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The
Importance of
Commercial Truck Insurance in Cocoa-Rockledge, FL
- Let's face it - truckers in America have always been the backbone of our great country. They still are in modern times. On any given day, thousands of trucks traverse our highways and local roads, delivering goods and products on time so that businesses and consumers have what they need to live life. And while commercial trucking can be an incredibly lucrative way to make a living and put food on the table, it can also be risky and expensive.
- Whether you're the owner of a fleet, an independent trucker, or have a business that uses big rigs to transport goods, you need commercial trucking insurance to protect you and your client's investments, shield you from liability, and more.
- That's where working with a reliable truck insurance agency comes into play. Unfortunately, for many commercial truck insurance providers, serving the needs of truckers is low on the proverbial totem pole. At Independence Insurance Agency, nothing could be further from the truth.
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The Commercial Truck
Insurance Agency in Cocoa-Rockledge, FL You Can Trust
Much like you pride yourself on running a successful trucking business, Independence Insurance Agency prides itself on its years of experience providing truck insurance for hardworking men and women across the country. And in our experience, insurance rates for truckers are just too high - so high, in fact, that they eat away at their bottom line, making it more difficult to run a business and make a profit. Fortunately, at Independence Insurance Agency, we provide truckers the freedom they need from astronomically high insurance rates so they can stay on the road and keep driving America forward.
As one of the most trusted commercial trucking insurance agencies in the U.S., we understand the challenges that you face daily as a trucker. We also know how important it is to protect your business. That's why we go above and beyond to find you the best-priced coverage available, whether you're an operator, own a small fleet, a large fleet, or something in between.
We Put Truckers First Because Others Don't
Truckers across the country choose to work with Independence Insurance Agency because we put their needs first before anything else. As experts in transportation insurance, we proudly offer a range of quality insurance products that are both practical and affordable for them. Our industry-leading carriers provide coverage that caters to the unique challenges faced by the trucking industry, ensuring that your business is protected at all times.
At our core, we are committed to finding the best possible price for your coverage without compromising the quality of service you deserve. The truth is, we understand how essential truckers are to the United States and take pride in making their insurance experience more streamlined and affordable.
One way we do so is by simplifying the insurance process. Our transportation specialists take the time to understand your specific needs and budget to tailor a comprehensive plan that works for you. You won't ever have to worry about cookie-cutter plans or uninterested agents when you work with our commercial trucking insurance agency. We take an educational approach to ensure that the entire big rig insurance process is quick, painless, and easy to understand. If there's something you don't understand, we're happy to take the time to explain. After all, the success and safety of your business are on the line.
Looking to the future, we are committed to providing innovative new products that cater to the ever-changing needs of truck drivers. As your one-stop shop for commercial trucking insurance, we are dedicated to your success, one policy at a time.
If you're a commercial trucker looking to ensure your rig, you can rest easy knowing that Independence Insurance Agency provides:
- Affordable Trucking Insurance Plans for Any Budget
- Exemplary Customer Service
- Seasoned Transportation Specialists Who Customize Plans to Your Needs
- A+ Carriers Across the Country
- Simple, Easy Quote and Bind Process
- Multiple Insurance Carriers Quoted to Find You the Best Rates
- Truck Insurance for New Ventures
Call us or send us a message today to learn more about the best 18-wheeler insurance options for your trucking business.
The Commercial Truck
Common Types of Big Rig Truck Insurance in Cocoa-Rockledge, FL
At Independence Insurance Agency, we offer several types of insurance coverage for local, intermediate, and long-haul trucking needs. Here are just a few categories of trucking insurance coverage that our agency offers.
As the foundation of your insurance policy, liability coverage is required by law in most states in the U.S. It provides coverage for damage or injuries caused to properties or other people if your 18-wheeler is responsible for the crash. Without liability coverage, it's almost impossible to drive a truck or run a trucking business without major legal consequences.
Having physical damage coverage is an essential component that shouldn't be overlooked. This insurance is responsible for covering the expenses related to repairing or replacing your truck in situations such as accidents, theft, vandalism, and other damaging events. By having this coverage, you can rest assured that your business won't be affected significantly by unexpected incidents, and you can continue running your operations smoothly even in challenging times.
For trucking companies, the goods they transport are crucial to their operations. To protect these goods from damage, loss, or theft while in transit, cargo insurance is essential. This coverage provides much-needed peace of mind for both you and your clients, allowing you to reimburse clients for any losses sustained while protecting your reputation and brand identity.
