MERRITT ISLAND

SpaceX successfully launches a Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center.

A crowd gathered Thursday morning at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center visitor complex to observe the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance.

SpaceX is set to launch its Falcon Heavy rocket from Kennedy Space Center Sunday evening.

After more than 50 years, this Merritt Island Dairy Queen is set to close its doors for good this February.

Who We Play For seeks to prevent cardiac deaths

A local Merritt Island organization is stressing the importance of EKG screenings to prevent cardiac arrest or death in light of Buffalo Bills' safety Damar Hamlin's collapse.

Two men in a pickup truck with “stolen tag” written on a piece of cardboard were arrested in connection with multiple burglaries in Brevard County, according to sheriff’s officials.

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A Brevard man was arrested after he assaulted an Uber driver and attempted to steal his car, according to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. According to the arrest report, the sheriff’s office received a call from the driver who said a man choked and kicked him out of his red Jeep. The driver, unable to breathe, pulled over to the Chili’s parking lot and was able to get free, exit the car and call 911. Read: Three people shot in overnight shooting in Daytona Beach, police sayStrang was taken into custody at the Brevard County Jail and charged with carjacking with a firearm or weapon. Brevard County deputies are still investigating what led to the assault.

An Uber driver in Merritt Island was choked and carjacked by a 33-year-old man receiving a ride, according to the Brevard County Sheriff's Office.

After its fourth delay, NASA’s Artemis I rocket successfully blasted off and lit up Merritt Island’s dark sky Wednesday morning, making history for NASA and UCF. A force and power not seen before in previous NASA projects; Artemis I is the most powerful rocket ever built by the space agency. In an emotional speech, Artemis launch director, Charlie Blackwell-Thompson addressed the launch team right after the historical moment. But before safely sending astronauts to space, NASA wants to understand the risks on our moon’s soil and create solutions to help settle a permanent gateway to the moon. Orion’s journey will last 26 days, but the rocket had already impressed even the experienced NASA administrator, Bill Nelson, who got amazed by the acclaimed launch.

NASA’s Artemis I moon mission launch packed nearby parks, as many came to witness the historic moment.

Boeing's X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle returned to Earth early Saturday.

Like everything else lately, Thanksgiving is getting more expensive.

Greek food, music and fun are coming to Orlando.

The Electric Daisy Carnival is bringing music, performers, pyrotechnics and more back to Orlando.

Part of a roadway commonly used by drivers getting on or off of Interstate 4 in Eatonville was shut down Wednesday due to a water break.

Coffee lovers, it's time to get into the holiday spirit.

Police arrested a 36-year-old Titusville man following a countywide stolen car chase, according to the Titusville Police Department.

In honor of Veterans Day, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is thanking veterans, active duty, retired, and reserve military for their service to the United States.

James Verpeale's thoughtfulness stood out Friday night during his last football home game at Merritt Island High School.

Officials say at least one person was killed in a crash on Merritt Island.

International Sloth Day is coming up this Thursday, and to celebrate, News 6 has gathered a list of places in Central Florida where you can go to see these slow-moving creatures.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will soon offer Brevard County residents discounted tickets during its 2022 Salute to Brevard event.

Here is a list of the must-do things to get the most out of your day at Kennedy Space Center.

Brevard County says its drainage system is moving 85,000 gallons of water every minute after seven or eight inches of rain flooded neighborhoods Wednesday.

MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. — Brevard County officials honored the first responders who helped save two young victims after a lightning strike. Read: ‘The Search: Tracy Ocasio & Michelle Parker’: How to watchChannel 9 first reported on the girls being struck by lightning in June. Photos: Brevard County first responders honored for saving lives of girls struck by lightningExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 8 Brevard County first responders honored for saving lives of girls struck by lightningAfter they were hurt, a friend called 911. Read: From Halloween frights to David Bowie films: Here are 9 things to do this weekendThey said they are happy and thankful to see the first responders who helped save their lives. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

It was quite the reunion on Thursday for the teens that were struck by lightning earlier this summer in Merritt Island.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has created a special Mercury Offer for residents of Orange, Volusia, Seminole and Osceola counties.

MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. — The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is launching a new offer for some Florida residents. The park will offer reduced admission for residents from Orange, Volusia and Osceola counties from Sept. 12 through 18. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 28 Exploring Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: Rockets, history and inspiration await The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers a world of inspiration to anyone ready to venture into the history and future of space exploration. Proof of residency in the form of a driver’s license or utility bill is required to receive the special, one-day admission rate. More information about the special admission deal at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex can be found here.

The mother of a 18-year-old suicide victim is working hard to spread awareness as part of National Suicide Awareness Week in September with "You Matter Merritt Island Day," according to a news release.

Over 400,000 people are expected to make their way to Brevard County this weekend to catch a glimpse of the historic Artemis launch.

NASA is set to attempt the first flight of its behemoth Space Launch System moon rocket Monday morning from Kennedy Space Center.

One person was killed and another person was airlifted to a hospital after a three-vehicle crash on Tuesday morning in Brevard County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

A person was struck and killed in Brevard County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

A woman suspected of stabbing her roommate with two knives at once was arrested in Merritt Island, according to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.

A Brevard County deputy and a driver who struck her both failed to yield at a busy Merritt Island intersection, leading to a rollover crash that hospitalized the deputy, according to the Brevard County Sheriff's Office.

COCOA BEACH, Fla. — A Merritt Island man was arrested early Saturday after police said he exposed himself to three adult women on the beach south of Minuteman Causeway. Cocoa Beach police responded to the south end of Cocoa Beach around 1 a.m. on Saturday after receiving a 911 call from three victims who stated they were followed on the beach for several blocks by a naked male. According to a news release, the man followed the woman from South 2nd Street to their rental home in the south end of the city. The suspect, later identified as Alexander Civitate, allegedly touched himself continually in a lewd manner during this encounter, police said. The victims positively identified Civitate and he was taken into custody without incident.

Six weeks after being struck by lightning, Lori Leer, 14, is finally home.

The Florida Highway Patrol is searching for a vehicle that troopers said Thursday may have been in the area of a hit-and-run crash on Merritt Island that killed a bicyclist from Cocoa.

The Florida Highway Patrol is searching for a vehicle that troopers said Thursday may have been in the area of a fatal hit-and-run crash June 3 in Merritt Island that killed a bicyclist from Cocoa.

Construction continued Tuesday at Kennedy Space Center on a new launch site meant for use with SpaceX’s Starship, a behemoth rocket facing scrutiny due to concern over its sheer size and the potential effect on the surrounding environment.

The NYPD charged an Orlando-area woman with committing hate crimes after she pepper-sprayed four Asian women in New York City on June 11. Madeline Barker,...

A woman is accused of throwing her 96-year-old mother face-first into a cement sidewalk after an argument, according to Brevard County deputies.

Brevard County deputies on Thursday booked a man accused of taking pictures and videos of people using the bathroom in the Walmart he worked for.

It was 1962 when NASA started building a sprawling site in a swamp in Central Florida on Merritt Island from where Americans would soar into the sky and walk on the moon.

A person was hit and killed by a vehicle on State Road 528 Monday night, forcing officials to temporarily close part of the Beachline Expressway bridge, according to the Cocoa Police Department.

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — The westbound lanes of State Road 528 are shut down between Cocoa and Merritt Island after a pedestrian was fatally struck by a vehicle, Cocoa police said. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene and the driver of the vehicle is cooperating with the investigation. READ: Medical Examiner releases autopsy report in death of teen who fell from Orlando attractionTRAFFIC ALERT: The westbound lanes of SR-528 are shut down between Cocoa and Merritt Island due to a traffic homicide... Posted by Cocoa Police Department on Monday, June 13, 2022All westbound traffic is being re-routed to State Road 3 on the Merritt Island side and not allowed to cross, police said. The road closure will be in place for several hours, police said. (NCD)Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Friday’s lightning bolt on Via Salerno Court in Merritt Island set a palm tree on fire, knocked out A/C and three televisions at one house and sent three girls to the hospital.

