When you think about the American Dream, what comes to mind? For many citizens, it means the freedom to provide for one's family through hard work, dedication, and good deeds. For others, it means having a reliable career and enough financial security to buy a modest home and maybe even a white picket fence. In modern times, however, it's harder than ever to achieve the American Dream - and that's for people who are born in our great nation. For men and women coming to the U.S. from another country, it often seems impossible. These are good, hardworking people who simply want the opportunity to provide for their families and adopt the American way.
Unfortunately, getting through the United States immigration system is seldom straightforward or easy. Many immigration cases face hurdles and difficulties that require expert legal assistance to achieve favorable outcomes. It can be challenging to figure out how to properly organize application materials or discern the options available to you. Fortunately, immigration attorneys in Cocoa Beach, FL, can help you avoid the common mistakes so many make and help you gain access to the immigration benefits you rightly deserve. It all starts with a one-on-one conference at Central Florida Immigration Attorneys.
Central Florida Immigration Attorneys possesses extensive knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. immigration system, derived from decades of specialized legal expertise. We prioritize treating our clients as partners, with the foremost goal of assisting in resolving any immigration-related challenges.
Our principal attorney, Charlene Seda, has previously served as an adjudicator for immigration services at USCIS, and Attorney Alejandro Salgado has an extensive background as a criminal lawyer. This combined experience gives our law firm a distinctive viewpoint on all facets of the immigration system, allowing us to better support our clients. Collectively, our legal team has over 20 years of combined experience and remains dedicated to offering the skilled and empathetic assistance you require.
Clients recommend their friends and families to our immigration lawyers in Cocoa Beach, FL, because we provide:
Attorney Charlene Seda & Attorney Alejandro Seda have over 20 years of combined experience. They are both graduates from the prestigious Universidad Católica de Ponce, Puerto Rico and both received Masters Degrees from the University of Miami School of Law.
Attorney Charlene Seda previously worked in USCIS - the United States Citizenship & Immigration Service. She knows the system from the inside and knows what she must do in order to set up your immigration case for success
Our immigration lawyers strive to be accessible to our clients. We want to make sure we follow up and share the status of your case so that we are all on the same path.
You can trust us from the moment you walk into our office. We will let you know exactly what we can and cannot do for your case. We want to set up clear expectations from day one.
When you engage our firm, you gain access to decades of professional experience. We stand ready to assist as your ally and advisor at every stage of your immigration journey. Our team can support you in obtaining legal status through various application processes, explore dual intent visas, help you prepare for naturalization, and advocate for your rights if you face removal proceedings. With extensive knowledge of all aspects of the U.S. immigration system, we can guide you in identifying the most feasible paths to reside and work in the United States of America.
Unlike some immigration attorneys, our firm is truly dedicated to helping you achieve the American Dream. Together with our partners, we assist "credit invisible" men and women obtain the financing they need to hire immigration attorneys in Cocoa Beach, FL. These loans cover both government filing fees and your immigration attorney fees. In doing so, we help clients establish credit profiles to help them access credit in the future as they take the necessary steps along the journey toward full citizenship.
At the end of the day, our goal is to use every legal route available to help you build a better life for your family. When you work with our immigration lawyers, you can rest easy knowing we'll always be straightforward about what each immigration strategy entails, as well as the risks, costs, and timeline involved. Our attorneys will also be upfront and honest about what we can and cannot do. We believe transparency is paramount to helping you make informed decisions, which is why we always keep you abreast of updates pertaining to your case.
Our immigration lawyers focus on providing expert legal representation for a range of immigration needs, including:
Whether you need to reunite your family in the U.S., establish permanent employment, or protect against deportation, the result of your immigration case will greatly affect your future. Our immigration attorneys recognize the significance of your situation and will make every effort to attain a positive outcome in your case. Instead of bragging and boasting, at Central Florida Immigration Attorneys, we let our track record do the talking. We encourage you to review our firm's testimonials to learn more about how we have made a direct, positive impact on our clients' lives. Our clients rely on us to help them achieve their American Dreams. We're ready to help turn your dreams into reality, too.
If you're in need of U.S. immigration benefits, it's always best to work with a qualified immigration attorney. Trying to navigate the hurdles of immigration law on your own is like flying a plane without any experience. It may seem easiest to jump in without any guidance, but doing so can be more detrimental to your goals than hiring a great lawyer. If you're wondering whether or not you need an immigration lawyer, keep these common benefits in mind.
