Table of Contents

What's Happening in Titusville? Here are the newest updates for what's going on in town.

• New & Continued Projects - Page 1
• Feature Stories - Page 6
• Hometown Spotlight- Pg. 6 - Son of Titusville
  • Son of Titusville went on to become top Orthopaedic surgeon, inventor
• Fun for All - Pg. 7
  • Citizens and Local Charity Brings Plans for an All-Inclusive Park to City Council!
• A Valiant Mission- Pg. 9
  • Warbird Museum seeks expansion as visitors increase, more planes arrive.
• Forging Ahead- Pg. 13
  • City officials, staff work to keep things running as the world is put on pause.
• City Gov News - Pg. 11
• Completed & Open - Pg. 16

United States Census 2020 - The census is mandated by the U.S. Constitution in Article 1, Section 2: The U.S. has counted its population every 10 years since 1790. It helps shape many different aspects of your community. Census results help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states and communities each year. The results determine how many seats in Congress each state gets. Everyone is counted. Now, for the first time ever, you can choose to respond online, by phone, or by mail. Respond today! 2020Census.gov

Talking Points Staff

Jim Thomas - Managing Editor

Kurtis Korwan and Shane Daily -  Layout/Design/Photojournalism

City of Titusville Social Media

Facebook - CityOfTitusville

Twitter - @Titusville

Instagram - @CityOfTitusville

Youtube - CityOfTitusville

New & Continued Projects (Page 1)

Titusville Point - A site permit has been issued for a master plan which includes: utilities,drive aisles, landscaping and other site related infrastructure located at the corner of State Road 405 and Cheney Highway. The proposed site plan includes three commercial buildings that are currently under review – Discount Tire, Cumberland Farms and Aspen Dental.

Aspen Dental - Site plans are under review for a 3,750-square-foot retail store locatedat the corner of State Road 405 and Cheney Highway.

Discount Tire - Site plans are under review for a 7,680-square-foot retail store located at the corner of State Road 405 and Cheney Highway.

Cumberland Farms - Titusville Point - Site plans have been approved for a retail gasoline store located at the corner of SR 405 and SR 50.

Hope Hammock - A site plan is under review for a 9-unit multi-family development to be located at northwest corner of Palmetto St. and South Brown Ave.

Merritt Precision Manufacturing - Site plans are under review for a 32,176-square-foot manufacturing building located in the 1500-block of Armstrong Drive. Merritt Precision was recently acquired by Orlando-based Correct Craft, maker of power boats and other water craft.

New & Continued Projects - Page 2

Community Credit Union - Construction is moving forward at a quick pace on a 4,100-squarefoot bank located at the former Wendy’s restaurant site at 2455 S. Washington Avenue, across from Titus Landing.

Life Storage Expansion - Site and building construction continues for an expansion of the existing storage business located at 1903 Garden Street. The scope of work included the demolition of two existing one-story buildings and construction of one three-story building, consisting of indoor storage units.

River Palms - Site and building construction continues for 100-residential condominium units within two buildings with associated amenities located at 1805 Riverside Drive.

South Carpenter Estates - Site and home construction is nearing completion for a 70-lot singlefamily home subdivision located west of I-95, north of Fox Lake Road

Let's Roll Space Coast - Work is still underway to convert a portion of the former Publix store location on Garden Street into a new roller skating rink.

Popeye's - Site plans have been approved for a 2,503-square-foot restaurant at
the southeast corner of State Road 50 and Helen Hauser Boulevard.

New & Continued Projects - Page 3

Courtyard by Marriott - Site and building construction continues for a 152-room, five-story hotel with an open deck on the roof, located at 6225 Riverfront Center Boulevard.

Park Preserve - Site construction is complete and several homes are under construction for a 39-lot single-family home subdivision located at the southeast corner of Knox McRae Drive and S. Park Avenue.

Extended Stay Hotel - Site and building construction continues on a 124-unit, four-story hotel located at the southern terminus of Helen Hauser Boulevard, adjacent to the new Durango’s restaurant.

Fox Lake Hammock - Engineering plans have been approved for a 62-lot single-family home subdivision located east of South Street, north of Fox Lake Road.

Salsa's Restaurant -  Interior buildout continues for the Salsa’s Mexican Restaurant at Titus Landing, adjacent to EPIC Theatre. Once open, the restaurant will join the list of eight other Salsa’s establishments throughout Florida.

Cosmic Creamery - Titus Landing - Interior build-out continues on the new ice cream shop located in Titus Landing, just west of Ulta Beauty.

New & Continued Projects - Page 4

Hyatt Hotel - Site and building construction is nearing completion on a 119 unit hotel and a 2-story office/retail building at the corner of US 1 and Riverfront Center Boulevard (formerly Vectorspace Boulevard)

Forest Trace - Site construction is complete for a 133-lot subdivision located on Sisson Road just south of San Mateo Boulevard. Several homes have obtained Certificates of Occupancy and several homes are under construction.

