Space Coast AND BREVARD COUNTY

A Strategic Revival of the Space Coast Economy

Business, city and regional leaders worked - and continue to work - together to diversify the Space Coast economy after NASA ended the space shuttle program.

Diversifying the area's base of aeronautics, aviation and manufacturing was part of the effort to revive the economy according to Brian Baluta, director of communications and partner relations at the Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast.

A county of progress

Great strides have been made in creating jobs and showcasing the Space Coast to companies that may be looking to relocate. Startups that build a foundation on which to grow and stay in Brevard can appreciate the county's business-friendly attitude as well.

Brevard offers state and local business incentives, a stable tax structure and encourages innovation at every turn. Its four chambers of commerce represent a united front on issues such as affordable housing, the Indian River Lagoon restoration, transportation and tourism.

Strengthening protection of the natural environment, building on the positives of not only the area's space legacy but also its gains in areas like health care, manufacturing, education and transportation infrastructure bolster Brevard for its future.

If the beaches, wildlife, quality schools and workforce efforts such as the EDC's Certified Production Technician program don't convince companies to move or stay here, the companies that call Brevard home may. Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Embraer, Northrop Grumman and Blue Origin are here, with new expansions and new startups regularly joining the fold.

With job creation supported by tax incentives and county opportunity zones, Brevard is ready for the rewards that smart growth, strategic planning and allied partners bring.

"We can't be just about space. We've opened up opportunities, and that's what's brought a lot of companies to choose us."

-Julie Song

Founder, Advisory-Board Member, Manufacturers Association of Florida's Space Coast

Space Coast: At a Glance

Unofficial space exploration industry headquarters

10-year job growth exceeds the U.S. average

About a third of Florida aerospace employees

Year-to-year home sales are up over 19%

Aerospace Comes Into Its Own

The word renaissance is often used in the story of the Space Coast. High-paying tech jobs are on the rise in the evolving economy.

Diverse investment

The evolution shows no signs of stopping. Amazon's Jeff Bezos leased launch space for his human-spaceflight company, Blue Origin, and located its Orbital Launch Vehicle processing facility at Exploration Park.

Area leaders have been exemplary in committing to diversification and collaboration. That work - which continues - is paying off. The reach is expanding to private industry.

Well-positioned companies in terms of aerospace, aviation, defense and technology include well-known names such as Lockheed Martin, which in December secured a $58-million missile contract modification from the Navy; Boeing, which announced this summer it was shifting its space and launch division to Titusville; Embraer; RUAG; Northrop Grumman; Elon Musk's SpaceX; and United Launch Alliance (ULA).

"It's an exciting time in Brevard," says Tony Taliancich, ULA director and general manager of launch operations. There are more jobs in Brevard and a growing need for a skilled workforce. ULA is readying a mobile launch platform for the first Vulcan Centaur rocket for the Air Force, with a 2021 launch planned. "We're working on better partnerships and connections to the schools."

Room for more

Newer area companies include Firefly Aerospace, OneWeb Satellites, L3Harris and Collins.

Firefly announced an investment of $52 million, citing operations at the Cape Canaveral Spaceport, manufacturing its small rockets at an Exploration Park facility. Over 200 jobs are expected.

L3Harris is the sixth-largest defense company in the U.S., the product of a 2019 merger between L3 Technologies and Harris Corporation. The state's biggest aerospace and defense company, it has a Melbourne location and 8,400 Florida employees.

"We share the state's goal of growing its reputation as a center for technology innovation," says William M. Brown, chairman and CEO, L3 Harris. "Florida's strong educational system, available pool of highly skilled talent and pro-business climate help to attract and retain companies like L3Harris."

Looking up

Private industry is very much a part of facilitating the exploration of space, says Frank DiBello, president and CEO of aerospace economic-development group Space Florida.

"Our goal is to make Florida a regional freight system for an interstellar trade port to support companies coming and growing here," he says.

Brevard County s share of STEM employment is ranked No. 1 in Florida.

The Brookings Institution

Brevard has the 5th most concentrated high-tech workforce in the U.S.

Tech America Foundation

Just under one-third of aerospace employees in Florida work in Brevard.

U.S. Department of Labor

Navigating the Space Coast

It's safe to say there's no shortage of visitors here on the Space Coast - drawn by its ample area beaches, attractions, shopping and restaurants.

