in the community. Bollinger is active in the Titusville Police Athletic League and Titusville YMCA, has four children, Ashlea, Michael, Dylan and Mason.
      After being sworn in–and congratulated–Chief Bollinger took a few moments to thank City Manager Tom Harmer, and paid tribute and respect to Chief Ross (his mentor), the entire Titusville Police Department, and his family, which he lovingly referred to as "Team Bollinger."
      In conclusion, Chief Bollinger made this statement: "We (TPD) are going in a very positive direction. We've got a great Department and we'll even have a greater Department in the years to come. I appreciate your continued support, the continued support of the citizens of Titusville, and I thank you very much for this opportunity."

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Out With The Old

The old PMC building.
      The dismantling of the former Parrish Medical Center (PMC) has begun.
      "The old Parrish Medical Center served our community well," said George Mikitarian, PMC president and chief executive officer. "The new Parrish Medical Center that opened a year ago is designed to be a 21st century health care leader. We're glad our community has one of America's finest healing environments.
      "At the same time, we are mindful that the former PMC played a big role in many people's lives," Mikitarian said.
      The hospital's board of directors had authorized studies to determine if the building could be put to another use. However, the conversion and renovations costs were so high it was not feasible to do so. PMC had outside consultants evaluate the building. NASA, the Veterar Administration and others looked at it too, and making use of the old hospital for another purpose was simply too expensive for anyone.
      The site will be converted into a park-like setting for the benefit of the community.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

What else can we offer visitors?

      A letter written by a visitor to our area was published recently in our daily newspaper, in which he recommended installing a river walk along the Indian River shoreline in Titusville.
      That idea is "awesome." The only thing he may not understand is that it is too late.
      With all of the wonderful development going on, "riverside destruction" is also at its highest. He must not have heard about the three 12-story condominium buildings going up on the open space of the river adjacent to Downtown Titusville. It's worth a try, but I don't think the residents will allow people to have a public "not-so-nature" walk in their front yard. I hope that while they sit on their balconies and enjoy the spectacular, boating/fishing activity, sunrises and shuttle launches, they will also consider what they have taken away from us and our valuable visitors.
      Downtown is still very lovely, attractive to visitors and I commend all those responsible. They've made a lot of improvements and it is such a pleasure to drive or walk through. I've never seen it look so great with more businesses and visitors than ever. I can only imagine the nightmare all the new traffic is going to cause, let alone the ugliness of construction (1+ years for the 1st building) on what has always been very beautiful riverfront. And if they choose to divert traffic from U.S. 1, the road destruction/construction will be even worse and will most likely take forever at quite a cost to the local merchants and tax payers.
      I imagine that there will also be a decrease in visitors to watch launches because I don't know where they'll be able to experience them as they have in the past.
      There were plenty of other places around to build those condos but, of course, the almighty dollar led again to this location. I'm certain that the developer was not totally focused on being able to offer people the nice river view; it was on filling his pockets with more money without respect to what he is taking away from current and future residents as well as visitors. So very, very insensitive of all those involved in the selling, planning, zoning, permitting and construction process. Even the shadow those buildings will cast across town at sunrise makes me shudder.
      Recent articles describe Titusville as being "sleepy," "stagnant," and "slow." That may be because we are all very sensitive to the naturalness of our area, and we're concerned that too much growth too fast would have a negative impact on what it's all about here. I've heard many, many people state that they moved to Titusville because of the way it is, leaving other areas because of what Titusville is projected to become. But, I guess the powers that be are betting on more people wanting a "Concrete Titusville" than those wanting a ''Blue & Green Titusville."
      I do also understand that bringing in more residents and businesses will be financially beneficial for some people, but at what sacrifice? Some of what we're being forced to give up cannot and will not be replaced with money. And there is the "big franchise" onslaught factor which will run a lot of the smaller, older businesses out. They always say it won't, but it does. I've seen it happen way too often, and then we complain about the lack of good personal service.
      It appears to me that a good part of Titusville's attraction is being destroyed and must stop. Don't get me wrong, I am not against growth and development, but why ruin one of the best assets we have to offer? Most of the citizens are also very accepting of growth, but it has to be done properly. We are only asking consideration for traffic, water and school issues, as well as protection of our wonderful environment and resources.
      I hope we will come up with something else to offer visitors to attract them to our area. Perhaps it will be something like, "Come watch the race...we're going concrete faster than the shuttle can leave the pad. (You'll have to listen for the shuttle, though, you won't be able to see it...)
      Oh, and bring your own water."
      Viki Munnis Conrad
      Titusville Native

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"Up-N-Coming"

City of Titusville's first quarter construction report

Compiled by the City of Titusville's Building Department.
      Many of these projects are well underway, if not completed. For up-to-date revisions/additions, contact the City of Titusville.