Beachwave - Site and building construction continues for a 16,800-square-foot commercial plaza that includes a retail store, restaurant and second floor open-air tiki bar and observation deck located at the southwest corner of Garden Street and Indian River Avenue.

Brooks Landing Subdivision - A sketch plat is under review for a 143-lot single-family home subdivision located north of Jay Jay Road and west of Hammock Road.

Launch Now - Structural repairs, framing, and floor work has been completed. Rough plumbing has started. The owners are waiting on approval from the National Park Service to have a food court on the ground floor of the old Walker Hotel building.

A Green City

The City of Titusville was presented with the “Silver” level certification under the Florida Green Building Coalition’s (FGBC) Local Green Government designation program.

The Mayor, City Council and Administration are very proud to receive this achievement which demonstrates the city’s commitment to protect and conserve the community’s natural resources, enhance the efficiency of government thus reducing the cost to taxpayers, and raise public awareness about the benefits of environmental stewardship.

This is the first time Titusville has earned the Green Local Government designation. In this first application cycle, the City achieved 34.04 percent of its 329 applicable points earning

its certification in a “Silver” level. The FGBC Green Local Government Standard recognizes Green Cities and Green Counties for their outstanding environmental stewardship.

New & Continued Projects - Page 5

CRA Updates - Sidewalk work is scheduled to commence this summer on Lemon Avenue and Broad Street. Also to begin is street resurfacing of Pine Street west of Hopkins Avenue, Orange Street west of Hopkins Avenue, and Lemon Avenue.

The hanging flower baskets removed from downtown lamp posts along Hopkins and Washington Avenues between South Street and Garden Street, prior to Hurricane Dorian, will be rehung this quarter.

Landscaping improvements are being done at the Commons Parking Lot. Landscape improvements on Washington Avenue and Hopkins Avenue between South Street and Grace Street are proposed to take place this summer.

The CRA FY2021 budget proposes funding to assist in the repair of old sewer lines in the CRA to protect the Indian River Lagoon; continue to provide grants for building improvements; and continue to repair and install sidewalks in the CRA.

Special Events Permits - The City Code of Ordinances requires that applications for special events be submitted to the city no less than 60 days prior to the event. This allows adequate time for the city to coordinate with Florida Department of Transportation if a state road is to be closed for the event; and with the police, fire, public works and building department staff to ensure requested city services are available. For questions about special event permitting, please call the Community Development Department at 321-567-3760.

Featured Story - Hometown Spotlight - Dr. J Dean Cole, MD - Page 6

Astronaut grad went on to be top orthopaedic surgeon in Central Florida, and invented multiple surgical devices.

For many years, Dr. J. Dean Cole, MD, has made a name for himself as an orthopedic surgeon in Central Florida, but his story started right here in Titusville.

Dr. Cole graduated from Astronaut High School in 1974 and went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida and his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of South Florida, College of Medicine in Tampa, Florida. He completed his Residency at the University of South Florida before finishing his Fellowship in Orthopedic Traumatology at the University of Texas Medical School.

In 1987, Dr. Cole was appointed Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery, Division of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Texas Medical School. Dr. Cole returned to Florida in 1989 to begin work with Matthews Orthopedic Clinic before entering into private practice in 1997.

Dr. Cole’s career spans over 25 years, and Orlando Business Journal once dubbed him, “the busiest orthopedic surgeon in Central Florida.” For 15 years, he performed surgeries and was affiliated with Orlando Regional Healthcare. However, in 2004, he moved his practice and patients to Florida Hospital, where he began heading up the brand new Fracture Care Center. Now named the AdventHealth Orlando Orthopedic Institute Fracture Care Center, Dr. Cole still leads the department and is nationally recognized as a leader in orthopedic traumatology.

According to his biography on the AdventHealth website, Dr. Cole’s reputation is built on skill, dedication to excellence, commitment to quality patient care, innovation, and a contribution to advancing orthopedic medicine. He is also well-loved by many of his patients — made evident by a Facebook page created by fans of the doctor, where they share countless stories of how he helped them recover from some very serious injuries.

It is not uncommon to find comments such as, “Best Ortho in the World!” and, “he literally gave me back my life,” on the message board.

According to AdventHealth, Dr. Cole is the driving force behind the Institute’s ongoing success. His experience and talents have built the reputation of the Institute and made it a destination for the treatment of complex orthopedic injuries and conditions.

Dr. Cole is also well known for his approach to complex procedures, such as deformity correction, bone infection (osteomyelitis) treatment, calcaneus fractures and nonunion/malunions. He has pioneered the minimally invasive approach to treating orthopedic trauma.

