Immigration Attorneys in Cocoa, FL

Cocoa Village Playhouse is strutting its stuff with "Kinky Boots," the beloved musical by Harvey Fierstein and Cyndi Lauper. The show opens Friday, March 21 for a run through March 30.

"Kinky Boots" follows Charlie, a pragmatic but down-on-his-luck factory owner, and Lola, a vivacious drag queen with an eye for high fashion. Their unlikely partnership not only revives a struggling business, but also delivers a message of embracing differences and celebrating individuality.

"Kinky Boots is a high-energy, heartfelt musical about unexpected friendship, resilience and finding purpose in the most unlikely places," said co-director Nathaniel Knepper-Quijano.

"More than anything, it’s about people from different walks of life coming together, learning from each other, and creating something stronger as a result. It’s uplifting, inspiring, and a whole lot of fun."

With its message about overcoming obstacles and finding beauty in the unexpected, "Kinky Boots" is a call to embrace who we are, quirks and all. Knepper-Quijano hopes the show celebrates the power of acceptance in a way that resonates with audiences.

"What I love most about 'Kinky Boots' is its heart and how unapologetically it celebrates growth, acceptance and human connection," he said.

"Watching these characters push past their own fears, challenge their assumptions, and come out on the other side as better, fuller versions of themselves is something that never fails to resonate."

As Lola, the fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos, Patrick Marshall returns to the Cocoa Village Playhouse stage after growing up in the theater's STARS of Tomorrow program.

"He brings grace, humility, and a magnetic presence to the stage, embodying Lola’s strength and vulnerability with such heart," Knepper-Quijano said. "He doesn’t just perform this role, he breathes life into it."

Opposite Marshall, Shane Withrow plays Charlie, the reluctant shoe factory owner.

"Shane captures the complexities of a man caught between obligation and ambition, while also delivering on some of the most powerful ballads in the show," Knepper-Quijano said.

The musical score by Cyndi Lauper is a rollicking collection of show stoppers.

"I think audiences will love how joyful and uplifting the show is," Knepper-Quijano said. "Cyndi Lauper’s music is electric, and the energy and precision from our cast is infectious."

"I think the message of 'Kinky Boots,' 'accept someone for who they are,' will resonate with audiences because it’s something we all strive for in different ways," he said.

"We all want to feel seen, valued, and understood. This story reminds us that real change and connection happen when we take the time to listen, challenge our assumptions and lead with compassion and understanding."

With its celebration of diversity and creativity, “Kinky Boots” proves no challenge is too big when you have a little bit of sparkle in your step.

"At the heart of it all is the idea that when we lift each other up, we all rise," Knepper-Quijano said. "That’s a message that never stops being relevant."

After all, sometimes stepping outside your comfort zone is the first step toward something fabulous.

'Kinky Boots'

Where: Cocoa Village Playhouse, 300 Brevard Ave., Cocoa

When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through March 30

Tickets: Start at $34

Call: 321-636-5050

Website: cocoavillageplayhouse.com

Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at clafortune@floridatoday.com.

Whether you're interested in music, theater, festivals or other local entertainment, FLORIDA TODAY has got you covered. Support local journalism by subscribing at Special Offers - USAToday Network.

When the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office assumed responsibility for Animal Services on October 1, 2014, the Live Release Rate for Brevard County had averaged 55% over the preceding five (5) years. With the help of our amazing team, our citizens, rescue groups, volunteers, and all of our amazing partners, we are proud to announce that for the third year in a row, Brevard County is a No-Kill community!

It takes a community to protect a community and together we can make a difference!! Live Release Dates from 2015 to 2021

Obedience Class Schedule

Obedience Class is held at 5100 W. Eau Gallie Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32934 on Saturday mornings. This class is FREE for dogs adopted from the Animal Care Center ONLY. All dogs must be appropriately leashed and adopters must bring treats and plenty of water.

Keep checking back for more dates to be added soon!!

Please check in with the Animal Care Center Staff no later than 10 minutes prior to the start of class.

Silver Paws

Animal services will waive adoption fees for all senior adopters, age 60 or order, on all senior cats and dogs, age 6 or older. Dogs and cats have been spayed or neutered microchipped, vaccinated, and have current county tags.

Pet ownership has been shown to offer seniors a variety of benefits, including:

Lowering stress

Lowering blood pressure

Promoting a healthier outlook on life

Providing a feeling of safety for the owner

J Paw: Joining Pets & Warriors

Any veteran or active duty military member can adopt a pet for free from our shelters with an approved adoption application. Must provide military ID or DD 214. All pets have been spayed/neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated.