Non-Trucking Liability Insurance is designed to cover property damage or bodily injury that may occur during personal time when the driver/truck is not under dispatch. This coverage can be applied with or without a trailer and is added to a commercial policy as an endorsement.
While Independence Insurance Agency has built a reputation of excellence in serving the needs of truckers, we also offer general liability. Also known as Truckers General Liability, this coverage insures for bodily injuries or property damage that happen due to business activities that are NOT the cause of operating a truck. It covers accidents that occur in parking lots, rest stops, also while loading or unloading. General liability can also cover losses related to theft and vandalism. Most brokers and shippers will require this coverage to work with you.
Bobtail insurance is a type of coverage that is comparable to non-trucking liability, which is designed to offer protection when driving a truck without a trailer attached. This is commonly referred to as "bobtailing." With bobtail insurance, the tractor is covered at all times, even when it is not attached to a trailer, regardless of whether or not the truck is under dispatch.
Trailer interchange insurance is a must-have if you're involved in a trailer interchange agreement. This essential coverage offers protection for trailers owned by other parties that you're using under a contractual agreement. It covers damages caused by collisions, fire, theft, and vandalism, providing assurance to all parties involved.
Curious whether our commercial truck insurance agency in cityname, state offers additional coverage? The following options can be bound in your insurance policy:
- Business Interruption Insurance
- Reefer Breakdown Insurance
- Occupational Accident with Contract Liability Insurance
- Rental Reimbursement Insurance
- Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Insurance
- Towing Insurance
- Electronics Insurance
- Much More
3 Safe Driving Tips to
Lower the Cost of Truck Insurance in Cocoa-Rockledge, FL
Keeping your drivers safe on the road is crucial not only for their own well-being but also for the safety of other motorists and the financial stability of your business. The Department of Labor has identified the trucking industry as one of the most hazardous sectors in the U.S. In fact, trucking and logistics fleets are known for their high injury and fatality rates. By improving how safely your truckers drive, you can help reduce expenses related to claim payouts, accidents, and insurance premium hikes.
Whether you own a large fleet or you're the owner and operator of a single rig, keep these safe driving tips in mind to help lower your insurance costs.
Implement Preventative Maintenance Plans
Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
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Practice Defensive Driving
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
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Find Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
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Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
Call Now
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
Call Now
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
Call Now
FAQs About
Independence Insurance Agency
If you're looking for a commercial trucking insurance agency for your business, chances are you have some questions - and we've got answers. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from truckers like you.
Why go with a "jack of all trades" when you can work with specialists who focus exclusively on transportation insurance? We have excellent relationships with major trucking insurance carriers and, as such, can provide the best assistance and reasonable rates.
Typically, companies will look at claims that date back three years or less.
We proudly work with more than 20 carriers to provide our clients with the most advantageous options at competitive prices, catering to the needs of owner-operators and big fleets alike.
Permit filings are typically done by insurance companies on the next business day. Federal (FMCSA) filings are completed online and updated immediately, while some states may take up to three weeks to process.
Independence Insurance Agency: Committed to the Trucking Industry
There's no question about it - you've got to protect your staff, your rig, and your trucking business with insurance. But choosing the right insurance partner isn't always easy. Thankfully, with Independence Insurance Agency by your side, you can rest easy knowing you're covered no matter where the road takes you. If you're in need of a commercial truck insurance agency in Cocoa-Rockledge, FL that caters to truckers like you, pick up the phone and contact one of our transportation specialists today. That way, you can get back on the road with confidence tomorrow.
Latest News in Cocoa-Rockledge, FL
Cocoa, Rockledge to honor community legend Dick Blake
J.D. Gallophttps://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/02/05/cocoa-rockledge-to-honor-community-legend-dick-blake/
Cities to honor work in coaching, civil rights activism, education, politicsBREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – For decades, Dick Blake remained a larger-than-life figure who touched countless lives along the Space Coast through his work as a coach and his activism in civil rights, education and politics.Now, the former Rockledge council member is set to be honored during Black History Month with proclamations from Cocoa and Rockledge officials, ...
Cities to honor work in coaching, civil rights activism, education, politics
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – For decades, Dick Blake remained a larger-than-life figure who touched countless lives along the Space Coast through his work as a coach and his activism in civil rights, education and politics.
Now, the former Rockledge council member is set to be honored during Black History Month with proclamations from Cocoa and Rockledge officials, according to News 6 partner Florida Today. A special program honoring the civic leader will also be broadcast from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6, on WWBC at 94.7 AM in Cocoa, 99.9 FM, Titusville, and 107.1 in Melbourne. The radio simulcast live feed will be streamed on floridatoday.com.
