City gets sued over approval of 100-ft. riverfront high-rise

From STAFF REPORTS

Bob Snider (center), Veronica Clifford and Pete Petyk solicit funds and support to "Save Our River Front." To date, they've raised about half of the $10,000 needed to continue in the litigation process.

      Robert "Bob" Snider, a longtime Titusville resident, has filed a lawsuit in the Brevard County 18th Judicial Circuit Appellate Court for a "Writ of Certiorari" to review the City Council's approval February 11, allowing the Rio Del Sol development to exceed the existing 50-foot maximum building height and go to 100-feet.
      Snider contends that the decisions Titusville City Council made to approve Rio Del Sol were violative of his due process rights, contrary to the essential requirements of Florida law, and that the cumulative effect of the actions of the City of Titusville, through Planning and Zoning and City Council, is that the approvals were tainted with impropriety and resulted in a miscarriage of justice to Snider, the property owners across from Rio Del Sol, and to the citizens of Titusville.
      In his lawsuit, Snider seeks an order from the court quashing Area Impact Plan (AIP) No. 6-2003 and Conditional Use Plan (CUP) No. 24-2003, thereby reversing the Feb. 11, decision.
      The suit charges, among other things, that the City of Titusville gave no consideration to the actual definition of "conditional use," or its purpose and intent. "Conditional Use" is a use that would not be appropriate unless "controlled as to the number, area, location or relation to the neighborhood, would promote public health, safety, welfare, morals, order, comfort, convenience, appearance, prosperity or the general welfare," the lawsuit states. The purpose of, and intent of a CUP is to allow uses "with unique characteristics which may be necessary or appropriate within a given district."
      An example of a CUP exempting a building from the existing 50-foot maximum is the Titusville Towers in downtown Titusville. The Towers provides affordable housing for elderly residents in an area where they don't have far to walk for dining and shopping. The City benefits because the Towers' residents bring a new vitality to downtown businesses. But what is the benefit to the City for issuing a CUP to Rio Del Sol?
      That is Snider's $10,000 question. ($10,000 being the estimated cost of litigation).

Promise Them Anything?

      003, Rio Del Sol, located on the river at U.S. 1 and Coquina Avenue, across from Porky's Bar-B-Q, would have been 250-feet long, 100-feet wide, ten floors of six units per floor, for a total of 60 units.
      On October 3, 2003, the applicant submitted a letter modifying the number of units to 32, and the height to 90-feet. The Area Impact Plan (AIP) stated that the property was 8.06 acres in size, including 6.03 acres of submerged lands.
      Sometime between October 3 and October 28, the applicant changed the height from 90-feet to 110-feet.
      The City's Planning Department accepted the applicants word that, "the development of this residential facility will blend into the setting with positive effect," but there was never any competent substantial evidence of that promise.
      Snider's suit charges that the City Staff and Council never required the developer to adhere to the letter of the application process. "Moreover," the lawsuit argues, "the City failed to follow its own criteria for review and approval of the AIP and CUP. Neither Planning & Zoning nor City Council considered all specific standards and factors delineated by City's Land Development Regulations, as the necessary documents and information were not submitted, were unavailable or were disputed in law. This failure resulted in a violation of the essential requirements of law," thus, denying Snider of his procedural due process.
      Florida law affirms that certain standards of basic fairness must be adhered to in order to afford due process in quasi-judicial hearings. "It has been universally held that attempts of local government to grant zoning changes without compliance with procedural requirements have been deemed invalid and void," the lawsuit states.
      There are 12 standards mandated before a CUP can be granted. Since P&Z and City Council never required the applicant to furnish all the information mandated under Land Development Regulations (LDR's), Snider wants the CUP revoked.
      Laura Ward, a local resident and member of the Brevard County Charter Review Commission, complained at the Titusville City Council meeting February 3, 2004, about the subjective statements of personal opinion contained in Planning Staff's report for CUP 23-2003 and CUP 24-2003. Further, Ward stated, "The reports are misleading and incomplete and don't examine the points that the CUP process calls for."
      Ward stated in an email to Council that Rio Del Sol is "incompatible and out of scale," that it is "twice the height of Kennedy Point," and that there were no other buildings of 12 stories on the waterfront outside of the Community Redevlopment Agency (CRA) district.
      Ward also objected to the use of submerged lands for the calculation of density. She additionally expressed concern that the developments being proposed using submerged lands were all within the Titusville Shoreline Area (TSA) district, and should be analyzed with the TSA's additional requirements.

