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Rare Crocodile Sighting, Lockheed Martin's Expansion Creates Jobs, Weekend Events, Housing Market Stats - What's Happening in Brevard County?

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Rare Crocodile Sighting, Lockheed Martin's Expansion Creates Jobs, Weekend Events, Housing Market Stats - What's Happening in Brevard County?

Rare Crocodile Sighting, Lockheed Martin's Expansion Creates Jobs, Weekend Events, Housing Market Stats - What's Happening in Brevard County?
Lockheed Martin Expansion Creates 300 Jobs ◆ Rare Crocodile Sighting Prompts Caution ◆ Weekend Events & Launches ◆ Cozy Corner Cafe ◆ Hidden Waterfalls Road Trip ◆ Housing Market Impact ◆ Veteran Home Giveaway ◆ Market Update & New Construction Deal! Get the Best Deals in Brevard County!

Larry Fleckinger

Oct 23, 2025

Lockheed Martin is expanding its footprint in Titusville with a $140 million, 225,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing facility.

 

The project is expected to create up to 300 high-wage jobs averaging $89,000 annually, drawing skilled talent to the area.

 

The new site will manufacture components for the Trident II D5 Life Extension 2 missile, bolstering the U.S. Navy’s strategic deterrence efforts through 2084.

 

Construction is already in progress, with operations set to begin in 2027.

 

This move is part of a $383 million Navy contract awarded to the company and will see about 100 U.S. Navy personnel involved locally.

 

Florida leaders, including Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly, emphasize that the project strengthens Florida’s leadership in aerospace and defense while boosting the local economy.

 

Lockheed Martin is also partnering with area schools to build a skilled, future-ready workforce for the Space Coast.


Read More...

A crocodile that traveled from the Florida Keys to Brevard County Park has been spotted once again.

The crocodile, which was previously seen in the area in 2021, was recently spotted by a visitor at a park in Brevard County.

Officials are monitoring the crocodile's movements and advising visitors to stay a safe distance away.

Crocodile sightings are rare in this area, but the animal is believed to be healthy and not posing a threat to humans.


Read More...

Trivia Question❓

What famous astronaut was born in Brevard County and later became the first man to walk on the moon?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Space Coast Weekend Events • Oct 24–26, 2025

  • CocoaFall Festival in Cocoa Village (Sat, Oct 25, 3–7 PM)
    Family festival at Riverfront Park with merchant trick-or-treat trail and costume contests; $5 or 5 nonperishables per child (supports Central Brevard Sharing Center).
    Event pageMap: Cocoa Riverfront Park.
  • CocoaHalloween Golf Cart Parade (Historic Cocoa Village) (Sat, Oct 25, 7 PM)
    Free, family-friendly parade immediately following the Fall Festival; two laps through the Village. Spectate anywhere along the route.
    Event pageMap: Delannoy Ave (viewing area).
  • Port St. John (Cocoa address)Groves Halloween Parade & Trunk-or-Treat (Sat, Oct 25, 5–8 PM)
    Neighborhood parade + trunk-or-treat in The Groves community; free.
    Event pageMap: 5515 Areca Palm St.
  • Cocoa BeachDowntown Cocoa Beach Sip & Stroll (Sat, Oct 25, evening)
    Walkable tasting event with participating shops downtown; ticketed.
    Event pageMap: Downtown hub.