Trying to understand legal paperwork is hard enough, even when youâre born in the U.S. For non-native English speakers, figuring out immigration paperwork is even more difficult. Filling out the forms and gathering the necessary supporting documents can be quite overwhelming and bewildering. Seasoned immigration attorneys are well-versed in the correct procedures for filling out these forms. Failing to fill out these forms accurately can lead to significant delays in the approval of your immigration benefits and may result in additional filing fees.
There are multiple ways to obtain U.S. citizenship, and if you're on your own, you might not be aware of all the options. This is where an immigration lawyer can step in to help. They can present different paths, explain the advantages and disadvantages of each, and make sure you fully grasp the implications of your choice on your citizenship journey.
Immigration lawyers are equipped to assist you in obtaining the necessary authorization to work in the U.S. A skilled attorney is familiar with the precise information you must provide to secure work authorization and to ensure the smooth progress of your application. Without a legal expert, errors in the process can cause significant delays.
If you're looking to become a U.S. citizen, chances are this is your first time trying. Thankfully, when you secure counsel from a reputable firm like Central Florida Immigration Attorneys, you can sleep a little easier knowing they have years of experience helping people just like you. Your immigration lawyer should be familiar with the various scenarios and pathways to the immigration benefit you seek. This will be advantageous for you as they have the expertise to identify the necessary documentation, recommend the most suitable options, and provide you with guidance on what to anticipate throughout the process.
Remember that the government can deem you inadmissible for various reasons, such as unresolved financial issues, criminal activity, or providing false information. If you're considered inadmissible, it doesn't have to be the end of the road. There are methods to challenge this ruling. An immigration attorney can assist you in presenting a compelling case. Although there's no guarantee that the immigration court will reverse the decision, having a seasoned lawyer by your side will undoubtedly improve your chances.
Finding the right immigration law firm can feel a little bit like searching for a needle in a haystack. That's true in every state but especially so in Florida, where immigrants make up approximately 21% of the population, according to the American Immigration Counsel. So, how do you find the top immigration attorneys in your state? Here are a few tips we've compiled together to help make your search easier.
While your immigration matters are in progress, it's important to stay informed about the status of your case, any challenges that may arise, and what actions you might need to take. That's why it's crucial to work with immigration lawyers who value proactive communication. You can ask your attorney about their communication skills and how often they communicate with you, but take that answer with a grain of salt. It's also helpful to check reviews and read what former clients have to say about their responsiveness. Don't settle for a lawyer who fails to keep you updated.
This tip piggybacks off our first point because it involves communication. If you have questions about your case or any other facet of your immigration status, your lawyer should be available to answer those questions and provide reassurance when needed. It's not always realistic to expect that a lawyer will be able to answer your call right away, but it is reasonable to anticipate that your attorney will respond to you within a few days. If a lawyer has a track record of not returning calls from previous clients (which you might find out from client reviews, for instance), then be cautious about working with that lawyer and keep looking for another one.
If a lawyer has ever been publicly criticized or had formal complaints made against them by former clients, the state bar association will keep records of these incidents. If you're thinking of hiring a lawyer for an important immigration matter, it's a good idea to see what their reputation is like with the state bar association. That way, you can verify the immigration lawyer's experience and also potentially become aware of any professional issues the lawyer may have had in the past.
Immigration law can be quite complex, and the procedures associated with such matters can be equally intricate. That's why it's so important to work with an immigration lawyer who has experience handling different types of immigration cases or - at the least - a good deal of experience working cases just like yours. You can gauge an attorney's experience with immigration cases by checking their website first. If that information is not readily available, don't hesitate to reach out to the lawyer directly to inquire about their experience in handling cases similar to yours. Don't forget to check reviews online.
When it's all said and done, you've got to have confidence in your immigration lawyer, trust them to be honest about your case, and provide upfront advice about your options when faced with obstacles. You can get a sense of an immigration lawyer's integrity and truthfulness by meeting them for an initial consultation and reading client testimonials to learn about their honesty. If you don't feel entirely at ease with an immigration lawyer after this meeting, it's best to look elsewhere.
Even if you're fluent in English, it's important to have an immigration attorney who can provide services in multiple languages. This is especially crucial if your immigration matters involve family members, colleagues, or others who have limited English proficiency. If language might be an issue for you or someone else involved in your immigration case, make sure that the lawyer you're interested in offers services in your native or preferred language. At Central Florida Immigration Attorneys, we proudly offer legal services in both English and Spanish.
