The Space Coast Beach Blog

South Patrick Shores is a small section of homes and light retail located between Satellite Beach and Patrick Air Force Base/the Pineda Causeway. It runs also runs between the ocean and the river. Since the completion of the project that takes the Pineda causeway from the beach all the way to I-95...many buyers are giving this area strong consideration.

...this area has some of the shortest commute times to I-95...this really helps for those looking to live near the beaches but travel to the Cape or Orlando metro area for work.

This smaller community has inexpensively priced homes and was originally designed to appeal to those in the Air Force community. The South Patrick Shores area feeds Satellite Beach schools which are all "A Rated". Quite a few residents in South Patrick shores area are retired military...some are first time home buyers.

South Patrick Shores is also a good option for investors looking to cash in on the upgraded causeway...and buyers looking to feed "A-Rated" schools and quick commute times... that cannot usually afford the price for such amenities. Prices for single family homes range from under 100k to around 150k.

Here is a map of the area...you can see South Patrick Shores is just below the Pineda Causeway:

...because I write quite a few restaurant reviews for my website and blog (ok...so I love eating out...and this is a great way to get a write off on my taxes) I am often asked my opinion on...what is the best (fill in food category) restaurant on the Space Coast. When the gets around to Sushi the conversation will always include Banzai Sushi & Thai in Melbourne, FL.

Banzai has extensive Thai and Japanese offerings including some of the best Sushi on the Space Coast. They also offer some great lunch specials priced from $6.95...and lunch boxes priced from $10.95. The Sushi is always fresh and the I just love to add a Seaweed Salad.

The menu and options for both Thai and Japanese food are so extensive I will just put up a link to the website and you can check the food offerings out for yourself: www.Banzaisushithai.com

The Restaurant is well located at 3208 Lake Washington Rd...directly off Wickham Rd in Melbourne.If you are hungry for Thai or Sushi head to Banzai...you will be glad you did!

For some reason...regardless of the Coast you are on...if you are in an area that is big on surfing...and the Brevard County beaches are definitely a surfers Paradise...you will find good to great burrito joints.

Big Island Burritos in Indialantic, FL is a burrito/surfer joint directly across the street from the Atlantic ocean. From the first time you enter you will understand this is a place a part time surfer can get his needed fix. The TV's will have highlights of great surfing exploits to help you digest the burritos that are as big as your head.

The prices are amazing...with Burritos running from $5.50 to 7.00...tax included! They are truly enormous...so plan on eating half and bringing the other half home for dinner!

To go along with the burritos how about $1.50 16oz domestic beer...or $6.00 pitchers...with pitchers of Dos Equis only $8.00!!! The salads, appetizers and bowls are all good and the crowd is always fun.

Big Island Burritos is located in Indialantic...directly on the west side of Hwy A1A about 1/2 mile north of 5th Ave in the Indialantic Shopping Center.

Beach Woods is a large complex of homes in the Melbourne Beach area just south of the City of Melbourne Beach. What makes this complex stand out are the nicely wooded grounds, gated security and the absolutely amazing array of amenities offered.

Here is a partial list of amenities offered at Beach Woods:

1. Two pools: An east and west pool. Both are heated.
2. Tennis Courts: 3 courts...and they are lighted...they also have spectator seating!
3. Ocean access
4. River Pier: Boat landing platform, fish cleaning area, picnic tables.
5. Children's Playground
6. Racquet and Handball courts: 3 courts...2 are enclosed
7. Health Club and Exercise room
8. Sauna
9. RV and Boat storage
10. Library
11. Putting Green
12. Bocce Ball and Horseshoe pits
13. Clubhouse
14. Security Gate Access

....and much more...including close proximity to beach and golf!

Residents love the amenities...and the ability to park RV's or boats (not many neighborhoods in the area offer this option).

Offerings in beach Woods are mostly 2 bedroom townhome/condos with either 1 full and 1 half bath or 2 full baths. They also have some 3 bedroom 2 bath units. The price range in Beach Woods is from around $100k up to 200k.

