Trader Joe’s will be opening its first store in Brevard County at The Avenue Viera, potentially by March 2026.

This will allow Space Coast residents to access Trader Joe's products without having to travel to Orlando.

Trader Joe's is known for its affordable private-label goods, seasonal offerings, and excellent customer service, attracting a loyal following nationwide.

The new store at The Avenue Viera, located in the former Michael's craft store space, is highly anticipated by the community after years of waiting.

The address of the new store is listed as 2221 Town Center Avenue in Melbourne.

Jeff Law, the general manager of The Avenue Viera, has expressed excitement about bringing this beloved grocer to the area.

Speculation about Trader Joe's coming to Brevard began in March with a building permit application, and signs of the store's arrival became more apparent when Michael's closed and renovations began.

Although an official opening date has not been announced, new Trader Joe's locations typically open around six months after appearing on the company's "coming soon" list.

If this timeline holds true, Brevard residents could be shopping at Trader Joe's by March.

Currently, the closest Trader Joe's stores are in Orlando and Winter Park, with a new one planned for Daytona Beach.

The Space Coast State Fair is a highly anticipated event that is sure to put attendees in an optimistic mood.

The fair, known for its average creativity, will be held in Viera from October 30 to November 16.

Those who purchase advanced tickets can save up to $10, making it an affordable option for families looking for a fun outing. Grab Advance Tickets Here!

The fair, located at Space Coast Daily Park, offers a variety of entertainment options, including midway rides, fair foods, music, shows, and games.

Additionally, admission includes access to free shows such as Squawk the Amazing Bird Show and the Michael Jackson Thriller Tribute Show.

There are also thrilling performances like the Monster Truck Madness Shows and Lucha Libre Pro Wrestling Shows.

With 18 days of unlimited state fair rides, the Space Coast State Fair is a must-see tradition on Florida's Space Coast.

Attendees can enjoy a range of activities, from petting zoos to karaoke stages, making it a fun-filled event for the whole family.

Space Coast Local Weekend Events

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

"The sun is shining in Brevard County, may your day be just as bright."

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

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

"Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it." - Charles R. Swindoll

Upcoming Launches on the Space Coast

1. September 10, 2025 – Nusantara Lima

• Launch Vehicle & Pad: SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 from SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

• Mission Details: Indonesian geostationary communications satellite (160 Gbps capacity) to augment regional communications. This is Falcon-9 booster B1078’s 23rd flight. Delays occurred due to weather. Visit Space CoastSpaceflight Now

• Viewing Tip: Launch window opens around 8:00 PM EDT—ideal for catching the “jellyfish effect”, a luminous plume formation in twilight skies. Best viewing locations include Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral Beach Park, or Cocoa Riverfront. Phys.org

2. September 14, 2025 – Cygnus CRS-2 NG-23

• Launch Vehicle & Pad: Falcon 9 Block 5 from SLC-40

• Mission Details: Northrop Grumman’s uncrewed Cygnus spacecraft—the 23rd of its kind and 22nd under NASA's Commercial Resupply Services contract—bound for the ISS. Visit Space CoastSpaceflight Now

• Viewing Tip: Evening launch (~6:11 PM EDT) offers dramatic night skies—stretch out at Lori Wilson Park or Sand Point Park for clear views.

3. September 18, 2025 – Starlink Group 10-61

• Launch Vehicle & Pad: Falcon 9 Block 5 from SLC-40

• Mission Details: Batch of 28 Starlink internet satellites for SpaceX’s mega-constellation. Visit Space Coast

• Viewing Tip: Very early morning (~5:30 AM EDT)—head to Jetty Park or Titusville Riverfront Park before sunrise. Great for photos with long exposures and rising mist.

4. September 21, 2025 – Starlink Group 10-27

• Launch Vehicle & Pad: Falcon 9 Block 5 from SLC-40

• Mission Details: Another 28-satellite deployment for Starlink. Visit Space Coast

• Viewing Tip: Similar early-morning set-up; plan to arrive around 5 AM for the 5:20 AM EDT liftoff.

5. September 23, 2025 – IMAP & Companions

• Launch Vehicle & Pad: Falcon 9 Block 5 from LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center

• Mission Details: Trio of spacecraft headed to L1 orbit:

  • NASA’s Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP)

  • NOAA’s Space Weather Follow-On (SWFO-L1)

  • NASA’s Carruthers Geocorona Observatory SpaceSpaceflight Now

• Viewing Tip: Launch at ~7:32 AM EDT. Capture the sunrise backdrop; Titusville Riverfront and Jetty Park offer unobstructed eastern views.

6. Late September (~September 25, 2025) – Project Kuiper KA-03

• Launch Vehicle & Pad: ULA Atlas V 551 from SLC-41

• Mission Details: Deployment of 27 Amazon Kuiper broadband internet satellites into low-Earth orbit (LEO), boosting Project Kuiper's constellation. Spaceflight NowWikipedia

• Viewing Tip: Exact time TBD—keep an eye on updates. Good vantage points include Cocoa Beach Pier or Clearlake Park.

