Our County
Our County
Summer 2013
‘Rescue Me’ adoptions save 100-plus pets
First-ever county program unites dogs, cats with ‘forever homes’
More than 100 dogs and cats went
home to loving families during the
first-ever “Rescue Me” Pet Adoption
Event held Saturday, June 1, at
Viera Regional Park.
The event brought together the
community’s three-largest shelter
organizations and well over 100
adoptable pets for families to choose
from. Led by FloridaNoKill and
Brevard Aiding Shelter Animal
Projects, Brevard County Animal
Shelters, Brevard SPCA and Central
Brevard Humane Society brought
puppies, dogs, cats and kittens of
every size, shape and color in
search of forever homes.
“This community, our hard-working
and dedicated staff and incredible
volunteers, who almost all have
animals of their own, made this
event possible,” said Karla Torpy,
Brevard County’s Director of Animal
Services and Enforcement.
The “Rescue Me” adoption event is
one component of a developing
countywide plan to lead Brevard to
becoming a no-kill community.
“We are dedicated to ending the
killing of healthy and treatable pets
in Brevard County,” Torpy said.
South Animal Care Center cages were temporarily emptied after the
‘Rescue Me’ adoption event at Viera Regional Community Center.
The county's plan is straightforward, Torpy added.
More pics, information
on adoptions, page 31.
“We need to provide spay/neuter services where they are needed most so fewer animals go
into shelters, and increase adoptions through combined efforts like this one so more animals
come out of the shelters and go into new homes.”
“Rescue Me” was made possible thanks to sponsors of the event, including URS Federal
Technical Services, Daphne Foundation, FloridaNoKill and FLORIDA TODAY.
Page 2
Our County
A Message from the County Manager
Even in Summer’s Heat ...
There’s Cause for Celebration
As we head into budget development full speed, this past spring has provided some
good news for Brevard. New construction is up, home sales activity is up both in
volume and in the sales price. Employment has shown steady improvement over the
first half of this year and the unemployment rate correspondingly continues to fall.
The County’s economic development agency, the Economic Development
Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, Inc. (EDC), was successful in negotiating one
of the largest employment deals in the nation with the commitment of Northrup
Grumman to bring to Melbourne 1,000 new aerospace jobs. There are any number
of other statistics to look at, but overall as a County and as a region, we are
showing strong signs of really pulling out of the economic hole we have been in for
awhile. How this recovery impacts the County’s budget will become clearer in the
coming months.
Howard Tipton
Well deserved recognition has come to two Brevard County employees. On June 6th, the Brevard County
Libraries Talking Books Department was recognized as the "Network Subregional Library of the Year Award"
from the Library of Congress, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. This was a
tremendous honor as Brevard was recognized as the best in the nation. Ms. Debra Martin is the supervisor for
that department and traveled to D.C. to receive the award. What makes this award all the more remarkable is
that this is an office that has shrunk from a staff of 7 down to 2. Congratulations to Debra and her team of
staff and volunteers for this recognition!
Public Works Director John Denninghoff has been recognized as the 2013 Urban Engineer of the Year by the
Florida Association of County Engineers and Road Superintendents (FACERS). This award recognizes John for
his contributions to public works and his motivation, professionalism and dedication. Well done, John!
Finally, the alumni of the County’s Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) have created a community give back
initiative called “Hands On Brevard”. Their first community service day was for the Space Coast Early
Intervention Center where they did landscaping and cleaned up. Amanda Elmore was the coordinator of the
event and its success will no doubt lead to future opportunities for Brevard employees to give back to the
community.
Enjoy the summer!
Venetta Valdengo becomes new Assistant County Manager
Venetta Valdengo joined Brevard County Government in May as an Assistant County Manager. Valdengo has
more than 24 years experience in local government, including Orange County Government as Director of Parks
and Recreation, Animal Services Division Manager, Facilities Management
Division Manager, Deputy Director of Community and Environmental Services and Deputy Director of Administrative Services. She also has additional experience in Risk Management.
A registered nurse by training, Valdengo began her professional career in
nursing and worked for several large medical centers and the U.S. Panama
Canal Commission. After earning a B.A. in International Relations, she
launched a career in government and later earned a Masters Degree in
Public Administration from the University of Central Florida.
Valdengo was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. She has been a resident
of Florida since 1980 and lives in Merritt Island. She has two sons.
Venetta Valdengo
Our County
Page 3
Brevard County Website Gets A Makeover
By Lois Boisseau
Information Technology
The Brevard County website is an engaging
and functional citizen-centered online portal, recently redesigned with focuses on self
-service and providing quick, relevant information.
The innovative “one stop” home page provides a direct link to any department or
area with just a mouse click. Top level
pages targeted for residents, business, or
visitors provide categorized areas of interest, and a robust search capability indexes
page content as well as document metadata, making all uploaded documents fully
searchable.
Citizens are empowered with self-service
functionality throughout the web portal in
an effort to conserve time, promote government interaction, and provide convenience through technology.
Citizens can quickly submit public records requests, “like” a Brevard County calendar event on Facebook,
or instantly subscribe to 16 focused press release and 4 newsletter email categories. Other self service features, including recycle bin delivery requests, licensed contractor searches, online employment application
submissions, student fire station tour requests, on-demand Commission meeting streaming, and more are
all available through the new Brevard County web portal.
The Brevard County web portal has embraced the mobile revolution with handheld device-friendly pages
that offer immediate information at citizens’ fingertips. When viewing the website on a mobile device, citizens will quickly be on their way to the data they need between the mobile site search, department directory, and contact page. All county events, whether it’s Zumba class at the park, official Commission meetings, or toddler story time at the library, are readily accessible from the mobile event calendar so citizens
can take full advantage of local government-sponsored activities.
Rollout of County Logo Initiative Gets Underway
The Brevard County Commission voted unanimously in April
to move forward with the “slow rollout” of a Brevard County
Government branding initiative.
In the coming months, contractor Digital Fusion Group will
be working with the county to help incorporate its new logo
into the day-to-day operations of county government. From
business cards to letterhead to apparel and to vehicle
decals, the ultimate goal is uniformity and a professional
image that projects our commitment of professionalism to
county residents.
The county seal, which symbolizes key moments in Space Coast history, including Juan Ponce de Leon’s
discovery of Florida — which many historians say occurred in the area of Melbourne Beach — and man’s
first steps on the moon, remains our official seal. For any questions regarding incorporation of the new
logo in your department’s operations, contact Don Walker, director of SCGTV/Communications, at ext.
56044.
Page 4
Our County
Efforts to Save Indian River Start at Home
Lawn fertilizers, car-care chemicals take toll on lagoon, wildlife
Dolphins, pelicans, and manatees are dying at record rates in the Indian River Lagoon. The last two summers produced the largest, densest
and most damaging algae blooms ever recorded in the Lagoon. Bloom
impacts included loss of 31,600 acres of sea grass, the tropical forest of
the lagoon floor. As a result, commercial and recreational fisheries are
suffering.
Scientists are still unsure what exactly triggered these changes, but
nutrient pollution is certainly to blame for feeding the algae super
blooms. Nutrient pollution comes
from activities and choices made
by everyone in everyday life.
Therefore, Brevard County residents can help the Indian River
by reducing our daily footprint
on water quality.
Minimizing the use of lawn fertilizer is the simplest way for most
people to significantly reduce
their contribution to nutrient
pollution. Excess fertilizer is
washed off lawns by irrigation
and/or rain, especially quick release fertilizer. It washes into
the nearest ditch or street where
it enters the storm water system. From there, it flows to the
nearest water body.
Many homeowners apply more
fertilizer than the fertilizer label
recommends and much more than their lawn needs. Local governments are adopting fertilizer ordinances to prevent excess use and water pollution. The local UF/Brevard County Extension Service can help property owners
determine how much and what kind of fertilizer a lawn needs by helping residents submit a soil test to the University of Florida. The test costs $7 plus shipping, and the Extension Service can assist with interpreting the soil test
results.
Car care is another area that can make a significant difference on water quality. Treat yourself to a commercial car
wash, keep tires properly inflated, and fix any fluid leaks promptly. Dirt and grime on vehicles, and the soap used
to wash it off, is loaded with pollution. Commercial car washes catch the dirty wash water and filter out the pollution. Proper tire pressure means better gas mileage; and better gas mileage reduces air pollution. Air pollution is
responsible for about a third of the nutrient load to the Indian River Lagoon. Oils and fluids that leak from vehicles
get washed off the pavement by rain and carried to the nearest water body. Clean up leaks and spills with absorbent material like kitty litter and fix leaks promptly to minimize pollution.
