New YMCA Fitness Center
scheduled to open next week
From STAFF REPORTS
The YMCA of Brevard County will open its $2.6 million renovated and larger family fitness center on Jan. 15, which will now accommodate up to 2,000 membersãan increase of 100 percent.
Additions to the 30-year old facility at 2100 S. Park Ave. are cardiovascular and other workout and training equipment, free weights, a family and teen center with games, outdoor sports fields, and an aerobics room. There's also a playground, walking/running trails, and room for childcare, organized activities and community conference room.
The old gym has also been renovated and its old wooden floors have been refinished; the roof has been repaired; and room dividers and adjustable height hoops have been added.
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City may accept donation of buildingãwith conditions
By FRED KRUPSKI
Genuity Solutions, a fiber-optics company, has offered the City of Titusville a 9,995 square-foot building that it began construction on last year but can no longer use the majority of the space. This week City Council began proceeding with negotiations to accept donation of the property located at the intersection of Park Ave. and Tropic St.
The property is valued at $797,000 according to the building permit which was pulled last year. The contractor and owner had one year after the permit to complete the construction. However, when Genuity and its real estate division, Global Real Estate, decided it would not need most of the space, it offered a deal to the city to take it over as is, which includes wiring for computer equipment, but no plumbing or air conditioning.
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La Cita Country Club has new owners
From STAFF REPORTS
Local golfers who enjoy playing La Cita by invitation had their hopes dampened that new ownership would bring a change in policy and the club would become a semi-private facility.
The North Carolina-based, four-member consortium who recently bought the club from Club Corp. of America plan only cosmetic changes. The club will remain private.
The new buyers are Jim Musick, Dale Quinn, Kenneth Senn and Louis Reeder. Musick and Quinn will be two of the active operational figures in the new venture.
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Land swap between City and boat maker merits consideration
EDITORIAL
While a few residents oppose any selling or leasing of waterfront property to the private sector, there is one parcel of land under consideration north of Sand Point Park, south of the former Sand Point Inn, that certainly could be put to a better use.
The expansion proposal is with Vectorworks, who has contracted a surveyor who is currently preparing a survey. It will not include the waterfront, a strip of land 200 feet deep. This will remain as currently titled and be developed as a community park.
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For our convenience only
I don't really remember what I went into K-Mart for last week (probably cat food) since the new store changes they've made include more grocery and convenience grocery items at reduced prices which one would expect of a discounter that formerly sold hard and soft good lines of merchandiseãbut that's beside the point. Since they can't compete with Target or Wal-Mart, what else is a body to do?
Anyway, I was approaching the checkout line (the one with the light on top of a pole) and became confused when I saw no sales person (cashier) for miles.
What I did run into was a bit of new technology that is apparently taking stores and shoppers by storm. It's a self-scanning checkout laneãalready used by an estimated 20 percent of grocery stores, I understand. What it does is lets shoppers bypass the cashier and saves the store money as well. Actually, I like the idea. I place my purchases above the scanner, verify the price, quantity, and whether it accepts the "advertised" price on the bar code. It gives you the amount you owe, a slot to put your cash in, plunks out your change and gives you a receipt. It will not only save the retailer money, but the consumer as well if they are careful not to roll the item over the glass a half dozen times because they might be hard of hearing.
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NEW HOTEL ... continued
Also known as Vector Space, soon to have the National Police Museum as a new tenant, this project may be part of the development of more than 160 acres of land on the southeast corner of U.S. 1 and SR 405. It is an area officially known as Titusville's only development of regional impact that allows for certain types of high-density commercial and residential development.
Both the hotel (which is not named) and the adjoining high-tech office space would cater to businesses and individuals involved with the Astronaut Hall of Fame and U.S. Space Camp. With Delaware North being the new owners of the Astronaut Hall of Fame and the investment they are expected to make, the feeling is that the time is right for the new projects. They hope it will happen in order to accommodate their guests as well as the tourists and business travelers. Also considered is the parents of children attending Space Camp who would find the new facility convenient.
