The 14th Annual Tuxes & Tails Greatest Show Gala, presented by Subaru of Melbourne, raised over $165,000 for homeless pets in Brevard County.

The event sold out and featured entertainment, auctions, and special guests such as Sheriff Wayne Ivey.

Tom "Coach" Wasdin received the Humanitarian Award and Harry and Debbie Vigliano were honored with the Humane Hero Award.

The evening included performances by CirqueIt Events and The Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse, as well as a moment of silence for the late Robert Leader.

The Best Pets of Brevard Calendar Contest winner was announced as Archie, owned by Lindsey Wilson.

Attendees also enjoyed a Pet Parade, Adoptable Pet Parade, and the sale of 100 Big Top Bark Boxes.

Executive Director Theresa Clifton expressed gratitude to sponsors, hosts, volunteers, and attendees for their support.

The Brevard Humane Society encourages those interested to visit their website or call for more information.

Toddler Time

Date: Various through September · Time: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM · Location: Palm Bay Aquatic Center, 420 Community College Pkwy SE, Palm Bay, FL · Admission: Free or low-cost

Water-play fun for toddlers and parents at the Palm Bay Aquatic Center. Full details at Palm Bay Recreation Events.

Pickleball Meet Up

Enjoy a lively evening of pickleball for all skill levels at Lipscomb Street Park. Details available on the Palm Bay Recreation Events page.

Wickham Park First Friday

Event Name: Wickham Park First Friday

City: Melbourne

Date: September 5, 2025; Time: 5:00 PM; Location: Wickham Park, Melbourne area, FL; Admission: Free

Live music by Soul Time, food trucks, and family fun under the stars. Event details via Wickham Park Regional Pavilion. 

Sway With Us Concert

Event Name: "Sway With Us" Concert – Melbourne Municipal Band

City: Melbourne

Date: September 17 & 18, 2025; Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Location: Downtown Melbourne, FL; Admission: Likely Free/Donation

An evening concert under the stars by the Melbourne Municipal Band. Details via Get Info Here. Google Maps

"Life is better by the beach in Brevard County."

Turtle Krawl 5K

Event Name: Turtle Krawl 5K

City: Cocoa Beach

Date: September 13, 2025; Time: 7:30 AM; Location: Cocoa Beach, FL; Admission: Registration Fee

A fun run/walk supporting sea turtle conservation, hosted by the Sea Turtle Preservation Society. More Info

Jazz Concert - Jeff Rupert

Event Name: Jazz Concert – Jeff Rupert

City: Merritt Island

Date: September 14, 2025; Time: 2:00 PM; Location: Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, Merritt Island, FL; Admission: Likely Ticketed

Kick off the 2025–2026 jazz season with saxophonist Jeff Rupert, presented by the Space Coast Jazz Society. Google Maps

Movie In The Park

Event Name: Movie in the Park

City: Cocoa

Date: September 5, 2025; Time: Evening (TBD); Location: Merritt Island / Cocoa area park, FL; Admission: Free

Outdoor family movie night featuring the film “Elemental.” Bring your chair or blanket. More Info

Tuscan Wine Dinner Featuring Cantine Guidi

Event Name: Tuscan Wine Dinner Featuring Cantine Guidi

City: Merritt Island / Cocoa

Date: September 5, 2025; Time: 6:30 PM; Location: Merritt Island / Cocoa area, FL; Admission: Ticketed

A six-course Tuscan wine dinner featuring Cantine Guidi. More Info

STPS Turtle Krawl

Event: STPS Turtle Krawl 5K;
Date: September 13, 2025; Time: 7:30 AM;
Location: North Brevard (check STPS for course details);
Highlights: Community fun run supporting sea turtle conservation and education.

Lace up your sneakers for a meaningful 5K that protects sea turtles and supports local environmental efforts.