There are many additional lawn care choices that protect water quality. Grass clippings contain nutrients that feed
algae blooms, so control where grass clippings go. If the lawnmower side-casts grass clippings, make sure to mow
in the direction that casts the clippings away from open water, ditches, paved surfaces and storm water drains.
Reduce the amount of yard that is dedicated to plants that need irrigation and fertilizer to thrive. Instead, landscape with Florida Friendly plants that are easy to care for when planted in the right place. Find out more about
Florida Friendly Landscaping™ Principles at http://brevard.ifas.ufl.edu. Buffer strips of native aquatic plants installed along waterfronts require no mowing or chemicals and filter out pollution.
Taking care of the Lagoon is up to everyone and it begins at home. For more ideas and information on how to reduce your daily footprint on water quality, visit LiveBlueFL.org, BrevStorm.org, or Brevard.ifas.ufl.edu.
Our County
Page 5
'STARS' INITIATIVE HONORS VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTIONS
Brevard County’s Board of County Commissioners paid tribute in April and May to the thousands of volunteers
who help perform the day-to-day operations of
County Government by adopting a resolution in
honor of National Volunteer Week (April 21-27)
and by inaugurating the week as Brevard County
Volunteer Appreciation Week.
Volunteers are an integral part of Brevard
County Government. According to volunteer
statistics, 7,187 individuals have served as
regular volunteers and on advisory boards
throughout the county, providing more than
350,000 volunteer hours.
The resolution was read by Commissioner Robin
Fisher and accepted by Margie Collins, the
Brevard County Human Resource’s Volunteer
Coordinator for Brevardians Responding As
Ed Becht receives Stars honor for volunteer work with Animal Services.
VoluntEers (B.R.A.V.E.) County Manager Howard
Tipton announced a county initiative named “Volunteer Stars Light Up Brevard” to recognize exceptional
volunteers in county government. The first recipient of the award, which includes a plaque and a Star pin, was Ed
Becht, who is a Brevard County sheriff’s deputy
assigned to court security at the Viera Courthouse.
On his days off, Becht volunteers for the county’s
Animal Services and Enforcement Department and
promotes animal adoptions, has helped raise money
to tend to sheltered dogs and takes dogs to PetCo on
Sundays in an effort to help boost adoptions.
“Ed has a great adoption success rate not only with
the dogs he brings to events but with dogs who stay
behind at the shelter due to his ability to
communicate with the public in a positive friendly
manner and his ability to train and gain respect of
the dog he is walking,” said Animal Services
Volunteer Coordinator Jennifer Kerr, who made the
presentation.
Becht is one of 600
Jennifer Walter, leader of the Brevard County 4H Poultry Club and superintendent for the rabbit and poultry volunteers
shows at the Brevard County Fair, has been a
registered with
To learn about volunteer
volunteer since 1998. She was the second recipient of
Animal Services.
opportunities with the
the STARS honor.
County, contact Margie
Collins at (321) 633-2031
National Volunteer Week, sponsored by Points of Light, created in 1990 by the
President George H.W. Bush Administration, is about taking action, encouraging or visit the Brevard County
website at
individuals and their respective communities to be at the center of social
www.brevardcounty.us.
change — discovering and actively demonstrating their collective power to
foster positive transformation.
Volunteer
Page 6
Our County
Brevard County Fire Rescue
New Equipment Improves Service and Safety
Articles By Donald Slayman
Brevard County Fire Rescue
Patient Simulator –
Fire Rescue is receiving a patient
simulator to train employees and
improve patient care. The simulator
allows paramedics to practice
uncommon but critical skills without
risk. Using wireless technology,
instructors command the simulator to
react to the paramedics’ treatments,
just as a real patient would. The
simulator will be featured in the
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Training Lab.
Driving Simulators –
Fire
Rescue
received
three
fire
apparatus driving simulators that will
be used to create a Driving Simulation
Lab.
According to the U.S. Fire
Administration, more than 23% of fire fighter deaths occur during vehicle collisions.
Traditional driver training cannot expose drivers to hazardous situations as failure could result in personnel
injuries and vehicle damage.
The simulators provide a safe
and realistic driving
environment that train drivers
how to recognize, anticipate
and circumvent hazardous
situations. The end result is
improved safety and reduced
risk.
The three driving simulators
were purchased with a grant
from the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA),
minimizing the department’s
cost. The department will also
see recurring cost savings by
reducing the number of
instructors, fuel consumption
and vehicle maintenance; as
well as improve safety.
Continued ….
Our County
Page 7
BCFR Recognized as State-Certified Training Facility
Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) was recently recognized by the State of Florida as a state-certified
training facility. Because the State has a long list of stringent requirements, BCFR is part of a small group
of departments that hold this
certification. Having an “in-house”
facility allows employees to be
trained
to
Brevard
County’s
standards, well above the state’s
minimum requirements. This high
level of training allows BCFR to
consistently perform as a best in
class
department,
deliver
the
highest level of service to our
residents and guests, and help keep
our firefighters safe.
The burn building is a multi-level
configuration of metal shipping
containers, engineered for the
controlled burning of normal
Class A combustibles (wood,
paper, etc.). This allows
certified instructors to replicate
conditions experienced during
interior structural firefighting.
The flashover simulator provides firefighters the ability to watch the stages of fire development in a
controlled environment. Certified instructors are able to demonstrate fire behavior and teach appropriate
fire suppression techniques based on the fire growth.
Page 8
Our County
Brevard County workers get ‘Hands On’
By Amanda Elmore
Natural Resources Management
In May, Brevard County employees
received an email announcing the
launch of “Hands on Brevard” (HOB),
an Executive Leadership Institute
Alumni Committee initiative.
HOB is intended to encourage bettering Brevard through community action and invited staff to “HOB-nob” at
one of two workday events that occurred simultaneously on June 1 —
the Space Coast Early Intervention
Center Landscaping Clean-up and
“Rescue Me” pet adoption. Both
events were well attended and a
great basis for future workdays.
In addition to workdays, HOB wants
to recognize employees for the good
works they are already doing in the
community. HOB wants to hear
about your contributions and the Rewards and Recognition committee is
actively working on ways to recognize
your volunteerism.
Susan Jackson, with Road & Bridge Department,
picks up dead shrubs at Space Coast Early Intervention Center.
Whether you are an occasional or active volunteer, please consider entering your
volunteer hours and exploring the HOB intranet site on the BEACH’s “Employee
Volunteering” tab at http://beach/EmployeeVolunteering/default.aspx. You can
also email volunteer hours to hob@brevardcounty.us. Lastly, if an organization
that you are involved with needs help with an event and you’d like it listed on the
BEACH please email HOB.
“Brevard County employees are the most dedicated employees I’ve ever worked
with,” County Manager Howard Tipton said. “In addition to being public servants
during their day (or night) job, they provide on-going community support to their
schools, youth leagues, non-profits, and places of worship. Good people doing
good works – that’s cool stuff.”
What you can do to help:
 Volunteer to serve on the HOB committee by emailing hob@brevardcounty.us.
 Email HOB with your workday and community involvement ideas.
 Enter your volunteer hours on the BEACH’s “Employee Volunteering” tab or email them to HOB.

If you, or an organization with which you are involved, needs help with an upcoming community
event, email hob@brevardcounty.us to have the event listed on the Employee Volunteering tab
of the BEACH.
Our County
Page 9
“Hands On” for Early Intervention Preschool
Thirteen Brevard County employees, their spouses and friends gathered Saturday, June 1, at Space
Coast Early Intervention Center (SCEIC) in Melbourne for a morning of landscaping clean-up and
mulching.
The effort was part of the recently launched Hands On Brevard (HOB) initiative, designed to encourage
employee volunteerism in the community.
HOB also contributed volunteers to the
“Rescue Me” pet adoption event that same
day.
