The Space Coast Spotlight
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"From Stray to Hero: Sgt. Bo Honored as 2025 Hero Dog, Blue Origin's Milestone Launch, Indian River Lagoon Tax Renewal, & Space Coast News!"


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"From Stray to Hero: Sgt. Bo Honored as 2025 Hero Dog, Blue Origin's Milestone Launch, Indian River Lagoon Tax Renewal, & Space Coast News!"

The Space Coast Spotlight
Archives
"From Stray to Hero: Sgt. Bo Honored as 2025 Hero Dog, Blue Origin's Milestone Launch, Indian River Lagoon Tax Renewal, & Space Coast News!"

Larry Fleckinger
Nov 20, 2025
Sgt. Bo, once a homeless stray in Brevard County, has been named the 2025 American Humane Hero Dog, honoring his inspiring journey from rescue to national service.
Rescued and trained through the Paws & Stripes College—an innovative program that pairs inmates with shelter dogs—he quickly developed into an exceptional therapy dog under inmate guidance.
After graduating, Sgt. Bo joined K9 Handler Faye Okert at the Metro Nashville Police Department, using his gentle presence to comfort those affected by tragedy.
Following a devastating Nashville school shooting, Sgt. Bo was instrumental in providing solace to grieving students, intuitively offering support just when it was needed most.
Praised by both Sheriff Wayne Ivey and Okert, his story shines as proof of the positive ripple effects from compassion-driven rehabilitation.
Now retired, Sgt. Bo remains a powerful symbol of hope and second chances in Brevard County and beyond. Read More... |
Blue Origin's New Glenn booster successfully launched and returned to Port Canaveral. The booster completed its mission, marking a significant milestone for Blue Origin's space program. The company plans to continue testing and improving its technology to eventually send crewed missions into space. The successful launch and return of the booster highlight Blue Origin's progress in the space industry and their commitment to developing reusable rocket technology. Read More... |
Trivia Question❓Which animal was the first to orbit the Earth? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Brevard County commissioners are moving to put the renewal of the ½-cent sales tax for the Save Our Indian River Lagoon Program on the November 2026 ballot, hoping residents will support ongoing restoration efforts.
Public workshops to gather input are scheduled for January 5 at Titusville City Hall and January 12 at Palm Bay City Hall, both starting at 5 p.m.
The program, funded by the tax since 2016, has supported more than 100 projects to reduce pollution and revive lagoon health, with tourists covering about 20% of the estimated $586 million raised over ten years.
Despite progress, the lagoon faces ongoing threats from decades of pollution, failing septic systems, and invasive algae blooms choking critical seagrass.
Recently, Melbourne secured over $9 million for further upgrades to protect water quality.
Continued community involvement and funding are essential for the lagoon’s recovery. Read More... |
Space Coast Weekend Events – November 21–23, 2025 |
Looking for something fun to do around Brevard County this weekend? Here’s a curated list of events by city for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. COCOA
COCOA BEACH
CAPE CANAVERAL
INDIALANTIC
MEBOURNE / VIERA
MIMS
PALM BAY
PORT ST JOHN
ROCKLEDGE
SATELLITE BEACH
TITUSVILLE
Event details can change; readers should always click through to the event links above to confirm times, locations, and any ticketing requirements before heading out. |
Quote Of The Day |
"Believe you can and you're halfway there." - Theodore Roosevelt |
Space Coast Launches: Nov 20–28, 2025 |
🚀 Space Coast Launches: Nov 20–28, 2025
If you’re planning to catch a rocket this week—mark your calendar. Here are the confirmed launches from Florida’s Space Coast. Times are subject to change, so keep an eye on updates. Thursday, November 20, 2025 – ~10:21 p.m. ETMission: SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 launching Starlink Group 6-78, a batch of internet-satellites into orbit. Launch Site: LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center (Merritt Island, FL). What to look for: A dramatic late-night liftoff, the rocket climbing into the dark sky and the upper stage deploying satellites. Watch for the booster’s splash-down in the Atlantic. Best viewing spots:
Tip: Because it’s a night launch, arrive ~90 mins early, bring a tripod for streak shots, insect repellent, and layers for the evening breeze.
Saturday, November 22, 2025 – ~1:59 a.m. ETMission: SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 launching Starlink Group 6-79 from the Space Coast. Launch Site: Cape Canaveral SFS SLC-40 (Cape Canaveral, FL). What to look for: A pre-dawn liftoff—the sky will still be dark but the first light of morning may illuminate the rocket trail for a spectacular effect. Follow the path east-northeast and watch for the booster recovery. Best viewing spots:
Tip: It’s early morning, so bring a flashlight/headlamp, warm clothes, bug spray, and a wide-angle camera lens to capture reflection on the water if you’re near the shore. November 23–28, 2025No launches are currently listed for this window from the Space Coast. But that could change, so stay tuned. General Viewing Tips
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River Rocks Restaurant is a waterfront dining destination in Rockledge, Florida, known for its fresh seafood and stunning views of the Indian River. The restaurant features a diverse menu that includes a variety of seafood dishes, as well as steak, chicken, and vegetarian options. In addition to their delicious cuisine, River Rocks offers a full bar with handcrafted cocktails, an extensive wine list, and a selection of craft beers. The restaurant is located in a scenic spot with outdoor seating options that allow diners to enjoy the beautiful views of the river while they eat. River Rocks also hosts special events, such as live music nights and holiday celebrations. Overall, River Rocks Restaurant provides a unique dining experience that combines great food with a serene waterfront setting. Read More... |
Lawrence Yun, the chief economist of the National Association of Realtors, declared that "America is now open for business" at the NAR NXT conference in Houston. |
Veterans, Win $100,000 Toward Your New Home! |
Veterans United Home Loans and realtor.com® are teaming up to extend a special thank you. Veterans United is giving one U.S. Veteran or service member $100,000 towards the purchase of a new home. Enter for your chance to win today! CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS! |
New Construction Homes in Brevard County, FL — Prices Dropping, Buyer Incentives and Lower Interest Rates! (STILL THE BEST DEALS) |
View ALL New Construction Homes In Brevard! https://NewHomesBrevard.com. |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Laika, the dog, was the first animal to orbit the Earth on board the Soviet spacecraft Sputnik 2 in 1957. |