A man was arrested in connection with a burglary at a Merritt Island home that killed a 64-year-old last week, according to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.

Two girls in Merritt Island were struck by lightning Friday afternoon, according to Brevard County Fire Rescue.

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a man was found dead inside a home on Merritt Island on Thursday. Deputies said they were called to the home off Hunt Drive after a resident said that someone was dead inside the home. See the map of the area below:Investigators said that when they arrived at the home, they found an adult male who had been living in the home, dead. Read: Pain at the pump: Big jump in Florida gas prices, national average nears $5 a gallonAnyone with information is asked to contact the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit at 321-633-8413 or Crimeline at 1-800-423-8477. Merritt Island death investigation Sheriff's deputies responded to Hunt Drive in Brevard County Thursday night.

A man found dead inside a Merritt Island home Thursday night was the victim of a homicide, according to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.

A 56-year-old man from Cocoa died Friday after he was struck by a car while riding a bicycle on the Merritt Island Causeway and fell into the Indian River, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

A trio of NASA’s top people will participate in a teleconference Friday to talk about the status of the next Artemis I wet dress rehearsal of the Space Launch System (SLS), the agency’s moon rocket, at Kennedy Space Center.

A Merritt Island woman was arrested on accusations she was running an anti-aging clinic without a proper medical license, deputies said.

Deputies say the explosion from the explosive device not only destroyed the mailbox, it bent a street sign next to the mailbox and threw shrapnel 50 feet from the detonation site.

A Merritt Island man was arrested by deputies after defrauding thirteen Central Florida residents for roughly $207,450, according to a report released by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.

WFTV Severe Weather Center 9 Saharan dust making Central Florida's skies hazy. This picture was taken by Joe in Merritt IslandORLANDO, Fla. — Saharan dust is marching across the Atlantic Ocean. The dust plume should arrive this weekend. READ: Here’s how much a Central Florida family needs to earn to make ends meetThe dust also helps prevent tropical storm development. This is our first big batch of dust this year, and we will get more plumes of dust as we enter the summer months.

More than a year after a deadly home invasion, Brevard County deputies have arrested a second man who they believe took part in the attack.

MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. — Officials in Brevard County are notifying residents of a bridge closure affecting traffic on Merritt Island. Read:According to officials, the Mathers Bridge suffered a mechanical failure that prevents cars from being able to cross over. The 700-foot-long low-level swing bridge connects south Merritt Island with Indian Harbor Beach. Read:During the closure, residents on south Merritt Island will need to use Pineda Causeway to reach the mainland. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 Mathers Bridge in Brevard County closed for repairs (WFTV)Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A Merritt Island was arrested over the weekend for shooting and killing her own sister during an argument, according to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<30-year-old Brittany Bishop-Gillison was booked into the Brevard County jail Saturday, charged with first-degree premeditated murder. After interviewing witnesses and reviewing the evidence, Brevard County homicide investigators say they believe the two got into an argument in the home that moved outside where Bishop-Gillison pulled a gun and shot her sister. READ: Police continue to search for man caught on video pummeling elderly man outside PublixBishop-Gillison is being held in the Brevard County jail on $750,000 bond. Investigators are still asking anyone who may have information on the case to contact their homicide unit at (321) 633-8413 or CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-8477.

Death investigation A death investigation is underway in Merritt Island after deputies said a woman was found dead in a home on Merritt Island. (WFTV.com News Staff)BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A death investigation is underway in Merritt Island after deputies said a woman was found dead in a home on Merritt Island. Deputies said they arrived at the home on Topaz Court after reports of a disturbance around 3:20 p.m. A woman was found dead on the scene. Investigators believe the woman was targeted and that there is no danger to the general public. Deputies said they are interviewing potential witnesses and collecting evidence to determine the circumstances of the woman’s death.

MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. — Face coverings are now optional for fully vaccinated guests at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. READ: 2 new bus tours coming to Kennedy Space Center Visitor ComplexThe change went into effect Friday, one day after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released data showing that Brevard County, where the attraction is located, is listed as low risk for COVID-19 community spread. Park officials said visitors who are not vaccinated are still encouraged to wear masks indoors. READ: Exploring Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: Rockets, history and inspiration await“As always, the health and safety of employees and guests is the highest priority for Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex,” officials said. Masks are still strongly recommended in indoor venues and on buses.

MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. — After three failed attempts, rescuers were finally able to capture a distressed manatee this week. Biologists with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Brevard Zoo and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Southeast Region had tried to capture the adult female manatee previously after she was spotted on Merritt Island several weeks ago. Officials were able to identify the manatee as the same one found emaciated and swimming abnormally in southeast Florida last year. Read: Central Florida tourism group adopts manatee, ‘Gator,’ to support Save the Manatee ClubWATCH: Brevard County reports increased number of manatee deathsReport sightings of sick, injured, orphaned or dead manatees to our Wildlife Alert Hotline: 888-404-FWCC (3922).

Elon Musk's SpaceX is splitting the value of its common stock 10-for-1, CNBC has learned.

MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. — Brevard County Fire Rescue is investigating after a fire ripped through a home on Merritt Island early Saturday morning. Firefighters rescued a dog that was trapped inside the fire. Read: Temperatures drop overnight Saturday, cold weather on the wayThere is no word on what started the fire. Read: Number of homes for sale around Orlando hits historic lowExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 Merritt Island House Fire - Artemis BlvdRead: Police: teacher left children home alone while she vacationed in FloridaChannel 9 will bring you updates as they become available. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. — United Launch Alliance successfully launched its Atlas V rocket Friday afternoon during its first mission of the year. The launch is part of a national security mission for the U.S. Space Force. WATCH: SpaceX successfully launches Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space CenterIt was also the second launch from Florida’s Space Coast this week. “I thought it was really cool seeing,” said launch spectator Valentina Perdomo. I liked it.”WATCH: NASA chief scientist wants new, additional mission for agency -- climateThe USSF-8 mission launch will support national security by enhancing space flight safety, including satellite collision avoidance.

MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. — One person was injured after a fire broke out at a Merritt Island apartment complex Friday afternoon. When firefighters arrived on scene they found a fire inside a second story apartment. One person in the apartment was transported to a nearby hospital with unknown injuries. Here’s what you need to knowFire officials said the cause of the fire is under investigation. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 4 One injured in Merritt Island apartment fire One person was injured after a fire broke out at a Merritt Island apartment complex Friday afternoon.

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Flames lit up the sky overnight in a Merritt Island neighborhood. Fire “heavily damaged” a two-story home in the 1500 block of Pine Island Road around 3:30 a.m. Sunday, Brevard County Fire Rescue said. READ: Omicron variant found in Central Florida wastewater, city manager saysTwo #BCFR firefighters wait for water on the second story of this mornings fire on Pine Island Road in #MerrittIsland. pic.twitter.com/BMvHlNT5yI — BCFRpio (@BCFRpio) December 12, 2021The home’s distance from the main access road presented a challenge, firefighters said. READ: Chris Wallace leaving Fox News, will join CNN+Fire crews had to run a half-mile of hose from their tankers.

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A man was hit and killed by a car late Saturday on Merritt Island, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. READ: Omicron variant found in Central Florida wastewater, city manager saysTroopers responded to the crash along North Courtenay Parkway at Richland Avenue around 11 p.m. Saturday. Investigators said the man was walking eastbound on a crosswalk when he was struck by a sedan traveling northbound on Courtenay Parkway. READ: Chris Wallace leaving Fox News, will join CNN+The driver of the car, 20, also from Melbourne, has not been named. READ: Central Florida woman arrested for murder involving her mother’s death, deputies sayStay with WFTV.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates on this developing story.

MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. — Three veteran astronauts will join 99 other individuals this weekend as they are inducted into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Michael E. Lopez-Alegria, Pamela A. Melroy and Scott Kelly make up the 2020 class, whose induction ceremony was postponed from last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The induction ceremony takes place on the bottom floor of the Space Shuttle Atlantis Saturday at 11 a.m.Limited signed posters of the inductees will be available to guests viewing the ceremony. READ: Crew-3 mission: Here’s when to watch launch from the Space CoastThe event is included with daily admission to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Click here to purchase tickets.

Ron DeSantis to hold news conference from Florida’s Space Coast on MondayMERRITT ISLAND, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis is planning to hold a news conference on Monday morning from Florida’s Space Coast. WATCH: Space Florida works to bring U.S. Space Force training operations to FloridaThe governor’s press officer announced Sunday evening that DeSantis will speak at around 8:50 a.m. in Merritt Island. Jeanette Nuñez and Space Florida CEO Frank DiBello. WATCH: DeSantis announces more than $114M to improve water quality in FloridaIt’s unclear what the news conference will be about or how this is related to the Space Coast.

The SpaceX shipment of ants, avocados and a human-sized robotic arm rocketed toward the International Space Station on Sunday. (Malcolm Denemark/Florida Today via AP) (Malcolm Denemark)CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — (AP) — A space station astronaut is celebrating her 50th birthday with the coolest present ever — a supply ship bearing ice cream and other treats. SpaceX’s latest cargo delivery showed up Monday at the International Space Station after a day in transit. Overseeing the automated docking was NASA astronaut Megan McArthur. ___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education.

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Brevard County announced Tuesday that it will be home to Florida’s third state-run monoclonal antibody therapy treatment site for patients diagnosed with COVID-19. The site is located at Kiwanis Island Park on Merritt Island and has the capacity to serve more than 300 patients per day between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily. DeSantis opens monoclonal antibody treatment site in OrlandoTo make an appointment, click here. Ron DeSantis announced the state’s second monoclonal antibody treatment site in Orlando at Camping World Stadium. READ: Walgreens, CVS to offer booster shots for immunocompromised peopleThe main goal of the treatment is to prevent worsening symptoms that would require admission to hospital, and the treatment has been shown to prevent the virus from worsening and spreading.

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Brevard County deputies said Wednesday that they are investigating the death of a 2-month-old baby in Merritt Island. READ: 3 people found dead in Parramore apartment buildingThe baby was pronounced dead when investigators arrived at the home on Palmetto Avenue. Deputies said the infant was taken to the Brevard County Medical Examiner’s Office where an autopsy was conducted. READ: Death investigation underway after county worker finds body off roadway in Mims“The investigation is ongoing as agents are awaiting the final medical results and examining evidence to determine the circumstances that led to the death,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. Anyone who may have information about this investigation is asked to please call Agent Vince Bustillo of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit at 321-633-8413 or CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A 16-year-old boy was seriously injured in a shooting in Pine Hills Friday evening. READ: Deputies: Merritt Island man wanted for killing his fiancée found hiding in creekAccording to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the victim was standing outside in the 2000 block of San Jose Blvd. just before 7:30 p.m. when two people shot at him from a car. The victim was taken to the hospital and is in critical condition. READ: Murder suspect turns himself in after being wrongfully released in Osceola CountyThe sheriff’s office has not released any additional information on the suspects or a possible motive for the shooting.

CAPE CORAL, Fla. - Health First is planning a $600 million restructuring that involves opening new facilities and moving Cape Canaveral Hospital to Merritt Island, News 6 partner Florida Today reports. The Merritt Island location, at the current site of Merritt Island Pro Health and Fitness center near the Merritt Square Mall, will be the new site of Cape Canaveral Hospital. Both the Palm Bay and Merritt Island facilities will have centers for mammograms and other breast-treatment services. It operates Holmes Regional, Palm Bay Hospital, Viera Hospital and Cape Canaveral Hospital, as well as health insurance plan and other health care facilities. Rusty Fischer, president of the Cape Canaveral Hospital District, said it is too early to speculate on what will happen with the current hospital facilities.

