With many Space Coast hotels fully booked for Memorial Day weekend, Brevard County Ocean Rescue Chief Eisen Witcher had two words in regard to his team's preparation:
“We’re ready”
Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of the summer tourism season in Brevard County and according to Peter Cranis, executive director of the Space Coast Office of Tourism, people are about to pour onto Brevard beaches.
“We expect it to be a very busy weekend,” Cranis said. “I am already hearing that many hotels are fully booked so if you haven’t made plans already, you may have trouble finding a room.”
According to AAA, U.S. travel is expected to be up 7% over last year. When you take into account that Brevard saw a record summer last year, Space Coast residents can expect even more tourists this year.
Additionally, Cranis said his office is spending $2.6 million on a summer advertising campaign. “Our largest in history," he called it.
Rolling Thunder
One of the largest events happening on the Space Coast this weekend is Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom events. While there are ceremonies and gatherings throughout the weekend, the largest impact on Brevard will likely be the Freedom Ride.
Beginning at 10 a.m. Sunday at the Veterans Memorial Center on Merritt Island, motorcyclists from around the globe will ride west on State Road 520, south on U.S. 1 to the Pineda Causeway, east to State Road A1A and then north through Cocoa Beach to disperse at Port Canaveral.
According to Dr. Lance Armstrong, president of the Rolling Thunder Florida 1 Chapter, the procession of motorcycles and vehicles will be escorted by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and should reach the port by 11 a.m.
Cranis says residents should be prepared.
“They are expecting between 3,000 and 5,000 riders,” he said.
Rolling Thunder’s primary goal is to promote and educate people on the POW*MIA issue.
Lifeguards ready
An increase in crowds isn’t a concern for Witcher and his team.
“We always prepare for everything to be thrown at us,” Witcher said. “We take every possible precaution going into holiday weekends such as Memorial Day.”
Last weekend, with heightened crowds across the Space Coast for Thunder on Cocoa Beach and the crewed Axiom-2 launch, Witcher said Ocean Rescue staff made more than 50 rescues on Brevard beaches.
In addition to shifting multiple lifeguard stations from seasonal weekend spots to full-time seven day surveillance, Witcher said his crew will be hitting the beaches early and staying as late as needed.
“We kind of go into these situations with certain expectations,” Witcher said. “So though there is more population on the beach, it can vary year to year because of the conditions.”
Local recommendations
Cocoa Beach mayor Ben Malik said his city expecting its usual huge crowds for Memorial Day weekend.
While it may seem counter-intuitive to walk across State Road A1A traffic this time of year, most locals will choose to walk or bicycle to the beach to avoid traffic and parking fees.
Malik’s recommendation for local residents wanting to hit the beach: “Try to go to the south end of town or hit the beach early by bike.”
For North Brevard residents, Cranis recommends heading to the Canaveral National Seashore. But for everyone else?
"I think the south part of the county (south of Patrick Space Force Base) will be the best bet for residents," he said.
Staying safe
Witcher said people should always come to Brevard beaches with the expectation that rip currents are present.
He also made these recommendations:
- Swim near lifeguard stations
- Check with lifeguards for any other hazards.
- Stay hydrated.
- Use sunscreen.
Guarded beaches
These areas will have lifeguards watching the surf daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Cheri Down Park – Cape Canaveral
- Cocoa Beach Pier – Cocoa Beach
- Shepard Park - Cocoa Beach
- Lori Wilson Park - Cocoa Beach
- Tulip Avenue - Cocoa Beach
- Minutemen Causeway - Cocoa Beach
- Paradise/Futch Park - N Indialantic
- Nance Park/Boardwalk - Indialantic
- Ocean Avenue - Melbourne Beach
- Spessard Holland Park (North) S Melbourne Beach
What do the flags mean?
According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection: To minimize the risks of drowning or serious injury, the Florida Coastal Management Program worked with the Florida Beach Patrol Chiefs Association, the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA)and the International Life Saving Federation to develop a uniform warning flag program for use by Florida’s beachfront communities.
- Double Red Flags means the water is closed to the public
- Red Flag means high hazard with high surf or strong currents
- Yellow Flag means Medium hazard with moderate surf and or currents
- Green Flag means low hazard with calm conditions but beachgoers should still exercise caution
- Purple Flag means stinging marine life are present. Men o’ war, jellyfish and stingrays are prone to Brevard waters
Rob Landersis a veteran multimedia journalist for the USA Today Network of Florida. Contact Landers at321-242-3627orrlanders@gannett.com. Instagram:@ByRobLandersYoutube:@florida_today
Support local journalism. Subscribe today.