Opinion...

      Whatever the results of this lawsuit, we feel that the City must hold developers accountable to all the standards that apply under current laws and regulations before approving a CUP, and then, only if the City and neighborhood directly benefit from that CUP
      All the verbal or written promises a developer makes, all the "artist's renderings," don't replace the existing ordinances.
      We'll continue to follow the progress of this lawsuit, and only hope that Rio Del Sol isn't a fait accompli by the time it's resolved.
      And, finally, when asked why he decided to file suit against the City, Snider made this comment: "You have to stand for something, or you'll fall for anything..."

Moore Heritage Festival celebrates, pays tribute to leading civil rights activists

One of the Moore Heritage Festival of the Arts & Humanities highlights will be a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony for the Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Cultural Center, to be held Friday, April 9, at 4 p.m. The center is located at 2180 Freedom Avenue in Mims. Refreshments will be served during the open house following the ceremony. This project was funded by a State of Florida Legislative Grant, the North Brevard Recreation Special District Bond Referendum, and Brevard County Parks and Recreation, North Area Parks Operations. The public is invited to attend the festivities and is requested to park at Brevard Community College Titusville Campus, 1311 North U.S. 1. Round-trip shuttles will run from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Call 264-5105 for more information.

From STAFF REPORTS

      This year the Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Cultural Complex, Inc., in partnership with the North Brevard Parks & Recreations Department, and Brevard Community College - Titusville Campus, will celebrate "The Life and Work of Harry T. Moore " during the Inaugural Moore Heritage Festival of the Arts & Humanities, April 8 through 11, in Titusville, and Mims.
      Harry T. Moore is remembered by his students for his dignity, his determination, his compassion, his discipline, and the great value he placed on education. He is remembered by those with whom he worked, as a gentleman of learning, ethics, courage and persistence; who had a deep appreciation for the values that make America great.
      By 1951, as an educated couple, Harry T. Moore and his wife, Harriette, became the leading civil rights activists in Brevard County–and the nation. They organized the first Brevard County Chapter of the NAACP and the Progressive Voters League. As a result, they lost their jobs lobbying for the institution of equal pay for all teachers in Brevard County. The Moores were instrumental in the NAACP fight for equality. They helped break down registration barriers and was responsible for the registration of tens of thousands of black Americans throughout Florida.
      They would not be deterred and continued their work in the civil rights movement until their untimely deaths in 1951.
      They were murdered in their home in Mims when a bomb was exploded under their bedroom on Christmas evening, 1951, their 25th wedding anniversary. It was the first killing of a prominent civil rights leader, and was a spark that ignited the American civil rights movement. To this date no one has been arrested or charged with this incident.
      The Moore Heritage Festival of the Arts & Humanities tribute is a celebration of history, culture and contributions of African Americans. You will enjoy a celebration of African American music, cuisine, poetry, dance, and crafts. The event will encompass four (4) days of awareness, appreciation, and celebration of not only the Moore's contributions to the civic rights movement, but other local contributors as well.
      The event will begin the Thursday before Easter Sunday, April 8, with educational programs at the Brevard Community College Titusville Campus. The educational programs will enlighten youth on Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore's life and African American History. Families can visit an array of arts and crafts vendors, cultural demonstrations, enjoy delicious food, and be entertained by local and international performances during the two-day street festival held in concert with Festival Arts & Humanities Education Sessions on the BCC- Titusville campus.
      "The goal of the Moore Heritage Street Festival is to celebrate the preservation of African American culture and local heritage through the creation of a family ’ oriented atmosphere, " Festival Chairperson, Juanita Barton said.

Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore, circa 1949.

      Friday, April 9, has been designated as Children's Day with face painting, a petting zoo, and stage entertainment for the entire family. Main stage entertainment will include Praise Dancers from local churches, and feature the International Peace Performers Chorus, with special guest, Claud Myers, Executive Director of the National Conference of Community and Justice, Jacksonville, FL.
      BCC will also host three days of engaging education sessions on such subjects as the 50th Anniversary of the Brown vs. the Board of Education Decision, and feature speakers that will include, former Negro League baseball player "Doc" Graham, Highwaymen artist, Robert L. Lewis (see "Culture Vulture," page 17), and a day of authors. Oral history panels with local generation presenters will spotlight the establishment of Black communities in Brevard County, its leaders and traditions. All educational sessions are free and open to the public Thursday through Saturday.
      On Saturday, April 10, the vendor fair continues and main stage performers will include a Hymn Lining Exhibition that will showcase the historical roots of hymnals in the early Black church, and an open mike for poetry expressions in tribute to Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore. An afternoon jazz concert starts at 1:00 PM headlining the saxophone sounds of the Phillip Martin Band of Orlando, FL. Phillip Martin has performed and worked with numerous jazz artists including Kirk Whalum, Kevin Toney, Sunnie Paxson, Sam Rivers, and Christian Valensuela.
      Culminating on Saturday, the Moore Heritage Awards Black Tie Gala will feature keynote speaker, Yolanda King, daughter of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with special guest, Dr. Julian Bond, Chairman of the National NAACP.
      Sunday, the festival will end with worship services at Shiloh AME Church, in Mims, FL.
      A Festival schedule of events can be found at www.nbbd.com/moorefestival/ or contact Juanita Barton at 264-5105.

KALEIDOSCOPE

Responses to Christ column's anti-Semitic overtones pushes back subject I wanted to address

