Kmart: the blue light is dimming and may soon be out for Titusville store
EDITORIAL
Kmart will close underperforming stores, walk away from bad leases and trim debt. What then?
Kmart! Does the country need it?
Kmart, based in Troy, Mich., may not survive the largest-ever retail bankruptcy. The reality is that it has long lost the war with Wal-Mart-- much more efficient in quality, selection and price. As a result, the company may close as many as 500 of its 2,114 stores.
The company needs radical retail therapy now, but even now may be too late. The former five and dime store has been bailed out before and emerged without having to file for protection because its banks stepped in to avert a liquidity crises six years ago. Company officials had that time to restructure, but would not, or could not. Today it past its peak borrowing period. It may be too late, even if they find a niche.
They tried to revive the old "bluelight special" campaign, but that move only gave comparison shoppers at Wal-Mart a road map to the items where prices were slashed. Before you could say "Shazam," Wal-Mart prices on those items were immediately cut and Kmart lost the advantage.
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Raccoon(s) dig bones, leave dentures
No...this is not a Steven King parody, but some people not as irreverent as I might find the following tidbit in bad taste. And taste, to a large degree, is what teeth are all about considering the taste buds in in the general area.
In order to protect the innocent, (also a friend of the family), I will not name the person who provided this story to me. I'd love to, but I can't. She'll never live it down.
Here we go...
Her husband, let's call him Mr. Rocky, who passed away several months ago, requested to be cremated. His ashes were placed in a fancy wooden box. After languishing on the mantel for a short time next to the family portraits, they were removed to the back yard and buried. What was not known at the time of the burial rites performed by the person not named--and her daughter and son-in-law--was that some things just don't burn easily.
Such was the case when the raccoon dug up Mr. Rocky, carried off the bones and scattered the ashes under the citrus trees, leaving only Mr. Rocky's dentures behind near the contemporary architectural dig.
It wasn't Windover.
After hearing the tale of the teeth, I could not help wondering what would have happened to this family should the raccoon have decided to try to swallow the plate, had it lodged in his mouth, and turned to the residents for help in extracting the excruciating dentures in order to continue to pilfer garbage from the back porch in order to survive without requiring a Heimlich maneuver or the services of an orthodontist.
Can you picture a raccoon with some homosapien's ivories?
I would like a picture of that guy.
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KEN WARD ... continued
N.O.: What do you see as the top issues facing this council, your own personal priorities and how to get there?
Ward: Truthfully, I have to rank water as a problem. It's just about the only thing everyone is talking about; its cost and availability, now and for the future. After that it's the reconstruction of our downtown economy; and finding a tenant for the Boeing building left empty since McDonnell Douglas left town nine years ago.
N.O.: OK--Turn on the faucet and begin with the water issue.
Ward: The major reason why residents complain about the cost for water, stormwater, etcetera, is because the problem was ignored so long. But, and it is only my opinion, when it was addressed the Advanced Water Treatment system was overbuilt. We built that facility for a population of over 60,000 residents. Now, years later, our population stands at a stagnant 41,000. At this rate of growth, we've bought much more than we need and will need even in the long range.
We're being told that by 2020 we will be out of water--and that opinion is based on the same projections that former council and its consultants used for the water plant and sewer system.
N.O.: Tell me why it's necessary that we drill wells in Mims since residents up there are up in arms about the potential loss of their water supply. Why not pursue the possibility of a reverse osmosis system and calm everyone down before they storm City Hall?
Ward: I don't know, but it is one of the issues I'm going to study very carefully. I don't think there is anything wrong with exploring reverse osmosis. Those plants are all over the state--and we can get data from areas where they're being utilized. It certainly is something we should look at.
Look, we buy water from Cocoa and then we sell it cheaper than it cost us. How long can we do that?
I also want to learn how critical the water situation really is without any scare tactics. Every conversation I have with people involves this issue. I want to learn more about it and put the issue to bed. We need a solution, and we need to implement a sensible plan because this is going to take time. But I really don't believe we're going to run dry anytime soon.