If you're new to this country, trying to understand immigration law is overwhelming. But with the right guidance and preparedness, your family's immigration goals are within reach. At Central Florida Immigration Attorneys, we help clients achieve success and peace of mind through years of combined experience, honesty, communication, professional guidance, and innovative immigration law strategies. Contact our office today to learn more about how we can help when you need it most.
Wondering if there are any red flags you should be aware of when choosing immigration attorneys in Cocoa Beach, FL? The simple answer to that question is yes. If you've got a bad gut feeling or notice any of the following red flags, be wary.
Attorneys who try to approach you at an office offering United States Citizenship and Immigration Services often provide lackluster legal services. Great immigration lawyers won't have the time to hang out at a USCIS office all day because they're busy serving clients.
Beware of individuals who present themselves as "visa consultants," "notarios," or "petition preparers," as they are not the same as licensed attorneys. Oftentimes, they simply assist with filling out forms but lack a genuine understanding of your legal circumstances. There is a possibility that they may complete the forms incorrectly or even abscond with your money without providing any services at all.
Be very careful of lawyers who give you unethical or even illegal advice. For example, be cautious of lawyers who advise you to lie on an immigration form, deceive a USCIS officer, or attempt to bribe an immigration authority. If you get caught, it could result in a permanent bar from U.S. immigration benefits.
At Central Florida Immigration Attorneys, we have years of combined experience successfully representing clients in a range of immigration cases. We're dedicated to providing reliable, transparent legal services, whether you need help with a basic immigration application or litigation for an extremely complicated federal matter.
Unlike some immigration law firms, we combine state-of-the art technology with traditional one-on-one service to give our clients robust, effective counsel. You can count on your case progressing as fast as possible while having confidence that our immigration lawyers in cityname, state, will answer your questions honestly, clearly, and efficiently. To learn more about our immigration, citizenship, and deportation defense services, schedule your initial consultation today.
Changes go in effect on Jan. 1VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Let’s go to the beach!Some beaches have fees for parking off or on the beach, but we’ve put together a list of free parking you can check out if you’re planning a fun day.Recommended Videos[STORY CONTINUES BELOW]Here is parking information for some free parking at some Central Florida beaches:Flagler Beach...
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Let’s go to the beach!
Some beaches have fees for parking off or on the beach, but we’ve put together a list of free parking you can check out if you’re planning a fun day.
Recommended Videos
[STORY CONTINUES BELOW]
Here is parking information for some free parking at some Central Florida beaches:
Beyond these free public lots, there are many approved parking areas along the east and west sides of A1A. Please take note of dune signage that clearly states where you are, and are not, permitted to park. Then use the beach walkovers (stairs) located nearly every block to access the beach.
Most of the street parking spots in Downtown Cocoa Beach are metered. But some are free. To locate them, you can use the SpotAngels map before navigating to your desired area.
There is also free street parking. To locate the free parking spots, you can use the SpotAngels map before navigating to your desired area.
Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park
South Pine parking lot
Jasmine Avenue parking lot
Julia Street parking lot
Sams Avenue parking lot
South Orange parking lot
There is also additional street parking along Flagler Avenue and Canal Street that is free of charge. However, many beachfront parking lots offer self-pay kiosks for daily parking, or you’ll find a staffed admittance gate. Be sure to note signage for applicable time limits where free parking is available.
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MOUNT DORA, Fla. – It is no surprise that Florida is a popular travel destination. Between the famous attractions and the beautiful beaches, the Sunshine State sees a record number of visitors each year.However, there are some lesser-known aspects of Florida that draw tourists and are cherished by locals. The quaint and historic towns sprinkled throughout the state are hidden gems that make for an ideal short-term trip.Recommended Videos...
MOUNT DORA, Fla. – It is no surprise that Florida is a popular travel destination. Between the famous attractions and the beautiful beaches, the Sunshine State sees a record number of visitors each year.
However, there are some lesser-known aspects of Florida that draw tourists and are cherished by locals. The quaint and historic towns sprinkled throughout the state are hidden gems that make for an ideal short-term trip.
Recommended Videos
World Atlas released a list of “12 Ideal Florida Destinations for a Three-Day Weekend in 2024,″ and both Mount Dora and Cocoa Beach were recognized for their charm and allure.
