I found the Bicentennial Memorial during the celebration for America's 250th birthday celebration…read more It seemed fitting to discover a monument dedicated to the nation's 200th anniversary exactly fifty years later. The Bicentennial Memorial in Cocoa Beach was erected by Brevard County and dedicated on July 20, 1976, as part of the nationwide celebration marking 200 years of American independence. Bearing the inspirational phrase, "With inner faith to outer space," the monument reflects both the nation's heritage and the Space Coast's extraordinary contribution to America's journey beyond Earth. Located just minutes from Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach was home to many astronauts during the height of the space race. For that reason Brevard County's Bicentennial monument celebrates not only the nation's founding but also the region's role in one of America's greatest achievements. Facing the roadway, the monument features the Great Seal of the United States and a heartfelt dedication honoring the men, women, and children of Brevard County who generously gave their time and financial support to commemorate the Bicentennial. Their names were inscribed on parchment and placed beneath the monument as a lasting tribute to their community spirit. On the park-facing side, Bicentennial logo is accompanied by an engraved Apollo moon landing scene. The artwork depicts a lunar module, an astronaut, the American flag, and a Lunar Roving Vehicle, the electric rover used during Apollo missions 15, 16, and 17 to explore greater distances across the Moon's surface. The monument also pays tribute to NASA's original Mercury Seven astronauts: M. Scott Carpenter L. Gordon Cooper Jr. John Glenn Virgil "Gus" Grissom Walter M. Schirra Jr. Alan B. Shepard Jr. Donald K. Slayton Although mot very large, the memorial captures the patriotism of the Bicentennial era and the pride Brevard County felt in its community and its connection to the American space program. It serves as a reminder that while the nation was remembering 200 years of history, the Space Coast was also looking to the future of space travel.

This pedestrian bridge is about 100 feet long hovering above Garden Street in West Titusville…read moreallowing safe passage across the busy intersection. There are businesses on both sides including Titusville Bait & Tackle and Dr Dan's RC Shop. The steel truss style bridge is completely enclosed with top fencing and high rails to prevent falls. Drove under the bridge as people walked over.

In Titusville I discovered one of Florida's distinctive blue historic markers, which are part of…read morethe state's Historical Marker Program, one of the Division of Historical Resources' most popular public history initiatives. These markers highlight important people and places throughout Florida. They can be found along roads, battlefields, cemeteries, churches, colleges, historic districts, schools, historic buildings, and at archaeological site like this one. This marker tells the story of the Windover Archaeological Site, one of the most important archaeology finds ever made in Florida. Marker F-486 was installed in 2002 by the Brevard County Historical Commission and the Florida Department of State. In 1982, a bulldozer was excavating a pond for a new housing development when a backhoe operator noticed several human skulls in the bucket of his machine. It was quickly determined that they belonged to an ancient Indigenous people who had lived in the area thousands of years ago. Archaeologists ultimately recovered the remains of 168 individuals from the peat at the bottom of the pond. The peat created extraordinary preservation conditions, protecting not only the skeletons but also soft tissues, including some brain matter. Researchers at Florida State University studied the remains, yielding a wealth of new information about Florida's earliest inhabitants. Textiles recovered from the burials provided rare insights into ancient weaving techniques, while preserved gut contents offered valuable clues about their diet. One of the most remarkable discoveries was the skeleton of a young man born with spina bifida. Because his spinal cord developed outside his spinal column, he was likely paralyzed from birth. Evidence suggests that his community cared for him throughout his life until he died from an infection at around 15 years of age, offering a glimpse into the compassion and social bonds of these ancient people. In recognition of its extraordinary importance, the Windover Archaeological Site was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987. To learn much more about this fascinating discovery, visit the Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science, which features a comprehensive exhibit on the site. If you visit the archaeological site itself, however, all you'll find is this historical marker.