N.O.: You say another of your priorities is economic development. Tell me how you guys are going to stem the oceans of new residents flowing inexorably to South and Central Brevard?
Ward: I was born and raised here, I attended school here, and I own my business here. As a result, I feel I'm in touch with this city. I believe I understand the issues facing us. Having said this, I also know that the basic law of nature is that "if you're not growing-- you're dead."
A major issue to address is where we're going to grow and I think downtown is the heart of the community. We can, and are, having growth west of town, but a residential community is the downtown core area--along with nice commercial development--is the key.
Listen, I don't know if we're going to get a new hotel or a convention center, but other goals are realistic...and possible.
N.O.: Let us say you are right. How do we resolve the image issue that Titusville is just a bedroom community and that we lack the population to support any dramatic growth. Are we marketing ourselves intelligently?
Ward: To your last question--NO! There are many good things about this area that nobody knows about. We can start the education process right here. For example, I like to fish on the river. Do you know how many restaurants you can pull your boat up to, dock and have lunch? None. Yet we are essentially a waterfront community and we don't capitalize enough upon it. Granted, permits are a problem. You can get a residential application for dock permits for 10 homes faster and easier than you can for one restaurant, or multi-use docking facility. It's a real problem.
We need a catalyst. Some area like the Poe property--Harbor Towne--but we need a consensus on which way we want to go. Curb appeal is one thing, but we need a combination of development on the Indian River.
N.O.: That brings to mind Vector-Works' request for land for expansion. What are your thoughts?
Ward: Why not? We do whatever feasible to allow that company to expand and create jobs. I don't think we should sell the parcel, but we should lease it. What we have now is not the best use for the property--also consider that it used to be a landfill. Who remembers that use?
The City has a redevelopment plan that we also paid consultants for and they said the best use of that property was for residential development. That obviously hasn't happened, but we can still pursue that plan and still retain our riverfront and park. You asked in an earlier article how long will the VectorWorks owners wait while we drag our feet. I don't know, but I don't think it will be long before it's resolved to everyone's satisfaction. Or almost everyone.
I also want to explore residential development downtown and encourage eco-tourism. We have many empty sites downtown that can be filled. It happens all the time. Someone will buy a derelict building, tear it down and build something new.
N.O.: Hundreds of riverfront communities believe riverfront projects are the key to a downtown revival. We have a river city, but few who live here think of it that way--particularly when their main focus is on the major retailers and discounters.
How do we change that perception and how do we connect with the river? In other words, what kind of collaboration will it take to bring new life and excitement to the area?
Ward: That seems to point out the situation with VectorWorks.
We need jobs. Think about this: we lost two councilmen who had to resign and move to find employment out of the area. Larry Bartley and Carl Hughes. If the lack of opportunities affected those men and their families, it affects everyone of us--especially our young people.
N.O.: You are right, but what is going to happen in the labor market? We have two malls hurting--K-Mart is probably going south; Scotty's closed; and who knows what else after 9-11 and the recession? I'm sure we will learn of other closings--maybe by the time this interview is published.
Try on this sticky question: Some are suggesting that Searstown Mall be razed, and move Sears to Miracle City Mall as another major anchor to support JCPenney and Belk's.
It is being suggested that the Searstown property be converted to a mixed use commercial and residential development. Other towns and cities have done exactly that.
What is the answer, if there is one?
Ward: I really don't know. I don't think anyone does at this time.
I do know we have little control over what owners do. But it may not be a bad idea. Certainly it's a plan if we can convince investors it is viable.
N.O.: Well, your answer is refreshing for a politician. I thought you people knew everything (laughter).
To return to the downtown issue for a moment. What does one do when we have a major highway running through the center of town since, in their infinite wisdom, our original city fathers permitted this nightmare to happen? As well as approving a low rent, subsidized high rise to be built on a prime location on the riverfront?
