Space Days in Titusville: Space Worker’s Reunion 2002 a success

Fred Haise (Right) signing photos for Joe Motes of Universal Autograph Collectors Club.

From STAFF REPORTS
The Space Worker’s Reunion 2002 was held at the Miracle City Mall on Sat. September 28. The Space Walk of Fame did a fine job coordinating all the activities that took place and the entire event was a success.
There was plenty to see and do during the day with activities scheduled to amuse and educate everyone in attendance. Children made model rockets and launched them down the main corridor in the mall, received coloring books and had the opportunity to try out some special glasses that when you look up into a light an image of the space shuttle appears.
Florida Institute of Technology students displayed their newest software, which they developed and will shortly launch a rocket to an altitude of 400,000 feet. They will be launching this rocket next spring from a launch site in Palm Bay or Bunnell.
The Rockledge High School/Cocoa Beach High School Robotics team displayed their world class robot in the mall. These students came in 3rd in the world in a robotic competition that took place at Epcot just recently.
Andrew Chaikin, world famous author who wrote “Space”, “Man on the Moon”, and who just published a pictorial of the best space pictures ever taken was available for an autograph session. Chalkin also held a seminar with a slide presentation of his favorite space pictures and briefly described what was taking place with each photo.
The highlight of the weekend was the reunion dinner with Apollo XIII astronaut Fred Haise as the guest speaker. Two hundred fifty excited space workers and guests sat entranced as Haise told stories of his famous Apollo XIII exploits.
Haise commented he has an interest in journalism, went to college for two years, joined the service as an aviation cadet in the flying service, became a navel aviator, became a test pilot, flew in over 80 aircraft, got involved in the Mercury program, and is excited about the re-make of the Apollo XIII movie in the IMAX motif; he also discussed the Apollo XIII adventure in detail.

Andrew Chaikin

Andrew Chaikin (right) during a book signing session

Haise had an autograph session inside the Space Museum. Reportedly, there was a line of anxious enthusiasts outside the museum before the doors even opened that morning awaiting their turn to get Haise’s autograph.
When asked what they thought the future of the space program would be over the next ten years, several people commented as follows:
Wes Hoagland, Titusville City Planner and member of Space Walk of Fame, commented “The space program needs to get back on track; ...colonize the moon; ...we are on our way to Mars.”
Joao Norona, Senior at FIT majoring in Mechanical Engineering, said “The space station will be completed; ...serious mission to Mars; ...develop a new spacecraft.”
Kyra Boback, senior at FIT studying for degree in Aerospace Engineering, said “New space craft being developed; ...exploration of Mars in an unmanned space vehicle; ...joint venture with other countries.”
Andy Sorol, Senior at FIT, Aerospace Engineering, said “The space program will be higher in esteem and interest and more in the public eye; ...more commercialization of space; ...hope for the future of space and less citizen skepticism.”
Ilene Davis, Financial Planner, Cocoa said “...country not enamored by space program; ...funding will decline or disappear unless NASA can show some return on investment.”
All in all, it was a great weekend and the hundreds who attended can’t wait until next year. The Space Walk of Fame volunteers did a great job.

Property Appraiser reminds residents to apply for Homestead Exemption Benefits

Brevard County residents may qualify for Homestead Exemption if they purchase their home and establish permanent residency on the property as of January 1, 2003. Property Appraiser Jim Ford said, “I want to remind homeowners about this exemption which may result in savings on their 2003 tax bills.”
The normal filing time for homestead exemption begins on January 1 and lasts through March 1. All exemption applications for that year must be filed by March 1. Residents may pre-file for the following year from March 2 through December 31, which is advisable.
Failure to apply on or before March 1, according to Florida law, is a waiver of the exemption privilege for that year.
Once obtained, as long as homeowners maintain a full-time permanent residency on the property, and there are no changes to their ownership status, the homestead exemption will be renewed each year.
For more information visit the Property Appraiser’s web site at www.brevardpropertyappraiser.com or call: North Brevard 264-6700, Central Brevard 633-2000 extension 46700, or South Brevard toll free 952-4700 extension 46700.

