Good morning, Melbourne.

Port Canaveral recorded over 8.6 million cruise passengers in FY2025—a historic 13% jump from last year.

Officials revised parking routes and advanced terminal projects to ease congestion at this key drive-to market.

Trader Joe’s opened its first Florida store at 2221 Town Center Ave in Melbourne on Wednesday at 9 a.m. after a ribbon-cutting ceremony (led by Store Captain Keith Miller) and drew hundreds of eager shoppers while the store created local jobs and set aside unsold products for nonprofits.

Bojangles, a Southern fried chicken chain, will open on Dec.

16 at 5155 N. Wickham Road in Melbourne (near Home Depot, Sprouts Market, and EOS Fitness). The restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner until around 10 p.m.

Junny's Annual Heavenly Christmas Light Fest will start Dec.

11 at 855 Camp Road in Cocoa and run through two weekends with drive-through viewing from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and a special walk-through on Dec. 12 for $2 per person.

Melbourne Community Orchestra will host Tinsel & Tidings, a pajama-themed free holiday concert event on Dec.

17-18 at the Melbourne Auditorium. The 65-member ensemble will perform at 7 p.m. and invite audiences to join in pajama style; call 321-285-6724 for details.

Health First welcomed Eastern Florida State College students to its Holmes Regional Medical Center labs today to observe specimen processing and advanced equipment used in over seven million tests annually—preparing them for clinical rotations starting in January.

Brevard County plans to renew the sales tax to fund cleanup and restoration projects for the Indian River Lagoon and will seek public input on the measure later this month.

High school football players from Eau Gallie and Melbourne Central Catholic signed college commitments on Dec.

3, with seniors heading to Oregon, Tennessee State, Syracuse and UAB in fall 2026 & continuing a strong local legacy.

After a vibrant fall season, winter sports have kicked off with the Palm Bay Pirates winning a matchup on Dec.

2 at Palm Bay High School + high school teams in basketball, girls’ soccer, and wrestling are showing strong efforts as they chase state championships.

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.