Walt Johnson, head of Space Coast Economic Development Commission (SCEDC), issued a statement last week reporting that his agency is working closely with Gaich to help make the deal a reality. "The SCEDC is working with the Michael Gaich company on different prospects, including a hotel which is under contract subject to permitting. The SCEDC is excited and look forward to working with the developer, if the developer proceeds with this project," Johnson stated.
Not everyone thinks the timing is perfect. But Gaich said a portion of his pitch to the hotel chain was that Titusville hasn't had a new major hotel in almost 26 years. "If you look at the needs and what can be booked for KSC contractors, government employees and tourists and business-related bookings, it makes sense. It's perfect. If it comes to fruition, the new hotel project could be 200 to 250 rooms, plus the meeting space facilities."
For the time being it is being discussed and studied to verify other findings and a decision could come within 60 to 90 days.
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YMCA ... continued
In May, construction should be completed on two outdoor pools that will wrap around the exterior of the glass-walled workout room.
In addition to the physical renovations, several new and expanded programs will also be offered, including martial arts, kids and adult basketball, and cheerleading classes.
The driving force behind the new facility is local insurance agent and former City Councilmember Robin Fisher who announced the program almost 5 years ago and kick-started the fund-raising campaign. That campaign brought in $1.4 million, the majority in corporate pledges. The city donated $75,000 and the North Brevard Medical Support Foundation kicked in another $250,000. YMCA Board Member Dick McCotter donated a piece of downtown propertyãthe site of the old Ford Dealershipãwhich was sold, bringing in another $300,000 towards the pair of new swimming pools.
Bringing in the remainder of the money was The Central Florida YMCA, along with its expertise in planning and management.
A membership drive is now underway regarding the "joiners" fee because the Y has a policy of not denying participation in a program because of any inability to payãand financial assistance is available based on need.
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BUILDING DONATION ... continued
If the city takes it over it will complete the building, obtain the COP and forgive any fees due after the permit expired Dec. 5.
The gift comes with one other condition. That Genuity be given a 10-year lease option for 2,000 square feet at a "nominal" rental rate.
Titusville building official Larry Fuhrman describes the building as being very well-built and believes that the offer should be looked at by Council. "When anyone offers you anything for nothing I would say we should look at it," he said.
Reasons for the gift appear to be the result of the down-sizing of the technology sector and what tele-communications businesses are doing nationally as a result of a weak stock market and the current recession.
The company studied several options, including a sale or lease for warehouse space, but it was advised by its real estate attorney to favor the current option.
For some time the city's Public Works division has been seeking additional space and has expressed an interest in the location and how it can be best used. The division currently works out of several locations around the city, some of which are in poor condition. The thinking is that this facility could be converted for use by Public Works, or for other uses.
One area of some concern is that not all of the Public Works division could be housed in the building because the location lacks sufficient parking spaces for city vehicles and employees' cars. However, Council could consider that a minor inconvenience with the building coming without a basic price tag, but only a relaxation of the square foot rental required by the company.
At its Tuesday meeting Council was expected to approve authorization of negotiations to proceed.
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LA CITA ... continued
While no exact purchase price was quoted, it is believed the new owners bought the club from Dallas-based Club Corp. for between $2 and $3 million. The price includes the 18-hole course, 6 tennis courts, two racquetball and handball courts, driving range, pro shop and the restaurant and lounge.
Plans are to spruce up the 1,200 member club, a local gathering place and to increase membership. Of those 1,200 members 240 are full golf membership. Others are dining-only at $50 per month. While the new owners will attempt to seek more members, they have no plans to lower membership fees or to change the original requirement that membership is by invitation only. Currently La Cita's 1,200 membership is 600 less that it was at its height of popularity when the club was owned by EKS, Inc., who later sold it to Club Corp.
Sprucing up, according to the owners, means improvements to golf course drainage, additional landscaping with flowers and foliage, and painting.
The sale of La Cita ends months of speculation on the identity of the new owners and also ends the concern of its hard core membership who feared any drastic changes made would change the affluent upscale gathering place. Complaints had been heard regarding the many staff changes by Club Corp., and the general opinion is now one of stability and a return to its former popularity and continuity of service, both in the pro shop and the restaurant.