Here is a little bit about each of these Florida cities and what makes them so special.
Mount Dora is a small town located in Lake County northwest of Orlando. Known for its rich cultural landscape, signature lighthouse, artisan dining and shopping, this lakefront city has a bustling town center that features vibrant community events and festivals.
The 35-foot landmark Mount Dora Lighthouse was built in 1988 and is the only inland lighthouse in Florida, according to World Atlas. The town’s shaded downtown streets are lined with small businesses and vintage buildings, such as the historic Lakeside Inn.
Nicknamed “Festival City,” there is always something to do in this small town, whether it is the festivals or the live entertainment schedule. Some of the signature events that take place in Mount Dora throughout the year are the Scottish Highland Festival in October, which includes an array of Celtic music and dancing, the Mount Dora Arts Festival, the Small Business Saturday event and more.
Cocoa Beach along Florida’s Space Coast is a favorite surf spot in Florida.
According to World Atlas, downtown and Main Street got popular during the space boom of the 1950s. Now, there are more than 150 businesses and 15 live annual events.
The city also features murals and artwork along downtown streets and on walls.
There is also the statue of the world’s best male surfer, Kelly Slater, who was born and raised in Cocoa Beach.
“The 800-foot boardwalk extending over the Atlantic Ocean is ideal for watching the sun rise or grabbing something to eat at one of the many restaurants. Cocoa Beach is a prominent surfing town on Florida’s Atlantic Coast and offers enough sites and events for a longer-than-usual visit,” World Atlas described.
Here are the other Florida cities that made the list:
To check out what these cities each have to offer, click here.
Don't miss out! Keep up with Central Florida events, festivals and more by signing up for our Central Florida Happenings newsletter.
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You can listen to every episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate in the media player below:
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – Central Florida ocean temperatures are rising faster than other parts of the country, raising concerns about the impact of the warmer waters.“It’s a very famous beach,” said Delson Horn, who was visiting Cocoa Beach with his family from Iowa. “(The water) is very warm. It’s very good.”“The favorite thing I have loved was playing in the waves,” said Noah Octela, who was playing in the surf with his family visiting from West Palm Beach....
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – Central Florida ocean temperatures are rising faster than other parts of the country, raising concerns about the impact of the warmer waters.
“It’s a very famous beach,” said Delson Horn, who was visiting Cocoa Beach with his family from Iowa. “(The water) is very warm. It’s very good.”
“The favorite thing I have loved was playing in the waves,” said Noah Octela, who was playing in the surf with his family visiting from West Palm Beach.
“(Water temperatures) are pegging numbers in the mid to upper 80s,” News 6 meteorologist Jonathan Kegges said. “Just off the Space Coast, we have 85-degree water temperature.”
Kegges said that 85-degree water temperature is what Brevard County usually sees in August and September, not July.
The fishing industry pays especially close attention to the water temperature.
Charter company Captain Experiences recently compiled the water temperature data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration over the last 10 years and ranked the areas with the largest summertime jump.
Brevard County ranked No. 2 on its list, with a temperature increase of 5.5 degrees.
Savannah ranked No. 1, with a 6.3-degree hike.
Miami ranked third.
Coastal Area | Summer Water Temp. Change (2013-2023) | Peak Summer Water Temp (2023) |
---|---|---|
1. Savannah, GA | +6.3 degrees | 86.3 degrees |
2. Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | +5.5 degrees | 88.7 degrees |
3. Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL | +3.2 degrees | 89.4 degrees |
4. Portland-South Portland, ME | +3.2 degrees | 62.8 degrees |
5. Norwich-New London, CT | +3.1 degrees | 74 degrees |
For the complete list, click here.
Kegges said the trend is concerning, especially when it comes to hurricanes.
“There’s no question about it, and that’s the one thing when we get into all this,” he said. “The warmer ocean doesn’t typically impact the number of storms, it’s going to impact the strength of those storms.”
He said hurricanes feed off warm ocean water.
Other side effects include coral bleaching, which is killing large sections of reef off the Florida coast.
The warm water also confuses sea life, forcing them to find other places to live.
You can listen to every episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate in the media player below:
A 27,000-square-foot food hall with a dozen restaurants, brewery and private event space is coming to Cocoa Beach.Cocoa Beach Mercado, described as an upscale, food hall is expected to break ground later this year. Owner Daniel Todd, a Cocoa Beach native, is hoping the venue will be open by Thanksgiving 2025.“I grew...
