Review: American Cab Company

Review: American Cab Company

 

When you are vacationing here locally, taking in the sites, and visiting friends and family, sometimes you may have the need to travel with a taxi cab. I have seen and researched my fair share, I mean "fare" share of cab companies. And trust me; there are a lot of them around here. 

 

The one I wish to focus on, which really caught my eye, is American Cab. The name American in itself said something to me, because it is of course- American. As an American, I like to support American's. 

 

 

There colors are red white and blue, and there vehicles are clean and shinny. I noticed that they have vans, (of various sizes) and cars. I witnessed them hauling around groups of people, to and fro, and of course individuals as well. Rarely did I see there vehicles sitting still. So once I finally caught one, I decided to get their rate information, to find that they are in fact- one of the lowest priced companies around.

321-725-2222

That was enough for me, so in order to get more detail, I decided to ask the owner how long they have been around. He informed me since 2003, they have been serving Brevard County, Florida proudly. They have, of course 24 hour dispatched service, and can get you to point A to point B, for a reasonable rate, and in a reasonable time frame. Reservations can be made, in advance too.

It is always best, with any cab company to call and order your cab, at least a half hour in advance, depending how soon you want to get to your destination. Always give yourself time to spare, for traffic, weather, and anything else- just to play it safe. It is also suggested to tip your driver, it is not a requirement, but it is how the drivers fill their gas tanks, with their own tip money. Cab driving is not one of the richest professions, so please reconsider when you are paying your fare to the exact dime. In order to drive a cab, the driver must pay a fee to the company, and do a split with the monies earned. The fee to the cab company, is for car repairs and maintenance.
 
With this company, I found the dispatcher easy to understand, and they repeated everything back to me, to make sure that they had everything right. Within 20 minutes my cab arrived. The driver was quiet, the radio wasn't blaring, and the vehicle was clean inside and out. The driver answered any questions I had, about nice places to eat, with his suggestions, and places to hang out. This is much needed and desired in the tourism business. A person wants and needs input, and if the driver can give it, than this is a big advantage!

Some have told me that cab drivers drive extremely slow, trying to get more out of the meter. I didn't find that to be at all, fact. This driver drove the speed limit, and even opened the door for me to get in and exit, when I was to my destination. I thought that kind of service went out years ago! I was quite pleased, and give this company, a two thumbs up.

Impact: Local Wildfires in Brevard & Volusia Counties 5/12/08

Local Florida Wildfires in Brevard and Volusia Counties 

Deneale K. Williams, Yahoo Contributor Network
May 12, 2008

Rockledge, Florida -- On Sunday, I saw and smelled smoke. I knew there was a fire somewhere close by. I live on the border of Rockledge and Cocoa. And with the way the winds were on Sunday, up to 23 miles an hour, the smell and smoke managed to make its way around towns.

 

 

As I write this, there are fires in Daytona, Cocoa and Palm Bay. Because of this, there are residents without power, up to 4,000 at one time, Flower Power and Light reported. I-95 is shut down in sections, as are several roads, including a section of State Route 524 in Cocoa and parts of US Highway 1. There have been evacuations, and the wind is only making it worse. There seems to be no promise of rain in the upcoming forecast, either.

Apparently the Cocoa fire started sometime Friday. Fire trucks were seen driving down State Route 520 from other locations, including Patrick Air Force Base. This is by London Blvd and Cox Road and State Route 524, of which many sections are now closed off. Residents have been asked to leave their homes. It is upsetting and scary at the same time. Seeing it was even worse. Certain parts of the skies were so black it looked like death itself was rolling in. Smoke was over top of many homes, thick and so very hard to breathe.


Watching the fire jump across the roads, as it did on Cox Road, was like watching a movie. It was so unreal looking; it was just overwhelming to everyone. Residents of Long Leaf Road, in Cocoa, were seen evacuating, scared and crying. A back fire was set by fire fighters in Cocoa on State Route 524 to help route the fire into a different direction.

The Palm Bay fire is said to be a brush fire. However, Palm Bay is not receiving a lot of help from surrounding fire departments because of the much bigger problems else where. The fire was spreading toward residences on Tudor Rd. Palm Bay Police and Fire Rescue did however manage to save a home and a shed on that same property. Residents were seen in TV footage carrying garden hoses, running around spraying their own roofs, as well as their neighbors'. The fire could be seen from Corey Road in Malabar.

When the news helicopters took video over top of Volusia County (Daytona) in the late evening, the video looked like you were viewing the planetarium sky, or a night sky. There were hot spots everywhere. Fire associates are digging and trying to make a pathway for the fire to follow to avoid homes. Much of what was on fire in Volusia County is dry dead brush. And as I have said, the wind just helps it keep spreading. Many helicopters were also seen dropping water on sections of the fire, in hopes of making an impact, too.

