Titusville Florida - News Observer Newspaper

Vol. 14 No. 27 Thursday, November 7, 2002 NewsObserver@netscape.net

“Trouble” says “thank you” to Best Western Space Shuttle Inn

Trouble shows his appreciation at the Best Western Space Shuttle Inn

From STAFF REPORTS
“Trouble”, a seventeen year old American Bald Eagle recently had an opportunity to show his appreciation to Best Western Space Shuttle Inn of Titusville for their support in his time of need. The hotel “adopted” Trouble in 1995 following his arrival at the Audubon Birds of Prey Center in Maitland. The magnificent bird had been injured and is now unable to survive in the wild. The non-profit center is open to the public.
Nancy Evans, Best Western Space Shuttle Inn Director of Sales & Marketing, and Lynda White of the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey joined Trouble and 500 other attendees at the recent Audubon of Florida Annual Assembly in Orlando.
Governor Jeb Bush, gubernatorial candidate Bill McBride, and Congresswoman Carrie Meek were among those who addressed the Assembly, which provided environmentally-oriented sessions, workshops, and field trips.
As an “Environmentally Friendly” hotel and Charter Member of the Green Hotels Association Best Western Space Shuttle Inn promotes nature-based tourism into the Brevard County area. The hotel also represented partners Space Coast Nature Tours, which provides pontoon boat nature tours of the Indian River Lagoon, and Central Florida Bird Watchers, whose owner Chuck Blakey provides expert guide services to birders seeking specific species.
More information about birding and nature activities and tourism in Brevard can be found on the hotel’s website, www.spaceshuttleinn.com, and by calling 321-269-9100.

“Twas the Night After Halloween” a screaming success

By Autumn Smith
The Halloween Party, “Twas the Night After Halloween”, at the Titusville Police Department on Friday, November 1 was a screaming success. It was estimated Friday night that over 250 people came out to enjoy the festivities, including a truly spooky tour thru “Spookyville”, a haunted city inside the police department.


Above: Fred Waite, Volunteer Coordinator for the Titusville Police Department, and Deanna, daughter of Autumn and Paul Smith.	Above: Fred Waite, Volunteer Coordinator for the Titusville Police Department, and Deanna, daughter of Autumn and Paul Smith.

Children received treat-bags which included items that promote safety awareness as well as candy. The games outside the police station were a big hit as well. Kids were lined up to try their skills at the bean bag toss, bowling game, ball toss, hula-hoops and others. A special treat was meeting Officer Kevin Hickey and his K-9 partner, Bach, who everyone wanted to pet.
Titusville’s Fire and Emergency Services were on site with a fire truck for all to see and had plenty of information for inquisitive admirers.
The Titusville Police Department and all the volunteers for the Titusville Police Department deserve a big congratulations for a job well done and the appreciation of all those who attended for a great time.

Enchanted Forest Sanctuary Management and Education Center to have Ribbon Cutting Saturday, November 9 at 9:00am.

The Enchanted Forest Sanctuary Management and Education Center will have a ribbon cutting ceremony on Nov. 9, 2002 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Event of the morning will include interactive displays, refreshments, guided hikes, storytellers, speakers, live music, art exhibits, mask-making, and on-site art and theatre. The Sanctuary is located on S.R. 405, west of US1, Titusville.
For more information about volunteering with the Friends of the Enchanted Forest, contact Dave Rich, president at 267-7367 or visit the website at www.nbbd.com/godo/ef/.

A Gopher Tortoise at the Sanctuary, The Gopher Tortoise is a species of special concern (threatened). It is an “indicator species” of the health of the scrub and some other ecosystems

Entrance sign on Cheeney Highway		The new Management and Education Center
The entrance to the interactive exhibits area.		*A bench along the Enchanted Crossing* trail. The Enchanted Forest building and trail are carefully designed to accommodate many kinds of handicaps.**
Sharon Bohlmann is working to set up the gift shop which will be operated by the Friends of the Enchanted Forest.