The Apollo program was NASA's human spaceflight initiative that fulfilled President John F…read more Kennedy's goal of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to Earth before the end of the 1960s. Between 1961 and 1972, the program conducted 12 crewed missions, which successfully landed six astronauts on the moon. Named after the Greek god Apollo, the program forever changed the United States space program. The Apollo 1 crew Virgil "Gus" Grissom, Edward H. White II, and Roger B. Chaffe lost their lives in a devastating launchpad fire during a pre-flight test in 1967. Safety improvements led to Apollo 8 becoming the first crewed mission to leave Earth orbit, travel to the Moon, and orbit it, paving the way for the historic landing that followed. On July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 achieved one of humanity's greatest milestones when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first people to walk on the Moon, while Michael Collins remained in lunar orbit aboard the command module. The program concluded with Apollo 17 in December 1972, the final lunar mission, during which astronauts spent the longest time on the Moon's surface and made extensive use of the Lunar Roving Vehicle. In all, 12 American astronauts walked on the Moon, conducting scientific experiments and returning approximately 842 pounds of lunar rocks and soil to Earth. The Apollo program remains one of the United States greatest scientific achievements. This monument, located in Space View Park as part of the U.S. Space Walk of Fame, was created to honor that legacy. Groundbreaking took place on July 16, 1999, at exactly 9:32 a.m., precisely 30 years after the liftoff of Apollo 11. Designed by Merritt Island artist Sandy Storm and dedicated in 2007, the memorial features 12 bronze panels that tell the story of the Apollo program. Bronze handprints of the Apollo astronauts surround the monument, while those who had passed away before the castings were made are honored with raised profile reliefs. It was a moving experience to place my hand where these astronauts hands once laid. A life-size statue of President John F. Kennedy stands at the center memorializing how he inspired a nation to reach for the moon. If you're familiar with the history of the space program and Apollo missions, this memorial is incredibly moving. Seeing it in person gave me a deeper appreciation for the courage, sacrifice, and determination that made the Moon landings possible. I'm very glad i had the chance to visit.

Kelly Slater is Cocoa Beach's most famous resident and a beloved hometown hero. In a town that…read moreprides itself on its surfing culture, one name rises above all the rest: Kelly Slater. Robert Kelly Slater (born February 11, 1972) grew up in Cocoa Beach and learned to surf the waves off nearby Fourth Street North before expanding his skills all along the Space Coast. He went on to become the greatest competitive surfer in history, winning a record 11 World Surf League championships, including an astounding five consecutive titles from 1994 to 1998. Slater remains both the youngest surfer ever to win a world title, at age 20, and the oldest, capturing another championship in 2010 at age 38. Widely regarded as the greatest professional surfer of all time, Slater has amassed 56 Championship Tour victories while helping bring surfing into the mainstream through his innovative style and remarkable longevity. Beyond competition, he founded the Kelly Slater Surf Ranch, whose revolutionary wave technology produces perfect, man-made waves for elite competitions and training. He has also launched successful apparel and sunscreen brands. To honor Slater's extraordinary achievements, Cocoa Beach commissioned a bronze statue that stands at the north end of downtown, where A1A splits at Triangle Park. While there is parking nearby, visitors should use caution when crossing the busy two lane roadway to reach the monument. The 9 1/2-foot bronze statue was sculpted in clay by artist Tasha Drazich, a graduate of Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High School, and cast by Bronzart Foundry in Sarasota. Drazich based the sculpture on a famous 1988 photograph of Slater surfing at Sebastian Inlet. The statue was unveiled during a ceremony in November 2010. Looking at the crowds gathered for the occasion, Slater joked, "I never thought they'd stop traffic for me." In 2017, the statue received a professional restoration by Melbourne-based Emery McKesson Heritage Conservation and still continues to look great when I saw it recently. You can stop by anytime to take a photo or selfie with the legend for that iconic souvenir of a visit to Cocoa Beach.