Many residents of these affected areas were interviewed, crying and praying. It is common for Florida to have these fires, and we know it, but it never stops the way it affects us. It is painful on everyone. On Interstate 95, it was near impossible to see, and on the sides, (where you park when you break down -- known as the emergency lane,) you could see people going in the opposite direction, to get away from the fires, because they could not go on, as the view was impossible as was the ability to even breathe.

Fire fighters are calling these multiple fires "suspicious." So far, in total there has been over 1,900 acres burnt, and with this dry air, winds and lack of rain, it is only a continued breeding ground for these fires.

People with asthma are advised to remain indoors, because inhaling the smoke is dangerous and can cause you to have an asthma attack, or more seriously, could provoke a trip to the hospital for breathing treatment. Take the necessary precautions.

On every TV station, when Brevard and Volusia County residents were shown the satellite view for our weather, it is so bad in the Daytona Voulisa area, that the smoke and clouds can be seen from the satellite, looking like rain clouds.

For those of you who have loved ones in this area, such as myself, I advise that you pray for their safety and well-being. And don't get frantic if they aren't answering their phones because it could be several things. Please remain calm, and try not to assume the worst.

It's times like these that make you think: If it isn't happening to you, just be grateful you are to be alive and safe. It is also times like these that make you feel unsafe and wonder from time to time, "Why don't I just move?" But on that same token, California has fires, and other places have earthquakes.

 Hawaii has volcanoes, and so on and so forth. So it isn't always a win-win situation.
I wish the best for all of the affected people in these fires, and our prayers are with you and your loved ones. Good luck one and all, and many thanks to all that helped, including the local police and fire officials.

Published by Deneale K. Williams

Review: Village Inn & Bakery Titusville, Florida

Review: Village Inn Restaurant & Bakery in Titusville, Florida

 

 

Deneale K. Williams, Yahoo Contributor Network
Jul 7, 2009

Several weeks ago my husband and I decided to try a different restaurant, it was time for a change. We live in Cocoa, and headed toward Titusville down US Highway 1. We went to the:

 

Village Inn Restaurant & Bakery 2925 S. Washington Ave
Titusville, FL 32780

This is a very down to Earth place. Very friendly atmosphere, quick service to be seated and served. The waitress smiled, treated you like you were her friend, and even helped you with suggestions. When you enter the restaurant, right in the display by the cash register, there are cakes and cookies and pies.

And they are not small!

The pricing is awesome, very inexpensive with large portions. The slices of pie and cake are huge, but the pricing is small--just right and satisfying.

We were very impressed all the way around. And as you ring out, at the counter is a questionnaire regarding your service. I grabbed one, and found out this friendly down home restaurant is
corporately owned. By whom?

Dow Sherwood Corporation
5404 Hoover Blvd. Suite 23
Tampa, FL 33634-5351

Your questionnaire regarding their service is postage paid, which shows you right there- they want to know what you thought!

I had the meatloaf, mashed potatoes and corn. My husband had an open faced roast beef sandwich, mashed potatoes and gravy. I had home brewed sweet tea, my husband had a cola. After my meal we had a delicious pie of mouse style pie with peanuts and caramel. We neither one, unfortunately remember what it was. But it too, was scrumptious.

So, if ever you are in Titusville, also known as the Spaced Coast, be sure and drop in and check out the Village Inn. It is on US 1, which is called Washington Ave. You will be glad you did, both for your pocket and your taste buds!

Published by Deneale K. Williams

Review: Dixie Crossroads Restaurant Titusville, Florida

Review of Dixie Crossroads Restaurant in Titusville, Florida

 

Deneale K. Williams, Yahoo Contributor Network
Jul 27, 2009

 

If you are a seafood lover, and you live near- or plan to visit Titusville, Florida; you might want to check out Dixie Crossroads. And if you have a friend or date that doesn't like seafood, there are steaks and salads. So there are no excuses, vegetarians, and people who don't really "like" seafood, don't let that scare you away from this awesome experience! It will be a memorable experience; one you will want to try, over and over again. And their prices are reasonable too. They are a family owned business, right on the Space Coast!

 

 

 

 

 

They are located at: 1475 Garden Street phone number 321-268-5000.

For your convenience, you can phone in your order, and pick it up and eat it in your own home, or at a park picnic if you prefer!

While you are there, enjoying the famous appetizers of corn fritters lightly sprinkled with powdered sugar, you can also buy souvenirs to commemorate your visit with this fine restaurant!
For those of you who want to learn more, right from the "source" so to speak- you can go to

www.dixiecrossroads.com

Personally, I suggest trying the platters that give you a little of this and that. This was you can savor each and every bite, as I promise you will.

