Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 23rd of October.
Good morning, Melbourne.
The Garcia family is hosting their fifth annual Millbrook Manor Halloween Spectacular display at 7535 Millbrook Avenue in Viera.
The event—sponsored by Angelica Garcia—features 40 animatronics, music, smoke, lights, laser effects and movie projections and will be open weekdays from 7-9 p.m. and weekends from 7-10 p.m. until November 2.
Rescues and shelters on the Space Coast are offering animals for adoption this week.
Interested residents can contact local shelters for details—making it easier to find a new pet companion.
SpaceX is set to launch the SpainSat NG II mission today from Cape Canaveral’s Space Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 rocket during a four-hour window starting at 9:30 p.m. ET—if needed, a backup launch is scheduled for Friday at the same time.
Health First awarded a $104,000 Wellness Grant to expand Brevard Public Schools’ Resiliency Reads program—teaching sixth-graders to use the coffee bean story as a tool to build resilience.
On October 20, author Jon Gordon spoke live at the King Center in Melbourne while other students joined remotely to hear his message.
Heavy rains on the Space Coast have forced venomous cottonmouth snakes out of flooded wetlands—residents near Camp Holly reported an increase in sightings including near a local restaurant.
Wildlife officials advise caution and recommend that anyone who sees a snake contact animal control and stay clear of flooded areas.
Melbourne residents are watching Tropical Storm Melissa, which is less than 1,000 miles away and expected to strengthen into a hurricane today, though forecasters say it will likely stay east with only minor effects such as increased waves and rip currents.
Meteorologists stress that the storm’s track is uncertain and advise staying updated as new data becomes available.
The Melbourne Police Department honored Karen Smith for 37 years of service during a retirement ceremony held yesterday (colleagues and community members recalled her commitment and leadership in public safety).
Local nonprofits saw more calls and empty pantry shelves as worries over a federal shutdown rose; yesterday, Matthew’s Hope in Cocoa helped 160 people and launched a donation drive — while Meals on Wheels in Brevard planned a fundraising campaign to keep delivering meals to seniors. Both groups said they are concerned that reduced federal funds may delay benefits for vulnerable residents.
NASA Acting Administrator Sean Duffy announced plans to reopen a $4.4 billion moon lander contract that had given SpaceX the deal to build Starship for Artemis III from the Space Coast — Elon Musk countered by attacking Duffy on social media, calling him 'Sean Dummy' and backing Jared Isaacman for NASA leadership. Duffy said the race to the Moon is on as NASA seeks fresh ideas from competitors that could alter future launches.
Breast cancer survivor Cyndi Tibbetts of Rockledge overcame her second bout with triple-negative breast cancer by finishing chemotherapy in April and having a double mastectomy in June — she now volunteers with support groups and urges local women to get their regular mammograms.
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.
Helping Seniors Car Raffle Grand Drawing
1-4 p.m. — American Muscle Car Museum — $25 for one ticket or $100 for five — Experience a family-friendly afternoon while trying to win a new car and enjoying classic automotive displays.
40th Annual Space Coast State Fair
5-10 p.m. — Space Coast Daily Park — Admission included but rides are extra — Experience the largest family fair in Brevard with shows and unlimited rides.
Puppy Pals Live
7:30 p.m. — Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts — $30 — Enjoy an action-packed show featuring rescued dogs performing incredible tricks and hilarious stunts.
Florida’s Hottest Reggae Night
7 p.m. – Midnight — Nomads Canteen FL — Check out three premier reggae acts, Cloud9 Vibes, Floridaze, and The Rip for an unforgettable showcase of island rhythms.
LightWork Therapy and Recovery Event
7:00 PM — 705 E New Haven Ave, Melbourne, FL — Sold Out — Experience a fun painting class with local artist G-Susan Ricci in a creative atmosphere.
Tim Hawkins Live Comedy Show
7-10 p.m. — Calvary Chapel Melbourne — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening filled with laughter from the hilarious Tim Hawkins.
Rocky Water Brew Fest 2025
1-5 p.m. — Eau Gallie Square Park — Free parking — Sample the finest craft beers from small breweries across Florida.
Chevy Chase Live Q&A
8:00-9:30 p.m. — Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts — Ticketed event — Celebrate holiday cheer with a screening of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and a Q&A with Chevy Chase.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
Stay in the know, Melbourne.
Free, always. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.