Immigration Attorneys in Titusville, FL

Reasons to Drive highlights the thrilling events happening within five hours of your city, giving you every reason to get on the road and start exploring.

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The USA may be home to dozens of dazzling shorelines, but nothing can quite take your breath away like glowing blue waters putting on a show of bioluminescence. The phenomenon is caused by dinoflagellates, varieties of tiny phytoplankton that create light when disturbed in the water and can transform a still shoreline into a vibrant mosaic of color for visiting kayakers.

Small pockets of the Key West and St. Petersburg areas host their own bioluminescence tours, but for best results, you’ll want to head east to the sprawling Florida Space Coast, located just a few hours by car from cities like Miami and Orlando.

Cities like Titusville and Cocoa Beach make a perfect jumping off point for explore the 72-miles of shoreline, plus all of the mind-blowing bioluminescent creatures. From there, head to the northern edge of Brevard County, where Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge serves as one of Florida’s crown jewels for ecotourism, equipped with 140,000 acres of scrub forest, dunes, and marshland. The preserve has earned abundant acclaim for its incredible birdwatching potential, but beyond avian life, visitors can also spot alligators, turtles, bobcats, and—of course—bioluminescent plankton.

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If you need a little guidance, there are a handful of ecotour providers in the area that’ll ensure you have a great experience. Fin Expeditions has mastered the art of bioluminescence tourism, offering a wealth of curated tours for visitors to enjoy. Guests can reserve a sunset journey for added natural beauty and the bonus opportunity for manatee viewing. For a totally unique experience, fellow outdoor adventure company BK Adventure offers the only bioluminescence rafting tour in the state of Florida, providing visitors with the same stunning views enjoyed aboard a paddle raft, and Sobe Surf gets visitors out on the water after dark on stand-up paddle boards.

For a truly unforgettable experience, you’ll want to plan your trip for July and August when the creatures are at their best and brightest, though the entire season typically spans from May to October. To cut back on light, it’s advised to schedule your excursion during the new moon.

Drive time

3 hours from Miami, Florida

More things to do near Cocoa Beach

While bioluminescence is a major draw, it’s far from the only wildlife-focused attraction in the area. Southwest of Cocoa Beach across the Indian River, the Brevard Zoo has served as a top spot for animal lovers since 1994, with more than 900 individual creatures calling the park home. During a visit, guests may come across creatures like African lions, southern white rhinoceros, and jaguars, while attending a giraffe feeding session is a particularly popular activity for families. Meanwhile, those hoping to take a glimpse into our planet’s storied past can swing by The Dinosaur Store for a deep dive on a diverse array of prehistoric animals, with colorful models and skeleton casts towering above rare minerals and ancient artifacts.

As the region’s name would suggest, depending on your timing, you may even be able to see a rocket launch on a trip to this region of Florida. Otherwise, head to Sands Space History Center, where you can peruse engines and missile nose cones, then make your way north to Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum for some insight into the history and purpose of the U.S. military’s newest branch.

Best restaurants and bars near Cocoa Beach

All this activity is sure to work up an appetite, and fortunately, the Space Coast is loaded with top-tier dining destinations for guests to explore. For seafood aficionados, the rich waters of the Atlantic offer unbridled opportunity for sampling fish, shrimp, and other marine fare, with Florida's Fresh Grill serving as a top spot for all sorts of local dishes. Upon arrival, guests can dine on coastal cuisine like Florida-style calamari and beer-battered tropical coconut shrimp.

Beyond the realm of seafood, the area also exemplifies Florida’s historic Hispanic heritage with a wealth of Latin American-inspired restaurants scattered all along its shores. For those hoping to stick close to the Cocoa Beach coast, La Catrina has cemented itself as a local favorite for hearty Mexican cuisine, with Yucatan shrimp tacos, birria-loaded chimichangas, and a massive array of flavorful margaritas all gracing the menu. Further east, the city of Cocoa offers top-tier seafood burritos and steak fajitas at the downtown Tequila Veintiuno, but for those in search of Puerto Rican fare, be sure to stop by Cape Canaveral to discover Kafé del Puerto, a vibrant venue that crafts an incredible mofongo.

