Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has been named the top attraction in the U.S. by Tripadvisor's 2025 Travelers' Choice Awards, earning this distinction through more than 15,000 five-star reviews from guests inspired by its interactive spaceflight exhibits and historic displays.

The center not only leads nationally but also ranks third globally, outshining iconic sites like the Empire State Building.

A standout addition for 2025, The Gantry at LC-39, now offers 360-degree views of active launch pads and the wildlife refuge, giving visitors a fresh perspective on space exploration.

Florida's prominence shines even brighter, with three locations appearing in the nation's top ten attractions.

Guests can enjoy meeting astronauts and exploring exciting new exhibits, making each visit to Merritt Island’s Kennedy Space Center both memorable and inspiring.

Space Coast Weekend Events • Sept 26–28, 2025

The Indialantic Chamber Singers are launching their first concert of the season titled "Animal Crackers," featuring songs inspired by various animals.

The free performances will be held at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Palm Bay on October 3 and at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Indialantic on October 5.

A suggested donation of $10 to $15 is encouraged to support the group. Artistic Director Beth Green was inspired by composer Eric Whitacre to create the program, which includes pieces from Whitacre's collection based on Ogden Nash poetry.

The ensemble has had the opportunity to sing under Whitacre's direction online and some even met him in person at the Kennedy Space Center. The concert will showcase challenging a cappella pieces, including works by Rossini, spiritual songs, and poems by William Black.

The finale will feature a fun audience participation piece with the song "Crocodile Rock." The group is also preparing for holiday concerts in December and a return to the stage in April next year.

Florida Master Naturalist Program: Habitat Evaluation Course Open for Enrollment

"Eighty percent of success is showing up." - Woody Allen

Upcoming Launches on the Space Coast

Here are some known or tentatively scheduled rocket launches from the Space Coast (Kennedy / Cape Canaveral area) between September 25, 2025 and the end of October 2025, along with launch info and viewing tips. Dates and times are subject to change.

Upcoming Launches (from Sept 25 through October 2025)

September 25, 2025 — Falcon 9 Block 5 | Starlink Group 10-15

• Projected time: ~ 4:36 a.m. EDT (08:36 UTC) (Visit Space Coast)

• Launch pad / site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (RocketLaunch.org)

• Mission: Deploy ~28 Starlink V2 Mini satellites, continuing to expand the Starlink broadband constellation (Spaceflight Now)

• Booster / stage plan: First stage expected to attempt a landing on drone ship “A Shortfall of Gravitas” in the Atlantic ~8 minutes after launch (Spaceflight Now)

September 25, 2025 — Atlas V 551 | Project Kuiper (KA-03)

• Projected time: ~ 8:09 a.m. EDT (12:09 UTC) (Spaceflight Now)

• Launch pad / site: SLC-41, Cape Canaveral SFS (Spaceflight Now)

• Mission: Launch ~27 Kuiper broadband internet satellites (part of Amazon’s Project Kuiper) into low Earth orbit, then the satellites will raise to operating altitude (~630 km) (Spaceflight Now)

September 28, 2025 — Falcon 9 | Starlink Group 10-59

• Projected time: ~ 7:30 a.m. UTC → ~3:30 a.m. EDT (Visit Space Coast)

• Launch pad: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral SFS (RocketLaunch.org)

• Mission: Deploy another batch of Starlink satellites to augment the constellation (RocketLaunch.org)

October 1, 2025 — Falcon 9 | KuiperSat KF-03

• Projected time: ~ 4:48 UTC → ~12:48 a.m. EDT (just before dawn) (Next Spaceflight)

• Launch pad: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral SFS (RocketLaunch.org)

• Mission: Part of Amazon’s Project Kuiper — launching 24 Kuiper internet satellites into LEO (to eventually operate at ~630 km) (Next Spaceflight)

October (NET) — Falcon 9 | Spainsat NG II

• Projected date: NET October 2025 (no specific day confirmed yet) (Next Spaceflight)

• Launch pad: Likely SLC-40 (Cape Canaveral SFS) (RocketLaunch.org)

• Mission: Spainsat NG II — a communications / secure government / military satellite to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) (Next Spaceflight)

October (NET) — Atlas V 551 | ViaSat-3 F2

• Projected timeframe: “Second half of October 2025” (no precise time yet) (Spaceflight Now)

• Launch pad: SLC-41, Cape Canaveral SFS (Spaceflight Now)

• Mission: ViaSat-3 F2 — a large broadband communications satellite intended to deliver high-speed data services in Ka-band frequency, into geostationary orbit via transfer orbit (Spaceflight Now)

Other possible October launches (Smallsat / rideshares)

• There is also a Bandwagon-4 rideshare mission tentatively scheduled for October 2025, though it is not yet confirmed which pad (Cape or California) will host it. (Next Spaceflight)

• Some small payload / rideshare launches, potentially under “TBD” or “NET October,” may also launch from Cape Canaveral / nearby pads, pending manifest updates. (RocketLaunch.org)

Viewing Tips & Location Guidance

Here are some practical tips and good vantage areas when trying to watch one of these launches:

• Arrive very early — traffic and road closures can begin at least 1–2 hours before liftoff.