News of this sale also prompted many local resident-golfers to ask what is happening north of SR 46 and Walkabout Golf Course. Since last fall there has been no updates on when, or if, the new layout will open soon. Local spokespersons last reported that the golf course would be open by Jan. 1ãa date that has come and gone without any additional information. It's also not known whether it will be a public or semi-private club, or when any construction will begin for residential lots.
Down the road a few miles at the Space Coast National semi-private course there is also speculation on the future of this other North Brevard 18-hole course since Terry Fine was ousted by partner Robert Holloway last fall. It has been reported that there has been interest from some Asian investor group, but no details have been forthcoming.
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EDITORIAL ... continued
After the survey is completed city staff will forward it to the Division of State Lands. They will seek quotes from three appraisers and hire the low bidder to perform the appraisal, who will determine the value of the State's underlying interest in the parcel. It is then that the City and the Community Redevelopment Agency will have the information needed to determine if the city should purchase the State's interest to gain fee simple title.
If the decision is made to buy out the State's interest it can then be determined what is in the community's best interest regarding this piece of real estate.
There are several options. Selling the property and placing it on the tax rolls, or leasing the property and using the revenue stream to amortize the cost of acquisition, are among them.
If a lease is chosen, at the end of it the City and CRA can then review it to determine if the market has created a different "highest and best" use for the property. This option does not preclude the property becoming an expanded park facility at some future date.
City Council met last August and listened to the revised proposal from Vectorworks. At that time the proposal limited the request to less than five acres. Also indicating their support was The Little League, since they will have their own fields north of this area.
Working on the next step in the application process is the city attorney. While discussions continued this week regarding Vectorworks' revised proposal, the resolution of this matter simply has taken much too long.
Simply put, the parcel is not used for recreational purposes, nor should it be with the new planned sports complex in the Chain of Lakes project.
Because its location is just east of the railroad tracks, it is unlikely that the parcel would interest residential developers. That leaves only commercial possibilitiesãand Vectorworks makes sense. The deep water access to the boat maker is ideally suited to for transportation purposes.
It has all the appearances of a win-win situation for both the City of Titusville and the business involved.
Council should proceed with approval before the company changes their mind and backs out because of bureaucratic hassles. Entirely too much city-owned property, and tax exempt buildings are off the tax roles as it is.
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KALEIDOSCOPE ... continued
However, in talking to one employee of the store I learned that not everyone is enamored with the new technology. Some people, said she, hate change of any kindãespecially if they're afraid of the new technology. "They just want to talk to a real person," she said.
Well, perhaps yes, perhaps not. I've run into some cashiers I had no desire to continue a conversation withã especially when they're engaged in small talk with the bag boy, who may or may not be their current boyfriend.
I also like the fact that I don't have to say, "Have A Nice Day," to myself, ad nauseam.
I also like the fact that I can now bag my own purchases. You know; cold in one, room temperature in another. Eggs on top, cans on bottom.
Americans have a bottomless appetite for convenience. Harried shoppers like the one-stop approach. Take gas pumps. Half of the shoppers will use that gas station because of the convenience factor, this according to a study by some writer in Chicago who pens a Distribution/Food column for magazines.
In fact, in a recent article she writes that convenience has been the strength of packaged-foods producers for decades. To curry favor with today's generation food producers are now bringing almost fast-food products even to homes with microwave ovens. Family size meals will go from the freezer to the oven, and to the table in as little as 10 minutes.
Food and restaurant execs are keeping their fingers crossed that terrorists will stay away from food. After Sept. 11, restaurant sales took a big hitãbut if the food supply were attacked, the outcome could be even worse. But precautions are being taken. Not to worry.
Who's got to worry are all the cashiers when they are eventually replaced by the electronic, self-service scanners.
But at K-Mart I just knew something was coming next after they finally replaced those old push doors with self-openers.
Self-service at the register and bagging your own stuff had to be the next transition.
Now I wonder when that cost savings will result in reduced prices for consumers.
Or, am I getting dotty in my old age?
Amtrak a reality?