Where to stay near Cocoa Beach

In the heart of Cocoa Beach, the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront showcases the splendor of Brevard County at its most opulent, with a sprawling outdoor pool complex, spacious oceanview suites, and both bike rentals and surf lessons available for guests. Meanwhile, those who prefer to stay in the southern reaches of the county can book a room at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Melbourne Beach Oceanfront, a charming property that comes equipped with both an outdoor pool and a seafood restaurant.

When it comes to small-scale accommodations, there’s no shortage of boutique inns to discover all throughout the Brevard County area. Just south of downtown Titusville, Casa Coquina del Mar provides guests with a wealth of plush amenities that span from a hot tub and all-you-can-eat cookies to a nightly social hour that comes complete with free-flowing beer, wine, and snacks—and to sweeten the deal, the inn offers marvelous views of Kennedy Space Center, allowing guests to marvel at rocket launches from the comfort of their second-story porch.

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Tyler Vazquez

Titusville's post office at 2503 S. Washington Ave will remain closed for the next three weeks after a small but dangerous amount of mercury spilled at the location this past week.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection and United States Postal Service personnel are investigating the cause of the mercury spill at the Titusville post office, where it came to the attention of USPS Tuesday but occurred a day earlier.

Officials believe the mercury had been in a package.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, mercury is a neurotoxin. How someone's health may be affected by an exposure to mercury depends on a number of factors such as the type of mercury involved, the length of the exposure and the health of the person exposed.

Around two to three ounces of the substance were spilled and one postal truck had higher than normal levels of mercury detected even after the spill as officials were investigating the source package of the spill. City councilwoman Sarah Stoeckel wrote in a statement that it was unclear when exactly the post office would reopen.

"They found that one of the delivery trucks was reading higher than normal levels of mercury. They suspect that is where the contaminated package came from," Stoeckel wrote.

Stoeckel also said that the spill occurred Monday but was not reported by employees until Tuesday morning, prompting the shutdown of the post office, which could continue indefinitely. Until the Titusville post office reopens, USPS said postal services will continue to be available at the nearest location in Cocoa at 2000 State Road 524.

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If your Memorial Day plans include some time at the beach, we've got you covered — and not just with sunscreen.

Going to the beach is no fun if it's covered with stinky seaweed or if toxic fumes from red tide permeate the air.

And swimming with enteric bacteria — think fecal pollution — is just plain gross.

We've gathered the latest test results and health advisories from the Florida Department of Health and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to help you stay safe before you head out for the long weekend.

Is it safe to swim or fish in Titusville, Cocoa, Melbourne; Brevard County?

This map shows whether any red tide or blue-green algae have been reported.

Weekly data on beach water quality is from the Florida Department of Health. Red tide and algal bloom data are from FWC. Red tide shows conditions from last seven days and algal bloom is from the last 90 days.

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Have any health advisories been issued for beaches in Titusville, Cocoa, Melbourne; Brevard County?

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What is enteric bacteria and what are the symptoms if you come into contact with them?

Enterococci are enteric bacteria which normally inhabit the intestinal tract of people and animals. It's an indication of fecal pollution. It may come from stormwater runoff, pets, wildlife or human sewage.

They can be ingested while swimming or enter the skin through a cut or sore.

Symptoms include upset stomach, diarrhea, eye irritation and skin rashes.

What are blue-green algae and what are symptoms if you inhale toxins?

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Blue-green algae are types of bacteria called cyanobacteria. They can be blue, bright green, brown or red, and can have a strong odor similar to rotting plants, according to the Florida Department of Health.

If people or animals splash in the water or if boats create wakes, the algae cells can be broken apart, and the cyanotoxins can be released into the air. The toxins mix with water droplets and spray, causing people and animals to potentially inhale the toxin.

