The Traveler’s Channel on WebWorld TV welcomes you to the Florida Space Coast and the Treasure Coast. The Space Coast is so named because it is from here that NASA and the U.S. Air Force launch rockets and shuttles into space, threrby treating residents and visitors to front row seats to these exciting events. The Space Coast is bounded on the North and West by Central Florida, and on the East by the Magnificient Atlantic coastline with its lovely beaches and fishing and water sports opportunities. On the south is the fabled Treasure Coast, a sprawling, largely metropolitan area. It got its nickname from the number of Spanish galleons – especially the ones from the 1715 Spanish treasure Fleet – that sunk off its coast. To this day, treasure hunters are still bringing up booty from those ships
3 – 2 – 1, - RING-RING
As the space program grew, so grew the Space Coast. In the 1990s, it grew to the point of needing its own telephone area code. One of the clever residents, a fellow named Robert Osband (also mysteriously known as Richard Cheshire (???).) discovered that the numbers 3-2-1 were not in use anywhere else in the country, and he thought, “3 – 2 – 1, liftoff! Duh!” It was a natural, so he successfully campaigned to claim the famous countdown sequence for the Space Coast area. The new number was officially, uh, launched on November 1, 1999.
KSC AND THE ANIMALS
The John F. Kennedy Space Center is the spaceport, or “vehicle launch facility” for NASA. Located midway between Miami and Jacksonville, Florida, it offers an interesting blend of the most up-to-the-moment modern technology and natural environment. Only about 9% of the land of the Kennedy Center’s property is developed. This leaves the undeveloped part perfect as home to the Merritt Island Wildlife Preserve. The Preserve is home to numerous endangered and rare species of birds, animals, and sea creatures, conveniently protected by the required “buffer zone” around the launch sites.
SPACE PLUS…………………..
The Florida Space Coast is about a whole lot more than missile launches. There are a number of points of interest in the area that will make your visit memorable. There’s Titusville, with not only the Astronauts Hall of Fame but the American Police Hall of Fame and Museum as well. There’s the fabulous, famous Pier in Cocoa Beach, and Ron Jon’s 24/7 Surf Shop. There’s the Zoo and the Art & Science Museum in Melbourne. There’s fun and funky Cocoa Village in Cocoa. And there’s horseback riding, airboat rides, swimming, surfing, fishing, boating, shopping, and some really good eating to be done all up and down the wonderful Florida Space Coast.