Howard Tipton (County Manager), Jim
Hudson (Brevard County Schools), Paula
Berntson (Natural Resources), Darcie
McGee (Natural Resources), Morris
Richardson (Asst. County Attorney and
SCEIC Board member), Amanda Elmore
(Natural Resources), Susan Jackson (Road
and Bridge), Frank Abbate (Human Resources Director), Rita Abbate, Mick Hatch,
Jennifer Meyer (Human Resources), Bryan
Elmore (not pictured) and Jack Masson
(not pictured, Parks and Recreation Director) spent three hours removing dead
shrubs, pruning, hauling four truckloads of
plant debris to the land fill, and spreading
an entire dump truck of mulch to renovate
“Hands On Brevard” volunteers.
the parking lot landscaping at the school.
Richard Dees (Solid Waste) coordinated the mulch delivery for the crew. The children arrived to a freshly
mulched and manicured school Monday morning. SCEIC’s Community Outreach Coordinator Gina Yates
thanked the County, “…everything looks so much better and your whole team was awesome!”
SCEIC serves children with and without disabilities from
ages one to five years. Tuition makes up half of the
school’s budget, the school relies on the generosity of the
community for the other fifty percent of their funding.
HOB event organizer and former SCEIC parent Amanda
Elmore (Natural Resources) says, “Space Coast Early Intervention Center is a lifeline for families with special
needs children, a place where your child can get all their
therapies while interacting with ‘role model’ or typicallydeveloping kids.” Elmore’s son, Travis, attended SCEIC for
two years prior to his passing in 2010 from the rare chromosomal disorder Trisomy 18, “This event was truly a labor of love for me, SCEIC is a special place and I appreciate my Brevard County family continuing to support me
and the school.”
Jennifer Meyer, (Left) Human Resources, Paula
Berntson, Natural Resources, and Morris
Richardson, County Attorney’s Office, spread mulch
on a flower bed.
Page 10
Our County
Continued on next page
Our County
Page 11
(Above) Chris Herrnkind
demonstrating how to
make the proper cut on a
tree limb.
(Left) Loren Rapport, Landscape
Manager, teacher and arborist,
describing proper trimming techniques to the Road & Bridge Maintenance team.
Continued on next page
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Our County
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Our County
Page 13
Page 14
Our County
Solid Waste Employees Score Wins at ‘Battle on the Bay’
Four Solid Waste Management Department employees competed at the “BATTLE ON THE BAY” competition to test their driving/operating skills on various pieces of heavy equipment.
Each year the Solid Waste Association of North America
(SWANA) hosts a series of competitions to determine who the
best drivers and operators are in
the solid waste industry. This
year the “Battle on the Bay”
event was hosted by Pinellas
County Solid Waste and
“Advanced Disposal”. The firstplace winners will then travel to
Texas to compete in the International event.
Solid Waste is proud to announce
that four employees qualified to
enter in their respective categories.
Billy Cummings, Solid Waste HEO
II, won second place in the dozer
competition; Mark Grove, Solid
Waste HEO II, won first place in
(Left to Right) Billy Cummings, Mark Grove, Joe Howell
the loader competition; Joe Howand Joe Giovelli
ell, Solid Waste HEO III, won first
place in the compactor competition; and Joe Giovelli, Solid Waste HEO II/Transportation Driver, competed in the 18-wheeler truck competition.
Prosser, ‘Won’t Back Down’ Team, complete Keys 100-Mile Run
Most people, on their first visit to Key West, don’t run the entire
distance. But Emergency Management Director Kimberly Prosser
and her “We Won’t Back Down” teammates aren’t most people.
All but one of the six-member team hadn’t previously been
south of Islamorada… but on May 18, they ran the 100-mile relay race from Key Largo to Key West. Temperatures hovered
around 90 degrees with maximum humidity and minimal
breezes.
“It was brutal,” Prosser said of the race-day weather conditions.
“We were wishing and hoping for rain, but there wasn’t a cloud
in the sky.”
The team completed the race in 13 hours, 2 minutes and 22 seconds, coming in 18 th of 105 teams.
“This was the most physically demanding thing I’ve ever done, and my quads were sore for three days
afterward,” she said. “As I ran, in the heat of the afternoon, with more absorbed heat reflecting up off
the asphalt, I questioned not only why I was doing this race, but why I’d registered for running camp
this summer, and why I even liked running to begin with!”
Our County
Page 15
Library of Congress:
Brevard ‘Talking Books’ Program is Best in U.S.
By Jeff Thompson
Director of Libraries
The Brevard County Libraries Talking Books Department was recognized as the "Network Sub-regional
Library of the Year Award" from the
Library of Congress, National Library Service for the Blind and
Physically Handicapped. This was
a tremendous honor, as Brevard
was recognized as the best in the
nation.
Our Talking Books Department
supervisor, Debra Martin, and I
went to Washington to receive the
award. At noon on June 6, we
arrived at the Library of Congress
and were guided to the Whittall
Pavilion, where we were welcomed by Steve Prine and
other LOC officials, as well as
Debra Martin's sister and brotherin-law. After a color guard entered
the room and presented the flag,
we sat down to a delicious lunch.
The Whittall Pavilion was an
amazing place to be: several
priceless Stradivari violins were on
Brevard Libraries Talking Books Department Supervisor Debra Martin (Center) is
display, and there was a bust of
joined by family at the Library of Congress.
Aaron Copland, whose
"Appalachian Spring" was commissioned by
the Library of Congress and first performed in
the adjacent auditorium in 1944. Appropriately, one of our hosts was led over to a small
piano, where he played "Fly me to the moon"
in our honor; then "Stars and Stripes, Forever" in honor of the regional library winner,
Washington D.C.
After lunch, Debra and I were called up to
receive the award from Karen Keninger, the
director of the NLS for the Blind and Physically
Handicapped. Debra spoke eloquently and
passionately about the work she and her team
perform on behalf of our blind and handicapped citizens. I shared with the group the incredible efforts
that Debra and her staff and volunteers have made over the past five years, when a department of seven
was reduced to a department of two. Above all, it was so gratifying to see the work of Debra and her
team nationally recognized. I could not be prouder of them!
You can read the official LOC press release here: http://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2013/13-113.html
Please join me in congratulating Debra Martin and her team -- best in the nation!
Page 16
Our County
Efforts Pay Off for March of Dimes
BCFR & Friends Team raises $2,396 for Healthy Babies
By Carrie Cotter
BCFR/Friends Team Captain
On Saturday, April 27, the Brevard County Fire Rescue &
Friends Team once again participated in the March of Dimes
March for Babies at the Space
Coast Stadium.
Team Captain Carrie Cotter
sends a special thanks to the
Team — Pam Barrett, Danielle
Jackson, Rachel Poteet, Michelle Levar,
Jen Jones, Jill
Hayes, and Jennifer Wyman.
Fundraising efforts this year
included three events. On April
7, Cotter hosted a Tastefully
Simple party. Tastefully Simple
is all about food, fun and
friends. Thanks to Tastefully
Simple Consultant Jenny Lucas for a great party and donating a percentage of sales ($130) to the Team. And thanks to all who attended
the party and to those who missed out on the fun but still placed an
order. On April 10, Five Guys Burgers & Fries at SR 520 in Merritt Island hosted a “Spirit Night” for the Team. It was a win–win for all. Delicious burgers and fries were served, laughter shared and a percentage
of the sales ($131.75) was donated with the goal of saving all babies…
those born healthy and those who need help to survive and thrive. A
special thanks to managers Jeff Kloes and Ted Pagonis, as well as the
entire crew that night for their efforts, ensuring a good time was had by
all.
Special thanks also goes to all who supported the Team by buying raffle
tickets for a chance to win one of 6 awesome prize packs. This year the
Team raised (in the raffle alone) $1,271, and this was only possible because of YOU and all of the thoughtful sponsors: The Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach; Courtyard by Marriott
Cocoa Beach; Wakulla Suites, Cocoa Beach; The Resort on Cocoa Beach; Doubletree Oceanfront Cocoa
Beach; Comfort Inn & Suites Resort, Cocoa Beach; Best Western Ocean Beach Hotel, Cocoa Beach;
Rusty’s Seafood & Oyster Bar, Port Canaveral; Duran Golf Club; Five Guys Burgers & Fries, Merritt Island; FireHouse Subs, Merritt Island; WonderWorks, Orlando; Dixie Crossroads, Titusville; TJ Nails,
Merritt Island; Azteca II, Cocoa Beach; Norman’s Raw Bar & Grill, Cocoa; Milliken’s Reef Seafood Grille,
Port Canaveral; Aja Salon & Day Spa, Titusville; Victory Cruise Casino; Grills Seafood Deck, Port Canaveral; Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grille, Port Canaveral; Basil Pizza & Pasta, Merritt Island; Miss Cape
Canaveral, Port Canaveral; Obsession Fishing Charters, Port Canaveral; Viera East Golf Course; and
Coco Key Water Park, Orlando.