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EDITORIAL

Single-district School Board members should be kept

      Almost 20 years ago, the publisher of the Brevard Business News was the only print media voice to support single-district as the way politicians are elected.
      The daily newspaper strongly supported the at-large method, saying that voters would be disenfranchised by not being able to vote to those outside their communities in Brevard County. That "publisher" supported the single-district method as the only fair way of electing all officials, including the County Commission. The other paper took the opposing view.
      The Brevard Business News editorial stated its reasons–lower cost of running campaigns; familiarity with candidates; understanding that the representative would truly represent his area of concern and not be steamrollered by someone in a much larger municipality with more clout. He said single-district would even the playing field and allow for a true representation. He was correct. An example is District 1 County Commissioner Truman Scarborough, who has held office for more than 16 years and has been a credit to North Brevard. On the School Board representing North Brevard we have Robert Jordan. He may not have been successful under at-large voting.
      By electing a commissioner from elsewhere in the county, and one that voters in North Brevard do not know, we run the risk of electing a representative who would not fight for his or her constituents.
      And the cost of campaigning would fall to those most likely to attract the biggest war chest and perhaps be the representative of the lobbyists. This method guards against special interests with deep pockets running the game, depriving voters of real choices.
      Contrary to what was claimed 20 years ago, these representatives have not been parochial, but have the interest of the whole county as their priority while representing their district admirably.
      At-large elections were bad 20 years ago, and nothing happening since has changed that. So, it is interesting that the other paper has changed its tune about the School Board members. We suppose they also feel that way about the County Commission.
      That one voice 20 years ago in BBN was the same you read today in "Kaleidoscope" below.
      And he hasn't changed his tune.