By FRED KRUPSKI

      On Monday morning, I decided my topic for this week's column would be the subject that is hogging all the headlines and the the hot issue on all talk shows and cable news stories: The White House versus Richard Clarke. His testimony before the 9-11 Commission has been explosive, and, contrary to what some conservative pundits believe, I think it will be a big issue when all the classified material is released and what National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice has to say (when, and if, she ever appears before the Commission).
      But this issue will be discussed in the next edition of this newspaper since I learned on Monday that Publisher Laura Kelly has received a number of letters regarding my column on the Mel Gibson movie, "The Passion of the Christ," and the response it received (see next page).
      Since I penned it, I've also learned that few younger people understand the true nature of why many people have a hatred of the Jewish race, and that an even large number have little understanding of Zionism. It's apparent that our schools are teaching little, if any history of the movement that created the Jewish homeland in Palestine.
      Background: Anti-Semitism–Who was Shem?
      He was one of the three sons of Noah. Abraham, from whom the Jews derive their race ("our father Abraham"), was one of the many descendants of Shem. The term "Semitic," then, strictly applies to other races as well as the Jews. "Anti" is a Greek word meaning "against." Anti-Jewish feeling was common among Christians, who blamed the Jews for the death of Christ.
      This was a religious rather than a racial prejudice. However, racism was displayed by the Spanish Inquisition in its special zeal to test the "bona fides" of converted Jews. It was not until around 1965 that the Catholic Church formally declared that, while authorities of the Jews and those who followed their lead pressed for the death of Christ, all the Jews then living–and their descendants (including the Jews of today)–could not be blamed for His death. That is, that they were not guilty of deicide.
      Hatred of the Jews because of their race rather than their religion, a persistent historical phenomenon, culminated in the Holocaust–the physical destruction of the Jews decided on by the Nazis as the Final Solution of the Jewish problem at the Wannsee Conference in Berlin in 1942. Many reasons have been advanced for the strange phenomenon of anti-Semitism. In general, the Jews sought, wherever they were, to maintain their religious and cultural identity. This, combined with their desire to return to the Holy Land, gave those in whose countries they settled a basis for seeing them as different–"alien."
      In Poland and Russia (as I pointed out in my last column), where there were large numbers of poor Jews, they were a convenient minority to blame for political or economic setbacks. Therefore in 1905, following the defeat of Russia by the Japanese, the czarist police published a forged document called "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion." This purported to reveal a Jewish conspiracy to enslave the world and would later feed Hitler's lunatic fantasies about the Jews. By the way, "luna" is the Latin word for "moon," and in ancient times the moon was thought to make people nuts. In fact, even today you will find people who swear a full moon makes people crazy. Ask restaurant and bar servers, and taxi drivers.
      In Western Europe and America, many Jews achieved glittering material success and were conspicuous in art, literature, music, medicine, science, thought. The envy this provoked in some people was visited upon the entire race of Jews.
      Author Barnet Litvinoff, in his book, "The Burning Bush: Anti-Semitism and World History," puts it: "Wealth was not equally shared among the Jews, only the resentment attaching to it."
      Most perniciously of all, at the beginning of this century certain pseudo-scientific theories about race were developed which suggested that the Jews were degenerate. These theories became part of the Nazi ideology.
      From the Irish half of my family I learned about the small Jewish population in Ireland. However, the Jewish contribution to Irish life was disproportionately large. At one time, three of the Dail's 166 deputies and two of the 60 or so members of the judiciary were Jews. While Ireland has been notably free of anti-Semitism, there were a number of outbreaks of anti-Jewish violence in Limerick and Cork at the end of the last and the beginning of the present century.
      For the record, conservative Catholics were vociferous supporters of anti-Semitism as the extreme right wing of Catholic thought in the 1920s and '30s. A mordant view of Irish tolerance is given at the beginning of Joyce's "Ulysses," the hero of which is a Dublin Jew, Leopold Bloom. In the book, Mr. Deasyl, Orangeman and Christian gentleman, speaks to Stephen:
      "'I just wanted to say,' he said. 'Ireland, they say, has the honor of being the only country which never persecuted the Jews. Do you know why?'
      "He frowned sternly on the bright air.
      "'Why, sir?' Stephen asked, beginning to smile.
      "'Because she never let them in,' Mr. Deasyl said solemnly."
      Incidentally, James Joyce had many Jewish friends. When he fled Paris in 1940, one of these, Paul Leon, returned to Joyce's flat, sorted out his papers and placed them for safekeeping with the Irish legation in the city. They are now held in the National Library of Ireland. Tragically, Leon was caught in a Nazi round-up of Jews shortly afterwards and sent to a concentration camp where he died in 1942. Why was he caught? He delayed his departure from Paris until his son had sat his baccalaureate exam. This should tell you something about the Jews' reverence for education.

     Next Week: Part 2, Zionism–The Jewish movement that established and developed a Jewish homeland in Palestine; and why White House attempts to discredit Richard Clarke may backfire. Dick Clarke–gutsy or greedy?

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

A qualified critique

      It took Fred a long time to say nothing about somthing he didn't know a darn thing about. All I/we could read from his missive was a lion staking out his belief territory.
      I believe I'm qualified to write a serious critique on the City of Brotherly Love after reading all the stickball, row houses, tag and street ball games and sundry other stuff Fred has done with his life in the "Big City."
      I feel I've "been there, done that,"–yeah, right!
      I saw "The Passion of the Christ," and the following is a good portayal of what I witnessed. It is written by Jody Dean who is a member of Richland Hills Church of Christ and is a Dallas TV anchor. Maybe he (Fred) should read the following, by a truly professional news broadcast media person...about what she saw–not what she read about:

Actor Jim Caviezel portrays Jesus Christ in Mel Gibson's movie, "The Passion of the Christ."