Please visit and support all these great sponsors who donated to our raffle as their generous contributions made it possible for the Team to not only meet its fund-raising goal from last
year but PASS IT RIGHT ON BY and for this we are most grateful!
Continued...
Our County
Page 17
March of Dimes: And the Winners Are ...
Congratulations to the following winners:
Prize Pack # 1 — (Wasting Away in Margaritaville Weekend) 2 nights stay at The Resort on Cocoa
Beach, Margaritaville Gold Tequila, Margarita Mix, 2 margarita glasses, Tostitos chips, salsa & queso
dip, salt rimmer, salsa bowel, $20 @ Azteca II, (2) $10 @ Norman’s Raw Bar &
Grille, $10 @ Five Guys Burgers & Fries. –
Don Godfrey, Property Appraiser’s Office
Prize Pack #2 — (Now That’s Italian!!) 1
night Comfort Inn Resort, Cocoa Beach,
Morgan Creek Muscadine Wine, Malenchini
Chianti, 2 wine glasses, Polisanna Penne
Pasta, Mario Batali Tomato Basil Pasta
Sauce, Mozzarella, sundried tomato & basil
cheese spread, wheat crackers, Italian
breadsticks, Milano Melt Cookies, Wine
Barrel Coasters, 2 Italian Cake candles,
$20 @ Milliken’s Reef Seafood Grille, Port
Canaveral – Nicole Eubank – Property
Appraiser’s Office
Prize Pack #3 — (Send the Boys Away & Pamper Myself or Mom for Mother’s Day) Duran Golf
Course (4) Greens Fees & 1 Annual Crown Card, 1 night @ Courtyard by Marriott, Cocoa Beach, Cartlidge & Brown Cabernet Sauvignon, $20@ Dixie Crossroads, Titusville, $25 @ Aja Salon & Day Spa,
Titusville, TJ Nails gift card, Merritt Island, Vanilla Sugar Lotion, Bath Bomb, Bath Salts, Milano Cookies, Toblerone Bar, Planters Mixed Nuts, Relaxing candle, Eye Mask – Ken the Courier @ Brevard
County Jail
Prize Pack #4 — (Victory Casino Cruise – Win My
Way to Early Retirement) 1 night Hampton Inn, Cocoa
Beach, 6 Boarding passes with buffet on Victory Casino, $30 @ Rusty’s Seafood & Oyster Bar, Port Canaveral, $25 @ Grills Seafood Deck, Port Canaveral, $20
Dixie Crossroads, Titusville, Captain Morgan’s Rum,
coke, diet coke, Victory Casino insulated tumbler, can
coozie, t-shirt, 2 pens w/notepads, 2 decks of cards,
Pirate Booty White Cheddar Popcorn, Planters Mixed
Nuts, Awesome Cruise Boat-shaped Cooler. – Mikki
Castro, County Manager’s Office
Prize Pack #5 — (Mega Certificate Bundle) $25 @
Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grille, Port Canaveral, $20 @ Dixie Crossroads, Titusville, 2 lunch for two @
Firehouse Subs, Merritt Island, $10 @ Basil Pizza & Pasta, Merritt Island, 1 all day deep sea fishing
Miss Cape Canaveral, Shark Trip for 2 Obsession Fishing Charter, 4 rounds golf w/$20 cart fee Viera
East Golf Course, 1 night @ Best Western Hotel, Cocoa Beach, 2 nights @ Coco Key water park, Orlando, 2 tickets Wonder Works, Orlando – Marvena Petty, Fire Rescue Department
Prize Pack # 6 — (50/50 Drawing) = $150!!!!!! – Miranda Jenne, Central Disposal Facility/
Solid Waste Management Department
Again, many thanks for supporting our walkers’ goal of giving every baby a healthy start in life.
Because of your generosity and support, the Team collectively raised $2,396.75. Hope more of you
will join us next year, because OUR TEAM puts the FUN in FUNdraising! Be sure to watch your e-mail
for more exciting fundraisers in January 2014. $tart saving your pennies now!
Page 18
Our County
Hurricane Drill pays homage to Bob Lay
Exercise simulates ‘Double Whammy’ storm events on Brevard
By John Scott
Emergency Management
On Monday, May 20, the Brevard County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was host to over
150 participants from various county, municipal,
state and federal agencies, as well as volunteer
organizations and the private sector, for the annual Hurricane Exercise. The exercise is used to
strengthen existing partnerships, familiarize
those with new or added responsibilities and
identify opportunities for improvement.
This year’s scenario was a unlike any others
used previously and brought the challenge of
responding to two storms in less than a week.
“Hurricane Lay,” named in honor of the late Brevard County Emergency Management Director
Bob Lay, was first and traversed the Atlantic to
Bob Lay, former director of Brevard County Emermake landfall in Melbourne Beach as a strong
gency Management.
Category 4 storm with wind speeds in excess of
a 140 mph and causing catastrophic damage countywide. Barrier islands were breached, there was widespread flooding, causeways busted and approximately 104,000 structures suffered damage or were destroyed. Early estimates put the initial economic impacts over $10 billion with expectations for that to increase as more assessments were completed. Two days later, “Hurricane Kirk,” a Category 1 storm, once
again brought hurricane-force winds to the county as it paralleled the coast. Although Hurricane Kirk never
made a true landfall in the county, its impacts were still felt through increased flooding, a breached dike
and eroded oceanfront buildings to point of collapse. Essentially, anything that was made vulnerable as a
result of Hurricane Lay did not survive Hurricane Kirk.
“This exercise was an excellent demonstration of the level of importance that we place on public safety and
being ready,” said Kimberly Prosser, director of Brevard County Emergency Management. “We very much
appreciate the participation of County departments and employees in the exercise. It further reinforces
that by working as a team we will be successful in responding to and recovering from the challenges of a
disaster.”
Another first for this year’s scenario was that Brevard County was the focal point for the Statewide Hurricane Exercise. A tribute to our longtime and beloved Director of Emergency Management, Bob Lay, who
passed away in January 2012 at the age of 69. Personnel from FEMA, Northern Command, National Hurricane Center, National Weather Service, State of Florida EOC and all of Florida’s 67 counties used the obstacles and challenges that Hurricane Lay presented to drive their coordinated response efforts.
“As I expected, Hurricane Lay was true to its namesake: significant and strong, and changed the lives of
everyone it touched,” Prosser said.
Hurricane season began June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. To be prepared this year, every resident is
strongly encouraged to “Make a Plan, Build a Kit and Stay Informed.”
To stay informed throughout the season, visit www.embrevard.com, sign up to receive press releases via
email, follow @BrevardEOC on Twitter or via text messaging, or liking “Brevard County Emergency Management” on Facebook.
Continued ...
Page 19
Our County
Page 19
‘Hurricane Lay’
Ernie Brown, director of Natural Resources Management and a
member of the U.S. Coast Guard, helps coordinate emergency recovery efforts at the Emergency Operations Center in Rockledge.
Emergency Management Director
Kimberly Prosser confers with Assistant
County Manager Mel Scott.
Photos by Jonathan White and Rich Ataman.
Utility Services
Director Bob
Adolphe discusses
response
measures to
Hurricane Lay.
Guardian ad Litem is your chance to take part in legal system
Brevard
County PIOs
consider details
to include in a
press release.
Public Works Director John Denninghoff tackles
floods, blocked streets and other post-hurricane
chaos.
Page 20
Our County
Get Organic!
Be Healthy: Vegetable Gardening in Florida
For avid or beginner vegetable gardeners, this may be just the thing you are looking for. Responsible
farming techniques promote growing safe-to-eat
produce and protection of the environment. Class topics
will include the basics of soils, organic vegetable
gardening, pest management, harvesting techniques,
food canning, and much more. Classroom sessions are
followed by hands-on activities out in the garden to
practice the techniques learned in class. All of the
vegetables that you grow will be yours to keep.
