BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Health First’s Viera Hospital has been named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Best-In-State Hospitals 2027.

The America’s Best-In-State Hospitals ranking recognizes the 800 leading hospitals across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, providing crucial insights into the nation’s top healthcare facilities.

Only 30 hospitals in the state of Florida are included in this year’s “America’s Best-in-State Hospitals” list – and Viera is one of only 5 in the Central Florida region.

Hospitals from all U.S. states and the District of Columbia were eligible for the ranking and included in the nationwide survey. General hospitals with a capacity of 50+ beds were eligible for the analysis.

As a result, the 800 hospitals that scored highest across these criteria are included on the list.

Four data sources were used this year for the evaluation: Hospital Quality Metrics, Hospital Reputation, Patient Experience, and a Statista PROMS (Patient-Reported Outcome Measures) Implementation Survey:

Hospital Reputation:

From June to July 2026, a nationwide online survey among medical professionals (doctors, hospital managers, and healthcare workers) was conducted in cooperation with Newsweek.

Hospital Quality Metrics:

Quality metrics data from the CMS, patient safety and quality metrics from Leapfrog, and Accreditation data from various sources.

Patient Experience:

Data from The Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey; a standardized survey of hospital patients in the U.S. regarding their experiences during a recent procedure or surgery.

Statista PROMs Implementation Survey:

To account for the increasing importance of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs), hospitals that participated in the Statista PROMs implementation survey received a PROMs implementation score, which was incorporated into the overall ranking.

“With the significant growth of the Viera community combined with the impact of Orlando Health’s closure of their Rockledge Hospital, Viera Hospital has welcomed thousands of additional patients – including those requiring emergency and labor and delivery care, adapted to the increased demand, supported one another through change, and continued to provide exceptional, accolade-worthy care through it all,” said Viera Hospital President MaryJo Allen.

“As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, I could not be more thankful for the hard work, resiliency, and compassion our Viera Hospital team exhibits every day,” Allen continued.

The Newsweek ranking caps another impressive year for Viera Hospital, as Health First paves the way for ambitious growth and expansion plans over the next two years.

In July, Viera earned a 5-star Overall Hospital Quality Rating on the inaugural Forbes Top Hospitals by State 2026 ranking. Viera was one of only 10 hospitals (out of more than 370) in the state of Florida, and the only hospital in Brevard County to receive the five-star rating.

The Forbes rankings recognize hospitals delivering outstanding quality based on publicly available data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Provider Data Catalog.

In March, Viera was named to its second straight Forbes 2026 list of Top Hospitals in America, earning 5-Star recognition. That recognition also helped Viera qualify for Forbes’ inaugural best-in-state list.

Viera Hospital is a consistent A-rated safety hospital through The Leapfrog Group.

In 2026, Viera has also earned its third straight CMS 5-star hospital rating and, in August, was named the top hospital in the Hospital/Medical Center category of the Community’s Choice Awards, as chosen by readers of Florida Today.

The post Health First’s Viera Hospital Named to Newsweek’s List of America’s Best-In-State Hospitals appeared first on Space Coast Daily.

“Giving back has always been important to me, and it is especially meaningful to be able to support causes in both the community where I live today and the hometown where I was raised,” Viera’s Todd Pokrywa said.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Todd Pokrywa, president of The Viera Company, returned to his hometown of Toronto on Friday to captain Team Celebrity Shinny at the 15th Annual Lindros Hockey Classic, which raised a record $1,036,668 for Easter Seals Ontario.

The fundraising event brought together players, National Hockey League alumni, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters to benefit children with disabilities.

“Giving back has always been important to me, and it is especially meaningful to be able to support causes in both the community where I live today and the hometown where I was raised,” Pokrywa said.

Pokrywa’s team included Michael A. Collymore, Terry O’Brien, Jef Kent, Kyle Kotack, Philip Hogan, Kevin Hadaway, Pete Hall, John Persinger, Morgan Pace, Chris Sinclair, Jon Jehrio, Andrew Ponticelli, Francesco Muss, Josh Rimer, Nicholas Gomez and Jim DeMauro. Four-time Stanley Cup champion Joe Kocur also played on the team.

The competition featured teams with Hockey Hall of Fame honored Member Eric Lindros and NHL alumni Kris Versteeg and Matt Beleskey.