Fred Krupski

Header - Kaleidoscope

OP-ED

Ah, nostalgia!
For the many residents living in east central Florida who arrived here via Interstate 95 from Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio and other areas on the eastern seaboard, one of their favorite summer vacation destinations was the New Jersey Seashore. And one of those in particular was Atlantic City - home of the famous Steel Pier, Miss America Contest,Fralinger's saltwater taffy,, Mr. Peanut, the famous diving horse, Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum where you could see a lock of George Washington's hair - and a roulette table made of jelly beans.
One of the few things that remain today are roulette tables (no beans) and the only Washington are those on the dollar bills that are exchanged for chips in several different colors.
It is not the Atlantic City that those of us in our 50's thru 70's remember, nor is it the ..."flat, still sandy, still meadowy region; a superb range of ocean beach...miles of it," that Walt Whitman had written about one hundred years ago.
In fact, Walt Whitman would have been stricken to see his words on such a backdrop today.
A little history, maestro, if you please: Atlantic City sits on the ocean in Central New Jersey. In its heyday, it was the resort for the wealthy, rich and famous. Three major hotels catered to its elite clientele. Top stars of Broadway and Hollywood entertained in the magnificent show rooms that equaled Las Vegas shows today. Steel Pier was a must see for guests. The Pier was constructed out from the boardwalk about a mile. There were games, a wax museum, carny shows - and the famous diving horse, whose equestrian rider Dorothy just passed away about five years ago.
In the early 1950's tourism began to lag but the city fathers never wanted to enhance the area and this jewel of a seaside resort began to deteriorate. The hotels got seedy and the surrounding residential area eventually became a slum. The downslide continued for about 30 years while the criminal element appeared and gave the community a black eye with the highest crime rate in the state.
That may be improving slowly, but more about that later.
One of the original hotels still existing is the Claridge. Although not the same grand dame it once was.
In 1975 some Las Vegas entrepreneurs looked at the city as a possible venue for a new gambling mecca. It was put to a vote for New Jerseyans to decide if this was 'feasible.' Voters approved it by a 300,000 vote margin - this referendum to legalize casino gambling. Painlessly earned new state revenues? A qualified yes, and a no.
Six years later, gaudy new casinos were grossing over $1 billion, with the place overtaking Vegas as America's gambling mecca. Some 30,000 new jobs were created; state tax coffers were being enriched by $112 million annually. But it didn't help the state's image, and indeed, New Jersey and Atlantic City in particular were paying a heavy price for the easy money.
New Jerseyans were promised the influx of money and profits from gambling and that the windfall would help clean up the city; offset taxes and aid education as well as the senior citizens.
The first hotel to open was Resorts in the late 70's. The boardwalk was rebuilt, however the surrounding area remained a slum and no one could walk very far away from the hotel without risking a mugging. It's the same today.
Nevertheless, more and more hotels and casinos were being built and people flocked back to the world's most famous boardwalk - not to ride the rolling carts or sample the wares of boardwalk merchants, but to gamble and be entertained.
What hotel owners were doing to attract customers is the same thing they do in Vegas. The policy is to give "comps" - as in rooms, dinners, shows, other goodies to frequent visitors and gambles. In other words, the 'high-rollers." I have a friend Ron who plays golf up here in Sherwood and who I sometimes have a beverage with, who goes to Vegas each year and can attest to this.
Unfortunately for many merchants this savvy policy has devastated local small business. There are few upscale shops left on the boardwalk today. But you will see seedy "touristy" stores and fast food restaurants. You will also see plenty of boarded up store fronts (as pictured).
All may not be hopeless. This year may be another turning point in the life of this once vibrant city. Millions of dollars are being poured into the renovation of the boardwalk and the few remaining shops operated by American-born owners. The hope is that this renovation will attract upscale shops and fine dining. Residents remain optimistic, while cautiously so.
One," which replaced the original about 10 years ago. It is built in the shape of a ship and housed in a mall-like atmosphere with shops and restaurants. Bally's (who owns about everything else) purchased the property and will close it for a year to be renovated into a luxury casino for those with deep pockets. It will also boast luxury penthouse suites, casinos and a smattering of designer shops, hoping this move will bring even more dough to the area.
So, the saga continues. Like the proverbial cat with 9, this gem of a location has had many lives. And, according to nearby Atlantic City resident Marion Brennan, who co-wrote this column with me, hopes it will continue to grow and eventually become the jewel of the sea it once was. It may be the 'jewel of the sea' but will never be the family holiday resort it was in my day. Particularly since I'm not a gambler and would be heartbroken to see the changes - good or bad.
I have too many great memories of the place. I also play Monopoly and want to remember Park Place as it was.
Staying in a small hotel, rooming house, or the few new trendy motels a few blocks from the beach, was safe in my day. One could walk all over town without fear of being strong-armed and robbed. Those were the days that arcades dotted the boardwalk and for a few pennies, or a nickel could play mechanical games. Computer games came along over 40 years later.
I could ride my bike unmolested along the miles of boardwalk, stop occasionally and watch the ghostly waves of the Atlantic punish the beach again and again and as I looked up skyward I would marvel at the old prop two-winged airplanes flying a few hundred feet above the water carrying their commercial messages. And for ten bucks (a princely sum) one could hitch a ride.
I would also miss the 'old' Steel Pier where, as a youngster, I did watch the diving horse (time and time again, and with different horses) jump (or slide a bit) 50 feet into the water with a female rider on its back. The horse had little competition from Lucy the Elephant from Margate - in better times, a long time ago. This was before the animal rights activists got crazy. Here was a happy, well fed horse who made a nice living before the budinsky's stuck in their two cents. It was also when I once was given a baton from Kay Kaiser to lead his band in a solo. All the big bands of the 30's and 40's appeared at Steel Pier and I think I saw them all.