Leaders in both the tourism and transportation industries know that the more guests coming in, from more places, with greater convenience - makes for a more memorable experience for travelers overall.

'Firing on all cylinders'

Tourism is a $2.1 billion-a-year industry in Brevard County, producing about 26,000 jobs. Twenty new hotels are planned. And the most recent $16 million from the Space Coast's 5% Tourist Development Tax on hotel rooms is a record breaker, increasing the area's tourism marketing budget.

Brevard is home to great shopping, restaurants, the Kennedy Space Center, the Brevard Zoo, Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, Grapefruit Bike Trail, golf, fishing, playhouses, parks, museums and more.

The natural environment is another draw. Tourism director Peter Cranis says, making the area special.

"The beaches are in beautiful condition. A lot is being done to improve the quality of waterways."

MLB's momentum

Melbourne is home to the county's primary airport, Orlando Melbourne International (MLB), serving about 500,000 passengers a year with three newly rehabilitated runways.

Delta and American are among its airlines, with daily non-stop flights. Its location is accessible to Port Canaveral, Kennedy Space Center and Cocoa Beach.

Airport improvements have helped aircraft operations rise by 26.5% and the annual passenger count increase by 4.7%, according to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), which named MLB 2019 Commercial Service Airport of the Year.

MLB is a hub for high-paying aerospace and aviation jobs. Its tenants include Embraer, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, GE Transportation, Thales Group, Rockwell Collins and newly merged L3Harris - which created the technology for the airport's new traffic control tower.

And moving forward, it's clear skies, too: German travel and tourism company TUI announced it's making MLB its Florida gateway, beginning in 2022, offering non-stop flights to European cities. The airport plans a high-end hotel on site for air-service clients and corporate tenants, along with meeting space, a rooftop bar and fitness amenities.

In the past five years, the airport has increased its economic impact on the Space Coast by 74%, according to the FDOT.

Space Coast Regional, Merritt Island and Valkaria are general airports with varied services such as hangar rentals, charter flights, flight training and aviation sales and maintenance. Valkaria - with 71 hangars and two runways - just won 2019 FDOT General Aviation Airport of the Year.

By bus, van or car

Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT) offers public transportation with over 1,000 bus stops throughout the county, making about 2.5 million trips last year - helping to power the area's economy by getting visitors to beaches, employees to work and students to college. The organization also runs a robust paratransit service and commuter van system, with Park & Ride lots in Viera, Eau Gallie and Palm Bay.

Cruise on over

There are four new cruise ships planned at Port Canaveral, one of the world's busiest cruise ports. The cruise segment alone, according to Canaveral Port Authority, generated $1.3 billion in economic impact in 2018.

"Port Canaveral has a significant role and responsibility in building and sustaining a strong economy. ... We must continue to invest in the port's infrastructure to promote solid growth and economic prosperity for the region," says Captain John Murray, Port Authority CEO.

With cruise lines Carnival, Disney, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and half-day trips with Victory Casino Cruises, even bigger, cleaner ships are due in this year. With 6,600-passenger capacity. Carnival's Mardi Gras is the first cruise ship to run on LNG fuel. It comes to Port Canaveral in November 2020. In preparation, a $ 163-million cruise terminal is under construction.

Ongoing investment in terminal renovation work includes plans to expand the berth at Terminal 5 to accommodate ships up to 1,112 feet long, according to the Port Authority.

This past year, the Port Authority earned its recertification from Green Marine, a voluntary environmental organization. Canaveral Port Authority is one of 22 ports nationwide to earn the recognition

Tourism is a $2.1 billion-ayear industry in Brevard County, producing about 26,000 jobs.

"The tourism industry is firing on all cylinders, especially with the advent of all the new launches, which is all connected to private industry getting into the space business."

- Peter Cranis

Executive Director, Space Coast Office of Tourism

* Canaveral Port Authority's total economic contribution to Florida in 2018 was $3.9 billion

* One 6.600-passenger cruise ship at Port Canaveral generates $295 million in economic impact and 2,306 jobs.

* Two hundred small businesses, such as restaurants and marinas, lease space at Port Canaveral.

A Home for Manufacturing

With operations in Brevard for hightech, aerospace and defense manufacturing giants like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, Elon Musk's SpaceX, Embraer and Blue Origin, it certainly pays to be in the manufacturing sector. An average of 1 in every 8 jobs in Brevard is in manufacturing, according to labor market data company Emsi.