      "There've been a ton of emails and forwards floating around recently from those who've had the privilege of seeing Mel Gibson's 'The Passion of the Christ' prior to its actual release. I thought I'd give you my reaction after seeing it last night.
      "I want you to know that I started in broadcasting when I was13-years-old. I've been in the business of writing, performing, production, and broadcasting for a long time. I've been a part of movies, radio, television, stage and other productions–so I know how things are done. I know about soundtracks and special effects and make-up and screenplays. I think I've seen just about every kind of movie or TV show ever made–from extremely inspirational to extremely gory. I read a lot, too–and have covered stories and scenes that still make me wince. I also have a vivid imagination, and have the ability to picture things as they must have happened–or to anticipate things as they will be portrayed. I've also seen an enormous amount of footage from Gibson's film, so I thought I knew what was coming.
      "But there is nothing in my existence–nothing I could have read, seen, heard, thought, or known–that could have prepared me for what I saw on screen last night.
      "This is not a movie that anyone will 'like.' I don't think it's a movie anyone will 'love.' It certainly doesn't 'entertain.' There isn't even the sense that one has just watched a movie. What it is, is an experience–on a level of primary emotion that is scarcely comprehensible. Every shred of human preconception or predisposition is utterly stripped away. No one will eat popcorn during this film. Some may not eat for days after they've seen it. Quite honestly, I wanted to vomit. It hits that hard.
      "I can see why some people are worried about how the film portrays the Jews. They should be worried. No, it's not anti-Semitic. What it is, is entirely shattering. There are no 'winners.' No one comes off looking 'good'–except Jesus. Even His own mother hesitates. As depicted, the Jewish leaders of Jesus' day merely do what any of us would have done–and still do.
      They protected their perceived 'place'–their sense of safety and security, and the satisfaction of their own 'rightness.' But everyone falters. Caiphus judges. Peter denies. Judas betrays. Simon the Cyrene balks. Mark runs away. Pilate equivocates. The crowd mocks. The soldiers laugh. Longinus still stabs with his pilus. The centurion still carries out his orders. And, as Jesus fixes them all with a glance, they still turn away. The Jews, the Romans, Jesus' friends–they all fall. Everyone, except the Principal Figure. Heaven sheds a single, mighty tear–and as blood and water spew from His side, the complacency of all creation is eternally shattered.
      "The film grabs you in the first five seconds, and never lets go. The brutality, humiliation, and gore is almost inconceivable–and still probably doesn't go far enough. The scourging alone seems to never end, and you cringe at the sound and splatter of every blow–no matter how steely your nerves. Even those who have known combat or prison will have trouble, no matter their experience–because this Man was not conscripted. He went willingly, laying down His entirety for all. It is one thing for a soldier to die for his countrymen. It's something else entirely to think of even a common man dying for those who hate and wish to kill him. But this is no common man. This is the King of the Universe. The idea that anyone could or would have gone through such punishment is unthinkable–but this Man was completely innocent, completely holy–and paying the price for others. He screams as He is laid upon the cross, 'Father, they don't know. They don't know...'
      "What Gibson has done is to use all of his considerable skill to portray the most dramatic moment of the most dramatic events since the dawn of time. There is no escape. It's a punch to the gut that puts you on the canvas, and you don't get up. You are simply confronted by the horror of what was done–what had to be done–and why. Throughout the entire film, I found myself apologizing.
      "What you've heard about how audiences have reacted is true. There was no sound after the film's conclusion. No noise at all. No one got up. No one moved. The only sound one could hear was sobbing. In all my years of public life, I have never heard anything like that.
      "I told many of you that Gibson had reportedly re-shot the ending to include more 'hope' through the Resurrection. That's not true. The Resurrection scene is perhaps the shortest in the entire movie–and yet it packs a punch that can't be quantified. It is perfect. There is no way to negotiate the meaning out of it. It simply asks, 'Now, what will you do?'
      "I'll leave the details to you, in the hope that you will see the film–but one thing above all stands out, and I have to tell you about it. It comes from the end of Jesus' temptations in the wilderness–where the Bible says Satan left him 'until a more opportune time.' I imagine Satan never quit tempting Christ, but this film captures beyond words the most opportune time. At every step of the way, Satan is there at Jesus' side–imploring Him to quit, reasoning with Him to give up, and seducing Him to surrender.
      "For the first time, one gets an heart-stopping idea of the sense of madness that must have enveloped Jesus–a sense of the evil that was at His very elbow. The physical punishment is relentless–but it's the sense of psychological torture that is most overwhelming. He should have quit. He should have opened His mouth. He should have called 10,000 angels. No one would have blamed Him. What we deserve is obvious. But He couldn't do that.
      "He wouldn't do that. He didn't do that. He doesn't do that. It was not and is not His character. He was obedient, all the way to the cross–and you feel the real meaning of that phrase in a place the human heart usually doesn't dare to go. You understand that we are called to that same level of obedience. With Jesus' humanity so irresistibly on display, you understand that we have no excuse. There is no place to hide.
      "The truth is this: Is it just a 'movie?' In a way, yes. But it goes far beyond that, in a fashion I've never felt–in any forum. We may think we 'know.' We know nothing. We've gone 2,000 years–used to the idea of a pleasant story, and a sanitized Christ. We expect the ending, because we've heard it so many times. God forgive us. This film tears that all away. It's is as close as any of us will ever get to knowing, until we fully know.
      "Paul understood: 'Be urgent, in and out of season.'
      "Luke wrote that Jesus reveals Himself in the breaking of the bread. Exactly. 'The Passion Of The Christ' shows that Bread being broken."
      Go see this movie.
Jack Kuntz
Titusville

