Car drives into West Melbourne fireworks store weeks after crash destroys building, kills man
A man was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries after crashing into Phantom Fireworks in West Melbourne just two weeks after a previous crash killed a man and ignited a blaze that left the building condemned, according to News 6 partner Florida Today.
West Melbourne school teacher struck, killed on sidewalk when pickup truck loses control, officials say
A 25-year-old woman who taught at a charter school in West Melbourne was killed in a crash when a pickup truck lost control and struck her and another pedestrian on a sidewalk, according to officials.
Brevard day care workers accused of failing to report abuse that led to 3-year-old’s death
Three day care employees were arrested, and one other is under investigation, for failing to report child abuse that ultimately led to the death of a 3-year-old boy in West Melbourne last June, according to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.
Health First puts halt on ‘non-emergency’ surgeries that require overnight hospital stay
Health First is suspending all "non-emergency" surgeries that require an overnight hospital stay for at least the next two weeks, as a result of the surge in COVID-19 cases in the community and increasing hospitalizations.
New Allegiant flights to Nashville, Pittsburgh, Concord celebrated at Melbourne airport
Just before 11 a.m. Thursday, Allegiant Flight 2430 from the Charlotte, North Carolina, metropolitan area touched down in Melbourne — launching a new route for the Space Coast’s first low-cost airline since Spirit canceled operations after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Florida reports 5,900 new virus infections, state begins administering Johnson & Johnson vaccine
A full list of vaccine sites throughout Central Florida can be found here. Ad[READ YESTERDAY’S REPORT: Vaccine eligibility expands as Florida reports 6,144 new COVID-19 cases]Find the state-run COVID-19 dashboard below:Below is a breakdown of Florida COVID-19 data reported by the state on March 5. CasesThe Florida Department of Health reported 5,941 new cases on Friday, bringing the state’s overall total to 1,936,207 cases since the virus was first detected on March 1, 2020. HospitalizationsAs of Friday afternoon, there were currently 3,419 people with the virus hospitalized in Florida, according to the state Agency for Health Care Administration. VaccinationsThe Florida Department of Health began releasing a daily report in December on COVID-19 vaccines administered throughout the state.
Driver who injured West Melbourne officer caught after crashing Jeep during chase, police say
A man suspected of injuring a West Melbourne police officer flipped a Jeep while fleeing from authorities in Rockledge. WEST MELBOURNE, Fla. – Police in West Melbourne say a 32-year-old man driving a stolen Jeep accused of injuring an officer was captured Friday afternoon in Rockledge after he crashed fleeing authorities. West Melbourne Sgt. While running from officers, Blake was holding a bag and continued to reach into it, alarming officers, according to the West Melbourne Police Department. Wanted: West Melbourne police are seeking this man and the Jeep he was driving.
Woman left newborn babies in car alone while she shopped at Kohl’s, police say
WEST MELBOURNE, Fla. – A woman left two newborn babies and another small child alone in a car while she shopped for makeup, underwear and other items at Kohl’s, according to the West Melbourne Police Department. Police said they found the three children in a silver Volkswagen Jetta that was running with its doors locked around 2:40 p.m. Saturday. She said the small child, whose age was not released, had the keys and was able to unlock the car if needed, according the affidavit. Records show Hulme said it was “a lapse in judgement” to leave the children unattended in the car alone. Police said Hulme was inside Kohl’s from 2:42 p.m. to 2:58 p.m. and purchased adult shoes, underwear, makeup and slippers.
Employees at 4 more Brevard Publix locations test positive for COVID-19
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. New coronavirus cases have been reported among employees at several Brevard County Publix locations in the past week, according to a corporate spokesperson for the company, News 6 partner Florida Today reported. Four additional stores in Satellite Beach, Suntree, Cocoa and Melbourne have reported having employees test positive for the novel coronavirus since June 22. This brings the total to nine separate locations with reported cases among employees. Employees who test positive are given paid leave for 14 days and required to quarantine until they test negative for the coronavirus. Publix also requires quarantine and paid leave for up to 14 days for associates who have been in close contact with an associate who tests positive.
List of Brevard restaurants, bars closed due to uptick in coronavirus cases
After briefly reopening, several Brevard restaurants and bars have had to close up shop because of the coronavirus pandemic. The following Brevard restaurants have closed because of COVID-19 or matters COVID-related, according to News 6 partner Florida Today. “Therefore, we have decided that all of our staff must be tested and receive negative test results before returning to work. Crying Monk, 333 King St. Cocoa: After “one confirmed positive result within the reach of our establishment,” the relatively new bar and restaurant was temporarily closed. Irashiai 2 Japanese Bistro, 4870 Babcock St. NE, Palm Bay: The respected ramen specialist, having required all employees to be tested for coronavirus, is temporarily closed.
Sheriff Ivey talks transparency on Edwards case but actions tell another story
The Florida Attorney General, however, had ruled in previous cases that medical records had to be made by a health care practitioner. The photographs were taken by a BCSO employee and maintained by the Sheriff’s Office. The State Attorney’s Office and the medical examiner’s office are independent from the Sheriff’s Office. In August 2019, Alex Fischback, now a commander of the BCSO’s eastern precinct, was head of administrative services for the sheriff’s office. Bracey: I don't know if the use of force report is in here or not.
West Melbourne officer receives threats after edited arrest video goes viral, memo says
The West Melbourne Police Department was the arresting agency. Hours later, Edwards was found in a jail cell unresponsive after a confrontation with corrections deputies in the Brevard County Jail. "The video makes it appear that Mr. Edwards death was the direct result of his arrest and restraint by West Melbourne police officers.That is not the case," said the memo by West Melbourne's City Attorney, Morris Richardson. Richardson sent the memo to city officials to address what he called misinformation being spread on social media, which he said, has provoked threats to a West Melbourne officer and his family. No examples were provided. Kathleen Edwards and several community leaders have called for the jail video to be made public or at least shown to family members.
Melbourne City Council votes 4-3 to keep fluoridating drinking water supply
MELBOURNE, Fla. – Melbourne will continue to fluoridate drinking water for customers across roughly 100 square miles of southern Brevard County. The City Council voted 4-3 on Tuesday to do so, according to our news partner Florida Today. In addition to customers within city limits, Melbourne provides drinking water for Indialantic, Indian Harbour Beach, Melbourne Beach, Melbourne Village, Palm Shores, Satellite Beach, West Melbourne and unincorporated Brevard County south of the Pineda Causeway. During Tuesday's meeting, West Melbourne City Council members Daniel Batcheldor, Pat Bentley and John Dittmore spoke in favor of fluoride. There was not one council member that was supportive of the city of Melbourne discontinuing optimal fluoridation of the drinking water," City Manager Scott Morgan told Melbourne officials.