• Check launch azimuth / direction — most launches head eastward over the Atlantic; choose locations with unobstructed ocean views toward the launch pads.

• Be mindful of restricted zones — certain beaches, roads, and parks may close or restrict access as liftoff approaches.

• Bring optics — binoculars or a telephoto lens help to see detail (rocket shape, separation, etc.).

• Monitor live updates — use apps or websites (e.g. Visit Space Coast, Space Launch Schedule) to follow "go / no-go" and weather/track updates.

• Plan your exit — after launch, roads can get congested; have alternate routes or allow for delayed departure.

Good viewing locations along the Space Coast:

• Playalinda Beach (Canaveral National Seashore) — great views toward northern pads and minimal structures obstructing the view.

• Jetty Park at Port Canaveral — a popular spot especially for launches from southern pads and for seeing booster splashdowns if relevant.

• Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex — when open for a given launch, it offers a legal viewing area relatively close to launch pads (ticketed).

• Cocoa Beach / Cherie Down Park — decent coastal angle, family friendly.

• Alan Shepard Park — oceanfront park south of launch pads, often less crowded.

• Titusville / Indian River side parks — such as Kennedy Point, Parrish Park — provide a side-water view of launches from across the river; quieter, though farther distance.

If you like, I can set up a live notification calendar for Space Coast launches through October (or beyond) so you never miss a liftoff. Do you want me to create that for you?

Interesting Space Facts

Wahlburgers, the celebrated burger chain created by the Wahlberg brothers, is returning to Florida with a new location in Viera.

Set at 2055 Viera Blvd in The Crossings at Viera plaza, the restaurant will neighbor favorites like Whole Foods, Miller’s Ale House, and Home Depot.

This compact spot will feature around 1,800 square feet indoors and a welcoming outdoor patio.

The opening is expected to create jobs for 20-30 local residents, boosting the area’s economy.

Wahlburgers delights fans with its signature burgers, topped with “The Works,” and also offers Impossible Burgers, turkey burgers, chicken sandwiches, and crispy fries.

This marks the chain’s third Florida location, joining restaurants in Celebration and the Tampa area.

Locals can soon savor Wahlburgers’ unique blend of celebrity charm and flavorful comfort food.

Fun Things To Do In Brevard County

Fun Things to Do in Brevard County, Florida

Brevard County, part of Florida’s famous Space Coast, is packed with unforgettable experiences — from space exploration to pristine beaches and eco-adventures. Here are the top attractions and activities, with direct links for more info and planning.

🚀 Space & Science

1. NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Explore rockets, astronaut artifacts, and interactive exhibits. Book tours of the Vehicle Assembly Building or even time your trip for a rocket launch.

🏖 Beaches & Coastal Fun

2. Cocoa Beach & Cocoa Beach Pier

A lively destination with surf shops, restaurants, and fishing spots. You can often catch a rocket launch right from the shoreline.

3. Playalinda Beach / Canaveral National Seashore

A pristine, undeveloped stretch of beach with wildlife, sea turtle nesting, and launch views.

4. Lori Wilson Park

Free beach access, nature trails, and picnic areas.

🐒 Wildlife & Outdoor Adventures

5. Brevard Zoo

A family-friendly zoo offering giraffe feeding, kayaking through habitats, zip lines, and train rides.

6. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Perfect for birdwatching, hiking, and spotting manatees.

7. Sebastian Inlet State Park

A hot spot for fishing, surfing, snorkeling, and camping.

8. Turkey Creek Sanctuary (Palm Bay)

Boardwalks through a shady hammock preserve with birdwatching opportunities.

🚤 Tours & Water Activities

9. Cocoa Beach Dolphin & Wildlife Tours

Guided boat tours where you can spot dolphins, manatees, and native birds.

10. A Day Away Kayak Tours (Bioluminescence)

Night kayaking tours where glowing waters create a magical experience.

11. Cocoa Beach Kayaking – Thousand Island Mangrove Tunnels

A guided eco-paddle through mangrove tunnels filled with wildlife.

12. Indian River Lagoon Cruises

Relax with sunset or eco cruises on the lagoon.

🎭 Culture & History

13. The Wizard of Oz Museum

A quirky museum with rare Wizard of Oz memorabilia and Van Gogh immersive art.

14. Historic Cocoa Village

A charming riverside district with boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants.

15. Cocoa Village Playhouse

A historic theater offering Broadway-style productions in a vintage setting.

16. Cape Canaveral Lighthouse

Tours of this historic lighthouse combine maritime history with rocket launch views.

