Good morning, Melbourne.

Eastern Florida State College’s Small Business Development Center will host a free online webinar on patents and trademarks on May 6 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.—entrepreneurs, inventors and small business owners must reserve by calling 321-433-5570.

Bank of America donated $250,000 to Brevard Zoo's campaign for a $100 million Bowen Aquarium and Conservation Center at Port Canaveral, which is expected to break ground later this year and open in 2027.

The project will span 14 acres along the Banana River — create over 900 jobs, attract 300,000 tourists and focus on coastal conservation and environmental education.

A Florida postal worker in Melbourne was arrested for allegedly drinking vodka on her mailing route, driving the wrong way into traffic and tossing red Solo cups from her vehicle—she was later released on a misdemeanor DUI charge.

At the April 22 meeting, the Brevard school board voted not to renew Satellite High teacher Melissa Calhoun's contract after she used a student's chosen name without parental consent.

Supporters rallied and signed a petition with 55,000 signatures, but board members maintained that parental rights drove their decision (Calhoun may reapply after a state review).

Wildfires erupted across Brevard County on April 23rd as drought conditions fueled at least five fires and led to a region-wide burn ban, with two Palm Bay fires contained and a 200-acre blaze burning in The Compound—officials advised residents to prepare for worsening fire risks.

Sen. Moody presented the first Florida's Finest Award on April 23 to volunteer 911 operator Ashley Willis of the Indialantic Police Department’s dispatch team — Willis is credited with potentially saving the life of a pregnant woman who was assaulted.

Indiatlantic Police Department 911 dispatcher Ashley Willis received the Florida’s Finest Service Award for her quick actions that saved a pregnant woman when her 911 call dropped in May 2024—she sent an officer to check the house and found a domestic violence scene.

Willis, who was honored by Senator Ashley Moody after already being named Telecommunication Officer of the Year, said the award shines a light on the hard work of dispatchers.

Ashley Willis, a telecommunications officer with the Indiatlantic Police Department, became the first recipient of Florida’s Finest Service Award for her quick response that saved a seven-month pregnant woman and her unborn child when a dropped 911 call in May 2024 led officers to act — her actions show the vital role dispatchers play in community safety.

Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame inductee Andi Sellers dominated women’s athletics at Satellite Beach High School from 1993 to 1996, setting a Florida record with 230 career goals - earning honors in soccer, basketball, volleyball and track.

Her achievements will be celebrated at an induction ceremony scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at Eastern Florida State College in Melbourne - the first in-person event since the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Moonlit Painting Night

6-8 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $40-$49 per person — Unleash your creativity in a fun, adult-only painting class with BYOB options.

Melbourne Art Festival

5 AM – 1 PM — Wickham Park — Free entry — Celebrate 40 years of artistic talent at Florida's top-ranked juried Fine Art Festival.

Bull Creek Cemetery Hike

8:30-11:30 a.m. — Sam's Club — Free entry — Explore nature on a 5-mile hike organized by the Space Coast Hiking Meetup Group.

Intracoastal Sunday Market

12-4 p.m. — Intracoastal Brewing Company — Free entry — Shop from over 25 local vendors while enjoying live music in the beer garden.

The Art of Stillness: A Yin Yoga & Sound Immersion

6:30-8 p.m. — Yoga Gallery Downtown — $35 pre-paid / $45 at door — Experience a transformative evening of yin yoga and sound healing led by expert instructors.

Green Gables Historic Home Open House

6-10 a.m. — Green Gables — $10 donation; Children free — Explore a historic home and learn about its restoration.

Mother's Day Brunch

10 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Brevard Zoo — Cost info not provided — Celebrate moms with a delightful brunch, animal encounters, and fun activities in a beautiful setting.

Latin Dancing and Lessons

6-9 p.m. — Flames Mediterranean Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy a lively night of Latin music and dance lessons led by a professional instructor.

321: Tacos & Treats Throwdown

12-8 p.m. — Wickham Park — $5 tacos & desserts — Indulge in tacos, enjoy live music, and partake in a foam party and axe throwing at this delicious throwdown.

Brit Floyd - Pink Floyd Tribute

8-9:30 p.m. — Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket information available — Experience a stunning tribute to Pink Floyd’s iconic masterpiece 'The Dark Side of the Moon'.