Ask!

Question

If I can't find the answer using the website navigation or "Site Index & Search Tools" available in the top navigation panel, how do I ask a question?

Answer

For Your Convenience...
We maintain a growing list of the most frequently asked questions about Brevard County Park policies, parks lands, employment, and activities. If you can't find the information you are looking for you can call our Customer Care phone number: 321-63-PKREC or email your question to info@brevardparks.com
Additionally, Brevard County's Ordinance, Chapter 78, Article III - Use of Parks (PDF) may address your question.

Alcohol in Parks

Question

Can I have a small party on the beach or in a park and serve beer or other alcohol?

Answer

Glad you asked! The general answer is covered in Brevard County's Ordinance, Chapter 78, Article III - Use of Parks (PDF)

You can find that document on the same page where our facility use permit and rules are posted. As a County Ordinance, it is the best “general” rule available.

In summary, it states that consumption of alcoholic beverages by individuals or gatherings of people is permitted only in “designated” areas.

In our parks, for instance, you can acquire a Facility Use Permit to hold a function where alcohol is served at a “designated” area, usually a Community Center or pavilion, but not on beaches or on park grounds managed by the Department.

The only time when it is permitted otherwise in our parks is for large, multi-sponsored events such as a festival at a beach park. However, private commercial businesses on the beach, such as the Pier in Cape Canaveral, and restaurants and hotels may have permitting that allows alcoholic consumption by groups that are sanctioned by them.

For further information, contact the manager of the park or facility where you are interested in scheduling your function.

Animal Control

Question

If I find a dead animal on the beach or in a park, who do I contact to remove it?

Answer

Each park managed by Brevard County Parks and Recreation has a maintenance team that removes dead animals if they see or are alerted to the fact.

However, because the beaches between park crossovers and the ocean are not part of the parks, it is best to contact Brevard County Animal Control Services. They can pick up a dead animal within a few hours after receiving a call for pick up. Picking up dead animals is secondary to all other priority calls (the only exception is dead animals at a day care, school or near a bus stop). Contact Animal Control Services by calling: 321-633-2024 or 321-255-4346

Question

If I see stray animals or dangerous wildlife in a park, who do I call?

Answer

Immediately alert the park maintenance staff or associated County Area Parks Operations office (or City office, if a municipal park); and/or contact Brevard County Animal Control Services by calling: 321-633-2024 or 321-255-4346

Question

Are dogs allowed in parks?

Answer

See Frequently Asked Questions - Dogs or detailed information at Dogs In Parks

 

 

 

Beach Cleanup

Question

How can my organization get involved in a beach cleanup day or find out more about the Adopt-A-Shore program?

Answer

Go to the Keep Brevard Beautiful web site, or call 321-453-8767 or email.

Bikes in Parks

Question

Can I ride my bike off road in Brevard County Parks?

Answer

Because of the sensitive ecosystems, street bikes and mountain bikes are restricted to roadways and bike paths in parks managed by Brevard County Parks and Recreation.

With regard to parks managed by cities or privately owned properties, you should seek permission from the property owner or manager.

Although the bike trails are not identified as "off road", you might be interested to know that bike trails are identified in the St. Johns River Water Management District book "Recreation Guide to District Lands" for some of the conservation areas and buffer preserves. On the Publications page, select "Recreation Guide to District Lands" at the following web site: http://sjr.state.fl.us/programs/ outreach/pubs/index.html

 

Bike Trails

Question

Does the recreation department have maps of bike trails or designated bike routes throughout the County?

Answer

No, the Parks and Recreation Department does not publish a map of bike trails. However, if you are looking for wilderness bike trails, a publication called Recreation Guide to District Lands is available at the St. Johns River Water Management District website. You can view and print pages online from a PDF Acrobat Reader version, or request a hard copy. The publication identifies conservation areas (several in Brevard County) that include thousands of acres and have marked bike trails: http://sjr.state.fl.us/programs/ outreach/pubs/recguide/recguide.html (view either the Central or Southern Regions).

There is also a bike trail in the Archie Carr Nation Wildlife Refuge that connects Long Point Park with Sebastian Inlet. Other dirt road bike trails include Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary in Merritt Island, and Black Point Drive in the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge.

The Brevard County Bicycle Pedestrian Program is coordinated by the Office of Traffic Engineering. In May 2001, the Brevard Metropolitan Planning Organization adopted the Brevard County Greenways and Trails Master Plan. The Plan incorporates public comments and ideas collected during the Master Plan development and identifies the opportunities for a trail system that serves transportation, recreation and conservation needs. The MPO is now know as the Transportation Planning Organization.

The Brevard County Bicycle Pedestrian Program is supported by citizen advisory committees, and many of those citizens are associated with bicycle shops in Brevard County -- employees at these shops are an excellent source of information regarding bike trails.