"We're business friendly," says Julie Song, a founder and advisoryboard member of the Manufacturers Association of Florida's Space Coast.

Space Coast manufacturing extends beyond aerospace and aviation. The region has over 500 manufacturing companies making everything from paint, plastics and pharmaceuticals to clothing, cables and composites.

Across Brevard, companies are creating products ranging from food to yachts. Melbourne is home to smallbatch production Joy's International Foods. Light Wing Studios in Titusville makes protective covers for musical instruments. Merritt Island Boat Works builds yachts and SeaDek of Rockledge produces innovative foam surfaces with non-slip properties for the marine environment.

"Now we are making launch vehicles, where before, we were just launching."

- Lynda Weatherman

President & CEO, Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast

Brevard County has the 2nd highest concentration of high-tech manufacturing jobs in the U.S.

The Brookings Institution

A Legacy of Agriculture

Cattle, citrus and sod are three ways to describe the area's agriculture.

With 9.45-million acres of Florida farmland generating about $1.72 million, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Brevard holds its own. The Space Coast has a robust, long-standing legacy of cattle and crop raising that contributes to its diverse and evolving economic base.

Take Deseret Ranches, for example.

Owned by the Mormon Church, the property is made up of 295,000 acres across three counties, including Brevard. With about 80 employees, the operation includes cattle, citrus, potatoes and sod, in addition to palm trees and timber. Founded in the 1950s, Deseret Ranches' leadership works with an eye on the future, focused on protecting the area's unique wildlife and land.

Diversified land company Duda also owns agricultural operations - its family-business beginnings dating back to 1926. Today, Duda Farm Fresh Foods and its ranches yield cattle, sugar cane, citrus and sod. The fourth-generation family company has owned the Cocoa Ranch since the 1940s. The land is now being turned into master-planned community Viera.

Nursery plants are also grown here in Brevard, with 21 such farms, according to 2017 USDA numbers, and over $2 million in sales.

"Our Cocoa Ranch location has been stewarding this land since the 1940s and portions of the remaining property outside of the Viera development will ultimately be conveyed to the Viera Wilderness Park," says Drew Duda, senior vice president of Duda Ranches.

Leading in Patient-Focused Health Care

Brevard County boasts 11 hospitals. There are also over 70 Space Coast assisted-living facilities. Health First, the area's largest health care system, owns four hospitals: Holmes Regional Medical Center, Palm Bay Hospital, Cape Canaveral Hospital and Viera Hospital, which opened in 2011.

Combined, the Health First hospitals have 868 patient beds. The majority - 514 - are at Holmes Regional Medical Center. It's the site of the only state-accredited Level II trauma center in Brevard and Indian River counties.

Health First is strengthened by its partnership with AdventHealth, which allows it access to technology and infrastructure-improvement funds. Health First is building a new facility in Palm Bay that will serve as a prototype.

The new facility will have chairs that automatically register and electronically record patients' weight and vitals. Health First patients can check in at a kiosk, and virtual visits and online appointment-setting will also be offered.

Patient-care technology is also a priority for Steward Health - the largest private for-profit health care network in the U.S. - along with cost-saving, preventative wellness.

Steward renamed its Brevard hospitals Rockledge Regional Medical Center and Melbourne Regional Medical Center after purchasing Wuesthoff Health System in 2017.

With a partnership forged in 2014 with the Mayo Clinic Care Network, Titusville's Parrish Medical Center uses digital technology to maintain high-quality care. An independent community hospital that's been serving patients for 60 years, it earned the nation's first Integrated Care Certification from the Joint Commission and earned an A for patient safety last spring from the non-profit watchdog Leapfrog Group.

Education Fuels the New Workforce

Building on the area's workforce needs, exploring new fields and encouraging global collaborations give Brevard County schools and universities the leading edge.

Industry exposure

Brevard County Public Schools Superintendent Mark W. Mullins, a CareerSource Brevard board member, is passionate about strategic, diverse education that boosts the workforce, entrepreneurship, innovation and skilled trades. He works to create opportunities for kids to find paths that resonate with them - whether that be college or career.

"What we hear from businesses here is that they are looking for a workforce that can adapt to a changing work environment with problem-solving and soft skills," he says.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) school programs are bridging the gap. With over 50 such programs so far, all include core curriculum, with career themes and industry-certification opportunities.