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KALEIDOSCOPE

Growth issues, annexation plans contentious topics confronting City Council

Fred Krupski
By FRED KRUPSKI
      Whatever the final decisions made by Titusville City Council in the coming weeks regarding the annexation of several parcels, there will be enough winners and losers to keep the debate on the front burner for months–if not years.
      And these decisions could split a small, but vocal group of homeowners in the affected areas and a city government irreversibly at odds. It could also result in changing the makeup of the current city council in the next election–assuming those involved are sufficient in numbers and could mount a campaign directed to some long-time residents who want to hold on to the status quo against those favoring development. But the majority of people won't accept development at "any cost."
      But these are all arguable, and it literally depends on what side of the fence one is on.
      While the annexation questions don't appear that controversial on the surface, beneath the surface are tremors of dissatisfaction, fear, and anger.
      Titusville is not alone in this quandary. Annexation issues and development problems are also the forefront of governmental meetings in Palm Bay, Sebastian, and other cities in Brevard County. I suspect they are also critical issues beyond Brevard. It is how they are resolved to the satisfaction the the majority of homeowners and property owners who hope to gain financially through the annexation process.
      It is no longer a question of settling, but of compromise to even attempt to restore some semblance of harmony. Some believe it's "them against us"– the anti-growth people against the pro-growth business community. The former say, "No." The latter say, "Yes." And perhaps never the train will meet.
      What I fear is that it will take the wisdom of a "King Solomon" to resolve. While my term on Council had its bad moments, few issues have engendered the feelings and heated exchanges as the annexation issue that has dominated council agendas for the past two months. The enigma is that both sides have their points. But time is a factor that may be directing the issue.
      Developers would like zoning and density issues resolved before the March 1 date, when impact fees on residential properties will be reinstituted. Property owners affected by new zoning requests don't want the issues ramrodded through Council by rushing transmittal requests to the state DCA (Department of Community Affairs) for review until all the bugs are worked out to the satisfaction of homeowners who want to keep the "R" in Rural.
      For some residents, the failure of Council to take their time and to insure that developers abide by standard rules of quality building, so as not to impact the property values of those in areas, such as Fox Lake Rd. and Carpenter Rd., Parrish Rd. and Singleton, and a few other sensitive areas. Concerns are also directed toward building near, or on, former landfills. These issues and those of the general infrastructure, water concerns, runoff, schools, and changing traffic patterns are all the stuff that make these council meetings great TV watching, even if one isn't impacted. I say this because it is not only those 300 or more residents involved, but of the greater good that intelligent management and controls will have. I, too, would object to having multi-family, high density, cheap patio homes as immediate neighbors. Therein lies the problem. Those 300 or more residents turning out for these marathon meetings are disgruntled and suspicious that the pro-growth factions of Council and the constituents they often represent are not listening to them.
      I don't agree. They are getting a hearing. Council members are listening to their concerns and are attempting to accommodate them–as far as the law and city charter will permit.
      The bottom line in all of this is that some residents will probably be inconvenienced. But that's life, folks. Progress will not be stopped. The central and south sections of Brevard are being built to capacity, and North Brevard is growing by default.
      Some residents, like John Williams, said he would be impacted by annexation on South Carpenter Rd. should the city approve 1,700 to 2,000 square foot patio homes in his area, adding that developers are motivated to sell lots rather than quality of homes. "Suppose 74 homes were proposed for 74 gross acres," he explained. "If 60 of those acres were protected wetlands, all 74 homes could be built on just 14 acres." I agree with him, but that can be controlled by this council. Another resident, Mike Stone fears that density levels will increase. Others, like Jack Blankenship, are simply opposed to any annexation. Period.
      Titusville attorney John Evans, representing five of the properties being considered for annexation, cautioned Council against heeding the "scare tactics" used by many residents who are making unsubstantiated allegations involving density numbers, but not willing to sign their letters. "Many of these people are being used by others as an anti-development ploy resulting in untrue rumors." He read some of those at the special "transmittal" council meeting to make his point.
      Others, who speak at every opportunity, insist that it is not the annexations, but zoning regulations that must be addressed, and that is their principal concern. City Council appears to understand this and is making efforts to make changes.
      Ultimately, this council is charged with making the correct decisions for the community at large while, at the same time, preserving the quality of life that attracts new residents in the first place.
      For years the cry has been that Titusville is a "back-water" town lacking good restaurants and retail shopping. In order to attract these businesses, the city needs to expand its population. Of this, there can be no argument. If the numbers aren't here, then neither will be businesses. Other than the domination of a Wal-Mart, what businesses can serve a community of 41,000 and be successful?
      The responsibility of this council is to try to insure that citizens have it both ways. That may not be entirely practical.
      What is possible is that new growth can be controlled and managed to the satisfaction of the majority of residents by tightening zoning and controlling density to an acceptable level. Every effort should be made to protect the neighborhoods, and environment, and to maintain the quality and green space that presently exists while, at the same time, not bend to the unrealistic demands of a handful of residents who are adamant about jealously keeping the status quo.
      Those areas who could be adversely affected should be protected with sound judgement and carefully managed zoning. Zoning mistakes of the past should have taught us a lesson, and I'm certain that this council understands this. If some changes discourage some development, so be it. Builders will find other sites more conducive to fitting in with the surrounding neighborhoods.
      The ultimate goal is to accommodate both old and new residents and businesses as much as possible, and to preserve the quality of life that appears to be attracting these new residents and keeping those values that all residents want to retain–and maintain.
      Titusville must grow, and finally Titusville is growing. Not everyone is happy about it. Council is charged with some tough calls. Let's see if the majority have the guts to make them.
      King Solomon wouldn't want the job of council member for any amount of money.

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BUSINESS BRIEFS

By BOB SOCKS
Bob Socks

Titusville Business License Report - December 2003

Developers Beware!

The uproar about the clear cutting of land on Sisson Road, on a project known as Sterling Forest, has paid off. The developers have been severly penalized for their actions.
      The project consists of 120 homes on 50-foot-wide lots. The property stretches from the Titusville Garden Club to Little League Road and east almost to the railroad tracks. The penalties are as follows:
      The message is clear–if developers clear cut, they will pay handsomely.
      Total cost to the developer for Sterling Forest is over $200,000.

 

Clear cutting off Sisson Road.

* * * * *

      With the President's speech last Wednesday, possible defense spending will increase as the Defense Department co-ventures with NASA on space exploration.
      Brevard was the receipient of almost 2 billion in federal dollars for FY 2002. Brevard is one of the largest counties in federal defense dollars in the United States.

