Compre una casa a un precio razonable con un préstamo VA Near Me Brevard, FL

Brevard is about to receive not one, but two Chicken Salad Chick locations soon.

This fast-casual restaurant chain with Southern roots is planning on opening the first Brevard location in May, at 1301 S. Babcock St. in Melbourne.

The owner, Allison Gibson, with help from her family, has renovated the former Bagel 13, near Melbourne High School. The store will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily and be closed on Sundays.

Gibson's mother, Catherine Brown, will own the second location, located at 1995 Viera Blvd. That location is planning a late summer opening.

More about Chicken Salad Chick

Founded in Alabama in 2008, the chain serves more than a dozen made from-scratch daily chicken salads, alongside soups, sandwiches and more.

Among the favorites are the Classic Carol, a traditional chicken salad; the Fancy Nancy with apples, grapes and pecans; and the Barbie-Q, featuring a hickory-smoked BBQ flavor.

The Melbourne store will mark location number 300, and the brand spans 21 states to date.

Why you should go to the grand opening

Welcoming guests on Wednesday, May 7, the franchise is known for big opening day festivities, giving away a free grab-and-go container of chicken salad for a year to the first 100 customers.

The first guest in line at 10:30 a.m. will receive one free large 'Quick Chick' of chicken salad per week for an entire year. The next 99 customers will receive one free large 'Quick Chick' per month for an entire year.

Amber Olesen is FLORIDA TODAY's food and dining reporter. Reach her at aolesen@floridatoday.com.

Boy, 4, with autism drowns after wandering from home

A 4-year-old boy with autism was found dead in a pond near a Rockledge apartment complex Thursday morning, less than an hour after his mother called 911 to report him missing, authorities said.

The Brief

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. - A 4-year-old boy with autism was found dead in a pond on Friday morning after being reported missing less than an hour earlier in Brevard County, deputies say.

4-year-old boy found dead in pond

What we know:

The Brevard County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) says the boy was reported missing around 8:30 a.m. on Friday, May 9.

Deputies say they received a frantic call from the boy's mother saying her child had unlocked the door and gotten out of their home at the Mission Bay Apartments on Murrell Road in Rockledge.

Officials began searching the area immediately, and aviation units spotted what they believed to be the child in a pond in the complex less than an hour later, around 9:20 a.m.

Authorities believe the child may have slipped down the bank of the pond and into the water and did not know how to swim.

What we don't know:

Deputies have not yet identified the boy or his parents. They are continuing to investigate the exact events that led to the boy's death.

What they're saying:

A search involving 30 to 40 deputies and agents ended tragically when the boy’s body was found in a nearby retention pond.

"Unfortunately, children are very enamored with water," a sheriff’s office spokesperson said. "If they don’t know how to swim, it usually doesn’t end well."

Dig deeper:

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children with autism, experts say. In Florida alone, 95 children drowned last year, 26 of whom were diagnosed with autism. Officials are urging families with autistic children to consider water safety classes.

What's next:

Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident.

The incident remains under investigation, but no charges have been filed.

STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO:

In partnership, the City of Melbourne and Melbourne Regional Chamber have prepared this toolkit for starting a small business in Melbourne to assist individuals and small businesses with expansion or relocation in the City. With the primary goal of promoting a prosperous and diverse economy, the city and chamber are focused on streamlining the process for business owners and entrepreneurs. This toolkit may not be all-inclusive for every type of business, but it aims to give the basic steps needed to open a business in the City of Melbourne.

Step 1

There are many resources available to assist you in starting your own business. We recommend contacting one of the following organizations for guidance:

Small Business Development Center (Funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration; most of their services are free.) Eastern Florida State College 3865 North Wickham Road Building 10, Room 117 Melbourne, FL 32935-2399 Phone: 321-433-5570

Melbourne Regional Chamber Excellent resource for new and existing businesses. The Chamber’s mission is to develop and promote the business interests of its members through representation, advocacy, education and support while contributing to the growth and prosperity of a vibrant business community. 1005 East Strawbridge Avenue Melbourne, FL 32901-4782 Phone: 321-724-5400

SCORE - Space Coast SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. Free service. 1600 Sarno Road, Suite 205 Melbourne, FL 32935 Phone: 321-254-2288

weVENTURE The mission of weVENTURE is to accelerate sustainable business growth for women entrepreneurs. The organization offers a wide range of programs and services, including a customized business mentoring program called IGNITE 360, business coaching and one-on-one counseling sessions, business education workshops, technical assistance, and networking opportunities. 2202 S. Babcock Street, 1st Floor Melbourne, FL 32901 Phone: 321-674-7007

CareerSource Brevard CareerSource Brevard offers many services to businesses, including helping find and hire qualified employees. 297 Barnes Boulevard Rockledge, FL 32955 Phone: 321-504-7600

Groundswell Groundswell is a nonprofit incubator and co-working space whose mission is to build an ecosystem where Space Coast innovators, creatives and technologists can thrive. 2412 Irwin St. Melbourne, FL 32901 Email: admin@swellstartups.com