As if being a first-class surgeon isn’t enough, Dr. Cole is also an accomplished medical author and inventor, with a multitude of groundbreaking medical devices credited to him. His inventions have gone on to enhance surgery and promote successful outcomes. His medical works have been published in more than two dozen medical journals, reviews and academic periodicals. His accomplishments also include his highly successful national and international lectures on topics ranging from his devices, inventions, and patents to breakthrough orthopedic procedures. Dr. Cole has held leadership positions in numerous professional societies, orthopedic and medical organizations.

The contributions he’s made to patient’s lives and the medical community over the years are something that everyone in Titusville can be proud of. Be sure to check out future issues of Titusville Talking Points, where we will spotlight other hometown success stories and local heroes.

Featured Story - Destination: Possible - Page 7

Community groups plan to build a playground that’s accessible to all.

Back on January 14, 2020, local parents, residents, and the local non-profit organization Worthy Works came together at the Community Redevelopment Agency meeting and City Council meeting to propose the construction of an “all-abilities” playground within Sand Point Park. The name of the project: Destination Possible Playground.

All-Abilities playgrounds are spaces designed to provide inclusive play opportunities for children of all ages and capabilities, to promote the healthy development of physical, social, cognitive and sensory abilities.

“For years there have been conversations in our community about the need in Brevard County for parks that include equipment suitable for children of any age and ability to be able to play shoulder to shoulder with one another,” wrote Ann Burton on her Facebook page. Ann is one of the lead figures driving this community project, along with Matt Hudson, and Larry Donovan of Worthy Works. “We have dreamt of an all-inclusive playground where children or adults with developmental disabilities from any place on the spectrum of ability, as well as children using wheelchairs or other assisted equipment, can share the joys of childhood together.”

Partnering with Playgrounds by Leathers, an Ithaca, New York-based company with an office in Jupiter, Florida, organizers for the project have been working with city staff and officials from North Brevard Parks and Recreation to move the project forward. Their intention is to build an entire playground that will integrate not only ADA-compliant amenities, but fun-filled, safe, appropriate equipment that will include pieces which allow wheelchair accessibility. Included in the plan are sensory integration pieces for children on the Autism spectrum, or any child with Sensory Processing Disorder, as well as full-size safety swings, ramps and much more.

The Playgrounds by Leathers process includes getting design ideas straight from children in the community. They go to area schools for a “design day” and ask what the children want to see and do in the park. The children often submit drawings and other creative ideas to the design team, who then turns as many as they can into construction schematics and engineering drawings. Using their rough schematics, the company gets feedback from the community to create the final design plans. Combined with art from local artists and professional designers, the entire playground is centered around specific themes; and with this being the Space Coast, the theme for the park will of course be space.

At the CRA meeting in January, Burton spoke about the driving force of the project, “Who really makes this possible? Well, you do, we do, the community does,” she said. “This is a community-driven project.”

Matt Hudson, project manager for Destination Possible Playground explained what a playground like this means to people, saying, “I grew up disabled, and never had a playground like this.”

“There were many, many days where I sat at the entrance of playgrounds and I watched kids play on all of these structures. I was never able to play.” Hudson continued, describing that many children often get left out of everyday fun activities due to disability. He went on to say that there is nothing more he wants than to make this playground a reality, stating, “Every child that is disabled should be able to come to this playground and play alongside every other child. It would mean more to them than most people can imagine.”

“This park is not for that kid, or that kid. It’s for every kid,” said Larry Donovan of Worthy Works. “I’m talking from my heart. This is important.”

The budget for the project was estimated at $750,000, according to Donovan. Funds for the design and construction are being raised through charity fundraisers and civic groups, similar to how the splash pad development was managed. The project organizers are also looking at grants and other programs available, as well as possible donations from local aerospace companies SpaceX and Blue Origin, in order to increase the budget, thus growing the playground to be even more spectacular.

“I’m going for NASA, I’m going for any company that’s out there, and have them help us. Because we don’t get any money in this community from the 1.6 million visitors that come through here [to Kennedy Space Center],” exclaimed Donovan. “This is another thing making them stop, and have their kids have a great time. And we’re looking for, like, rocket ships and just a crazy, crazy, crazy park.”

Aside from volunteer fundraising, there will also be a community-build week, where volunteers from the community can come together to help construct the playground — regardless of skill level — under the guidance and supervision of skilled consultants and construction personnel.

“I’m excited,” said Vice Mayor Dan Diesel as he offered his support at the CRA meeting. “I can’t wait to get out there and see them work and see them play.”

“I think this will be a good thing,” exclaimed Council Member Robert Jordan during the City Council meeting. “These parents drive a long distance in order for them to have their kids entertained with space, and they need to be able to move. All kids.” He continued, “I think this is a great project. So, I really appreciate you all coming forward and asking for us to agree with this.”