I had my doubts, but now I must admit I may have been wrong. It looks like we may get a passenger train after all since Bush received a promise of the additional $8 million needed to get this choo choo running after all.
My wife Sue and I were talking about it a few days agoãparticularly after several of her shopping trips to Vero and other stops on the proposed line from Jax to Miami.
Although I think Miami would be a stretch to shop for underwear and socks, other areas on the run make sense. What does not yet make sense, or is being made clear is how transportation is going to be provided when one leaves the club car having arrived at their destination.
Will their be some mode of transportation to local venues like shopping centers, restaurants, hotels, or wherever you're planning to hole up after leaving the train? If not, this could present an opportunity for some enterprising business with interesting vehicles to fill the gap. Like a jitney, or trolley for example.
I don't think cabs are the answer. For example, when we decide to train it to St. Augustine rather than drive, will there be any transportation, perhaps provided by the local chamber supported by local businesses? I think that when we have a specific destination in mind the costs should be absorbed by who (or whom) we're going to support with our pesos.
Until I get the answer I'm not buying a ticket to anyplace.
Something I've always wanted to do...
Most people like insects to keep their distance. But not the competitors in Italy's annual mosquito-killing championships, who are warming up for a weekend spree in an insect-ridden valley south of Milan.
Clad in swimsuits and long socks, the contestants will try to squash as many mosquitoes as possible in 5 minutesãwith their bare hands. Then they have to collect each squashed insect to confirm the kill.
I don't know how you all feel about this, but I find it repellent.
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Harlem Ambassadors vs. local jocks/cops basketball show on for January 19 at BCC
From STAFF REPORTS
Last call for Titusville's hot ticket performance featuring the Harlem Ambassadors featuring Lade Majic, the Queen of show basketball.
The event is a fundraiser for the Police Athletic League and will be performed on Saturday, Jan. 19, at 7 p.m. The presenting sponsors for the event will be Parrish Medical Center and Tutor Time Child Care of Titusville. The family oriented show, while raising funds to financially support the youth, has the expressed purpose of supporting programs of Titusville PAL.
Challenging the Ambassadors will be the PMC Jocks and TPD Cops, a match up that should provide excitement and more than an equal share of laughs.
Advanced tickets are $5, with kids 4 and under admitted free. Ticket prices on day of show are $7. For ticket information call the Titusville PAL at 268-8771, or the Police Department, 264-7841.
Better late than never! |
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| Pictured bringing up the rear in the Titusville Christmas Parade are Father Frost and a new member of his North Pole cast of elves. The new addition to the parade and probably a future fixture is Santa's assistant Mike Inks, a former cast member at The Magic Kingdom, and currently a Titusville resident. |
Santa's visit to Devereux Center delights kids during holidays
The 5th annual Christmas Party for the children at the Devereux Center NOrmandy School in Mims was a "great success" reported the events organizers. The party was held Dec. 14 and sponsored by Gateway Masonic Lodge 384 and its members.
"It just gets better every year thanks to Jim McCoskey and his efforts, " said Principal Sue Morris.
This year 55 students, 30 staff members and 15 masons were fed and shared in the festivities. Old Saint Nick (Harry Gieseler) made his appearance giving candy bags, fruit bags, T-shirts and toys to each student at the school
The ;brothers of the lodge adopted the school, its staff and students 6 years ago. The Devereux Center is a temporary placement school for children with special needs and emphasizes both academic and behavioral development. The students are taught in small academic classes and receive therapeutic counseling.
Jim McCoskey, founder of the annual party said the kids are always filled with anticipation to see Santa personally and have a special lunch with him and members of the lodge. "We take great pride and effort to give back to the community in which we serve," said McCoskey.
Several individuals and businesses support the event, including T Bone Design, dunkin Donut, Subway Sandwich, Publix, Labor Finders, Azan Temple, Gateway Masonic Lodge, and Rod Northcutt, tax collector 
One of 55 kids with special needs receives bonanza of Christmas goodies from Brother Santa.
