BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The National Weather Service in Melbourne has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for portions of northern and central Brevard County, including Titusville, Cocoa, Merritt Island, and Rockledge, that remains in effect until 6:00 p.m. EDT Monday.

The storm is capable of producing damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph and nickel-sized hail, creating the potential for downed tree limbs, scattered power outages, and minor property damage.

Communities within the warning area include Titusville, Mims, Port St. John, Sharpes, Cocoa, Merritt Island, Cape Canaveral, Indian River City, and surrounding areas.

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BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The National Weather Service in Melbourne has issued a Special Weather Statement for portions of east-central Florida, including Melbourne and Merritt Island, that remains in effect until 5:45 p.m. EDT Monday.

Strong thunderstorms moving through the area are capable of producing wind gusts up to 50 mph.

While hail is not expected, the storms could still bring heavy rain, frequent lightning, and gusty winds capable of knocking down small tree limbs, blowing around unsecured outdoor objects, and creating hazardous travel conditions.

Residents and visitors in the affected areas are encouraged to monitor changing weather conditions and be prepared to seek shelter if storms approach.

The post Special Weather Statement Issued for Melbourne, Merritt Island, and Saint Cloud Until 5:45 P.M. appeared first on Space Coast Daily.

BREVARD COUNTY • PORT CANAVERAL, FLORIDA — Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill is giving guests even more reasons to stop by this week with a mouthwatering lineup of weekly specials featuring fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and a variety of options for seafood lovers and burger enthusiasts alike.

Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch, a waterfront dinner, or a place to unwind during happy hour, Fishlips has something to satisfy every craving.

Among this week’s featured specials are the Cajun Angels, a delicious appetizer featuring juicy blackened shrimp wrapped in crispy bacon and served with tropical salsa and a flavorful remoulade dipping sauce.

Burger lovers can enjoy the M.O.S. Burger, a hearty half-pound burger topped with melted Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, and sautéed mushrooms for a rich and savory combination.

Another standout is the Fried Green Tomato BLT, featuring house-battered fried green tomatoes served over crisp lettuce with diced tomatoes, crispy bacon, and finished with a drizzle of remoulade.

Seafood fans can also indulge in the Parmesan Scallops, tender scallops coated in an herb and parmesan crust and served alongside cheese tortellini primavera for a satisfying entrée.

In addition to its weekly specials, Fishlips is inviting the community to an upcoming Painting with a Twist event. The evening promises creativity, laughter, great food, and refreshing drinks in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

No painting experience is necessary, making it a perfect outing for friends, couples, families, or anyone looking for a unique night out. Guests are encouraged to stay tuned for event details and reserve their spots early before the event fills up.

With waterfront views, fresh seafood, handcrafted cocktails, and exciting weekly features, Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill continues to be one of Port Canaveral’s favorite destinations for great dining and entertainment.

The post Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill Serving Up Flavorful Weekly Specials, Upcoming Painting with a Twist Event appeared first on Space Coast Daily.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH

CLICK HERE TO WATCH

ABOVE LIVESTREAM: Most courts in Brevard County are fully accessible to citizens. The courtroom located inside the Brevard County Jail limits public access due to security concerns. To overcome these limitations, the Sheriff’s Office has implemented the above video streaming capability so the public can watch the proceedings at the jail live. 

Initial Proceedings From the Brevard County Jail

• Monday through Friday: 1:30 p.m.

• Saturday, Sunday and Holidays: 9:30 a.m.

• Plea Court: Wednesdays, 10 a.m.

Periodically, juvenile court proceedings take place before jail initial appearance proceedings.

This will delay the start time of the video stream until after all juvenile proceedings are complete.

The Judge has the authority to, and may at their discretion, temporarily disallow video streaming to prevent information exempt from the public record from being aired.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH

CLICK HERE FOR BREVARD COUNTY NEWS

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ABOVE VIDEO: Sam Neill, the acclaimed actor whose portrayal of paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park made him a household name around the world, has died at the age of 78.

The post ‘Jurassic Park’ Star Sam Neill Dies at 78, Known for His Major Role as Dr. Alan Grant appeared first on Space Coast Daily.

BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – Motorists are advised that the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will implement the following overnight ramp closures on Interstate 95 (I-95) in Brevard County beginning as early as Monday, July 13.

These closures are necessary to complete paving operations for the I-95 resurfacing projects.

