ReportWire

Tag: Brevard

  • Beautiful weather Monday with highs reaching lower 70s

    [ad_1]

    Beautiful weather Monday with highs reaching lower 70s

    HERE ON THE AIR. IT IS 519. ERIC. WE WANT TO GET THINGS OVER TO YOU. SO MUCH TO TALK ABOUT FOR THE WEEK AHEAD. AND I THINK THE BIGGEST QUESTION EVERYONE IS ASKING IS, ARE WE GOING TO GET MORE RAIN TO HELP US OUT HERE? JUST LOOKING AT THE COMPUTER MODELS AND THERE IS NEARLY NO RAIN. I MEAN, THERE’S THERE’S A SMIDGE, BUT BUT THAT IS OPTIMISTIC. SO I’VE SAID I FEEL LIKE ABOUT A MONTH AGO I SAID, BOY THIS IS GOING TO LOOK LIKE AN INTERESTING FIRE SEASON. AND I’M GETTING MORE AND MORE CONCERNED. MARCH AND APRIL ARE REALLY WHEN THINGS GET ROUGH AND WE’RE ALREADY ROUGH. SO WE’LL CONTINUE TO WATCH THAT. THAT SAID, THOUGH, I DO WANT TO LET YOU KNOW ONE A BIG CHANGE COMING OUR DIRECTION. TEMPERATURES REALLY WARMING UP THIS WEEK LIKE WARMEST WE HAVE SEEN IN MONTHS. LOOK AT THE SEVEN DAY FORECAST WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY, MID 80S 86 DEGREES ON THERE. AND THIS IS THE NEXT 15 DAYS. THIS IS THE ONLY REAL CHANCE OF RAIN COMING SATURDAY INTO SUNDAY. IT’S JUST NOT MUCH. BUT AS FAR AS TEMPERATURES GO, LOOK AT THE END OF THIS WEEK WE’LL MAKE IT TO 86 DEGREES IN ORLANDO, 84 HERE IN OCALA ALONG THE SHORELINE WITH THE BREEZE COMING IN OFF THE COOLER WATERS OF THE OCEAN. YOU WON’T BE AS WARM, BUT 70 TO THE LOWER 80S IS DEFINITELY GOING TO BE AN ELEMENT OF A SHOCK TO THE SYSTEM. IT’S GOING TO BE A WARM, WARM DAY LOOKING AT THE MODELS AND THE AMERICAN GFS BRINGING US INTO THAT WARMER REGISTER. THERE IS A COLD FRONT COMING IN SATURDAY SUNDAY THAT WILL DROP TEMPERATURES DOWN, AND FOR NOW, THE GFS SAYS EARLY NEXT WEEK WE MAY HAVE HIGHS IN THE UPPER 60S MORNING LOWS IN THE 40S, SO THERE MAY BE A LITTLE BIT OF A CHILL IN THERE. BUT AGAIN, WE REBOUND RIGHT BACK INTO THE MID 80S THEREAFTER. AND IN TERMS OF RAINFALL CHANCES, LET’S RUN THE GFS THROUGH THIS WEEKEND. THAT LIGHT GREEN IS ANYWHERE FROM A HALF INCH OF RAIN OR LESS, AND ALL THE WAY THROUGH. LET’S JUST GO ALL THE WAY THROUGH. BASICALLY THE END OF THE MONTH. THAT’S ALL WE HAVE. HALF INCH OF RAIN OR LESS IN THE FORECAST. SO IT IS A VERY, VERY DRY STRETCH. THE FIRE DANGER WILL CONTINUE TO GROW THIS MORNING. DAMP FROM YESTERDAY’S RAIN. AND THAT WAS GOOD. BUT WE’RE GOING TO SEE TOO MANY DRY DAYS THAT WILL MAKE UP FOR YESTERDAY’S RAINFALL. SO DAMP ROADS OUT THE DOOR THIS MORNING. OSCEOLA, THE ONLY SCHOOL DISTRICT IN TODAY. THE REST OF US ARE OFF FOR THE DAY. CLEARING SKIES THROUGH THE DAY. NOT A BAD ONE AT ALL. HERE’S A LIVE LOOK INTO VARIES. A LITTLE BIT OF A LOW CLOUD DECK THERE. BASICALLY IT’S A VERY NICE THOUGH DAMP START TO THE DAY. TEMPERATURES OUT THE DOOR IN THE 60S. OUR FIRST WARNING LIVE RADAR SCANNING DID HAVE THAT LINE OF RAIN MOVED THROUGH LAST NIGHT. IT IS ALREADY DOWN INTO SOUTH FLORIDA AND NOW IT’S JUST GOING TO TAKE A LITTLE BIT OF TIME. BUT WE’LL CLEAR THE SKIES OUT. IT’S GOING TO BE A BEAUTIFUL DAY. 73 IN THE CITY TODAY, 72 DEGREES IN THE VILLAGES. YOU HEAD EAST THOUGH, AND WITH THAT NORTHEASTERLY WIND COMPONENT 69 IN DELAND, 67 TODAY, DAYTONA BEACH AND 71 IN TITUSVILLE. SO THERE’S YESTERDAY’S STORM SYSTEM. IT PULLS AWAY. THIS AREA OF HIGH PRESSURE BUILDS IN OFF THE EAST COAST. AND WHAT IT DOES IS IT GIVES US THIS KIND OF RETURN FLOW. SO WARMING TEMPERATURES IS GOING TO BE THE NAME OF THE GAME THESE NEXT FEW DAYS ALREADY TO THE UPPER 70S TOMORROW, MID 80S.