Cape Canaveral / Port Canaveral

  • Cape CanaveralFishlips Trunk-or-Treat (Sat, Oct 25, 5–8 PM)
    Annual free trunk-or-treat at the port with candy and costumes along the waterfront.
    Event pageMap: Fishlips.
  • IndialanticTrick-or-Treat Costume Contest Block Party (Sat, Oct 25, 4 PM)
    Free block event behind Town Hall & in front of the Fire Station with trick-or-treating, dunk tank, crafts, music & hot dogs.
    Event pageMap: Indialantic Town Hall area.
  • Melbourne (Viera)Boo at the Zoo (Sat–Sun, Oct 25–26, 10 AM–3 PM)
    Daytime, family-friendly Halloween with trick-or-treat stations, shows (Classic Spooktacular weekend), and photo ops; included with admission.
    Event pageMap: Brevard Zoo.
  • Melbourne (Downtown)Downtown Melbourne Trick-or-Treat (Sat, Oct 25, 11 AM–2 PM)
    Businesses throughout the district hand out candy; come in costume.
    Event pageMap: Downtown Melbourne.
  • MelbourneFlorida Tech “Treat-or-Treat” (Sat, Oct 25, 2–5 PM)
    Free campus festival with themed “haunted” houses, games, inflatables & candy; all ages welcome.
    Event pageMap: Florida Tech.
  • Melbourne (Wickham Park)11th Annual Kidtoberfest (Fri, Oct 24, 5–9 PM)
    Free, family fall kickoff with activities in the park (movie after dark listed on some calendars).
    Event pageMap: Wickham Park.
  • West Melbourne4th Friday Starry Nights (Fri, Oct 24, 4–8 PM)
    Outdoor artisan market under the stars with DJ and food trucks at Max K. Rodes Park; free.
    Event pageMap: Max K. Rodes Park.
  • VieraThe Avenue Viera “Boo Bash” (Fri, Oct 24, 5–7 PM)
    Not-so-spooky kids’ bash with DJ, face painting & balloon twists; ticketed, benefits The Children’s Hunger Project.
    Event pageMap: The Avenue Viera.
  • Melbourne (Green Gables)Foggy Bluff “Holiday Haunts” (Fri–Sun, Oct 24–26, evenings; check times)
    Immersive haunted experience returns with a new “Holiday Haunts” theme at historic Green Gables.
    Event listingMap: Green Gables.
  • Melbourne (Eau Gallie)Mini Music Fest @ Intracoastal Brewing (Sat, Oct 25, 4–10 PM)
    Local bands all evening at the brewery; free to attend, beer/food available for purchase.
    Event blurbMap: Intracoastal Brewing Co..
  • Merritt IslandHaunted Trail at Rotary Park (Fri–Sat, Oct 24–25, 7–10 PM)
    Multiple scare zones, food trucks & Friday night movies; $5 (12 & under) / $10 (13+).
    Event pageMap: Rotary Park.
  • Merritt Island (KSC)S.T.E.A.M. Halloween @ Kennedy Space Center (Sat–Sun, Oct 25–26, 9 AM–5 PM)
    Hands-on demos, treat stations, photo ops & a kids’ costume contest; special meteorology sessions on Saturday.
    Event pageMap: KSC Visitor Complex.
  • Palm BayOur Lady of Grace Parish Fall Festival (Sat, Oct 25, 11 AM–7 PM)
    Parish fall festival with food, games, and family activities; free admission.
 
Quote Of The Day

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all." - Helen Keller

 

Space Coast Launches • Oct 16–31, 2025

Thu, Oct 16 – 2:42 a.m. EDT

SpaceX Falcon 9 • Starlink Group 10-52SLC-40, Cape Canaveral

Pre-dawn Falcon 9 carrying a batch of Starlink V2 Mini internet satellites to LEO. If it slips a day, expect a similar overnight window.

Viewing tips: Titusville riverfront (Space View Park, Max Brewer Bridge) for a clear ascent; look east/southeast. KSC Visitor Complex sometimes offers special viewing; otherwise public riverfront parks are great.

Sun, Oct 19 – 10:52 a.m. EDT

SpaceX Falcon 9 • Starlink Group 10-17SLC-40, Cape Canaveral

Late-morning Starlink flight; booster recovery typically downrange on droneship.

Viewing tips: Daytime views are excellent from Jetty Park and Cocoa Beach Pier; Titusville riverfront offers a clean look at ascent—booster re-entry burn may be visible in clear conditions.

Tue, Oct 21 – ~8:00 p.m. EDT (TBD)

SpaceX Falcon 9 • SpainSat NG IIKSC/Cape (pad TBA)

Next-gen secure communications satellite to geostationary orbit. Date/time are placeholders pending final ops.

Viewing tips: For evening GEO launches, expect a long, graceful arc over the ocean. Great lines of sight from Alan Shepard Park (Cocoa Beach), Jetty Park, and Playalinda (when open; check hours/closures).

Fri, Oct 24 – ~8:00 p.m. EDT (TBD)

SpaceX Falcon 9 • Starlink Group 10-21SLC-40, Cape Canaveral

Another Starlink batch (approx. 29 sats expected). Evening window is provisional and may tighten near T-0.

Viewing tips: Night launches are spectacular from Titusville riverfront, Jetty Park, and Cocoa Beach. Arrive early—parking fills fast. Bring bug spray and a tripod for long-exposure photos.

Thu, Oct 30 – ~8:00 p.m. EDT (TBD)

ULA Atlas V 551 • ViaSat-3 F2 (EMEA)SLC-41, Cape Canaveral

High-capacity Ka-band broadband satellite to GEO. Atlas V 551 (five solids) is bright and thunderous—late-month target indicated.

Viewing tips: Jetty Park offers one of the closest public views to SLC-41’s typical azimuths; Cocoa Beach shoreline is also excellent. Expect vivid plume visibility after sunset.

How to pick your spot

Titusville (Space View Park, Max Brewer Bridge): Best all-around public vantage for KSC Pad 39A/39B and CC SLC-40/41 (~11–13 miles across the water); superb for night and dawn launches.

Jetty Park (Port Canaveral): Superb for Cape pads (SLC-40/41) and for landings at LZ-1/LZ-2 when used; arrive early and confirm entry fees/hours.

Playalinda Beach / Canaveral National Seashore: Closest public beach views when open; may close for security—verify on launch day.

