Good morning, Palm Bay.

Brian V. Vogel, 33, was sentenced to 30 years in prison on May 19 for second-degree murder and armed burglary in a 2021 home-invasion robbery on Merritt Island that left pool cleaner Matthew Nicol fatally shot and his dog killed when Vogel and his group impersonated law enforcement officers.

An 82-year-old taxi driver was attacked by an alleged passenger, Laway Meharie, after a routine pickup from Circles of Care on May 2 when the suspect choked and scratched her until she flagged down help near North Babcock — police later arrested the suspect and the driver is healing.

Brevard Public Schools board member John Thomas spoke at the Propeller Club of Port Canaveral’s annual Education Luncheon, where he recognized scholarship winners and Rockledge High School HELM Maritime Studies students; he highlighted the district’s A-rating, higher graduation rates and improved test scores—while noting upcoming ballot initiatives in 2026 to address funding and aging infrastructure challenges.

Local gardeners in Palm Bay are advised to test soil before fertilizing and to water lightly after application—steps that help prevent runoff into nearby rivers and lagoons.

Experts at UF/IFAS Extension Brevard County recommend using targeted pesticide treatments and improving soil health to protect local water quality.

Florida state parks will offer free day-use admission on Memorial Day, May 26 for residents and visitors—five parks including Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Skyway Fishing Pier State Park, Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park and Wekiwa Springs State Park are excluded—and additional charges for overnight stays, concessions and rentals will apply.

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.

Virtual Tour of Senior Living Options

9 AM - 7 PM — Gillespie Services Inc — Free entry — Explore top-rated senior living communities offering exceptional care and engaging activities.

Money Management Workshop

9:30-10:30 a.m. — CareerSource Brevard - Palm Bay — Free entry — Learn the basics of managing your finances and achieving stability.

Drive-In Family Movie Night

6-10 p.m. — Space Coast Harley-Davidson — Family-friendly event — Enjoy 'Lion King' under the stars with activities and food trucks.

Brevard Comedy Night at Gettin' Crabby

7-8:30 p.m. — Gettin' Crabby — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of laughter with top comedians including Marcus Crespo and Preach Carter.

Scrape the Bay 2 Car Show

1-6 p.m. — Space Coast Harley-Davidson — $10 to participate — Show off your wheels and enjoy food trucks at this exciting car, truck, and bike showcase.

Best of Senior Living Virtual Tour

9 AM - 7 PM — Above The Rest — Free entry — Discover award-winning senior care facilities and their exceptional services for a vibrant community living.