Driving exhibition at Singleton Golf facility an amazing demonstration of power and skill

From FRED KRUPSKI
Last Saturday I spent an eye-opening hour watching a couple of professional golf players do things with a golf ball that I didn't believe was possible. Proprietor Chuck Gudgel has had these two fellows at his range before and I missed seeing it. Last Saturday I wasn't to be denied.

Mike Smith

Singleton Golf is now the new home of Senior PGA Touring Pro MIke Smith.

Everyone that has ever picked up a driver and duffed it off the tee should see this, low-handicappers and hackers alike. It shows what practice and a lot of talent can do.
Carl Smith , from Orlando and his partner Paul Mette of Cocoa put on a demonstration that defied gravity and physics. Using "Bomb" drivers (PGA approved and no trick) they hammered the range balls from 310 to 365 yards consistently. The drivers with a 5-degree loft and a graphite shaft measuring over 53 inches were hit into 10 mile per hour winds and landed in the rough with little or no roll - and still were measured at up to 360 yards. With good conditions they could have easily gone 400 yards.
And these guys hit them straight.
They hit the ball from their knees and drove the thing 240 yards.
The used a putter and drove the ball 200 yards. Carl Smith showed me the putter he was using and I swear it looked exactly like the kind you can buy at Wal-Mart for 20 bucks. No tricks, no weights, no subterfuge.
At one point they exchanged drivers, Carl is a right hander and Paul is a leftie. They traded clubs and hit the ball with the driver upside down, slamming it out over 250 yards.
Both guys tee their ball about 4 inches high, take a powerhouse swing and strike the ball forward of their lead foot exactly at the point of contact on the upswing.
During the middle of the demonstration Paul Mettee put down a sleeve of 3 balls and proceeded to hit them from top to bottom out of the closed package for over 250 yards.
You had to see it to believe it. And if you have the golf channel you may see them perform. Carl Smith, the elder of the two golf magicians, just missed the World Championship Long Drive Contest by only 3 yards. He'll be back in competition to try again.
If you want to see these guys perform I suggest you call Chuck at Singleton and find out when they are scheduled to return. Perhaps you'll learn what I did....don't even try it - you'll twist yourself into the turf like an auger.

Parrish Medical Center to have grand opening celebration “Welcome to Our World”

