The Chamber of Commerce will be closed on Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28, 2025, in observance of Thanksgiving.

Normal operations resume on Monday, December 1, 2025.

Warm wishes for a joyful and safe holiday to all members and neighbors.

Over the weekend, experience the spirit of the season by joining local favorites like the Thanksgiving Day Parade and community turkey trots.

These festivities provide an excellent chance to connect and celebrate together.

Visit event organizers’ sites for more details.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you after the holiday.

The City of Palm Bay is launching the ‘Planning Matters’ Workshop Series, a 14-month educational initiative beginning January 21, 2026.

Workshops will be held every third Wednesday at 5:00 PM in the Dawn Reid Community Room at City Hall, running through early 2027.

Open to advisory board members, city staff, and residents, the series will clarify local planning laws, development reviews, zoning, land use, site planning, and infrastructure strategies.

Each 60–90 minute session will feature experts from city departments offering a blend of instruction and interactive discussions.

Additional topics include public engagement, code enforcement, ethical obligations, economic development, and the roles of legislative and quasi-judicial bodies.

Growth Management Director Althea Jefferson highlights the workshop’s goals: empowering informed participation and fostering transparency across the community.

Registration is required, and attendees at eight or more sessions will earn a certificate of completion.

A Palm Bay family is safe after a dramatic incident where a truck crashed into their home, leaving them unharmed but understandably shaken.

Authorities are now investigating the cause, underscoring the need for stronger road safety measures in local neighborhoods.

The community quickly stepped in, offering heartfelt support and essential assistance to the affected family.

All of this unfolds as Palm Bay faces shifts in its housing market — the median price for a single-family home has reached $310,000 as of November 2025.

Despite slower sales, demand remains especially strong for well-kept starter homes.

Yet, soaring prices and a median mortgage payment of $1,674 a month are straining many families, well above the recommended housing costs for most local incomes.

New city initiatives are being considered to help residents achieve homeownership, reinforcing community resilience in challenging times.

Florida cities are making headlines in the latest U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-2025 Best Places to Live rankings, with several communities standing out.

Naples takes the No. 1 spot nationwide, celebrated for its scenic beaches, thriving arts, and robust job market.

Sarasota follows closely at No. 5, blending urban energy and coastal beauty for residents seeking a lively yet relaxing environment.

Melbourne, Jacksonville, and Tampa also make the list, pulling in at Nos. 15, 16, and 24 respectively, thanks to strong affordability, career prospects, and superior quality of life.

Parkland in Broward County claims No. 59, standing out with a job market that drives impressive median household incomes, though home values are well above the national average.

These rankings highlight Florida’s broad appeal, prioritizing quality of life, opportunity, and urban variety.

Wesley Boyd, a 46-year-old Palm Bay resident, has been arrested on child abuse charges after an altercation with a young boy fishing behind his property.

The confrontation happened around 6 p.m. on November 24, when Boyd reportedly demanded the child leave the embankment. As the boy tried to leave, Boyd allegedly grabbed him, struck his knee, and tossed his fishing rod into the water.

Juvenile witnesses confirmed the boy was not on Boyd’s property during the incident. Boyd claimed the boy only moved a few feet and continued fishing, admitting he threw the pole but insisting the child slipped and fell.

Authorities identified Boyd as the primary aggressor and charged him with child abuse without great bodily harm. He was ordered to avoid contact with the victim and has since posted bond.

The case has heightened community concern about youth safety and public space behavior.

Florida residents are facing a rise in sophisticated utility scams as the year ends.

Criminals are targeting homes and businesses with fake calls, texts, emails, and even in-person visits, pretending to be from trusted utility companies.

These scammers often pressure victims with urgent threats of immediate service disconnection to push for quick payments.

Residents should remain wary—legitimate utilities never demand prepaid cards or cryptocurrencies and employees must always show official identification.

It’s vital to use only the numbers and contacts listed on your official utility bills and to ignore unsolicited payment requests.

Never trust unfamiliar online links or websites when searching for utility contacts, as scammers can create convincing fakes.

If approached suspiciously, Floridians should contact law enforcement, their utility provider, or the Florida Attorney General’s Office immediately.

Staying informed remains the best protection against fast-evolving scam tactics.

A 17-year-old student in Melbourne was stopped this morning after attempting to bring a loaded handgun to Palm Bay Magnet High School. The school's OPENGATE Weapons Detection system identified the firearm during routine check-in, triggering an immediate response from staff.

The weapon was quickly confiscated, and the student was taken into police custody without incident. No one was harmed, and the student never passed the security checkpoint or threatened others.

Charges against the student include possession of a firearm on school property and possession of a firearm by a minor. Melbourne Police are now investigating the case thoroughly.

School officials praised staff for their alertness and credited the OPENGATE system for averting danger. This event highlights the critical value of advanced security technology in keeping school communities safe.

As the holidays near, Brevard County animal advocates urge families to think twice before adopting a pet on impulse.

Denise Dubrowski-Buchanan, a local rescue president, notes that many people underestimate the commitment.

Young dogs require significant time, energy, and money, especially in their first two years.

Veterinary expenses, regular care, and emergency costs can quickly add up, often surprising new owners.

Local shelters like SPCA of Brevard are at capacity, facing a steady stream of owner surrenders.

To help, the Brevard Humane Society launched “Home for the Holidays,” letting families host a shelter pet temporarily for the season — no permanent commitment required.

Experts recommend fostering first to test readiness for a lifelong responsibility.

By making thoughtful choices, families and pets alike can enjoy a happier holiday season together.

