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.

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.

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.

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

"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

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 Café 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.

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.

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