Defense, aviation and aerospace are represented in CTEs. Students can also explore robotics or coding, or even more traditional, in-demand trades such as HVAC installation or welding. Additional programs include construction, law and nursing. Culinary is a recent add, says Mullins.

The Environmental Water and Reclamation Technology CTE is especially relevant in regards to the Indian River Lagoon, he says. Kids are training for careers in water technology and water management. Classes are offered at Heritage High School in Palm Bay.

Higher education

The Space Coast's higher education outlets align themselves with area companies, designing curriculum around workforce needs. Its nine colleges and universities put local industry partnerships, global impact and research endeavors front and center.

From Melbourne's Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University aviation and aeronautics, to astronauts among esteemed alumni at Florida Institute of Technology (FIT), the area fully embraces its unique past while propelling itself further into space research, travel and innovation.

FIT'S new Buzz Aldrin Space Institute is led by the Apollo 11 astronaut himself. The university's Human Spaceflight Laboratory - established in 2017 - is a Center of Excellence for Commercial Space Transportation. Working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), it researches infrastructure for private human spaceflight and mitigation of orbital debris.

University of Central Florida has two campuses here, as does Eastern Florida State College.

The county's largest employer, the district has over 9,300 employees serving about 73,000 students.

Brevard earned its third consecutive A grade from the Florida Department of Education this past school year.

"Career and Technical Education programs provide great pathways. It's not all textbook, not all theory. It inspires students more to consider a college or career path with handson experience, right here."

- Mark Mullins, Ph.D.

Superintendent, Brevard County Public Schools

Eastern, which is constructing its first residence hall, has a new advanced-manufacturing facility and Mechatronics Lab. It just launched the Space Coast Consortium Apprenticeship Program, partnering with area companies like RUAG Space, OneWeb and Matrix Composites to serve the area's advanced-manufacturing industry needs.

"We don't try to produce grads to go to another state," says Eastern Florida State College Associate Provost Frank Margiotta. "We work very closely with local industry to educate and train the highly skilled employees they need."

Taking a global view

The region's higher-education institutions also don't limit themselves in terms of industry or geography. They develop burgeoning areas like biomedical engineering and take a decidedly global view.

FIT is building an $18-million, 61,000-square-foot Health Sciences Research Center that will double the size of its biomedical engineering program for undergraduates. It will also add about 100 students to its pre-med program, offering innovative learning methods such as augmented reality and VR education.

Webster University's Merritt Island campus just added a cyber-security master's degree to meet demand. Students are exposed to academic programs, other students and cultures from around the world. Keiser University, with a campus in Melbourne, has regionally accredited locations where students can study around the world in Nicaragua, China, Taiwan and South Korea.

" We review curriculum, ensure we're up with workplace practices and get feedback on the quality of our grads."

- Frank Mdryiulld

Associate Provost, tastern Honda State College

Living on the Space Coast

Living here means built-in beauty, cultural and natural amenities.

Brevard County has an extraordinary natural environment that, along with its ?-rated schools, cultural opportunities and economic diversity, makes it a great place to live. Its leaders know this and work to protect it.

Canaveral National Seashore is the largest stretch of undeveloped beachfront on the East Coast, 24 miles. The federally protected land is home to about 1,000 plant species and over 300 species of birds, according to the National Park Service.

Cocoa Beach boasts a boardwalk, rideable waves and the world's largest surfing store, Ron Jon Surf Shop, open 24 hours a day. Kayak rentals. Cocoa Beach Skate Park, eateries and shops provide constant entertainment.

Protecting all that's good

Encompassing over 20 miles, Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge is a habitat for sea turtles.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge envelops 140,000 acres. Established in 1963 as a buffer to Kennedy Space Center, it's home to bobcats, as well as birds and fish, including endangered species such as the Florida scrub-jay and West Indian manatee.

Water innovation

The Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program (IRLNEP) is working to manage the fragile ecosystem of the 156-mile Indian River Lagoon Estuary. It's home to about 4,000 species, says Duane De Freese, IRLNEP executive director.

The Indian River Lagoon contributes $7.6 billion to the regional economy, says De Freese, with independent estimates revealing that for every $1 spent on estuary restoration, $20 to $33 in value comes back to the community.