Pokrywa also reunited with former NHL players Al Iafrate, Kirk Muller, Mike Krushelnyski, Dave McLlwain and Zenon Konopka.

Another event highlight was Lindros interviewing Rogers Sportsnet journalist Elliotte Friedman.

Pokrywa credited Lindros, organizers Andrew Jackson and Bob Clarke of Jackson Events Inc., Easter Seals Ontario, sponsors, volunteers and donors for helping make the event a success.

The tournament’s record fundraising total marked a milestone for the annual event, which uses hockey to bring people together in support of children with disabilities.

The post The Viera Company President Todd Pokrywa Captains Team at Record-Breaking Lindros Hockey Classic appeared first on Space Coast Daily.

BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA, FLORIDA – Crydermans Barbecue is accepting preorders for its 2026 Thanksgiving meal package, which is designed to feed six to eight people.

The $250 package includes a smoked turkey breast weighing at least 3 pounds with smoked turkey gravy, plus a quart each of garlic red-skinned mashed potatoes, jalapeño bacon and cheddar creamed corn, cornbread and brisket stuffing, and s’mores sweet potato bake.

It also includes an apple cider crème pie and a dozen Martin’s potato dinner rolls.

The restaurant says substitutions are not available.

Orders must be placed by Wednesday, Nov. 18. Preordered items will be picked up Wednesday, Nov. 25, cold, vacuum-sealed and unsliced.

Crydermans is also offering Thanksgiving meats and sides a la carte, including whole or half prime brisket, whole or half Cheshire pork butt, whole turkey breast with gravy, apple cider crème pie and sauce bottles.

Prices range from $10 for sauce bottles to $220 for a whole prime brisket.

Orders can be placed online at CrydermansBarbecue.com or by calling the Cocoa location at 321-877-0796.

The post Crydermans Barbecue in Cocoa Taking Thanksgiving Preorders Through Nov. 18 appeared first on Space Coast Daily.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Eastern Florida State College students demonstrated their programming skills and problem-solving abilities during the College’s 2026 Annual Programming Competition, where competitors tackled a series of challenging coding problems in a fast-paced, three-hour contest.

Eleven students from EFSC campuses participated in this year’s competition, testing their knowledge of computer science concepts and programming techniques while competing for top honors.

Students were challenged to solve five programming problems within a three-hour time limit. Eight competitors solved at least one problem, highlighting participants’ strong technical skills and the competition’s rigor.

Bradley Bellis from the Palm Bay Campus claimed first place, correctly solving all five programming problems in just 55 minutes.

Michael Hall from the Cocoa Campus finished second, completing all five problems in 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Aiden Dugan from the Melbourne Campus earned third place in 1 hour and 37 minutes, while Caleb Coomer from the Palm Bay Campus placed fourth, solving all five problems in 1 hour and 48 minutes.

“The competition provides students with an opportunity to apply what they learn in the classroom while developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills that are highly valued by employers,” said Claire Amorde, Assistant Professor of Computer Science.

“It is always exciting to see students challenge themselves and demonstrate their abilities in a competitive environment.”

Representatives from Craig Technologies attended the event to connect with students and contributed prizes for top finishers, providing participants with a valuable opportunity to engage with industry professionals.

The EFSC Foundation, along with numerous faculty, staff, and community partners, supported the competition.

Faculty and staff volunteers included Dan Mondshein, Dr. Gary Hrezo, Dr. Alek Tomovic, Dr. Randyll Pandohie, John Wiggins, and Claire Amorde.

The annual competition reflects EFSC’s commitment to providing students with opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings.

Through its computer science and related STEM programs, the College prepares students to pursue bachelor’s degrees and careers in technology fields that continue to drive innovation and economic growth throughout Florida and beyond.

“Our computer science students are developing the analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills that employers need in today’s technology-driven economy,” said Dr. Jim Richey, College President.

“I am very proud of the efforts of all of our students who competed in this tough competition and put their skills to the test as they learned from one another and showcased their talents in a challenging environment.”

For more information about Eastern Florida State College, its programs, degrees, and certificates, visit easternflorida.edu or call 321-632-1111.