Thunderous applause erupted in the chamber when City Council unanimously approved the project.

The project is estimated to take about a year, according to the timeline established by Playgrounds by Leathers. The location for the playground will be adjacent to the existing playground equipment and splash pad at Sand Point. Once constructed, North Brevard Parks and Recreation will be providing the maintenance of the equipment.

For more information or to follow the progress of Destination Possible Playground at Sand Point Park, go to www.facebook.com/WorthyWorksFL.

Featured Story - Taking Flight - Page 9

For the past 33 years, the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum has grown to become a captivating landmark and tourist destination right here in Titusville. Located at the Space Coast Regional Airport, the Valiant Air Command is a 501c(3) educational organization dedicated to the preservation of, education about and commemoration of Warbirds from all eras and the men and women who flew, maintained and fought in them.

The museum attracts thousands of visitors a year, who come to see the world class aircraft restorations and exceptional collection of military aircraft, some of which can only be found here. In addition to its assortment of historic aircraft, the museum also hosts several special events a year, including weddings, luncheons, and tours. The biggest of these events, the annual Space Coast Warbird Airshow, occurs in the spring every year and draws thousands to see a spectacular array of planes, warbirds, and helicopters, with special presentations, aerial displays, and a chance to ride in several of the aircrafts.

Now in their 43rd year, the Valiant Air Command is looking to expand their facility to better accommodate their growing amount of visitors and aircraft. The four-phase project includes increased parking, an air-conditioned event facility, and a small restaurant. To make a donation or to read more about the Warbird Museum, company, or airshow, visit ValiantAirCommand.com.

Expansion Plans

PHASE ONE: Expansion feasibility will be determined by seeking various permits covering the proposed conceptual plan. Permitting, at best, is a convoluted process. However, our plan is to have Architectural site plans drawn to seek permits covering the scope of the total project to ensure the ability to execute the entire project. Estimated cost: $49,757. Permit feasibility completed.

PHASE TWO: Addition of a concrete apron and a new connector. The new concrete apron will be 300’ X 428’. Prior to pouring the pad, all stormwater drains and stormwater pond issues will be engineered and completed to encompass the total scope of work proposed. This will ensure the ability to add parking, other buildings and a new road connecting to the expansion project from Tico Road. Estimated cost: $1,179,000.

PHASE THREE: The addition of a 140’X 160’ air-conditioned event facility w/16’ ceiling directly East of the Vietnam hangar to accommodate unique events and hangar some aircraft. This building will accommodate up to 500 people with sufficient electrical power for stage lighting, projection, sound equipment, and a small food service kitchen with sufficient cooking equipment to support a limited menu restaurant and allow event caterers to prep food items. At this phase, we anticipate adding additional parking and the new service road shown in the attached exhibit. Estimated cost $1,984,000.

PHASE FOUR: Two 25’ high hangars each 120’ X 180’. These hangars will be built to house additional flying and static aircraft from the armed services and other sources. We have been turning down aircraft offerings due to current space limitations. Our decision to add an event facility before new hangars are predicated on the number of event bookings we have had the past two years and those that are already on the books for next year. We have become an event destination with repeat bookings. Estimated cost $1,154,000 each.

VALIANT AIR COMMAND, INC.

From the desk of the Commander

Website: www.valiantaircommand.com Email: Commander@valiantaircommand.com

Help Us Expand Our Warbird Museum

Since opening in 1987, the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum has annually averaged over 14,000 visitors from around the world. This aviation educational institution is well respected in the community offering group tours and providing special events throughout the year. Through the past efforts of many donors, a Restoration Hangar and a Vietnam Hangar have been added to our original main building and now displays over 50 vintage warbirds and thousands of artifacts. A robust STEM program has been established for students in our surrounding area offering "hands on" learning experiences.

This brings me to the subject of our letter. To put it bluntly, we have outgrown our current facilities. Now in our 43rd year, the Valiant Air Command is undertaking our largest expansion ever to give us the ability to accept additional aircraft and artifacts. This expansion will provide a large new aircraft parking apron with much needed visitor parking, and a new climate controlled Aircraft display hangar that doubles a a modern convention/events center with a food prep kitchen/small restaurant. Our expansion will occur over several phases as shown on the attached drawing. Phase 1 has been completed. To implement phases 2 and 3, we are launching a $3.2 million fundraising campaign. 

We are eligible for "matching dollars" from the State of Florida. We have never had to raise funds of this magnitude before. However, with the generosity of our supporters this expansion will provide a world-class military aviation museum for future generations. The Valiant air Command is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and donations are fully deductible as a charitable donation as provided by law.

