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Controversy in Brevard County: Municipal Property Theft, Manatee Rescue, and Burn Ban Implemented! đŸš€đŸ”„đŸŒŠ

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Controversy in Brevard County: Municipal Property Theft, Manatee Rescue, and Burn Ban Implemented! đŸš€đŸ”„đŸŒŠ

Controversy in Brevard County: Municipal Property Theft, Manatee Rescue, and Burn Ban Implemented! đŸš€đŸ”„đŸŒŠ
đŸ”„ Municipal theft, manatee rescue, burn ban in Brevard County! 🚒 Rocket launches, romantic restaurants, solar flare update, and housing market trends - don't miss out on the best deals! đŸĄđŸ’„

Larry Fleckinger

Feb 12, 2026

Longtime Titusville Public Works Manager Jeffrey E. Wayner, 54, has been arrested after an in-depth investigation uncovered alleged theft of city property and funds.

 

Wayner was charged with Grand Theft after auditors and police traced missing equipment and financial discrepancies to his office, following a city audit this January.

 

The case centers on a 2024 incident where Wayner reportedly used a city credit card to buy a $2,799 John Deere lawnmower from Home Depot.

 

The equipment was delivered to his personal residence, omitted from city records, and kept for over a year — sparking a wider probe.

 

Further investigations found more city equipment missing and allegedly in Wayner’s custody.

 

Wayner resigned during the inquiry, and authorities are still working to recover all taxpayer-funded assets.

 

His arrest marks a striking downfall for the former city official.


Read More...

A community in Melbourne Beach, Florida, united to rescue a manatee trapped in a storm drain Monday evening near Neptune Drive.

 

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officials responded quickly after receiving reports of the animal. Rescue teams, including Brevard County Fire Rescue, collaborated in a challenging operation, working for over six hours to free the distressed manatee.

 

The incident began when surveyors, checking stormwater systems, unexpectedly discovered the trapped manatee—likely seeking warmth during a cold snap and becoming disoriented.

 

Specialized equipment and sections of the roadway were used to safely lift the animal, while supportive neighbors watched and cheered.

 

The manatee was transported to SeaWorld Orlando for care, where veterinarians report encouraging signs of recovery.

 

This event highlights the ongoing commitment of local agencies and residents to safeguard Florida's beloved wildlife.


Read More...

Brevard County has swiftly issued a burn ban amid intensifying wildfire risk tied to ongoing dry conditions.

 

All open burning—including bonfires, campfires, and trash fires—is banned with immediate effect.

 

Officials cited a recent surge in brushfires and a Keetch-Byram Drought Index reading of 469, signaling near-drought and extreme fire vulnerability.

 

Though the county’s ordinance triggers a burn ban automatically at 500, leaders moved ahead of this threshold to safeguard local communities.

 

Residents must comply, as violations may lead to fines or enforcement.

 

Exceptions are granted for state-authorized prescribed burns, barbecue grills, and permitted fireworks.

 

Fire crews are closely monitoring local weather, urging everyone to report smoke or fire and to minimize any accidental ignition sources.

 

Stay updated on restrictions and wildfire safety through Brevard County Fire Rescue.


Read More...
 

Trivia Question❓

In 1961, which animal became the first to orbit the Earth on a spacecraft?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

 

On This Day in History — February 12

1870 – Women in Utah Territory gained the right to vote, marking one of the earliest victories in the American women’s suffrage movement.

 

1909 – The NAACP was founded in New York City, launching one of the most influential civil rights organizations in U.S. history.

 

1912 – China’s last emperor abdicated, bringing more than 2,000 years of imperial rule to an end.

 

1924 – George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue premiered in New York City, blending classical and jazz music into an American masterpiece.

 

1947 – Fashion designer Christian Dior debuted his revolutionary “New Look” in Paris, reshaping post-World War II fashion worldwide.

 

1994 – Edvard Munch’s iconic painting The Scream was stolen from Norway’s National Gallery, later recovered the same year.

 

1999 – The U.S. Senate acquitted President Bill Clinton in his impeachment trial, allowing him to remain in office.

 

Space Coast Weekend Events:

February 12–15, 2026

MELBOURNE

Thu, Feb 12 ‱ Evening — El Mojito Comedy Showcase
El Mojito (Melbourne) ‱ Map
A stand-up comedy night at El Mojito—grab seats early if you can.