The most dramatic North Brevard medical care advance in 36 years will be heralded with a community celebration, Sat., Oct. 12, when the new $80 million Parrish Medical Center is unveiled.
The day's activities will last from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be events - all free of charge - for every member of the family, said George Mikitarian, Parrish Medical Center president and chief executive officer. As North Brevard residents enjoy themselves they will see and learn about the extraordinary new hospital built to serve them, he added.
"The new Parrish Medical Center is one of the finest healing environments in America," Mikitarian said. "We want our friends and neighbors to have fun and be uplifted. We want everyone to see that the new Parrish Medical Center provides technologically advanced medical care delivered with skill and compassion. It will be a great day."
The new Parrish Medical Center is located on U.S. 1, just north of the present facility and about 1.5 miles north of downtown Titusville.
"Welcome to our World," a 25-minute original stage musical created by Thomas Murphy, will premier at noon. Murphy, who has his own production company, has for 21 years been an independent contract performer and producer for Disney live shows. All "Welcome to our World" performers are also Disney cast members.
A series of family-oriented activities - entertainment groups, interactive exhibits, hospital tours and refreshments - will continue through 4 p.m.
Highlights of the day include: An 11:30 a.m. flag raising ceremony and building dedication, complete with live patriotic music from ‘America’s Tenor’ Daniel Rodriguez, as PMC raises the new hospital's American flag for the first time.
The hospital is proud to bring Rodriguez, a former New York City police officer, who stirred America with his rendition of patriotic songs following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, to Titusville for the grand opening of the new Parrish Medical Center. “...Not only does he have a magnificent voice, he symbolizes the emergency services personnel across America who do so much to protect us” said Mikitarian.
"Welcome to Our World" will be premiered Immediately following the flag raising. The show features professional singers, dancers, 20-foot magical puppets, a pyrotechnic display and other surprises.
A live radio remote broadcast featuring morning show talent Dave and Mindy from Lite Rock WLRQ 99.3 FM.
Musical performances by Paradise Band, one of Central Florida's most popular and requested musical groups; the 12-member Heat Wave Senior Drum and Bugle Corps, which performs throughout the country; and the well-known children's entertainment group The Learning Station, which inspires young children through dance, song and audience participation.
Interactive activities including face painting, rock climbing, Brevard Zoo animal exhibit, balloon sculptors, mimes and jugglers.
Stage shows featuring school children's favorites Tim "Mr. Science" Perkins and the acclaimed, family-oriented magician Greg Phillips, who has opened for such celebrities as Robin Williams and Gallagher.
A Dixie Cruiser Classic Cars display presenting rare autos from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.
Improv comedy performances throughout the afternoon.
A food court providing free hot dogs, cotton candy, ice cream, and soft drinks.
Interactive health and wellness exhibits with the American Cancer Society, the American Red Cross, NASA spin-off booth, Fire and Emergency Safety Services, the Titusville Police Department crime scene van and a canine unit from the Brevard County Sheriff's Department.
Special displays by PMC affiliates H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute and the Florida Hospital cardiac program.
"This hospital was designed as a healing environment," Mikitarian said. "That goal extends to everything from the skylight at the top of the four-story atrium to the tiniest detail in our larger, more technologically advanced patient rooms.
"Whether it is for cardiac or cancer treatment, orthopedic care, women's services or any health care need, the new Parrish Medical Center will provide North Brevard residents with the finest medical care," Mikitarian said.
"We want people to see and experience their new hospital. The entire PMC family is proud to host this day of celebration for the people we serve."
The public is invited to walk through the hospital. PMC staff will be located throughout the building to explain the medical services on each floor.
Available for public viewing are operating rooms, patient rooms, the oncology floor, the intensive care unit, emergency room, women's services and numerous other areas.
Parking will be available at the Brevard Community College campus and Temple Baptist Church. Both are located north of the hospital and accessed from U.S. 1. Shuttle buses, including a bus for the disabled, will make regular runs to parking areas throughout the day.
PMC is a 210-bed acute care facility, located at 951 N. Washington Ave. in Titusville. The medical center features a Cardiac Center of Excellence affiliated with Florida Hospital, one of the nation's top heart centers, and a Cancer Center of Excellence affiliated with the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Florida's only National Cancer Institute's designated cancer center.
For more information about the Oct. 12 event, visit the PMC website at www. parrishmed.com, or call 268-6110. www.parrishmedical.com.

Local youths headline Guys are Great

Two of Titusville’s finest young men will be the stars at” GUYS ARE GREAT - a celebration of growing up and understanding our changing bodies,” slated for Saturday, November 9 at the Titusville Campus Brevard Community College Gym. Call B.E.T.A. of Titusville, Inc. (321)264-0446 or Brevard Community College 632- 1111 ext.42055 to register. Jess Parrish Medical Foundation sponsors the event.
Tom Sivert, son of Judy and Jerry Allender, a senior at Astronaut High School, will introduce the ten- to twelve- year old youths to goal-setting skills he learned as a participant at the prestigious J.Kyle Braid. Foundation Youth Leadership Conference in Colorado, In addition, he will bring his team of peer models to conduct informal rap sessions, sharing their experiences as adolescents. Sivert is a graduate of the Youth Leadership Brevard Program, a participant in the Rotary Youth Leadership Program, and was a candidate for the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Conference. He is a three year Astronaut High soccer Varsity team member and Varsity golf team member. His musical skills as a guitar player have been showcased locally, as a soloist as well as band member.
A Titusville High School Class of 2002 honor grad, nineteen year old Josh Robinson, of JR Racing, will provide inspiration in a different way by bringing his own Mini-Stock Challenge race car #34 to be viewed plus his prize winning go-cart. Robinson competed in the twelve- to -sixteen go-cart circuit, was Florida State winner four times, and two times Georgia State champ. He was ranked third in the USA. At THS he was a member of the Skills USA VICA Club, the German Club, Varsity Soccer and Varsity baseball left fielder. He currently attends BCC full time as a Bright Futures scholar as well as full-time employee J ~ K Enterprises, Titusville. Robinson is the son of Dawn and Bill Robinson.
Other activities scheduled will include a physician speaking on adolescent male changes during puberty, a parenting session for adults, local role models, an introduction to manners, craft session by Lowe’s Home Improvement Center, and a community resource fair displaying sports, the arts, organizations and activities of interest to youths. Cost is $2 for boys, accompanying adults free.