A 27,000-square-foot food hall with a dozen restaurants, brewery and private event space is coming to Cocoa Beach.
Cocoa Beach Mercado, described as an upscale, food hall is expected to break ground later this year. Owner Daniel Todd, a Cocoa Beach native, is hoping the venue will be open by Thanksgiving 2025.
“I grew up here. I’m a local. I think this area is starving for new, fresh ideas and I love the way food halls give you the ability to eat five, 10 different types of food and there’s something for everybody.”
The food hall will have permanent food providers rather than rotating ones.
Todd said he has a few already in place, but is not ready to announce them just yet. However, he did say it will be a variety of cuisines.
“It will be a big mix, all will be different,” he told FLORIDA TODAY. “It will be a really diverse mix of food offerings.”
He’s in talks with a brewery to be a major player at the food hall. The venue also will have a rooftop bar, a private event space that can hold about 125 people and an 8,000-square-foot covered courtyard. The courtyard will be a combination of open green space, tropical landscaping and multiple water features.
The 3,300-square-foot rooftop bar will be on the third level overlooking the Banana River.
The address is 1325 N. Atlantic Ave., which is currently an empty lot.
Cocoa Beach Mercado will be directly across from an upscale, $388 million Westin-branded resort expected to break ground by mid August.
Todd emphasized the venue will not have concerts, but more family-friendly type entertainment featuring small bands, holiday shows and trivia.
“We want it to be really tasteful and well done,” Todd said. “This will be a class act.”
Todd is no strange to the restaurant business.
He owns the popular Cocoa Beach restaurant 4th Street Fillin Station. The former service and gas station is now a gastropub serving tacos, bowls and unique desserts.
Cocoa Beach hotel demolition draws concerns amid hurricane seasonAn old hotel is being demolished in Cocoa Beach, Florida, to build a massive Westin hotel resort. But, what if a strong storm or worse, a hurricane, forms while chunks of the torn-down hotel have not yet been hauled away? FOX 35's Esther Bower spoke to the city for answersCOCOA BEACH, Fla. - An old hotel in Cocoa Beach is being torn down to build a high-end hotel and conference center. However, the mess left behind has at least one resident conc...
An old hotel is being demolished in Cocoa Beach, Florida, to build a massive Westin hotel resort. But, what if a strong storm or worse, a hurricane, forms while chunks of the torn-down hotel have not yet been hauled away? FOX 35's Esther Bower spoke to the city for answers
COCOA BEACH, Fla. - An old hotel in Cocoa Beach is being torn down to build a high-end hotel and conference center. However, the mess left behind has at least one resident concerned about the loose debris should a tropical system make its way to the Space Coast.
It’s at the site of the former International Palms resort, off A1A near Lori Wilson Park. Demolition is underway, but neighbors are worried about what’s being left behind.
Bobby Celsor, who lives in the area and is concerned, believes the debris is dangerous and could hurt someone should a tropical storm or hurricane make landfall.
"These projectiles, they can go through people’s houses. They can go through people’s cars," he said.
He said the debris has been piling up for months allegedly some have sat for months untouched.
"I don’t see the parade of trucks that need to be hauling this stuff off because hurricane season is breathing down our neck," he said.
He recorded drone video of the site and shared it with FOX 35. He said he does not know why developers have not moved the debris away from the construction site.
"You’d go for months at a time again where nothing was going on," he said.
FOX 35 brought Celsor's concerns to the City of Cocoa Beach.
City Manager Wayne Carragino told FOX 35 that the city is monitoring the project and understand's the community's concerns.
"It’s not falling on deaf ears," he said.
He said the developer and city have plan should strong storms move through over the summer, especially as the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is underway.
"They level the piles. They take all their heavy equipment, park that on top of the piles and then they’ll take big beams and lay those across to prevent anything from getting airborne," he said.
The old hotel is being demolished to build a huge Westin resort that will have a conference center and parking garage. The demolition should be completed within six weeks, according to the city.
"Like a lot of our projects here, they had trouble with funding. They’ve got their funding all set and yeah, it’s moving along nicely," he said.
"We'll get there," he said, adding that there are other construction projects happening throughout Cocoa Beach.
Still, Celsor has his doubts.
"If we get real storms coming in here, this has the potential of affecting everybody in this area."