BDB: Florida 'snow' AKA weeds return and Meals on Wheel loses funding because psssh eating is overrated

Let it snow. Let it snow. How 'bout no. 

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas here on the Space Coast. White, "Florida snow" is blanketing medians and yards across the county ... not to be confused with the common white-haired Florida "snow" bird that drives all over medians and yards across the county. Fun fact: Both are non-native, invasive species! 

Ah, yes, one of my favorite phenomena, Florida "snow" is back ... which is a nice way of saying we have a weed problem. But, hey, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What's one man's weed is another man's ... festive weed.

Oh Christmas weed! Oh Christmas weed! 

Makes you want to snuggle up in a cozy blanket with Christmas carols and a cup of hot cocoa around the fire and ... sweat. 

Those white flowers popping up in grassy areas  are actually invasive plants that can be more of a nuisance than a Christmas decoration. Frosty the Florida snow-weed is more difficult to get rid of than a Spectrum telemarketer. Just try to mow them down! Try. They defy all of Newton's Laws. If you want to get rid of them you legitimately have to fistfight them. Get on your knees and heave-ho pull them out because that's the only way they're going anywhere. 

The "flower" in question goes by many names other than Florida snow: largeflower pusley,  Mexican clover, Richardia grandiflora, John Jacob Jingle Heimer Snow Weed ... 

The plant actually comes from Brazil and South America, and it generally pops up after heavy rains. It does have its perks, though.

It "provides a low-maintenance, drought- and cold-tolerant cohabitant with turf grass to help keep soil erosion in check," writes environment reporter Jim "Caw-caw!" Waymer. Seriously, I need a screeching eagle sound effect for whenever he enters a room. 

Also, Mr. Google tells me that it's in the coffee family, so maybe we can grind it up and add some International Delight for a tasty morning pick-me-up? Apparently, it's also used medicinally for diabetes and to help control vomiting.

Not all heroes wear capes. 

More:'Florida snow' returns to blanket the Space Coast

No soup for you

Meals on Wheels didn't make the cut this year for funding from the Brevard County Commission. Who needs food anyway??? 

Actually, two programs for Brevard's senior citizens were voted off the taxpayer island,  and both were part of the Aging Matters nonprofit. Aging Matters is an organization that assists seniors in the area who need help. 

You see, the County Commission decided to wean itself from providing money to local nonprofits. The argument was taxpayer dollars shouldn't be funding private organizations. So the commission is reducing how much it gives to local charities each year for the next five years until it stops granting money altogether. It won't be cutting taxes or anything, that money will just be spent on other stuff. 

The commission had $405,160 to give away this year in grant money and local organizations had to apply. A Community Action Board then ranked the applications, and its members determined who got what from there. Meals on Wheels, you are the weakest link. 

A live shot from the commission meeting: 

I'm KIDDING. I'm kidding. I just really wanted to use that meme. The commissioners aren't heartless or anything. 

Meals on Wheels, a service that delivers food to lonely, poor, old people who have a hard time taking care of themselves, was one of the programs that didn't receive funding. A senior assistance program that helps provide safety measures such as ramps, grab bars and smoke detectors in the residences of older people who may need them, also didn't make the cut. Last year, the senior nutrition Meals on Wheels program received $60K from the county, and the other program got $32K. 

Aging Matters officials say they'll just have to go after other grants to stay in operation. 

"That's the way the cookie crumbles," said Aging Matters President and Chief Executive Officer Cindy Flachmeier in response to the decision to de-fund. 

Aging Matters will keep on keepin' on and are going to make it work, said Flachmeier. 

Look. Here's the thing. What's great about this story is that we all have the upper hand here. If you want to see this program continue to help senior citizens in our area, DONATE. Check out the Aging Matters website here and see how you can help. It's a worthwhile cause that certainly makes a difference in our community. 

Be sure to read Government Editor Dave "The Berm" Berman's full report on this issue here. 

More:Meals on Wheels won't get Brevard County funding for 2017-18

Just a reminder!

There's a launch tomorrow night! SpaceX is launching a Falcon 9 rocket, and liftoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. Weather is 70 percent favorable. There a two-hour window to Get-R-Done, so remember that 8 p.m. time could change. I've also compiled a list of the best local places with a view of KSC to grab dinner or a drink beforehand so that if it doesn't in fact launch, you still have a good time. 

More:5 places to grab dinner, drinks with a perfect view of Wednesday's SpaceX launch

About BDB:

Boiled Down Brevard is an irreverent daily column that puts a quirky spin on today's news. We "boil" it all down. To get BDB daily, download the Florida Today app and allow notifications. We'll send you an alert every evening.

Follow Jessica on Twitter at @JessicaJSaggio. Follow her on Facebook at Facebook.com/JessicaJSaggio