Business Bulletin Bob Socks

By BOB SOCKS

Economic Report–Southeast U. S.

Florida citrus crops and sugar production benefited from the rain and warm temperatures in September. Both leisure and business travel were down. South Florida tourism was so weak over the summer months that some properties have decided to close for the winter. Back-to-back storms temporarily shut down Mississippi Gulf Coast casinos and hurt New Orleans tourism. Defense spending stimulated the manufacturing sector.

Port Canaveral News
Big Saturday

Come down to the Port this Saturday morning at 7 a.m. and watch the arrival of the Passenger liner, Zaandam, a Holland America super ship, which should begin coming down the ship’s channel around 7:15 a.m. Go to the jetty for the best view. The ship will be leaving at 5 p.m. so you can see it coming and going.
Port Canaveral reports in its preliminary figures that total ship revenue for FY 2002 exceeds last years revenues by 8%. Total revenue passengers currently stands at nearly 4 million, which is a 6.4% jump year to date over last year. Total cargo tonnage was down about 8%.

There’s just no explanation for this kind of money

An Illinois man pretending to have a gun, kid-napped a motorist and forced her to drive to two different ATMs where he proceeded to withdraw money from his own bank account.
AT&T fired President John Walter after nine months saying he lacked intellectual leadership. He received a $26 million severance package. Perhaps it’s not Walter who lacks intelligence.
A man in Topeka, Kansas walked into a Kwik Stop and demanded all the money in the cash drawer. Not being satisfied with the amount of $$ he received, he tied up the store clerk in the back room then began working the counter himself. He did this for three hours before the police were tipped off and he was arrested.

Health insurance

Consulting firm Hewitt Associates predicts health premiums will increase by an average of 15.4 percent next year after a 13.7% increase this year. Employers will ask employees to pick up more of the cost: next year’s employee contribution will average 19 percent for individual coverage and 24 percent for dependent coverage, Hewitt projects. “Unless there is a fundamental change in the way health care is delivered, costs will double in the next five years,” says Jack Bruner, leader of Hewitt’s national health care practice.

Real estate transactions of note

A commercial building at 918 S. Washington Ave. sold for $175,000.
A home at 7065 Hundred Acre Drive sold for $187,000 (Port St. John).
A home at 3135 Diamond Road sold for $200,000 (North Titusville).

Restaurant closed

The family restaurant that occupied the former Howard Johnson’s location has closed. This is the second restaurant on U. S. 1, within one half mile of each other to close in the past 60 days. The Ninth of April closed in August.

Opening

Family Auto Mart is moving to Titusville. They are taking over the Used Car lot of McCotter Motors on North U.S. 1.
Arta-Factree sold to A One of a Kind. Major modifications are taking place. This building is located on South Hopkins, just south of St. Teresa entrance.

