Good morning, Palm Bay.

Publix held a party at the Lake Washington Crossing store for longtime customer 95-year-old Martha Kennon—she has shopped there for over 50 years and her family has strong ties with the store, celebrating with family, friends and her favorite carrot cake.

Kennon said she felt honored to share her birthday with Publix, which opened its first store on Sept. 6, 1930.

During Operation Southern Slow Down from July 14 to July 19, the Florida Highway Patrol issued more than 7,000 speeding tickets and made 87 DUI arrests—several drivers were also arrested for dangerous excessive speeding after exceeding 100 mph.

A 3-year-old boy drowned in a Palm Bay hotel pool after being left in the water for at least 20 minutes while his father (40) slept on the pool steps, reportedly making obscene gestures as hotel staff and paramedics tried to help; Sharef Omar Smith, an Atlanta man, now faces aggravated manslaughter of a child charges and is held without bond.

On July 30, concerned citizens gathered at Isaac Campbell Park in Titusville to protest the return to duty of Police Officer Xzevies Baez—who was involved in the Feb.

7 shooting death of 25-year-old Tri-Marea Charles.

Space Coast Jr./Sr. High School named Dr. Jannette Connor as its new principal for the 2025–2026 school year—she brings over 14 years of experience and strong local ties from the Space Coast to her role.

Melissa Calhoun, a former AP English teacher at Satellite High School, lost her job after using a student’s preferred nickname — a decision that led to her contract not being renewed but now she keeps her Florida teaching license after a unanimous board vote.

It remains unclear if she will reapply for a position in the district.

Restoration work along the Indian River Lagoon uses living shorelines and oyster reef building to improve water quality and protect local habitats.

Local agencies and organizations use federal and county funds (IRLNEP and SOIRL) to rebuild critical ecosystems and strengthen the shoreline.

Indian Harbour Beach is the only tsunami-ready city in Brevard County and has maintained alert systems—drills every three years, sirens, lifeguard patrols, and cell phone warnings—to respond quickly if a tsunami is detected.

Although tsunamis are rare in the region, emergency protocols are in place to protect residents.