Melbourne Main Street Melbourne Main Street is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to build public and private partnerships to revitalize Historic Downtown Melbourne. An accredited Main Street part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, its mission is to fuel economic growth by capitalizing on the community’s assets and paying particular attention to the physical, cultural, and social identity of Downtown Melbourne. 2004 Vernon Place, Melbourne, FL 32901 Phone: 321-724-1741

Step 2

Contact the City of Melbourne’s Planning and Zoning Division to determine the required zoning district that will allow you to operate your proposed business type within the city limits of Melbourne. We can also check the address of your proposed business location to assist in determining if your business would be permitted at the proposed location and whether there are other required site improvements that would be necessary at the proposed location. The Planning and Zoning Division office is on the third floor of City Hall (900 East Strawbridge Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32901). Phone: 321-608-7500. City Hall is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

If you are planning to complete a tenant build-out or renovate an existing unit or building, you will be required to obtain building permits and we recommend you also contact the City’s Code Compliance Division, located on the second floor of City Hall. Phone: 321-608-7900.

Step 3

Once you have determined the type of business you wish to open, contact Brevard County and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation to determine if you need a state license or certification of competency. There are more than 50 regulated professions requiring state licensing.

Brevard County Phone: 321-633-2058

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Phone: 850-486-1395

Step 4

Determine the legal structure of your business. The most common structures are Sole Proprietorships, General and Limited Partnerships, C and S Corporations and Limited Liability Companies. You are encouraged to research each thoroughly and consult a tax accountant and/or attorney prior to making your decision. If you incorporate or have employees, you will need to establish a Federal Employer Identification Number. Call 800-829-3676 to obtain the number.

Internal Revenue Service 431 N. Wickham Road Melbourne, FL 32935 Phone: 321-253-7700

Step 5

Register the name of your business. If your business will use any name other than the owner's legal name or a properly registered corporate name, a fictitious name (also referred to as a DBA) must be registered with the State of Florida. Contact the Division of Corporations at 850-245-6059.

Step 6

There are many types of licenses, both state and local, as well as professional, depending on the type of business you plan to operate. A Business Tax Receipt with the City of Melbourne is required for all businesses operating inside the city limits of Melbourne. A Business Tax (paid annually) is levied on each business operated within the city limits. In some states, it is called an occupational license. The fee varies per city and per occupation but it is a requirement by most municipalities nationwide. There is one application that will need to be filled out and depending on location and occupation additional forms may be required.

City of Melbourne Business Tax Receipts City of Melbourne City Hall 900 East Strawbridge Avenue Melbourne, FL 32901 Phone: 321-608-7038

Step 7

Once you have obtained a City of Melbourne Business Tax Receipt, you must obtain a Brevard County Business Tax Receipt. Complete the Business Tax Receipt / Zoning Use Permit application and submit it to the Brevard County Tax Collector. To minimize delays, contact the Brevard County Tax Collector's Office for prerequisites applicable to your classification and location. A tax receipt may be issued upon application and presentation of required prerequisites and payments of applicable fees.

Brevard County Tax Collector 400 S Street 6th Floor Titusville, FL 32780 Brevard County Tax Collector Website Phone: 321-455-1413

Step 8

Other agencies you may need to contact:

Step 9

You may be required to collect and remit taxes. Contact the Florida Department of Revenue for more information.

Florida Department of Revenue Melbourne Taxpayer Service Center 6300 North Wickham Road, Suite 133A Melbourne, FL 32940-2028 321-757-7070

You may be subject to other licenses or inspections depending on your type of business. It is in your best interest to fully disclose your proposed operation so that you are in compliance. Disclosure after you have opened your business could result in a shut down or unforeseen expenditures to become compliant.

You may need to be in compliance with the offices listed below:

Step 10

Our Economic Development Division offers various programs and incentives to assist new businesses locating or expanding in Melbourne. Call 321-608-7500 to determine if you are eligible. View a list of programs and incentives.

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Only one teacher, Melissa Calhoun, received a letter of reprimand following an investigation.

Florida Today

Multiple Satellite High teachers were investigated in relation to a high school student who asked to go by another name without written parental consent, though only one received a letter of reprimand and later did not have her contract renewed, according to a district spokesperson.

Melissa Calhoun, an AP English teacher at Satellite High School, "knowingly did not comply" with Florida law that requires parental consent for students to go by any alternative to their legal name, according to Brevard Public Schools Spokesperson Janet Murnaghan. Calhoun's contract wasn't renewed for the 2025-2026 school year, as her teaching credentials are now under review by the Florida Department of Education. She is the first known educator to suffer job loss in relation to the 2023 law.

The student in question wanted to be known by a name related to their gender identity, according to school and community members.

Calhoun wasn't the only teacher investigated in relation to the use of the student's chosen name. Multiple other teachers were investigated, Murnaghan said April 21 in response to a FLORIDA TODAY question, but none of the others were reprimanded.

Murnaghan did not specify how many teachers were included in the investigation.

Under a Florida law, signed in 2023 by Gov. Ron DeSantis, parents must sign a form if their child wishes to go by any alternative to their legal name, whether that be a shortened form of their given name or a chosen name related to their gender identity.

