MARCH 2026 CANAVERAL EXPLORER

Local WORSHIP Services

CLUB ZION COMMUNITY CHURCH

It’s All About Jesus!

830 S Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach (321) 799-4340 | www.CZChurch.org

Sunday 9:30am • Tuesday 7:00pm Club Zion

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH COCOA BEACH

You’re in the Right Place!

470 S. Brevard Ave., Cocoa Beach (321) 213-9431 | www.firstcccb.org

Saturday 7pm & Sunday 10:30am All are welcome. Come as you are.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH COCOA BEACH

3300 N. Atlantic Ave.

Join us Sundays 9:30am Modern, 11:00am Traditional www.fumccb.com

First United Methodist Church Cocoa Beach

LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE RESURRECTION

We have a place for you here...

Sunday: Traditional Worship 9:30am Contemporary Service 11:15am Saturday: Cafe Service 5pm 525 Minutemen Cswy., Cocoa Beach 321-783-0852 | goresurrection.com Lutheran Church of the Resurrection

RIVERSIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

WORSHIP FOR ALL! SUNDAY 10AM

Online and In-person

Praise and Traditional Music 3400 N. Atlantic Avenue

Cocoa Beach

www.riversidepresbyterianchurch.org

RiversidePresbyterianChurchCB

THE POINTE CHURCH

82 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach

Join us Sundays 8am • 9:30am • 11am www.ThePointe.Online

MyPointe MyPointe

Our March Madness!

Have you ever worked on a project where it felt like anything and everything that could go wrong… did? That was this month’s issue.

We faced software glitches, power outages, emergency room visits, and more phone calls and text messages than we could count. Two days before deadline, our design software updated— and promptly locked up every time Tracee uploaded an image. We found a temporary workaround and kept plugging along… only to have the power go out for over an hour. There may or may not have ended up being wine and chocolate involved as we worked late into the evening.

We cleared our calendars for the final day before deadline, determined to finish strong. The morning was moving slowly—but it was moving. Then a phone call came that sent us to the emergency room with a family member. After that, it was back to work late into the night trying to meet our deadline.

Despite all of our efforts, we still didn’t get it to the printer on time.

And that’s where we need to say a very heartfelt thank you. Our printer truly jumped through hoops to make sure the magazines were completed on schedule, even though they received the files later than usual. THANK YOU, Digital Graphics! We are incredibly grateful for your partnership and your patience.

If you’re reading this, you know it all came together in the end.

Thank you for spending some time with our magazine. We truly appreciate it and hope you have a wonderful month. We’ll chat again next month—see you around town.

Doug Baker

SCCA: TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR MEETINGS CAPE VIEW ELEMENTARY: THE CITY’S RECORD AND RESPONSE

Right in our own backyard, a patch of clover weeds works its charm—tiny green shamrocks tucked into the grass like little good-luck wishes. A reminder that a touch of Irish spirit is closer to home than we think.

MESSAGE MAYOR’S

CAPE CANAVERAL UPDATE FROM MAYOR MORRISON

Hello Neighbors and Friends,

As we settle into 2026, I continue to be inspired by the resilience, pride, and civic engagement that define Cape Canaveral. This City is shaped by residents who care deeply about our environment, our quality of life, and the future we are building together.

One of the most visible signs of that community spirit is our annual Sea Oat Planting Event. In February, volunteers and City staff planted nearly 20,000 sea oats along almost two miles of our shoreline. This year’s planting reinforces a tradition that began in 2005 and has now resulted in more than 216,000 sea oats planted along our dunes. That is an extraordinary community accomplishment.

Sea oats are more than a symbol of our shoreline. Their deep root systems stabilize dunes, reduce erosion, and strengthen our natural defense against storms. This work is part of our broader commitment to resiliency. The City continues to implement strategies outlined in our Resiliency Action Plan, focusing on shoreline protection, stormwater management, and long-term environmental sustainability. Protecting our beaches is not only about preserving natural beauty; it is about protecting homes, infrastructure, and the future of our community.

Beyond our shoreline efforts, we continue advancing important infrastructure projects that improve daily life for residents. Stormwater improvements, canal maintenance, wastewater system upgrades, and streetscape planning remain priorities. These projects are designed to address aging infrastructure, reduce flooding risks, and enhance the overall quality of life in our neighborhoods. I encourage residents to stay informed by visiting the Capital Projects page on the City’s website for updates and timelines.