    Wet roads are present in Brevard this morning due to last night’s rain, but as the last of the rain moves out, the area is expected to see beautiful weather today. Highs will be in the lower 70s, a tad cooler, with warmer days in the mid-80s anticipated later in the week.First Warning Weather Stay with WESH 2 online and on-air for the most accurate Central Florida weather forecast.RadarSevere Weather AlertsDownload the WESH 2 News app to get the most up-to-date weather alerts. The First Warning Weather team includes First Warning Chief Meteorologist Tony Mainolfi, Eric Burris, Marquise Meda and Cam Tran.

    Wet roads are present in Brevard this morning due to last night’s rain, but as the last of the rain moves out, the area is expected to see beautiful weather today.

    Highs will be in the lower 70s, a tad cooler, with warmer days in the mid-80s anticipated later in the week.

    First Warning Weather

    Stay with WESH 2 online and on-air for the most accurate Central Florida weather forecast.

    Download the WESH 2 News app to get the most up-to-date weather alerts.

    The First Warning Weather team includes First Warning Chief Meteorologist Tony Mainolfi, Eric Burris, Marquise Meda and Cam Tran.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Wildfire causes hours-long shutdown of I-95 in Brevard County

    [ad_1]

    MARION COUNTY LIVE TONIGHT IN DUNNELLON TONY ATKINS WESH TWO NEWS. ALL RIGHT. STAY SAFE OUT THERE, TONY. MEANWHILE, YOU’RE ABOUT TO TAKE A LIVE LOOK AT A PICTURE FROM AN FDOT CAM ON I-95 IN BREVARD COUNTY NEAR GRANT. NOW, WITHIN THE PAST HOUR, TROOPERS REOPENED TRAFFIC GOING NORTH AFTER SHUTTING DOWN BOTH DIRECTIONS FOR HOURS DUE TO SMOKE OUT THERE. THIS IS A LOOK AT WHAT IT LOOKED LIKE EARLIER TODAY. WE DO KNOW THAT FIREFIGHTERS, BOTH IN THE AIR AND ON THE GROUND, BATTL

    Wildfire causes hours-long shutdown of I-95 in Brevard County

    Updated: 10:59 PM EST Feb 1, 2026

    Editorial Standards ⓘ

    Interstate 95 was shut down in both directions in Brevard County on Sunday afternoon due to a wildfire, causing low visibility, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.Roads were closed between mile marker 166 and mile marker 173, about 7 miles between the area of St. Johns Heritage Parkway and Malabar Road.The road has since reopened, troopers said. FHP is advising drivers to continue to avoid the area until further notice. According to the Florida Forest Service, the brush fire over I-95 in Brevard County, called the Terkam Road fire, grew to 130 acres and is now 100% contained.

    BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. —

    Interstate 95 was shut down in both directions in Brevard County on Sunday afternoon due to a wildfire, causing low visibility, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

    Roads were closed between mile marker 166 and mile marker 173, about 7 miles between the area of St. Johns Heritage Parkway and Malabar Road.

    The road has since reopened, troopers said.

    FHP is advising drivers to continue to avoid the area until further notice.

    According to the Florida Forest Service, the brush fire over I-95 in Brevard County, called the Terkam Road fire, grew to 130 acres and is now 100% contained.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Driver found in nearby bushes after hit-and-run in Brevard

    [ad_1]

    The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating after a driver was found in nearby bushes after a hit-and-run crash in Brevard County.Troopers responded to the crash involving a Toyota Corolla and a semitruck along I-95 in Titusville just before 2 a.m. Sunday.Troopers said the 32-year-old driver of the Corolla was located in the bushes across from his car.The driver, along with a 23-year-old passenger, was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.The driver of the semitruck was unharmed, and the crash remains under investigation.Troopers said charges are pending against the driver of the Corolla.

    The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating after a driver was found in nearby bushes after a hit-and-run crash in Brevard County.

    Troopers responded to the crash involving a Toyota Corolla and a semitruck along I-95 in Titusville just before 2 a.m. Sunday.

    Troopers said the 32-year-old driver of the Corolla was located in the bushes across from his car.

    The driver, along with a 23-year-old passenger, was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

    The driver of the semitruck was unharmed, and the crash remains under investigation.

    Troopers said charges are pending against the driver of the Corolla.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • SpaceX set to launch Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral on Sunday

    [ad_1]

    SpaceX set to launch Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral on Sunday

    Updated: 5:15 PM EDT Sep 14, 2025

    Editorial Standards ⓘ

    >>>Watch the launch live in the video player aboveSpaceX has scheduled a Falcon 9 launch of Northrop Grumman’s next Cygnus mission to the International Space Station on Sunday. Liftoff is targeted for 6:11 p.m. from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.Eight minutes after liftoff, Falcon 9’s first stage is expected to land on SpaceX’s Landing Zone 2.SpaceX said there is a possibility that residents of Brevard, Orange, Osceola, Indian River, Seminole, Volusia, Polk, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee counties may hear one or more sonic booms during the landing.

    >>>Watch the launch live in the video player above

    SpaceX has scheduled a Falcon 9 launch of Northrop Grumman’s next Cygnus mission to the International Space Station on Sunday.

    Liftoff is targeted for 6:11 p.m. from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

    Eight minutes after liftoff, Falcon 9’s first stage is expected to land on SpaceX’s Landing Zone 2.

    SpaceX said there is a possibility that residents of Brevard, Orange, Osceola, Indian River, Seminole, Volusia, Polk, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee counties may hear one or more sonic booms during the landing.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Mistrial declared in case of Brevard mother accused of killing her 3-year-old son

    [ad_1]