If you are looking for a great investment, a wonderful place to raise children (with all A-Rated Schools) or a retirement home that will allow you to travel with peace of mind...you will be hard pressed to find a better choice then Beach Woods in Melbourne Beach, FL

Many people who visit the Space Coast do so for a variety of reasons...maybe they want to see a rocket launch....some come for our great weather...the beach calls many here...surfing is a big draw...and of course Brevard County is a great place to see a manatee or sea turtles.

When it comes to viewing sea turtles you might not find a better place to start then James H. Nance Park in Indialantic, FL.

The park is loaded with amenities...from the beach of course to a beach volleyball stadium with seating for fans to a children's playground and of course showers and bathroom facilities. Nance Park is also within walking distance of beach style shopping, restaurants (Bizzaro's Pizza will make you think you are in NYC), and 5th Ave (Indialantic's shopping and eating district).

The Sea Turtles will nest along the entire coastal area here is Brevard but because the Sea Turtle Preservation Society is located just a short walk away this area is heavily monitored and I have seen many large sea turtles lay eggs here...as well as the baby turtles make their way back to the ocean after they hatch...a truly amazing experience!!!

James H. Nance Park...as well as it's long maze of boardwalks...has ample parking for large weekend crowds (keep in mind the parking here is all meter pay parking so bring coins....25 cents gets you 20 minutes) so come on down and enjoy the beach...and maybe grab a coffee at Starbucks or a great slice of pizza at Bizzaro's!

Here are some pictures of James H. Nance Park:

I always hate when a restaurant that has been around for a long time goes away. Most of the time it happens after a change of ownership...which was the case with The Cove. Just before Christmas Neptune Bar & Grill opened in the old Cove location on A1A in Satellite Beach...about half way between Eau Gallie and Pineda Causeways.

This place is most definitely a bar and grill...with two areas for live music (one outside on the huge outdoor patio bar...and one inside. The inside bar includes a dance floor, large bar area and tables to enjoy a big game on wide screen or drinks/food. Neptune also has a large dining room (that looks a little too much like a Denny's for my liking).

The food is a notch above standard bar food. The burgers, salads, fish options and ice cold beer all tasted quite good. The prices are reasonable with most items in the $8-18 range.

The real draw here is the huge outside patio bar that stretches the entire area in the front of the restaurant. If the quality of the food stays high they will have large crowds whenever the weather permits!

Makoto's Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar in Melbourne, FL has an interesting story. It was one of my favorite restaurants when it was located in a hotel directly on U.S.1 some years back. My friends and I would head over in large groups and enjoy the wonderful food, great party rooms and talented chefs. It burned down in the early 1990's (if I remember it was a kitchen fire) and disappeared for a time.

My friends and I were all quite happy when the restaurant reappeared in its present location at 785 Babcock St. Makoto's feels like a Japanese steakhouse should...the colors, tables, bar area and private rooms are all beautifully done and hearken back to Japanese restaurants from the 1960's. The new full sushi bar is quite good and they have decent lunch specials.

It seems like every Japanese steakhouse has the same offerings (and the chefs do the same tricks...has anyone not seen the smoking onion volcano or the shrimp tail flip into the pocket). That being said I love the presentation and quality of food offered at Makoto's. The chicken, steak and shrimp are always well cooked to order right in front of you...and the chefs and their special knife work do seem to be a notch above the competition.

Makoto's is a great place for date night, entertaining clients, large family groups or ladies night out. If you are looking for a Japanese restaurant that will never disappoint...you will be hard pressed to find a better choice on the Space Coast than Makoto's Steakhouse & Sushi Bar!

Lou's Blues in Indialantic, FL is very unique to the Space Coast. It is a place that attracts all age groups (you will see 20 somethings mixing with 60 somethings)...has little to do with its name (honestly, I have been to the place many times and have only heard one group I would qualify as a blues band)...gets truly packed out almost every night...yet seems to have the most remarkable service you will find.

Trying to explain this very eclectic night spot is not easy...but here I go:

1. Two levels of fun...downstairs (especially on weekends) will be a dance party for all ages with a long bar and large dance floor.

