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Port Canaveral History, New Rocket Launches & Fast Food Chicken Craze! 🚀🏠🐓
The Space Coast Spotlight
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Port Canaveral History, New Rocket Launches & Fast Food Chicken Craze! 🚀🏠🐓
Larry Fleckinger
Dec 18, 2025
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Port Canaveral, on Florida’s east coast, has evolved from a historic landmark into a global leader in maritime activity.
Centuries ago, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León landed nearby, cementing the area’s significance and giving Cape Canaveral one of the oldest names in the Western Hemisphere.
Establishing a deepwater port faced hurdles for decades until the Canaveral Port Authority was created in 1941, paving the way for growth.
By 1953, the port was officially dedicated with great fanfare, and Senator Spessard Holland hailed its national importance.
Port Canaveral now stands as the world’s busiest cruise port, hosting a record 925,994 cruise passengers in March 2025—outpacing PortMiami.
Ongoing $500 million expansions will enable even more growth and larger vessels, helping the port generate $218 million in annual revenue and energize Central Florida’s economy.
Port Canaveral’s legacy continues, shaped by determination and vision. Read More... |
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Titusville on Florida’s Space Coast captivates visitors with its rich heritage of space exploration and stunning natural beauty.
From scenic hiking trails and pristine beaches to the magical bioluminescent waters of the Indian River Lagoon, the city offers an unforgettable escape, especially between June and October.
The historic downtown invites exploration with charming shops, local restaurants, and unique landmarks, reflecting a laid-back vibe.
Space enthusiasts flock to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and American Space Museum & Walk of Fame for immersive experiences, while Space View Park provides unmatched rocket launch views just 15 miles from the pads.
Outdoor adventurers can kayak through glowing waters or hike the nearby loops to spot native wildlife.
New projects, like the revamped urban village and future Brightline train connectivity, promise even more for locals and travelers alike. Read More... |
Trivia Question❓What is the most common type of fuel used in rockets for space travel? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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Space Coast Weekend Events – December 18–21, 2025 |
What’s happening across Melbourne, Palm Bay, Rockledge, Indialantic, Satellite Beach, Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral, Merritt Island, Port St John, Titusville, Mims, and Brevard County this weekend. MELBOURNE
PALM BAY
ROCKLEDGE
INDIALANTIC
SATELLITE BEACH
COCOA BEACH
CAPE CANAVERAL
MERRITT ISLAND
PORT ST JOHN
TITUSVILLE
MIMS
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Quote Of The Day |
"Most people don't want advice---the want sympathy for staying the same" |
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🚀 Space Coast Rocket Launches: Dec 18–25, 2025 |
The holiday week is shaping up to be an active one on Florida’s Space Coast. Below is the most complete look at upcoming rocket launches scheduled or expected between December 18 and Christmas Day. Thursday, December 18, 2025Mission: Falcon 9 launching a new batch of Starlink satellites. Launch Site: Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (SLC-40). What to expect: Afternoon or early-evening launch with booster recovery in the Atlantic. Best viewing spots: Jetty Park, Cocoa Beach (north end), Titusville riverfront. Saturday, December 20, 2025Mission: Falcon 9 Starlink mission. Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center, Pad 39A. What to expect: Possible night launch with long-lasting plume and ocean landing. Best viewing spots: Playalinda Beach, Space View Park, Jetty Park. Monday, December 22, 2025Mission: Falcon 9 commercial or rideshare payload (tentative). Launch Site: Cape Canaveral (pad TBD). What to expect: Daytime ascent with fast staging and possible booster recovery. Best viewing spots: Cocoa Beach Pier, Port Canaveral beaches, Indian River causeways. Wednesday, December 24, 2025 (Christmas Eve)Mission: Potential Falcon 9 Starlink launch. Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center, Pad 39A. What to expect: Holiday-week launch with strong visibility and family-friendly timing. Best viewing spots: Titusville riverfront, Playalinda Beach, Jetty Park. Thursday, December 25, 2025 (Christmas Day)No launch is currently scheduled, but last-minute additions are possible. Stay alert if you’re local. General Launch Viewing Tips
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🐓 2 New Fast Food Chicken Restaurants In Brevard! |
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Dave’s Hot Chicken is bringing its fiery flavors to Brevard County with the grand opening of its first Space Coast restaurant on December 18.
Located at 2055 Viera Blvd. in the heart of the Crossings at Viera, the eatery will welcome guests daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Diners can look forward to Nashville-style chicken tenders and sliders, featuring seven bold spice levels — including the notorious ‘Reaper,’ so hot it requires a waiver.
Signature sides like loaded fries, mac & cheese, kale slaw, along with indulgent milkshakes and slushies, round out the menu.
Founded by four friends in California in 2017, Dave’s has quickly grown into a global brand known for its vibrant street-art decor and high-heat social media buzz.
Viera’s dining scene keeps growing, with Fatburger and Chicken Salad Chick joining the mix, confirming the area’s rise as a dynamic food destination. Read More... |
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Bojangles has opened a brand-new location in Melbourne, bringing its signature Southern charm to Brevard County for the first time.
Located at 5155 N. Wickham Road, the restaurant made its debut with a festive biscuit-cutting ceremony on December 16, 2025.
On December 15, local first responders, including the Melbourne Fire Department, were treated to a special preview lunch as a gesture of appreciation.
The event was attended by eager community members and the Melbourne Regional Chamber, with hometown fan Rhonda Morelock expressing excitement for Bojangles’ arrival.
Renowned for its Cajun-spiced fried chicken and fresh buttermilk biscuits, Bojangles continues its Florida expansion after successful launches in Clermont and Daytona Beach.
Melbourne residents can now enjoy all-day breakfast and hearty meals, from early morning until 10:00 p.m. Read More... |
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Real Estate Snapshot — Brevard County, FL (late 2025) |
📊 Market Overview
📌 Inventory & Market Dynamics
🏘️ Local Highlights (Examples)Melbourne Area (Brevard County)
(Note: Specific property listings change frequently — these are market-level trends.) Quick Take: If you want, I can also include a few current featured listings with prices and locations! |
According to exclusive data from Homes.com, housing prices saw a significant increase in November. The data shows a rise in both listing prices and sale prices across the country. This surge contrasts with the usual seasonal dip seen in the housing market during this time of year. The increase in prices is attributed to high demand for homes and low inventory levels, creating a competitive market for buyers. Overall, the housing market remains strong and shows no signs of slowing down heading into the end of the year. Read More... |
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New Construction Homes in Brevard County, FL — Prices Dropping, Buyer Incentives and Lower Interest Rates! (STILL THE BEST DEALS) |
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View ALL New Construction Homes In Brevard! https://NewHomesBrevard.com. |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: The most common type of fuel used in rockets for space travel is liquid hydrogen. |