    Breaking Update: A judge has declared a mistrial in the murder of a 3-year-old boy over a discovery violation involving an interview.The judge said prosecutors withheld key evidence and testimony from the defense—something that warrants a mistrial. >> Developing story, this will be updated Monday’s story: The mother accused in her 3-year-old son’s murder took the stand in her own defense Monday afternoon.Erica Dotson, 31, spoke for two hours. It was the first time the public had heard from the defendant since her 2021 arrest.“I genuinely believed my son was just having accidents. I believed everything that Josh said,” Dotson said. “I just didn’t see what was going on. I wasn’t home much.”Dotson and her boyfriend, Joshua Manns, are charged in the death of her son, Jameson Nance. They are being tried separately.Manns told authorities he had a seizure while Jameson was in the bathtub on the day he died. He said Jameson wasn’t breathing when he regained consciousness.“I said, ‘What do you mean? Did you call 911?’ He said no,” Dotson said.A medical examiner determined the cause of death was blunt force trauma sustained over an extended period of time. In the days leading up to Jameson’s death in June 2021, Dotson said she noticed a large lump on his head. But both Manns and Jameson told her it was an accident.She said her son was prone to injuries, including a broken leg earlier that year. There was also a time when Jameson had a black eye. Dotson said he got it from another child at daycare, though the school had no record of the incident.Following the more recent head injury, Dotson testified that she wanted to take her son to the hospital because the bruising and swelling were getting worse. She said Manns argued with her about it.“He said he was sorry and that he loved Jameson,” Dotson said. “That he would never do anything to hurt Jameson and that he promised me the next day when I went to work that he’d protect him.”Jameson was killed the following day. According to the medical examiner, he had dozens of bruises and stab wounds to the head.“He didn’t look like that,” Dotson said. “I told Detective Campos, he didn’t have all that swelling. He didn’t look like that when I left that morning. He had swelling on his eyes, but he didn’t look like that.”Dotson and Manns both face the death penalty if convicted.“I’m the only female in Brevard County facing the death penalty,” Dotson said.The state is expected to call rebuttal witnesses on Tuesday. Closing arguments will follow.

    BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. —

    Breaking Update: A judge has declared a mistrial in the murder of a 3-year-old boy over a discovery violation involving an interview.

    The judge said prosecutors withheld key evidence and testimony from the defense—something that warrants a mistrial.

    >> Developing story, this will be updated

    Monday’s story:

    The mother accused in her 3-year-old son’s murder took the stand in her own defense Monday afternoon.

    Erica Dotson, 31, spoke for two hours. It was the first time the public had heard from the defendant since her 2021 arrest.

    “I genuinely believed my son was just having accidents. I believed everything that Josh said,” Dotson said. “I just didn’t see what was going on. I wasn’t home much.”

    Dotson and her boyfriend, Joshua Manns, are charged in the death of her son, Jameson Nance. They are being tried separately.

    Manns told authorities he had a seizure while Jameson was in the bathtub on the day he died. He said Jameson wasn’t breathing when he regained consciousness.

    “I said, ‘What do you mean? Did you call 911?’ He said no,” Dotson said.

    A medical examiner determined the cause of death was blunt force trauma sustained over an extended period of time. In the days leading up to Jameson’s death in June 2021, Dotson said she noticed a large lump on his head. But both Manns and Jameson told her it was an accident.

    She said her son was prone to injuries, including a broken leg earlier that year. There was also a time when Jameson had a black eye. Dotson said he got it from another child at daycare, though the school had no record of the incident.

    Following the more recent head injury, Dotson testified that she wanted to take her son to the hospital because the bruising and swelling were getting worse. She said Manns argued with her about it.

    “He said he was sorry and that he loved Jameson,” Dotson said. “That he would never do anything to hurt Jameson and that he promised me the next day when I went to work that he’d protect him.”

    Jameson was killed the following day. According to the medical examiner, he had dozens of bruises and stab wounds to the head.

    “He didn’t look like that,” Dotson said. “I told Detective Campos, he didn’t have all that swelling. He didn’t look like that when I left that morning. He had swelling on his eyes, but he didn’t look like that.”

    Dotson and Manns both face the death penalty if convicted.

    “I’m the only female in Brevard County facing the death penalty,” Dotson said.

    The state is expected to call rebuttal witnesses on Tuesday. Closing arguments will follow.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Ron DiMenna, founder of Ron Jon Surf Shop, has died at age 88

    [ad_1]

    COCOA BEACH, Fla. — Ron Jon Surf Shop founder Ron DiMenna passed away Saturday at the age of 88.

