Good morning, Melbourne.

Brevard County Sheriff's Office said it lost its beloved canine Gator, euthanized Sept.

22 after battling untreatable stage 4 cancer. He was a social media star (Gator Don't Play That) who served with Corporal Lance Behringer for five years (partner).

US News & World Report released its college rankings on September 23 and named the University of Florida in Gainesville as the best in Florida while Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne ranked 232 nationally.

Several other schools, including Florida State University and the University of Miami, also placed in the top 100.

Supporters gathered outside the Viera school district office on Sept.

23 at 4:30 p.m. to rally for Melissa Calhoun — a former teacher ousted for using a student's chosen name without parental consent despite a state committee clearing her to teach on probation — ahead of the Brevard school board meeting.

Hurricane Gabrielle was a powerful Category 4 storm with 140 mph winds that passed Bermuda Monday night — it is now moving into the open Atlantic while causing dangerous rip currents along the east coast of Florida down to West Palm Beach until Thursday.

Today, NASA's IMAP mission along with the Carruthers Geocorona Observatory and NOAA's SWFO-L1 mission will launch atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center Pad 39A at no earlier than 7:30 a.m. — the rocket will fly east into the morning sunrise while the booster lands on a drone ship in the Atlantic.

Brevard County Sheriff's Office is mourning the loss of its beloved K9 unit Gator (7-year-old) after the dog that served with the department died.

The office will honor Gator's contributions as it remembers the loyal service that kept the community safe.

Titusville and Cape Canaveral officials expressed concern about extended beach closures, noise and environmental impacts if SpaceX launches up to 44 Starship-Super Heavy rockets from pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center.

SpaceX said hazard zones will shrink over time while maintaining safety— the FAA extended the public comment period on the draft environmental impact statement until Sept. 29.

Officials and residents in Titusville and Cape Canaveral are expressing concerns over upcoming SpaceX Starship launches from the Space Coast—some worry the high-energy flights may affect local operations and safety.

Animal shelters in Brevard County now list adoptable dogs and cats for families seeking new companions—residents should contact local shelters for details.

Oktoberfest & Puptoberfest

11 a.m.–10 p.m. — Intracoastal Brewing Company — Free entry — Celebrate with your pups at a day full of festive fun, live music, and tasty local brews.

Salsa Dance Night: Havana Nights

6-9:30 p.m. — Venezia Wine Veranda — $10 at the door — Experience Cuban rhythm with a Salsa class followed by social dancing and delicious culinary specials.

Boo at the Zoo

10:00 – 11:30 a.m. — Brevard Zoo — Included with Zoo admission — Experience a Halloween celebration with trick-or-treating, themed activities, and spooky music.

Rock & Roll Revue: Autumn Boogie

7-10 p.m. — Eau Gallie Civic Center — $15 — Dance to the catchy tunes of a fabulous 12-piece Rock & Roll band this autumn.

Melbourne Annual Fall Art and Craft Expo

10 AM – 6 PM — Wickham Park — Festival admission details unknown — Explore over 300 booths featuring local art, crafts, and live music.

Florida Tech Homecoming 2-Mile Run/Walk

5:30 p.m. — Florida Institute of Technology — Proceeds benefit the Panther Fund — Participate in this community-focused run and support Florida Tech alumni.

2nd Annual Art and Craft Show

12-6 p.m. — Melbourne Auditorium — Suggested $5 donation — Shop local crafts and enjoy live performances in a community celebration.

Networking Happy Hour in Melbourne, Florida

5-7 p.m. — Nomads Canteen FL — Free entry — Sip and socialize while building valuable connections with fellow small business owners.

4th Friday Starry Nights

4-8 p.m. — Max K. Rodes Park — Free entry — Explore an artisan market under the stars with local crafts and food trucks while enjoying live DJ music.