The work schedule is subject to change due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

FDOT advises motorists to remain alert and follow all posted detour signs. Please see the attached detour maps for additional details.

Overnight Ramp Closures at I-95 Interchange at Malabar Road

Monday, July 13: The northbound I-95 on-ramp from Malabar Road will be closed overnight from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning, Tuesday, July 14.

Motorists traveling eastbound on Malabar Road who wish to access northbound I-95 should turn onto northbound Babcock Street (S.R. 507) from Malabar Road. From there, travel north to Palm Bay Road, turn left onto westbound Palm Bay Road, and proceed to the northbound I-95 on-ramp.

Motorists traveling westbound on Malabar Road who wish to access northbound I-95 should turn onto northbound Minton Road from Malabar Road. From there, travel north to Palm Bay Road, turn right onto eastbound Palm Bay Road, and proceed to the northbound I-95 on-ramp.

Monday, July 13, and Thursday, July 16: The northbound I-95 off-ramp to Malabar Road (Exit 173) will be closed overnight from 9 p.m. Monday, July 13, to 5 a.m. the following morning, Tuesday, July 14, and from 9 p.m. Thursday, July 16, to 5 a.m. the following morning, Friday, July 17.

Motorists traveling northbound on I-95 who wish to access Malabar Road should continue north to Palm Bay Road (Exit 176). From there, turn left onto westbound Palm Bay Road and proceed to the southbound I-95 on-ramp. Travel south on I-95 to Malabar Road (Exit 173).

Overnight Ramp Closures at I-95 Interchange at Palm Bay Road

Tuesday, July 14: The northbound I-95 off-ramp to Palm Bay Road will be closed overnight from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning, Wednesday, July 15.

Motorists traveling northbound on I-95 who wish to access Palm Bay Road should continue north to U.S. 192 (Exit 180). From there, turn left onto westbound U.S. 192 and proceed to the southbound I-95 on-ramp. Proceed south to Palm Bay Road (Exit 176).

Wednesday, July 15: The northbound I-95 on-ramp from Palm Bay Road will be closed overnight from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning, Thursday, July 16.

Motorists traveling eastbound on Palm Bay Road who wish to access northbound I-95 should turn onto northbound Hollywood Boulevard from Palm Bay Road. From there, turn left onto westbound U.S. 192 and proceed west to access the northbound I-95 on-ramp.

Motorists traveling westbound on Palm Bay Road who wish to access northbound I-95 should turn onto northbound Minton Road from Palm Bay Road. From there, turn left onto westbound U.S. 192 and proceed west to access the northbound I-95 on-ramp.

Overnight Ramp Closures at I-95 Interchange at U.S. 192

Thursday, July 16: The northbound I-95 off-ramp to U.S. 192 (Exit 180) will be closed overnight from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning, Friday, July 17.

Motorists traveling northbound on I-95 who wish to access U.S. 192 should continue north to Ellis Road (Exit 182). From there, turn left onto westbound Ellis Road and proceed to the southbound I-95 on-ramp. Travel south on I-95 to U.S. 192 (Exit 180).

The post Traffic Advisory: Overnight Ramp Closures at I-95 Interchanges in Palm Bay Begin Today appeared first on Space Coast Daily.

ABOVE VIDEO: Space Shuttle Discovery STS-70 launched on this day in 1995 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center carrying the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS)-G.

JULY 13, 1995 – Space Shuttle Discovery STS-70 launched on this day in 1995 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center carrying the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS)-G.

Crew members included Commander Terry Henricks, Pilot Kevin Kregel, Mission Specialists Nancy Currie, Don Thomas and Mary Ellen Weber.

The original liftoff date had been targeted for June 22 in 1995, but had to be delayed after an “attack” by Northern Flicker woodpeckers. NASA officials say the woodpeckers poked about 200 holes in the foam insulation of Discovery’s external tank. As a result, the launch had to be delayed.

STS-70 carried Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS)-G to orbit.

Known as TDRS-7 once commissioned on orbit, this was the last of the first generation TDRS satellites.

Related Story:
SPACE TO GROUND: Latest Happenings Surrounding International Space Station

ABOVE VIDEO: STS-70 Mission Highlights.