Cape Canaveral remains uniquely positioned at the center of the nation’s space program. Rocket launches continue to be part of our skyline, supporting high-skilled jobs and contributing to economic activity throughout Brevard County. With continued investment in space

SPONSORED BY

CONTRIBUTING WRITER: Mayor Wes Morrison

infrastructure and related industries, we expect sustained growth in employment and innovation in the years ahead.

As we move forward, your participation matters. Whether it is attending meetings, offering feedback during the budget process, volunteering at community events, or simply staying informed, engaged residents are what keep Cape Canaveral strong.

Thank you for your continued commitment to our City. Together, we will continue building a resilient, vibrant, and forward-looking Cape Canaveral.

Respectfully,

$5 OFF A PURCHASE OF $25 OR MORE

1 coupon per person. 1 offer per coupon. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. Expires 3/31/2026.

Greetings Beachside Residents:

If you are looking for an engaging mystery or historical fiction, check out one or both of these reads.

We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter. This murder mystery will not disappoint. In a small rural community in Georgia, two teenage girls go missing during a July 4th fireworks show. When their bodies turn up hours later in a lake on a well-known family’s land, the heads of many small towns are turning to find out who the killer is. With rapid twists and turns, the reader has no moment to reflect on who may or may not be a suspect. After a suspect is apprehended and serves multiple years in prison, there are more questions about whether he is guilty. Then, another child is abducted. Is this all happening again? Did the police get the right person the first time? You will have to read the book to find out, and you won’t be disappointed with the intrigue and who is going down in this small town.

CONTRIBUTING

WRITER: Christiana C. Succar, Ph.D

In America by Susan Sontag. This timeless historical novel will prompt you to reflect on your time and place while also offering a perspective on the period. When Maryana, a Polish actress from the late 1800s, decides to immigrate to the United States, the reader is swept into her psyche and life at the time. One learns about the Gilded Age abroad and how individuals immigrated to escape their old lives for new ones. This well-written piece will bring back a time when people worked hard and struggled to get ahead.

*Register at the reference desk or call 321-868-1101

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BAG BOOK SALE

Fill a bag with books for $5!

Thurs. March 5: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Fri. March 6: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

DISCOVER BREVARD: INDIAN RIVER LAGOON COUNCIL (IRL)

Mon. March 2, 2:30 – 3:30 PM

When we understand our roles in what ails the lagoon, we can better understand how to bring it back to a healthier balance.

MUSIC MONDAYS 6 - 7 PM:

March 9: SANDY BACK PORCH BAND - Bluegrass

March 16: BEACHSIDE BARDSTraditional Irish music

March 23: ANJA CONKLIN - Chill classic rock covers

March 30: ED MERCIER - Folk and popular music from the 50’s - 70’s.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT DAY SECOND HARVEST

Wednesdays 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Representative will help you apply for SNAP food assistance. Walk-ins only.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT ADVOCATE*

Wed. March 4 and 18, 9AM – 12PM

Help you with housing, job/career, social security benefits, senior resources and other assistance.

DIY FRIDAYS:

CANVA, PART 2: March 13, 1:303:30 PM. Learn to use Canva. SOURDOUGH SUPPORT GROUP: March 20, 2:00 – 3:00 PM. “The journey to a perfect loaf” includes a first recipe and success tps. If you missed the first session, don’t let that prevent you from attending.

SEASHELL SOIREE*: March 27, 1:30-3:30 PM. Bring your own seashells and explore craft making options!

DISCOVER BREVARD: ROCKETS

101

Mon. March 23 from 2:30 – 3:30 PM Presented by Tim Dunn and Mic Woltman, two NASA Engineers.

PURLY GIRLS KNITTING AND CROCHET CLUB

Tuesdays from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

FAMILY SUPPLY SWAP

Thurs. March 12, 4:00 - 5:30 PM

Bring gently used kids’ toys and clothes to swap. Free to trade or leave for someone to take; no monetary exchanges.

BOOK CLUB

Fri. March 27, 10:45 - 11:45 AM March’s book club title is Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis.

BOOK RELEASE PARTY

Thurs. March 19, 3:00 -5:00 PM

Crafts, snacks, & games to celebrate the release of author and Kid Astronaut Trainer Mike Mongo’s second book: Mike Mongo’s Kid Astronaut Training Manual. Ages 5+, with an adult parent or caregiver.