Fred Krupski

Visiting Harry Truman's Key West, where even a 'Launderette' drop off is named after his wife Margaret

President Harry S. Truman's favorite vacation spot is everything he said it was. And in the Conch Republic he's their main man, honored with a street named after him to a lowly laudromat off the beaten path named after his wife - that's not even on the tour schedule.
Key West, Florida . Its colorful cast of characters ranging from explorer Ponce deLeon to President Harry Truman to such acclaimed writers as Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Robert Frost and others including Elizabeth Bishop and Jimmy Buffett have been replaced by a new era of characters that give the city its status as one of the world's most intriguing places.
Everyone over the age of 21 should experience this independent and irreverent southwestern subtropical paradise at least once in their lives.
Although I have made two previous trips to the Florida Keys , this was my first to Mile Marker -0 - the end of the road. Sue and I spent a shortened week there the middle of last month, leaving just before Izzy's ominous dark clouds closed in over the vast parcel of the island chain. But while there the weather was beautiful.
Since my last trip about 20 years ago I was surprised by the many improvements, particularly the new bridges, three lane portions that are connected by the Overseas Highways 43 bridges - one seven miles long. The area is divided into five regions including Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key and Key West. As I've learned, each region has its own special flavor and attractions.
Through a friend-of-a-friend, Sue and I were fortunate to find luxury accommodations at the Coconut Beach Resort at bargain basement prices. Located on the Atlantic ocean just half a mile from the Southernmost Point in the U.S.A. The resort also had its own small private beach, with oceanside pool and Jacuzzi.
Getting there today from here is a much shorter drive than it was 20 years ago. But whether you drive or fly into Key West, one things for sure. There's simply no place quite like it. It's unique, and pretty much unspoiled, although some residents are unhappy about the addition of chain restaurants like the Hard Rock Cafe and TGI Friday. But there are enough of the old eating places to draw visitors.
You will see a few Ace Hardware stores and a K-Mart but no Wal-Marts, nor will there ever be one on the Key's. Property is just to valuable - and in short supply. Plus the fact that the county commissions and local city councils told the nation's leading retailer to take a hike. Wal-Mart is persona non grata down there.
Other than a short trip around the Key to the airport and Stock Island, we basically remained in the 2 by 4 mile old downtown whose main north south corridor honors two presidents; Harry Truman and Franklin Roosevelt.
Getting around is easy, remembering the east west streets to be concerned with are Duval, Elizabeth and Simonton. Getting around is a piece of cake. You could be brave and use your own vehicle, hoping to find a parking place on the street, or pay the cost of downtown hotel parking. That's what we did and were lucky. Most others opt for mopeds, Conch Cruisers, (bicycles), or scooters. Also available are two and four seater electric cars known as Key West Cruisers that move around at 25 miles per hour. There are also some guys that take you around in what looks like an American Rickshaw for a few bucks. But if you're into it walking is a viable option and you see more. Some hours of the day it seemed like bikes and scooters outnumbered four-wheel vehicles.
There is a wide choice of transportation around the picturesque streets, from old-style trolleys to the popular Conch Tour Train that have been chugging around since 1958. Passengers board at Mallory Square or Flager Station in the Historic Seaport district for a 90-minute narrated tour that encompass Old Town, Duval Street, the Southernmost Point, the Historic Seaport and all others must-see sites. I didn't realize all the areas it did go into and was surprised one morning when walking out to the front porch of our resort in my Jockey shorts and looked up to see a trainload of tourist gawking at my mode of dress. However they didn't look too surprised. I later learned why they stopped at that precise spot. The next day I discovered that our two bedroom suite was next door to Louie's Backyard, a trendy but casual restaurant in an old Victorian house that once entertained Prince Rainier and his guests. No matter where you dine the food is excellent. Even the hamburgers and hot dogs at the Hog's Breath Saloon are a treat.
We hit several restaurants while there an had no complaints about the food or service. In fact, if you chose to drive down I suggest a stop at Marathon on the way down to the Cracked Conch Cafe and try a bowl of their Conch Chowder. It's excellent.
It's on the west side of the road about the middle of town. Hard to miss.
I understand that Key West has one of the, if not highest per capita incomes in the country. If so I can understand the small-town friendliness. It's also 'acclaimed' internationally as a popular gay and lesbian vacation destination. I must be blind because I saw few of those who enjoy the alternative lifestyle. Maybe we weren't out late enough at night, or we picked a week in September when they traveled north. But it is a "come as you are" atmosphere and is the primary reason for the island's popularity. Nearly a quarter of Key West's 35,000 year-round residents are gay or lesbian. Many businesses proudly fly the rainbow flag and gay's feel more at ease there than anywhere else in the world.
In fact, even the political arena reflects this easygoing attitude. Key West was one of the first cities in the nation to select an openly gay mayor.
The outstanding thing you notice about the place is the laid-back atmosphere. It's the kind of ambiance that lured famed novelist Ernest Hemingway to live there from 1929 to 1939. I guess he got inspiration there. He produced some of greatest works including "For Whom the Bell Tolls, "To Have and Have Not," and "The Snows of Kilimanjaro." Today it's a public museum inhabited by descendants of his six-towed cats. I counted over 60 of them lying about undisturbed, and one that looked like Charlie Chaplin. I was invited up to the second-story writing studio adjoining the house where Hemingway wrote several other books. The guide, pointing to an old Underwood typewriter on a desk explained it was where Hemingway did his writing. Unfortunately I corrected the narrative by explaining that the author wrote in long hand, not a typewriter. I received a cold look from the guide, was called aside and asked not to put my two sense into his cat and pony show - right or wrong. So I shut up the rest of the hour.