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Blake, whose son Mike Blake is now mayor of Cocoa, was principal at Cocoa High for 23 years and served on Rockledge City Council from 1976 until 2016.
Blake, one of 10 children and the grandson of freed slaves, was known for his community involvement in everything from youth sports from the time he was a coach at Monroe High School, then Cocoa’s Black High School.
Tall and athletic, Blake played both basketball and football at the school in the 1940s. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Claflin University in South Carolina and master’s degrees from Columbia University in New York and Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.
He returned to Brevard in 1955 to coach football and teach. Later in 1966, as the nation struggled through school desegregation, Blake was named as assistant coach at what would become Rockledge High. He became Brevard’s first African-American principal - after desegregation- when he was named principal at Cocoa High School in 1979. He continued to mentor students, teachers and others before running for political office in Rockledge.
The proclamations are the latest in a stream of honors for Blake. In 2018, the Brevard County School Board unanimously voted to name Cocoa Jr./Sr. High School’s stadium the Richard Blake Stadium.
“What an honor. It reminds me of all the people who’ve been so important in my life, all the people, the students, who tell me they have the love and respect for me that I have for them,” said Blake, a Cocoa native told FLORIDA TODAY at the time.
Copyright 2022 Florida Today
Sleet reported on Christmas morning in Rockledge, Viera, Merritt Island and Cocoa Beach
Florida Todayhttps://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/2022/12/25/sleet-reported-on-christmas-in-rockledge-viera-and-cocoa-beach-in-brevard-county-florida/69755895007/
Rick NealeIn a rare Christmas meteorological event, sleet and light snowflakes fell across areas of Rockledge, Viera, Merritt Island and Cocoa Beach this morning, the National Weather Service reported.Scott Kelly, a meteorologist at the NWS Melbourne station, said he believes this is the first confirmed report of frozen precipitation falling in Brevard County since a Janu...
In a rare Christmas meteorological event, sleet and light snowflakes fell across areas of Rockledge, Viera, Merritt Island and Cocoa Beach this morning, the National Weather Service reported.
Scott Kelly, a meteorologist at the NWS Melbourne station, said he believes this is the first confirmed report of frozen precipitation falling in Brevard County since a January 2010 cold snap.
The initial report of sleet on the Space Coast was logged by NWS at 9:55 a.m., Kelly said. What happened? A small band of precipitation formed over Osceola and central Brevard counties.
More:Hundreds of 'hardcore' Surfing Santas brave frigid wind to hit waves in wintry Cocoa Beach
More:Freezing temperatures recorded in Brevard -- and the Christmas forecast is even colder
“Temperatures are cold enough to produce some frozen precipitation in the form of sleet — also known as ice pellets — across portions of central Brevard County," Kelly said during a 10:45 a.m. interview.
“It won't last long. It should be moving off to the northeast and offshore. And then as temperatures warm up today, any additional precipitation will be liquid. It will be rain," he said.
"But our temperatures are still in the mid-30s this morning and late this morning in central Brevard County," he said.
"It gave people a brief wintry mix of precipitation," he said. This mix also included graupel, a term for granular snow pellets.
In a January 2021 FLORIDA TODAY interview, Derrick Weitlich, climate program leader at NWS Melbourne, provided historical information on confirmed reports of freezing precipitation in Brevard:
Melbourne recorded its fourth-coldest Christmas in history this morning. By 7 a.m., the temperature sank to a freezing 32 degrees at Melbourne Orlando International Airport, Kelly said.
The five coldest Christmas low temperatures on record in Melbourne, per the NWS:
Rick Neale is the South Brevard Watchdog Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY (for more of his stories, click here.) Contact Neale at 321-242-3638 or rneale@floridatoday.com. Twitter: @RickNeale1
Football: Cocoa vs. Rockledge in the 43rd annual BBQ Bowl headlines Week 11
Jon Santuccihttps://www.floridatoday.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2022/11/03/football-cocoa-vs-rockledge-bbq-bowl-headlines-week-11/8249906001/
The 43rd annual BBQ Bowl is for Space Coast bragging rights, but it also could send a loud message to the rest of the state.Cocoa (5-3, No. 2 Class 2S on the USA Today Florida Network poll) hosts rival Rockledge (8-1, No. 2 Class 3S) in the season finale on Friday. This game has all the makings of another instant classic; the past three games have all been decided by nine points or less.But with both teams jockeying for seeding position in the FHSAA power rankings — Rockledge is No. 2 in Class 3S and Cocoa ...