CLICK HERE FOR BREVARD COUNTY NEWS

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WATCH: Charles “Phil” Smith graduated From Cocoa High School in 1961 after earning a triple trifecta of nine varsity letters, three each in football, basketball and track.  He was also named All-State in football and basketball. (Video aired in 2016)

2016 PREP INDUCTEE

All State In Football and Basketball, FCCAA Distinguished Service Award and First Scholarship Athlete At EFSC

COCOA HIGH GRADUATE

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Today’s high school athletes tend to focus on a particular sport, but “back in the day” when Charles “Phil” Smith was growing up, things were very different.

“Athletes back then didn’t specialize,” said Smith. “We played football and then two weeks later went to basketball and when that was over, we headed to track.”

That’s exactly what Smith did while at Cocoa High School, where he graduated in 1961 after earning a triple trifecta of nine varsity letters, three each in football, basketball and track.

Those letters would keep finding Smith when he enrolled as the first scholarship athlete at Brevard Junior College, the precursor of today’s Eastern Florida State College.

Here he earned two letters in basketball, was twice the team’s captain, a leading scorer and rebounder and the school’s first player to make Southern All-Conference and All-State honors.

Smith’s record of 30 rebounds in a single game still stands today, more than 50 years later.

The school started a track team during Smith’s second year there and he jumped right in, literally, becoming a state champion with a high jump of 6’3” and a long jump of 20’8”.

With a basketball scholarship, the versatile Smith headed to Georgia Southern College. Smith spent his time wisely at Georgia Southern and graduated with membership in the 1964 NAIA National runner-up team.

Back in Brevard with a newly-minted bachelor’s degree in education and history, Smith helped his junior college alma mater by volunteering as a basketball coach and helping launch women’s basketball and softball.

FHSAA EXECUTIVE

For his day job, he dove wholeheartedly into a career with Brevard County Schools. The Cocoa native headed north to Titusville to teach at South Lake Elementary and Jackson Junior High, also serving as head coach in football, basketball and track, as well as athletic director.

The job would later take him to another alma mater, Cocoa High, where in addition to serving as the boys’ basketball coach and the first head coach in girls’ basketball and slow-pitch softball, he was athletics director, dean, assistant principal and adult education principal.

Cocoa lost Smith to Gainesville in 1982, when he accepted the director of field services position with the Florida High School Activities Association. He was also the state’s executive director for the Florida Association of Student Councils and the executive secretary of the Florida Association of National Honor Societies.

Tallahassee claims him these days, for Smith and wife (and Cocoa High sweetheart) Sandi, still live there, even though he retired in 2007 after 16 years as executive director of the Florida Community College Activities Association.

Hall of Fame membership is nothing new to Smith, a pioneer in the implementation of gender equity in education and sports and a member of the FHSAA, FLCCAA, Collegiate Press Association and the Community Colleges Men and Women’s Basketball Coaches’ State Halls of Fame.”

CLICK HERE to see all the members of the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame.

Related Story:
HOT OFF THE PRESS! July 11, 2022 Space Coast Daily News – Brevard County’s Best Newspaper

The post SPOTLIGHT: Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame’s Charles ‘Phil’ Smith Was First Scholarship Athlete at Eastern Florida appeared first on Space Coast Daily.

ABOVE VIDEO: BCSO Explorers Earn Multiple State Titles at Florida Sheriff’s Explorers Association Conference

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Explorers Post 321 brought home an impressive collection of awards after competing at last week’s Florida Sheriff’s Explorers Association (FSEA) State Conference, showcasing their training and dedication while representing Brevard County.

The BCSO Explorers earned top honors in several competitive events, including:

1st Place – Sharp Shooter Division (Firearms)
1st Place – Marksman Division (Firearms)
1st Place – Cell Extractions & Cell Searches
3rd Place – Active Shooter Response
3rd Place – Loitering & Prowling Response

Adding to the team’s success, BCSO Explorer Lieutenant Dawson Gutowski was elected to the Florida Sheriff’s Explorers Association State Board as the Vice President of the East/Central Region, marking another significant achievement for the Brevard County program.

Sheriff Wayne Ivey praised the Explorers for their hard work and commitment, saying the team’s accomplishments are a direct reflection of the countless hours they dedicate to training and preparing for careers in law enforcement.

“To say I am proud of this group is an understatement,” Sheriff Ivey said. “These young men and women put in so much time and training to not only do well at these competitions, but also to prepare themselves for a future in law enforcement.”

Sheriff Ivey also recognized the advisors and trainers who help mentor the Explorers, thanking Corporal Bree Lewis, Corporal Jose Ortiz, Lieutenant Christine Bisbee, and the entire team for investing their time to train, travel with, and guide the participants.