2. Upstairs...The band is upstairs...but it is open in the middle so you can see if from both levels. Surprisingly the upstairs is slightly more subdued with tables around the outside and lots of people hanging over the rail checking out the dancing below.

3. Two outdoor patios...the upstairs patio will usually house the people eating (Lou's has a full menu of decent bar good) or those who want to check out the ocean (during daytime or summer you will get stunning ocean views).

4. The downstairs patio will have those smoking...or just catching a break from the packed crowd inside.

A few tips:

1. Do not worry about what you are dressed in...you will see anything from bikers to women who look like bridesmaids who just came from a wedding.

2. Get there a little early if you want a table...sit down and enjoy the show (as well as the people watching)...you will never need to worry about getting up to get a drink...truly amazing service.

3. If you go upstairs stay away from the table that is right near the speaker (just north of the band) or wear ear plugs.

4. Bathrooms...OK...issue here...they only exist downstairs...and they are in the northeast corner of the building...be ready to wait on line when it is busy.

Lou's Blues has one of the best locations on the Space Coast...it is on A1A in Indialantic...across from Walmart...and just south of Eau Gallie Blvd. If you are taking Eau Gallie...head east...when you get to the Ocean make a right and look left...there it is!

I must admit...I am a bit of a health food junkie. This does not mean that I will not eat chicken wings or burgers...every once in a while you just gotta do it :)

...but most nights you will find me eating healthy meals that (gasp) I prepare myself. I wish we had more places that carried healthy options...including our grocery stores that have a limited supply of organic fresh vegetables and meats.

Beachside Produce in Indialantic is one of my go to places to get fresh fruit, vegetables and more. They carry very reasonably priced chicken...they have a large selection of special nuts, grains and spices...all offered in a quick, easy and friendly manor.

Here is a quick tip...see if they have any of the fresh cake-loafs by the front counter...they are under $5 and really good.

Beachside Produce is located in the same plaza as Beach Bodies and Long Doggers (Indialantic Shopping Center)...near Indialantic Seafood on A1A...about 1/2 mile north of 5th Ave. This is a great strip center that you will find yourself coming back to time and again!

In the south Brevard beach area we have quite a few townhome and condo communities. Some of them offer a wide array of amenities (like pools, tennis courts, exercise facilities, clubhouses and more). Some offer a very limited package that will usually include common area landscaping and maintenance...Burns Village fits with those communities that offer a small package of amenities...along with very low HOA (Home Owner Association) fees ($65 a month).

Burns Village has a wonderful Indian Harbour Beach location (just north of Eau Gallie Blvd..half way between the bridge and the beach) near shopping, restaurants, the beach, the river and Gleason Park. All the homes within Burns Village are either two or three bedroom townhomes...most with two full baths...some two stories with 2.5 baths.

The layout of the homes are very typical for late 70's built townhomes...enclosed kitchens, decent sized master bedrooms with walk in closets, and a small covered (usually screened) patio in the back. Each has a 1 car attached garage. One nice upgrade over most like priced townhome projects...each unit in Burns Village has a private backyard...and they are a decent sized yard to boot. This makes these perfect for buyers with a small child or a pet.

The prices in Burns Village run from under $100,000 for a fixer upper to the low 100s for move in. The price, location, and features in Burns Village...along with its combo of all A-Rated Florida Schools...make this a good choice for first time buyers, investors, retirees or those looking to just escape the winter.

I have been coming to Bunky's for quite some time...in fact I have been to all three South Brevard beach incarnations of the place (the first two locations were in Satellite Beach...and the last move just south to Indialantic happened a few years ago).

Bunky's is a place that is built for fun...nothing fancy...a huge bar area that seems to rarely have an open seat available and a large dining room with plenty of large TV's to watch big games while you eat and or drink the day away.

The food here is quite good...raw bar selections...great wings made to order...burgers, sandwiches,salads and plenty of seafood selections. They have a really nice lunch menu with specials priced at $6.99 (try the Tortilla Pizza...it is really good).