KSC Visitor Complex: Occasionally offers on-site viewing with live commentary; availability varies by mission.

 

My wife, Karen and I just ate at Cozy Corner Cafe and had a wonderful experience!  Great breakfast and super friendly service.

 

Cozy Corner Cafe is a restaurant that has been serving home cooked comfort food for over 23 years.

The friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere make it a popular spot for those looking to satisfy their appetite.

The restaurant has a communal feel, attracting those with shared interests and a love for good food.

In addition to the cozy interior, Cozy Corner Cafe also offers a pet friendly patio for those who want to dine with their furry friends.

The hard work and dedication of the employees are credited for the success of the restaurant.

Each member of the team plays a vital role in creating a positive experience for customers.

Overall, Cozy Corner Cafe is a beloved establishment known for its delicious food, inviting atmosphere, and dedicated staff.

"Uncovering Florida's Hidden Waterfalls: A Road Trip of Natural Wonders"
 
This road trip will take you to 8 places in Florida's where you can see beautiful hidden waterfalls.
And you DO NOT want to miss it.
Some of these are amongst the best waterfalls in ALL of Florida!
Here’s what the overall day road trip would look like…
📍Copp Winery & Brewery
📍Rainbow Springs State Park
📍Bluefield Estate Winery
📍Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
📍Dakotah Vineyards & Winery
📍Steinhatchee Falls
📍Falling Creek Falls
📍San Sebastian Winery
Get ready for an awe-inspiring adventure filled with natural beauty at every turn!

This article discusses how the recent government shutdown could impact the Florida housing market by 2025.

Due to delays in tax refunds, federal loan approvals, and unemployment benefits, potential home buyers may face challenges when trying to purchase a home.

The shutdown may also affect rental property owners and landlords who rely on government assistance programs.

Overall, the housing market in Florida may experience a slowdown in growth and transactions as a result of the government shutdown.


Read More...

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!

Brevard County Housing Market Update Q3 2025

Click Image To Enlarge

 

This information is from the Space Coast MLS

 

A quick recap of the Brevard County Residential Report for Q3 2025:

 

  • Closed Sales are down -0.6% for Q3 2025 in which the number of units closed was 2,635 compared to 2,651 in Q3 2024, with an increase in cash sales of 3.0%.
  • New Pending Sales are up 1.8% and New Listings are down -0.3%.
  • The Median Sales Price for Brevard County Single Family homes is down -2.3% to $375,000 compared to a year ago, which was $384,000.
  • Months' Supply of Inventory is up 7.3% to 4.4 months, an increase from 4.1 months in Q3 2024.
  • Traditional Sales are down -0.9% with a median sales price of $375,000.
  • Foreclosure/REO Sales are 0.0% with 16 closed sales and a median sales price of $323,000.
  • Short Sale Closings are up 700% with 8 closed sales and a median sales price of $275,000.

 

What this means:

The Brevard County residential market for Q3 2025 showed relatively stable activity. Overall home sales were slightly lower compared to last year, but cash sales increased, reflecting strong buyer interest. New pending sales edged up, while new listings remained mostly steady, indicating a balanced market with consistent inventory. Home prices saw a small decline, suggesting a modest softening in value. Traditional sales remained steady, foreclosures were limited, and short sales, though still a small segment, experienced noticeable growth. Overall, the market continues to offer opportunities for both buyers and sellers in a balanced and active environment.

 

A quick recap of the Brevard County Townhouses/Condos for Q3 2025:

 

  • Closed Sales are down -8.1% for Q3 2025 in which the number of units closed was 554 compared to 603 in Q3 2024, with a decrease in cash sales of -0.6%.
  • New Pending Sales are down -3.5% and New Listings are down -4.4%.
  • The Median Sales Price for Brevard County Townhouses/Condos is down -7.8% to $265,000 compared to a year ago, which was $287,500.
  • Months' Supply of Inventory is up 18.8% to 7.6 months, an increase from 6.4 months in Q3 2024.
  • Traditional Sales are down -8.6% with a median sales price of $265,000.
  • Foreclosure/REO Sales are up 100% with 2 closed sales and a median sales price of $110,500.
  • Short Sale Closings are N/A with 2 closed sales and a median sales price of $210,000.

 

What It All Means:

The Brevard County townhouse and condo market in Q3 2025 experienced a slowdown compared to last year. Fewer homes sold overall, and both new pending sales and new listings declined, suggesting a softer market with less activity. Prices for townhouses and condos dropped, reflecting a cooling in value, while inventory increased, giving buyers more options. Traditional sales were down, foreclosures rose slightly though remained limited, and short sales were still minimal. Overall, the market is slower than last year but offers opportunities for buyers amid increased availability.

 

New Construction Homes in Brevard County, FL — Market Trends & Buyer Incentives (STILL THE BEST DEALS)

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.

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:
Neil Armstrong
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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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