Good morning, Melbourne.

FPL will upgrade the electric grid in Brevard County in 2026 by completing 39 SSUP projects that replace overhead lines with underground ones, trim 1,161 miles of power lines, and inspect 11,164 poles to improve reliability and speed power restoration during storms (the upgrades will help prevent outages).

SpaceX will launch its new Starfall capsules (disk-shaped and 2.5 feet tall) from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral on Sunday, June 21.

The capsules will orbit Earth to enable in-space manufacturing and then re-enter under parachute in the Pacific Ocean.

Wildlife cameras at Fox Lake Sanctuary in Brevard County recorded growing numbers of black bears, including a mama bear with cubs, with counts rising from a 1970s low of 300-500 to over 4,000 today.

Officials advise residents to keep a safe distance if encountered (mama bears can be defensive).

SeaWorld Rescue teams in Florida helped over 43,000 injured, sick and orphaned animals after rescuing Melby the manatee from a storm drain in Melbourne Beach earlier this year, as community collaboration continues supporting wildlife rescue from manatees to birds.

The Marine Resources Council’s LagoonWatch program celebrates 35 years this June as citizen scientists record water quality across the Indian River Lagoon (digital probes now measure nitrogen and phosphorus) to support restoration and policy decisions.

Florida black bears, now off the threatened species list (since 2012), have been seen at Fox Lake Sanctuary in Titusville as their population recovers in north Brevard County.

A study found their range grew from 17% to 51% of Florida from 1993 to 2020.

Today, the Space Force is studying a new launch complex at Cape Canaveral while a Brevard County advisory board rejected a zoning request for 57 homes near Turtle Mound and White roads.

Meanwhile, the Argentine black-and-white tegu has been establishing itself on the Space Coast.

Today, chef Luca Malka offered a behind-the-scenes look at making signature tiramisu at Jolie American Bistro (in Palm Bay) by preparing a zabaglione custard, whipped cream, and coffee-soaked ladyfingers.

The restaurant advises customers to call ahead to check if the dessert is on the menu.

Space Coast Comic Con

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Wickham Park Community Center — Affordable entry — Celebrate comics and pop culture at this family-friendly convention filled with creativity and community.

Palm Bay Independence Day Celebration

5-9 p.m. — Eastern Florida State College - Palm Bay Campus — Free admission — Celebrate 250 years of American freedom with live performances, food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks display.

Free Educational Seminar on Estate Planning

9:30-10:30 a.m. — Perkins American Food Co. — Free entry — Learn about living trusts and how to organize your estate and family affairs.

Saturday Night Market at Intracoastal Brewing

5-9 p.m. — Intracoastal Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy local vendors and live tunes with a cold pint in hand.

Baseball Showdown: Tailgators vs. Gnarlies

5-8 p.m. — Palm Bay High School — Exciting matchup — Experience an electrifying baseball battle between two powerhouse teams filled with thrilling plays and high-energy sportsmanship.

Brevard Home & Garden Expo

Jul 18-19 — Melbourne Auditorium — Entry fee not specified — Discover the latest in home and garden innovations with over 50 exhibitors.