With a huge selction of draft beers and a large offering of "Pitchers of Shots"  this is definitely a place to go with a group of friends...or go by yourself and meet new friends (do not come here looking for a romantic dinner for two...lots of better choices for that...lol).

Bunky's is located across the street from Paradise Beach in Indialantic, FL between The Melbourne Causeway and the Eau Gallie Causeway...directly on the west side of A1A

Sun on the Beach is a Satellite Beach, FL breakfast and lunch joint that offers great food at a reasonable price. The location (directly on the Atlantic Ocean in Satellite Beach) is amazing for those looking for a little view with their eggs and bacon!

The menu is very extensive and offers everything a breakfast snob could ask for...from wonderful omelets to a host of eggs Benedict choices...to their pancake bar. Crepes are outstanding here (try the banana pecan crepe) and you can choose your flavor of waffles or French toast.

The lunch menu if full of salads, sandwiches and burgers as well as a nice group of seafood dishes...all are quite good and you will find yourself coming back time after time. Check out their website for specials they offer...they are usually outstanding (go to http://www.sobfl.com ).

Sun on the Beach is not your ordinary breakfast place! The address is 753 Hwy A1A, Satellite Beach, FL 32937

The phone number is: 321.777.9483

The Georgia Waffle...Yum...Pecans, Peaches and Cream!

We have some good to very good Sushi restaurants on the Space Coast. In the Melbourne area one of the very best is Siam Orchid.

Siam Orchid has a large menu...and they know how to bridge Asian flavors and American taste buds. The menu offers a host of appetizers (the Edamame is wonderful and the Mixed Dim Sum is an excellent choice), a full page of soup choices, fish dishes, duck, enough rolls to keep you interested for a long time...and some really nice combo plates...in fact the menu is so extensive you need to view it on the link below.

My favorite is the Dragon Roll...a huge portion with truly amazing flavor. The tuna is always fresh...as is everything I have had on the menu. Siam Orchid is well priced...usually about 10-15 per person plus alcohol (they have a nice wine and beer list as well as an assortment of Asian favorites).

Siam Orchid is well located near Holmes Regional Medical Center at 75 E. Nasa Blvd in Melbourne. The phone # 321.727.1876

Find Siam Orchid on the web at: http://siamorchidmelbourne.net

We have quite a few really nice riverfront restaurants along the Indian River. Many allow for boat parking and great views. One such restaurant is River Rocks on US1 just north of the Pineda Causeway in Rockledge, FL.

This place is sort of like three restaurant/bars in one. A sit down casual dining restaurant with a great menu....a large covered patio bar with a dockside menu...and an outdoor riverfront seating section that is perfect for cocktails and live music. They do have a really nice dockside menu for those who want to eat on the patio...they have a good wine list...and they offer breakfast/brunch on Sunday starting at 11am. The sit down restaurant offers a nice array of choices from seafood to steaks....and the Veal Osso Bucco is as good as any on the Space Coast.

My suggestion...come down on a warm Sunday afternoon and enjoy a great meal and a few cocktail...you will find yourself coming back often :)

River Rocks is on the web at: http://www.riverrocksrestaurant.com 

If you live beachside and you are looking for a good...well stocked Seafood store...and you don't want to take a trip over the causeway to get that fish fix...you just might fall in love with Indialantic Seafood Company.

This place offers all kinds of fish like tuna, grouper, sandwiches, shrimp, crab...and crab cakes...and much more. All fresh from the Atlantic as well as other area of the world.The prices are similar to local grocery store seafood prices...and everything is fresh and ready for the grill or skillet!

Indialantic Seafood Company is located on A1A in Indialantic Florida (with Long Doggers and Beach Bodies). The address is 826 N Hwy A1A, Indialantic, FL 32903.

The phone number is: 321.914.3989

The website is:

...first a disclaimer...Chinese food in general is not one of the better cuisines available on the Space Coast. We have quite a few decent Sushi places...and Japanese steak houses tend to be quite good....but traditional Chinese restaurants seem to come and go.