Hemingway's house is only a block from the lighthouse which helped guide him home when leaving Sloppy Joe's or his other favorite haunts after a night of heavy drinking.
Behind his house is also the first swimming pool in Key West. His wife Pauline had it built as a surprise, while he was away covering the Spanish Civil War. It was formerly his boxing ring. When he came home and learned the pool cost $20,000 bucks he took a penny from his pocket and angrily tossed it to the ground, saying she had spent his last cent. She had the penny imbedded in the cement of the pool, where you can see it today.
But roaming cats are not restricted to the Hemingway property. They're all over the town, including wandering roosters, (who get everyone up at the crack of dawn), chickens, and something that looks like a squirrel but is actually a fruit tree rat that crawls on limbs, branches and utility wires. There was one story we heard in a bar that was never completely answered about some nut who spent a fortune on a tower he built, where be purchased a bunch of bats to get rid of the rats. It wasn't rats at all but to thwart pesky mosquitoes inundating his property, I found out later. He watched as a fortune flew away and his dream of eliminating the bugs with bats dissolved in mid air. Now the tower remains as a monument to one man's failed attempt at controlling nature. It wasn't on Key West as the drunk told me but on a dirt road just off the road to the Sugarloaf Airport. So much for tales from taverns. It did make a funny story however.
Key West attracts these kinds of people. Consider the cemetery. Not only is it filled with bodies but with humor and history. One phrase, etched in stone, is simple and to the point: "I Told You I Was Sick."
Passersby do a double take, read the line again, and as I did, find themselves laughing. The cemetery fills 21 prime acres in the heart of the island's historic district. In life, Key West natives, called Conchs, (as in Konk) rely on nicknames. So it's only appropriate to find them labeling headstones: Bunny, Shorty, The Tailor, Mamie, Bean K, Lito and so on. Two that I like were: The Buck Stops Here, and Call Me For Dinner.
In a few short days me and the misses hit all the cultural attractions. At least most of them. I recommend Harry Truman's Little White House (as I write this my mouse pad is a graphic of the building , which I bought in the gift shop). I understand Harry spend a lot of time there and prior to the Bay of Pigs invasion, John F. Kennedy held a summit meeting there. I should mention that my favorite president "Harry) liked the island so much that he once wrote to his wife Margaret, "I've a notion to move the capital to Key West and just stay." Those were the days when he could walk the streets unattended by secret service and not be bothered except for some neighbors saying, "nice night for a stroll isn't it Mr. Harry." He enjoyed taking off his stiffly starched white shirts and trading them in for a gaily colored island shirt that are found in every shop and worn on the outside of his trousers. That outfit along with his Panama hat made him almost invisible to all but natives. Other points of interest that are a must go- and- see are Mallory Square, the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, The Oldest House (located just a couple blocks from our digs), Wrecker's Museum the Hemingway House,
In the evening most of your time will be spent doing the "Duval Crawl" a phrase used to describe the evening jaunts up and down the island's main street to sample the taverns and entertainment offerings. Make sure you take a full wallet and a couple of credit cards - one with no limit.
Moving off Duval Street it's peaceful to walk the quaint, palm-studded streets, historic 100-year-old gingerbread mansions and observe the relaxed citizenry of the self-styled "Conchs."
It's been said that the idiosyncratic architecture and the laid-back atmosphere of this small island probably have nurtured the talents of more writers per capita than any other city in the country. More than 100 published authors live full or part time in Key West, and the island is noted for its artistic community with a number of galleries exhibiting artwork in varying styles and media.
The night before we left we again stopped at a kiosk bar at Mallory Square to watch the sunset. While not really a big deal for Floridian's who frequent the west coast, visitors are enchanted by the view, They call it "going to Sunset" and it's been a tradition for both residents and visitors alike. People of all ages flock there along with hoards of cats on the historic pier overlooking Key West Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico to enjoy the carnival-like atmospheres as the sun sinks beneath the waves in orange-red splendor. Street performers make up only one aspect of the celebration. The water's edge market is equally appealing. Visitors might have their fortune told, buy jewelry or crafts handmade by local artisans and meet people dressed in seasonal costumes. And some of them are really wild looking.
While there we bought some handpainted ash trays to replace our old ones on the bar, and also arrived home with gifts for friends, including a pair of new wrist watches for ourselves. My Swiss Army watch was my birthday present and replaced the one taken from a golf cart during one local outing. Other than these little items everything else is free - the entertainment that is. But a week is enough unless you plan on renting a boat and going deep sea fishing. But for that I would go to the middle Keys.
Key West is for entertainment, spending money and walking and talking - and more walking. It's the reason more than 3 million visitors arrive each year. While we were there another couple thousand rolled off of the Disney Magic to look over the island and line the pockets of the businesses.
Only about seven hours drive time it's a piece of Americana that should not be missed. But before you go, give me a buzz and I'll share some information with you that could save you time and money and make your stay really enjoyable. For instance (and little known) plan activities other than shopping on Yom Kippur. Over half the businesses on Duval Street are closed. I didn't realize there were that man 'Jewish Conch's.'
See what I mean about calling me?