LAGOON LOYAL PRESENTATION AND ACTIVITY ON STORMWATER POLLUTION

Thurs. March 26, 3:00 – 4:00 PM

Join us for a short lesson about Stormwater Pollution followed by a fun game of Stormwater Pollution Tag. All ages.

READ YOUR WAY TO K STORYTIME

Wed. March 11 and 18, 10:3011:30 AM. Ages 0-3, with an adult.

BRICK BY BRICK

Fridays from 3:00 – 4:30 PM

Open table build featuring Lego Bricks! Ages 6-12, with an adult.

MARCH MOVIE MADNESS!

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Wed. March 25: The Emperor’s New Groove rated G at 10:30 AM. How to Train Your Dragon rated PG, at 1PM.

Thurs. March 26: Aristocats rated G, at 10:30 AM. Brave rated PG at 12:30 PM

CONTRIBUTING WRITER:

Tim Powers Principal of CBHS

proud of the growth we have seen across our campus. From classroom discussions to collaborative projects to measurable progress on our benchmarks, our students have put in the work. We are looking forward to the endof-year assessments as an opportunity for our students to demonstrate that growth. Before we make that final push, I hope everyone enjoys a well-deserved, relaxing spring break—time to recharge, refocus, and come back ready to finish strong!

Our winter athletic programs have given us so much to celebrate. Both our Boys and Girls Wrestling teams had historic seasons, beginning with strong performances at the Cape Coast Conference Tournament and continuing through Districts, Regionals, and State. Our Boys Wrestling team finished 2nd in the State Duals for the first time in school history—an incredible accomplishment. Congratulations to Coach Kelly and the entire team for setting a new standard of excellence at the Beach!

Our Boys Soccer team also made history this year, advancing to the State Championship Tournament for the first time ever. During their remarkable postseason run, Jadyn Senger broke the school’s all-time scoring

record in the Regional Final—a special moment for our program. Congratulations to Coach Taylor and the team for representing our school and community with class, grit, and determination.

Academically, we are also on the verge of an exciting milestone. We are nearing the final steps in adding the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme to our existing IB offerings. We have a tentative verification visit scheduled later this month, which is one of the final steps toward officially launching the programme for the 2026–2027 school year. This will expand opportunities for our students and further ensure they are prepared for college, career, and life when they walk across the bridge at graduation.

Thank you for your continued support of our students, faculty, and staff. It is an honor to serve this community, and together we will finish this year the right way.

Go Beach!

Sincerely,

Tim Powers Principal

THE NAME IS BOND. RICK BOND

Great board meetings build clarity, momentum, and engagement. Running productive, respectful board meetings isn’t always easy, especially when emotions run high and tough issues are on the agenda. To help community leaders manage conflict and keep meetings on track, the Space Coast Communities Association (SCCA) invites you to its March educational seminar on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:30 AM in the Jamaica Room at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral

This month’s program features Certified Association Attorney Erik Whynot of the Whynot Law Firm presenting “Conflict Resolution for the Community Association Board.” This lecture explores the legal and practical frameworks for negotiating and resolving the wide range of disputes that commonly arise within community associations. Participants will gain insight into the roles and responsibilities of association boards when addressing conflicts involving homeowners, vendors, governing documents, and enforcement matters. Attendees will also earn 1 CEU credit for participating.

The program will also include a 30-minute presentation by Sam Hodge of Hodge Construction, highlighting the company’s hands-on approach to construction management and its comprehensive, start-to-finish project oversight services.

These monthly seminars reflect SCCA’s ongoing commitment to educate, advocate, and connect community association leaders throughout Florida’s Space Coast. The SCCA serves nearly 19,000 residential units across condominium, HOA, cooperative, and timeshare communities. By bringing trusted experts and relevant topics to the table, SCCA empowers boards and managers to better serve their communities.

Whether you’re a long-time board member or new to association leadership, this March seminar offers practical guidance you can put to work right away. Strong meetings lead to stronger communities. Join us on March 18 to sharpen your leadership skills and run more effective meetings.

Cape View ELEMENTARY

The recent decision by the Brevard County School Board to approve an attendance boundary change affecting Cape View Elementary marks a significant moment in the history of Cape Canaveral. While the action was structured as a boundary adjustment, the practical effect is that Cape View will no longer serve students as our City’s only neighborhood elementary school.

Cape Canaveral incorporated in 1962 and was established by charter in 1963. Cape View opened in 1964 and has grown alongside our community for more than sixty years. It has served generations of families as a walkable, bikeable school embedded in the heart of our City.

