Good morning, Melbourne.

Grocery chains in Melbourne offer varying hours on Fourth of July; Publix and Winn-Dixie open with modified schedules, Trader Joe’s closes at 5 p.m., and Costco remains closed + check local listings for details.

Inmate trustees from Brevard County Jail will comfort shelter pets during the peak of today’s Fourth of July fireworks at the Brevard County Animal Care Center by reading, playing and giving treats.

Sheriff Wayne Ivey said the program began after community suggestions to ease animal anxiety and support inmate rehabilitation.

Atlas V rocket carrying Amazon Leo broadband satellites launched from Cape Canaveral on July 2 and was witnessed by local spectators at Kennedy Point Park in Titusville — its final satellite mission using the Atlas V 551 configuration before United Launch Alliance shifts to the Vulcan rocket.

FLORIDA TODAY's space team earned a top USA TODAY Media award for beat reporting on the growing space industry — covering 109 Space Coast launches in 2025.

Reporters Rick Neale and Brooke Edwards received the honor at 5:04 a.m. ET, spotlighting the local impact at Boca Chica and Kennedy Space Center.

On Friday, July 3, Indian Harbour Beach unveiled a time capsule from 1976 at the fire station as part of America's Bicentennial celebrations + capturing a piece of local history.

U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will perform at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on Nov.

7 and 8 as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration (their updated 2026 schedule features precision flying displays) for local audiences.

Eastern Florida State College celebrated a record 96 student-athletes who earned a spot on the All-Academic team by achieving a GPA of 3.30 or higher, with 18 athletes reaching a 4.0, as recognized by the Florida College System Activities Association in Brevard County.

Melbourne residents celebrating fireworks today are urged to follow safety tips to prevent burns and other injuries; experts recommend using only labeled products, keeping water nearby (for emergencies), and ensuring children remain at a safe distance.

These guidelines aim to help everyone enjoy the Fourth safely.

Head Coach Jordan Willis of Florida Tech Volleyball announced the 2026 schedule; the Panthers start on Aug.

28 in Daytona Beach against Edward Waters and will play a four-match tournament at CSU-Pueblo (to honor former coach Royce Cappis) on Sept. 4-5.

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.