Do we forgive Fred?

      This is intended as an open letter to the readers of The Beacon's "Kaleidoscope" column from the March 17 issue.
      Therein, we had to endure "The Passion of the Krupski," a journalist who describes himself as a "Heinz 57 variety," which certainly characterizes the content of the column.
      This self-proclaimed "professor," who has not even seen the movie, "The Passion of the Christ," proceeds to devote a full page to critiquing it. And, he says he won't "spend a dime" to see it. Why? Because it would deprove him of his sole source of information–heresay.
      He states the movie is for "sadomasochists." Well, many of us who had the stamina to read the column most certainly fall into that category. Perhaps the explanation here lies in the author's own words: "those of us who receive our information from other media sources."
      How many times are we readers expected to "forgive" this type of journalism? Seventy times seven? Yes! If we believe the teachings of a young Jewish man in Judea some 2,000 years ago.
      I know, 'cause the Bible tells me so!
William J. Horner
Titusville

He did it Himself

      This is how I feel about Mel Gibson's movie, "The Passion of the Christ." Anyone who does not realize that Jesus came to Earth as an infant for the soul purpose of going to the cross for our sins also will not understand that no person or group of people alone crucified Him.
      Every person born crucified Him, including myself. Just as the actors in the movie had a role to play, each person that took any part in the crucifixion was playing their part as it was planned for them to do–even before Jesus was born. Jesus was the sacrifice for sin.
      Judas - the betrayer; Peter - the denier (as we also sometimes are); the disciples - the forsakers; the soldiers - the captors, inflicters of pain and death; Caiaphas, the chief priests, the elders and the scribes -the accusers and envious leaders; the false witnesses - just that, false witnesses; Pilate - the mediator and executor of the judgment of death; Herod - the mocker and teaser; the Jewish crowd - the victims of peer pressure and followers of false teachings; Barabbas - the example of choosing evil in our life over good; Simon the Cyrenian - an example of how we should love and help others even when it does not benefit us in this life; and the two thieves - an example of a person accepting Jesus Christ as his Savior, and one who does not.
      So, you can see through this lineup of players, everyone played their role
L. Arnold
Mobile, AL

Who killed Jesus?