Space Coast Brew Fest

Event Name: Space Coast Brew Fest

City: North Brevard

Date: October 25, 2025; Time: 1:00 PM; Location: North Brevard, FL; Admission: Ticketed

Over 30 breweries, food, music—supporting local charities. Event link via Visit Space Coast

Playalinda Brewing Co. – Tuesday Night Trivia (Titusville)

• Date: Tuesday Nights

• Time: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

• Location: Playalinda Brewing Company, Titusville

• Admission: Free or venue ticketed (likely food/drink purchase)

• Details: Grab your team or come solo for a fun trivia night crafted by local brewery hosts.

• Map: Google Maps – Playalinda Brewing Company, Titusville

• Website: Titusville Area Chamber calendar

Market at Indian River Honey Company

Event Name: Market at Indian River Honey Company

City: Mims

Date: September 6, 2025; Time: TBD; Location: Indian River Honey Company, Mims, FL; Admission: Free

Market featuring honey products, artisanal goods. Event Page. Google Maps

"Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

🚀 Space Coast Launch Guide

🚀 Upcoming Space Coast Rocket Launches – September 2025

• 📅 September 3 – SpaceX Falcon 9: Starlink Group 10‑22

• Time: 7:56 AM EDT

• Launch Pad: SLC‑40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

• Payload: 28 Starlink satellites for SpaceX’s low-Earth orbit broadband constellation, enhancing internet coverage worldwide.

• Viewing Tips:

  • Closest: Playalinda Beach Lot 1 (~7.2 miles from pad)

  • Alternative: Jetty Park or Port Canaveral SR‑528 Causeway

  • Morning launch = beautiful sunrise backlight for photography
    
    

📅 September 5 – SpaceX Falcon 9: Starlink Group 10‑57

• Time: 6:56 AM EDT

• Launch Pad: LC‑39A, Kennedy Space Center

• Payload: Additional Starlink satellites, likely focused on expanding high-capacity internet coverage to remote and maritime areas.

• Viewing Tips:

  • Closest: Playalinda Beach Lot 1 (~3.6 miles from pad)

  • Premium: KSC Visitor Complex (includes launch viewing packages and live narration)
    
    

📅 September 8 – SpaceX Falcon 9: Nusantara Lima

• Time: Approx. 7:52 PM EDT (pending confirmation)

• Launch Pad: SLC‑40, Cape Canaveral

• Payload: Nusantara Lima (also known as SATRIA 2), an Indonesian communications satellite designed to expand broadband services across Indonesia’s islands and rural areas.

• Viewing Tips:

  • Evening twilight launch = spectacular light trails

  • Best spots: Jetty Park, Cocoa Beach Pier, or Banana River Causeway
    
    

📅 September 15 – SpaceX Falcon 9: Cygnus NG‑23 ISS Resupply

• Time: ~5:49 PM EDT

• Launch Pad: SLC‑40, Cape Canaveral

• Payload: Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus spacecraft carrying science experiments, food, and gear to the International Space Station (ISS).

• Viewing Tips:

  • Top views from: Max Brewer Bridge, Space View Park in Titusville, or Cocoa Beach boardwalk

  • This is an ISS rendezvous mission, which often includes a visible spacecraft track post-launch.
    
    

📅 September 23 – SpaceX Falcon 9: IMAP + Rideshare

• Time: TBD

• Launch Pad: LC‑39A, Kennedy Space Center

• Payload:

  • NASA’s Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) — a mission to map the boundary of our solar system and better understand solar winds.

  • Rideshare payloads: GLIDE (ultraviolet telescope) + Lunar Trailblazer (NASA’s lunar water mapper).

• Viewing Tips:

  • TBD, but Playalinda Beach, KSC Complex, and Jetty Park are strong candidates once time is confirmed.
    
    

📅 September 25 – ULA Atlas V: Amazon KuiperSat-3

• Time: TBD

• Launch Pad: SLC‑41, Cape Canaveral

• Payload:

  • A cluster of Amazon’s Project Kuiper broadband satellites, part of Amazon’s planned satellite constellation to rival Starlink.

