We Hope You Enjoy Our First Newsletter

Melbourne is taking a decisive step to protect the Indian River Lagoon, installing one of the nation’s largest baffle boxes near Apollo Boulevard across from the Embraer Aircraft Assembly Plant.

The massive 30-by-31-by-24-foot structure, built by Oldcastle Infrastructure, arrived in 24 pieces via 10 to 12 flatbed trucks.

Placed in a drainage ditch beside the train tracks, this advanced underground system will treat stormwater runoff from a sprawling 854-acre basin.

Its chambers are designed to capture trash and storm debris, with nutrient-separating features expected to prevent 3,380 pounds of nitrogen and 479 pounds of phosphorus from reaching the lagoon every year.

With historic stormwater flows often running straight to the lagoon untreated, Melbourne now operates 16 baffle boxes, expanding efforts via support like the Save Our Indian River Lagoon surtax and significant state grants.

Residents are optimistic these projects will restore the lagoon’s health for future generations.

Kay's Bar-B-Q, a beloved Cocoa institution with a 45-year legacy, will close on September 7, inviting fans to savor one last taste and honor the dedicated staff.

First opened as Fat Boys Bar-B-Q, the restaurant was renamed over 30 years ago and has since become a cornerstone for generations of loyal customers and families.

The closure follows the passing of owner Valerie "Kay" Keller in July 2025, leaving her husband Juan Azpiri to fulfill her wishes of traveling before he moves to Spain.

Longtime team members like Nicole and Shannon Tuttle reflect on decades of memories, as the King Street eatery serves favorites such as St. Louis-style ribs and fried catfish until its final day.

While Cocoa bids farewell to Kay’s, new restaurants like the Destination Downtown Food Hall and Keke’s Breakfast Cafe are poised to reinvigorate the local dining scene.

Brevard County has launched the ‘Space for Recovery’ campaign, targeting the region’s growing opioid crisis through support, education, and stigma reduction.

The initiative comes as local data reveals a sharp impact: from 2017 to 2023, the county lost 1,738 residents to fentanyl-linked overdoses, while 2023 saw over 1,200 opioid incidents.

Although this year’s cases have declined, over 584 overdoses and 27 deaths remain a stark concern as of mid-August.

The campaign shares stories of hope, including recovery counselor Brittany Capezzuto, who overcame addiction and now supports others at Circles of Care.

County officials emphasize most street drug use often follows painkiller prescriptions, underscoring the importance of prevention.

Efforts include educational outreach, wellness grants to nonprofits, and community town halls, all aiming to build a healthier, more resilient Brevard.

Toddler Time

Date: Various through September · Time: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM · Location: Palm Bay Aquatic Center, 420 Community College Pkwy SE, Palm Bay, FL · Admission: Free or low-cost

Water-play fun for toddlers and parents at the Palm Bay Aquatic Center. Full details at Palm Bay Recreation Events.

Pickleball Meet Up

Enjoy a lively evening of pickleball for all skill levels at Lipscomb Street Park. Details available on the Palm Bay Recreation Events page.

Charmadillos – Live Music (Satellite Beach)

• Date: August 30, 2025

• Time: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

• Location: Mavericks Hangar Bar & Grill, Satellite Beach

• Admission: Free (venue-based)

• Details: Dive into an energetic set from Charmadillos—perfect for a fun night out near the ocean.

• Map: Google Maps – Mavericks Hangar Bar & Grill, Satellite Beach, FL

• Website: SpaceCoastLive listing

"I love Brevard County because it has the perfect mix of beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, welcoming communities and the Space Center." 

Kennedy Under The Stars

A glow-in-the-dark Y2K-inspired after-hours event featuring music, mini-golf, astronaut meet-and-greets, and immersive STEAM fun. Event Link

Toddler Tuesday – Little Bugs Club (Rockledge Gardens)

• Date: Ongoing throughout August 2025

• Time: Typical daytime hours (check website)

• Location: Rockledge Gardens, Rockledge

• Admission: Check venue (usually small fee)

• Details: Drop in for sensory play, Toddler Tuesday, and fun educational programs at Rockledge’s Little Bugs Club—great for preschoolers and caregivers.

• Map: Google Maps – Rockledge Gardens, Rockledge, FL

• Website: Rockledge Gardens events page

STPS Turtle Krawl

Event: STPS Turtle Krawl 5K;
Date: September 13, 2025; Time: 7:30 AM;
Location: North Brevard (check STPS for course details);
Highlights: Community fun run supporting sea turtle conservation and education.

Lace up your sneakers for a meaningful 5K that protects sea turtles and supports local environmental efforts.

Playalinda Brewing Co. – Tuesday Night Trivia (Titusville)

• Date: Tuesday Nights

• Time: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

• Location: Playalinda Brewing Company, Titusville

• Admission: Free or venue ticketed (likely food/drink purchase)

• Details: Grab your team or come solo for a fun trivia night crafted by local brewery hosts.