Classes will be held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to
2 p.m. for 12 weeks starting Sept. 7 and running
through Dec. 7 at the Brevard Extension office. The
base cost is $160 per individual. For two or more people
working the same plot add $50 per additional person.
This includes learning materials, seeds, plants, and
more. Register online at http://
bhgyo2013.eventbrite.com/. You may pay by credit
card on the Eventbrite website during registration; by
check made payable to Brevard County Extension (send
it in with your registration form); or by cash at our
office at 3695 Lake Drive in Cocoa.
4-H Open House
Come learn about 4-H. Meet and greet our current club leaders and members, and explore
opportunities for your 5– to 18-year-old child. Join us on Friday, Aug. 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the
Brevard Extension office.
4-H is a hands-on teaching program
that gives youth the opportunity to
learn about specific projects while
gaining leadership, citizenship, and
teamwork skills.
Brevard County 4-H offers programs
including livestock (poultry, rabbits,
goats, etc.), horses, dogs, shooting
sports (archery, muzzleloading, etc.),
sewing, cooking, career development,
and more.
Register online at
http://4hopenhouse2013eorg.eventbrite.com/.
Our County
Page 21
Getting to Know Your Local
Farmer!
Purchasing locally and seasonally improves our local
economy while keeping small farmers in business. Come
and meet your local farmers at the Brevard County
Farmers Market each Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. at
Wickham Park, while we’re still at our peak.
Liz Dannemiller of Green Flamingo Farm sells at our
market and also hosts a Community Supported
Agriculture program (CSA) in which members purchase a
farm share and receive a variety of fresh picked organic
vegetables grown by farmers they personally know and
trust.
Log Cabin Groves is operated by Tom and Laurie
Schuller. This certified, organic farm produces a variety
of citrus, fresh squeezed orange juice, sweet potatoes,
etc. Raw dairy products are also available each Thursday
at the Market.
Liz Dannemiller of Green Flamingo Farm
For the past 28 years, Chuck and Mayta Gomez have
been running Pure Produce hydroponics. The farm
consists of 50,000 square feet of green houses and produces cherry tomatoes, baby English cucumbers, Boston
bib lettuce, and more.
The Jameson Family of Viera Meadows Farms runs a
holistic vegetable farm and CSA, growing around 92 varieties of fruits and veggies each season. No
GMOs are grown, and most varieties are heirloom.
For more information, visit us at www.brevardcountyfarmersmarket.com.
Upcoming Classes and Events!!
4-H Open House
4-H Brevard County Market Poultry Project
Back to Basics Event
Beef Cattle Reproduction Management School with Artificial Insemination
Blue Fest Event
Chickens 101 - Introduction to Raising Chickens
Create Your Own Piece of Paradise – Gardening Series
Green Industries Best Management Practices Training
Pasture Management and Farmer to Farmer Discussion
Poultry Enterprise Budgeting/Financial Analysis
Preparation: Home Grown Veggies (Webinar)
Preserving Foods: Water Bath and Pressure Canning
Seal the Deal: Interviewing Tips for Teens
Small Farms and Alternative Enterprise Conference
Step Up Your Job Search: Resumes & Cover Letters for Teens
For more information, visit brevard.ifas.ufl.edu or call (321) 633-1702
Page 22
Our County
ELI Book Club: ‘Happiness’ is ‘Life Changing’
By Brenda Mathews
ELI Book Club Chairman
The ELI Book Club held their book chat on The Happiness Advantage on the evening of May 21 at Tuscany Grill in Suntree.
In attendance were Howard Tipton, County Manager;
Frank Abbate and Margie Collins from Human Resources; Cindy Leist from Library Services; Brenda
Mathews from Parks & Recreation; Darcie McGee,
Amanda Elmore and Paula Berntson from Natural Resources; and Robin Sobrino by email.
Based on the feedback, everyone thoroughly enjoyed
the book, which one participant called “life changing”
and the discussion, which one colleague called “lively
and honest.”
Based on recent discoveries in the field of positive psychology researchers have found that happiness fuels
success, not the other way around. That’s the basic
principle of this book. Some insights from the Seven
Principles of Positive Psychology presented by the author, Shawn Achor, include:


The Tetris Effect: How to retrain our brains to spot patterns of possibility, so we can see—and
seize—opportunities wherever we look.
The Zorro Circle: How to channel our efforts on small, manageable goals, to gain the leverage
to gradually conquer bigger and bigger ones.
 Social Investment: How to reap the dividends
of investing in one of the greatest predictors of success and happiness—our social support network.
(Which, by the way, we did at our Book Chat!)
This book is definitely worth reading because, as we
know, it’s not just our own individual success that
orbits around our happiness. By making positive
changes within ourselves, we can actually bring the
benefits of the Happiness Advantage to our teams,
our organizations, our families, and everyone
around us.
The Book Club’s next selection is The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth by John Maxwell. Our next
Book Chat is scheduled for Wednesday, November
6th, 2013. The time is 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. The location will be announced as we get closer to the date.
If you have any questions on the Book Club, please
contact chairman Brenda Mathews at 255-4400 or
brenda.mathews@brevardcounty.us.
Our County
Page 23
Bake Sale raises funds for Child Hunger
Over 43,000 Brevard kids received free or reduced price lunches this year. However, only 1 in 7 of
those children received free meals last summer. Concern for Brevard’s children is exactly what led my
office to create our “Vote to End Childhood Hunger” Bake Sale four years ago. This year’s Bake Sale
was held on May 28,
2013, in the Titusville,
Viera and Palm Bay
Supervisor of Elections
Offices.
This year’s “Vote to
End Childhood Hunger
Bake Sale” raised over
$2,000 to benefit Project Hunger, which
works to ensure Brevard’s children have
adequate nutrition. I
am truly humbled by
the overwhelming generosity of our community and am grateful
our efforts will benefit
the children of Brevard.
A special thank you to
all the generous Brevard County employees
who once again made
this event a success by
supporting our Bake
Sale and buying raffle
tickets for the packages donated by our benevolent corporate sponsors! In addition, I would be remiss
if I didn't take this opportunity to thank my staff and this year's Bake Sale Coordinator, Shirley Kennedy, for making this event possible.
Sincerely,
Raffle Winners:
Charles Gowan- $500 Family Summer Fun Package
Brevard County Supervisor of Elections
Diane Hardos- $50 Carrabba's Gift
Basket
Eloise Walton- $500 Father's Day
Package
Maureen Houssell- Car Star Treatment Package.
Page 24
Our County
Congratulations to Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program Staff Patricia
Tierney, Martha Pessaro, Sarah Kraum,
Joanie Faulls, and David DeMeyer, along with
Parks and Recreation employee Maryann
Morris, who recently completed the 32-hour
Certified Interpretive Guide program through
the National Association for Interpretation.
The course was taught by EEL Program
Education Coordinator and Certified
Interpretive Trainer Katrina Morrell and
included individuals from throughout the
Southeast.
‘Guide Dog Ride’
The Southeastern Guide Dogs ride
Space Coast Area Transit buses as
part of their training. On March
9, they rode Route 24 with bus
operator Vicki Schwartz.
RTAP Paratransit Roadeo
Dave Williams, Space Coast Area Transit
Vehicle Operator, competed in this year’s
State RTAP Paratransit Roadeo on April
20.
Although Dave was a “rookie” driver, he
did an awesome job. He placed 4th overall out of 22 vehicle operators and took
1st place in the Rookie Division.
We all congratulate him – Great Job!
Our County
Page 25
Aimee Roberts, daughter of Rhonda Roberts who works for Fire Rescue, married her college sweetheart, Edgar Kidd, at a beautiful lakeside wedding in Orlando on April 27. They met while pursing
engineering degrees from UCF. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering and a
Masters in Mechanical Engineering, and she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.
Edgar is an engineer for Lockheed at Edwards AFB and Aimee is an engineer for Northrop Grumman.
They live Palmdale, Calif.
Brevard resident cites David Williams for Job Well Done
On Sunday, April 14, early afternoon, I had a back-up in my shower drain and low water pressure in
my house. The only other time that this happened at my residence was when a County employee had
inadvertently moved a switch from automatic to manual (for a period of time) at a lift station. I
thought this might once again be the case.
I first contacted the City of Cocoa to make sure there wasn’t a local water disruption. There was not.