Ward: I agree. It made no sense, but it's over and done. I'm sure we learned something from this. It should have been a luxury condo, but that's water over the dam.
N.O.: What about a change in the traffic pattern downtown?
Ward: We need to take a serious look at U.S. 1, including re-routing traffic. There are a couple of options I may address at future council meetings, but I would rather skirt this question for the moment until it's discussed in a public meeting. Many people know how I feel, but it is going to involve many governmental agencies to learn if it is even possible.
N.O.: You wouldn't be thinking about an overpass, or redirecting traffic to the east, or west, are you?
Ward: Perhaps something on that order, but I want to study it more carefully and see if I can get a consensus.
N.O.: Is it premature to ask if you're thinking about running for the permanent council seat in November?
Ward: At this time my plan is to be a candidate. I truly want to promote business and improve the whole climate. I think I have something to offer. Presently there are a lot of people outside the business community who don't really know me. But I believe that between now and November my support will broaden to include those not in the business sector, but who understand the need for a healthy climate and how they are directly affected.
N.O.: Ken, thanks for your time. We'll be talking again.
One final thing--As a former councilman and political-watcher, I leave you with one piece of advice:
Don't let the "Cave People" get you down and you'll be fine.
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EDITORIAL ... continued
The principal question is: With Wal-Mart's lower prices, is there any place anymore for a regional discounter?
It may be true that older customers are overwhelmed by the sheer size of Wal-Mart and feel more comfortable shopping in the small store. But it would also appear that consumers of all ages are willing to endure the vast indoor spaces of a Wal-Mart in return for what they believe are the lowest prices.
Many experts believe Kmart must find a niche--but what niche? One mentioned is a full-line grocery, including fresh meat and produce. The problem is that Winn Dixie is just a few hundred yards east of the Cheney Highway store and has long been know for their meat departments. And Kmart cannot compete with Publix produce and bakery products.
Sadly, with their departure, our landscape could become more littered with empty retail shells.
What discount retailers understand is that it is suicide to build a store anywhere within 10 miles of a Wal-Mart. One can almost walk from Kmart to Wal-Mart in Titusville.
One solution may be for Kmart to eliminate departments, particularly where its next door competitor is the strongest. But the magic act would be to phase them out so customers don't notice they're missing right away.
The reality for Kmart is that no one can out-Wal-Mart Wal-Mart. They are simply too big and powerful.
We hope Kmart can recover, but seriously doubt that it will. But if it does, we also believe that the SR 50 store will be on the hit list.
We don't presume to be Monday morning quarterbacks. If we were that good we would have wagered on the New England Patriots--which we failed to do.
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KALEIDOSCOPE ... continued
New oyster and sushi restaurant to open this month in downtown Titusville
Meredith and Jim Rhodes are going to call their restaurant "Steamers"-- and it's one sorely needed since the departure of another eating place by the same name that featured seafood. But the Rhodes' are expanding on the theme and will include various shellfish, including shrimp and clams, as well as sushi. Meredith promises patrons that anything that can be done with an oyster will be created in her kitchen, including stew.
It is located in the courtyard of the Renaissance Grille in the 900 square foot addition built over a year ago. Hopefully it will be open by the end of the month.
There are still some positions to be filled, including an oyster shucker and a sushi chef. If you have the qualifications I suggest you call, or drop by M.J.'s Saloon on South Hopkins and present your qualifications.
Death toll continues to grow
I'm now forced to play golf with people much younger. Most of my peers are gone and many living contemporaries' ranks are thinning quickly. While I get a handicap, it's no fun to play with someone who doesn't know what a "spoon" is.
One knows that one is approaching that time of life after attending not one, but two funeral services in one day. Recently it was Marv Rowland, who passed away Jan. 24 of cancer, and Ed Little, who left his family and many, many friends on Jan. 22.
I remember Marv as a man dedicated to the Veterans Memorial Foundation, a gentleman, scholar, and golfer.