We cannot go forward without generous donations, so I am asking you and all military aviation supporters and veterans to make sure the Warbird museum continues to serve the public in the years ahead. Attached is a pledge commitment form. I hope we can count on adding your name to this honor roll. As an honor roll member, your name will be included in a commemorative leather book that will be placed on permanent display at the entrance of the new convention/events center.

NORM DANIELS, Commander

BOB BOSWELL, Executive Director

City Gov News - Page 11

Interactive Map of Land Use, Zoning and Developments

Are you curious about a new development or project in your area? Did you know the City maintains an inventory of proposed developments in a series of interactive online maps?

Since 2017, the City of Titusville has maintained online maps of zoning, development proposals and public projects. These include requests to develop a new subdivision, changes to a property’s zoning district and capital improvement projects. For the location of land use and zoning applications and proposed developments visit the City’s online GIS Maps portal. For more information contact Mark Jones at Mark.Jones@titusville.com or (321) 567-3782.

City of Titusville’s new payment service offers more online payment choices for customers

**Current bank drafting information will be deleted from customer accounts on May 1, 2020. Please re-enroll at www.titusville.com through our online portal**

To provide utility customers with easy access to make payments and more payment options, City of Titusville Customer Service Division has implemented an advanced electronic billing and payment solution. Online account access and payments were previously offered, but now customers can choose to pay with electronic check or a credit or debit card and additionally gain the ability to pay by phone or text message.

The new service brings a user-friendly online payment portal enabling customers to view and pay bills, schedule one-time and automatic payments, securely store payment information for later use, review up to 24 months of past bills (as they become available), and enroll in paperless billing. Email notifications are sent when the bill is ready to view, just before the due date and when a scheduled payment is pending. Creating an account is recommended, however, it is not necessary to view bills and make a payment.

The pay by phone option is available 24/7 and is a quick alternative for customers who may not be interested in going online. Customers can simply call 321-383-5791 anytime, enter their account information and follow the prompts to make a payment or get their latest account balance.

With Pay by Text, customers can stay informed by receiving text notifications about their bill and additionally have the option to respond via text message to make a payment using their default payment method. Customers can enroll in Pay by Text when making an online payment or within their online account.

Service convenience fees are as follows: credit/debit card fee $2.75, one-time ACH fee $2.75, recurring monthly ACH fee $0.35.

Visit www.titusville.com for more information and to access the payment portal.

Don't Flush That!

Wipes and paper towels should not be flushed down the toilet. Why? The answer is simple; they do not break down like toilet paper. Even wipes marked as flushable, should not be flushed.

Wipes are cloth-like. They are kept moist and have many uses. Some are used for wiping babies’ bottoms, some for removing makeup from our faces, and some to sanitize surfaces. They don’t fall apart when wet. Paper towels are designed for wiping up spills and cleaning. They are also designed to not fall apart when wet. Toilet paper on the other hand, is specifically designed to disintegrate in water.

Once flushed, wipes and paper towels can clog your sewer line. A clogged sewer line can keep you from using showers, toilets, and sinks and can mean raw sewage can flow back into your home. Backups can be both disgusting and costly to repair.

Wipes and paper towels can also cause clogs in the city’s sewerage system--affecting lines, pumps, and other machinery. When wipes and paper towels build up and cause a clog in the collection system or cause a pump to break down, backups and overflows can result. They are costly to repair and can interrupt service. Wipes and paper towels that make it through to the wastewater treatment plants can cause problems there, too, clogging screens and pumps and leading to increases in repair and maintenance costs.

All wipes, whether they are labeled as flushable or not, and paper towels should be placed in the trash, not the toilet. The only paper product that should ever be flushed is toilet tissue.

City Gov News - Page 12 - Health of the Lagoon

Indian River Lagoon Restoration

In order to restore the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), we need to reduce the amount of pollutants that enter it. Pollutant reduction is achieved by reducing the sources of pollutants, as well as reducing the amount of pollutants. Reclaimed water use is directly tied to these pollution reduction efforts.

Excess irrigation with reclaimed or any type of water negatively impacts the health of the Indian River Lagoon because it causes runoff. Water running off of yards transports pollutants such as fertilizers, grass clippings, and pet waste. When runoff flows over driveways, streets and other impervious areas, it can also pick up oil, gas, and garbage. This toxic brew then flows into the stormwater system and ultimately into the Indian River Lagoon. Once in the lagoon, it can smother sea grass and overload the lagoon with nutrients. This overload leads to algae blooms and their subsequent decay that rob the water of oxygen, killing plants, fish, and wildlife.

Runoff caused by excess irrigation with reclaimed water has a greater impact than most other water sources because reclaimed water frequently contains a measurable percentage of both nitrogen and phosphorus. These two nutrients contribute to algal growth in water bodies.