  • This is part of Kuiper’s early satellite deployment for global internet.

• Viewing Tips:

  • Great locations: Space View Park, Titusville Riverfront, or any coastal overlook in Cape Canaveral.
    
    

📅 September 29 – Blue Origin New Glenn: NASA’s EscaPADE Mission

• Time: TBD

• Launch Pad: Cape Canaveral (exact pad TBD)

• Payload:

  • EscaPADE (Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers) — a two-satellite mission headed to Mars to study how the solar wind strips away the Martian atmosphere.

  • This will be New Glenn’s maiden orbital launch, making it a historic mission.

• Viewing Tips:

  • Large rocket = dramatic visual

  • Top spots: Port Canaveral, Satellite Beach, Indian River Lagoon area
    
    

🔭 Viewing Tips Recap

• Playalinda Beach – Closest public location for LC‑39A and SLC‑40 launches.

• KSC Visitor Complex – Tickets give access to premium views, amenities, and live expert commentary.

• Jetty Park & Cocoa Beach – Best for beach-side views and sunset/sunrise lighting.

• Titusville (Space View Park & Max Brewer Bridge) – Ideal for a riverside view with skyline background.

• Bring Essentials – Folding chairs, camera tripod, sunscreen, water, bug spray.

• Arrive Early – Especially for morning launches and major missions like New Glenn’s debut.

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Larry Fleckinger discusses Down Payment Assistance Programs in Brevard County, which provides financial aid to individuals looking to purchase their first home.

The program helps qualified applicants by offering down payment assistance and low-interest loans to make home buying more accessible.

Fleckinger shares important details about eligibility criteria, income requirements, and the application process for these programs.

He emphasizes the benefits of taking advantage of such opportunities to achieve homeownership, highlighting the long-term financial advantages and stability it can bring.

Fleckinger encourages individuals in Brevard County to explore these programs as a stepping stone towards realizing their dream of owning a home. 

Brevard County currently has 22 DPA (Down Payment Assistance) programs and up to $72,000 in down payment help.

Click Below and do a General Search for Brevard County to see if you qualify!

Housing Market Update!

Here’s the latest on Brevard County's housing market and local interest rates as of early September 2025:

Brevard County Housing Market

1. Median Sale Prices & Trends

• According to Redfin, the median sale price for homes in Brevard County in July 2025 was about $359,990, which is 1.4% lower compared to the previous year. Homes are taking around 70 days to sell—up from 65 days a year ago—and sales volume is down nearly 9.2% (1,063 homes sold vs. 1,170 last year) (Redfin).

• Zillow’s Home Value Index shows the average home value is around $345,659, dropping 4.2% year-over-year as of July 31, 2025. Homes are going to pending status in approximately 42 days (Zillow).

2. ATTOM Insights

• ATTOM’s data for June 2025 puts the county’s median home price at $370,000, marking a 2.8% increase compared to the same month last year (Property Navigator).

• Over the past 12 months, 13,168 residential properties were sold in Brevard, with only 114 foreclosure filings and 8 REO (bank-owned) properties. Homes seriously underwater are just 0.79%, while 40% of homeowners are equity-rich, and the average single-family home age is about 37 years (Property Navigator).

• Local city values vary: Cocoa averages around $315K, Cocoa Beach $499K, Melbourne $394K, and Palm Bay is lower than coastal areas (Property Navigator).

3. Space Coast Market Dynamics

• A report from Space Coast Daily (Aug 30, 2025) indicates signs of a cooling market in July:

  • Single-family homes: Median price held at $380,000 (no change), but closed sales dropped by 8.9%, inventory rose 15%, and time to contract increased to 47 days—suggesting more buyer leverage.

  • Condos & townhomes: Median price fell 1.3% to $285,000, sales dropped 15.6%, inventory increased ~15%, and months’ supply climbed to 8.4, signaling a strong buyer’s market (Space Coast Daily).