The 43rd annual BBQ Bowl is for Space Coast bragging rights, but it also could send a loud message to the rest of the state.
Cocoa (5-3, No. 2 Class 2S on the USA Today Florida Network poll) hosts rival Rockledge (8-1, No. 2 Class 3S) in the season finale on Friday. This game has all the makings of another instant classic; the past three games have all been decided by nine points or less.
But with both teams jockeying for seeding position in the FHSAA power rankings — Rockledge is No. 2 in Class 3S and Cocoa is No. X in Class 2S — and expecting to vie for a state championship in their respective classes, the outcome of this game will be closely monitored by other title contenders.
Both teams boast elite talent.
Cocoa is led by senior quarterback Blake Boda (2,514 yards, 32 touchdowns), junior wide receiver Ric’Darious Farmer (597 yards, six touchdowns) and Ohio State commit Cedrick Hawkins (379 receiving yards, 31 tackles).
Rockledge headliners include junior safety Jaylen Heyward (three interceptions, four forced fumbles), junior linebacker DJ McCormick (75 tackles, three interceptions) and senior wide receiver Eddie Combs (307 yards, four touchdowns).
Here are some of the other top games to watch in Week 11.
Boone at Edgewater
The 71st annual Battle for the Barrell features two district champions from Orlando who also boast two of the top senior playmakers in the state – Edgewater running back Cedric Baxter Jr. (Texas commit) and Boone wide receiver Aidan Mizell (Florida commit). Boone (6-3) has won three in a row with a pair of shutouts along the way. Edgewater (9-0, No. 2 Class 3M) is looking to hold off St. Thomas Aquinas for the top overall seed in Class 3M.
Niceville at Navarre
Two of the top teams in Region 1-4S face off in a game that likely will decide the No. 3 seed in the region and could drop the loser to the No. 5 seed. The only loss for either team this season was against Pine Forest, the top-ranked team in Class 3S. Niceville (8-1, No. 7 Class 4S) rallied from a 21-7 halftime deficit to beat Mosley in the District 2-4S championship game last week. Navarre (8-1, No. 9 Class 4M) is on a seven-game win streak and has won four consecutive one-score games.
Jesuit at Tampa Catholic
This is matchup of two surging Tampa private schools that are looking to remain the top seeds in their respective regions. Jesuit (6-3, No. 6 Class 3M) has won three consecutive games since dropping three of four earlier in the year. Tampa Catholic (7-1, No. 7 Class 2M) have won six games in a row and have scored at least 35 points in four consecutive games.
Bishop Kenny at University Christian
Two of the top private schools in Jacksonville meet in the season finale. Bishop Kenny (8-1, No. 8 Class 2M) is coming off a come-from-behind win against Bolles to win the District 2-2M title last week. University (8-1, No. 5 Class 1M) rebounded from a tough 20-13 loss against Trinity Christian with a win against Terry Parker in its last game.
Cardinal Newman at Gulliver Prep
Cardinal Newman (9-0, No. 3 Class 1M) looks to complete a perfect regular season on the road Thursday against a talented Gulliver squad. The Raiders (5-3, ARV Class 2M) have won five in a row since starting the season 0-3. With Gulliver having played a pair of Region 3-1M teams this season (Chaminade-Madonna and Benjamin), this could be a good barometer game for Chaminade. Gulliver will be looking to keep its momentum going into the postseason.
Lakewood (6-3, No. 10 Class 2M) at Lakeland (8-0, No. 1 Class 4S)
Clearwater Academy International (7-1) vs. Venice (6-2, No. 3 Class 4M)
Bradford (9-0, No. 3 Class 2S) vs. Suwanee (6-3, No. 8 Class 2S)
Williston (9-0, ARV Class 1R) at Chiefland (5-1, No. 4 Class 1R)
Bay (8-1, No. 10 Class 2S) at Northview (9-0, ARV Class 1R)
Melbourne (7-2, ARV Class 4S) at Eau Gallie (7-2, No. 7 Class 3S)
Here are the top individual matchups featuring top recruits to watch in Week 11.