 

 

 

 

 

Bonfires

Question

Is it permissable to have a bonfire on a beach in Brevard County?

Answer

Brevard County Ordinance Sec. 78-114 states:
No person in any park or recreational area shall ignite, set or maintain any fire for cooking or any other purpose unless such fire is within a designated area for such purpose.

With two exceptions, beaches in Brevard County are not designated areas and fires are not allowed.

The exception includes beaches within the city limits of Cocoa Beach or Satellite Beach.

Contact the applicable municipality for details about requirements they may have, or for any updates that might have been made to the following rules:

The City of Cocoa Beach will issue a permit for bonfires per City Ordinance 9-10 per the following conditions:

• Permit issued to persons over 18 years of age or older who are Brevard County residents
• Photo ID required
• $25 permit fee
• Permit issued for only for campfires between the north side of Minutemen Cswy and northern boundary of the city
• Permit issued on day of request dependent on wind conditions existing or anticipated (if permit is revoked on site due to wind conditions, permit fee will be refunded by mail)
• No refunds issued due to rain
• Fires can be no less than 100 ft from a stub-end street of dune crossover and at least 30 ft from any dune crossover or vegetation
• Fire cannot exceed 3 ft in diameter or 3 ft in height and must be surrounded by beach sand only
• Fire may not be left unattended and the permit and owner must be present at all times
• Fires must be out by 12 midnight
• All fire debris must be extinguished and removed (not buried) with site restored to natural condition
• No burn permits issued from March 1 and October 31

City of Cocoa Beach information: 321-868-3330
City of Cocoa Beach Recreation

The City of Satellite Beach will issue a permit for bonfires per Recreation Rule conditions. Contact the City of Satellite Beach Fire Department for more information: 321-773-4405

 

 

 

 

Canoe & Kayak Rentals

Question

Can I rent a canoe or kayak at a Brevard County park?

Answer

The Department does not rent canoes or kayaks, but here are some rental businesses:

Calema Windurfing & Watersports - 2550 N Banana River Dr, MI, 321-453-3223

Ocean Sports World - 3220 S. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach, 321-783-4088

Village Outfitters - 113 Brevard Avenue, Cocoa, 321-633-7245

Honest John's Fish Camp - 750 Mullet Creek Rd., Melbourne, 321-727-2923

Note: There is also a paddling club in Brevard County. Click Here for details.

 

Dogs

Question

Our dog is part of our family and wants to come along on outings, which parks can we take him to?

Answer

In many park only service animals are allowerd. However, there are designated areas in some parks where dogs may accompany their owners. Please visit our "Dogs In Parks" web page for details: www.brevardparks.com/dogs

Environment

Question

Does Brevard County have specific rules and/or recommendations regarding litter, pet waste, and the various materials that contaminate our parks and waterways?

Answer

Yes we do. Go to our Protecting Our Parks page for details.

Or contact the Brevard County Natural Resource Management Office for information.
Phone: 321-633-2016

Question

Does Brevard County have a program for conservation of sensitive ecosystems and environmental education?

Answer

Yes, the Parks and Recreation Department manages the Environmentally Endangered Lands Program.

For questions involving other resource management, permitting, remediation, or compliance issues, contact the Brevard County Natural Resource Management Office for information.
Phone: 321-633-2016

 

Feeding Scrub Jays

Question

Is it OK to feed scrub jays peanuts and scraps of food?

Answer

The U.S. Federal Wildlife Service specifically requested Brevard County Natural Resources Management Office to inform residents and visitors that hand-feeding Scrub Jays is in direct violation of the Endangered Species Act. The Endangered Species Act defines hand-feeding of Scrub Jays as harassment because it teaches jays to look to humans for direct hand outs and is detrimental to long term survival. Hanging bird feeders available to all birds are not covered by the policy as it is not 'directly' or 'actively' feeding jays. Brevard County Natural Resource Management Office Phone: 321-633-2016

Need Help Finding a Park?

Question

A) Why is the park I am looking for not listed in the Brevard County Parks and Recreation directory?

B) Why is my child's Little League Association not listed in the Brevard County Parks and Recreation directory?

Answer

A) The park you are looking for may be one of many parks managed by the municipality (city) in which it is located. There are some city parks that Brevard County Parks and Recreation does manage through contractual agreements with those cities. If you do not find the park you are looking for listed at our web site, you can use our "Other Parks Related Agencies" page for the city contact information, or view in Acrobat Reader a list of PARKS IN BREVARD COUNTY NOT OPERATED BY BREVARD COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION: Alphabetical by Parkor Alphabetical by Location then Park. If you still cannot find it, call 63-PKREC and we may be able to assist you.