The post Eastern Florida State Programming Students Showcase Coding Talents During Annual Programming Competition appeared first on Space Coast Daily.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Performing and Visual Arts Department at Eastern Florida State College will present a fall concert featuring the Choir and Madrigal Ensemble entitled Light in the Darkness: Music of Hope and Peace on Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 7:30 p.m. in the Simpkins Fine Arts Center (Bldg. 4) on the EFSC Cocoa Campus.

Dr. Robert E. Lamb will conduct the concert, with Jean Black as accompanist.

The Cocoa Campus is located at 1519 Clearlake Road, Cocoa, FL 32922.

Dr. Lamb was appointed at Eastern Florida State College in August of 1998. He is currently a Professor of Music and the Director of Choral Activities.

Purchase tickets in advance at efsc.booktix.com and save. General admission tickets are $9 online and $10 at the door.
Tickets for seniors age 65 and older and active-duty military members are $7 online and $8 at the door.

Admission is free for all students (EFSC and Brevard Public Schools) with a valid student ID. We will accept credit cards and cash at the door.

Purchase tickets online and save*: $9 for General Admission and $7 for Senior/Military admission when purchased online, get your tickets today.

Note: Ticket prices include all applicable fees and are the same for cash and credit card purchases.

For more information, contact Dr. Lamb at lambr@easternflorida.edu or call 321-632-1111.

The post Eastern Florida State Fall Choral Concert ‘Light in the Darkness: Music of Hope and Peace’ Set Dec. 2 appeared first on Space Coast Daily.

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – A 57-year-old Melbourne man died after his motorcycle left the roadway and struck a fence and street sign early Nov. 7, according to the Melbourne Police Department.

Police received a call about the crash at 12:14 a.m. near Montreal Avenue and Highland Avenue.

The initial investigation found that a 2018 Harley-Davidson motorcycle had left the roadway and crashed into the fence and sign.

Life-saving measures were attempted, and the driver, identified as Ralph Edward Cox, was taken to a local hospital. He later died from his injuries.

The department’s Traffic Enforcement Unit is investigating the crash.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator Officer Whiteside at 321-616-6087.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477) or at crimeline.org.

ABOVE MAP: Police received a call about the crash at 12:14 a.m. near Montreal Avenue and Highland Avenue.

The post Melbourne Man Dies After Motorcycle Crash Near Montreal Avenue appeared first on Space Coast Daily.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – We had a few people take a ride into the danger zone this weekend as they thought they were part of the airshow traveling at mach speeds down I-95.

Maurice Williams went all out as he was not only speeding, but he also dressed the part!! FTO Campagnone conducted a traffic stop on I-95 after observing a vehicle traveling at 112 miles per hour.

Williams not only decided to push it to the limits, but he didn’t have a valid driver’s license either.

Williams made the trip to Ivey’s Iron Bar Lodge where nothing happens fast.

Then early this morning, while conducting radar enforcement along I-95, FTO Franca Santos observed a black Toyota sedan traveling southbound at a high rate of speed.

The driver, William Santiago Torres, said he was coming back from the Electric Daisy Carnival concert in Orlando…whatever that is…that’s still not an excuse for driving like Maverick requesting a fly by and doing it anyway.

He was initially clocked at 106mph and eventually made it to 122mph before he was pulled over.

Folks, leave the speed to the Thunderbirds and drive safely on the roads so everyone can make it safely to their destination.

– Sheriff Wayne Ivey

The post Two Drivers Clocked Above 100 MPH on I-95 Arrested, Brevard County Sheriff Says appeared first on Space Coast Daily.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Most of the fall sports have finished their district tournaments or are wrapping up FHSAA playoffs and championships. Space Coast Daily’s Zane Garcia takes a look at what fall sports finishes we have seen across the County.

BOWLING

Boys

Both Melbourne and Viera reached the regional tournament after their tight competition in the 1A District 5 championship. Melbourne took home the district championship and advanced to round two of the regional tournament before falling short.

• James McGill of Astronaut finished second in state qualifying, but fell short in the first round of the individual bracket.

Girls

Melbourne and Space Coast girls bowling teams both made the regional bracket and were eliminated in the first round. Space Coast fell in round two, and Melbourne reached the third round before losing to the state runner-ups at East River High School.