I then contacted Brevard County Utilities on Sunday afternoon and spoke with David Williams of the
Sykes Creek location. He told me he hadn’t received any other complaints of back-ups in the area and,
via phone, walked me through the inspection of the clean-out just outside of my house. I did not see
anything blocking the flow. He told me he would arrive Monday and do a visual check of the cleanout. He and another gentleman did arrive Monday morning, performed the inspection, found a bit of
cedar root and removed it, determined there was no obstruction from the clean-out to the street, and
notified me of the results.
When I arrived home from work on Monday, I called his cell phone number (after 5 p.m.) and he
returned the call and took the time to answer any other questions I had.
I recognize David Williams for an outstanding job of customer service. I am extremely impressed with
David’s professionalism and diligence.
Thank you,
Brian Scott Burns
Page 26
Our County
Employee Benefits….Bringing Wellness to the Workplace
CIGNA CHIROPRACTIC NETWORK CHANGES
As of July 1, 2013, Cigna will be expanding its longstanding relationship with
American Specialty Health Networks, Inc (ASH Networks) to provide chiropractic
services for Cigna medical benefit plans (excluding PPO) in Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi and Oklahoma.
Because ASH is responsible for contracting directly with chiropractors in these locations, only chiropractors who have contracted with ASH will be included in Cigna’s
network of participating chiropractors in the states listed above as of July 1,
2013. Covered members who are currently using a Cigna-only contracted chiropractor may transition their care to a chiropractor in ASH’s network as of July 1,
2013.
Some chiropractors may choose not to contract with ASH and will no longer participate in Cigna’s network. Covered members who see a Non-Participating chiroprac-
tor will assume the financial responsibility for services not considered medically
necessary and may be at risk for being balance-billed.
Cigna will mail letters to covered members in the locations noted above who have
received chiropractic care within the past 6 months. This letter will inform members
that any chiropractic service(s) they receive from an out-of-network chiropractor
will be reviewed for coverage based on medical necessity. Cigna will also inform
members that out-of-network services will not be covered if no review is done or if
the review determines the service(s) aren’t medically necessary.
DISCO is back!
Check out the 60 second “Baseball Park, Heckling Fan Disco Video” by the American Heart Association; teaches 2 Step Hand CPR. Pass it around! It could save
YOUR life or someone for whom you care!
Encourage physical activity with a few “Stayin’ Alive” moves! Simply cut and paste
the link below in your internet browser and watch it for one minute.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2J-oSj5IkEY&feature=player_embedded
Our County
Page 27
Quit Smoking Now! Classes
Are you ready to be tobacco free but need some help? Call 1-877-252-6094 to
register for a 5-week program to help you meet your goal. Nicotine replacement therapy patches are provided to you AT NO COST!
The following Quit Smoking Now classes will commence in July:
Tuesday, July 9th Cocoa Beach - Cape Canaveral Hospital, Medical Plaza
Bldg., 1st Floor from 6pm-7pm.
Tuesday, July 23rd Rockledge - Wuesthoff Medical Center from 6pm-7pm
Tuesday, July 23rd Melbourne – Suntree YMCA, Ste. 114 from 7pm-8pm
Just Walk 10k Steps Challenge Results
The results of our last wellness challenge are in and they are incredible! Over 59
million steps were walked within an 8 week period; impressive to say the least.
We hope that you will continue your quest to become a healthier you! More wellness challenges to come.
Group Name
BCSO - Brevard County Sheriff's Office
BOCC - Brevard County Board of
County Commissioners
BTPO - Brevard Transportation Planning Office
Group Total Steps
Participants
11,046,532
78
31,447,137
193
1,051,266
5
3,004,023
20
179,923
3
SUPE - Supervisor of Elections
2,681,024
9
TAXC - Tax Collector's Office
9,590,547
44
59,000,452
352
PRAP - Property Appraiser's Office
SITD - Sebastian-Inlet Tax District
Grand Total:
Brevard County BOCC Wellness Mission Statement
“To increase health awareness, to promote positive lifestyles, decrease the risk of disease and enhance the quality of life of employees
and their families.”
Page 28
Our County
David B. Lee Award
Glen Siler has been a valued employee of Brevard County for
almost 13 years, serving in the capacity of Chief Plant Operator at the Barefoot Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant and currently the Plant Supervisor at the South Beaches Regional
Wastewater Plant.
Glen was chosen for his outstanding public relations in working to help raise money for student scholarships and judging
local science fairs and keeping his plant in compliance with all
regulations. In a resolution presented by Commissioner
Trudie Infantini, Glen was noted for his excellent supervisory
skills in helping his staff obtain books and training to increase
their knowledge and further their careers along with his continued dedication to the water and wastewater industry.
That’s using your noggin!
In March, Alvin Hall, Human
Resources, presented Dave
Williams, Count Gibson, Kirk
DeSouza and Mike Miles —
from the Utility Services
Sykes Creek Line Maintenance
Staff — with checks for their
Employee Innovation Suggestion, a custom rubber plug for
a sinkhole repair.
Custom rubber plug.
‘Undercover Boss’ Winner
Traffic Operations welcomes newest team memSteven Dayhoff—Traffic Sign & Marketing Technician
Martin Gleason – Traffic Sign & Marking
Technician
Monica Radford – Secretary I
Deputy County Manager Stockton Whitten worked at
the South Terminal. Our Secretary, Donna Radliff won
him in a raffle for United Way in March. He assisted
her with time entry and payroll on May 7.
Our County
NAME
Page 29
DEPT. #
DEPT. NAME
POSITION
DATE
SZYMULA, SUSAN E. 256070
LIBRARY SERVICES
WILEMON, RICHARD 262000
L.
ROAD & BRIDGE
LINER, TAREL E.
219310
PARKS & REC. CENTRAL
HUNTER, PAULA J
220620
ANIMAL SERVICES
HARRIS, TAMMY J
210290
CODE ENFORCEMENT
CODE ENFORCEMENT
MANAGER
COLLETT, SHERRY J. 201010
PURCHASING
SHIRAH, DAVID A.
389600
HUMAN RESOURCES
CONDE, KAREN L.
202020
HUMAN RESOURCES
PROCUREMENT
4/27/2013
ANALYST I
EMPLOYMENT & COM- 4/27/2013
PENSSATION
SPECIALIST
PERSONNEL MANAGER 4/27/2013
DELANEY,
STEPHANIE J.
REILLY, BRENDA B.
256550
LIBRARY SVCS. – MEL- LIBRARY ASSISTANT I
BOURNE
LIBRARY SVCS. –WEST LIBRARIAN I
MELBOURNE
GUMM, CORRINA
210195
TRAFFIC ENGINEERING
CUEVAS, ADA J
25660
W. MELBOURNE LIBRARY
EMANIS, CYNTHIA
389400
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
EMPLOYEE
SPECIALIST
BISSETT, PHILLIP
365120
WATER RESOURCES
COLUCCI, WILLIAM
365135
WATER RESOURCES
WASTEWATER
SUPV.
PAINTER
256600
LIBRARY AREA
1/20/2013
DIRECTOR
AUTOMOTIVE
3/30/2013
EQUIPMENT OPERATOR
III
PARKS REPAIR
3/30/2013
TECHNICIAN
ANIMAL CARE CENTER 4/13/2013
SUPERVISOR
4/13/2013
4/28/2013
4/28/2013
ENGINEERING
5/11/2013
MANAGER
LIBRARY ASSISTANT III 5/12/2013
BENEFITS 5/25/2013
PLANT 5/25/2013
5/25/2013
MARCIANNA, LOUIS 351040
SOLID WASTE
HEAVY
EQUIPMENT 5/25/2013
OPERATOR I
LINK, ASHLEY
256550
MELBOURNE LIBRARY
LIBRARIAN II
5/26/2013
STEVENS, LAURA
256510
5/26/2013
BYNUM, MARIAN
219300
MELBOURNE BEACH LI- LIBRARIAN I
BRARY
PARKS & REC CENTRAL
REC. LEADER
BOWLING, DEBBIE
252000
PARKS & REC CENTRAL
REC. LEADER
6/8/2013
DETWILER, RANDALL 252000
PARKS & REC CENTRAL
COMMUNITY
CENTER 6/8/2013
COORDINATOR
THORNTON, LOIS
PARKS & REC CENTRAL
REC. LEADER
219300
6/8/2013
6/8/2013
Page 30
Our County
April saw the departure of two long-time
employees of Space Coast Area Transit.