B) The leagues listed at this website are the ones on user agreement or facility use permit to use Brevard County Parks and Recreation Department fields or School Board fields that are managed by this Department through a co-use agreement. In other words, the leagues listed on out website administer sports programs associated with this Department. Those athletic leagues that use properties associated with cities that have their own Recreation Department are not listed. However, you can use our "Other Parks Related Agencies" page for city contact information.

 

 

 

 

 

Fishing Regulations

Question

When do I need a fishing license for saltwater or freshwater recreational fishing? Where would I get a license?

Answer

Some general information is listed below, however to be sure you know current up-to-date regulations, the Florida Wildlife Code is the final authority on fishing laws. For your convenience you may order an instant fishing license either by going to: www2.wildlifelicense.com or by calling toll free: 1-888-FISH FLORIDA (347-4356)

After reviewing the fishing regulations below, visit Brevard County Parks and Recreation Fishing Sites and Boat Ramps

LICENSES & REGULATIONS - Be sure to check for current revisions at floridafisheries.com/license.html

• Freshwater Recreational Fishing
• Freshwater Recreational Exemptions
• Saltwater Recreational Fishing
• Saltwater Recreational Exemptions

FRESHWATER Recreational Fishing License

SOME INFORMATION

For fees go to: myfwc.com/license
For further information go to: floridafisheries.com/rules

Licensing requirements follow the species of fish you are fishing for, regardless of where you are fishing. For example, anglers fishing for and possessing largemouth bass in brackish water need a freshwater license; anglers fishing for saltwater species in fresh water (e.g., spotted sea trout, red drum, snook, or American shad) need a saltwater license to possess these species if fishing from a boat.

FRESHWATER Recreational Fishing

SOME LICENSE EXEMPTIONS

For complete information go to: floridafisheries.com/rules

• Florida residents 65 years of age or older who possess either a Resident Senior Citizen Hunting and Fishing Certificate or proof of age and residency.

• Georgia residents 65 years fo age or older who have in their possession a Georgia Honorary Combination Hunting and Fishing License and proof of age.

• Children under 16 years of age

• Any resident who is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and is not stationed in Florida, home on leave for 30 days or less, upon submission of orders.

• Any resident fishin in the county of his or her residence with live or natural bait, using poles or hand lines that are not equipped with a reel or other line retrieval mechanism (cane pole), for noncommercial purposes.

• Anyone fishing in a private fishing pond less than 20 acres that is entirely within the property lines of the owner with no surface water connection to public waters.

• Anyone fishing during Free Fishing Weekend (usually the first weekend in April)

SALTWATER - Recreational Fishing Regulations

SOME INFORMATION

For complete information go to: myfwc.com/marine/regulation.htm

• State waters extend to 3 nautical miles on the Atlantic and 9 nautical miles on the Gulf. Federal rules apply beyond state waters. For species that do not have an established bag limit, more than 100 pounds or 2 fish per person per day (whichever is greater), is considered commercial quantities. A saltwater products license and commercial vessel registration is required to harvest commercial quantities of unregulated species. The failure to include complete laws, rules, and regulations in this summary does not relieve persons from abiding by those laws, rules, or regulations.

• Regulations are by species, minimum size limit, closed season where applicable, daily recreational bag limit, and other restrictions as listed: myfwc.com/marine/lines.htm

SALTWATER - Recreational Fishing

SOME LICENSE EXEMPTIONS

For complete information go to:marinefisheries.org/license.htm
For Fees go to:   floridaconservation.org/license

 

 

 

 

Department Funding

Question

From what sources is the Parks and Recreation Department funded?

Answer

The Brevard County Parks and Recreation Department receives funding through a myriad of sources including:

• General Fund county taxes
• Special Board of County Commission appropriations for designated purposes.
• Voter approved taxes such as:
  • Beach & Riverfront Acquisition Program
  • Environmentally Endangered Lands Program
  • MSTUs (Municipal Service Taxing Units, such as the one in Port St. John that is funding the development of facilities at Port St. John Community Center, Space Coast Community Sports Complex, and Fay Lake Wilderness Park)
  • Special recreation taxes such as the Recreation Tax District in Cocoa/Rockledge
  • Referendums, such as the three referendums approved in the November 2000 election for North Brevard, Merritt Island, and South Brevard
  • Funding from various municipalities for services performed in those cities
  • Funding from cities for joint projects
  • Florida Department of State funds through grants and legislative appropriations
  • Federal funds through the Community Development Block Grant
  • Grants from other agencies
  • Revenues from services and facilities, such as the Campgrounds, Golf Courses, facility rentals, class and event fees
  • Occasional donations

Besides monetary funding, the Department receives valuable services and cost saving measures such as joint-use of facilities with the Brevard County School Board, Brevard Community College, and volunteer services from organizations and individuals.