Another golfer and veteran aerospace engineer was S. Edward Little. He taught me my most important lesson on the golf course, observing me on the tee box and tersely saying, "I watched your swing pattern and you're teeing the damn ball to high."
I don't know if anyone called him "Edward;" he was always just Ed. I would have called him by his given name had I known it, but apparently no one did until just before he died. Ed's friend and fellow JOMA club member Lou Cianfrogna had asked him recently, "What does the 'S.' stand for?"
"I never use it," responded Ed. "They named me 'Shirley.'"
I wish I had known that when he gave me advice on the course. I would have said something like, "Surely, you cant be Shirley."
My wife Sue explains that naming a male Shirley is fairly common in the UK. Perhaps, but it ain't OK around these parts.
Ed got away with his secret until now. But I'm sure he'll forgive me for blowing it after his death. His problems are over. For many of us it's just beginning...
And if Ed and Marv are where I think they are, I hope the landlord remembered to build a nice 18-hole layout.
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Reprieve for rocket on docket
By FRED KRUPSKI
The rusted Titan rocket resting between the Chamber of Commerce building and Titusville High School (see photo) may soon get a stay of execution if all the trivia of details can be worked out using the funds raised for repairs and a new paint job.
Facing a deadline by Titusville City Council to either come up with the money to repair the rocket, or move it elsewhere, a number of concerned citizens and civic organizations came forward with a plan to keep the Titan in town. City staff will issue a report to Council within the next 90 days regarding liability and long-term maintenance issues as well as deciding whether the ownership of the rocket should be turned over by the City to a third party.
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Judge rules for City in former manager Sam Ackley's wrongful termination suit
A circuit court judge ruled last week that the Titusville City Council which fired former city manager O. Sam Ackley acted appropriately in the manner in which it fired him three years ago.
Ackley and his attorney filed a wrongful termination suit against the City alleging that Ackley was fired without cause and that various comments made by two council members implied that they were aware of wrongdoing, although never being specific about the charges.
Ackley was seeking a presentation of written charges and had asked for retroactive pay plus pension and other benefits since his firing in 1999.
Judge Kerry Evander cited Florida law, saying, "a city speaks through its official records and actions and not through the opinions of individual council members."
On the evening of the firing, Councilman Jeff Rainey made a motion to terminate Ackley's contract without cause. The motion passed 3-2.
Evander wrote in his decision that comments from individual members of a council, however harmful, did not reflect the official action of the city, saying, "it is the motion, the second, and the majority vote that determines the city's actions."
Ackley said he would consult his attorney to decide whether to appeal the decision.
By BOB SOCKS
Tourism in Brevard
- A total of 1,764,000 overnight and an additional 2,425,500 daytime tourists visited the Space Coast.
- Visitor spending was estimated at $659,295,000.
- The total impact of tourism on the Brevard County economy was $997,762,500.
- Nearly 26,460 Brevard County residents were directly employed in tourism.
- Directly, and indirectly, tourism accounted for approximately 36,382 jobs and more than $396,900,000 in wages for Brevard County.
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Take in The Great Outdoors' coupon in this edition and get a free range token thru Feb. 15.
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Jules Hart of ERA The Property Place has a coupon in this week's News Observer to get a free home warranty with any sale of your home when you list it with her. It's a $310 value. See her ad to find out why a home warranty can help you sell your home, then give Jules a call.
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Debra's Kids Exchange is having a 50¢ table clothing sale outside every Saturday in February and March.
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Take in the Valentine's special dinner coupon for two (2) from Mr. Submarine & Salads.
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Anne Williams of "Accents by Anne" is back and now at Carrie's Boutique Antiques along with Mary Walters and Kay Phillips.
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The Christmas Dreams Shoppe has moved to in front of the Gaslight Mall--9 Main St., next to the downtown post office.
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Glass City, USA is having a Valentine's Drawing. Take in the coupon and enter the drawing.