By BOB SOCKS
The Pride arrives
At 7:45 a.m., Monday, the 7th of January, the Carnival Pride proudly made its way down the ship channel of Port Canaveral, with helicopters flying overhead and water cannons from the tugs spewing water as a form of welcome. The Pride eased itself into Cruise Terminal #5 where it will be home based. The Pride will leave every Saturday afternoon for the Caribbean for one week cruises with a passenger capacity of 2,124 and a crew of 900. The Pride has a gross tonnage of 86,000 tons, a length of 960 feet, 16 lounges and themed bars, a 13,700 sq. ft health spa, a shopping mall, an Internet cafe, four swimming pools and a high-tech children's play area. Dining options include a poolside grille, a 24-hour pizzeria, a formal dining room and an intimate steak-house supper club.
continued
Simply Precious Crafts & Gift Shop is having an after-inventory sale from Jan. 14 thru 31. Stop in and take advantage of their specials.
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Mark your calendars for the free diabetes testing at Sego's Home Medical Equipment on Wed., Jan. 16, from 9 a.m. until noon. Parrish Medical Center's Nancy Abner will be performing the tests.
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Are you in need of a meeting space? Look for Best Western Space Shuttle Inn's ad and see what they have available, then give them a call.
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BUSINESS BULLETIN ... continued
The Pride was formally welcomed by local dignitaries and Port officials as well as top ranking Carnival Cruise Line officials. Among local Titusville people to attend were: Joe Matheny, Port Canaveral Chairman and Commissioner; Ray Sharkey, Port Commissioner, and his wife, Marian; Carol Tarrell; Bill VonEnglenberg; Bob Socks, Port Ambassador; Ilene Davis; and John and Amelia Williams.
Titusville Business License ReportãDecember 2001
Total Licenses Issuedã30
Breakdown as follows:
- Home-based Business - 19
- Contractor - 3
- Insurance - 5
- Optometrist - 1
- Massage Therapist - 1
- Retail Sales - 1
Happy Landings
Sanford International Airport reported a 4.5 percent increase in passengers in November 2001 compared with November 2000.
The airport served 64,000 passengers. Of those, 40,378 were international passengers, up 4 percent over the same month last year; and 20,691 were domestic, up 33.5 percent.
In related news, Britannia Airways announced plans to relocate from Orlando to Sanford. London-based Britannia signed a seven-year agreement with Orlando Sanford International Airport to serve as its gateway to Orlando.
Britannia operated out of Orlando Sanford International from 1996 to 1999, when it left for the much larger Orlando International Airport.
With Britannia's return, Orlando Sanford expects to serve an additional 80,000 passengers annually.
Golf Course News
- La Cita sold recently to La Cita Golf LP for 2,100,000. This is a group of four men with golf course and management experience. Their main goal is to increase membership immediately and keep the facility private.
- Walk-A-Bout Golf Course in Mims is scheduled to open in mid-February. They will open with a trailer as their clubhouse with further expansion scheduled for the future.
- Bent Oak Golf Resort Inc. filed for bankruptcy on December 4th. Assets, debts, major creditors and creditors meetingãnot available.
More Bankruptcy
Rising red ink: A total of 359,518 new bankruptcy cases were filed in the third quarter of 2001, up 16.5 percent over the same period a year earlier. Bankruptcy filings this year are on pace to break 1998's record of 1.44 million.
"Hangover consumer debt from the free-spending 90's and a weakened economy today means more families will face the need to file for protection well into next year," says Samuel J. Gerdano, executive director of the American Bankruptcy Institute.
Chapter 7 bankruptcies, which allow debtors to erase most of their debts, accounted for two-thirds of the bankruptcy filings.
Recent Real Estate Transactions over $150,000.
- A house at 1880 Lakeside Dr. (Titus Village) sold for $192,000.
- A house at 3513 Nelson Place (Royal Oak) sold for $170,000.
- A house at 1150 War Eagle Blvd. sold for $170,000.
- A house at 3700 Belle Arbor Circle (La Cita) sold for $170,000.
- A house at 2950 Kathy St. (new Mercedes development on south end of Titusville) sold for $154,857.
