President’s Corner – February 2025 – Love Where You Live: Personal Edition

Some people already know this but for those of you who don’t, I moved BACK to Viera in July 2025 after a few years of living in another city close to Viera. An opportunity presented itself and I just couldn’t say no. I was getting very frustrated with I-95 driving every day, multiple times a day, so this move seemed like something that would simplify my life. I do work in Viera, after all, so the reduced drive time alone was enough to tip the scale.

The move here, like all moves, was a bit stressful. Selling my old house was even more stressful. But, now that it’s all over, I am definitely breathing a little easier. One of the first things I did was get registered and all set up with the HOA management companies and their management portals. This is really important for all Viera residents so that you can get informational emails about your neighborhood, pay your assessment, manage workorders and violations, and, important for me, submit Architectural Review Committee (ARC) applications.

I really wanted to enhance and upgrade my outdoor courtyard so submitting an ARC application was critical. The process was easy and painless and I submitted my form, drawings, and plans through the online portal. Once I got my approval, the contractors went to work renovating my courtyard into a Japanese garden paradise complete with koi pond/waterfall, pagoda lanterns, Zen garden sand, torii gate, and beautiful landscaping. They just finished last week and I am over-the-moon with how it turned out! So peaceful and soothing. I can tell I will be spending a LOT of time sitting outside with the doggos just enjoying the peaceful setting.

The convenience of living and working in Viera has been the biggest boost to stress-free and efficient living. I like commenting to people that I am only 2 songs on the radio away from work 😊. I can also run home at lunch if I wanted to. And, I am close to my evening HOA meetings, which is very helpful. And, for the icing on the cake, where I live in Viera is very walkable. I can walk to almost any convenience – restaurants, stores, and parks. And, this time of year, it is gorgeous! I can’t say I will enjoy it as much in the heat of the summer, but, I sure love it right now! I just might have to get a golf cart to use for those summer months and make my conversion to a real Vieraian complete! 😊

Lastly, I just have to comment on the beauty of Viera. On my drives in my previous community, I always had to pass by unkempt vacant lots, overgrown ditches and canals, garbage, failing infrastructure, and areas lacking maintenance and TLC. However, no matter where I walk or drive in Viera, our community is just beautiful. Walks are so pleasant and the people are friendly. Just yesterday, I was out walking with family and people stopped to chat and pet my brother’s Old English Sheepdog, Seamus.

I have always known how great Viera was, I mean I have worked on the development and care of Viera for more than ten years. Only now, as a resident, I can enjoy it every day and make it a part of my personal life as well as my work life.

In closing, I hope everyone has the opportunity to look around, take it all in, and enjoy the little things that make Viera a great place to work, live, play, and learn. I know I do.

So, until next time, remember, “The place to be happy is here. The time to be happy is now.” – Robert Ingersoll