• Kristalyn Wright of Heritage qualified for the individual state bracket, falling in the second round.

• Genevieve Giguere of West Shore qualified for the individual state bracket, falling in the first round.

• Isabella Williamson of Melbourne qualified for the individual state bracket, falling in the second round.

• Bailey Furst of Titusville qualified for the individual state bracket and fell in the second round.

• Savannah McGill of Space Coast qualified for the individual state bracket, falling in the first round.

• Brooke Rhoads of Heritage qualified for the individual state bracket, falling in the first round.

Cross Country

Cross country district meets are being held currently at several different sites with, regionals coming up November 11-14 and state championships being held in Tallahassee on November 20.

District championships for the Brevard County district will be held in on November 7. With teams competing for a spot in regionals.

Golf

Girls

The Class 1A District 8 tournament went down to the wire; Cocoa Beach finished first with a score of 376, West Shore finished second with 381, and Holy Trinity finished third with 392.

In Class 3A District 7, Viera tied Jupiter at 316. Harlow Brogden was the top performer, shooting a 76.

In the girls’ regionals, we had some cancellations due to weather and will need to make them up.

Boys 

In districts, no team from Brevard won their district. However, Viera’s boys team did tie for fourth in the regional championships, led by Jeremiah Smith, who shot an impressive 69.

Swimming and Diving

Satellite historically has a very talented swim and dive team, and this year is no different.

The Scorpions boys and girls teams both won the Class 2A District 5 championship. Both the boys and girls had individual winners that helped their total scores.

On the girls’ team, Sadie Mirda, Reilly Morgan, and Corra Kilduff all took home individual wins.

On the boys’ team, Bastian Soto, Gavin Domboru, Maxwell Morgan, and Levi Davidson also took home individual victories.

Edgewood boys and girls also won their district swim meet in Class 1A, District 5A. The Red Wolves are heading into regionals with strong momentum and are looking to take home a state title this year.

Edgewood’s girls’ individual winners were Kendall Ratliff, Lindsey Brown, and Sydney Gordon.

Edgewood’s boys’ individual winners were Aaron Gordon, Griffin Kirby, and Hunter Bloomstine.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE BREVARD PREP SPORTS NEWS

The post Space Coast Daily’s Zane Garcia Provides Brevard Fall Sports Season Wrap Up appeared first on Space Coast Daily.

BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – Due to a water main break caused during restoration efforts in the Port Malabar area, the following residents are experiencing water service disruption and will be placed on a precautionary boil water notice once service is restored.

• 801 – 897 Sadnet Cir NE

• 815 – 885 Briar Creek Blvd

• 1901-1911 Port Malabar

• 1000 – 1300 Hollow Brook Ln

• 900 – 950 Brookshire Cir

• 1015 – 1060 Oak Tree Pl

• 900 – 1075 Falls Trl

• 900 – 945 Holloway Trl

• 1000 – 1045 Steeplechase Cir

• 1160 – 1180 Briar Run Cir

• 1200 – 1310 Pemberton Trl

• 1264 – 1535 Absaroka Ln

• 1532 – 1593 Nome Ln

• 1373 – 1493 Sitka Ln

• 1404 – 1445 Barrow Ln

• 1362 – 1422 Knave Ln

• 1611 – 1743 Country Cove Cir

• 1305 – 1330 Oak Harbour Ln

• 1150 – 1685 Corey Rd

Therefore, as a precaution, we advise that all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth or washing dishes be boiled. A rolling boil of one minute is sufficient. Additionally, bottled water may be used as an alternative.

This “Precautionary Boil Water Notice” will remain in effect until the problem has been corrected and a bacteriological survey shows that the water is safe to drink.

Affected customers will be notified immediately once the boil water notice has been lifted.

If you have any questions you may contact the Palm Bay Utilities Department at (321) 952-3410 or the after-hours emergency line at (321) 952-3478.

For updates, you may also visit the department’s website at www.palmbayfl.gov/utilities.

The post City of Palm Bay Issues Precautionary Boil Water Notice for Port Malabar Area After Water Main Break appeared first on Space Coast Daily.

Participants will learn about the dual enrollment pathways available through EFSC and how eligible families can begin earning college credits while students are still in high school at no cost.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Eastern Florida State College will host two virtual information sessions this fall to help students and families learn how dual enrollment can let high school students earn free college credit while accelerating their educational and career goals.

