Titusville Event to Honor Beloved Local Figure
The significance of March 21st goes deeper than one would imagine, especially for the Space Coast.
When the American Space Museum and National Space Society decided to honor the Brevard County man best known for securing the 321 area code for the Space Coast, they knew the perfect way to celebrate — start a 3-2-1 Day.
At 3:21 p.m. in the third month of the year and the 21st day of that month (March 21 or 3-21), the tribute to Robert "Ozzie" Osband will commence at Space View Park. The Titusville park had a special connection to Osband, who passed away last year. It's where he narrated launch countdowns, wearing his signature green polo, for almost every launch.
The official event press release promises it to be the "best block party in the galaxy", which Titusville Mayor Dan Diesel and the space community want to see become an annual event.
Celebrating Father of Space Coast's 321 Area Code
Since Osband's passing on August 6, 2023, the American Space Museum has received frequent calls from locals and tourists who wish to pay their respects.
“I had friends from high school calling me wanting to know what we’re going to do to celebrate his life,” said Mark Marquette, community liaison for the museum and organizer of the event.
The National Space Society had the same question, initiating a partnership with the American Space Museum to organize the event.
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“To honor him and celebrate March 21st every year as 3-2-1 Day has a lot of meaning to it,” Marquette said. “It’s also the spring equinox! That’s just the icing on the cake.”
What to Expect at the 3-2-1 Day Event
The events will start at 3:21 p.m. in Space View Park with an informal gathering of those who remember Osband and wish to pay respects. Osband’s green polo and lawn chair will be on display.
At 4 p.m., the American Space Museum will give a special presentation of their podcast, “Stay Curious”, in honor of Osband, who had been a guest on show multiple times.
At 5 p.m., Diesel will welcome visitors at Titusville Welcome Center where he will read a tribute to Osband.
The celebration will host exhibitors from causes close to Osband, food tucks, and adult beverages.
Entertainment will be a live performance by local aerospace professional rock group, Interstellar Groove Machine.
Who was Robert “Ozzie” Osband?
Osband grew up in Rochester, NY, fascinated with phones and radios, seeking to learn all he could about them.
Osband explained in a 2022 episode of 'Stay Curious' that he was a space enthusiast his entire life. In 1973, he traveled from New York to Titusville to watch Skylab, America’s first space station, rise to space on the last Saturn V to be launched.
In 1987, Osband relocated to Titusville for a tech support job in the city right next to Kennedy Space Center. It was an offer, he'd said, that he couldn't refuse.
“The only place in Florida I would ever consider moving to is Titusville because it’s right outside the Kennedy Space Center and the Canaveral Space Port. Yes! I’ll be right down!” Osband said during a recording of the ‘Stay Curious’ podcast in 2022.
A Known Figure at Space View Park
During almost every single launch window, Osband could be found at Space View Park. Locals and tourists likely recall the self-proclaimed “Rocket Hobo” set up with his lawn chair, sporting his white beard and green shirt – as green is for “GO”.
As tourists from all over the world gathered, Osband would inform the crowd what the mission entailed, what pad it was launching from, and which direction it would be visible. For most tourists, this was a once in a life-time experience, and Osband made it unforgettable.
Marquette recalled as the launch drew near, Osband would bellow the countdown, as well as the occasional “SCRUB!”. He would then mingle with the crowd, carrying his ‘tip jar’ – a coffee can. Marquette described Osband as “one of those characters you take home with you”.
Osband would sell his “Rocket Hobo” patch to fans. Remaining “Rocket Hobo” patches will be available at the event for a donation made to American Space Museum and US Space Walk Hall of Fame.
How did Osband become known as father of Brevard's 321 Area Code
Perhaps Osband's biggest contribution was in pushing Brevard to get the 321 area code.
In the late 1990s, Orlando and the Space Coast faced a telecommunications challenge – the 407 area code was overpopulated.
When the 407 area code was set to be split, Osband, a telephone enthusiast, went to the website of the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA).
He came across the list of available area codes and “321” caught his eye. Being the “countdown capitol”, Osband recalled during a 2022 episode of 'Stay Curious' that he knew this code was meant for the Brevard area.
Osband was "a one-man show" in the effort to help secure the area code. Then one day in 1999, Osband arrived at Kennedy Space Center to meet with deputy director.
Osband smiled as he recalled the event during the 2022 episode of 'Stay Curious'.
As they sat in the main teleconference room, a phone call from the director of the Kennedy Space Center and then-Florida Governor Jeb Bush came from the public service commission office in Tallahassee. It was the first official phone call to a 321 area code phone number.
Osband then successfully reserved (321) Lift-Off as his phone number.
The National Space Society is working on implementing AI to have Osband’s voice announce the latest launch information when his number is dialed.
Where is Space View Park?
Space View Park is located on Broad St in Titusville, which is East of Route 1 and South of A. Max Brewer Memorial PKWY.
Brooke Edwards is a Space Reporter for FLORIDA TODAY. Contact her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Titusville man who helped get Brevard 321 area code to be honored at event