    What You Need To Know

    • Ron Jon Surf Shop founder Rob DiMenna died Saturday at 88 years old

    • DiMenna opened his second store in Cocoa Beach in the 1960s

    • The store has grown to 52,000 square feet and celebrates surfing and beach culture

    • He and his wife, Lynne, founded the Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation to protect Florida’s beaches and address coastal issues

    DiMenna founded the original Ron Jon’s in 1959 on Long Beach Island, N.J., and opened the first store there in 1961. By 1963, he opened his second store, the “One-of-a-Kind” Ron Jon Surf Shop, at Canaveral Pier in Cocoa Beach. That store is now a 52,000-square-foot celebration of beach and the surfing culture and equipment as well as a tourist destination. Since then, seven shops have been opened in Florida — including at Disney Springs, in Clearwater Beach and in Key West — and throughout the South.

    Ron Jon’s also has been involved with the annual Beach and Boards Fest, which had to be canceled this year because of a beach rejuvenation project. 

    DiMenna has a home on Merritt Island and remained a private person.

    He and his wife, Lynne, founded Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable organization that supports organizations with like-minded missions to protect the health of Florida’s beaches and address issues such as coastal pollution and beach ecology. It raises funds through the sales of Florida’s Endless Summer specialty license plates and the Ron Jon Surf Shop’s philanthropic work. Those organizations also help support the Brevard Zoo and Special Olympics Florida.

    “Ron was known as a free spirit and his love for the beach and the sport of surfing endured throughout his life,” Ron Jon Surf Shop President Michelle Goodwin said in a statement. “He lived life on his own terms and created a retail empire that remains one of the most successful beach shopping destinations in the country. The Ron Jon Surf Shop Corporation will continue to function as it has and nothing will change in the company’s day-to-day operations. Ron’s vision and legacy will live on for generations through Ron Jon Surf Shop and Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation.”

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Ron DiMenna, founder of Ron Jon Surf Shop, has died at age 88

    [ad_1]

    COCOA BEACH, Fla. — Ron Jon Surf Shop founder Ron DiMenna passed away Saturday at the age of 88.

    What You Need To Know

    • Ron Jon Surf Shop founder Rob DiMenna died Saturday at 88 years old

    • DiMenna opened his second store in Cocoa Beach in the 1960s

    • The store has grown to 52,000 square feet and celebrates surfing and beach culture

    • He and his wife, Lynne, founded the Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation to protect Florida’s beaches and address coastal issues

    DiMenna founded the original Ron Jon’s in 1959 on Long Beach Island, N.J., and opened the first store there in 1961. By 1963, he opened his second store, the “One-of-a-Kind” Ron Jon Surf Shop, at Canaveral Pier in Cocoa Beach. That store is now a 52,000-square-foot celebration of beach and the surfing culture and equipment as well as a tourist destination. Since then, seven shops have been opened in Florida — including at Disney Springs, in Clearwater Beach and in Key West — and throughout the South.

    Ron Jon’s also has been involved with the annual Beach and Boards Fest, which had to be canceled this year because of a beach rejuvenation project. 

    DiMenna has a home on Merritt Island and remained a private person.

    He and his wife, Lynne, founded Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable organization that supports organizations with like-minded missions to protect the health of Florida’s beaches and address issues such as coastal pollution and beach ecology. It raises funds through the sales of Florida’s Endless Summer specialty license plates and the Ron Jon Surf Shop’s philanthropic work. Those organizations also help support the Brevard Zoo and Special Olympics Florida.

    “Ron was known as a free spirit and his love for the beach and the sport of surfing endured throughout his life,” Ron Jon Surf Shop President Michelle Goodwin said in a statement. “He lived life on his own terms and created a retail empire that remains one of the most successful beach shopping destinations in the country. The Ron Jon Surf Shop Corporation will continue to function as it has and nothing will change in the company’s day-to-day operations. Ron’s vision and legacy will live on for generations through Ron Jon Surf Shop and Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation.”

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Cape Canaveral National Cemetery expanding by 30 acres

    Cape Canaveral National Cemetery expanding by 30 acres

    [ad_1]

    MIMS, Fla. — Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Brevard County is undergoing a large expansion to make room for more veteran gravesites.

    Tens of thousands of additional gravesites will serve families who have served for the next 10 years.