Viewing Location Recommendations (from Cocoa)

• For evening launches (e.g., Nusantara Lima, Cygnus, Kuiper): Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral Beach Park offer open horizons and dramatic sunsets.

• For nighttime spectacles (e.g., NG-23): Lori Wilson Park or Sand Point Park—less urban light pollution.

• For early-morning booms (Starlink batches, IMAP): Riverfront Park in Titusville or Jetty Park at Port Canaveral—great pre-dawn ambience.

• Helpful Tools: The “Space Coast Launches” app gives live countdowns, compass-based views, and real-time launch updates. Visit Space Coast

• Photography Tips: Evening = “jellyfish” clouds, long-exposure-ready launch trails. Morning = sunlit plumes and silhouettes—arrive early for golden light.

My wife and I recently ate there and their Gumbo was the best I have had since eating my late Granny Hill's home cooked Gumbo (My father Lawrence Fleckinger and his mother Francis Hill lived in New Orleans for years so I know good Cajun eating)

Orleans Bistro & Bar offers Cajun food, burgers, wings, steaks, and daily specials.

Enjoy live music on weekends, play pool and darts at the Bayou Bar, and catch sports games.

Eat-in or Order Online you won't regret it. Visit the Orleans Bistro & Bar in Titusville today!

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:

Nothing Much Has Changed Since Our Last Update Except Lower Interest Rates(see below)!!

Brevard County Housing Market

Here’s a summary of where things stand (mid-September 2025) for Brevard County’s housing market + current interest/mortgage rate conditions. If you want, I can pull local charts or more specific ZIP-code level data.

Housing Market Trends in Brevard County

Prices / Values

• According to Redfin, the median sale price in Brevard County in July 2025 was about $360,000, which is down roughly 1.4% year-over-year. (Redfin)

• Zillow’s Home Values Index for Brevard shows an average home value of $345,659, down ~4.2% over the past year. (Zillow)

• Median listing prices are higher than median sale prices (i.e. what homes are being listed for vs. what they’re selling for) indicating some downward pressure from sellers. (Zillow)

Sales & Inventory

• Number of homes sold is down. For example, Redfin shows around 1,061 homes sold in July 2025, down from about 1,170 in July 2024. (Redfin)

• Homes are sitting longer on the market: days on market have increased — roughly 71 days on average vs ~65 days a year earlier. (Redfin)

• Inventory is increasing, though not enough yet to swing the market fully to buyers. There is more supply than in tighter recent years. 

Local Submarket Variations

• Palm Bay has seen more pronounced declines: home value growth there is down ~4.0% year-over-year. (Reventure News)

• Some neighborhoods remain more resilient or higher in value (e.g. coastal areas, or those with stronger amenities) per Zillow’s city‐breakouts. (Zillow)

Market Sentiment / Buyer vs. Seller Power

• Sellers still hold some power, but that power is eroding. With growing inventory and longer time on market, buyers have more negotiating leverage. 

• More homes are having price drops. (Reventure News)

💲Interest / Mortgage Rate Environment

Last week's Jobs Report came in weaker than expected, and the bond market responded in a big way. As a result, mortgage rates improved.

Mortgage rates are down about 1% this year. Here is what it means for you:
Same Payment = 10% More Loan.
Same Loan = 10 LOWER PMT.

Current Interest Rates:
 Conventional: 5.875% to 6.75%
 Jumbo: 5.875% to 6.75%
 FHA: 5.5% to 6.625%
 VA: 5.5% to 6.625%
 Down Payment Assistance: 6.25% to 8.25%

For questions, contact Jennifer Kline on her personal cell: (321) 684-1975  Let her know  that Larry Fleckinger sent you!
- Jennifer Kline | NMLS # 1574523 | The Mortgage Firm West Melbourne

• Buyers are finding more favorable conditions than a year ago: more inventory, more negotiation power, more time to make decisions.

• Sellers may need to adjust expectations (price, time on market, concessions).

• Interest rate levels are still relatively high compared to the last few years (especially the low-rate post-pandemic environment), so affordability remains a constraint for many buyers.

If you like, I can pull up a forecast for Brevard County specifically (e.g. what is expected in 2026) or get more recent data (August/September sales) to see if these trends are accelerating. Do you want me to do that?

Click Here To Read Full Story. Story & image courtesy of Home.com
3D Walk Thru of The Full Listing For Sale With All Photos Here

A Florida estate for sale for $6.3 million in Melbourne Beach has historical significance as the former property of a reporter's family.

The estate, now bright and tropical, was once a crumbling gothic manor filled with ghost stories and mysterious corners.

The 1.5-acre property, currently listed by Stephanie Moss Dandridge and Jamie Dandridge of One Sotheby's International Realty, boasts fountains, water features, and statuary throughout the grounds. The main 5,266-square-foot house is designed in a Coastal Colonial style, with vibrant color schemes and elements of formal design blended with Caribbean flair.

The interior features open spaces and rooms designed for gathering and entertainment.

Original elements have been preserved, such as the oak flooring and cypress wood ceilings. The estate includes three guest houses, each with a unique coastal living theme.

