Sea turtles are ancient creatures having existed 120 million years ago – coexisting with the dinosaurs. Today only seven species of sea turtles remain and each of them are classified as either threatened or endangered. Satellite Beach waters are home to four of the seven – the Loggerhead, Green, Leatherback, and occasionally the Kemp’s Ridley. All of whom nest on our beaches.

Sea turtle nesting season is from March 1st – Oct 31st. The first part of the season you may see a female crawl up on the beach to lay eggs – up to 120 per clutch! While the latter part of the season you may see hatchlings making their way to the ocean. In an effort to protect the nesting female sea turtles and the hatchlings, the City of Satellite Beach has a Sea Turtle Nesting and Lighting Ordinance (No. 1210). This requires that lights visible from our beaches be turned off or appropriately covered from 9 pm to 7 am. The lighting restrictions also mean there should be no flashlights, cell phones, flash photography or any other form of artificial lights used on the beach at night.

Do you want to do your part to help the sea turtles? Here are a few ways you can help: turn off or cover any lights visible from the beach; remove all trash and beach toys when you leave; fill in any holes in the sand; Do NOT touch or disturb turtles, nests, or hatchlings – it is illegal; observe nesting females from a distance and do not block her return to the ocean; skip the straw at restaurants or bars; pack groceries in reusable bags, bypass plastic carryout bags whenever possible; invest in a reusable water bottle; and do not deliberately release balloons in coastal regions. If you see a turtle in distress, injured, or deceased please report by calling FWC wildlife alert hotline at 1-888-404-3922.

There are only a handful of places around the world where sea turtles nest and we are fortunate enough to live in one of them. They are one of the unique treasures that define this place we all call home.

VICTORY CASINO CRUISE
August 13, 2024 Cost: $42 per person Meet at the DRS Center for boarding by 9:45am. Leave DRS Center at 10am SHARP. Arrive at Victory Casino Cruise port at 10:30am. Departing Victory Casino Cruise port at 4pm SHARP. Each Person Will Receive $20 FREEPLAY. Price also includes $10 toward lunch, ship boarding and transportation. Deadline for Sign-up is July 23, 2024

HARD ROCK CAFE TAMPA
October 17, 2024 Cost: $47 per person Seminole Hard Rock Tampa has 245,000 square-feet of gaming space to amp up your fun. The property also showcases some of the greatest pieces of Hard Rock music memorabilia. All restaurants are smoke free. Please bring a valid id with you. Deadline for sign up is September 26, 2024.

ST. AUGUSTINE NIGHT OF LIGHTS
December 16, 2024 Cost: $75 per person Our first stop is the San Sabastian winery. The winery ranks as one of Florida’s premium wineries. Enjoy a complimentary Wine Tour and Wine Tasting. On to St. Augustine’s Night of Lights featuring millions of tiny white lights that create a magical atmosphere in the Nation’s Oldest City and has been listed among the top ten holiday light displays in the world. We have reservations for lunch at 12:30 at “The Columbia” restaurant. Lunch is On Your Own. Free time after lunch to explore the city. At 6:00 p.m. we will board the Ripley’s Red Train for a tour of the beautiful city lights.

LAKERIDGE WINERY
September 21, 2024 Cost: $42 per person Join us for a lunch (on your own) at Carrabba’s Italian Grill. After lunch it’s off to Lakeridge Winery to enjoy the expansive vineyard green, the wine shop, live entertainment, and of course your favorite Lakeridge wines by the glass at the outdoor bar. A complementary wine tour is offered. Deadline for sign up is August 28, 2024.

ORLANDO PREMIUM OUTLETS
November 7, 2024 Cost: $37 per person Are you ready for holiday shopping? The Orlando Premium Outlets is Florida’s largest and most unique shopping destination. The center is home to more than 180 designer and name-brand outlet stores. The mix of designer and exclusive-to-market retail makes for a must see shopping experience. Lunch is on your own. Deadline for Sign-up is October 17, 2024

Checks are made payable to 55+ Club. Payments and registration can be made at the DRS Community Center. Cancellations must be made 72 hours (3 days) in advance to receive a refund. For questions call: Audria Tatken 443-257-6263.