"This was not a simple case of someone named Madison wanting to go by Maddie, for example, or a Nicholas wanting to go by Nic," School Board member Katye Campbell wrote in a letter, responding to constituents who reached out about the issue.

Since news broke regarding Calhoun's contract not being renewed, a groundswell of support for her has developed around the county, with Satellite High students, parents and alumni largely leading the movement. Two peaceful protests were held — one on April 10 outside the school and the other on April 18 within walking distance.

Multiple students reported being suspended for participating in a walkout, though Murnaghan disputed this.

"No students were suspended at Satellite High School in relation to Ms. Calhoun’s non-renewal," Murnaghan said.

Teachers also received an email from BPS' HR department warning them not to participate in a strike after a social media post went up about a statewide call-out in support of Calhoun.

Here's what we know.

Students would face suspension for walking out

Students at Satellite High planned a walkout for fifth period on April 10. But upon receiving warning from the school that day that walking out could result in suspensions, they quickly changed plans, instead opting to write an email in class to Florida representatives, then meet in the courtyard with signs after school.

A photo taken on April 10 from inside a Satellite High classroom that was shared with FLORIDA TODAY, showed an email sent to teachers from the school's principal, Courtney Lundy. In the message, Lundy told teachers to remind students that they could not skip class or leave campus.

"Leaving campus, as always, results in suspension," Lundy wrote, though she did not specify how long the suspensions would last or if they would be in-school or out-of-school suspensions.

Leaving campus without permission is punishable by placement at an alternative classroom, extended detention, financial restitution, in-school suspension or out-of-school suspension for one to five days, according to BPS' Student Code of Conduct.

Sat High student punished for vulgar email to board

A Satellite High student was given a suspension for the use of vulgar language in a profanity-laced email she sent to school board members outside of school hours from her personal email account, according to records sent to FLORIDA TODAY from a former district employee.

In the email, sent on April 12 -- a Saturday -- the student tells board members that she doesn't feel they understand what is going on at the school and that a parent should not have a "right over there (sic) kids."

"I learn more off social media then your stupid (expletive) teaching lessons," she said. "The brevard county public schools has done nothing but prepared me for failure so i hope you're happy. The way you guys run (expletive) is not right and it's stupid."

School Board member Megan Wright responded, including the student's mother, Superintendent Mark Rendell and the school principal, saying she understood the community's frustration but didn't understand how "this type of email and language will achieve anything productive to the situation."

"Should you want to have a productive conversation where you can voice your concerns like a respectable person, I welcome that opportunity!" Wright wrote in an email obtained by FLORIDA TODAY. "But sending emails with curse words and insults isn't going to get you anywhere but in trouble."

The student, who wrote an apology back to Wright, was given a suspension for one day, with the school citing the use of profane language as the reason for the suspension. The school noted that the student's parent could schedule a conference with the school's assistant principal or dean to dispute the suspension, with the student not allowed to return to class in the meantime.

The student code of conduct addresses the use of obscenities, listing it as a level one behavior, in other words, a "relatively minor misbehavior ... that affects the orderly operation on a school campus, a school bus/bus stop, at a school/school board sponsored function or while at other school board facilities."

According to the code of conduct, students are to follow the code's rules "while at school or at a school sponsored activity and to expect consequences for any inappropriate behavior."

The student declined to comment to FLORIDA TODAY, and the district spokeswoman didn't directly address this incident in an email responding to FLORIDA TODAY questions. Wright didn't respond to an email seeking comment.

Teachers told don't strike, it's the law

Concerns arose among district staff during the week of April 17 regarding the potential of a coordinated teacher call-out in the coming days, according to email records forwarded to FLORIDA TODAY by Murnaghan.

On April 17, Ryan Dufrain, assistant superintendent of human resources at Brevard Public Schools, sent out an email to educators saying they could not participate in a strikes or coordinated work stoppages under Florida law and the union's collective bargaining agreement. He also wrote to Anthony Colucci, president of Brevard Federation of Teachers, and other union leadership to alert them to his concerns and ask that they discourage participation in a call-out.

"We ask for your assistance in discouraging any actions that could disrupt learning, violate contractual provisions or put employees at risk of avoidable consequences," Dufrain said. "If there are unresolved concerns or pressures that are driving these discussions, we remain open to continued dialogue and collaboration through the appropriate labor-management channels."

Dufrain didn't say what prompted his emails, though a graphic posted to Facebook urged teachers statewide to call out in support of Calhoun on April 21. No name or organization was attached to the graphic, and it did not receive broad circulation.

Participating in a call-out could result in "loss of pay for unauthorized absences, requirement to submit medical documentation or disciplinary action," Dufrain said, citing Florida law, which prohibits public employees from striking.

"We want to be clear: This is not intended to silence concerns," he said in his email to educators. "We encourage employees to continue raising issues through the appropriate channels, including your union representatives and district leadership. Constructive dialogue remains the most effective path forward."

The social media post continued to gain little traction throughout the day Monday, and no reports were made of teachers attempting to strike.

Finch Walker is the education reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Walker at fwalker@floridatoday.com. X: @_finchwalker.

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