Housing Market Summary

• Sale prices: Moderately softening—Redfin shows ~1–2% drop, Zillow indicates ~4% decline, while ATTOM shows some resilience with a slight uptick.

• Days on market: Rising—Redfin: 70 days; Zillow: 42 days to pending; Space Coast: 47 days for single-family homes.

• Sales volume: Down—overall fewer homes sold year-over-year.

• Inventory: Increasing—higher supply, especially in condos/townhomes, giving buyers more leverage.

Mortgage & Interest Rates in Florida (Including Brevard)

1. Statewide Averages

• Bankrate (Sept 3, 2025):

  • 30-year fixed: 6.38%

  • 15-year fixed: 5.79% (CF Public, Bankrate).

• NerdWallet (same day):

  • 30-year fixed (APR) slightly up to 6.71%

  • 15-year fixed (APR): 5.71%

  • 5-year ARM: 7.29% APR (NerdWallet).

• Money.com reports the 30-year average at 6.662% (close to the Bankrate/NerdWallet figures) (Money).
  
  

2. Local (Space Coast) Credit Union Rates

• Space Coast Credit Union (as of August 15, 2025):

  • 30-year purchase: 6.50% (APR 6.589%)

  • 30-year refinance: 6.625% (APR 6.714%)

  • Other terms: 15-year purchase ~5.75%, etc. (Space Coast Credit Union).
    
    

3. Market Outlook

• Wells Fargo economists expect mortgage rates to average 6.9% in 2025 and around 6.5% in 2026—still well above pre-pandemic low rates. They note that interest rates likely won’t fall below 6% any time soon (investopedia.com).
  
  4. 💲 Local Mortgage Rates Updated by Local Mortgage Broker

  • Mortgage Market Rate Update by Jennifer Kline

    It's Jobs Report week, and the market is watching closely. If the data comes in weak, we could see the Bond market rally, which would help push mortgage rates lower.

    The Fed's favorite measure of inflation, PCE, showed headline inflation rose 0.2% in July, right in line with expectations. This report shouldn't impact the outlook for the September 17 Fed meeting, where a rate cut is still on the table.

    What I'm telling clients:
    The data is mixed, but momentum is building for rates to ease later this year. Rather than waiting for the perfect moment, the smart move is to have a strategy nowso when rates shift, you're already in position.

    Current Rates:
     Conventional: 6.0% to 6.875%
     Jumbo: 6.25% to 6.75%
     FHA: 5.875% to 7.0%
     VA: 5.875% to 7.0%
     Down Payment Assistance: 6.25% to 8.25%
    - Jennifer Kline | NMLS # 1574523 | The Mortgage Firm West Melbourne

Market Summary

• Brevard County’s housing market is moderately cooling, with softening prices, longer days on market, and growing inventory, particularly in the condo/townhome segment.

• Mortgage rates remain elevated around 6–7%, with little expectation of a sharp drop. Buyers and refinancers should plan with these rates in mind—or consider acting soon if your current rate is significantly higher.

The Hometown Heroes Program is designed to assist income-eligible first-time homebuyers in Florida who work in qualifying occupations such as healthcare, public safety, education, and military/veterans.

It offers down payment assistance equal to 5% of the new mortgage loan amount, with an assistance cap ranging from $10,000 to $35,000 depending on the loan amount. The program requires applicants to meet certain guidelines and qualifications, including attending an approved homebuyer education course.

The second mortgage provided by the program must be paid in full when the home is sold, transferred, or refinanced. Funding for the program can vary throughout the year and may run out at times until replenished by the state.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early and can contact the program administrators for the latest funding status. The Hometown Heroes Program is exclusive to Florida residents, but other states offer similar down payment assistance programs.

The program is not for investment properties or second homes, and applicants must have a minimum credit score of 640. The application process is simple and does not require any upfront costs.

Buyers can contact authorized participating mortgage lenders or banks to apply for the program.

