Good morning, Melbourne.

Eastern Florida State College is accepting applications for its Veterinary Assisting CCC program until Tuesday, Sept.

15. Classes begin January 11 and the one-year course trains students in basic animal care and lab tasks so 14 credits can count toward an A.S. degree.

Florida's back-to-school tax holiday will run from Monday, July 20 through Aug.

20 and lets families shop tax-free on school supplies and computers (eligible items). Several districts start school as early as Aug. 10, so check your local calendar for details.

Clean lagoon waters in Brevard result from nine years of the Save Our Indian River Lagoon program, though seagrass recovery and other tasks remain for full restoration.

A November referendum on the half-cent sales tax to renew the program will let voters decide the next steps.

Health officials reported 17 cases of Hansen's disease as of July 11 in Florida; the number is slightly higher than last year's and studies point to local armadillos as potential sources.

The disease is treatable with antibiotics and early detection is advised.

Dr. Jamie Sanchez from Health First explained that colorectal cancer is rising in younger adults and that recurring signs like blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, and unexplained weight loss should prompt early screening.

Health providers offer minimally invasive colonoscopies for early detection.

Health officials report 96 Florida cases of cyclosporiasis as of July 16 and advise residents to wash hands with soap and water and scrub produce (FDOH guidance) to prevent infections.

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.

MMB Concert Band: An Evening of POPS

Evening Concert — 6-8 p.m. — Melbourne Auditorium — Free entry — Enjoy a relaxed evening of pops featuring music from Billy Joel and the movie “Rocky.”

WWE NXT Live

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Melbourne Auditorium — Tickets from $47 — Experience high-octane wrestling excitement with WWE NXT Live.