Good morning, Palm Bay.

Food banks warn that summer storms may worsen food shortages and rising costs for local families and Second Harvest will need community support to secure 300,000 meals daily — extra volunteers, donations and careful planning are essential.

Florida makers now sell Dubai chocolate bars that copy a viral dessert first made in Dubai.

Local businesses like Angell and Phelps in Daytona Beach offer their own versions while most bars in the U.S. are produced in Turkey or locally (the original bars are sold by Fix Dessert Chocolatier).

SpaceX is launching a Falcon 9 rocket today at 6:26 a.m. from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station to send 29 Starlink satellites into orbit from the Florida coast; the booster will attempt its 12th landing on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic.

Developers in North Brevard County kicked off several projects that fuel local growth.

A groundbreaking for a 50-acre wetland park (with six lakes) took place in nearby Volusia on Apr. 10, while a 502-room hotel in Cocoa Beach is under construction and will open in June 2027.

NASA released skywatching tips for residents, detailing June 9’s Venus and Jupiter conjunction, June 17’s lunar occultation of Venus, and the June 21 summer solstice.

Residents are urged to use binoculars or telescopes (and seek dark spots away from city lights) for clear views.

NASA and Boeing are planning an uncrewed Starliner test flight from Kennedy Space Center to the International Space Station + the launch date is under review as teams improve the spacecraft following a troubled crewed test in June 2024.

Severe drought and wildfires prompted Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson to warn that a fireworks ban may affect July 4 celebrations; dozens of counties already under burn bans restrict outdoor burning & include fireworks and sparklers.

Health First supports caregivers with ongoing programs including EAP services, Team Lavender peer support and therapy dog visits at its medical centers—helping staff manage stress and recharge during challenging shifts.

Ladies Duck Swap and Connection Showcase

6:30 – 8:00 p.m. — Lazy Turtle RiverFront Grill & Tiki Bar — Attendees responsible for food and drinks — A playful gathering for women to swap collectible ducks and forge new friendships.

Palm Bay Independence Day Celebration

5-9 p.m. — Eastern Florida State College Palm Bay Campus — Free admission and parking — Celebrate freedom with live performances, food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks display.