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ROCKET ... continued
According to Angela Sharkey, a former resident and THS graduate, donations totalling about $18,000 rolled in after efforts were made by Sharkey, the Kiwanis Club of Titusville and individual donations.
Some estimates for the rocket's preservation amounted to $225,000 for Smithsonian Institute standards, who was the original owner after it was received by Marshall Space Flight Center and later delivered to the City of Titusville in 1971.
However, it now appears that Guard-Lee Aerospace of Apopka will tackle the job. Guard-Lee president, Ed Guard personally inspected the rocket last year and recommended a scaled down version that included cleaning, reinforcing panels with fiberglass and filling holds with resin. The exterior will be sealed and pained for a total cost of under $15,000, which is the least expensive method, and could preserve the rocket for 10 years. Guard also suggested that volunteer help be solicited from among the area's skilled technicians--either former or current employees of the space center.
If the details are hammered out, work could begin in the spring.
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BUSINESS BULLETIN ... continued
Economic Trends - Update
- 1999 Brevard County Average Wage $29,913.00
- 1999 Brevard Co. Per Capita Income $24,282.00
- Total Registered Voters in Brevard County as of December 10, 2001 292,739
- Republicans - 134,969 (46.1%)
- Democrats - 110,334 (37.7%)
- Other - 47,436 (16.2%)
- Living Units in Titusville 19,178
- Living Units in Brevard County 222,072
- Unemployment Rate as of Oct. 2001 4.8%
- Unemployment Rate as of Oct. 2000 3.4%
Brevard County Employment Distribution
- Services - 34.17%
- Retail Trade - 20.68%
- Government - 14.28%
- Manufacturing - 13.84%
- Construction - 5.92%
- Wholesale Trade - 3.65%
- Finance/Insurance/ Real Estate - 3.32%
- Transportation/Public Utilities - 2.83%.
Brevard County Public School statistics
- 80 Schools
- Student Population - 70,000
- 9th Largest District in Florida
- 47th Largest District in the United States
- 1st in State in Graduation Rates (00-01) at 86%
- 2001 SAT Scores--Brevard Scores 36 points higher than Florida, and 13 points above the national average.
Titusville Business License Report - January 2002
Total licenses issued - 29. Breakdown as follows:
- Tax accountant - 1
- Special Events Vendor - 1
- Convenience Store - 1
- Physician - 2
- Security Service - 1
- Used Car Sales - 1
- Computer System Design - 1
- Sign Shop - 1
- Internet Web Hosting/Design - 1
- Excavation Contractor - 1
- Machine Shop - 1
- General Contractor - 1
- Office Equipment Wholesaler - 1
- Home Based Business - 15
Port Canaveral Statistics
- Port Canaveral has the shortest direct entry on Florida's East Coast, with a 45-minute transit time from the first sea buoy to docking. Combined port costs, tuggage, pilotage, line handling, dockage, wharfage and water are among the lowest in the Southeast.
- Last year, cargo increased 10 percent, with 4.5 million short tons. The port's expandable container facility has opened new avenues for Central Florida businesses to compete in the global marketplace. A sister-port agreement signed with Freeport, Bahamas helps position Port Canaveral as a feeder port for distribution of international cargo previously shipped to ports such as Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina.
- The world's first quadramodel port, Port Canaveral connects cargo by sea, land, air and space and is among the largest general purpose Foreign Trade Zone in the United States with 4,160 acres.
- Major import and export cargos include fresh citrus, juice concentrate, cement, salt, newsprint, lumber, bricks, petroleum, drywall, rebar, sand, slate, granite and rock.
- In 2001, Port Canaveral is the second busiest port in the world, with a 3.6 million revenue cruise passengers--which translates to nearly 2 million people. The cruise terminals have parking for over 5,000 vehicles.
Titusville restaurant news
- Roadhouse Grille will open the latter part of March. They hope to have all construction completed by March 5, begin hiring and training, then open.