The lobster is tender and melts in your mouth, as do the crab legs. If you want or need extra butter- not a problem. The soups are home made, as are the fritters- their own recipe. In the souvenir shop, you can buy a bag with the contents to make the fritters, and the instructions are on the bag.

The employees are friendly, and will even help you to celebrate your special event. Simply tell them in advance, and they will sing happy birthday, or anniversary, and give you a piece of cake or pie!
Reservations are suggested, especially on Holidays. I remember going one Mothers Day, and without reservations, we sat and waited for one hour!

 

Outside, Dixie Crossroads has a pond, beautifully decorated, in it large gold fish- some are orange and some are brown as well as albino. There are feeders that you put a quarter into to feed the fish, as well as the squirrels. Turtles are also in the pond, of various sizes and shapes. Red-eared sliders are the most common. There are park benches, and a pavilion where you can sit and have drinks. too.

When you arrive, you simply give them your name and wait 'til they call you. Wait times vary. There is beautiful artwork within, Mister and Mrs. Rock Shrimp statues everywhere. You can sit on a bench and have your photo took with them too. (You be the photographer, of course!)


 When you experience the Dixie Crossroads experience, you will have something to talk about for a lifetime! I personally guarantee it. Along with my personal grade scale of one through ten, I give this restaurant a ten, and two thumbs up!

 

Published by Deneale K. Williams

Review: Panera Bread Viera & Melbourne, Florida Area

Review of Panera Bread in the Viera and Melbourne, Florida Area  

Deneale K. Williams, Yahoo Contributor Network
Aug 18, 2009

Are you one who likes to try new things? 

 

Then I have a suggestion just for you!

 

 

There is a new small town in Brevard County, and it is Viera, Florida.

It is on the out skirts of Melbourne, often still confused to be Melbourne in older GPS systems and what not, In fact, many streets are not on the older ones, such as Viera Blvd itself. Said Blvd used to only be traveled from US Highway 1 and even Murrell Ave. Now you can access Viera Blvd from Stadium Parkway, as you drive on the bridge over I-95. (Stadium Parkway starts as Fiske Blvd in Rockledge, then changes to Stadium Parkway in Viera.)


There are also many new stores and plazas to see and visit. If you are familiar with the "RAVE Theatre" this is where you will find what is known as the "Avenues of Viera."

This is where you will find Panera Bread The address is listed as: 2290 Town Center Ave #101 Melbourne, FL. The phone number, for your convenience is: 321-504-6504.

Web site:

 https://www.panerabread.com/en-us/home.html

Now, yes there are TWO other locations including: 4100 N. Wickham Rd. also in Melbourne. Their phone number is: 321-259-2055. And then: 275 Eau Gallie Blvd E. Melbourne, FL 321-872-0000.

Panera Bread offers you WIFI and awesome soups, salads and sandwiches; as well as cappuccino, coffees and teas. It is a nice relaxing environment, newspapers sitting in different areas, and a new get away spot.

Panera Bread is especially famous to College Students, because of the WIFI and the relaxing environment. People can be found nibbling, and reading books, studying and surfing the net.
Their soups and sandwiches change according to the Seasons. But you will never be disappointed. You can get your soup in a bread bowl, which you can then eat, or tear off pieces and dip it into the soup as you eat- or you can get your soup in a bowl.

The choice is yours! Both come with a bread stick. You can choose the meal, or special, or make your own variety. Oh, and if need be, yes you can order your meal to go!

The best part, is if the soup menu looks unappetizing, or if you have doubts as to what you want, you can ask for a sample! They will proudly scoop you up a little sample bowl, and give you a spoon, and await your decision- even if you sample all the soups before you decide. They will do this without complaint. And please use caution when doing so, because as they will warn you- the soup is very hot!

There are sandwiches, with varieties of mustards and what not, to make your sandwich more appetizing then your normal hamburger! And the price is just right. And good food, is not supposed to be expensive like "an arm and a leg" and the "dollar menu" can get old quickly!

The Cappuccinos are frothy, foamy and tasty. You can get them hot or cold. If you want extra whip, an extra squirt of chocolate, just say so! The goal is to please you- the customer.

So if you want to surf the net, and taste something other then the common hamburger, then by all means, give your taste buds the change they deserve!

The air conditioning is just right, the silence is relaxing, and the food will leave you full as well as happy. Who cares if McDonald's can get online with WIFI? Here you will not only eat healthier; you won't have to smell the grease or worry about your skin absorbing it just because you're there! LOL
Panera bread makes a nice addition to Brevard County. I was impressed, and have been a loyal customer since. Give them a try, you won't be disappointed, I assure you!

Published by Deneale K. Williams