From the outset of this process, the Cape Canaveral City Council and City staff stood unified in support of our residents, students, and families. In November, the Council adopted a formal Resolution expressing strong support for keeping Cape View open and urging collaboration with the School District to explore alternatives. We acknowledged the District’s financial pressures and enrollment challenges, but we also believed additional options deserved evaluation before a permanent decision was made.

When our Resolution did not result in further engagement, the City exercised its rights under the Interlocal Agreement and formally requested a joint workshop with the School Board. That workshop was held publicly. During that meeting, the City placed several options on the record, including a proposed one-year evaluation period, potential financial participation subject to Council approval, and the

The City’s Record & Response

CONTRIBUTING WRITER: Mayor Wes Morrison

opportunity to reflect Cape View in a longer-term facilities review rather than proceeding immediately. Ultimately, the School Board chose to move forward with the boundary change. The proposal advanced during the holiday season and was not included in the previously adopted five-year facilities work program.

The City fully respects the School Board’s constitutional authority over attendance zones and school operations. At the same time, it is important for residents to understand that the City acted early, publicly, and consistently. We passed a resolution, invoked intergovernmental coordination, secured a joint workshop, and presented alternatives before final action was taken.

While the outcome was not what many in our community hoped for, our responsibility now is to support Cape View students, families, and staff through this transition and continue working to strengthen Cape Canaveral for the future.

Thank you to the parents, residents, and community members who engaged respectfully and professionally throughout this process. Your voice mattered, and it will continue to matter as our City moves forward.

SUBMITTED BY: Hugh Halsey, Cocoa Beach Kiwanis Member

Hello Cocoa Beach! We’re lucky to live in such a special place, and one of our favorite things to do is bring the community together for something that’s fun, meaningful, and helps our local kids at the same time. Our next chance to do just that is coming up April 10th in front of Cocoa Beach City Hall, and we hope you’ll join us.

We’re hosting a Car Show & Family Event featuring some beautiful classic and muscle cars from around the area. If you’ve got a car you’re proud of, come show it off — we’d love to see it. Spaces are limited, and the entry fee is $20 per vehicle.

Alongside the car show, we’ll also be holding a Children’s Clothing Drive. We’re collecting clean, gently used clothing for kids ages 6-12 (grades K-6). These items will be delivered to our elementary schools to help children who may need a change of clothes during the school day. It may seem like a small thing, but it can make a big difference for a child.

Kiwanis is all about serving kids. Our work supports health and nutrition, education and literacy, and youth leadership. Throughout the year, we raise funds right here in Cocoa Beach to give back to local families — from college scholarships to holiday gift cards at Thanksgiving and Christmas. We also organize the Cocoa Beach Christmas Parade and help with the Turkey Trot, keeping our community traditions alive and well.

This event is a simple way to enjoy a great day — meet your neighbors, see some incredible cars, and help local children all at once. We’d love to see you there.

If you’re interested in getting involved, the Cocoa Beach Kiwanis Club meets every Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. at Azteca II Restaurant, 1600 N Atlantic Ave. (A1A), inside the Resort on Cocoa Beach. New faces are always welcome.

Hope to see you April 10th.

Please note:

The schedules listed are subject to change.

