Good morning, Palm Bay.

The East Coast Zoological Foundation received a $250K grant from Bank of America East Central Florida to support its campaign to build Bowen Aquarium and Conservation Center in Port Canaveral.

The project is expected to break ground this year and open in 2027 — it will create more than 900 jobs and attract over 300,000 tourists annually.

A 66-year-old Merritt Island man named William Clements remains in jail without bond on charges of arson, attempted first-degree premeditated murder and cruelty to animals—he set his girlfriend’s home on fire on April 4, seriously injuring her.

Large amounts of sargassum have blanketed local beaches since March and experts predict a record season as renewed flow from the Amazon fuels further growth — the decaying seaweed emits a rotten egg smell that may irritate eyes, ears, and noses, though it is safe for swimmers without open wounds. Researchers note that while the seaweed supports marine life, its spread will be closely monitored throughout the summer.

Starting May 7, 2025, every traveler 18 or older must show a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, ID card, or valid passport to board commercial flights or enter federal facilities.

Residents with outdated documents must visit a local driver's license service center or tax collector's office with original identification—such as proof of identity and residency—to update their records, while those with licenses issued or renewed since January 2010 already meet the requirement.

House Speaker Daniel Perez announced he is forming a committee to study four proposals for reducing property taxes, including raising homestead exemptions and changing assessment caps.

The committee—led by Reps. Toby Overdorf and Vicki Lopez—will review options for next year amid disagreements with Gov. DeSantis.

Florida lawmakers passed a bill that will create a dangerous excessive speeding offense for drivers who exceed the speed limit by 50 mph or drive at 100 mph or more in a reckless manner—if signed by Governor Ron DeSantis the law will impose fines, jail time, and a possible license loss for repeat offenders. The bill will take effect on July 1 if approved.

Former Holy Trinity Tiger Seth Coleman from Melbourne signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent today — he is only the second player from Holy Trinity to reach the NFL following Marcus Maye.

Brevard high school baseball had Belen Jesuit beat Merritt Island three to zero in eight innings — a key regional semifinal win — and started the series with a one game lead.

District softball games returned wins as City of Life Christian beat Calvary Chapel twelve to two, Cocoa Beach beat Holy Trinity seven to two, Titusville defeated Palm Bay twenty-four to nine, Eau Gallie won ten to zero over Satellite, Rockledge beat Merritt Island two to one, and Heritage won seventeen to zero — showing strong performances in their districts.

Friendly's Thursday Night Car Show

5-8 p.m. — Friendly's — Free entry — Show off classic rides and mingle with fellow car enthusiasts at this local car show.

Latin Dancing and Lessons at Flames

6-9 p.m. — Flames Mediterranean Bar & Grill — Cost details not provided — Experience an energetic evening of Latin music and dance lessons with Oscar Alvarado and Julian Reyes.

Candlelight: Tribute to The Beatles

8:45-9:45 p.m. — Gleason Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience The Beatles' timeless music performed by the Listeso String Quartet under candlelight.

Turkey Creeks 5K Trail Run

8-10 AM — Turkey Creek Sanctuary — Registration required — Experience the thrill of a community trail run while supporting local initiatives.

On-Site Tour of A&C God Bless Assisted Living Facility

9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — A&C God Bless Assisted Living Facility — Free entry — Explore a premier senior living community focused on enriching the lives of its residents.