Clearwater Academy International 2023 OL Lucas Simmons vs. Venice 2023 EDGE Damon Wilson
Simmons is committed to Florida State
Gulliver Prep 2023 WR Jalen Brown vs. Cardinal Newman 2024 DB Josh Philostin
Brown is committed to LSU
Mandarin 2025 WR Jamie Ffrench vs. Bartram Trail 2023 CB Sharif Denson
Denson is committed to Florida
Mainland 2024 WR James Randle vs. Lake Mary 2023 CB Braeden Marshall
Marshall is committed to UCF
Chaminade Madonna 2023 IOL Deandre Duffus vs. Treasure Coast 2023 DL Corey McIntyre Jr.
Duffus is committed to Maryland; McIntyre is committed to West Virginia
Dillard 2023 WR Tastean Reddicks vs. Blanche Ely 2023 S Harlem Howard
Reddicks is committed to Oregon State
Dr. Phillips 2023 OT Payton Kirkland Jones 2023 LB Malik Bryant
Kirland is committed to Texas; Bryant is committed to Miami
West Orange 2024 QB Trever Jackson vs. Osceola 2023 DL John Walker
Walker is committed to UCF
Apopka 2023 OT Tai Ray vs. Wekiva 2024 EDGE Sincere Edwards
Ray is committed to Putt; Edwards is committed to UCF
Tampa Catholic 2024 OL Eddy Pierre-Louis vs. Jesuit 2024 EDGE Peter Pesansky
Bolles 2024 QB DJ Moore vs. Buchholz 2023 DL Gavin Hill
Hill is committed to Florida
Owners of popular Mexican restaurant in Cocoa announce plans to close doors next week
Suzy Fleming Leonardhttps://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/2019/12/20/mexican-restaurant-cocoa-close-dec-28-after-34-years/2709312001/
El Charro Mexican Restaurant, a mainstay of the Central Brevard dining scene for 34 years, will serve its last fajitas and Rudy's Specials on Dec. 28."I'm tired, and my father is tired," said Rudy Barrial, who took over the restaurant from his father, Rodolfo, in 2004. "It's time to spend time with my kids."Rodolfo opened the restaurant on June 10, 1985, in the pie-wedge of land where Brevard and Florida avenues meet in Cocoa, just beyond the Rockledge city limits. Rudy, now 46, started workin...
El Charro Mexican Restaurant, a mainstay of the Central Brevard dining scene for 34 years, will serve its last fajitas and Rudy's Specials on Dec. 28.
"I'm tired, and my father is tired," said Rudy Barrial, who took over the restaurant from his father, Rodolfo, in 2004. "It's time to spend time with my kids."
Rodolfo opened the restaurant on June 10, 1985, in the pie-wedge of land where Brevard and Florida avenues meet in Cocoa, just beyond the Rockledge city limits. Rudy, now 46, started working there when he was 12.
Though El Charro is known for its Mexican fare, the Barrial's story began in Cuba. After struggling through the 1960s under Fidel Castro, Rodolfo made the decision to join the Mariel exodus in May 1980, bringing his family to Miami.
Rodolfo already had brothers in Brevard County, so he settled on Merritt Island with wife Mabel, daughter Evelyn and Rudy.
Leaving Cuba: Nightmare to American Dream
After working at the Alamo on U.S. 1 in Rockledge, he opened El Charro.
While Rodolfo remained a fixture at the restaurant, Rudy took over 15 years ago. The restaurant's menu is predominantly Mexican dishes, with tacos, enchiladas and fajitas. But there also are several Cuban dishes, such as the Mabel's Special, named for his late mother, chicharron de pollo (chunks of chicken breast) sautéed with onion, lemon and garlic. Served with white rice, black beans and maduros or tostones.
Rudy said he's enjoyed his time at El Charro, but he worries he's missing time with his family.
"This was my dad's dream," he said. "Now it's time for Rudy's chapter."
The restaurant often requires 80 and 90 hours a week, he said.
"I want to have a normal life," he said.
He plans to go into real estate with his wife, Flavia. She sells residential properties. He will specialize in commercial property.
Flavia said she's excited about spending more time with her husband.
"I work with clients three or four months, and they ask, 'Do you really have a husband? Is he imaginary?'
"He's married to El Charro," she said.
Rudy posted an announcement on Facebook on Thursday, his father's 76th birthday, letting customers know the restaurant is closing.
Since the word got out, the restaurant has been flooded with reservations for large parties and requests for one last Rudy-Rita, a top-shelf margarita, and one last Mabel's Special.
"During the last 34 years El Charro became a multi generational business/workplace, Rudy's sister, Evelyn Barrial Schleffer, wrote Thursday on Facebook. "This accomplishment is nothing short of admirable from a man who came from nothing and had the pleasure and endurance to build a landmark for all to call home. A home where many memories have been made and many special occasions have been celebrated.