✅ Planning Tips

• Book Kennedy Space Center tickets and eco-tours in advance.

• Check the Space Coast Launch Schedule for rocket launch dates.

• Pack sunscreen, binoculars, and water for outdoor adventures.

Down Payment Assistance $34 Million left out of $50 Million for household incomes under $159,840. Up to 35,000 in assistance for buying a home now! (Home Town Heroes)

In Brevard County, eligible homebuyers have access to down payment assistance programs designed to help make homeownership more attainable. For example, If your income is below $159,840, your FICO Score is 620 or higher, with with higher DTI (Debt To Income Ratio) of 50%, you may qualify for up to $35,000 down payment assistance money.  Contact Larry Fleckinger for to get more info on this unbelievable program before it is gone,  321-603-0771.  To see all the down payment assistance programs in Brevard CLICK HERE. Also check out the Home Town Heroes Program to see if you qualify! 

Housing Market Update!

Here’s a summary of what the most recent data and local reporting say about Brevard County’s housing market as of late September 2025:

Market Movement & Price Trends

• According to MyBrokerOne, in September 2025, homes in Brevard County were selling at an average price of about $382,885, with the average home remaining on the market for roughly 80 days. (My Broker One)

• Redfin’s data for August showed a median sale price of $354,000 for the county—down about 3.9 % compared to the prior year—and homes were taking longer to sell (median of about 78 days). (Redfin)

• In the Melbourne area, reports indicate that from March through September 2025, median closed home prices have eased by about 10.8 % compared to earlier in the year.

• In Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral, the condo market has been under pressure: inventory has increased and many units are sitting unsold. Prices for certain condo listings are lower than earlier peaks. 

• For standard home listings across Brevard, there is evidence that sellers are reducing asking prices. One news source notes a 2.6 % drop in median list prices compared to August 2024. (Yahoo)

Inventory, Sales Activity & Buyer Dynamics

• Active inventory in the county is substantial. One local blog reported 5,156 active listings and an implied months’ supply of about 4.61 months as of early September. 

• In August 2025, closed home sales dipped slightly. One report shows closed sales down about 2.4 % year over year, with inventory increasing and a higher share of cash purchases.

• In Cocoa Beach / Cape Canaveral specifically, condo inventory reached record levels earlier in the year (over 350 units at peak) and has since dipped somewhat. As of August, there were 287 condos on the market in that area. 

• Sales in the condo sector are materially slower. Many listings are not moving quickly, and a large portion of buyers in that segment are paying cash.

• In more premium / luxury / waterfront segments, however, there are still deals being struck and records being pushed—though these areas tend to operate differently than typical homes. One local “Luxury & Waterfront” insight noted that premium properties are setting record splits, while more ordinary listings are feeling more pressure. 

What This Suggests & What to Watch

• The market appears to be cooling overall. Prices are inching downward in many areas, especially outside of high-end homes and prime locations.

• With inventory rising, buyers have more options and more negotiating leverage than they did during the fiercest phases of the boom.

• The disconnect between premium properties and typical homes is growing: the high end is still buoyed by demand, but standard homes (especially condos) are more vulnerable.

• Sellers are under increasing pressure to price competitively, make upgrades, and market aggressively to stand out.

• In neighborhoods that are less desirable (further from amenities, schools, or waterfront), the softening may be stronger.

• For buyers, the current environment is more favorable than in prior years. But financing costs, local job and income trends, insurance, and interest rates will still be major constraints.
  Current Interest Rates

After hitting the lowest levels in nearly a year last week, mortgage rates spiked midweek following the Fed’s announcement and Chair Powell’s comments.

The good news? The volatility tied to the Fed meeting is behind us for now. The next big market mover is already in focus: next week’s Jobs Report.

This report has the power to:

• Push rates back toward recent lows if the data is weak, or

• Reinforce last week’s rebound if the numbers come in strong.

Either way, now is the time to prepare buyers with a clear strategy so they’re ready no matter which way the market turns.

Current Mortgage Rate Ranges:

• Conventional Loans: 5.875% to 6.875%

• Jumbo Loans: 6.125% to 6.75%

• FHA Loans: 5.5% to 6.625%

• VA Loans: 5.5% to 6.625%

• Down Payment Assistance: 6.125% to 7.99

For Your Mortgage Needs Contact:
Jennifer Kline
Branch Manager | Mortgage Loan Originator
(321) 754-1212

jennifer.kline@tmf.mortgage

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

Brevard County, along Florida’s Space Coast, remains a sought-after area for new housing. With its proximity to the Atlantic, beaches, NASA/space industries, growing job sectors, and appealing quality of life, demand stays strong. But the market is shifting — especially in new construction. Builders are adjusting their strategies to adapt to higher costs and cooling buyer sentiment. That means opportunities for buyers.

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. 

• 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!🔎