- Steamers Oyster Bar will be opening soon. This new addition to downtown Titusville is located next to the Renaissance Restaurant (see Kaleidoscope).
- River Breeze, located in the old Howard Johnson Restaurant, will open as soon as the rehabilitation is completed.
And you said there was no place to eat in Titusville!
Quote of the Week: "I have a set of principles that I live by, and if you don't like them, I have some more."
--Groucho Marx
BUZZ ... continued
Ann, Sharon and John have come from Orlando to open the new River Breeze Restaurant, located across from Titusville High School on U.S. 1.
They will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. See their ad for more details, and use the coupon for a free non-alcoholic beverage with a purchase.
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Remember your special sweetie on Valentine's Day with a gift certificate from Ken's Used Books.
And, by the way, Faye is getting better everyday, I'm told.
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Do you like cappuccino? Stop in Gladiator Nutrition and receive 50¢ off any frozen cappuccino or fruit smoothie.
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Take your sweetheart over to Singleton Golf Center. When you buy yourself a super jumbo bucket of balls, she'll get a medium bucket of balls for free!
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Beginner and intermediate dog classes started Sat., Feb. 2, and will continue on for 8 weeks at The Pet Masters. They also have private classes for $30 per lesson.
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Stop in Fabric Emporium for book and puzzle exchanges. They have over 100 puzzles!
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Sparks Furniture is having a clearance sale--15% off everything in the store!
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Check out The Fly Fisherman's year-end clothing sale--men's and women's clothing will be discounted up to 40% off retail Feb. 8 thru Feb. 23.
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Every Thursday during the month of February, two players can play 18 holes of golf for $25 at Willow Lakes Golf Course--with a cart.
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Buy one (1) breakfast at KC's Rainbow Lunch and get one (1) at half price.
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Community Educators Credit Union says, "Don't be the bait! Take the rebate!" Call their auto advisor at 690-2328.
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Call and make reservations for Valentine's Day in the Courtyard at Renaissance Grille. See their ad for more info.
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Indian River Sportsman now has new exude lures and S&W HI-CAP pistols in stock. Stop in and check them out at 5161 S. Washington Ave.
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Don't forget, Neeka's "Forever Young" Lounge is having a Birthday Bash on Feb. 16 with "Bill Sides Show" band, food, fun and drink specials. You can find TJ working there several times a week.
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The Rising Stars Theatre, members of the Youth Theatre program at the Titusville Playhouse, Inc. (TPI), present the second performance of the 2001/2002 season, The Wind in the Willows, at the Emma Parrish Theatre, 301 Julia St. in downtown Titusville.
Performance dates and times are February 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and February 17 at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $7 for orchestra and $5 for balcony seating. For reservations, call 268-1125.
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Stop in for NASCAR collectibles at Racin' Fans, located at 5169 S. Washington Ave. See their ad in this week's News Observer for info...
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Does your sweetheart love trains? Garden Street Depot has all kinds of trains. Guys, come in and buy a special gemstone ring for your special lady.
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Check out the ads in the special Miracle City Mall section for Valentine's specials--and a cruise special too!
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Give him the gift he really wants for Valentine's Day--YOU!! Creative ../../images has Boudoir Packages which includes hair, makeup and a portrait session. See their ad and call for an appointment today.
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Place your Valentine order at Pumpernickel's Delicatessen for chocolates, candies and a beautiful basket for your sweetheart.
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See the News Observer's Dine Out & Entertainment Guide for Valentine meals and entertainment.
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Make lasting memories with Valentine's pictures at Linda Jan Paul Fashions in Searstown Mall.
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Plantation On The Green now features whole Maine lobsters on Friday nights. Reservations are required.
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The Potpourri Patch has expanded their painting room. If you want to learn how to tole paint, stop in and sign up, or call 269-6449. Seats are limited.
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Are you in need of some financial services or advice? If so, call Joanne C. Boland, Financial Advisor, at Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., 383-3331.
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