Thu, Feb 12 ‱ Evening — Early Valentine Date Night: “Love You to the Moon” (Painting With A Twist)
Painting with a Twist (Melbourne) ‱ Map
Guided paint night (with optional sips) built for couples/friends looking for a fun, low-pressure date.

Sat, Feb 14 ‱ 12:00 PM+ — 321 Food Fest & Craft Fair (Day 1)
Wickham Park, 2500 Parkway Dr, Melbourne ‱ Map
Big weekend food fest with vendors + craft market—great “walk-around and snack” kind of event.

Sun, Feb 15 ‱ 12:00 PM+ — 321 Food Fest & Craft Fair (Day 2)
Wickham Park, 2500 Parkway Dr, Melbourne ‱ Map
Round two—more time to sample, browse, and catch music/vendor booths.

Sat, Feb 14 ‱ 5:00–8:00 PM — Kids’ Holiday Hangout: Valentine’s Day Edition
Brevard Zoo, 8225 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne ‱ Map
Drop-off kids’ night at the Zoo (ages listed on the event page) while adults enjoy a night out.

VIERA

Thu, Feb 12 ‱ 6:00 PM — Galentine’s Day at PGG
2250 Town Center Ave, Ste 113, Viera ‱ Map
A Valentine-week “girls night” style get-together—check the post for specials/activities.

Thu, Feb 12 ‱ 6:00 PM — New Year New You – Check In With Mike
RISE Viera, 8353 Auterra Dr, Melbourne (Viera area) ‱ Map
Community-style session at RISE Viera—see event page for details.

Thu, Feb 12 ‱ 6:00 PM — Viera Hawks vs Rockledge Raiders (JV Baseball)
Viera High School (see ticket page for venue details) ‱ Map
Local high school baseball matchup (tickets/directions on the event page).

PALM BAY

Thu, Feb 12 ‱ Evening — Find My Tribe: Palm Bay (Dinner With New Friends)
Restaurant of the Week (Palm Bay) ‱ Map
A social dinner meetup designed to help locals connect—location details are on the ticket page.

Fri, Feb 13–Mon, Feb 16 — Cirque Italia (at Space Coast Harley-Davidson)
Space Coast Harley-Davidson (Palm Bay) ‱ Map
Ticketed traveling circus experience—see the listing for showtimes and parking info.

ROCKLEDGE

Fri, Feb 13 ‱ 4:30–7:30 PM — Food Truck Friday
Larry L. Schultz Park, 2540 S Fiske Blvd, Rockledge ‱ Map
Early evening food trucks + community hangout at the park.

Sat, Feb 14 ‱ 8:00 PM — Next Stop Comedy: Valentine’s Show
BeachFly Brewing Co. (Rockledge) ‱ Map
Stand-up comedy night at BeachFly—tickets/age info on the event page.

Fri, Feb 13 — Galentine’s: Friday the 13th (Rockledge Gardens)
Rockledge Gardens, 2153 US-1, Rockledge ‱ Map
Garden-shop event night—check the event list for exact activities and timing.

Sat, Feb 14 — Valentine’s Day in the Gardens! (Rockledge Gardens)
Rockledge Gardens, 2153 US-1, Rockledge ‱ Map
Valentine-themed happenings at the gardens—details on their events page.

Sun, Feb 15 — Love in the Gardens
Rockledge Gardens, 2153 US-1, Rockledge ‱ Map
A Sunday event at Rockledge Gardens (ticketing/details on the event page).

INDIALANTIC

Sat, Feb 14 ‱ 9:30–10:30 AM — Seagrass Pottery Valentine’s Day Family Workshop
300 5th Ave, Indialantic ‱ Map
Family-friendly pottery workshop (make-and-take style); pricing/registration on the listing.

Sat, Feb 14 ‱ 12:00–4:00 PM — Solo Acoustic at Boardwalk Indialantic
Boardwalk Bar & (Indialantic) ‱ Map
Live acoustic set—good mid-day music stop after a beach walk.

Sat, Feb 14 ‱ Evening — Anti-Valentine’s Day Emo Night Concert
Monkey Bar (Indialantic) ‱ Map
Live music night with an emo/throwback angle—ticket link includes full details.

Sat, Feb 14 — The Couple’s Collective
Indi Yard (Indialantic) ‱ Map
A couples-focused social event—see ticket page for schedule and what’s included.