      Even before the movie, "The Passion of the Christ," produced by Mel Gibson, was released, there was a crescendo of strife and criticism building up beyond reason. Now that the movie is out, it continues still. Who killed Jesus? What did Jesus say?
      In the book of Matthew, chapter 20, verse 17, (KJV), it says: "And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them."
      In verse 18 Jesus said, "Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and to the scribes, and they shall condemn Him to death." Verse 19, Jesus said, "And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: And the third day He shall rise again."
      The book of Acts, chapter 4, verses 26, 27, 28, states: "The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done."
      Who killed Jesus? We all did! And he suffered, and bled, and died, and rose from the grave to save us all from death, hell, and the grave.
John Lent
Titusville

BUSINESS BRIEFS

By BOB SOCKS

     

Port Canaveral News

      Good news so far this year. Cargo tonnage in January 2004 is up 16.1% over Jan 2003, and cruise passenger count is up 21.4% over the same time period.
      Ocean Club Cruises, which went bankrupt recently, could become a problem. As of this printing, the ship is still docked at Cruise Terminal #3. All crew members will be paid and flown home at the expense of the cruise line, and all supplies such as fuel, water and food are now on a cash basis.
      The ship was purchased at auction by an Israeli consortium for a little over $8 million dollars and will be leaving Port Canaveral for the Meditteranean market.

Shopping changes

      Major retailers are abondining the mega malls for free standing stores, or clusters called "lifestyle centers." Mall customers say the malls are too crowded, the mall layouts too confusing, too many teenagers hanging around, and the parking lots are too sprawling.
      JCPenney, Sears, The May Co., and even Zales are going to stand alone stores in new markets. These stores are reminiscent of the free-standing stores that were built in fledgling American suburbs in the 1950s.

The New WalMart

      As most of you have already read, Walmart has proposed a brand new super-center on the northwest corner of 1-95 and Garden Street. This particular piece of property is zoned "regional commercial," and, unless the City of Titusville makes Walmart extremely uncomfortable, Walmart will probably build there.
      For you interested parties, stay tuned to the City Council meetings for more detailed information. A straw vote by the City Council at their last meeting showed that the Council is against the new store.

Looking for work?

      Here are selected employment sectors that are expected to increase jobs significantly over the next four years:

• Internet publishing and broadcasting, + 21.2%
• Securities, commodity contracts, investments, + 6.4%
• Building material and garden supply stores, + 6%
• Real Estate, + 6.6%
• Architectural and engineering services, + 17.5%
• Educational Services, + 12.5%
• Home health care services, + 16.1%
• Offices of physicians, + 16.1%
• Outpatient care centers, + 16.1%
• Hospitals, + 16.1 %

      If you have been looking for a job locally, you may have to re-think your plans, and possibly move. The hottest job markets over the next four years are:

• Clark County, Nevada (Las Vegas)
• Riverside, California
• Orange County, California
• San Bernardino, California
• Orange County, Florida

      Or, you might think about opening your own business. A new study shows that a growing share of older workers are starting their own businesses, a sign of what retirement in the U.S. might look like in the coming decades.
      Just graduated college? Nearly two-thirds of college kids expect to find a full-time job within three months of graduation, says a new survey. Analysts say they need a reality check.

RUSH Construction merits prestigious safety award

      RUSH Construction, Inc.'s Paul D. Stewart, Director of Construction Quality and Safety, received The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) Cape Canaveral Chapter's most prestigious 2003 Safety Professional of the Year (SPY) award. In its 36-year history, the ASSE Cape Canaveral Chapter has recognized only four SPYs. The SPY designation is truly an extraordinary award by peers of the local-area occupational safety and health community, which includes Brevard, Indian River and Volusia Counties.
      Founded in 1984, RUSH is a design-build, general contractor serving government and commercial clients throughout the southeast. Located in the VectorSpace complex in Titusville, RUSH is distinguished within its industry by a long history of recognition for safety and excellence in performance.

The Secret Diner

      There is a gem of a new restaurant that opened just recently, at the site of the former Sobik's on South Hopkins Ave.
      I have experienced some of the best pizza that I ever ate, sold by the slice for 99¢ (and the pieces are large), hot and ready to eat there or take home. They, of course, sell pizza by the pie as well.
      What impressed me was that they have four pizzas, all different types, hot and ready, by the slice.
      Their tossed salad was crisp and fresh and the best news is that a slice of pizza and a large tossed salad was only around $4.
      The restaurant is very clean and the service is excellent.
      This gem is called Dough-Re-Mi and I suggest you give it a try and tell them "The Secret Diner" sent you in.

