Good morning, Melbourne.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the SiriusXM SXM-11 satellite from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Sunday night between 10:25 p.m. and 2:25 a.m. Residents may view the launch along local beaches (weather permitting).

United Way Space Coast has named Kathryn Staczek Rudloff as its new president; she brings extensive leadership experience and will work with board members, staff and community partners to boost programs in education, health and financial stability locally.

Amazon is expanding its presence on the Space Coast with support from the Economic Development Commission (EDC) as it plans projects totaling over $400 million since 2020, including a new satellite processing facility to create high-tech and logistics jobs in Melbourne, Cocoa and at Kennedy.

Kennedy Space Center faces infrastructure challenges as rising rocket launches strain facilities built in the 1960s, with a June report warning that delays may hamper NASA's plans to return astronauts to the moon and travel to Mars.

KSC is working with partners including Space Force and DOT to begin repairs.

Extreme heat is set to drive Florida’s heat index into the mid-100s this weekend — pet owners in Melbourne are urged to keep their animals cool by offering shade, water, and cooling supplies while watching for signs of heatstroke.

Health First hospitals held a hurricane preparedness drill yesterday at Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne to test emergency plans and check patient safety procedures, operational readiness, and communications (with simulated Category 4 storm scenarios) for better future responses.

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.

Cocoa Tailgators vs. Sardines Baseball Showdown

5-8 p.m. — Palm Bay High School — Family-friendly event — Experience the thrill of a fierce baseball rivalry between the Cocoa Tailgators and Sardines.