A violent encounter in Palm Bay, Florida, turned deadly Sunday afternoon when a domestic disturbance spiraled into a shootout, leaving two people dead and two officers injured.

Police responded to a call on Forgal Avenue NE and found 24-year-old Brandon Kapas armed and defiant. An exchange of gunfire wounded two responding officers, who were rushed to the hospital and are expected to recover.

Kapas fled, fatally shooting his grandfather, 78-year-old William Kapas, before officers killed him to prevent further tragedy.

Investigators later discovered that Kapas had already killed two others, retired priest Robert Hoeffner, 76, and his 69-year-old sister, Sally Hoeffner, whose ties to Kapas remain unclear.

Palm Bay Police Chief Mariano Augello praised the officers’ bravery and promised zero tolerance for attacks on law enforcement.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is actively investigating this incident, highlighting the risks police face and the deep scars domestic violence leaves in the community.

DC Roofing, a family-owned company based in Melbourne, Florida, has earned recognition as one of America’s top roofing firms.

This distinction highlights their commitment to superior workmanship and outstanding customer service.

Founded by state-certified contractors David and Colleen Arambula, DC Roofing is praised for its professionalism and trusted reputation.

David’s general contractor license further demonstrates their dedication to high standards.

The Arambulas are also active supporters of the Space Coast, recently donating $110,000 to Brevard Public Schools and sponsoring the 2024 Space Coast Symposium at Kennedy Space Center.

Specializing in sturdy metal roofs, DC Roofing offers solutions built for Florida’s tough weather, providing long-lasting protection and energy savings.

They also install shingles and clay tiles, ensuring customers have a full range of options for their homes.

DC Roofing’s dedication continues to raise the bar for quality and community involvement.

Authentic Italian gelato brings a unique charm that’s deeply rooted in tradition and passion.

Now, our neighborhood can savor this experience with the arrival of Gelazzo Gelato and Italian Ice.

The grand opening begins with a festive ribbon-cutting, inviting everyone to join in this exciting new chapter.

Guests can enjoy an afternoon filled with community spirit, meet local faces, and indulge in an array of all-natural gelato and Italian ice flavors, each crafted for authenticity.

This opening highlights the area’s growth, adding to its vibrant lineup of new businesses and gathering spaces.

Whether you’re a gelato lover or curious to try something new, Gelazzo offers a sweet reason for residents and visitors to connect and celebrate together.

Discover transformative ways to amplify your impact with the Brevard Prosperity Initiative at our upcoming empowerment session.

Nonprofit leaders and heart-centered entrepreneurs will find effective tools and resources designed to address childhood poverty in Brevard County.

Gain a deeper understanding of the 10 root causes of poverty and uncover new strategies for your business or organization to make a positive difference.

Build influential partnerships as you connect with other local businesses and nonprofits, working together for a greater community impact.

Access hands-on training, actionable tools, and collaborative opportunities through our dynamic platform.

Enhance your outreach with proven methods to promote your events, products, and services more effectively.

Recent highlights include the October 2025 session on combating food insecurity and the upcoming December Year-End Celebration, reflecting Brevard’s ongoing commitment to progress and partnership.

Brevard County Fire Rescue welcomed 21 new firefighters as Recruit Class 25-04 graduated in a ceremony led by Fire Chief Patrick Voltaire.

The event celebrated the completion of an intense 10-week training program, preparing recruits to serve one of Florida’s fastest-growing counties.

Family, friends, and BCFR staff watched as graduates received their black helmets and probationary shields—symbols of the start of their firefighting careers.

This new ceremony marks a fresh tradition for the department.

The graduates, including Andre Brown, Matthew Ford, Oscar Gonzalez, and Aubriana Zebarth, trained in fire suppression, emergency medical response, and teamwork—skills now in high demand across the county.

Many have already started service, meeting the needs brought by Brevard’s swift population growth and expanding Port Canaveral activity.

Chief Voltaire cited community spirit and commitment as the foundation of BCFR’s growing strength.

Students from five Brevard Public Schools demonstrated impressive financial savvy at the Junior Achievement Space Coast Stock Exchange Challenge, held at Eastern Florida State College.

This hands-on event allowed participants to experience the fast-paced world of stock trading, sharpening their skills in real time.

Viera High School led the competition, capturing the top three spots through exceptional teamwork and strategic acumen.

Teams from Space Coast Jr/Sr High, Heritage High, Cocoa High, and Cocoa Beach Jr/Sr High also competed, showcasing their investment knowledge and adaptability under pressure.

Viera's "Hawk Stocks," “Sophrosyne Advisors,” and “Hawk Elite” each displayed outstanding performance, proving the school's strong focus on business education and financial literacy.

Organizers praised all students’ professionalism, emphasizing the real-world relevance of the skills they practiced and the confidence gained for future careers in business and finance.

With growing interest each year, this competition sets a high standard for financial education on the Space Coast.

A 17-year-old was taken into custody Friday morning after attempting to enter Palm Bay Magnet High School in Melbourne with a loaded handgun.

The school’s OPENGATE Weapons Detection system quickly detected the firearm at 8:58 a.m., prompting staff to secure the weapon and alert authorities.

Law enforcement arrested the student at the security checkpoint without incident.

The teenager now faces charges for possessing a firearm on school property and as a minor under 18.

Police confirmed the individual never advanced past the initial entry point, preventing harm to students and staff.

Brevard Public Schools commended the OPENGATE system, emphasizing that its swift action might have averted tragedy on campus.

District officials are reviewing security measures to bolster campus safety.

Families are urged to speak with students about safety and to promptly report any unusual behavior.