Health First is planning a $600 million restructuring that involves opening new facilities and moving Cape Canaveral Hospital to Merritt Island. Copyright 2019 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.

A dump truck and a semi-truck were involved in a crash Monday Oct. 28, 2019 on SR 528 in Merritt Island. BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. - Part of eastbound SR 528 was shut down Monday morning due a crash and a fuel spill, according to officials. A diesel dump truck and a gravel tractor-trailer carrying gravel were involved in a crash around 9 a.m. near mile marker 47 in Merritt Island. [LIVE UPDATES: Central Florida traffic map]One person was injured in the crash and life-flighted to the hospital. The crash was the second involving a dump truck Monday in Brevard County during the morning commute.

A fire breaks out at a home on Merritt Island. MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. - Toys and some other sentimental items were salvaged from a fire that heavily damaged a home in Merritt Island, according to Brevard County Fire Rescue. The fire happened early Friday morning on the 2600 block of Newfound Harbor Drive. By the time it was extinguished, the home's front window, garage and roof were charred. Photos also show firefighters carrying boxes labeled as toys and other sentimental items that managed to survive the flames.

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. - At least two dozen suspected drug dealers have been arrested as part of a two-month-long investigation into an illegal narcotics operation in Cocoa and Merritt Island, according to the Brevard County sheriff. Brevard County sheriff's deputies rounded up 24 of the suspected dealers and transferred them to the jail on Thursday, News 6 partner Florida Today reports. The group believed responsible for bringing in a half kilo of cocaine each week involved about 35 members who worked to sell the drugs to clients across Merritt Island and Cocoa. The arrests also follow a similar drug bust in Melbourne that netted at least 17 arrests this week. Copyright 2019 Florida Today

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - A cat missing from its owner in Orange County was found in Merritt Island nearly two years later. The reunion happened at the Collins Animal Hospital in Merritt Island on Friday. The cat had a microchip and after several phone calls the veterinarian was able to get in touch with the hospital that microchipped Prophet. They were able to find the owner who lives in Orange County. My mother loved this cat, I have all of siblings still and this a miracle," Judith Newberry said.

A cat missing from its owner in Orange County was found in Merritt Island nearly two years later. Copyright 2019 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.

A cat missing from its owner in Orange County was found in Merritt Island nearly two years later. Copyright 2019 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.

COCOA BEACH, Fla - Some residents of Brevard County spent Friday night taking in a beautiful evening ahead a mandatory evacuation ordered by emergency management officials. Brevard County Emergency Operations Center and Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey announced the evacuations targeting the barrier islands, low lying property areas, mobile homes and special need residents. The evacuation begins Sunday at 8 a.m.To find out if your address is affected, click here. They ventured out Friday night to Cocoa Beach Pier. Down the road, workers at Cape Canaveral Hospital were getting ready to evacuate the hospital on Saturday morning.

COCOA BEACH, Fla. - Hardware stores across Central Florida are getting picked clean of supplies to protect customers' homes from the possible high winds of Hurricane Dorian. Store shelves that used to hold plywood in many locations, such as the Home Depot in Merritt Island, are bare. Ebanks likens Hurricane Dorian to a buzz saw that will soon be over Central Florida. News 6 contacted Lowe's Home Improvement and Home Depot to see if they would be restocking the empty shelves of plywood and other supplies. Sarah Lively, a company spokesperson, said trucks were already on their way to the Central Florida area to restock.

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. - People in Brevard County are planning ahead of Hurricane Dorian's expected landfall. Homeowner Jerry Weber said his neighborhood along South Tropical Trail in Merritt Island was hit hard by Hurricane Matthew in 2016. In September 2017, just days before Hurricane Irma hit, News 6 caught up with Brian Flugel over at Franky's Wings in Cocoa Beach while he boarded up his business. On Wednesday night, he said he will once again try to stay open as long as possible. Some people in Brevard County also said that they don't want to wait too long to get off the coast or some of the barrier islands because those bridges could eventually close, and traffic along evacuation routes could be slow moving.

