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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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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!"

"From Stray to Hero: Sgt. Bo Honored as 2025 Hero Dog, Blue Origin's Milestone Launch, Indian River Lagoon Tax Renewal, & Space Coast News!"
"Heroic Sgt. Bo honored, Blue Origin's milestone launch, Brevard County's tax plans & more! Space Coast events, launches, real estate deals & incentives - Don't miss out on the best deals!"

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

  • CocoaSaturday, Nov 22: 2nd Annual VegFest Space Coast
    Location: Cocoa Riverfront Park, 401 Riveredge Blvd, Cocoa, FL 32922 (Map)
    A free, family- and pet-friendly festival celebrating plant-based living, wellness, and sustainability with speakers, yoga, vegan food, eco-vendors, live music, and kids’ activities from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. (Event details)
  • CocoaSaturday, Nov 22: Cocoa Police Food Drive Collection Event
    Location: Cocoa Walmart, 2700 Clearlake Rd, Cocoa, FL 32922 (Map)
    Drop off nonperishable food items to support the community from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

COCOA BEACH

  • Cocoa BeachFriday–Sunday, Nov 21–23: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Musical)
    Location: Surfside Playhouse, 301 Ramp Rd, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 (Map)
    Hit Broadway musical with quirky contestants, audience participation, and lots of laughs. Evening and matinee performances through November 23.
  • Cocoa BeachSaturday, Nov 22: 10 Years of Drift House Anniversary Party
    Location: Drift House, 350 N Orlando Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 (Map)
    Shop celebration with community vibes, music, and specials from 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
  • Cocoa BeachSaturday, Nov 22: Heatstroke Live at Hunkerdown Hideaway
    Location: Hunkerdown Hideaway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 (Map)
    Rock band “Heatstroke” performs 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM for a high-energy beachside night out.

CAPE CANAVERAL

  • Cape CanaveralThrough Saturday, Nov 22: Southern Kingfish Nationals (SKA Nationals Kingfish Championships)
    Primary Venue: Sunrise Fish Dive Surf / Port Canaveral waterfront, 505 Glen Cheek Dr, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920 (Map)
    Elite offshore kingfish teams compete for the national championship. Free, public weigh-ins Friday & Saturday afternoons plus welcome events and charity auction earlier in the week.

INDIALANTIC

MEBOURNE / VIERA

  • MelbourneFriday & Saturday, Nov 21–22: Holiday Market and Snowfest
    Location: Melbourne Auditorium, 625 E Hibiscus Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901 (Map)
    Cookie decorating, snow slide, Santa photos, live entertainment, and a festive holiday market. Event runs 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM both days (small entry fee; all ages welcome).
  • MelbourneFriday, Nov 21: Fall Concert Series – Greggie and the Jets (Elton John Tribute)
    Location: Wickham Park, 2500 Parkway Dr, Melbourne, FL 32935 (Map)
    Outdoor concert re-creating a 1970s Elton John show with food trucks. 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM; hosted by Brevard County Parks & Recreation.
  • MelbourneSaturday, Nov 22: 41st Annual Festival of Trees
    Location: Wickham Park Community Center, 2815 Leisure Way, Melbourne, FL 32935 (Map)
    Junior League fundraiser with decorated trees, wreaths, silent auction, shopping, and family activities from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
  • MelbourneSaturday, Nov 22: Overcomer Community Thanksgiving Dinner
    Location: 4350 Aurora Rd, Melbourne, FL 32934 (Map)
    Free community Thanksgiving meal 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM; all are welcome.
  • MelbourneFriday–Sunday, Nov 21–23: Take AIM Series – November 2025 Pickleball Tournament
    Location: Melbourne, FL (exact courts listed on tournament site)
    Sanctioned pickleball tournament featuring multiple divisions and prize money running all weekend.
  • MelbourneFriday–Sunday, Nov 21–23: Space Coast Invitational (Youth Sports Tournament)
    Location: Melbourne, FL (local sports complexes – see event link)
    Multi-day invitational with dozens of elite teams competing across divisions.
  • Viera (Melbourne)Friday, Nov 21: Merry & Bright: Tree Lighting Celebration at The Avenue Viera
    Location: The Avenue Viera, 2261 Town Center Ave, Melbourne, FL 32940 (Map)
    Holiday DJ, street performers, kids’ crafts, Santa & Mrs. Claus, shopping specials, and a big tree lighting at 7:55 PM. Activities run roughly 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

MIMS

  • MimsSaturday, Nov 22: The Mini Market at Indian River Honey Company
    Location: Indian River Honey Company, 6720 US-1, Mims, FL 32754 (Map)
    Youth-focused “mini makers” market where young entrepreneurs sell crafts, treats, and goods. 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM with snow cones and the honey shop open.

