Honor VIP Breakfast Celebrates Community Leadership and Upcoming Film “Crane Creek”
by Dr.Teri Jones
On April 11th, Florida Tech hosted an exclusive Honor VIP Breakfast at their Vertex Center, in partnership with METCA, Inc. and HGMi Studios. The event celebrated community leaders who are supporting the upcoming cinematic production Crane Creek: The Untold Story, set to be filmed in Brevard County in 2027.
The intimate gathering welcomed 50 distinguished guests from across the region—from Titusville in the north to Palm Bay in the south. Attendees were treated to a gourmet breakfast and a champagne toast in honor of the film’s future.
Dr. Teri Jones, the historian who uncovered the story of Melbourne’s founders in 2012 and began publishing her findings in 2015, captivated the audience with a compelling recount of her discovery involving Peter Wright, Wright Brothers, and Balaam Allen.
Serving as Master of Ceremonies was Mark Spates Smith, Executive Director of HGMi Studios and the film’s producer. Smith shared an exciting glimpse into the vision for Crane Creek, highlighting a $7 million investment from Hollywood and unveiling a beautifully crafted 20-page journal featuring excerpts from the film’s storyline. He also introduced opportunities for public investment through the HGMi Studios Producer’s Circle.
A standout moment of the morning was the presentation of awards to three of Melbourne’s exemplary citizens:
- Dr. John Nicklow, President of Florida Tech, received the Peter Wright Award.
- Mr. Charles Jackson, Melbourne’s most senior historian, was honored with the Wright Brothers Award.
- Mayor Paul Alfrey was recognized with the Balaam Allen Award.
These awards celebrated their unwavering dedication to community and leadership—values essential to the success of the Crane Creek film. The event concluded on a high note, with honorees and guests expressing enthusiasm for the evening’s upcoming cocktail reception.
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