Good morning, Melbourne.

The Space Coast will host Fourth of July celebrations with fireworks, parades, live music and family festivals.

Port Canaveral will kick off the festivities on Friday, July 3, while Melbourne’s MelBOOM events will feature food vendors and activities on July 4 (a popular local event).

Space Coast Habitat for Humanity dedicated its first 3D printed affordable home on June 16 in Melbourne — the event celebrated new homeowner Mariah Humphries and her daughter while showcasing a local partnership using advanced technology to build safe homes for working families.

Port Canaveral officials approved a $5M project for a new fishing dock and facility to streamline local seafood processing — the project is designed to support national delivery, with construction expected to begin soon.

Brevard Public Schools earned an A rating for the third consecutive year with 13 schools receiving higher letter grades and four schools improving two grades (Croton, Port Malabar, Roy Allen, and Mims).

Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell noted the gains set the stage for further improvements in the upcoming school year.

Health First labs are using AI to speed up lab work on the Space Coast + new systems at Holmes Regional Medical Centre in Melbourne will be completed by 2027 to handle increased sample volume.

Consumer Reports tested rotisserie chickens from 10 chains on July 1 and found six options sold locally; Sam's Club topped the test with a paprika rub that gave the bird a bronzed finish.

Melbourne Bulldogs football team is prepared for the 2026 season with summer workouts and key returning players — including running back Tyrese Jefferson and the Hall brothers— as they gear up to face challenging opponents like Cocoa, Heritage, and Merritt Island.

Coach Pannucci remains optimistic about their prospects.

Developers submitted plans for an 8,000-seat stadium to be the home of the Space Coast Soccer Club and part of a mixed-use development with shops and event spaces along West NASA Boulevard near the airport — the project is slated to open spring 2028 and host matches and community events.

Heritage Panthers will start a new season in Class 4A after a 4-7 finish last season.

Coach Mykel Benson is excited as key returners Dreyvon Lee and transfer quarterback Christian Borhi prepare for early matchups against Melbourne, Eau Gallie + Viera.

Coach Chris Sands and several Eau Gallie players discussed summer workouts and season plans for a state title push after a 9-4 campaign last season — they expect transfers and Allen’s recovered health to boost the team in 2026, starting with a Kickoff Classic against Jensen Beach.

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.

Ladies Arcade Night

6:30-8 p.m. — Arcade Monsters Melbourne — $20 entry — Relive the joy of gaming while meeting new friends in a relaxed atmosphere.