MARCH

NOLAN’S IRISH PUB

204 W Cocoa Beach Causeway

Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

1 (Sun) Wild & Blue - 6pm

3 (Tues) Trivia Tuesday - 7pm

4 (Wed) Ukulele Collective - 7pm

5 (Thur) Traditional Irish Music Session -7pm

6 (Fri) 6 Nations Rugby

Ireland vs Wales - 3:10pm

6 (Fri) Dave Birks - 7pm

7 (Sat) 6 Nations RugbyScotland vs France - 9:10am

7 (Sat) 6 Nations RugbyItaly vs England - 11:40am

7 (Sat) Paul Rowan - 7pm

8 (Sun) Robbin The Bank - 6pm

9 (Mon) Richie Hayes - 6pm

10 (Tues) Trivia Tuesday - 7pm

11 (Wed) Ukulele Collective - 7pm

12 (Thur) Traditional Irish Music Session -7pm

13 (Fri) Damion Suomi - 7pm

14 (Sat) 6 Nations Rugby

Ireland vs Scotland - 10:10am

14 (Sat) 6 Nations Rugby

Wales vs Italy - 12:40pm

14 (Sat) 6 Nations Rugby

France vs England - 4:10pm

14 (Sat) Michael “Dunigan” DeAngelis - 7pm

15 (Sun) Traditional Irish Music Session -3pm

15 (Sun) JJ Smith - 6pm

16 (Mon) Brendan O’Connor - 6pm

17 (Tues) St. Patrick’s Day (See ad on page 9) - All Day

18 (Wed) Ukulele Collective - 7pm

19 (Thur) Traditional Irish Music Session -7pm

20 (Fri) Dave Birks - 7pm

21 (Sat) Brendan O’Connor - 7pm

22 (Sun) Paudie McNeela - 6pm

24 (Tues) Trivia Tuesday - 7pm

25 (Wed) Ukulele Collective - 7pm

26 (Thur) Fifa World Cup

Qualifying Playoff - 2:45pm

26 (Thur) Traditional Irish Music Session -7pm

27 (Fri) JJ Smith - 7pm

28 (Sat) JJ Smith - 7pm

29 (Sun) Finnegan Tim - 6pm

31 (Tues) Fifa World Cup

Qualifying Playoff - 2:45pm

31 (Tues) Trivia Tuesday - 7:30pm

COCOA BEACH FISH CAMP GRILL

5602 N Atlantic Ave.

Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

3 (Tues) Trivia - 6pm

4 (Wed) Dueling Pianos - 6pm

5 (Thur) Line Dancing - 7pm

6 (Fri) Teddy V - 4pm

7 (Sat) Line Dancing - 9pm

10 (Tues) Trivia - 6pm

11 (Wed) Dueling Pianos - 6pm

12 (Thur) Line Dancing - 7pm

13 (Fri) Carl from the Bayou - 4pm

14 (Sat) Line Dancing - 9pm

17 (Tues) Trivia - 6pm

18 (Wed) Dueling Pianos - 6pm

19 (Thur) Line Dancing - 7pm

20 (Fri) Syndicate Duo - 4pm

21 (Sat) Line Dancing - 9pm

24 (Tues) Stranger Things Trivia - 6pm

25 (Wed) Dueling Pianos - 6pm

26 (Thur) Line Dancing - 7pm

27 (Fri) Jennifer Lee - 4pm

28 (Sat) Line Dancing - 9pm

31 (Tues) Trivia - 6pm

RIVERSIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

3400 N Atlantic Ave.

Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

8 (Sun) Dr. Vernon Boushell Concert Series “Brahms: A German Requiem” The Riverside Chamber Orchestra & Community Chorale 3:30pm

SOCIAL DISTANCE BAR & GRILL

220 Jimmy Buffett Mem Hwy Satellite Beach

14 (Sat) Spring Break Rewind 3 Featuring DJ Magic Mike - 8pm

SANDBAR SPORTS GRILL 4301 Ocean Beach Blvd.