One that seems to have been here forever...and is still one of the very best is Jade Palace in the Publix shopping center in Indian Harbour Beach (corner of South Patrick and Eau Gallie just East of the Causeway). I have been coming here since the mid-1980's

Jade Palace has been in the same location for nearly 30 years and pumps out dishes from different styles of Chinese cuisine including  Mandarin, Szechuan, Hunan and Cantonese. Prices are reasonable, they always have a nice group of nightly specials and the soups are wonderful.

The lunch menu is priced from $6-8 dollars and you are given enough food to take home...and also enjoy a full dinner...lol. Jade Palace has a full bar as well as a very large well appointed dining room that will remind you of Chinese restaurants you might find in the Northeast...a real throwback.

If you have a hunger for some good old fashioned Chinese food...you will have a tough time finding a better choice then Jade Palace! They also Deliver....to see if you are within their delivery area:

call 321.777.7878

The menu is online at http://www.jadepalace.net/index.html

Although the South Brevard beach area has many fitness center options...we do not have any of the major brand (LA Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness, Lifetime Fitness, etc...) work-out facilities. We do have a nice group of options for those moving to the area. Here is a list of a few good choices.

Beachside:

South Beach Fitness: This is a fitness center located in Indian Harbour Beach about 1/2 mile north of Eau Gallie on A1A. The price is around $30 a month. The center has a full range of free weights and machines as well as treadmills and aerobic equipment.

Our Club: Located in Indian Harbour Beach just north of Eau Gallie on A1A...Our Club has a nice pool along with weights and aerobic equipment. The equipment is older then the competition. The price is around $40 a month and they do offer quite a few classes.

Beach Bodies: This is an Indialantic work-out center about 1/2 mile north of 5th Ave on A1A. They have a very large number of machines and weights. The equipment is all in very good shape. They do have a muscle-head studio for those who are true iron-pumpers. The price is $35 a month...and they do not require a contract.

Mainland:

Pro-Health and Fitness: Three mainland locations...in Melbourne by Holmes Regional Medical Center, Palm Bay, and Viera (by the new hospital). The Viera location is without question the finest fitness center in the area (it is the equal of a high end 24 Hour Fitness or Lifetime Fitness)...all the locations are loaded with equipment, pools, classes and much more. Individual membership costs $50 a month...but if you carry your medical insurance through Health-First the fee is waived...check in with them.

Planet Fitness: This is a fairly large nationwide chain of no-frills fitness centers. They have a decent amount of equipment and the prices cannot be beat...$10 a month...or $20 for their upgraded membership that allows you to use any center nationwide. They have two nearby locations...one in Melbourne and one in Palm Bay.

Anytime Fitness: This is a small fitness center on Hibiscus and Babcock that has a nice array of equipment and a very good price...$25 a month. The big draw for Anytime Fitness is that it is open 24/7 so if you need to work out late at night or very early in the morning this may be a good choice.

I choose to work out at the Pro-Health and Fitness. With one membership you can use any of their facilities and they have the most equipment.

This is a new series I am starting. It is going to spotlight local businesses that do a great job in their specific field. In this case I am highlighting Petty's Meat Market...with two locations in Melbourne, FL Petty's opened in 1976 and has been a Central Florida area staple ever since.

Most times when I am looking for steaks or seafood I run to the local Winn Dixie, Publix...or Sam's Club/Walmart to pick up what I need. When it is a special occasion...or really anytime I need the best...I go to Petty's Meat Market. Petty's has the finest selection of meat as well as other assorted items like wines, salads and cheeses to die for...and some great sides. They also offer sandwiches and lunch items.

If you need catering for a special occasion or business meeting you will not only find Petty's reasonably priced...your attendees will be impressed because you chose the best!

Petty's also offers specials every week. You can stock the freezer with a nice family package that is sure to please...anything from lite packages...to BBQ packages...to economy packages...all well priced with choice meats!