When you over-irrigate with reclaimed water, plants cannot uptake the nitrogen and phosphorus in the reclaimed water because either the excess flow has pushed the nutrients past the root zone or because the plant has already maximized the amount of nutrients it can process. The nutrient-rich reclaimed water then moves through the soil where it contributes to the groundwater flow. The groundwater, in turn, passes on these nutrients when it recharges surface water bodies, such as ditches, canals, ponds, and the Indian River Lagoon.

The Save Our Indian River Lagoon (SOIRL) Project Plan includes upgrading wastewater treatment facilities--the source for reclaimed water. The upgrades are designed to reduce the level of nutrients in the treated effluent (reclaimed water) produced by the facilities. Titusville’s Osprey Water Reclamation Plant was originally granted $8 million dollars for upgrades. Recently, the original amount has been increased by $1.3 million for a total of $9.3 million for the upgrades.

Save Our Indian River Lagoon Program Update

Information from the Brevard County Natural Resources Mgmt. Dept.

The Save Our Indian River Lagoon (SOIRL) Program just completed its third year. The SOIRL Trust Fund has collected nearly $130 million dollars since inception and is projected to collect a total of $494 million at the end of ten years. As of the end of 2019, 22 projects have been completed, 18 projects are under construction, and 33 projects are in design.

Included in the proposed 2020 Update to the SOIRL Project Plan are 43 new projects. Recently approved by the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners, the update increased the total number of individual projects to 242. In addition, 1,625 septic system upgrades and 876 septic quick connects to existing sewer lines are planned. When all the projects are completed, they will reduce and remove a total of 1.3 million pounds of nitrogen annually from the lagoon.

The 2020 SOIRL plan update will increase the total amount spent on human waste-related projects by $42 million, with stormwater projects increasing by $8 million, and muck removal and interstitial water treatment increasing by $5 million.

The update also added funding for a new stormwater project: vegetative harvesting. This project involves removing overgrown vegetation from stormwater ponds. By removing the plants, the nutrients that the plants have captured are also removed from the system.

The majority of projects that are currently in design are expected to begin construction later this year, and dozens of new projects will start design and permitting over the coming year.

Spring & Summer Irrigation Schedule

• March 8 — November 1, 2020
• Only Twice A Week
• Before 10 a.m. After 4 p.m.
• Odd-Numbered Residential Addresses—Wednesday & Saturday
• Even-Numbered Residential Addresses—Thursday & Sunday
• Commercial & Non-Residential Addresses—Tuesday & Friday

City Gov News - CoronaVirus - Titusville Responds - Page 13

As of March 20, 2020, city facilities will be closed in an effort to conform to the Center for Disease Control and Florida Department of Health guidelines for maintaining social distancing and to help ensure the safety of our citizens and employees. City departments will still be maintaining services and can still be contacted during normal business hours by email or phone. For contact information, go to Titusville.com or call 321-567-3775.

The City Manager continues to provide daily updates on the city’s status and keep our citizens informed. Mayor Walt Johnson has issued two open letters to the citizens of Titusville, and has appeared in two videos discussing the virus. These can be viewed by going to the city’s Emergency Management page at Titusville.com and clicking the link in the red Emergency Alert banner at the top.

Designated by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as an essential service, many local restaurants are remaining open, offering meals via take-out, curbside, or delivery only. For a list of restaurants that are still open, go to Titusville.com/TitusvilleTake-Out.

We hope that everyone remains safe and healthy, and we encourage you to do your part to help quell the spread of this terrible virus.

FLORIDA HEALTH COVID-19 General Prevention

• Stay home when you are sick
• Avoid contact with people who are sick
• Get adequate sleep and eat well-balanced meals
• Wash hands often with soap and water - 20 seconds or longer
• Dry hands with a clean towel or air dry your hands
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth wish unwashed hands or after touching surfaces
• Cover your mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing
• Clean and disinfect "high touch" surfaces often
• Call before visiting your doctor.

Helpful Coronavirus Information Websites:

• Titusville Emergency Management Page: www.titusville.com/EmergencyManagement (**UPDATE: original magazine had link to former website which is no longer online.)
• Florida Department of Health COVID-19 Page: www.floridahealthcovid19.gov/
• U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention Page: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• Brevard County COVID-19 Page: www.brevardfl.gov/emergency-event/status-reports
• Brevard Public Schools: www.brevardschools.org/COVID-19

Social Media Updates:

