Good morning, Melbourne.

About 50 female veterans from Brevard County joined Florida’s Flight of Honor on March 10, boarding a bus at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center (Merritt Island) before departing from Lakeland today for a tour of Washington monuments.

Their Voice of Hope organized the event to honor their service.

The Great Brevard Duck Race festival returns on Saturday, June 13 at Cocoa Riverfront Park in Cocoa Village, featuring live music, food trucks and a duck race at 3:30 p.m. The fundraiser supports Crosswinds Youth Services.

John McDonald and his band The Irish Luck will perform live Irish music at Meg O’Malley’s St. Patrick’s Festival in Downtown from Thursday, March 12 to Tuesday, March 17.

The event will offer traditional ballads and party favorites to celebrate Irish roots and Meg O’Malley’s 25 years.

A free workshop series on purposeful retirement begins April 6 at the Suntree/Viera Public Library (902 Jordan Blass Drive) and runs on April 13 and 20 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Developed by Raj Bhargava with Brevard County Libraries, space is limited to 30 participants so registration is required.

Brevard County Fire Rescue’s new Station 86 and Engine 86 entered service this week in Barefoot Bay and Micco and held an open house where residents toured the modern facility and met local firefighters.

The station, built by W+J Construction Corp., is expected to reduce response times.

At Crydermans Barbecue in Cocoa Village, the restaurant is offering a $10 Chopped Brisket Sandwich with deli-style pastrami and smoked pastrami Reuben sandwiches available Friday through Sunday and again on Tuesday, plus special St. Patrick’s Day desserts.

The limited-time specials run through March 17.

Bryce Jackson of Eastern Florida State College was named FCSAA Division I Player of the Week on Tuesday after he led a series win, hitting 6 for 14 (9 runs, 7 RBIs) against Hillsborough Community College; he returns Thursday to face Florida Southwestern State College in Fort Myers.

South Beaches Concert Series

6-9 p.m. — Nancy Higgs Park — Free entry — Enjoy live music by Hot Pink and local food trucks at this community concert.

St. Patrick's Day Party

6-9 p.m. — Melbourne Ballroom — $10 entry — Celebrate with a high-energy dance party featuring DJ Drift and a chance to win prizes for the best themed outfit.

St. Patrick's Day Celebration with John McDonald and the Irish Luck Quartet

6-10 p.m. — Meg O'Malley's Restaurant & Irish Pub — Free entry — Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with live music and festive fun at a local favorite.

Third Thursdays

5-8 p.m. — The Avenue Viera — Free entry — Enjoy live music and complimentary treats in a family-friendly atmosphere at Central Park.

Space Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival

5 PM – 11 PM — Space Coast Daily Park — Tickets $50-70 — Experience breathtaking balloon rides along with a dazzling laser show and live music.

Downtown Melbourne Farmers Market

10 AM – 2 PM — Riverview Park — Free entry — Explore local fresh foods and baked goods from certified local growers.

Oblivion Listening Session

7-11 p.m. — Pineapples — Free entry — Immerse yourself in the lofi vibes of Twin Rova's latest track 'Oblivion'.

Getting2Zero 5K Run

8 AM – 12 PM — Eau Gallie Square Park — $30 entry ($35 on race day) — Participate in a community 5K race with awards for top finishers in multiple categories.

Liberty Company: A Social Club for Veterans

10:00 – 11:30 a.m. — One Senior Place — Free entry — Connect with fellow veterans over coffee and donuts while sharing stories in a friendly environment.

Wickham Park First Friday Event

5:30-9:00 p.m. — Wickham Park — Free entry — Enjoy live music by Innuendo and food from local food trucks at this community favorite.