The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Program provides young men and women interested in law enforcement with hands-on training, leadership development, and real-world experience, helping prepare the next generation of public safety professionals.

Sheriff Ivey encouraged the community to join him in congratulating Explorers Post 321 on an outstanding performance and for representing Brevard County with excellence at the statewide competition.

The post BCSO Explorers Earn Multiple State Titles at Florida Sheriff’s Explorers Association Conference appeared first on Space Coast Daily.

Watch: Bobby and Nikki Freeman tour the remodeled southeast corner residence at Emerald Seas in Cocoa Beach.

Remodeled Luxury Oceanfront Condo Hits Market at Cocoa Beach’s Emerald Seas $1,250,000

BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA BEACH, FLORIDA — A newly remodeled southeast-corner residence at Emerald Seas, one of Cocoa Beach’s best-known oceanfront condominium communities, is drawing attention from buyers seeking direct Atlantic Ocean living on Florida’s Space Coast.

The unit, listed by Bobby Freeman and Nikki McCoy Freeman of the McCoy Freeman Group at Compass Florida, features walls of glass framing the ocean, luxury vinyl plank flooring, and an open living area designed around panoramic coastline views.

EMERALD SEAS CONDO FOR SALE

Emerald Seas sits directly on the Atlantic Ocean and offers residents private beach access, gated, secure entry, a heated oceanfront pool, hot tub, sauna, and tennis courts. The community is within close reach of downtown Cocoa Beach’s restaurants and shops, Port Canaveral, and the wider Space Coast job market.

Southeast corner units, like the one featured, are among the most sought-after floorplans in the building because of their added windows, stronger natural light, and wider ocean views compared to interior or single-exposure units.

“After selling oceanfront condos throughout Cocoa Beach for more than two decades, southeast corner residences consistently remain among the most desirable floorplans. Buyers love the extra light, coastline views, and the way these homes feel connected to the ocean,” said Bobby Freeman.

Photo: The remodeled living room, with luxury vinyl plank flooring and unobstructed ocean views. Credit: McCoy Freeman Group / Compass Florida.

Availability at Emerald Seas can be limited, particularly for premium corner residences with unobstructed ocean views, and interested buyers are encouraged to monitor new listings closely.

For more information on the featured residence or other oceanfront opportunities in Cocoa Beach, contact Bobby Freeman and Nikki McCoy Freeman of the McCoy Freeman Group at Compass Florida.

Thinking about selling your Cocoa Beach or Cape Canaveral condo? Learn more about Bobby Freeman’s marketing strategy and why homeowners throughout Florida’s Space Coast trust the McCoy Freeman Group to help maximize their home’s exposure and value. – Why List Your Condo with Bobby Freeman

About Bobby Freeman

Bobby Freeman is a REALTOR® with the McCoy Freeman Group at Compass and a regular real estate contributor to Space Coast Daily. A lifelong Brevard County resident with more than 22 years of experience, Bobby has helped over 1,500 families buy and sell homes and has closed more than $520 million in real estate sales.

The post McCoy Freeman Group Lists Newly Remodeled Oceanfront Condo at Emerald Seas in Cocoa Beach appeared first on Space Coast Daily.

BREVARD COUNTY • CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA – SpaceX’s Falcon 9 is targeting the launch of 29 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit for Tuesday morning from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

Launch window is open 3:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. ET.

This will be the 28th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Ax-2, Euclid, Ax-3, CRS-30, SES ASTRA 1P, NG-21, and 21 Starlink missions.

Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship, which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.

Coverage of the launch can be seen on Space Coast Daily TV.

The post SpaceX Set to Launch Falcon 9 Rocket from Cape Canaveral on Tuesday, July 14 appeared first on Space Coast Daily.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — Brevard Public Schools will host a free school supply giveaway on Saturday, July 25, to help families prepare for the upcoming school year.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Supply Zone for Teachers, located inside the Clearlake Education Center at 1225 Clearlake Road in Cocoa.

The giveaway will serve the first 2,000 eligible Brevard Public Schools students who participate in the Free or Reduced Lunch Program.

School supplies will be distributed while supplies last, and families are encouraged to arrive early due to the limited number of available supply packs.

The annual event is designed to help ease the financial burden of back-to-school shopping by ensuring eligible students have the essential classroom supplies they need to begin the school year ready to learn.

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