The historic Pritchard House stands adjacent to the Titusville Welcome Center. On front of it a…read moreblue historical marker commemorates its significance. The marker is part of Florida's Historical Marker Program, one of the Division of Historical Resources' most recognizable public history initiatives. These markers honor important people, places, and events throughout the state and can be found at archaeological sites, battlefields, historic districts, schools, churches, cemeteries, and notable buildings such as this one. Historical Marker F-558 was erected in 2005 by the Brevard County Historical Commission and the Florida Department of State. Captain James Pritchard, a Confederate soldier who served in the Army of Missouri during the Civil War, purchased this property from Mary Titus in 1891. Mary and her husband, Colonel Henry Titus, are credited with giving Titusville its name. Pritchard hired Pleasant J. Hall, the builder of nearby St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church, to construct this elegant Queen Anne-style home from durable heart pine. Captain Pritchard, his wife Mary, his mother-in-law Frances Delespine Boye, and his children, Boud and Kate, were the home's first residents. After Captain Pritchard's death in 1926, he was laid to rest in Oaklawn Cemetery. His son Boud and Boud's wife, Lola Pauline Smith, affectionately known as "Miss Lovie" continued to live in the home for many years. Today, the Pritchard House looks remarkably similar to how it appeared when it was first built. The first floor features an entrance hall, staircase, a formal parlor, and a dining room. Originally, the kitchen was separated from the main living area by an open passageway that has since been enclosed with a side entrance. A narrow staircase leads from the kitchen to the former maid's room above. The second floor contains four bedrooms with built-in closets, although only the master bedroom has access to the balcony. The passage connecting the main house to the maid's room was later converted into a bathroom, where water was supplied from a cistern below through a hand pump. Many original features remain intact, including the four fireplaces with their tiled hearths and the beautiful entrance hall light fixture. After arriving in Florida, Captain Pritchard initially grew sugarcane and citrus before turning his attention to real estate and business. He organized Titusville's first bank in 1888 and served as its president. In 1890, he built the city's first electric generating plant, which was later sold to Florida Power & Light. He also owned the James Pritchard and Son Hardware Store, making him one of Titusville's most influential early businessmen. The Pritchard House was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on January 12, 1990. Captain Pritchard's granddaughter, Mary Pritchard, continued living in the home until Brevard County purchased the property in May 2005 with the stipulation that it be restored in its original location and be used as a Living History House Museum otherwise it would be returned to the Pritchard family. Tours are by appointment only and the house can be rented for private events like weddings. Several events open to the public take place throughout the year. Queen Anne architecture has always been my favorite residential style. I love how it evokes a Gingerbread house with its intricate details, asymmetrical design, and elegance. Seeing the beautifully preserved Pritchard House in person was a highlight of my visit to historic Titusville.

If you're headed to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor's Complex for the day, make sure to book…read moreyourself a ticket to the Launch Control Center (LCC) tour. Our tour guide was SO passionate and knowledgeable about everythng NASA, space and especially the LCC. He told us so many stories that brought that place a live in our minds! It really is amazing to be in a room where history is made. So if you're ever in for a great tour, this is one to hit. Especially before they start the next space program back up.... cuz then this tour is unavailable since the LCC will be in full swing again!

I will be honest and say I only discovered this museum because the huge park next to it has a bunch…read moreof geocaches. However, because of my hobby I discovered amazing places like this. According to their official website, the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center is as follows: "Since 1978 the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center and Council have taken on many missions to support over 70,000 Brevard Veterans and their families as well as to help all citizens and visitors learn firsthand about what U.S. veterans have contributed to make our country great." I cannot review how they support our veterans directly, but I can review the park and museum. Starting with the park, it is huge. It has a lot of space for patrons to get their running miles or walking steps in. There is a playground and greenhouse in the middle of the park so families with their kids could enjoy a time outside too. As mentioned earlier, geocaching is the reason I found this area and there are six geocaches hidden in the park. Next is the museum which includes the memorials, monuments, and replicas outside too. Loved the tank and helicopters and the monuments have excellent information that I did not know about certain wars in your country's short and young history. Back to geocaching, there is one Adventure Lab and the initial way point for a multicache in here. Also, there are way mark finds here too. Finally, the actual museum is three floors of U.S. military history starting with the Revolutionary War all the way to the War on Terror. I have learned so many details about each war besides weaponry, tactics, and such. I learned who the first female officer on a U.S. naval ship was. I learned the tantamount damage PTSD causes in war. I learned how uniforms have evolved. And so on and so forth. And to wrap things all up, there is a rare letterbox in here too. If you letterbox like I do, bring your letterbox journal, stamp, and ink pad. Overall, such a wonderful place to learn. I am so happy there are organizations keeping history alive because much of our young people do not know (and sadly don't care) about our U.S. history. I pray such a place will help such young generations to grow and mature that we don't repeat the mistakes other nations have in the past.

This is a must-see for anyone visiting Brevard. A big shout out to Richard Donoghue for his expect…read morepersonal tour!