When artist Carolyn Seiler landed in Cocoa, Florida, with her military husband more than 20 years ago, she anticipated mourning the loss of the barefoot island life she had enjoyed farther south. "For a while, I held onto Key West—my cottage and my studio on Duval Street—like a life preserver," she says. "But sometimes when you think that you're giving up something, you're really trading it in for so much more."

What she discovered was a peaceful little pocket off the highway connecting Orlando to the Atlantic, an area that brought together many of the characteristics of her old home—history, art, and water-blessed geography—in a less trafficked, less expensive package. A riverfront city in the Sunshine State, Cocoa is a hidden gem with an artsy downtown, a flourishing food scene, and seaside amenities—but it wasn't always like that.

Decades ago, Cocoa was the anchor for the Central Florida region now known as the Space Coast (Cape Canaveral, home to the 1960s-built Kennedy Space Center, is 15 minutes away). Founded by fishermen in the 1800s, the town grew up along its coastline, which was once blanketed by citrus groves. Thanks to its location roughly halfway up the Florida peninsula on the Indian River, Cocoa was an obvious hub for the fruit industry, the success of which helped build the eventual downtown area known as Cocoa Village. "It has all the uniqueness of an Old Florida town, but the beauty is that nobody really knows about it," says resident Halim Urban of the community today.

What To Do

As Cocoa has evolved, community members have lovingly preserved its early history. Relics pepper the 13-square-mile town, from the restored 1920s Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse to the stately homes sprawled along the water and dripping with charm (think wide porches and gingerbread detailing). "It's a town that has done a good job preserving the past, which is unusual in Florida," says Seiler.

cocoavillageplayhouse.com; 300 Brevard Ave, Cocoa, FL 32922; 321-636-5050

But for all of Cocoa's investment in its history, the city has also spent the past couple of decades priming itself for a lively future. Snuggling up to the well-worn brick buildings today are breweries, tapas bars, niche galleries (like the beloved Antilles Trading Company Pirate Museum and Store), and boutiques that lend Cocoa Village a dose of quirkiness. Murals decorate the streets for even more vibrancy and personality.

Just beyond, a revitalized waterfront offers the perfect setting for a picnic or an afternoon stroll. The Cocoa Village Marina is home to several attractions, including public and private charter company Indian River Queen. Three public parks—Cocoa Riverfront Park, Taylor Park, and Lee Wenner Park—comprise 10 acres along the river for patrons to enjoy fishing, boating, and other family-friendly outdoor activities. Quaint mom-and-pop shops sit on the tree-lined streets, offering visitors the opportunity to shop and cool down before exploring more of Cocoa's attractions.

While Cocoa has managed to remain a best-kept secret of its residents and loyal visitors, it's also gradually developed a reputation for its robust community of artists who are attracted to the area's natural assets. "There's so much blue space," says Seiler, referring to the region's two rivers that unfold slowly across a series of barrier islands before opening up to the endless Atlantic. "That is part of the draw of living and painting here."

Carolyn Seiler & Friends, a vibrant building splashed with a cheerful montage of Cocoa Village, represents close to 30 Space Coast artists working in different media. Dozens of others showcase their pieces at various studios, galleries, and co-ops in town. This creative presence that dates back decades has come to define Cocoa. The main drag of Brevard Avenue, home to the Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse, has evolved into a museum of sorts. With public art displays ranging from painted benches to sculptural flora, it's a wonderful trek full of sights to see and places to explore.

carolynseiler.com; 318 Delannoy Ave, Cocoa, FL 32922; 321-637-0444

Where To Shop

PHOTO: Tina Sargeant PHOTO: Tina Sargeant

Even the small businesses in Cocoa have a creative flair. At flower and coffee shop Patinaed & Co., dried blooms strung up over light-filled windows bring a sense of whimsy to the charming artisanal boutique. Bookworms will love Hello Again Books, whose minimalistic shop logo (designed by a local tattoo artist) beckons visitors inside. Towers of colorful books line the interior and strewn pages from novels plaster the floors, creating a magical, other-worldly ambiance perfect for discovering new tales.

patinaedandco.com; 631 Brevard Ave, AB, Cocoa, Florida 32922; 321-324-3873

helloagainbooks.com; 411 Brevard Ave, Cocoa, FL 32922; 321-877-0351

No trip to Florida is complete without a nautical memento, and you can find a smorgasbord of ocean-themed items at the Village Beach House. Handcrafted creations from international makers and those in the local Cocoa community line shelves for a vibrant selection of tropical-, beach-, and sea-themed decor. You can find everything from a hand-painted ceramic turtle to a wicker flamingo yard ornament—and much more.