Sanford Airport news

Fewer flights by Pan American Airways cut into passenger traffic last month at Orlando Sanford International Airport. Although domestic travel rose in September compared with the same month a year ago, there was a huge drop off from August, attributable to Pan Am’s cuts as well as a slow travel month. The number of domestic travelers fell to 15,702 in September from 34,147 in August. From September 2001 to September 2002, domestic traffic rose 28.4 percent, while international traffic fell 6.4 percent, leading to a decline of 2.9 percent in overall airport activity. Pan Am announced in August it was cutting back from 16 to 10 daily flights at the airport.
Just a note for your information. Pan Am is a privately held airline, owned by the Mellon family from Pittsburgh. The Mellon’s purchased the name Pan Am from what was left of the bankrupt holding company for $2 million dollars. Pan Am of course is one of the great names in aviation, and its name and logo are one of the most familiar names and symbols in the world.

Titusville Business License Report –�October 2002

Total Licenses issued—59. Breakdown as follows:
Home Based-21, Church-1 Insurance-11, Physical Therapist/Associates-4, Computer Systems Designs-1 Manufacturing-2 Insulation of Pipes and Boilers-2 Low Pressure Cleaning-1 Machine Shop- 1 Retail Sales-3 Auto Repair - 1 Motor Vehicle Towing-1		Restaurant- 1 Acupuncture- 1 Gift Shop-1 Project management-1 Carnival- 1 Physician-1 Massage Therapist- 1 Durable Goods Wholesalers-1 Thrift Store- 1 Local Business Office-1

Brevard County Class A Office Space Report-October 2002

South Brevard area-total space available–1 million square feet. Occupancy is 83 percent–l82,000 sq. ft available.
Central Brevard–occupancy is 94 percent with 5,000 sq. ft available
North Brevard–occupancy is 62 percent with 37,865 sq. ft available

Ref: Brevard Business News 11/4/02

Thank the rich

America’s upper crust is taking home a bigger slice of the nation’s income and paying a bigger share of federal individual income tax.
Breakdown as follows:
Top 1% of taxpayers–Average adjusted gross income: $313,469
Percentage of taxes paid: 37.4%’ of all federal income taxes paid in 2000.
Top 5% of taxpayers–Average adjusted gross income: $128,336
Percentage of taxes paid: 56% of all federal income taxes paid in 2000.
Top 25% of taxpayers–Average adjusted gross income: $55,225. Percentage of taxes paid: 84% of all federal income taxes paid in 2000.

Strictly my opinion

October was the second best month in history for the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA). November, December and January are normally the best months of the year for the stock market. The techs are starting to move. In my opinion, the bears are beginning to hibernate, and the bulls are showing their faces out the barn door. Maybe the worst is over for the stock market, after three horrible years. The pain for many has been unBEARable. Don’t give up now, for when the bull begins its charge, the run-up can be quick and wild.
The elections are over and I hope all your candidates were successful. Now it’s time to get to work and start turning this economy, both locally and nationally. There’s lots to do. Pressure your politicians to do the right thing for the community and the nation. Our country has had a rough time of it for the past year and it’s time to have some good times, if that is possible.

Iraq–Inspectors go in–negotiate with Saddam–no war.
Oil–Prices will continue to go up.
SEC–Harvey Pitt is fired.
Al-Quida–Battles will flare up all over the world.
Stock Market–On the way up
Titusville–No Olive Garden, No Red Lobster.

Quote of the Week:
“A ‘no’ uttered from the deepest conviction is better than a “yes” merely uttered to please or worse, to avoid trouble.”
–Mahatma Gandhi, Spiritual Leader, 1869-1948

The Buzz around town is ...