SATELLITE BEACH

Sat, Feb 14 ‱ 4:00–8:00 PM — Shrunk3D Space Coast Grand Opening
Satellite Beach (see event post for address) ‱ Map
Grand opening event (hours shown on the event post)—check for promos, demos, and parking notes.

Sat, Feb 14 ‱ 9:00 PM–Midnight — Anti-Valentine’s Day Party
220 Highway A1A, Satellite Beach ‱ Map
Late-night “anti-Valentine’s” vibe—music/format listed on the event page.

COCOA BEACH

Thu, Feb 12 ‱ Evening — Gregory’s Upstairs Comedy Club (Feb 12)
Gregory’s Upstairs Comedy Club, Cocoa Beach ‱ Map
Classic Cocoa Beach comedy night—ticket page has showtime + seating details.

Sat, Feb 14 ‱ 5:00 PM — Kids Valentine’s Day Event at Salty Sisters
Salty Sisters Bar & Grill, 24 N Brevard Ave, Cocoa Beach ‱ Map
Valentine-themed family event—see the post for activities and any RSVP notes.

CAPE CANAVERAL

Sat, Feb 14 ‱ 8:30 AM — Volunteer Sea Oat Planting Event
Public beach ends (City of Cape Canaveral) ‱ Map
Community volunteer morning to help plant sea oats and support dune resilience (what to bring listed on the city page).

Ongoing this weekend — Cape Canaveral Community Event Calendar
City meetings, CAPE Center activities, and community center events ‱ Map
A quick hub to double-check any city-hosted happenings scheduled during Feb 12–15.

MERRITT ISLAND

Fri, Feb 13 ‱ 5:00 PM — Cocoa Beach Scooter Rally (Meet-up)
Kiwanis Island Park Rd, Merritt Island ‱ Map
Scooter community get-together—check the event post for ride details and any updates.

Fri, Feb 13 ‱ 3:00 PM — Valentine’s Day Social (Live Entertainment)
Hampton Manor of Merritt Island ‱ Map
Valentine’s social event with live entertainment; see listing for RSVP/guest details.

PORT ST JOHN

Sun, Feb 15 ‱ 3:00–4:00 PM — Kids D&D Adventures (Port St. John Library)
6500 Carole Ave, Cocoa (Port St. John Library) ‱ Map
Free kids’ Dungeons & Dragons-style adventure session—great for imaginative learners.

More PSJ programs — Port St. John Public Library Calendar
Filter by date to see any additional Feb 12–15 activities ‱ Map

TITUSVILLE

Thu, Feb 12 ‱ 11:00 AM–12:00 PM — City Calendar Item (Meeting Listing)
City of Titusville Public Works Admin Conf. Room, 2000 S Washington Ave, Titusville ‱ Map
If you track civic happenings, this is the official listing hub for the day.

Thu–Sat (Feb 12–15 window) — Titusville Area Chamber: Events Listing
Business/community events posted by the Chamber ‱ Map
Great for smaller mixers, ribbon cuttings, fairs, and local org events—browse by date.

MIMS

Sat, Feb 14 ‱ 5:00–8:00 PM — Valentine’s Dinner Show: Dean Martin Tribute
Indian River Preserve, 3950 Clubhouse Dr, Mims ‱ Map
Ticketed dinner + tribute show (romantic night out vibe); details and pricing on the listing.

Sat, Feb 14–Sun, Feb 15 — The Market at Indian River Honey Company
6720 US-1, Mims ‱ Map
Weekend market-style event—check the post for vendor list and times.

SPACE COAST / BREVARD COUNTY (ALL-CITY PICKS)

Sat, Feb 14–Sun, Feb 15 — Space Coast “Upcoming Events” (browse the full weekend list)
Countywide events hub (festivals, food, family activities) ‱ Map
Handy “one-stop” directory to catch anything you don’t want to miss across the county.

Feb 12–13 (various times) — Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: Events Calendar
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex ‱ Map
Special programming (like astronaut appearances) is posted here—filter by date.

 
Quote Of The Day

"Start embracing every moment of your life and watch as happiness and fulfillment become your new normal. Life is too short to not enjoy it to the fullest."

 

🚀 Space Coast Rocket Launches (FL) 

February 12–20, 2026

🚀 Here is the complete list of currently scheduled rocket launches from Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station within this window. All times are Eastern Time.

 

Thursday, February 12, 2026

Projected launch time: 7:18 PM EST

Rocket / Provider: SpaceX Falcon 9

Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center — LC-39A

Mission: Starlink Group 6-XX

What they are launching: Starlink V2-Mini satellites expanding broadband coverage.

What to expect: Evening ascent over the Atlantic with planned drone-ship recovery.

 

Friday, February 13, 2026

No launches currently listed for this day.

 

Saturday, February 14, 2026

No launches currently listed for this day.

 

Sunday, February 15, 2026

Projected launch time: NET 1:42 PM EST

Rocket / Provider: SpaceX Falcon 9

Launch Site: Cape Canaveral Space Force Station — SLC-40

Mission: Starlink Group 6-XX

What they are launching: Approximately 29 Starlink satellites to low Earth orbit.

What to expect: Standard daytime Falcon 9 ascent with downrange booster recovery.

 

Monday, February 16, 2026

No launches currently listed for this day.

 

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Projected launch time: NET TBD (daytime window)

Rocket / Provider: SpaceX Falcon 9

Launch Site: Cape Canaveral Space Force Station — SLC-40

Mission: NROL-XX (classified)

What they are launching: A classified national security payload.

What to expect: Direct ascent trajectory with limited publicly released mission details.

 

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

No launches currently listed for this day.

 

Thursday, February 19, 2026

Projected launch time: NET 6:57 AM EST

Rocket / Provider: SpaceX Falcon 9

Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center — LC-39A

Mission: Starlink Group 6-XX

What they are launching: Additional Starlink broadband satellites.

What to expect: Early morning ascent with possible illuminated upper-stage plume effects.

 

Friday, February 20, 2026

No launches currently listed for this day.

 

Valentine’s Day in Brevard County brings countless options for a romantic night out, from cozy riverfront escapes to lively venues with live music.

 

Couples can sip wine over handmade pasta at Bacco Wine Café in Melbourne or indulge in Mediterranean-inspired cuisine at the elegant Café Margaux in Cocoa Village.

 

Yellow Dog CafĂ© and Djon’s Steak and Lobster House offer stunning waterfront or beachside views paired with refined menus for a memorable evening.

 

For those who love live entertainment, Heidi’s Jazz Club in Cocoa Beach pairs handcrafted European dishes with the smooth sounds of jazz.

 

Coastal flavors shine at Island Fish Grill and The Fat Snook, while Villa Palma and Pompano Grill satisfy with classic Italian and creative seafood fare.

 

From fondue tasting events to intimate candlelit tables, Brevard’s top spots promise an unforgettable Valentine’s celebration.


Read More...

The Recent Solar Flare: What Happened and How It Affects Earth In early February 2026,

The U.S. housing market is undergoing a noticeable shift, with many major cities now favoring buyers.

 

Miami stands out as the top buyer’s market in the nation, featuring a months-of-supply rate of 11.5—meaning it could take almost a year to sell all current homes at the existing pace.

 

The median list price in Miami dropped to $500,000, down 4.8% from last year.

 

Despite this, Miami still leads the U.S. in $1 million-plus listings, highlighting expanded leverage for buyers rather than simply lower prices.

 

Austin is close behind with a 10.5 months-of-supply figure.

 

Other metros like Orlando, Tampa, and New York City are also transitioning into more buyer-friendly markets, especially across the Sun Belt—including places such as Las Vegas, Nashville, and Atlanta.

 

Rising inventory, economic uncertainties, and increasing housing construction are fueling the trend, offering buyers increased negotiating power and more options across many regions.


Read More...

Deal of The Week! 

REDUCED AGAIN!
MUST SEE! Updated 2 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath Condo.

Check out the 3D Interactive Tour and more details by CLICKING HERE! Very Motivated Seller. Reach out to me and "Let's Make A Deal" 
Larry 321-693-0771 or FindLarry@gmail.com

New Construction Homes in Brevard County, FL — Prices Still Dropping, Buyer Incentives and Lower Interest Rates!

(STILL THE BEST DEALS)

View ALL New Construction Homes In Brevard! https://NewHomesBrevard.com.

 
The article discusses a trend of new construction homes across the U.S.

receiving price cuts in response to changes in the housing market.

As demand for newly built homes slows down, builders are offering discounts and incentives to attract buyers.

The share of new homes with reduced prices has increased, with certain regions experiencing more price cuts than others.

This trend is expected to continue as builders try to offset rising construction costs and compete in a more competitive market.

Read More...
💡 Answer to Trivia Question:
Laika, a dog from the Soviet Union, became the first animal to orbit the Earth on Sputnik 2 in 1961.
 
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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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