Brevard County Economic Indicators - October 2001
Employment - 205,006 (+ 0.69%)
Tourism Taxes - $303,453 (- 14.29%)
Electric Meters - 222,359 (+ 1.96%)
Resid. Bldg. Permits - 587 (+55.7%)
Housing remains strong through the balance of 2001 and into early 2002. Interest rates, though rising slightly, remain attractive to first time home buyers as well as families moving into larger homes. Tourism has been affected by the events of 9/11 the most, with restaurants and lodging facilities struggling to survive. With the winter season upon us, and the cold weather up north, businesses in the tourism industry should improve to at least the percentages of last winter.
Quote of the Week:
"Politicians who complain about the media are like sailors who complain about the sea."
ã Enoch Powell
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BUZZ ... continued
Stop in KC's Rainbow Lunch for a 6oz. hamburger made with fresh ground beef, or one of their daily specials. It's all great!
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Brant Plumbing & Ceramic Tile says they are back, rested and ready to take care of your plumbing needs.
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Call Brevard Aluminum Construction Co. and learn about the new trend in roofingãgalvalume roof systems and aluminum rustic shingles.
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PKT Antique Mall is having a big closing sale from now until the end of January. Stop in for great deals, as well as showcases and shelving.
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Coastal Glass & Tint wants you to start the new year off right with 10% off auto tint by Jason.
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Order a custom built computer by Diversified Computers & Cyber Shop. See their ad in this edition for discount prices.
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Sign up for classes at Fabric Emporium starting Jan. 12. And, if you need any alterations done, give Mary Jane a call.
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Prices are falling at Buck's Lawn Mower Shop. Check out their stock now and beat the Spring price increase.
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Get your personal, partnership and corporate tax records together and let William Tumblin & Associates, Inc., handle your tax preparation.
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A big green patio table and six chairs disappeared off the deck at The Irish Pub. Anyone knowing where these items might be are asked to please call 264-0311.
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The original owners, Ed and Irene Brasnan, have taken back River Side Inn and have David Gault managing The Riverdeck Lounge, with Terry bartending.
Go in and sing karaoke with "Be A Star" with Jill, and join DJ "IngineBoy" on Fri. and Sat. See their ad for specials and giveaways.
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Robert K. Ross, CTP, your tax professional for 39 years, has moved to 117 Broad St. in the Baldwin Shopping Center. Call him for an appointment to go over your taxes.
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The Mail Center has a grab bag special on business cards. See their ad for prices. And remember, you can now pay your FPL bill at this location.
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Are you starting a new business? If so, stop in Express Copy and order your business cards, letterhead, flyers and the other printed items you need to get your business going. Take in their ad from this edition and receive 25% off.
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Want to give your special someone a great Valentine's Day gift? Give Casey Gorman Photographer a call and have special Valentine pictures made for your loved ones.
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Tommy's 5 till 2 Lounge features karaoke on Wednesday and Thursday with "Keeper of the Stars," and on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 11 and 12, Psycho Drive will be performing live.
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Visit Steven's Sofas Direct on Garden St. and take advantage of their bedding specials. They also carry furniture for your bedroom, living room and dining room. See their ad for details.
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Having a party? Custom Designs and Party Store on Garden St. has party goods for weddings, birthdays, baby showers and more. They also bake cakes for all occasions.
And, if they don't have what you're looking for, it can be ordered if it's available, plus they are open on Sundays.
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Michelle Roberts, stylist formerly with JCPenney Styling Salon, now has her own beauty salonãEasy Waves Styling Salon, Inc.ãlocated at 220 Cheney Hwy. Take in her ad and receive 10% off highlights and perms.
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Look for the ad for Storehouse Ministries and check out their specials.
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Michael's Restaurant at The Holiday Inn has a coupon in this edition to buy one entree and receive the second entree at half price.
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Krista James Boutique & Salon has a storewide clearance sale of 50% off everything in the boutique. Stop in and save big!
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Neeka's "Forever Young" Lounge is having a "Birthday Bash" every 3rd Saturday starting Jan. 19 featuring Tim Donovan from Molly Hatchet.
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On Sundays only, use the coupon for Mr. Submarine & Salads in this edition to buy one (1) sub and get one (1) at half price.
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