• Map: Google Maps – Playalinda Brewing Company, Titusville

• Website: Titusville Area Chamber calendar

"Sunshine, palm trees, and ocean breeze - another beautiful day in Brevard County, Florida."

🚀 Space Coast Launch Guide

My wife Karen and I love eating at Cabana Shores!

Cabana Shores is Brevard's top Tiki Bar and Grill offering two cooking styles: Clean or Dirty.

Clean items are made with olive oil and dairy-free, while Dirty items are prepared with butter.

The restaurant takes pride in using fresh ingredients, offering hand-pattied burgers, Ribeye steaks, fresh chicken, and more.

Special discounts are available for active duty and retired military personnel, police, and firefighters.

Happy Hour runs from 3 to 6 p.m.

on weekdays with discounts on drinks and appetizers.

Daily specials include Mac-N-Cheese Mondays and Kid's eat free, Booze-Day Tuesday, and Meatloaf Wednesdays.

Operating hours are 11 a.m.

to 10 p.m.

Monday-Saturday and 12 p.m.

to 8 p.m.

Sunday.

The dress code is casual and service animals are allowed.

Larry Fleckinger discusses Down Payment Assistance Programs in Brevard County, which provides financial aid to individuals looking to purchase their first home.

The program helps qualified applicants by offering down payment assistance and low-interest loans to make home buying more accessible.

Fleckinger shares important details about eligibility criteria, income requirements, and the application process for these programs.

He emphasizes the benefits of taking advantage of such opportunities to achieve homeownership, highlighting the long-term financial advantages and stability it can bring.

Fleckinger encourages individuals in Brevard County to explore these programs as a stepping stone towards realizing their dream of owning a home. 

Brevard County currently has 22 DPA (Down Payment Assistance) programs and up to $72,000 in down payment help.

Click Below and do a General Search for Brevard County to see if you qualify!

🔍Click Here To Find your Next Home!🔎

Scammers often pose as financial institutions or credit card representatives to trick consumers into providing sensitive information like the three-digit security code on the back of a credit card.

This scam works by the scammer calling you, claiming to be from the Security and Fraud Department of a credit card company, and stating that your card has had suspicious transactions.

They then ask for the three-digit security code to prove you have the card.

It's important to note that legitimate financial institutions do not typically call customers and ask for personal account information. One individual shared a real-life example of falling victim to this scam.

The person received a call from someone claiming to be from VISA's Security and Fraud Department, stating that there was a questionable purchase and asking for the three-digit security code.

Fortunately, the individual realized it was a scam and reported it before any fraudulent charges were made. It's crucial not to provide the three-digit security code to anyone claiming to be from a credit card company.

Instead, you should call the company directly using the number on the back of your card to verify any suspicious calls.

Giving out this information could result in fraudulent charges on your card. If you suspect you have been targeted by a scam, it's essential to report it immediately.

This information is from LSS Financial Counseling offers free and confidential services, including advice on how to avoid scams.

Counselors are available nationwide, with options for phone, virtual, or in-person appointments.

Don't fall victim to scams – protect your personal and financial information.

A real-life example

The following is a report given to LSS Financial Counseling by an individual who was subjected to this scam.

The person who called me said, “This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My badge number is 12460, your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by (name of bank). Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $497.99 from a marketing company based in Arizona?" When I said "no," the caller continued, "Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching, and the charges range from $297 to $497, just under the $500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address). Is that correct?" I said, "Yes."

The caller continued. "I will be starting a fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 1- 800 number listed on the back of your card (1-800-VISA) and ask for security. You will need to refer to this Control Number." The caller then gave a six-digit number, and said "Do you need me to read it again?"

Here's the important part. The caller then said, "I need to verify you are in possession of your card." He'll asked me to “turn your card over and look for some numbers. There are seven numbers; the first four are part of your card number, the last three are the security numbers that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card.” The caller asked me to read the last three numbers to him. After I told the caller the three numbers, he said, "That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?"

After I said no, the caller then thanked me and stated, "Don't hesitate to call back if you do," and hangs up. I actually said very little, and they never asked for or told me the card number. But after I was called, I called back within 20 minutes to ask a question. Am I glad I did! The real VISA Security Department told me it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of $497.99 was charged to my card. I made a real fraud report and closed the VISA account. VISA is reissuing me a new number.

What the scammers want is the three-digit PIN number on the back of the card. Don't give it to them. Instead, tell them you'll call VISA or Master Card directly for verification of their conversation.

The real VISA told me that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you give the scammers your three-digit PIN Number, you think you're receiving a credit; however, by the time you get your statement you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make, and by then it's almost too late and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report.

** VISA.com provided information for this webpage.

LSS Financial Counseling has certified, experienced counselors who can provide advice and information about scams and how to avoid them.