 

 

 

 

 

Gun Range

Question

Is there a public gun range for rifle and pistol target practice?

Answer

Yes, there is a gun range west of Titusville and Mims managed by the Titusville Rifle and Pistol Club, Inc. It is located south of State Road 46 off of Hatbill Road.

From I-95 go 4 miles west on SR 46, then go south on Hatbill Road ½ mile to where pavement ends, turn left into the gun range.
Information: 321-268-1312.

Horseback Riding

Question

Are there horse trails in any of the Brevard County Parks and Recreation Department parks and sanctuaries, and does the Parks and Recreation Department have horses for rent for trail riding?

Answer

Yes, there are horse trails in designated parks and sanctuaries managed by the Department, but the Department does not rent horses.

Parks and sanctuaries with horseback riding trails include:

• Wickham Park in Melbourne
• Buck Lake Conservation Area
• Pine Island Conservation Area
• Malabar Scrub Sanctuary in the Town of Malabar
• Jordan Scrub Sanctuary
• Micco Scrub Sanctuary

More information on EEL conservation areas and sanctuaries in the EEL Program Sanctuary Recreation Guide.

Equestrian sites are also elements of Referendum Projects for proposed development in North Brevard and Palm Bay Regional Park in South Brevard.

Horse rental services are listed on local business web directories (such listings may not be complete).

Visit our Equestrian web page for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

Jobs

Question

What kind of emploment opportunities are available in the Parks and Recreation Department?

Answer

The Parks and Recreation Department has many permanent, part-time permanent and seasonal job descriptions on file at the Human Resource Department--the Job Line phone number is listed at the bottom of the current job listings web page: Human Resource External Jobs
JOBLINE 633-2032
This number operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and provides information on current job openings. Listings are updated each week. 

For contractual, seasonal, and volunteer positions you can inquire at Area Parks Operations Offices listed here and on our Contact Directory
North Area 321-264-5105 northarea@brevardparks.com
Central Area-Mainland 321-633-1874 centralarea@brevardparks.com
Central Area-MI/Beaches 321-455-1380 mibeaches@brevardparks.com
South Area 321-255-4400 southarea@brevardparks.com
[Note: For Ocean Lifeguard information contact the Public Safety Department-Ocean Lifeguard Program:
321-633-2056 or 321-868-1145.

For information about golf course personnel and volunteer opportunities at the Golf Courses, contact:  
THE HABITAT at Valkaria Golf Course  Pro Shop: 321-952-6312
THE SAVANNAHS Golf Course in Merritt Island  Pro Shop: 321-455-1375
SPESSARD HOLLAND Golf Course in Melbourne Beach  Pro Shop: 321-952-4529
www.spacecoastgolf.com

Environmentally Endangered Lands Program Volunteer Opportunities are also availabale. More information about that program is available at: www.eelbrevard.com

Question

Do you have information about your department and about Brevard County available for Parks and Recreation professionals considering relocating to Florida?

Answer

For the Parks & Recreation Career Minded -- a brochure including photos and details about the Parks & Recreation Department and Brevard County demographics and services can be downloaded (5MB PDF viewable in Acrobat Reader).

 

 

 

 

Memorial Gifts

Question

Do you have any opportunities to buy or sponsor a place in a park to honor the loss of a loved one?

Answer

Yes, we have a Memorial Tree Program in conjunction with Keep Brevard Beautiful. You will find details at the Keep Brevard Beautiful website. People like the Tree program because trees tend to be more durable than park benches and speak about the regeneration of life.

The trees are planted in our parks. You could contact an Area Office directly for details on a planting location. Ask for the Parks Maintenance Superintendent.

North Area Parks Operations
475 North Williams Avenue,
Titusville, FL 32796
Ph: 264-5105
northarea@brevardparks.com

Central Area Parks Operations Mainland
840 Forrest Avenue
Cocoa, FL 32922
Ph: 633-1874
centralarea@brevardparks.com

Central Area Parks Operations Merritt Island/Beaches
951 Kiwanis Island Park Road
Merritt Island, FL 32953
Ph:  455-1380
mibeaches@brevardparks.com

South Area Parks Operations
1515 Sarno Road, Building B
Melbourne, FL 32935
Ph: 255-4400
southarea@brevardparks.com

 

 

Model Planes & Trains

Model Airplanes

Question

Is there a model airplane field at a County facility?

Answer

Yes, at Space Coast Communities Sports Complex in Sharpes. Call North Area Parks Operations Office for details: 321-264-5105. Email: for activity details.

Model Trains

Question

Is there a model railroad organization at a County facility?

Answer

The Titusville Area Model Railroad Club, Inc. meets in Titusville at the Gibson Community Complex, Bldg K-15, access from west entrance. Details: Bill Gillespie, 321-269-0723.