The online sessions are scheduled for:

• Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026, from 6 to 7 p.m.
• Monday, Dec. 7, 2026, from 6 to 7 p.m.

Participants will learn about the dual enrollment pathways available through EFSC and how eligible families can begin earning college credits while students are still in high school at no cost.

Dual enrollment provides students with an opportunity to experience the rigor of college coursework while building confidence and academic momentum before graduation.

Students who participate can jump-start their college and career plans, reduce the time and cost required to earn a degree, and strengthen future college applications.

The program has already delivered significant benefits to local families.

During the 2025-26 academic year, Brevard County families saved more than $6 million in tuition costs through participation in EFSC’s dual enrollment program.

Students and families can register for either information session at easternflorida.edu/go/dualpreview. For additional information, call 321-433-7614.

Find out more about Eastern Florida State College at Easternflorida.edu.

The post EDUCATION: Eastern Florida State College to Host Virtual Dual Enrollment Information Sessions appeared first on Space Coast Daily.

ABOVE VIDEO: Take a tour and see an interview with Chip Jones with Metal Supermarkets in Melbourne. Located at 4045 Dow Rd Ste 104 in Melbourne. Have a question or want more info call (321) 378-4050 or Click Here

ABOVE VIDEO: Metal Supermarkets is the world’s largest supplier of small-quantity metals. They carry the widest variety of metal types, grades and shapes. They are conveniently located and offer fast and easy access to metal products and services.

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Metal Supermarkets in Melbourne serves local contractors across Brevard County, manufacturers, fabricators and do-it-yourself customers with a wide selection of metal products available in small quantities.

The company stocks more than 8,000 types, grades and shapes of metal across its network.

Materials include steel, aluminum, stainless steel, alloy steel, galvanized steel, tool steel, brass, bronze and copper.

Products come in forms such as bars, sheets, plates, tubing, pipes and structural shapes.

Metal Supermarkets, the world’s largest supplier of small-quantity metals, has more than 100 brick-and-mortar stores across the United States.

With highly specialized staff, customers can get the metal they need in a size that is convenient for them.

For additional information about Metal Supermarkets, visit https://www.metalsupermarkets.com.

Customers can order only what they need, with no minimum order requirement. Metal Supermarkets also offers cut-to-size service, along with additional services such as production cutting, shearing, and punching.

Staff can help customers identify materials and source specialty or hard-to-find metals.

The Melbourne store is at 4045 Dow Road, Suite 104, near Melbourne Orlando International Airport and east of U.S. 1.

Customers can visit the warehouse, call (321) 378-4050 or request a quote online.

The store’s listed phone number is 321-378-4050. Its posted hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; it is closed Saturday and Sunday.

The Melbourne location serves customers across the surrounding area and offers delivery.

Metal Supermarkets says product availability and pricing can vary by store, so customers can contact the Melbourne location directly to check stock and get a quote.

For additional information about Metal Supermarkets, visit https://www.metalsupermarkets.com.

ABOVE MAP: The Melbourne store is at 4045 Dow Road, Suite 104, near Melbourne Orlando International Airport

The post WATCH: Metal Supermarkets Offers Cut-to-Size Metal and Specialty Materials in Melbourne appeared first on Space Coast Daily.

BREVARD COUNTY, FL ORIDA – The Brevard Community Chorus will present a holiday concert entitled On Christmas Night: A Concert of Carols, Songs, and Sing-Alongs with two performances scheduled as follows:

• Monday, Dec. 7
7:30 p.m.
Simpkins Fine Arts Center (Bldg. 4), EFSC Cocoa Campus,1519 Clearlake Road.
Cocoa, FL 32922

• Wednesday, Dec. 9
7 p.m.
First United Methodist Church, 206 S. Hopkins Avenue.
Titusville, FL 32796

Justin Walker will conduct the concert, with Jean Black as accompanist.

Tickets are $10 for general admission (adults and seniors), and $5 for students and may be purchased online in advance at efsc.booktix.com or at the door.

The post Justin Walker to Conduct Brevard Community Chorus Holiday Concert in December appeared first on Space Coast Daily.