Good morning, Melbourne.

John Harper’s Space Coast Daily Show featured Fox Sports broadcaster Chris Myers (discussing his decades-long career) and local advocate Barbie Thrower from Space Coast Recovery, who explained community support programs for those affected by substance use disorders; the interviews aired this week.

Eighty homeless people died in Brevard this year, and a memorial service was held yesterday at Coastline Community Church on Eau Gallie Blvd — where Matthew Wallenquest, found behind a dumpster in Port St. John, was remembered along with the other names read aloud.

The Kitten Angel Rescue helped 15 vulnerable kittens, including a 9-week-old named Stripe, find forever homes at a Dec.

13 adoption event in Melbourne. The volunteer-run nonprofit also operates a thrift shop at 2740 N. Harbour City Boulevard open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

SpaceX will launch a Starlink mission Sunday from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station — the state marks its 110th orbital launch this year.

The Falcon 9 booster will land on the drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas so no sonic booms will occur.

The new Fraggle Rock: A Space-y Adventure show debuts Dec.

22 at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, offering performances at 12:30 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. that teach about NASA’s Artemis missions + a Fraggle Breakfast Bash runs Dec. 21 through Dec. 30 except Dec. 25.

Eastern Florida State held its Fall Commencement at the King Center (Melbourne campus) on Dec.

18 with ceremonies at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Florida Tech topped off its new 556-bed Crimson Crossing residence hall on Dec.

17 at the campus in Melbourne — a milestone celebration marking progress toward improved student housing. The construction project will continue advancing in the coming months.

Powerball has reached $1.5 billion as of Dec.

18 with the next drawing set for Saturday, Dec. 20. The jackpot, with odds of (1 in 292.2 million), ranks among the highest including a record $1.586 billion win from ticket holders including locals from Melbourne Beach in 2016.

Citizens Property Insurance’s board approved 2026 rate recommendations that lower average premiums by 2.6% statewide — though rates in counties like Brevard may rise by 6.5% — with new rates set to take effect on June 1 pending final approval by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.

At Dec. 12 Service and Achievement Ceremony, the Melbourne Fire Department welcomed its first therapy dog, Rigs, into its Peer Support Team.

Rigs — working with handler Lt. Kayla Burri — will help ease stress among firefighters during daily shifts.

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.

A Tribute to The Eagles

7-8 p.m. — Melbourne Auditorium — $38 general admission, $70 VIP seating — Experience Florida’s ultimate Eagles tribute band performing classic hits live.