By DIANNE SIMMONS

      Do you want to buy a home, but don't know how to go about it? Join Bobby Mutter Realty and Pinnacle Financial Corp. for a free homebuyer workshop on Tuesday, April 27. See the ad for more details.
      My apologies to realtor Paula Potter and Jimmy Mutter for misspelling their names in our last issue...
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For Mother's Day, Antona's Salon and Spa is having a contest to win a deluxe beauty makeover for your mom. See their ad for all the details.
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There's a "Power Lawn Equipment Show" taking place at Frontenac Flea Market sponsored, in part, by Buck's Lawnmower Shop. See their ad for dates and times.
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Planning on taking a cruise? Check out United National Travel's ad for some of their specials.
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Stop in Jeanette Adrian Salon and Spa and ask them about the new Caviar rejuvenation and conditioning hair treatment.
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Viking Sewing Gallery is having a spring fabric sale featuring up to 75% off all fabrics and more!
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Hop on over to Charlie's Grand Palace for their Easter party. See their ad in our Dine Out & Entertainment Guide for details.
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Sally Simmons is the new owner of Dough-Re-Mi Pizza at 3855 S. Hopkins Ave. (the old Sobiks Subs). Stop in and see the renovations she's done. And, be sure to take advantage of their coupons in this week's paper and save!
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Aliff Hair Designs & Spa has gift certificates available for all services.
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Visit Cindy's Hallmark and pick Mom up a Vera Bradley Toggle Tote for Mother's Day.
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Need a new suit, fellows? Male Image has a sale on men's suits starting at just $89. Stop in and browse through their other specials as well.
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See All-Ways Travel's ad for Carnival Cruise specials and plan a your cruise vacation now!
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Don't hesitate to call ERA The Property Place at 268-0868, or stop by their office at 776 Country Club Drive, for advice or information from your local real estate experts: Donna Cox, Keith Cox, Betty Johnson, Melissa Kessler-Jones, Tami Leliuga, Pat Seifreit, Kenneth Senn, and Irene Winkel.
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Buy a bucket of balls at Singleton Golf Center during happy hour any day of the week and get a bucket of balls free.
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Chef Mike's Midtown Restaurant has early bird specials for $2 off any dinner entree from 3 to 5 p.m. Plus any lunch entree special. Use their coupons in this week's paper.
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The Downtown Gallery is offering 10% off custom framing. Stop in and see all the photographs from all over the world. They may have that special picture you have been looking for!
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Remember, Titusville Elks Lodge #2113 has a Sunday morning breakfast buffet that's open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
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Visit Growing Crazy, a gardener's nursery, for your spring plants. They get new varieties of plants in all the time.
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Do you enjoy singing? Go down to Show Time Deli every Thursday starting April 1st to have dinner–and sing karaoke with "Be A Star" with Jill! They also have live bands every Friday and Saturday.
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When you go to Barbara's Hair Designs for your beauty services, plan to pick up some professional products or a gift certificate to fill your Easter baskets with.
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In addition to bagels, you can now pick up Krispy Kreme donuts at Bagel World!
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Call Easy Waves Styling Salon and make your appointment for a $45 perm special.
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Seasons In The Sun RV Resort on Hwy. 46 in Mims has a singles dance every Tuesday night. See their ad for details and directions.
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The Irish Pub has late night specials from Thursday through Saturday 'til midnight.
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Let LightXpressions light up your world! They install the most revolutionary accent lighting in areas such as pools, outside and inside of buildings, homes, docks, boats, landscaping, vehicles, dogs, clothing and water fountains, and they are also working on Christmas lights. They said, "You name it, we can light it!"
      See their ad and call, or check out their website: www.lightxpressions.com.
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"Sir Thomas" was an old tomcat that lived off the land in the Avon Circle area of Titusville. Despite his hard life and crooked ears, he was a warm, friendly, and charming cat. He endeared himself to people and cats alike, who fed him and shared their food with this raggedy lovable fellow.
      Rescued by yours truly, he became a neighborhood delight.
      He will be sorely missed...

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