"Today is bittersweet, we celebrate my Dad's 76th birthday and we put to rest the remarkable chapter of this man's life."
Rudy said he has three potential clients interested in renting the restaurant space, but he's not yet sure what will happen with the El Charro property.
The restaurant will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, then will reopen Dec. 26-28. Rudy already is looking forward to celebrating his next chapter with customers who have become friends.
"The 28th is going to be like Cinco de Mayo in December," he said.
Email sleonard@floridatoday.com.
Brightline trains to speed up to 79 mph through 18 crossings in and near Rockledge, Cocoa
Rick Nealehttps://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/2022/10/26/brightline-trains-may-reach-79-mph-during-north-brevard-high-speed-tests-rockledge-cocoa-city-point/10594834002/
Rick NealeBy next Tuesday or Wednesday, expect Brightline trains to start speeding up to 79 mph during test runs along a 13-mile section of track stretching from south of Rockledge northward through Cocoa to Sharpes — passing motorists at 18 railroad crossings.Flaggers will be present at affected crossings starting at 6 a.m. Saturday. Brightline's weeklong flagging/...
By next Tuesday or Wednesday, expect Brightline trains to start speeding up to 79 mph during test runs along a 13-mile section of track stretching from south of Rockledge northward through Cocoa to Sharpes — passing motorists at 18 railroad crossings.
Flaggers will be present at affected crossings starting at 6 a.m. Saturday. Brightline's weeklong flagging/high-speed test period will last through 6 p.m. Nov. 5.
"Testing is expected to bring additional wait times at railroad crossings. Stay off the tracks and never go around crossing gates," Brightline officials said in a Wednesday morning press release.
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The list of impacted rail crossings:
Sharpes
Camp Road, Canaveral Groves Boulevard.
City Point
Cross Road.
Cocoa
Cidco Road, Beau Geste Road, Michigan Avenue, Dixon Boulevard, West Highlands Drive, Peachtree Street, King Street (State Road 520), Rosa L. Jones Boulevard (Poinsetta Drive).
Rockledge
Barton Boulevard, Eyster Boulevard, Rinker Way, Gus Hipp Boulevard, Barnes Boulevard.
Bonaventure
Carver Road, Ansin Road.
“Safety around railroad tracks starts with the way in which people interact with the railroad,” Brightline spokesperson Katie Mitzner said in the press release.
“We are reminding the public — pedestrians, motorists and cyclists — to be vigilant about rail safety. Never drive around crossing gates, don’t try to beat a train, always stay off the tracks and only cross at a designated crossing," Mitzner said.
"The safety message is simple: look, listen, live,” she said.
Brightline officials are building track and testing trains to launch passenger service next year from South Florida to Orlando International Airport. Crews are constructing a 129-mile rail corridor between West Palm Beach and Cocoa by double-tracking the north-south Florida East Coast Railway corridor, which parallels U.S. 1.
In July, Brightline launched its first Brevard County up-to-79-mph train test runs along a 9-mile stretch of track, leading northward from Post Road in Melbourne to Barnes Boulevard in Rockledge.
On Friday, Brightline started testing trains at maximum speeds of 110 mph in Martin and St. Lucie counties. Those tests will occur over six weeks along an 11-mile section of track.
Brevard's 110-mph test runs may debut in January, Mitzner said.
Train stations are operational in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, with new stations planned in Aventura and Boca Raton.
On Oct. 8, crews placed a 131-foot-long, 68-ton pedestrian skybridge into position at the future Aventura station, connecting the passenger terminal to the platform above Harriet Tubman Highway. The 34,000-square-foot station is scheduled to open in December.
A topping-off ceremony for the Boca Raton station and accompanying parking garage took place in August, and that station is also scheduled to debut in December.
For Brightline text-alert updates on high-speed testing schedules, text RR110 to 888-384-0037.
Brightline to close Post Road crossing
Crews will close the railroad crossing at Post Road in Melbourne from 7 a.m. Nov. 3 to 7 p.m. Nov. 15.
Eastbound traffic will be detoured south on Croton Road and east on Parkway Drive to reach U.S. 1.
Westbound traffic will be detoured south on U.S. 1, west on Parkway Drive, and north on Croton Road to reach Post Road.
Rick Neale is the South Brevard Watchdog Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY (for more of his stories, click here.) Contact Neale at 321-242-3638 or rneale@floridatoday.com. Twitter: @RickNeale1
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