• CDC Facebook: facebook.com/CDC
• CDC Twitter: twitter.com/CDCgov
• Florida Department of Health Facebook: facebook.com/FLDepartmentofHealth
• Florida Department of Health Twitter: twitter.com/HealthyFla
• Official Titusville Facebook Page: facebook.com/cityoftitusville
• Official Titusville Twitter: twitter.com/Titusville
• Official Titusville Fire Dept. Facebook: facebook.com/titusvillefire
• Official Titusville Fire Dept. Twitter: twitter.com/TitusvilleFire
• Official Titusville Police Dept.Facebook: facebook.com/TitusvillePD (**UPDATE: TPD Facebook has been taken offline due to technical issues.)
• Official Titusville Police Dept. Twitter: twitter.com/TitusvillePD
• Brevard County EOC Facebook: facebook.com/BrevardEOC
• Brevard County EOC Twitter: twitter.com/BrevardEOC
• Brevard Public Schools Facebook: facebook.com/BrevardPublicSchools
• Brevard Public Schools Twitter: twitter.com/BrevardSchools

Mayor Walt Johnson’s latest address to the city can be seen on the city YouTube channel at www.youtu.be/XDeAden427w.

City of Titusville YouTube Channel: YouTube.com/CityOfTitusville

City of Titusville - Gateway to Nature and Space

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

(321)383-5802

(321)383-5704

April 1, 2020

Second Open Letter from Mayor Walt Johnson to the citizens of Titusville

Citizens of Titusville:

It is at times like these that I am so thankful to live in our community; Titusville, Florida. This is a community that knows how to care for one another and make the best of a difficult and challenging situation. This is a reminder of how in recent times neighbors pulled together after hurricanes Matthew and Irma knocked out utility services for days disrupting our normal daily lives. I observed neighbors helping neighbors, cleaning up debris, sharing essentials, cooking and delivering meals to those in need.

As we know now, this is such a time.

As of today, April 1st, 2020, the Florida Department of Health had confirmed 38 cases of coronavirus in Brevard County, including cases in our city. The fact that we have seen so few cases in our area underscores the need for all of us to continue to radically adhere to the Center for Disease Control guidelines for social distancing, hand-washing and especially stay at home if you are sick and avoid close contact with people who are sick.

The State of Florida remains under a state of emergency. Both Brevard County and the City of Titusville have declared local states of emergency, which underscores the severity of this world-wide pandemic.

The health and safety of our citizens is the city's top priority. The business of the city government must go on during a crisis like this. For that reason, the scheduled April 14th regular City Council meeting will be held but under different circumstances. Social distancing will be observed at this meeting. Citizens can participate in the governing process, but I do urge thatu nless you have current business on the gaenda that you do not attend this meeting. 

We have closed all City facilities to the general public. Our staf continues to provide essential services to you through the use of technology and telephones. Our public safety, public works, and water resources departments all are continuing essential services with minimum disruptions to you. Our city emergency management team continues close coordination with our Brevard County Emergency Management partners.

We will continue to disseminate information to you through various methods such as our city website, social media, and press releases. For up-to-date information, you may call 2-1-1 daily between the hours of 8am and 6pm. Additionally, you can call the Florida Department of Health call center at 866-779-6121, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The quality of people in our community is once again showing up during times of crisis. I am already seeing it here in our city through caring for one another and by living our faith that this too shall pass.

Sincerely,

Walt Johnson

Mayor 

City Gov News - Page 15

Titusville Police News

Promoting Teamwork Within our Community - 1100 John Glenn Blvd. Titusville FL 32796 - Phone: 321-264-7800

Titusville Police Increase Patrols due to COVID-19

As a direct response to the COVID-19 virus health event, the Titusville Police Department has initiated increased proactive patrols while students are out of school. In addition, Officers will be highly visible in retail establishment areas conducting focused law enforcement details.

Titusville Police Department 2019 Award Winners

• Top Row:
  • Officer of the Year -Dalton Baker
  • Detective of the Year - Robby Holden
  • Supervisor of the Year - Corporal Josh Bernd
• Second Row:
  • Rookie of the Year - Emilio Rosa
  • Officer Jack SchnellTraffic Safety Award - Shawntrale Durden
  • 911 PST of the Year - Heather Sasnett
• Third Row:
  • Civilian of the Year - Tammy Holtkamp
  • School Crossing Guard of the Year - Nora Ball
  • Volunteer of the Year - Michelle DeVoss
• Bottom Row:
  • Community Watch Member of the Year - Dennis Motyka

Congratulations to all our award recipients!

Titusville Fire Department News 

550 South Washington Avenue Titusville FL 32796 - 321-567-3800

Titusville Fire Remains Vigilant Against COVID-19

Titusville Fire Department remains ready to respond to emergencies, 24/7, 365, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to monitor and change our operational response as needed to follow the latest guidelines from the CDC and the Florida Department of Health.