Mark your calendar! Our new $80 million Medical Facility, Parrish Medical Center, will be open Sun., Nov. 10. The new emergency department opens at 8 a.m. and the new hospital opens at 2 p.m. See their ad for more details.
* * *
Greenwood Art Gallery is having a fine art sale. They also have their new handmade wooden ornaments and hand painted glass bulb ornaments for the Christmas holiday.
* * *
Freddie’s Feed & Seed says to join them on Sat., Nov. 9 for the wholesale tack trailer for great buys.
* * *
Take in Curves For Women’s ad and join now and receive 60% off. Check out the ad for the different workout equipment to lose that unwanted weight and feel better about yourself.
* * *
Fuzzy’s Tavern is having a rib fest on Sat., Nov. 9 starting at 2 p.m. and enjoy music by Chuck Bob Carnes Band. * * * Steamers now has new lunch and dinner menus, so see their ad for some of their items. For those of you who think they serve everything raw, well think again because everything is cooked to order. They are having karaoke every Sat. from 7 to 10 p.m. * * * Make your reservations at Season’s in the Sun Motorcoach Resort for the winter season. See ad for more info.
* * *
Take in Brevard Feed & Seeds coupon and receive 50� off any 50 pound bag of Nutrena Feed, excluding pet food.
* * *
Hospice of St. Francis, Inc. is celebrating their 25th anniversary during November 2002. Hospice of St. Francis was the first hospice in Brevard County and they provide hospice service to terminally ill patients in their residence, long term care facility and in the hospital.
* * *
Mr. Submarine & Salads has a customer appreciation special to buy (1) whole sub or large salad and get $1.00 off the second one.
* * *
Aliff Hair Designs announces Bruce P. McAllister, MS, L.M.T., a professional massage therapist. See the ad for more details.
* * *
A-1 of A Kind Shoppe is having a moving sale of up to 50% off on items. They will be moving soon to 3303 S. Hopkins Ave., location was formerly Arta-Factree.
* * *
Don’t forget to go into Linger Awhile Antiques & Gifts and make a purchase to be in the drawing for a chance to win the $400 Thanksgiving Harvest Basket.
* * *
A Greenhouse Florist has moved to 4519 S. Hopkins Ave., next to News Observer. Redeem their ad for a free wrapped red rose.
* * *
Press-tige Cleaners at Miracle City Mall has a coupon for 50% off your dry cleaning for a limited time.
* * *
Townsend’s Gifts & Collectibles now has all kind of candles available. Stop in and see all their unique gifts and home accessories.
* * *
Indian River Sportsman is offering 10% off all merchandise with their ad.
* * *
Stop in PC’s to Go , 3435 S. Hopkins Ave., Suite 1, for new and used computers and components. They also have internet auctions on eBay.
* * *
Dusty Rose Antique Mall asked me to thank Titusville for the communities support for their anniversary open house. Refreshments and good times were enjoyed by all.
* * *
Harris & Diggs Round Table Records has moved next door to 2514-B S. Hopkins Ave. with all styles of music. Also at the same address is Harris Connection-D/H that offers car detailing and window tinting.
* * *
Pumpernickel’s Delicatessen says to order your holiday turkey and pies now. They also have holiday gift baskets.
* * *
Brant Plumbing & Ceramic Tile is selling their building to relocate to a new location. They are still open, so call them for all your plumbing and ceramic needs.
* * *
Viking Sewing Gallery is having a sale thru Sat., Nov. 9 on all machines that are specially priced for this event as low as $99.
* * *
There’s an open house at the TAL Gallery in Searstown Mall on Sat., Nov. 9 from 5 to 8 p.m. with light refreshments and door prizes. Visit them and see all the beautiful gift items available for purchase.
* * *
Fat Boys’ says to get your Thanksgiving orders in early and order by Mon., Nov. 25. See the ad for all the different meats that are available.
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Mark your Holiday Calendar! Santa is inviting all the young at heart to join him for a FREE Hayride at Miracle City Mall on Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to noon. Pictures with the Jolly Old Elf will be available for $5 each. Call 269-7521 for more details. See you there!
* * *
Look for Miracle Photos ad for photo restoration. Gather up your family treasures and take them in and have pictures that are old or torn made into beautiful pictures for Christmas gifts.
* * *
Don’t forget to call Britt’s Heating & Air Conditioning and receive up to $100 cash rebate or 6 months with no interest or payments when you purchase a qualifying Lennox Elite� Series equipment thru Nov. 15, 2002.
* * *
Express Copy says to turn your art work into a Christmas card and order your holiday gifts early.

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