Good morning, Melbourne.

321Empowerment will hold its third event on Saturday, December 6 at Eastern Florida State College Palm Bay campus, offering a free program for young men in grades nine to twelve from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. NFL player Jaylon Smith will speak on financial literacy during the event and lunch and snacks will be provided.

Today, Trader Joe’s opens its first Brevard location at Avenue Viera, formerly the Michael’s site, where customers may start lining up as early as 4:30 a.m. The store will hold a brief ceremony at 9 a.m. and has security for crowd control — local mascot Kai Kangaroo and Trader Joey will pass out lollipops and stickers to children — with hours from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

SpaceX launched 29 Starlink satellites Tuesday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on a Falcon 9 rocket, and the veteran first-stage booster landed on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas — a key milestone in its rapid reuse program.

Florida communities are set to celebrate Hanukkah, an eight-day festival of lights that begins at sunset on Dec.

14 and ends at sunset on Dec. 22. In Melbourne, residents will join a Jewish Music Festival and Chanukah Parade on Dec. 14 as part of the state’s planned festivities.

Peter Cranis, executive director of the Space Coast Office of Tourism, was named 2025 Space Coast Person of the Year—recognized for his role in growing Tourist Development Tax collections to nearly $26 million in FY 2024–25.

He has led the agency since 2019 and is credited with modernizing the region's tourism strategy.

Brevard County commissioners voted Tuesday to request a public meeting with state environmental regulators over Blue Origin’s plan to discharge roughly 500,000 gallons of industrial wastewater daily into the Indian River Lagoon (the FDEP controls the permit).

County officials said they will continue monitoring concerns as public opposition grows.

SpaceX has received approval from the U.S. Air Force to build a Starship launch site at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and began constructing Launch Complex 37 to support up to 76 launches and 152 landings a year — the first Starship launch from nearby Kennedy will occur in early- to mid-2026.

Today, Santa arrived in spectacular fashion aboard a Health First First Flight Air Ambulance helicopter at Holmes Regional Medical Center to light the Christmas tree and spread holiday cheer among patients, staff, and visitors — he later visited the NICU and pediatric emergency department to bring joy to children.

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.

The Grand Manor's New Year’s Eve Bash

8 p.m. — Grand Manor — Free parking — Ring in the New Year at an epic celebration filled with glamour, music, and unforgettable memories.