We are working to obtain additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to ensure the safety of our patients and personnel. We communicate almost daily with other agencies, State EOC, Brevard EOC, local officials and others, to ensure a unified and measured response for our citizens. We ask the public to follow the CDC guidelines, maintain social distancing and stay informed. We all must work together to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

National Public Safety Telecommunications Week - April 12-18, 2020

Every year during the second week of April, telecommunications personnel in the public safety community are recognized. This week-long event, initially set up in 1981, is a time to celebrate and thank those who dedicate their lives to serving the public. Before we are made aware of an emergency or need, these are the men and women that answer the call, stay on the line and dispatch the appropriate resources to the scene. This happens several times within their shift. Believe me when I tell you this is multi-tasking on a whole new level.

Our current situation, dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, is yet another example of the importance our PST’s play. They are screening callers and providing our personnel with crucial information prior to our arrival. Please join us as we honor and recognize our PST’s with Titusville Police Department. Greg and the gang do an amazing job! They truly are the unseen and unsung heroes that always have our back. Thank you for all you do for us and the public we serve, 24/7/365, without fail.

On behalf of the men and women of Titusville Fire, we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts!

Completed Projects - Page 16

SecureSpaceStorage - Cheney Highway - The indoor storge facility located at 810 Cheney Hwy — at the former K-Mart building, is now open.

Brooklyn Hub Restaurant - Brooklyn Hub, located at 1427 Garden Street, next to Family Dollar and across from the 7-Eleven, has been open since February.

Luna Trails Apartments - The new apartment building at Sycamore Street and Deleon Avenue is now complete.

Aero Electronics Systems - The new 10,000-square-foot addition to the existing building located at 411 S. Park Avenue is complete and awaiting a certificate of occupancy.

Historic Spotlight

Clerk of the Circuit Court and Records Building - 1903 - 423 Palm Street

This building was constructed to house the offices of the Clerk of the Circuit Court, when the nearby wood framed courthouse was thought to be unsafe for storing Brevard County Records. The contract was awarded to L.R. Decker & Co., and was completed in June 1903, with the costs of the main buildings being $2,285.

The one-story brick building (with a tin roof) has 30 ft. frontage on Palm St. and is 40 ft. deep. The front room was the office of A.A. Steward, Clerk of the Circuit Court, and was furnished with tables and desks. In the back of his office was the 11x17 recording room typewriter office, etc. with a 12 ft. ceiling, the same as the front room. Located in the northeast corner of the building was a 15x15 fire proof steel vault room with a 10 ft. ceiling.

There was difficulty in raising the steel roof of the vault owing to the fact that there was no room to place a derrick inside because of the brick roof that was already on the building. Between the steel walls of the vault there are six arches with three rows of brick and nine inches of cement above the arches, making it absolutely fireproof. The contract for the vault was awarded to Diebold Safe & Lock Company with the cost of approximately $1,800.

The building was later used as the offices of the Supervisor of Elections, headquarters for the Brevard Health Department, and a meeting place for the Titusville Town Council. In 1957 the east building with Pine Street frontage was added by building owners Abstract & Title Corp. of Florida and was reconstructed in 1976 to be used in conjunction with their building next door.

Today, the building is part of the American Space Museum and Walk of Fame facility.

Important City Numbers

• Building Department 321.567.3760
• Business Tax Receipts (Occupational Licenses) 321.567.3758
• City Clerk 321.567.3686
• City Hall Main Number 321.567.3775
• City Hall FAX Number 321.383.5704
• City Manager’s Office 321.567.3702
• Code Enforcement 321.567.3770
• Community Advocate 321.567.3689
• Customer Service (Utility Billing) 321.383.5791
• Economic Development  321.567.3774
• Fire Department (Non-Emergency) 321.567.3800
• Fire Public Education 321.567.3804
• Human Resources 321.567.3728
• Jobline 321.567.3731
• Neighborhood Services 321.567.3784
• Municipal Marina 321.383.5600
• Permits 321.567.3759
• Planning Department 321.567.3782
• Police (Non-Emergency)  321.264.7800
• Police / Fire Rescue (Emergency) 911
• Solid Waste 321.383.5755
• Stormwater 321.567.3832
• Stormwater (After Hours Emergency) 888.399.1327
• Streets Maintenance 321.567.3832
• Water Field Operations (Water Main Break) 321.567.3883
• Water Main Break (After Hours Emergency) 321.383.5657
• Water Resources Conservation Program  321.567.3865
• LED Sign Information 321.567.3689

Important Community Numbers

• Brevard County Auto Tags 321.264.5224
• Chamber of Commerce 321.267.3036
• Department of Motor Vehicles 321.264.5224
• Florida Power and Light  800.577.1156
• City Gas Co of Florida 321.636.4644
• Social Security Office 321.633.8100
• Canaveral National Seashore 321.267.1110
• Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge 321.861.0667

City of Titusville

555 South Washington Ave

Titusville, FL  32796

www.Titusville.com