Brevard County Economic Report - October 2003

Employment -- 208,478
Tourism Taxes -- $330,411
Electric Meters -- 234,611
Resid. Bldg. Permits -- 735

By the Numbers: Tourism to Orlando

2000..........................43.5 million
2001..........................40.8 million
2002..........................43.0 million
2003..........................43.4* million
2004..........................45.6* million
*projection Source: Global Insight

Largest airlines at Orlando Int'l Airport

Delta...............5.1 million
Southwest...........3.7 million
American............3.0 million
Continental.........1.7 million
US Airways..........1.7 million
Source: Orlando Aviation Authority

Total hotel rooms in Orlando

1999......................104,448
2000......................109,139
2001......................113,781
2002......................115,076
2003......................113,593*
2004......................114,927**
*Through November Source: Smith Travel
      Tourism will continue to increase which should be good for Brevard County. From a tourism standpoint, the cruise ships in Port Canaveral are the biggest tourist draw, attracting over 3 million visitors a year.

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From The Grapevine
By DIANNE SIMMONS
      I've finally made it to the big time– Bagel World has named a sandwich after me! Called a "Dianne Simmons Tuna Sandwich," it's one can of tuna made to your liking for only $3 plus tax.
      I order it every time I eat there for lunch. Stop in and order yourself one too!
* * *
Stop in and browse at Greenwood Art Gallery for fine art, custom framing, unique gifts and jewelry.
* * *
Glass City USA is offering 10% off services for all orders over $100.
* * *
If you're looking for realtor Alice Galligan, she can be located at ERA The Property Place at 416 Cheney Hwy. Give her a call and let her help you with all of your real estate needs.
* * *
Take a step back in time! Kay at The Dusty Rose Antique Mall has just purchased more country & formal furniture. See the ad for more items she has available.
* * *
Check out Great Outdoors Golf Club's ad for new golf fees, as well as specials on dinner and a round of golf.
* * *
Altman's Air Conditioning has a first time customer service call for only $29.95. Give them a call and save today!
* * *
Stop by Art, Etc. in The Gaslight Mall and see their new artwork. Other artists are featured inside the mall, and The Potpourri Patch has tons of gifts, too, so stop in and browse!
* * *
The Irish Pub is offering $1 off breakfast or Sunday brunch. See their ad for your coupon and save!
* * *
Need a new headliner for your vehicle? Go see Donnie at Coastal Window & Tint, Inc.
* * *
Clear Hearing Center says, "We have Digital Hearing Aid Technology for everyone." Look for their ad in this issue & call for an appt.
* * *
The Downtown Gallery is home to nationally acclaimed, award winning photographer, James Gary Richmond. Stop by and browse through the beautiful selection of scenic photographs from all over the world. Take in their ad and take 10% off your custom framing order!
* * *
The Brevard County Board of County Commissioners recognized Titusville-based Space Coast Advertising, owned by Wendy Ellis and Patti Patch, with an official resolution commending the agency's marketing and public relations services.
      Their client, Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT) recently received a coveted national award, Outstanding Public Transportation System, from the American Public Transportation Association.
      Additionally, the Agency's unique marketing efforts on behalf of SCAT have won numerous state and national awards.
* * *
Hair Image Family Hair Salon has a Jan. and Feb. special! Receive 10% off regular prices on any hair services. See their ad for others specials as well.
* * *
Visit the Tal Gallery in Searstown Mall if you're looking for a special gift for your sweetheart for Valentine's Day.
* * *
Award Trophy Co. has moved to the building behind them at 11 S. Lemon Ave. They have special gift ideas for the entire year–engraved clocks with pens, clocks with picture frames and more.
* * *
Niki Salter has just opened Crafter's Co-Op at 2420 S. Washington Ave., and features homemade arts and crafts, consignments, home accents, and more. She also has "Party Lite" bookings available.
* * *
It's that time again! Make plans to join the Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Merchants for their "Friday Fiesta Downtown Street Party" taking place Friday, Feb. 6, from 6 to 10 p.m. There will be a steel drum band, live music, food and drinks, dancing, games, shopping, cars and more.
      And, as an added plus, Dave Fiester and the Legendary Groove Monsters will be performing at Show Time Deli the night of the street party, too!

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