Water from areas with blue-green algae can make animals and people sick. These toxins can't pass through your skin easily so swallowing large amounts of contaminated water is what causes illness.

For some people, exposure to blue-green algae can cause rashes, stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. People who are very sensitive to smells can have respiratory irritation. Sometimes, high exposures of toxin can affect the liver and nervous system.

What is red tide and what are symptoms if you come into contact with it?

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Karenia brevis is a naturally occurring, single-celled organism belonging to a group of algae called dinoflagellates.

Red tide can cause coughing and sneezing and can irritate your eyes, nose and throat. Reactions to red tide can be worse for people with asthma, emphysema, bronchitis or any chronic lung disease, according to the Florida Department of Health.

Swimming in or around red tide can cause skin irritation, rashes and burning and sore eyes. If you come into contact with red tide, wash off with soap and water, especially if your skin is easily irritated.

Red tide toxins also can accumulate in filter-feeders such as oysters and clams, which can lead to neurotoxic shellfish poisoning in people who consume contaminated shellfish.

Webcams to see if there is algae on beaches Titusville, Cocoa, Melbourne; Brevard County

Best Western Cocoa Beach surf webcam

Indialantic surf cam

Satellite Beach surf webcam

New Smyrna webcam

Is there sargassum on the beach? Check latest conditions with these webcams

Sargassum is a type of large brown seaweed — which actually is a type of algae — that floats in masses before it washes up on beaches. These large floating clumps, patches, rafts, or "blobs" can stretch for miles across the ocean.

The rafts provide habitats for crab, shrimp, sea turtles and fish.

Tiny organisms that live in sargassum — like larvae of jellyfish — may irritate skin if you come into contact with it, according to the Florida Department of Health.

"Exposure to decomposing seaweed can result in difficulty breathing, headaches, nausea, and skin eruptions called 'swimmers’ dermatitis,'” according to the Centers for Disease Control.

As sargassum rots, it releases hydrogen sulfide, which can be irritating. Seek medical attention if you experience respiratory problems, the CDC said.

If you do touch or swim with sargassum, the CDC advised rinsing off with "copious amounts of fresh water."

Florida beach live webcams:See surf, waves, sargassum conditions around the Sunshine State

Use these webcams to see the crowds, surf and sargassum where you're going.

Titusville Playhouse is making its mark on the musical theater scene in a collaboration with theatrical development company Lively McCabe Entertainment.

In a news release, Lively McCabe and theatrical licensing agency Music Theatre International (MTI) announced that a new holiday jukebox musical, “What A Wonderful World,” will be produced at Titusville Playhouse in November 2024. Steven Heron will direct the show, and Spencer Crosswell will serve as music director.

The show, written in 2021 by Jeremy Desmon with musical arrangements by Jesse Vargas, follows Santa and Mrs. Claus as they try to retire, but they must pass the baton to a new Santa. Their choice, a young advertising executive from New York City, declines the job, putting the fate of Christmas in jeopardy.

The musical includes familiar Christmas tunes like “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” along with other popular songs.

“It is a musical that MTI is now picking up,” Heron said. “The leadership and staff of MTI will all be coming in for our production to see it before it is released across the world in 2025.”

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Heron says the theater will work with the show’s creators in making adjustments to the script and score.

“We will have the opportunity to make changes and revisions even as we are in the run of the show,” he said. “It is really exciting to not create from the bottom up, but really hone in and make the show the best it can be.”

The production marks the beginning of an agreement between Titusville Playhouse and Lively McCabe to help develop and produce new works before they are added to MTI’s extensive catalog. According to Heron, the plan is for Titusville Playhouse to debut one new show every year or two.

“It is a huge honor that they trust and respect our creative vision, production quality, along with the incredible performers we have at the Titusville Playhouse to reach out to us for this collaboration,” Heron said.

“I am so excited that we have been able to enter into this collaboration and look forward to many years of working together.”

Currently on stage:Wilkommen, bienvenue, welcome! Titusville's 'Cabaret' a tale of gritty, glittering Berlin

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.

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