Act quickly if you have recently purchased a home and want to apply for the Hometown Heroes Program.

The Gasparilla is a spacious home offering 4.99% FHA/VA financing for a limited time.  CLICK HERE FOR HOME DETAILS

It features an open great room with vaulted ceilings and sliding glass doors to the covered lanai, a kitchen with a large freestanding island and walk-in pantry, and a dining room with a tray ceiling.

The primary suite includes a large walk-in closet and private bathroom with a dual-sink vanity and large shower.

Two bedrooms share a guest bathroom at the front of the home, with a fourth bedroom perfect for guests or a home office.

This home includes hurricane-impact windows and doors, designer cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and a two-car garage.

Additional features include breakfast bar, vaulted ceilings, and impact windows.

Located in a cleared area, this home is equipped with cable, electricity, and features a block, concrete, and stucco exterior finish.

💯For a Free List of all new construction homes in Brevard, many with incentives,  visit https://NewHomesBrevard.com.

🔍Click Here To Find your Next Home!🔎

Scammers often pose as financial institutions or credit card representatives to trick consumers into providing sensitive information like the three-digit security code on the back of a credit card.

This scam works by the scammer calling you, claiming to be from the Security and Fraud Department of a credit card company, and stating that your card has had suspicious transactions.

They then ask for the three-digit security code to prove you have the card.

It's important to note that legitimate financial institutions do not typically call customers and ask for personal account information. One individual shared a real-life example of falling victim to this scam.

The person received a call from someone claiming to be from VISA's Security and Fraud Department, stating that there was a questionable purchase and asking for the three-digit security code.

Fortunately, the individual realized it was a scam and reported it before any fraudulent charges were made. It's crucial not to provide the three-digit security code to anyone claiming to be from a credit card company.

Instead, you should call the company directly using the number on the back of your card to verify any suspicious calls.

Giving out this information could result in fraudulent charges on your card. If you suspect you have been targeted by a scam, it's essential to report it immediately.

This information is from LSS Financial Counseling offers free and confidential services, including advice on how to avoid scams.

Counselors are available nationwide, with options for phone, virtual, or in-person appointments.

Don't fall victim to scams – protect your personal and financial information.

A real-life example

The following is a report given to LSS Financial Counseling by an individual who was subjected to this scam.

The person who called me said, “This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My badge number is 12460, your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by (name of bank). Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $497.99 from a marketing company based in Arizona?" When I said "no," the caller continued, "Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching, and the charges range from $297 to $497, just under the $500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address). Is that correct?" I said, "Yes."

The caller continued. "I will be starting a fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 1- 800 number listed on the back of your card (1-800-VISA) and ask for security. You will need to refer to this Control Number." The caller then gave a six-digit number, and said "Do you need me to read it again?"

Here's the important part. The caller then said, "I need to verify you are in possession of your card." He'll asked me to “turn your card over and look for some numbers. There are seven numbers; the first four are part of your card number, the last three are the security numbers that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card.” The caller asked me to read the last three numbers to him. After I told the caller the three numbers, he said, "That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?"

After I said no, the caller then thanked me and stated, "Don't hesitate to call back if you do," and hangs up. I actually said very little, and they never asked for or told me the card number. But after I was called, I called back within 20 minutes to ask a question. Am I glad I did! The real VISA Security Department told me it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of $497.99 was charged to my card. I made a real fraud report and closed the VISA account. VISA is reissuing me a new number.

What the scammers want is the three-digit PIN number on the back of the card. Don't give it to them. Instead, tell them you'll call VISA or Master Card directly for verification of their conversation.

The real VISA told me that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you give the scammers your three-digit PIN Number, you think you're receiving a credit; however, by the time you get your statement you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make, and by then it's almost too late and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report.

** VISA.com provided information for this webpage.

LSS Financial Counseling has certified, experienced counselors who can provide advice and information about scams and how to avoid them.