Petty's Meat Market has two Melbourne locations:

Petty's Meat Market
1616 S Babcock Street
Melbourne, FL 32901
321-725-0400

or

Petty's Meat Market
6115 N Wickham Road
Melbourne, FL 32940
321-752-0400

They can be found on the web at: http://pettysmeatmarket.com/index.php

The construction of the new beach park at the site of the old Patsy's Shell Shop just north of Eau Gallie Blvd on A1A in Indian Harbour Beach is nearing completion. (see my original post: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2522490/space-coast-parks-recreation-series-new-beach-park-in-indian-harbour-beach-is-under-construction-again- )

The roof needs to be put on the two structures that have been built (what appears to be bathroom facilities and a BBQ area). The parking lot has been finished and some planting will be done. I spoke to one of the workers from the construction company and he told me they should be done by January barring weather interruptions.

Here are some pictures of park on 12/1/11:

This is an interesting question....it is actually part of a question potential clients (people who are getting ready to list their home) asked me recently as I was sitting and having a cup of coffee at Starbucks.

The question itself actually went more like this: "Jeffrey, what do you do that others don't when listing a property?"

They asked the question with a little smirk on their faces because they had sold many homes in the past all over the Country and had received a similar level of service in each of these areas....a lockbox, a sign and entry in their local MLS. They had been told that this was "full service representation" and the agent would of course handle all the negotiations once offers started rolling in.

Funny thing...I hear many agents today pointing out that their local MLS will send the home to trulia, zillow, homes.com....in fact a whole bunch of real estate related websites...so the clients home will be "all over" the Internet. This is part of their "full service"...in fact it is likely in their listing presentation documents.

Let me give you a little description of what I do. (Ask any Brevard County real estate agent who you are considering using to sell your home if they do the same things...before you sign the listing documents):

(in addition to MLS input, a sign in front of the home and a lockbox on your front door):

1. Electronic Lockbox (this type of lockbox will tell me who was in the home...as well as how long they stayed! This type of lockbox requires the agent showing the home to have a special electronic key to get it...and not a four digit number that a criminal could steal and come back in at any time...day or night!...does the other agent feel you are worth that level of security?)

2. Visual/Virtual Tour (attached to your listing in MLS as well as any site on the Internet that allows attachment).

3. Video Flyer with built in Virtual Tour (the flyer will be emailed to agents who work the local area as well many Internet sites like Craigslist and backpage.com...as well as clients who request additional info)

4. Full set of photos (you can not believe how many homes I see that have fewer then the maximum amount of photos allowed...a great disservice to sellers)

5. Build a website for your home (that's right...your home will have its own website! This will increase web exposure)

6. Personal home QR code (this is for use with smartphones and will direct a client directly to your listing...ask the other agents if they even know what QR codes are....or how to use them).

7. Open Houses (that's right...I am happy to do them...if your agent says an open house will not sell your home check out the stats...5% of all homes are sold through open houses...folks that's 1/20th of all buyers)

8. Ads in local news and magazines (again...a very small percentage of buyers come from these...but since I do not know where your buyer will come from I take out the ads...at my expense)

9. Entry into 70 plus Internet sites (...and here is the key...re-entry on these sites 2 times per week until the home is sold...the re-entry is what keeps you at the top of searches)

10. Home Staging (...that's right...I am a certified stager...and I give you staging advice at no charge...this can save you hundreds to thousands of dollars...and make your home sell faster....and again, all at no additional charge to you!)

11. 30 years of negotiating experience (can the other Realtors give you that level of professional experience?)

12. Entry on my highly rated www.SouthBrevardBeachHomes.com website (I personally maintain the website and it has been designed to capture the info on potential buyers for you home as well as others I have listed. Ask the other agents if they have a personal website...or do they just use the "company website" they have been given by their broker (or worse yet...no website at all.)

13. Proper Pricing Strategy for today's market (This one is REALLY important...in a market where 95% of all clients go to the Internet first when shopping for a home...pricing your home wrong by just a few dollars can cost you up to half your showings...ask me about this one!!!!!)

 You know what...there are lots more...but if the other agents you are interviewing do not do all of these at a minimum...are they really FULL SERVICE? Keep in mind...I do all of these things at my expense...if your home does not sell it costs you nothing.