Judy Lewellen, South Operations Manager
Judy retired on April 30 after 31 years of service.
The Board of County Commissioners recognized her
at its April 30 meeting. Commissioner Mary Bolin
Lewis highlighted all the contributions Lewellen
made to moving the transit and commuting system
forward in Brevard. Her friends and co-workers
joined together to give her a celebratory good-bye
and well wishes.
JOIN US IN WISHING
MARIE BERNARD A
HAPPY RETIREMENT
Ev Childs, South Terminal Secretary
After 11 years at Transit Services, Ev Childs
retired on May 3. She and her husband are
planning many trips to enjoy life. As the go-to
person and glue to the South Terminal,
Childs’ presence will be missed by all.
Anniversary/Retirement
Monday July 1, 2013
2 – 4 p.m.
Franklin T. DeGroodt
Memorial Library
After celebrating her 25th anniversary
with Brevard County on June 30,
Marie Bernard, Administrative Secretary at Franklin DeGroodt Library in
Palm Bay, also plans to retire effective July 5. She has been with Library
Services since 1992. Prior to that, she
was with Water/Wastewater.
Our County
Page 31
If you would like to Adopt
Contact your local animal care shelter:
North Animal Care Center:
2605 Flake Rd Titusville, FL 32796
(321) 264-5119
South Animal Care & Adoption:
5100 W Eau Gallie Blvd Melbourne, FL
32934
Page 32
Our County
EXCELLENCE IN ACTION
Jill Seale of Utility Services received the Brevard’s Best Award.
Reason for Recommendation: Since Jill accepted the position as Environmental Specialist for
Utility Services, there has been remarkable improvement in our ability to maintain compliance
with D.E.P. regulations. Jill elevated awareness by conducting numerous staff assistance visits
with our plant managers and supervisors throughout the service areas. She was directly responsible for our zero defects performance during Sanitary Survey inspections at the Barefoot Bay and
Mims Water Treatment Plants. Jill revamped our hazardous waste disposal and fuel tank inspection programs. Her hands-on approach while assisting our water and wastewater plant operators
with their regulatory issues and has been key in our transition to electronic filing of our monthly
compliance reports. These achievements prove that Jill consistently goes above and beyond, and
well-deserves this award for being Brevard’s Best.
Brian Decker of Fleet Services received an Extra Mile Award.
Reason for Recommendation: When the Parks and Recreation Department was told by the
manufacturer of a fertilizer spreader that the machine’s broken brackets could not be repaired,
Parks turned to Fleet Services Welder, Brian Decker. Brian was able to weld new brackets onto
the spreader, rending the piece of equipment “good as new”. Brian’s ability to understand the
equipment’s design and his superior welding skills, led to a quick and accurate repair. His excellent performance allowed Parks and Recreation to return the equipment to service promptly, and
avoided the expense of purchasing a replacement spreader.
Holly Abeels, Diana Doughty, Matt Lenhardt, Chuck Mahl, Nanci
Mitchell, Mel Morgan-Stowell, Sally Scalera, Sarah Schleser, Beth
Shepard, Vanessa Spero-Swingle, Joe Walter, Gayle Whitworth, and
Lisa Wishe of the UF/Brevard County Extension Service
received an Extra Mile Award.
Reason for Recommendation: The Brevard County Fair was held March 21-30, 2013. These
individuals went above and beyond their regular duties to make this event succeed. It is with
much appreciation for their dedication and service to the Brevard County Fair that made it a successful educational community event. A job well done!
Rick Schuh and Larry Cremeans of Parks and Recreation
received an Extra Mile Award.
Reason for Recommendation: Rick and Larry both returned to Rodes Park hours after they
had left for the day to repair a broken water line that had broken and was profusely spilling out
onto a softball field. Their willingness to return to their job site and remedy this situation saved
the county the possibility of a large expense by not having to repair the softball field and the surrounding grounds/buildings. Their quick thinking and dedication to their employment, by being
available and accessible, they both went the extra mile.
Our County
Page 33
Excellence in Action Winners
First Name
Last Name
Award
Department
Holly
Abeels
Extra Mile Award
Agriculture Center
Diana
Doughty
Extra Mile Award
Agriculture Center
Matt
Chuck
Lenhardt
Mahl
Extra Mile Award
Extra Mile Award
Agriculture Center
Agriculture Center
Nanci
Mitchell
Extra Mile Award
Agriculture Center
Mel
Morgan-Stowell
Extra Mile Award
Agriculture Center
Sally
Scalera
Extra Mile Award
Agriculture Center
Sarah
Schleser
Extra Mile Award
Agriculture Center
Beth
Shepard
Extra Mile Award
Agriculture Center
Vanessa
Spero-Swingle
Extra Mile Award
Agriculture Center
Joe
Walter
Extra Mile Award
Agriculture Center
Gayle
Whitworth
Extra Mile Award
Agriculture Center
Lisa
Wishe
Extra Mile Award
Agriculture Center
Holly
Abeels
Extra Mile Award
Agriculture Center
Diana
Doughty
Extra Mile Award
Agriculture Center
Matthew
Lenhardt
Extra Mile Award
Agriculture Center
Chuck
Mahl
Extra Mile Award
Agriculture Center
Melinda
Morgan-Stowell
Extra Mile Award
Agriculture Center
Sally
Scalera
Extra Mile Award
Agriculture Center
Sarah
Schleser
Extra Mile Award
Agriculture Center
Elizabeth
Shephard
Extra Mile Award
Agriculture Center
Vanessa
Spero-Swingle
Extra Mile Award
Agriculture Center
Gayle
Whitworth
Extra Mile Award
Agriculture Center
Lisa
Wishe
Extra Mile Award
Agriculture Center
John (Walmart)
Arnoldy
Extra Mile Award
Central Services
Jon
McLester
Exceptional Cooperation Award
Central Services
Brian
Decker
Extra Mile Award
Central Services
Christine
Lepore
Exceptional Cooperation Award
County Attorney's Office
Debbie
Coles
Extra Mile Award
Emergency Management
John
Scott
Extra Mile Award
Emergency Management
Lacie
Davis
Extra Mile Award
Emergency Management
Sandra
Urban
Extra Mile Award
Housing & Human Services
Mark
Williams
Extra Mile Award
Housing & Human Services
Pamela
Davis
Extra Mile Award
Housing & Human Services
Julie
Jones
Extra Mile Award
Human Resources
Jamie
Webb
Extra Mile Award
Human Resources
Alvarino
Santos
Extra Mile Award
Library Services
Cindy
Lieberman
Extra Mile Award
Natural Resources
Susan
Boorse
Extra Mile Award
Parks & Recreation
Our County
Page 34
Chena
Lessey
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Mike
Bauder
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Glen
Maloy
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Bjorn
Hansen
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Tom
Dunkerton
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Connie
Smith
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Eddie
Stephens
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Felicia
Fallen
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Nancy
Watkins
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Don
Ingram
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Rhonda
McConnell
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Susan
Pillow
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Shawn
Turner
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Jena
Czagas
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Lawrence
Hackney
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Kathy
Melvin
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Artie
Stewart
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Art
Harris
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Drew
Dugo
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Wesley
Praetorius
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Ernie
Damoth
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Nancy
Gulker
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Jim
Green
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Marti
Niemiec
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Tom
Rethke
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Tex
Loadholtz
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Tom
Kirk
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Bob
Bush
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Todd
Newhouse
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Tony
Miller
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Jerome
Cowell
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Larry
Leffingwell
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Sandra
Haas
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Sofia
Troy
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Joe
Ondo
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Nancy
Taback
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Holly
Mullen
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Steve
MacFarland
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Dave
Bowers
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Susan
Boorse
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Vicki
Radford
Winning Performance Award
Parks & Recreation
Continued….