Business Bulletin Bob Socks

By BOB SOCKS

Relocation

Results of a Harris Poll asking Americans which state they would choose to live in bumped Florida to the No. 2 spot from No. 1 for the first time in five years. For the past half-decade, Florida topped California or Colorado. This year, California topped the list. Hawaii retained the No. 3 spot, followed by Colorado and North Carolina. The next five positions went to: Arizona, Tennessee, New York state, Washington state and Oregon. Is it the heat or the shark bites?

Titusville Business License Report - September 2002

Total licenses issued—34 Breakdown as follows:
Home-Based business-18; Art Dealer-1; Bed and Breakfast-1; Skin Care Specialist-1; Restaurant- 1; Manufacturing-1; Retail-1; Welding- 1; Attorney- 2; Insurance- 7.

Kennedy Space Center News

KSC has patented an inexpensive lightning detector known as the Sonic Lightning Locator, or SOLLO, that can accurately pinpoint where cloud-to-ground lightning strikes. The system was designed to determine whether equipment at launch pads needs to be inspected after a storm. Potential users include amusement parks, golf courses, utilities and airports .

Local real estate transactions

A commercial property at 3340 Lillian Blvd. (Titusville Fruit & Farm Lands Co. off South St.) sold for $250,000.
A home at 2926 Mourning Dove Way (Windover Way) sold for $229,857.
A home at 4125 Fox Lake Road (Titusville Fruit and Farm Lands Co.) sold for $ 195,000.
A home at 1120 S. Carpenter Road sold for $195,000.
A home at 1965 Adale Court (Sherwood Villas) sold for $179,857.
A home at 7950 Windover Way (Windover Farms ) sold for $175,000.
A home at 5741 Peacock Court (Laurel Run at Meadowridge) sold for $163,428.
A home at 1289 Little Oak Circle (Oaktrails at Meadowridge) sold for $158,428.
A home at 3315 Treetop Drive (Central Park) sold for $154,857.

