Good morning, Melbourne.

Ralph Perrone from Brevard County joined national leaders for what is expected to be the world’s largest toy drive, which has made past stops in Dallas and Tampa and will soon reach cities like Atlanta and Miami.

Guinness World Records is monitoring the effort & may certify the drive as an official record.

Trader Joe's in Avenue Viera drew large crowds since its Dec.

3 opening—management limits the store to 160 customers for a comfortable shopping experience. It runs from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and restocks shelves twice daily.

Community members gathered Dec.

8 at the Cocoa-Rockledge Garden Club to discuss concerns over school voucher costs, charter school expansion and board transparency ahead of 2026 Brevard school board elections. SEE Alliance organized the event to boost voter turnout and community organizing.

Community members voiced concerns over consolidating Cape View Elementary with Roosevelt Elementary during Brevard’s final board meeting on Dec.

9, while Cape Canaveral city council urged keeping Cape View open. An official public hearing is scheduled for Jan. 20, 2026.

Commissioners will hear a presentation from Chesapeake Utilities Wednesday about a proposed LNG plant to fuel Port Canaveral that may be built near a Merritt Island neighborhood; local residents worry about safety and nearby property values.

The Public Works crew decorated Ryckman Park for the Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec.

9 and kept the event running smoothly while handling their regular duties.

Health First cardiologist Dr. Kevin Campbell urges residents to celebrate holidays mindfully in Viera by moderating rich food and drink consumption to reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation (holiday heart) and recommends checking your pulse if symptoms appear.

Melbourne Central Catholic defeated St. Edward’s 3 to 0 in the boys soccer match on Monday — Matteus Brunetta scored twice and Josia Garcia scored once, with the game recorded at 8:47 a.m.

Eastern Florida State College men's soccer players (Joao Victor Loureiro and Ocira Lazarus) were named to the United Soccer Coaches Junior College Division I All-America Team on Friday.

The Titans reached the NJCAA tournament for the third consecutive season.

FHSAA released tentative football classifications for 2026 and 2027 on Dec.

8. Brevard teams are realigned — Melbourne and Viera shift from 6A to 5A while Heritage moves to 4A and Rockledge is placed in District 8-3A; final classifications will be set Dec. 17.

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.