Good morning, Melbourne.

Operation Hope of Greater Florida expanded its food outreach beyond Indian River County on Saturday, Sept.

12 when nearly 300 residents received groceries at The Meadows mobile home community in Brevard County. The nonprofit plans to serve the area monthly and seeks donations + volunteers.

Veterans were welcomed home after delays in Baltimore and Florida weather postponed the Space Coast Honor Flight’s arrival at Melbourne Orlando International Airport.

Cheering by Cocoa Beach High School and Florida Tech lacrosse kept spirits high, and one final flight is scheduled for Oct. 17.

Brevard County gas prices climbed past $4 a gallon on Sunday due to global shipping issues that pushed fuel costs higher nationwide.

AAA reported the local average rose to $4.10 (a 23-cent increase from the previous week) while Florida’s average reached $4.14.

Girls in Aviation Day is scheduled for Saturday, Sept.

19 at the Sheltair facility, Orlando Melbourne International Airport from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and offers free STEM activities, aircraft displays and exhibitor booths to introduce preschoolers through high schoolers to aviation careers (including non-pilot roles).

The International Coastal Cleanup will occur Saturday, Sept.

19 at 8:30 a.m. at Ocean Park in Melbourne Beach as community volunteers clear beach debris (text (321) 266-0794 for details).

A $1.4 million funding cut by FDOT may cancel two bus routes carrying nearly 470,000 trips annually from barrier islands to the mainland in Brevard County.

Local hotel associations and officials seek alternatives before service ends next year (loss may disrupt worker commutes).

Florida health officials reported that rabies inquiries rose by 17 percent in 2025 when cases reached 117.

They issued raccoon alerts to curb further outbreaks in local communities including Melbourne.

Fresh From Florida demonstrates a step-by-step recipe for blueberry key lime pie with a graham cracker crust, key lime filling (topped with blueberries) aimed at guiding local cooks in Brevard County in making this tangy treat.

Kevin Verpaele and the Mustangs exploded to a 45-0 win in their Class 3A District 8 opener last week; they threw five touchdowns to different receivers + their defense held opponents scoreless.

Scores from Eau Gallie and Titusville suggest a tight race for the district title.

Voting for the Brevard Girls Athlete of the Week is open at 321preps.com and floridatoday.com (until noon on Sept.

17). Nominees include local standouts such as Kiana Dalton of Eau Gallie volleyball, who posted strong stats during Sept. 8 to 12.