Less than a mile north of the DRS Center on South Patrick you will find the Brevard Association for the Advancement of the Blind. (BAAB)

Incorporated in 1966 BAAB provides services for people who are visually impaired, blind and legally blind. Our vision may become impaired as we age, just another thing for us to deal with in our golden years!

BAAB is there to help! They offer a Program for Independent Living (PIL) where they teach the visually challenged how to cope with every day chores so they may lead an independent, fulfilling life. They also record magazines for the Library of Congress’ National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled.

BAAB is always looking for volunteers especially people with grant writing skills or to assist with their annual fund raisers, Sprint for Sight and Light Among the Shadows. This organization offers a much needed service for so many, please check them out; you may find it to be a win/win situation.

Maureen Groome at BAAB: 321-773-7222 For more information, contact Jill: 321-773- 2080 or [email protected]

Animal Lovers, say “Hello” to Cox Farms. Located at 4280 Carolwood Drive, Melbourne, this family run farm is home to many rescue animals including goats, pigs, guinea pigs, horses, ducks, chickens even a cow named Maybelle. So often people think they would like a different pet; something other than a cat, dog or bird. But it usually doesn’t take long before the novelty passes and they realize its hard work!

Cox Farms provides a loving, safe environment for these rescue pets but they could use some help; dinner time gets expensive when you have a house full of guests. There is a table out front for the public to drop off much needed supplies (pet food, carrots, apples, fruit without pits, romaine lettuce, corn etc.). They’ll also take leftovers; the pigs are not picky eaters! If you have a few extra hours a month to help lighten their workload, that would be great also.

Cox Farms offers pony rides for children’s Birthday parties, plus they take some of their animals to nursing homes to meet our local seniors.

Visiting Cox Farms is an interesting and fun experience, stop by sometime and check them out. They always need volunteer help to care for the animals or handymen to maintain their enclosures. Meet their beautiful animals and bring them an approved treat. You will feel good and it will make you smile!

For more information, contact Jill: 321-773- 2080 or [email protected]

Health Plan Marketplace
1127 S. Partick Drive, Satellite Beach
321-543-3495

As I think a little bit about myself, my family and my environment, I realize what a great impact living in Satellite Beach for 50 years has had. I can’t think of a better place I would rather be to raise my family and run my businesses. I was born in Buffalo, NY and when I was 11 my father got us away from the snow. We moved to Huntington Beach, California where I spent my teen years, through High School, Junior College and finally getting drafted into the Army from 1970-1972. After my service in the Army as a Medic, I soon met my first wife who had lived in Satellite Beach in her past and before too long we loaded up our 1966 VW Bus headed to Florida. I have three grown children who all graduated from Satellite Beach High, and I have four grandchildren who all live close by.

In 1973 when we moved here, I had prior experience as a Volkswagen mechanic and medic training in the Army. I applied for a job at Holmes Regional and the Foreign Car Clinic in Melbourne. FCC called me first and I had my first Florida job. In 1979 I went back to College and Graduated from Rollins College Patrick Air Force Base extension in 1982 with a degree in Business/Accounting. I purchased the shop in 1983 and am still involved there today. As the shop owner over the years, I managed to serve as: Melbourne Chamber of Commerce Board Member, Better Business Council President, Brevard County Automotive Service Association President, Florida Lemon Law Arbitration Board Technical Member, Bosch Automotive Master Technician.

In 2012 I studied and received my Florida Insurance License and have concentrated my practice to providing Health Insurance to those individuals under 65 and folks over 65 on Medicare. I have had my office at 1127 South Patrick Drive now for many years.

I am currently serving as Treasurer of the AARP Chapter 1413 of Satellite beach. I attend Calvary Chapel of Melbourne, am a member of Satellite Beach Moose Lodge 2367, Melbourne Viera Gideons International and the American Legion. I enjoy traveling, golfing, playing pickleball and spending time with my grandkids. If I can ever be of service to you, please let me know. I hope you have a great day!