Our County
Page 35
Mike
Herman
Extra Mile Award
Parks & Recreation
Tommy
Myers
Extra Mile Award
Parks & Recreation
Brian
Campbell
Extra Mile Award
Parks & Recreation
Sammy
Fairclough
Extra Mile Award
Parks & Recreation
Rick
Schuh
Extra Mile Award
Parks & Recreation
Larry
Cremeans
Extra Mile Award
Parks & Recreation
Mark
Engel
Extra Mile Award
Planning & Development
Mark
Engel
Pulling Together Award
Planning & Development
Brian
Lock
Pulling Together Award
Planning & Development
Sean
Donovan
Pulling Together Award
Planning & Development
Mark
Herold
Pulling Together Award
Planning & Development
Sheila
Jones
Pulling Together Award
Planning & Development
James
Foster
Extra Mile Award
Planning & Development
Tom
Sullivan
Extra Mile Award
Planning & Development
Patrick
Starkey
Extra Mile Award
Public Works
Tom
Biamonte
Extra Mile Award
Public Works
Dannel
Winnet
Pulling Together Award
Public Works
Justin
Kennedy
Pulling Together Award
Public Works
Scott
VanHekle
Pulling Together Award
Public Works
John
Bowers
Extra Mile Award
Public Works
Thad
Campos
Extra Mile Award
Public Works
Danny
Bates
Extra Mile Award
Public Works
Robert
Kirk
Pulling Together Award
Public Works
Darrell
Long
Pulling Together Award
Public Works
Scott
Bloch
Pulling Together Award
Public Works
Kelly
Tucker
Pulling Together Award
Public Works
Roy
Olsen
Pulling Together Award
Public Works
Rickey
Dix
Pulling Together Award
Public Works
Mike
Absher
Pulling Together Award
Public Works
Joe
Behanna
Pulling Together Award
Public Works
George
Clark
Pulling Together Award
Public Works
Connie
Durand
Pulling Together Award
Public Works
Kevin
Rodriquez
Pulling Together Award
Public Works
Bill
Webster
Pulling Together Award
Public Works
Joseph
Howell
Extra Mile Award
Solid Waste
Joseph
Howell
Extra Mile Award
Solid Waste
Joseph
Giovelli
Extra Mile Award
Solid Waste
Billy
Cummings
Extra Mile Award
Solid Waste
Mark
Grove
Extra Mile Award
Solid Waste
Joseph
Chagnon
Extra Mile Award
Transit Services
Our County
Page 36
Barbara
Hoch
Extra Mile Award
Utility Services
Chris
Leitch
Extra Mile Award
Utility Services
Guy
Spring
Extra Mile Award
Utility Services
Kenny
Kratochvil
Extra Mile Award
Utility Services
Robert
Harrison
Extra Mile Award
Utility Services
Bill
Colucci
Extra Mile Award
Utility Services
Mark
Lange
Extra Mile Award
Utility Services
Stan
Sircello
Extra Mile Award
Utility Services
Anthony
Roberson
Extra Mile Award
Utility Services
Jorge
Medina
Extra Mile Award
Utility Services
Chris
Billias
Extra Mile Award
Utility Services
Steve
Gunn
Extra Mile Award
Utility Services
Gordon
Mark
Bright Idea Award
Utility Services
Jill
Seale
Brevard's Best
Utility Services
Terry
Kuscsik
Extra Mile Award
Utility Services
Michael
Havet
Extra Mile Award
Utility Services
Mark
Dowe
Extra Mile Award
Utility Services
Kevin
Tilton
Extra Mile Award
Utility Services
Daniel
Romano
Extra Mile Award
Utility Services
More Excellence In Action Highlights
Sheila Jones of Planning and Development
received a Pulling Together Award.
Reason for Recommendation: Sheila is very consistent with helping the Permit Techs whenever and
wherever needed. When asked, she never hesitates to answer phones when we are shorthanded.
Although Sheila is not an immediate supervisor, whenever we have questions, she gives us the answers or guides us in the right direction. When Accela (a software program) goes down, Sheila always
goes above and beyond her own duties to make sure Permit Tech goals or backups are done and
Joseph Howell, Joseph Giovelli, Billy Cummings and Mark Grove of Solid
Waste
received an Extra Mile Award.
Reason for Recommendation: An in-house competition was held at the Solid Waste Central Disposal
Facility and the above employees proved to have exceptional skills in operating and driving equipment.
On April 12, 2013 the selected employees competed and represented Brevard County Solid Waste at
the SWANA Florida Sunshine Chapter, Battle on the Bay Equipment and Truck Road-E-O held in Pinellas County Florida. I would like to commend these individuals for their outstanding performance and
their ability to reflect the vast talents of a Brevard County Employee.
Our County
Page 37
Brevard CTST holds Public Outreach Event
By Tracy Cafiero
Public Works
A Community Traffic Safety Team is comprised of local Engineers, Law Enforcement,
Emergency Services Personnel, Spill Response companies, Education Specialists and Traffic Safety Advocates from the Public and
Private sectors. The team utilizes a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates the
four E’s of Traffic Safety: Engineering; Enforcement; Education; Emergency Services.
The Brevard County CTST is
currently chaired by John Znorowski with the City of Titusville, co-chair is Tracy Cafiero
with Brevard County Public
Works-Traffic Operations Program, members from the City
of Melbourne, the City of Palm
Bay, Kim Smith, Georganna
Gillette and Steven Bostel with
the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization,
local and State Law Enforcement personnel, Florida Department of Health, Florida
Environmental Protection Agency, Florida Department of Transportation and Public Works Departments
from several local municipalities. There are 69 CTST Teams in Florida. Brevard County is a member of
the District #5 CTST, which includes nine other Counties.
Each CTST Team is unique in that the members focus on issues specific to their community. The Teams
meet monthly to discuss safety issues and problem areas, create workable, cost-effective solutions and
discuss venues for Public Outreach and Safety Campaign Awareness locally.
The Brevard County CTST held a Public Outreach Event at the Family Friday Fest in beautiful downtown
Melbourne. This was our “maiden” event and it was a terrific success! We handed out many Safety
Campaign Awareness items, which included reflective Zipper Pulls for jackets and backpacks, Bicycle
Safety coloring and comic books, Florida Driver’s handbooks, pencils, rulers, temporary tattoos,
bumper stickers and many other items. Of course the “Big Hit” of the evening was the Impaired Driver
Goggles! We had three sets, each had a different measurement of impairment, so most folks started
with the weakest (below the legal limit of .08) and worked their way up to the “most” impaired (twice
the legal limit .17) set of goggles. Everyone tried the goggles, from 5 year olds to 80 + year olds. As
the evening wore on, we began to have participants actually do the “field sobriety” walk, hands at your
side, heel to toe down the white line. Hardly anyone was successful, though a few of the young folks
managed fairly well with the goggles. But we felt certain that everyone got the “message,” Don’t Drink
and Drive, DUI - Decide Before You Drive.
We are looking for upcoming opportunities to continue our Public Outreach and bring Traffic, Bicycle and
Pedestrian Safety Awareness to all Brevard County citizens. Please watch for pedestrians in crosswalks
and remember there is a new law banning texting while driving. Please hang up and drive.
Safe travels fellow citizens!
Brevard County CTST 2013
Our County
Our County
Page 38
Leadercast 2013
On May 10, the Executive Leadership Institute, in partnership with Brevard Community College Foundation and LEAD Brevard, hosted the second annual live simulcast
of Chick-fil-A Leadercast 2013 at the
Bernard Simpkins
Fine Arts Center, on
the BCC Cocoa campus.
The event was emceed by Howard Tipton, County Manager. The Viera
Chick-fil-A provided
a catered lunch,
with the world famous Cow making a
special appearance.
Barnes & Noble
hosted an on-site
book fair featuring a
variety of leadership
authors.
Nearly 220 attendees from
throughout Brevard heard a
diverse group of internationallyacclaimed authors, leadership
experts, and practitioners share
insights on how to SIMPLY
LEAD… Strengthen your leadership by simplifying your life.
Speakers included Jack Welch,
Former Chairman and CEO of
General Electric; John Maxwell,
leadership expert and bestselling author; Mike Krzyzewski,
head men’s basketball coach,
Duke University and Team USA; LCDR Rorke Denver, Navy SEAL and star of the 2012 movie Act of
Valor; and Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of State
(2005-2009.)
This inspiring training was an amazing opportunity to network with other organizational and local
leaders while hearing some of the nation’s most
renowned mentors and innovators, as we continue to “Inspire Leaders, Unleash Talent, and
Reach for New Heights” within Brevard County.
Mark your calendars for May 9, 2014, for
Leadercast 2014!
Photos by Rich Ataman.
Submit Articles/Photos/
Info to:
Don Walker
SCGTV/Communications
Viera C-207 or MS#83
Phone: 321.690.6843
Fax: 321.617.7214
Don.walker@brevardcounty.us