Five headaches awaiting the governor the day after elections

With election day but 3 weeks away, let me alert you to five major headaches the new governor of Florida will wake up to the day after election day.

Insurance – After simmering for years, issues in worker’s compensation and medical malpractice insurance are set to boil over.
The budget – More than 2 billion. That’s the size of the shortfall Florida’s next governor will be starting at in preparing a budget to submit to the Legislature in January.
DCF (Department of Children and Families) – Huge problems await the new governor. Kids missing, left in hot vehicles, to many kids for staff to look after, elder abuse cases which will produce a crisis equal in scope to the kids crisis, and a request by the new DCF Commissioner for a budget increase of almost one half a billion dollars for next year.
Constitutional Amendments – The 11 proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot next month are political wild cards for the state’s governor. Passing measures that would reduce class sizes and provide universal pre-school to every 4-year old in Florida would cost billions of dollars and pose the biggest challenges.
Canker — The war on citrus canker has been divisive, not decisive. Canker has already been found in 14 counties. The nightmare scenario for the citrus industry would be a breakout in its core commercial groves in central Florida.

Strictly my opinion

Please call the city council and tell them to kill the impact fee study, immediately. We do not want, nor do we need impact fees at this juncture of Titusville’s growth. There are to many projects in the works that might not come here if impact fees are even being talked about.

Quote of the Week:
“The more uncivilized the man, the surer he is that he knows what is right and what is wrong.”
– Mencken

The Buzz around town is ...

Be sure and use Sunny Food & Discount Beverages coupons and save at 711 N. Dixie Hwy. and 68 N. Carpenter Rd.
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Do you need a T-mobile cell phone? Check with Diversified Computer Sales for 3,000 anytime minutes for $49.99 a month and long distance included in 12 states.
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Join the Dusty Rose Antique Mall for their 20th anniversary on Wed., Oct. 9th at 6-8 p.m. for food, door prizes and more.
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Celebrate Wiggles & Giggles with the first-ever Musical Treasures� at Simply Precious Crafts & Gift Shop on Sat., Oct. 12 for the Boyds event. See ad for more details.
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Scooter’s Bar has karaoke by Little "e" every Fri., Sat., & Sun. * * * The Body Link at Merritt Island has relocated to Titusville at 3470 S. Hopkins Ave. next to Central Barber Shop. Take in their ad and receive a 10% discount on your first purchase of body jewelry. * * * Beat the heat at Coastal Glass & Tint – Use their ad and receive $10 off for any complete auto tinting.
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Nascar Collectibles Racin' Fans at La Marchese Plaza (Citco), 5169 S. Washington Ave. is celebrating their 1 year anniversary. Stop in and see all their racing items.
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Do you need your pet vaccinated? The Pet Masters is offering this service every 2nd and 4th Sat. of each month and Rabies vaccines are only $5.00.
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Stop in Gladiator Nutrition about Scitec Protein for $19.99.
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Linger Awhile Antiques & Gifts says to make a purchase and get a chance to win the Thanksgiving Harvest Basket, a $400 value. See the ad for more info.
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Be sure to take your children to Searstown Mall’s 4th annual Children’s Safety Fun Day on Sat., Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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Cabinets Plus says you can design your own kitchen. Stop in for a Kraftmaid planning guide and have you new kitchen by the holidays.
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Linda Gager is the owner of Shear Paradise Hair Salon at 2215 North US Hwy. 1 in Titusville just north of Porky’s Bar-B-Q. Vicki and Niccole are back, plus Oscar, Betty and Joyce. They have a welcome back snow bird special for $2 off any chemical service with coupon.
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The Sub Base #1 (was formerly Sobiks) and they have subs, salads and now New York style pizza.
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This is a true story – A friend of mine had a funny experience happen to her. She had eaten beans for supper earlier and was laying on her bed with the cats next to her. She passed gas and one of the cats smelled the terrible aroma and tried covering up the smell by pawing the covers with both paws.

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