Residents of a Merritt Island community say they're afraid they could soon be homeless after the mobile home park's new management put in place new rules that residents on a fixed income say are... Copyright 2019 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.

MERRIT ISLAND, Fla. - Deundrell Turpin was known for his plays on the football field and for his smile. Brevard County sheriff's investigators are now working to find out the circumstances that led to his death after his body was discovered in a Merritt Island home Sunday afternoon. [RELATED: Investigators identify victim found dead in Merritt Island home | Authorities investigate man's death in Merritt Island]Turpin played football his sophomore year at Cocoa High School in 2015-16 and transferred to Space Coast High School, where he played football in 2016-17, News 6 partner Florida Today reports. He was staying at the home in Merritt Island with a friend, authorities reported. Tributes quickly flooded social media, sharing stories and high school memories about the Cocoa man whose 21st birthday was next month, and his impact on teammates and friends.

Merritt Island, Fla. - Brevard County deputies are investigating the death of a 20-year-old man. Deputies found Deundrell Turpin dead in a home on the 5900 block of North Courtenay Parkway in Merritt Island Sunday around 3:15 p.m. When deputies arrived to the home they pronounced Turpin dead. They are working to learn the circumstances surrounding Turpin's death. Deputies ask if anyone knows any information regarding Turpin's death, to call the Sheriff's Office at 321-633-8413 or report tips anonymously to 1-800-423-TIPS.

When NASA's space shuttle program started in 1981, he was hired as a quality engineer and worked just a few away from the crown jewel of American spaceflight. "Having a shuttle launch was like having a Super Bowl in your backyard," he said. Tammy Mitchell, of Titusville, at Space Shirts, the T-Shirt printing shop on Merritt Island. A T-shirt celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing at Space Shirts, a printing shop on Merritt Island. The busy time reminds the small-business owner of how he felt during the space shuttle program.

An 18-year-old Merritt Island man was bitten on the foot by a shark Sunday afternoon in New Smyrna Beach, Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue officials said. "He had very minor puncture wounds and was not transported (to the hospital)." The teen did not see the shark, Malphurs said. "Based on the puncture wounds the teen suffered, it appears the shark was very small," Malphurs said. In April, a 19-year-old man from Sanford was also bitten by a shark in New Smyrna Beach.

click to enlarge Photo cred: Twitter.com/SpaceXOne of @SpaceX #FalconHeavy booster rockets exploded hundreds of miles off the coast of Cape Canaveral after it missed a landing on a drone ship, sending flames into the air, reports @JerryHume https://t.co/3htaYrlY04 pic.twitter.com/mx8XlQpDPv Spectrum News 13 (@MyNews13) June 25, 2019The SpaceX Falcon Heavy booster rocket missed its landing on the company's drone ship in the Atlantic last night, causing an explosion.News 13 tweeted a video of the explosion early Tuesday morning:Explosions aside, the company described the launch as a success after the world's most powerful operational rocket lifted off the third time at 2:30 a.m. from Launch Complex 39A at the John F. Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, which was originally built for the Apollo program.As part of the mission, the Falcon Heavy carried 24 satellites from the Department of Defense, NASA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, among other institutions. The idea behind the mission was to deploy the satellites at three separate orbits and it was in part a way for the company to prove to the U.S. Air Force that it's capable of carrying out national security missions in the future, if necessary, the Verge reports.The rocket's reusable side booster successfully landed back on earth following liftoff. However, as you might have noticed in the video included above, the rocket's center booster fell and missed its landing aboard the drone ship "Of Course I Still Love You," bursting into flames.SpaceX has yet to recover a center core from its Falcon Heavy launches.Prior to the launch, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk called last night's mission the "most difficult launch ever."