    What You Need To Know

    • Cape Canaveral National Cemetery is expanding by 30 acres, room for about 32,200 gravesites

    • The cemetery director says more space will be needed for burials over the next 10 years

    • It already has developed 117 acres, and 17,000 veterans are interred at the cemetery

    • The Canaveral Ladies volunteer to ensure that no veterans are alone during committal ceremonies

    The new expansion project will add 30 more acres, along with 32,200 gravesites.

    Cape Canaveral National Cemetery has developed 117 acres, and 17,000 veterans are interred on the property.

    Up to a dozen committal services for one of the nation’s veterans are held seven days a week at the cemetery.

    “We are always going to make sure we honor them with dignity and respect,” cemetery director Cindy Van Bibber says. “The families that come out here are going to receive that same respect. It’s something to be able to say when you’ve served your country, you have a special place and connection to those you are laid to rest with.”

    One group — the Cape Canaveral Ladies — is committed to making sure no veteran is alone during one of these services.

    Forty-six of them have volunteered nearly 16,000 hours overall so far — there for every service since the cemetery opened in 2016.

    “We do not, in fact we refuse, to let a veteran be buried alone,” says Cape Canaveral Ladies Chairperson Larue Fleming.

    Fleming’s father served in World War II. She also has a husband who served in Vietnam and four brothers who are veterans.

    She says it’s an honor to thank those who served our country.

    “It’s difficult sometimes to see their pain,” Fleming says. “It’s the least we can do.””

    Fleming and the other Canaveral Ladies will continue with all the families who come to the cemetery.

    “It’s very important to us to give honor where honor is due,” Fleming says.

    Cape Canaveral National Cemetery also needs volunteers to put wreaths of remembrance on gravesites during the holidays and put flags out for Memorial Day.

    [ad_2]

    Greg Pallone

    Source link

  • Downtown Melbourne installing downtown security cameras

    Downtown Melbourne installing downtown security cameras

    [ad_1]

    MELBOURNE. Fla. — Street security cameras are coming to the downtown Melbourne area after years of talk. This in the wake of some small business owners citing safety concerns.

    What You Need To Know

    • Melbourne city leaders said street security cameras are coming to the downtown Melbourne area after years of talk

    • Twelve security cameras will be added at six downtown locations

    • City leaders aid they want both business owners and visitors to feel safe in the downtown area

    • The new cameras are expected to be up and running in the next few weeks


    City leaders hope they are a deterrent to crime, in the name of safety.

    There is always a positive buzz in the air inside Poor Billy’s Barber Shop in downtown Melbourne.

    Owner Billy O’Steen touts his establishment as a traditional shop, with the modern man at the top of mind.

    He is a Melbourne native who is proud to be part of the local community.

    “I was raised in Melbourne, my brother, the barber was born here, we’ve seen it, from dirt roads until now, and we love the progression of where the city has gone,” O’Steen said.

    Downtown has seen its share of ups and downs.

    Small businesses are flourishing, some have left, but the success has come with some problems as the city grows.

    “Just recently, our alleyway had some graffiti hit. It’s not really trying to catch somebody after the fact, it’s a matter of adding security beforehand,” said O’Steen.

    The city is adding 12 security cameras at six downtown locations.

    The city has put a test camera up at Campbell Park, right at the intersection of East New Haven Avenue and Melbourne Court. It was installed as a trial run for police to monitor with 24/7 surveillance.

    City leaders are confident enough in its work so far that several others will be installed in the downtown area, trying to ward off issues like homelessness and some crime issues, especially on weekends.

    They said they want both business owners and visitors to feel safe in the downtown area.

    “We’ve been working with Melbourne Main Street and our downtown stakeholders for about the past year just to help visitors to downtown feel safer, and look at things we can do to do that,” says Cindy Dittmer, Melbourne City Developer.

    Council members approved the $83,000 cost for the cameras and installation.

    The city has already installed cameras in the city hall parking garage, where many people park to take the short walk downtown.

    A police security detail is already in place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings patrolling downtown.

