Good morning, Melbourne.

A chemical release of AroCy XU 371 at FAR Research plant in Palm Bay forced 30–40 people to shelter; local officials report no injuries.

Project Forge is evaluating Space Coast Regional Airport for a potential $350M R&D and launch campus, with a decision expected later this month.

SpaceX launched its Starfall Demo mission Tuesday morning from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 6:43 a.m. EDT, and its Falcon 9 booster completed its 29th flight + landed on a droneship in the Atlantic Ocean.

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is hosting Celebrate USA events to mark America's 250th anniversary this July (including themed weekends highlighting NASA’s Space Shuttle Program, Apollo, Artemis, and aviation milestones).

The monthlong celebration offers visitors a chance to explore exhibits like the Atlantis display on the Space Coast.

Residents in Melbourne are advised to follow heat safety tips as the heat index will reach the mid-100s later this weekend.

Experts recommend opening windows & using fans to keep indoor spaces cooler while staying hydrated to avoid heat-related illness.

Bobby Freeman’s report finds Brevard County is split in two: mainland markets such as Viera+Rockledge sell homes quickly with 3.2 to 5.6 months of inventory while beachside areas like Cocoa Beach list 7.8 months of supply.

The review covers over 1,800 sales closed since Jan. 1.

Rockledge head coach John Holmes (a local alumnus) is rebuilding the football program after a 3-7 season in 2025, expecting key players like quarterback Robbie Blalock and receiver Matthew Ford to boost the team’s chances for a strong 2026 season.

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.

July Meeting — Books & Brews Brevard Book Club

2-4 p.m. — Bugnutty Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy a relaxed book discussion with fellow literature lovers over craft beers.