Nature, Heritage and the Heart of the Space Coast
Embedded firmly in the history of the Space Coast are two very disparate creatures: cows and sea turtles. Long before the rockets’ red glare, cattle were an important part of the area’s culture and economy. As for the sea turtles, they’ve been nesting on our beaches since well before the indigenous Ais were busy harvesting shellfish from the Indian River Lagoon.
This issue of Space Coast Living looks at the ranching heritage that continues — albeit on a smaller scale — in the county. Viera, believe it or not, is home to cowboys who plan to stay put for a long time. The Duda Company’s Cocoa Ranch is proof that life on the range can thrive next to the explosive growth of one of America’s top master-planned communities.
When Brevard was established in 1855, the county was so massive that it extended to modern day Polk County to the west and coastal Dade County to the south. These vast open spaces, stretching as far as the eye could see, attracted early ranchers. Even though the land was not hospitable — given the storms, the lightning, the heat, and the wilderness and its carnivorous inhabitants, including disease-carrying mosquitoes — these settlers still managed to successfully raise herds of “scrub cattle.” These wiry, tough little cows — descended from livestock the conquistadors brought from Spain centuries ago — have been replaced with fine breeds, such as the Brahman, which the Duda family favor in their Cocoa Ranch operations, but at the end of the day, cattle still roam Brevard.
This issue also showcases the wonder of one of Mother Nature’s most impressive creations, sea turtles, and the all-volunteer group that has made it a mission to help the beleaguered reptiles. The Space Coast is one of the world’s top nesting sites for several species of sea turtles. When nesting season ends by the summer, more than 50,000 nests — each containing 100 or more eggs — will have been scattered all across the beaches of the county. Sadly, only 1 in 10,000 of the hatchlings will make it to adulthood, according to the Sea Turtle Preservation Society. This local group just celebrated 40 years of lending a hand — or a flipper — to these gentle creatures that face serious threats to their survival.
Also celebrating a major milestone is One Senior Place: Brevard’s one-stop resource center for older residents and their families. Don and Beth Kramer started this unique community asset 20 years ago to help Brevard’s older residents find information and help for all aspects of their lives. The organization has grown into a vibrant outlet that also connects seniors through a variety of special — and fun — events, such as A Taste of Senior Living, which brings together the chefs from senior communities for a friendly battle of the palate to crown the best of the best among them.
Space Coast Living also celebrates the dynamo that is Barbara Ruddy. She’s a senior — but don’t tell that to this community activist and philanthropist. She is constantly on the go to support a spate of worthy projects. Although she lives in Vero Beach, her impact can be felt in Brevard County through her indefatigable support of the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra.
Summer is upon us. Vacations are around the corner. Wherever you go — be it the beach, the cities or the mountains — don’t forget to take your copy of Space Coast Living.