facebook.com/villagebeachhouse; 15 Oleander St, Cocoa, FL 32922; 321-639-4694

Nearly every storefront has something different to offer, including Sunshine Shop's Florida-made foods and Fair Trade products from global artisans, locally-made soaps, candles, and jewelry at B&B Candles Soap & Gifts, and stunning sea-themed pottery and figurines from Sand & Sea Gifts and Gallery. Though their offerings are unique, they have also collectively embraced the sense of friendliness and funk that's quintessentially Cocoa. "People often tell me this place has such a welcoming, happy vibe," says Seiler of her studio. "But I think that's true of a lot of places in the Village. There's really something for everyone."

Where To Eat And Drink

Not long ago, dining along the Space Coast delivered exactly what you'd expect from a salty beach town: burgers and beer served in plastic cups. But Cocoa has arguably become the region's hotbed for cuisine. In addition to mainstays like Ossorio Bakery & Café (a casual coffee spot with a varied menu and a European feel) and Café Margaux (the idyllic linen-tablecloth eatery to complement date night at the playhouse), other trendy outposts have also put down roots.

ossorio.com; 316 Brevard Ave, Cocoa, FL 32922; 321-639-2423

margaux.com; 220 Brevard Ave, Cocoa, FL 32922; 321-639-8343

Urban saw the transition happening, and he capitalized on the restaurant boom in 2018 by starting Village Food Tours. The business provides walking excursions that combine local tastings and a dash of history. Tour stops include Texas-style brisket at Crydermans Barbecue, which is set in a converted 1930s gas station and has handcrafted outdoor seating made of wood salvaged from Hurricane Matthew.

Other local favorites include River Road Coffee & Popsicles, where the boozy treats are a happy hour must, and Villa Palma at the Village, which dishes out upscale Italian fare and craft cocktails. "We're seeing a lot of younger entrepreneurs who grew up in the area now investing in the community," he says.

For a sleepy town that formerly lived by a lights-out-by-eight mentality, there are plenty of places to imbibe. From the Enchanted Lounge, a speakeasy of sorts with magic shows, dueling pianos, and other nightly entertainment, to the Village Idiot Pub, a cozy, kitschy bar with in-house board games and select video games, there's a fun assortment of places to kick back and sip a beverage. "There's a nightlife that was never here before," notes Urban.

Registration, renewal fees increased five times for short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods

COCOA BEACH, Fla. – A Central Florida beach town now has the most expensive fees for registering a vacation rental home in the entire state.

Cocoa Beach is raising the registration and renewal fees by five times for short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods.

The sharp increases divided audience members at Thursday night’s commission meeting.

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“You’ve gotta do something because Airbnbs, I’m sorry, they do not belong in a residential neighborhood,” one man said

Mayor Keith Capizzi was the only member of the commission voting against the substantial hike in fees.

“I don’t like raising fees for people that are doing it properly,” Mayor Capizzi said. “I have absolutely no qualms about raising the fines through the roof.”

Just to start running a vacation rental home now will cost an owner $2,500.

Airbnb said that’s the most expensive application fee in the entire state and by more than $1,500.

The company released a statement to News 6 that read in part, “Dramatically increasing registration fees—potentially to the highest level in the state—risks undermining these residents’ ability to share their homes and welcome visitors.”

All members of the commission, but Mayor Capizzi, also voted to raise the yearly renewal fee for owners to $1,500. It was just $325.

“To those who say we’re charging fees too high, just listen to what some of me and my neighbors have had to endure over the last year,” another man said during public comment. “First of all, after one party at a short-term rental down the street from us, we picked up 16 beer bottles floating in the canal.”

City Manager Wayne Carragino told News 6 reporter James Sparvero the new fees will help with shifting the costs of regulating the vacation rentals from the taxpayers to the owners and help with enforcement, as well.

“As it currently stands, the enforcement is a burden on the city and we don’t have the staff to properly enforce the issue,” Carragino said. “So this will give us the opportunity to hire the staff.”

Carragino then responded to opponents of raising the fees who say it will hurt owners and tourists.

“They are running a business here. And if they’re gonna run a business here, they’re gonna have to play by our rules,” he said.

The city is looking right now to hire a code enforcement officer. Anyone interested can apply on the city’s website here.

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