The Middle Cottage maintains its original roof beams and wood flooring, while the East Cottage exudes a Bahamian beach feel.

The property is surrounded by a Chicago brick wall topped with black wrought-iron fencing, leading to the in-ground saltwater pool and the Pool House, which offers a studio-style guest house experience. The estate's history dates back to 1925, with the property passing through several owners until the Deffebach family purchased it in 2004 for $2.75 million.

Over the years, the Deffebach's made improvements to the property before deciding to sell.

Now, they hope to pass the home on to a new family ready to create their own memories. As the property transitions to new ownership, the Deffebach's reflect on their time there while acknowledging its rich history.

While they have enjoyed raising their children and making memories in the home, they believe it is time for someone else to carry on its legacy.

The bittersweet decision to sell is driven by a desire to see the estate cherished by another family who will continue to appreciate its unique charm.

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.

New Construction Homes in Brevard County, FL — Market Trends & Buyer Incentives

Glossary: What Buyers See Changing

• Price Adjustments / Reductions: Builders are lowering list prices or offering “price cuts” on certain inventory or spec homes.

• Interest Rate Incentives (Rate Buy-Downs, Locked Rates, etc.): To offset rising mortgage rates, some builders (or their lenders) are offering promotional financing, rate buy-downs or locking in lower rates for a period.

• Other Incentives / Perks: These include closing cost assistance, upgrades (appliances, floors, patios, etc.), lot premium waivers, flex cash, or builder credits.

What the Data Shows in Brevard

Here are some concrete numbers and examples from Brevard County:

• Median and Starting Prices
  New homes listed in Brevard have a median listing price around $330,000. (Realtor)
  Homes in certain new-construction developments start much lower — in the low $200,000’s. (New Home Source)

• Price Reductions in Listings
  On Zillow, many new construction homes in Brevard are marked with price cuts. Examples:
  • A 4 bed /3 bath in Palm Bay was reduced by around $6,000. (Zillow)
  • Another home in Palm Bay dropped by ~$24,900. (Zillow)

• Incentives & Interest-Rate Relief
  • Some listings offer a “locked in reduced rate” or seller-paid rate relief mechanisms. For instance: “$15,000 buyer’s incentive OR this house comes with a locked in reduced rate as low as 4.99% APR.” 

• Affordable New Homes Are Still Present
  There are numerous new homes in Brevard under $400,000. (Jome) Some starting points are as low as ~$233,780 and rising depending on size, location, and upgrades. (New Home Source)

• Purchase Assistance Programs
  For eligible buyers, local government runs programs:
  • Brevard County’s Purchase Assistance Program helps very low, low & median-income families, and it can be applied toward new homes among other units. (Learn More)
  • There are income limits, good‐faith contribution minimums, and requirements such as being first time homebuyers. (Learn More)

Why Builders Are Offering More Incentives Now

Some of the forces behind what we’re seeing:

1. Mortgage Rates & Affordability Pressure
   As interest rates have gone up, monthly payments increase. To make homes move, builders are more likely to offer rate buydowns or locked incentives to reduce the financial burden for buyers.

2. Inventory / Competition Among Builders
   With many new communities in development, builders compete not just against each other, but also with resale homes. To stand out, they sweeten the deal.

3. Cost Pressures & Buyer Hesitancy
   Construction costs, materials, labor, permitting etc. continue rising. But buyer demand is a bit more cautious than earlier in the pandemic/boom period. That tension is pushing builders to both manage their margins and appeal more aggressively to buyers.

4. Regulatory / Local Policy Support
   Programs like the county purchase assistance help enable buyers to participate. These partnerships can help builders sell more quickly.

What Buyers Should Watch Out For

If you are considering buying a new construction home in Brevard:

• Read the fine print on incentives
  Some rate-buydowns are temporary, or only for a short period. “Locked in rate” sometimes means for an initial period and then adjusts. Confirm duration and conditions.

• Check which homes are inventory vs pre-construction
  Move-in ready homes sometimes receive price cuts; pre-construction deals may promise incentives, but delivery might be many months away. Things can change.

• Look at total cost, not just price tag
  Consider lot premiums, homeowners association (HOA) fees, insurance (especially for coastal areas or flood zones), property taxes, maintenance costs.

• Use local purchase assistance when eligible
  The Brevard County program can help with down payments/second mortgages (zero interest sometimes) if you qualify. (Default)

• Compare financing options
  Even with builder‐offered locked or reduced rates, it’s wise to get quotes from independent lenders to see what’s better over the long run.

Bottom Line

New construction homes in Brevard County are still very much available, with a good range from lower cost spec homes (low $200,000’s) to higher-end luxury new builds. Because of interest-rate pressures and increased competition, many builders are offering more incentives than in recent years. For buyers who are ready, informed, and who qualify for programs, now can be a favorable time to negotiate or find value.

If you’d like, I can pull listings from specific areas like Palm Bay, Titusville, or Cocoa, showing which homes have the best incentives right now. Do you want me to put that together for you?

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💯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.