De Freese and Lynda Weatherman - head of the Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast - see the area as uniquely positioned to lead global clean-water innovation while adding jobs.

Nature and culture abound

Brevard is a natural beauty offering stellar opportunities for living and working.

The 20,000-acre master-planned community of Viera includes 77 neighborhoods as well as thousands of acres of managed protected land, conservation area, parks and open spaces. Viera has attracted more than 725 businesses and more than 10,000 jobs. Developed by The Viera Company, the community includes a mix of land uses. The company's parent organization, A. Duda & Sons, Inc., donated nearly 1,000 acres for uses including the Brevard County Government Center, Brevard School Board, Justice Center, Brevard Zoo, a VA Clinic, school sites and park facilities.

There are more than 50 museums and art galleries. The six-story Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts at Eastern Florida State College in Melbourne has showcased Willie Nelson, Buddy Guy and Jersey Boys in addition to comedy, ballet, opera and other performances - seating over 2,000.

"The beach is right here - it's one of the more beautiful places that's still affordable," says Bill Guyan, senior vice president and general manager, land electronics, Leonardo DRS, who moved his family to the area. "It's also never tiring to see a rocket go off."

The King Center, opened to the public in 1988, is receiving a 51.9 million upgrade. Renovations include dramatic updates to the front entrance of the building, streamlined security, modifications to the main lobby including a new bar and a refresh of the donor walls, and a remodel of the Crown Club VIP.

People to Know

Interested in developing community relationships or new ventures? Get to know the movers and shakers in the Space Coast business world.

Frank Abbate

County Manager, Brevard County

Tim Antonition

CEO, Space Coast Credit Union

Mara Bellaby

Editor, Florida Today

Kelly Billon

Orbital Launch Site Deputy Program Manager, Blue Origin

Cristinę Mendonça Bloch

Senior Director of International Operations, Embraer

Bill Brown

Chairman & CEO, L3Harris Technologies

Colleen Browne

Campus President, Keiser University

Peter Cranis

Executive Director, :lorida's Space Coast Office }f Tourism

Frank DiBello

President/CEO, Space Florida, Cape Canaveral

Greg Donovan

Executive Director, Orlando Melbourne International Airport

Brett Esrock

CEO, Health First's Holmes Regional Medical Center

Brenda Fettrow

City Manager, City of Rockledge

Tony Gingiss CEO, OneWeb Satellites

Kirk Hall

Chief Executive Officer/Chief Financial Officer, Sentry View Systems

Debbie Harvey

President, Ron Jon A Surf Shop

Sarah Hiza

Vice President, Fleet Ballistic Missile Programs at Lockheed Martin Space

Steve Johnson

President & CEO, Health First

Dana Kilborne

Chairman, EDC of Florida's Space Coast

Robert Klein

Vice President of Engineering for the Manned Aircraft Design Center of Excellence, Northrop Grumman

Michael Lapidus

Senior Manager, Government Affairs, SpaceX

Scott Larese

City Manager, City of Titusville

Shannon Lewis

City Manager, City of Melbourne

Joe Mayer

Director of Government Relations, Florida, Lockheed Martin

T. Dwayne McCay, Ph.D.

President, Florida Institute of Technology

James McKnight

City Manager, City of Cocoa Beach

George Mikitarian President & CEO, Parrish Healthcare

Todd Morley

Interim City Manager, City of Cape Canaveral

Lisa Morrell

City Manager, City of Palm Bay

Mark Mullins, Ed.D.

Superintendent, Brevard Public Schools

Marci Murphy

President, CareerSource Brevard

Capt. John Murray

Port Director and CEO, Canaveral Port Authority

Craig Olson

Vice President, Connectivity Solutions, Thales

Janet Petro

Deputy Director, NASA

Todd Pokrywa

President, The Viera Company

Michael Powell

CEO, Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority

Jim Richey, Ph.D.

President, Eastern Florida State College

Andy Romine

President, Rockledge Regional Medical Center

Brigadier General Douglas A. Schiess

Commander, 45th Space Wing, Patrick Air Force Base

Leah Selig

CEO, Space Coast Association of Realtors

John Titkanich

City Manager, City of Cocoa

Emmanuel Tormes

Senior Manager, Government Operations, The Boeing Company

David J. Volk, Esq.

Attorney, Volk Law

Lynda Weatherman

President/CEO, Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast