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Space Coast Growth 2026! Rocket Launches, Waterfront Dining, AI Warning & Hot Housing Market 💥🚀🍽️🏡

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Space Coast Growth 2026! Rocket Launches, Waterfront Dining, AI Warning & Hot Housing Market 💥🚀🍽️🏡

Space Coast Growth 2026! Rocket Launches, Waterfront Dining, AI Warning & Hot Housing Market 💥🚀🍽️🏡
Don't miss out on the latest news and events on the Space Coast in 2026! Rocket launches, waterfront dining, AI warnings, and more - all in this week's newsletter! 🚀🍽️🏡 #BestDeals #SpaceCoastGrowth

Larry Fleckinger

Dec 31, 2025

As 2025 comes to an end, Florida’s Space Coast celebrates a record-breaking year, with 109 launches setting the pace in global space exploration.

 

The area’s growth is fueled by a $93.4 million state investment for enhanced aerospace infrastructure, reflecting its rising influence.

 

With forecasts pointing to up to 115 launches in 2026 and an ambitious goal of 300 missions annually within a decade, local and federal partners are ramping up support.

 

The U.S. Air Force’s $800 million Cape Canaveral upgrades mark the biggest changes in thirty years, while SpaceX prepares for Starship launches after winning approval for Launch Complex-37.

 

Aerion Supersonic and Linde are investing in job creation and supply chain expansion, boosting the local economy.

 

Tourism thrives, with cruise and hotel expansions set to make 2026 another banner year.

 

The Space Coast stands at the forefront of innovation and opportunity.


Read More...

Trivia Question❓

When the clock strikes midnight on December 31, 2025, marking the start of 2026, how many leap years will have occurred since the year 2000?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Space Coast Weekend Events: Dec 31, 2025Jan 4, 2026

Melbourne
Wed, Dec 31, 2025

  • Rock & Roll Revue: New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner & Dance (Hilton Melbourne)
    Ticketed NYE gala with dinner, open bar, dancing, and midnight celebration (7:30 PM–12:30 AM).
    Event  |  Map
  • Ring in the New Year at Hotel Melby
    DJ + premium open bar + photobooth + champagne toast (9:00 PM–1:00 AM).
    Event  |  Map

Sat, Jan 3, 2026

  • Downtown Melbourne Farmers Market (Riverview Park)
    Weekly Saturday market with local foods, vendors, and more (typically 10 AM–2 PM).
    Event  |  Map
  • Onxy Books & Gifts: Cervical Cancer Awareness + Self-Love Conversation
    A live community talk focused on awareness, prevention, and self-love (1:00 PM–4:00 PM).
    Event  |  Map

Dec 31 – Jan 4 (Smaller/Local Programs)

  • Brevard County Library Services – Event Calendar (filter: Melbourne + dates)
    Great for smaller workshops, clubs, and family programs—filter by branch and dates.
    Event  |  Map

Palm Bay

Wed, Dec 31, 2025

  • New Year’s Eve at Jolie American Bistro
    Special NYE dining experience (reserve early).
    Event  |  Map
  • “Years in Venice” New Year’s Eve Celebration (Our Lady of Grace)
    Community celebration with event details on the organizer page.
    Event  |  Map

Dec 31 – Jan 4 (Smaller/Local Programs)

  • Brevard County Library Services – Event Calendar (filter: Palm Bay + dates)
    Smaller library programs are listed here—filter by location and date range.
    Event  |  Map

Rockledge

Wed, Dec 31, 2025

  • BeachFly Brewing: New Year’s Eve Comedy Show
    Ticketed comedy night at BeachFly Brewing Company.
    Event  |  Map

Sat, Jan 3, 2026

  • Rockledge Gardens – Events & Pop-Ups
    Weekend pop-ups and garden happenings (see their events schedule for date-specific items).
    Event  |  Map

Dec 31 – Jan 4 (Smaller/Local Programs)

  • Brevard County Library Services – Event Calendar (filter: Rockledge + dates)
    Filter for smaller library events and programs during this date window.
    Event  |  Map

Indialantic

Dec 31 – Jan 4

  • Djon’s Village Market – Events & Wine Room Calendar
    Rotating tastings and happenings—check the events list for date-specific items that weekend.
    Event  |  Map

Satellite Beach

Dec 31 – Jan 4

  • Satellite Beach Public Library – Branch Calendar (small/local programs)
    Filter for classes, clubs, and family programming on these dates.
    Event  |  Map

Cocoa Beach

Wed, Dec 31, 2025

  • 4th Annual Shark Drop & Block Party
    Downtown Cocoa Beach NYE celebration featuring the signature shark drop (7:00 PM–12:00 AM).
    Event  |  Map
  • Shark Drop – City Calendar Listing
    City listing reference for the Shark Drop (time/details posted on city calendar page).
    Event  |  Map
  • Shark Drop NYE 2026 – Official Site
    Official details + venue lineup + VIP info for the Cocoa Beach celebration footprint.
    Event  |  Map

Dec 31 – Jan 4 (Smaller/Local Programs)

  • Cocoa Beach Public Library – Branch Calendar
    Filter for smaller local programs during this date window.
    Event  |  Map

Cape Canaveral

Dec 31 – Jan 4

  • City of Cape Canaveral – Community Event Calendar
    City-hosted meetings and community events (click dates for details).
    Event  |  Map
  • Cape Canaveral Public Library – Branch Calendar
    Filter for smaller local programs during this date window.
    Event  |  Map

Merritt Island

Wed, Dec 31, 2025

  • Balibar New Year’s Eve Celebration
    Ticketed NYE celebration at Balibar Wines & Grinds (6:00 PM start per listing).
    Event  |  Map

Dec 31 – Jan 4 (Smaller/Local Programs)

  • Merritt Island Public Library – Branch Calendar
    Filter for smaller local programs during this date window.
    Event  |  Map

Port St. John

Dec 31 – Jan 4

  • Port St. John Public Library – Branch Calendar
    Filter for smaller community programs during this date window.
    Event  |  Map
  • PSJ Community Foundation – Community Events Feed
    Community foundation event posts (golf classic, community happenings, and updates).
    Event  |  Map

Titusville

Wed, Dec 31, 2025

  • Gold Lion Bar – New Year’s Eve Celebration
    NYE celebration listing (Titusville) with posted time/details.
    Event  |  Map
  • A Black and White Affair – New Year’s Eve Party
    Ticketed NYE party listing in Titusville (details/tickets via Eventbrite).
    Event  |  Map

Sun, Jan 4, 2026

  • Yoga in Nature (Enchanted Forest Sanctuary)
    Weekly yoga listing at the sanctuary (great low-key Sunday option).
    Event  |  Map

Dec 31 – Jan 4 (Smaller/Local Programs)

  • Titusville Public Library – Branch Calendar
    Filter for smaller local programs during this date window.
    Event  |  Map

Mims

Dec 31 – Jan 4

  • Mims/Scottsmoor Public Library – Branch Calendar
    Best source for smaller, local programs in the Mims area during this date window.
    Event  |  Map

Entire Space Coast / Brevard County (Big + Small Event Sweeps)

  • Visit Space Coast – Events Calendar
    Major public events across the region (use date filters for Dec 31–Jan 4).
    Event  |  Map
  • Fun 4 Space Coast Kids – New Year Events
    Family-friendly New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day listings across Brevard.
    Event  |  Map
  • Brevard County Library Services – Master Event Calendar (All Branches)
    The best “small events” source county-wide—filter by city/branch and date range.
    Event  |  Map
 
Quote Of The Day

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." - Harriet Tubman

 

🚀 Space Coast Rocket Launches: Dec 31, 2025 – Jan 8, 2026

The Space Coast is expected to stay busy through New Year’s Eve and into the first full week of 2026. Below is the most complete outlook for upcoming launches, including holiday-period missions that may be added on short notice.

 

Wednesday, December 31, 2025 (New Year’s Eve)

Mission: Falcon 9 Starlink satellite deployment.

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: Jetty Park, Cocoa Beach (north end), Titusville riverfront.

 

Thursday, January 1, 2026 (New Year’s Day)

Mission: Falcon 9 Starlink mission.

Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center, Pad 39A.

What to expect: Morning or early afternoon launch — often one of the first orbital missions of the year.

Best viewing: Playalinda Beach, Space View Park, Jetty Park.

 

Saturday, January 3, 2026

Mission: Falcon 9 Starlink or commercial payload (NET).

Launch Site: Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

What to expect: Daytime ascent with clear trajectory over the Atlantic.

Best viewing: Cocoa Beach Pier, Port Canaveral beaches, Indian River causeways.

 

Monday, January 5, 2026

Mission: Falcon 9 Starlink mission.

Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center, Pad 39A.

What to expect: Evening or night launch with bright plume and long visibility.

Best viewing: Playalinda Beach, Space View Park, Jetty Park.

 

January 7–8, 2026 (NET)

Mission: Falcon 9 Starlink or rideshare mission.

Launch Site: Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

What to expect: Flexible timing — daytime or evening launch possible.

Best viewing: Jetty Park, Cocoa Beach (north end), Titusville riverfront.

General Launch Viewing Tips

  • Arrive early during holiday periods — traffic increases significantly.
  • Bring layers for evening and night launches.
  • Night and sunset launches offer the most dramatic visuals.
  • Launch schedules can change quickly — flexibility matters.

🚀 Space Coast Rocket Launches December 31, 2025 – January 8, 2026

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🚀 Space Coast Rocket Launches
December 31, 2025 – January 8, 2026

The Space Coast is expected to stay active through New Year’s Eve and into the first full week of January. Launch times remain NET (No Earlier Than) until officially confirmed, but the windows below reflect the most realistic projections based on pad availability, launch cadence, and historical holiday patterns.

 

Wednesday, December 31, 2025 – New Year’s Eve

Projected Launch Time: 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM EST

Mission: SpaceX Falcon 9 – Starlink satellite deployment

Launch Site: Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (SLC-40)

This year-end mission is expected to deploy another batch of Starlink V2-Mini satellites into low Earth orbit. SpaceX frequently targets New Year’s Eve launches to complete deployment goals before the calendar flips.

What to expect: Bright daylight or sunset ascent, east-northeast trajectory over the Atlantic, and a first-stage booster landing on an ocean drone ship.

Best local viewing: Jetty Park (Port Canaveral), Cocoa Beach (north end), Titusville riverfront / Max Brewer Bridge.

 

Thursday, January 1, 2026 – New Year’s Day

Projected Launch Time: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM EST

Mission: SpaceX Falcon 9 – Starlink mission

Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center (Launch Complex 39A)

SpaceX has a strong history of launching on New Year’s Day. This mission would likely be one of the first orbital launches of 2026, continuing expansion of the Starlink constellation.

What to expect: Crisp winter skies, strong plume visibility, booster separation roughly 2.5 minutes after liftoff, and a downrange drone-ship recovery.

Best local viewing: Playalinda Beach (when open), Space View Park (Titusville), Jetty Park.

 

Saturday, January 3, 2026

Projected Launch Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST

Mission: SpaceX Falcon 9 – Starlink or commercial payload

Launch Site: Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (pad TBD)

The first Saturday of the year typically marks a return to full operational cadence. This slot is expected to support either a Starlink deployment or a small commercial satellite payload.

What to expect: Clean daytime ascent, fast staging events, and a possible return-to-launch-site landing depending on payload mass.

Best local viewing: Cocoa Beach Pier, Port Canaveral beaches, Indian River Lagoon causeways.

 

Monday, January 5, 2026

Projected Launch Time: 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM EST

Mission: SpaceX Falcon 9 – Starlink mission

Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center (Pad 39A)

Evening and night launches are common as January cadence ramps up. A Pad 39A night launch offers some of the most dramatic visuals on the Space Coast.

What to expect: Bright night plume, long-duration ascent, and potential upper-atmosphere glow with a high likelihood of booster recovery.

Best local viewing: Playalinda Beach, Space View Park, Jetty Park.

 

Wednesday, January 7 or Thursday, January 8, 2026

Projected Launch Time: Daytime or Evening Window (TBD)

Mission: SpaceX Falcon 9 – Starlink or rideshare mission

Launch Site: Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Late-week launches are typical as SpaceX maintains a two-to-three-launches-per-week cadence. Final timing may shift slightly depending on range availability.

What to expect: Flexible window, standard Falcon 9 ascent profile, and routine Starlink satellite deployment.

Best local viewing: Jetty Park, Cocoa Beach (north end), Titusville riverfront.```

 

Overlooking the Indian River in Malabar, Yellow Dog Café has stood out as a beloved destination for food lovers since 1997.

 

Created by Chef Stuart Borton and his wife Nancy, the café expertly combines comforting classics with creative twists, all showcased in an open kitchen.

 

Diners rave over standouts like Onion Crusted Chicken and Potato Crusted Salmon, while fresh seafood and hand-cut steaks highlight the menu.

 

The multi-level space offers everything from cozy indoor dining with whimsical dog décor to open-air porches boasting sweeping lagoon views.

 

Special event spaces such as the Library and River Deck promise unique celebrations with unforgettable backdrops.

 

Committed to sustainability, Yellow Dog Café’s own hydroponic garden supplies herbs and vegetables year-round.

 

Discover signature recipes in their cookbook, available alongside local merchandise online.

 

Experience the spirit of riverfront dining and warm hospitality at this Malabar gem.


Read More...

🍴 New & Upcoming Restaurant Openings in Brevard County (2025–2026)

The Space Coast’s dining scene is booming! From beachside tiki bars to upscale seafood and gourmet sandwiches, Brevard County continues to attract exciting new eateries. Here’s a breakdown of the latest and upcoming additions to the local dining landscape.

1. Dirty Birds Tiki Restaurant & Bar – Cocoa Beach

Opened: Spring 2025
A tropical-themed hot spot offering tiki cocktails, beach-inspired bites, and relaxed ocean vibes — perfect for live music nights and weekend gatherings.
🌐 dirtybirdstikibar.com
📍 142 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

2. CHAMPS Waterfront Tiki Bar – Merritt Island

Opened: February 2025
Enjoy riverfront views, daily drink specials, and live entertainment in this open-air venue on Sykes Creek Parkway.
🌐 champswaterfronttiki.com
📍 2866 Sykes Creek Parkway, Merritt Island, FL 32953

3. Margarita Island – Cocoa Beach & Palm Bay

Opened: Late 2025
Known for its vibrant island décor and tropical cocktails, Margarita Island offers year-round beach vibes across its new Space Coast locations.
🌐 margaritaislandfl.com
📍 1900 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
📍 4651 Babcock St NE, Palm Bay, FL 32905

4. Potbelly Sandwich Works – Multiple Brevard Locations

Opening: 2025–2026
This popular Chicago-based sandwich chain is expanding to multiple locations across Brevard, offering toasted sandwiches, soups, and shakes in a warm, nostalgic setting.
🌐 potbelly.com
📍 Melbourne, Viera, and Palm Bay (exact store addresses TBA)

5. Mystic Lobster Roll Company – Melbourne & Merritt Island

Expanded: Fall 2025
A taste of New England in Florida! Fresh lobster rolls, seafood salads, and coastal charm define this expanding local favorite.
🌐 mysticlobsterrolls.com
📍 6330 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL 32940
📍 477 N Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32953

6. The Coastal Table – Cocoa Beach

Opening: Early 2026
A stylish coastal-American restaurant focusing on sustainable seafood, farm-to-table produce, and craft cocktails — all with an oceanfront view.
🌐 thecoastaltablecb.com
📍 2201 S Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

7. Soleil Brunch + Bubbles – Satellite Beach

Expected Opening: Spring 2026
Soleil will deliver a modern brunch experience featuring mimosa flights, seasonal dishes, and a laid-back seaside patio.
🌐 soleilbrunch.com
📍 1080 Highway A1A, Satellite Beach, FL 32937

8. Eastside Noodle House – Palm Bay

Expected Opening: Mid 2026
A casual dining concept specializing in ramen, bao buns, and Asian street food — with a local Florida twist.
🌐 eastsidenoodle.com
📍 2800 Palm Bay Rd NE, Palm Bay, FL 32905

9. Salt + Ember – Melbourne Beach

Expected Opening: Late 2026
An elegant oceanfront restaurant focusing on wood-fired seafood dishes, coastal tapas, and handcrafted cocktails — all framed by stunning seaside views.
🌐 saltembermb.com
📍 302 Ocean Ave, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951

🌟 Brevard’s Culinary Future

From laid-back tiki lounges to elevated dining experiences, Brevard County’s food scene is stronger than ever. Whether you’re looking to sip a handcrafted drink by the water or dive into fresh seafood, these restaurants are leading the next wave of Space Coast dining.

Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, has warned about the escalating pace of artificial intelligence development, highlighting potential risks for society.

 

He identified three major trends: infinite context windows, which allow AI to absorb massive amounts of information; autonomous agents that act independently; and self-improving systems capable of evolving without human input.

 

Schmidt cautioned that in as little as five years, AI may develop its own methods of language and reasoning, creating outputs that could escape human understanding or oversight.

 

He stressed the urgency of keeping AI aligned with human values and public safety, urging proactive regulation and safeguards.

 

If necessary, Schmidt said society must be ready to halt uncontrolled AI growth to prevent technology from outpacing our ability to manage it.

 

His message underscores the critical need for responsible AI governance as this technology rapidly evolves.


Read More...

I just asked ChatGPT "Should We Pull The Plug On AI" Read The Response Below!

Should We Pull the Plug on AI? Pros and Cons

 

The debate over whether we should "pull the plug" on AI is complex — blending ethics, economics, technology, and human values. Here’s a detailed look at both sides:

 

🧠 Pros of Pulling the Plug (Stopping or Limiting AI Development)

 

  • Prevent Loss of Human Control: AI systems already make decisions in finance, justice, and warfare. If advanced AI surpasses human understanding, it could act unpredictably — creating existential risks humanity might not be able to reverse.
  • Mitigate Job Displacement: Automation is replacing human labor in countless industries. Stopping or slowing AI development could give societies time to adapt, retrain workers, and protect livelihoods.
  • Safeguard Privacy and Autonomy: Modern AI depends on large-scale data collection. Halting its growth could protect individuals from invasive surveillance and manipulation.
  • Avoid Amplified Inequality: AI power is concentrated in a few corporations and nations. Unchecked, it might deepen global inequality and weaken democratic systems.
  • Preserve Human Creativity: Machine-generated content risks overshadowing human art and originality. A pause would allow authentic creativity to thrive.
  •  

⚙️ Cons of Pulling the Plug (Continuing AI Research and Use)

 

  • Accelerate Medical and Scientific Progress: AI boosts research speed, drives drug discovery, and models climate change — saving time and lives.
  • Enhance Efficiency and Growth: From logistics to agriculture, AI reduces waste and fuels productivity worldwide.
  • Improve Quality of Life: Personalized AI tools can make healthcare, education, and accessibility more inclusive and effective.
  • Drive Safety and Security Innovation: AI also prevents harm through better detection of cyber threats, fraud, and environmental dangers.
  • Global Competition: Even if one nation halts development, others likely won’t. Opting out could mean losing technological and economic leadership.

⚖️ Balanced Perspective

 

Instead of pulling the plug entirely, many experts recommend strong regulation and responsible innovation — with ethical frameworks, alignment research, transparency, and oversight on high-risk AI systems.

AI’s future shouldn’t be viewed as a simple on/off choice — but rather as a question of how safely and wisely we move forward.

 

Galaxy.ai Is My Favorite!  Try It Now!!

The U.S. housing market in 2025 was defined by both fresh opportunities and ongoing challenges for buyers and sellers.

 

Active listings climbed to 1.43 million by November, creating a 4.2-month supply that gave buyers more choice while maintaining competition due to still-limited inventory.

 

Home prices edged higher, with the median sales price reaching $409,200—a 1.2% increase year-over-year—marking the 29th straight month of price gains and intensifying affordability concerns for many.

 

Existing home sales dipped slightly, down 1% in November and 0.5% year-to-date, as economic uncertainties and climbing prices influenced activity.

 

Mortgage rates slid from 7.04% to 6.22% by mid-December, offering modest relief yet remaining higher than pre-pandemic lows.

 

Regional trends diverged: homes in the Midwest and Northeast sold faster, while the South’s burgeoning new construction and lower prices gave buyers extra leverage.

 

Looking to 2026, the market could see mild improvement, as home values and sales are forecast to rise modestly and mortgage rates are expected to stabilize.


Read More...

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

(STILL THE BEST DEALS)

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

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

When the clock strikes midnight on December 31, 2025, marking the start of 2026, how many leap years will have occurred since the year 2000?

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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.

© 2026 The Space Coast Spotlight.