    “Just giving the police department the ability to view those cameras, and utilize them as needed, and I think it also gives people more feeling of safety when you know that cameras are working in the area,” said Dittmer.

    O’Steen said he’s reassured these cameras will make the city safer for those who want to get a trim and enjoy each other’s company.

    “If you want to come meet somebody, say hi, we’re here for you,” he said, smiling.

    The new cameras are expected to be up and running in the next few weeks.

    [ad_2]

    Greg Pallone

    Source link

  • Search continues for missing airboat passenger in Melbourne

    Search continues for missing airboat passenger in Melbourne

    [ad_1]

    MELBOURNE, Fla. — The search continues for an airboat passenger who went overboard late Saturday afternoon in Melbourne.

    What You Need To Know

    • Officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Brevard County Sheriff’s Office are searching for a man that reportedly went overboard on an airboat Saturday afternoon

    • Lake Washington Park and boat ramps remain closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic as the search presses on

    •  Officials said wo people were on board when the boat driver reported the passenger went missing in the Lake Washington and St. John’s River areas

    • The man’s name has not yet been released and there’s no word on how long the search will go on


    Lake Washington Park and boat ramps remain closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic as the search presses on.

    Officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said two people were on board when the boat driver reported the passenger went missing in the Lake Washington and St. John’s River areas.

    It’s been a massive search with FWC drone teams and boats, plus Brevard County Sheriff’s Office dive teams scouring the area that the man was last seen.

    Jennifer Ghiz comes to this park every day. But on his day it was filled with law enforcement.

    “This morning, I can’t believe this has happened. It’s unbelievable. It’s devastating,” she said. 

    Officials said family members are the only ones allowed inside the park at this time.

    Ghiz’s daughter, Ava, is equally shocked.

    “Lake Washington is really such a place I’ve made so many memories with friends and family, it’s just heartbreaking for such a tragedy to occur,” Ava said.

    She and her mother are hoping for the best in this situation.

    “I hope it comes to a happy conclusion, especially with Fourth of July coming up and everything,” Ava said.

    “I pray that everything works out well for this family,” said Jennifer.

    The man’s name has not yet been released and there’s no word on how long the search will go on.

    [ad_2]

    Greg Pallone

    Source link

  • Popular Brevard wetlands to reopen after months of rehab

    Popular Brevard wetlands to reopen after months of rehab

    [ad_1]

    VIERA, Fla. — A popular Brevard County preserve is reopening soon.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands has been closed to the public since June of last year, but it’s about to reopen

    • It’s been closed for the past seven months for a $2.7 million project to remove vegetative muck and overgrown cattails from four ponds right behind the public works plant

    • The reopening is set for March 4, but work will continue through June to replant vegetation

    The Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands has been closed to the public since June of last year, but it’s about to open again, better than before.

    Locals know this county nature area as the “Viera Wetlands.”

    It’s been closed for the past seven months for a $2.7 million project to remove vegetative muck and overgrown cattails from four ponds right behind the public works plant.

    The goal is to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus from the ponds leading into the Four Mile Canal, then reaching into the St. John’s River.

    Access to the wetlands will be back open for pedestrians only who stroll or bike around the 200-acre site.

    Officials are calling this a “haircut” to improve visibility and water quality.

    Brad Thomas is an avid cyclist, who loves to put foot to pedal as often as he can. The Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands was one of his favorite spots to log some bike time before it closed.

    “I come out here with my boy. We like to look at the gators and birds,” he said.

    Thomas is excited to bring his son to once again enjoy the serene setting.

    “We need it. They just keep building and building, so we need to hold on to areas like this,” he said. 

    The reopening was originally set for late February, but heavy rainfall over the past two months forced the delay. The area is still considered an active construction site, so no vehicular traffic is allowed.

    People who come in cars are asked to park in the marked area without blocking contractor equipment.

    The reopening is set for March 4, but work will continue through June to replant vegetation.

    It’s being paid for with federal dollars.

    [ad_2]

    Greg Pallone

    Source link