PALM BAY

  • Palm BaySaturday, Nov 22: Saturday Sunset Social Paddle
    Location: Paddling Paradise, 4220 Dixie Hwy NE, Palm Bay, FL 32905 (Map)
    Guided sunset paddle (kayak/paddleboard) on the Indian River Lagoon, typically launching late afternoon.
  • Palm BaySaturday night, Nov 22: InnuenDuo Live at The Wet Spot
    Location: The Wet Spot, 3650 Dixie Hwy NE, Palm Bay, FL 32905 (Map)
    Live music on the riverfront with food and drinks in a casual setting.

PORT ST JOHN

  • Port St JohnSaturday, Nov 22: Thanksgiving Princess House Party
    Location: Port St John, FL (address provided upon RSVP) (Map)
    In-home style party with holiday shopping deals, door prizes, and giveaways from 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM.

ROCKLEDGE

  • RockledgeSaturday morning, Nov 22: Stuff-a-Cruiser 2025
    Locations: Publix (1880 US Highway 1), Publix (3820 Murrell Rd), Thrifty Specialty Produce & Meats (920 Barton Blvd), Rockledge, FL
    Help fill police and fire vehicles with food donations for Central Brevard Sharing Center from 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM. (Map)
  • RockledgeSaturday–Sunday, Nov 22–23: Medicare for All National Strategy Conference
    Location: Space Coast Health Foundation, 1100 Rockledge Blvd, Rockledge, FL 32955 (Map)
    Policy and organizing conference running Saturday (from 10:00 AM) through Sunday afternoon (until about 2:00 PM).
  • RockledgeSaturday night, Nov 22: Unit 5 at Pineda Inn Bar & Grill
    Location: Pineda Inn Bar & Grill, Rockledge/Melbourne area, FL 32940 (Map)
    Classic rock and blues on the river from 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM.

SATELLITE BEACH

  • Satellite BeachSaturday, Nov 22: Open House at Kiwi Racquet and Fitness Club
    Location: Kiwi Racquet and Fitness Club, 30 Tradewinds Dr, Satellite Beach, FL 32937 (Map)
    Free open house with tours of the club and public dining options from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
  • Satellite BeachSaturday evening, Nov 22: Syndicate Duo Saturday – Live Music
    Location: Sandbar Sports Grill, Satellite Beach, FL (Map)
    Live duo performance from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM at a popular local hangout.

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. ET

Mission: 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:

  • Playalinda Beach – closest public view; check for closures.
  • Space View Park (Titusville) – riverfront with wide angle vantage.
  • Jetty Park (Port Canaveral) – amenities, nice port/launch view.
  • Cocoa Beach north / Cocoa Beach Pier – beach + launch combo.

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. ET

Mission: 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:

  • Jetty Park (Port Canaveral) – front-row beach/port view.
  • Cocoa Beach (north end) / Cocoa Beach Pier – laid-back beach view.
  • Titusville causeways / Max Brewer Bridge – wider vista including river and launch horizon.

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, 2025

No launches are currently listed for this window from the Space Coast. But that could change, so stay tuned.

General Viewing Tips

  • Always check launch status the day of: weather or technical factors may scrub or reschedule the liftoff.
  • Arrive early (60–90 minutes) to secure parking and set up your view.
  • Bring comfy chairs, water, bug spray, and whether it’s night or early morning: layers!
  • For photos: a tripod + 10-20 second exposure works beautifully if you’re comfortable with camera settings. Even smartphones on “long-exposure” mode can capture the trail.

    📸 Share Your Launch Photos!

    Attending one of these launches? We’d love to feature your best Space Coast launch photos in an upcoming edition of our newsletter.

    Send your images to Larry@HouseMaxPro.com or tag us on social media for a chance to be featured!

 

Looking Up...a bit late

What You See When You Look Up After You Hear The Rocket Rumble🤣

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.

Despite a previous message of delayed recovery in the housing market, Yun expressed optimism for the future, noting that the forecast for the upcoming year shows a possible increase in sales.

Mortgage rates are expected to improve in 2026, with Yun predicting a decrease from 6.7% to 6% in the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.

Home prices are anticipated to rise by 4%, with prices remaining stable nationally.

Yun also projects a 14% rise in existing home sales and a 5% increase in new home sales for the next year.

Overall, there is a positive outlook for the real estate market, with expectations of growth and recovery in the coming years.

Read The Full Article Here!

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.
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The Space Coast Spotlight is your go-to source for everything happening in Brevard County, FL — from local news and events to restaurant highlights, community stories, and insider tips. Stay connected with the people, places, and experiences that make the Space Coast shine.

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