1 (Sun) Midlife Crisis - 4pm

1 (Sun) DJ Salt Shaker - 9pm

2 (Mon) Jam Band - 8pm

3 (Tues) Catgut Stitches - 8pm

4 (Wed) Trivia -5:30pm

4 (Wed) DJ Repete - 8pm

5 (Thur) Karaoke - 8pm

6 (Fri) Will Purdy - 3pm

6 (Fri) Bullet Dodgers - 8pm

7 (Sat) Finding Panacea - 4pm

7 (Sat) Karalyn & The Dawn Patrol - 9pm

8 (Sun) Saltwater Hippy Band - 4pm

8 (Sun) DJ Salt Shaker - 9pm

9 (Mon) Jam Band - 8pm

10 (Tues) Joshua Dean - 8pm

11 (Wed) Trivia - 5:30pm

11 (Wed) DJ Repete - 8pm

12 (Thur) Karaoke - 8pm

13 (Fri) Jim Inman - 3pm

13 (Fri) Fast Times - 8pm

14 (Sat) Dakota & The HiredGunz - 4pm

14 (Sat) Love Valley - 9pm

15 (Sun) Stoney & The House Rockers - 4pm

15 (Sun) DJ Salt Shaker - 9pm

16 (Mon) Jam Band - 8pm

17 (Tues) Vintage - 8pm

18 (Wed) Trivia - 5:30pm

18 (Wed) DJ Repete - 8pm

19 (Thur) Karaoke - 8pm

20 (Fri) Saylor & The Captains - 3pm

20 (Fri) Syndicate - 8pm

21 (Sat) Floriduh Party Band - 4pm

21 (Sat) Cheetah Coalition - 9pm

22 (Sun) 506 Crew - 4pm

22 (Sun) DJ Salt Shaker - 9pm

23 (Mon) Jam Band - 8pm

24 (Tues) DJ & The Drummer - 8pm

25 (Wed) Trivia - 5:30pm

25 (Wed) DJ Repete - 8pm

26 (Thur) Karaoke - 8pm

27 (Fri) Over/Under - 3pm

27 (Fri) Innuendo - 8pm

28 (Sat) Planet Hairspray - 4pm

28 (Sat) Element 7 - 9pm

29 (Sun) Radar Red - 4pm

29 (Sun) DJ Salt Shaker - 9pm

30 (Mon) Jam Band - 8pm

31 (Tues) Adam Sean Band - 8pm

CAPE CANAVERAL FRIDAY FEST

Taylor and Poinsettia Ave.

6 (Fri) Street party, Vendors, Food Trucks 6 - 10pm

COCOA BEACH MAIN STREET EVENTS

50’s Sock Hop Party

7 (Sat) Fundraiser for Cocoa Beach Main Street

Dance Contest, Costume Contest, Raffles and Auctions 6-10pm

Friday Fest

20 (Fri) Live music w/ Saltwater Hippy Band: 6-10pm

13 (Fri) Oliver! - 8pm

14 (Sat) Oliver! - 2pm

15 (Sun) Oliver! - 2pm

20 (Fri) Oliver! - 8pm

21 (Sat) Oliver! - 2pm

22 (Sun) Oliver! - 2pm

27 (Fri) Oliver! - 8pm

28 (Sat) Oliver! - 2pm

28 (Sat) Oliver! - 8pm

29 (Sun) Oliver! - 2pm

SEA TURTLE PRESERVATION SOCIETY EVENT 3500 Sarno Rd.

21 (Sat) Cruisin’ for Conservation at the American Muscle Car Museum

SUBMITTED BY: Todd Anderson, Brevard County Resident and Owner of Koko Hauling

On March 21, 2026, Brevard County will celebrate the very first Space Coast Day, kicking off what is sure to become a meaningful annual tradition. The date—3/21—perfectly mirrors the familiar countdown heard before every rocket launch: three, two, one. Along Florida’s Space Coast, those numbers are more than just a countdown—they represent who we are, where we’ve been, and the spirit that continues to drive this community forward.

Earlier this year, the Brevard County Commission officially approved March 21 as Space Coast Day, recognizing the region’s deep roots in space exploration and its ongoing role in shaping the future of discovery. The idea, brought forward by local resident Todd Anderson and supported by NASA Director Janet E. Petrow, celebrates both the historic achievements of the Space Coast and the innovation that continues to define it today.

The meaning behind March 21 runs deeper than the countdown alone. The numbers are also reflected in the Space Coast’s distinctive 321 area code—an identity proudly

embraced by residents. Space advocate Robert “Ozzie” Osband helped bring the nowfamous code to the region in 1999, forever tying everyday life here to the excitement and anticipation of launch day. Interestingly, the concept of a countdown itself dates back nearly a century to the 1929 film Frau im Mond (“Woman in the Moon”), where a dramatic backward count built suspense before liftoff—an idea that later became standard in real-world rocketry.

As this first Space Coast Day approaches, the community is preparing to celebrate in a big way. The day is meant to highlight the region’s rich history, vibrant culture, and shared pride in being part of something truly unique. Because the holiday was only officially approved this January, many of this year’s events were still taking shape at the time of printing. Residents are encouraged to keep an eye on local organizations and community social media pages for the latest updates and announcements.

Throughout the day, local attractions and museums—

including the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex—are expected to feature special exhibits and activities centered around space exploration. From hands-on experiences and educational displays to opportunities to hear from those connected to the world of spaceflight, the day is designed to inspire curiosity and celebrate discovery.

The celebration will also shine a spotlight on the community itself. Local businesses and restaurants are expected to join in with space-themed specials and promotions, giving everyone another fun way to take part. As the very first Space Coast Day, this celebration is expected to grow and blossom each year as more people join in and the tradition takes hold.

The first Space Coast Day is about more than rockets and launches—it’s about community, imagination, and the shared pride of calling the Space Coast home. Around here, “3-2-1” isn’t just a countdown… it’s part of who we are.