Good morning, Melbourne.

U.S. News & World Report released its list of best places to live in Florida and found that no Brevard County cities made the top 10—Palm Bay ranked highest in the county at No.42 while Melbourne came in at No.45 based on quality of life and job market ratings.

The report evaluated the areas using five indexes including value and desirability.

Blue Origin will build a wastewater plant near the Indian River to support its rocket testing operations—efforts that aim to upgrade waste management at the site.

Mail and banking services in Melbourne will operate on Black Friday, Nov.

28, after the post office closed on Thanksgiving, Nov. 27 +banks return to normal hours+. UPS and FedEx will offer limited shipping options +local retailers and residents are advised to check with individual providers+ for holiday service details.

This Saturday night, the annual Light Up Viera Christmas Parade will kick off at 6 p.m. with fireworks at Space Coast Daily Park before it follows a new route from Judge Fran Jamieson Way and Stadium Parkway to Manatee Elementary.

The event will feature Grand Marshal Saint and Santa Claus—bringing festive cheer to start Brevard’s Christmas season.

Melbourne's historic Line Street Cemetery revealed 31 hidden graves when radar scanning uncovered them.

A $50,000 grant will aid restoration efforts for the Black cemetery—preserving an important part of the city's history.

An invasive armored catfish spread from the Amazon to Florida’s Space Coast when it was brought here by the aquarium trade and is now in waterways such as the St. Johns River, lakes, and local ponds (its digging causes erosion and harms manatees).

Homeowners in West Melbourne and HOAs are trying to trap the fish while the FWC allows anyone to catch them (efforts to control its spread are ongoing).

The City of Melbourne finished building about 1.2 miles of new sidewalks near Stone Magnet Middle School and Eddie Lee Taylor Sr. Community Complex to improve pedestrian safety.

The project, funded by the Florida Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School program, added sidewalks on busy corridors and installed traffic calming features—such as flash beacons and traffic cushions—to help slow vehicles.

Loretta Fox, a beloved music teacher, thanked Brevard County Fire Rescue and Health First doctors at Holmes Regional Medical Center for saving her life after a stroke in August—she played a festive tune on the piano during Thanksgiving week as she shared her recovery with family and neighbors. The event underscored her swift care and marked a joyful early start to the holiday season.

Shannon Dowdell coached Edgewood Jr/Sr High's varsity volleyball team to its first district championship while her son Jonas broke the school cross country record, and the athletic director praised both as key members of the school’s sports program.

Their family builds a strong local sports legacy by participating in various events (including support for the Special Olympics).

Dylan Jordan of Viera High School is drawing attention as a top baseball prospect for the Los Angeles Angels — his strong play has caught the eye of scouts.

He is expected to build a promising career as he moves toward professional play.

A Christmas Carol

2-5 p.m. — Henegar Center For the Arts — Ticket pricing available — Experience the classic tale of redemption in a vibrant theatrical setting.

The Christmas Market & More

4-8 p.m. — Viera Regional Park — Free entry — Explore holiday treats, unique gifts, and local artisans at this festive market.

Plant Market & More

10 AM – 2 PM — Downtown Melbourne Farmer's Market at Riverview Park — Free entry — Explore local growers, fresh produce, and artisanal offerings at this vibrant market.

Melbourne Speed Dating for Singles in Their 40s and 50s

2-4 p.m. — BeachFly Brewing Company — Ticket required — Meet potential matches in a fun, fast-paced dating environment.

AK40 Band Live Performance

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Squid Lips Grill — Enjoy a night of classic rock and funk with the AK40 Band's energetic performance.

Classic Albums Live - Bob Marley: Legend

8-9:30 p.m. — Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket info available on the website — Celebrate the legacy of Bob Marley with a live performance of his classic album 'Legend'.

Surfing Santas Festival

7 AM – 2 PM — Surfing Santas — Free admission — Experience a festive surf celebration with Santas, elves, and holiday cheer on the waves.