The Return of The Melbourne Arts and Craft Expo at Wickham Park

  

By Dale Borchardt

Sunday, March 29, 2026

Melbourne, Florida - This weekend, we were able to attend the Melbourne art expo at

Wickham Park in Melbourne, Florida. After a weather-related incident at the last show in

December was a serious storm that occurred on the show’s final day. The storm with 58

mph winds destroyed many of the vendors’ tents and products. The storm was expected at

the time to not be as severe and was not monitored properly by the show’s coordinators. 

This was informed by vendors who attended the previous show. These vendors repeatedly 

asked the show runners about the weather that was approaching during this time.

Previous storm photos (D. Borchardt

This time, many of the vendors mentioned the previous weather. This time, even

though some rain did happen on the final day, the weather did not happen to cause the

trouble that had previously occurred. With the tensions high, the show did go on without a

hitch.

“I was at the last show, and the wind just went crazy. Most of the vendors were

saying it was like holding the tents in a hurricane.” — Owner of Gnome sweet Gnome.

The show put on by Latitude - 88, Inc., out of Vero Beach, FL, is a regularly occurring show 

that headlines many artists from around the state. These people travel to sell their crafts 

and possibly go home with an income from the sales. Everything from landscaping to machine 

art looks like your pet dog. These artists are experts in their crafts, and it shows in the amount 

of time and care put into these products.

“I come out here every chance I get to show my hobby of painting. It’s hard to get

people to see the painting. Unless you spend a lot of money yourself.” –  Manuel Unsui. 

Now, some commercial products make it into these shows. However, most crafts

are handmade, that show the expert care put into them. You can also get the

occasional person running for office there. Overall, the expo is a great place to expand

your world of art and the creativity of the local art world, while supporting the artists that

bring it to us.

Space Available in Brevard County Florida-Friendly Landscaping Class

 PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3/25/2026 10:47:15 AM

3695 Lake Drive
Cocoa, FL 32926
http://brevard.ifas.ufl.edu
Office: (321) 633-1702
FAX: (321) 633-1890

BREVARD COUNTY, FL. – Interested in learning how to grow healthy plants and nutritious food at home while also protecting the water quality of the Indian River Lagoon and/or the St. Johns River? Then consider joining our Florida-Friendly Landscaping Class! This 8-week class series will help you have great success in the garden. Weekly class topics include plant nutrition, lawn care, pesticide safety, and more!  

Join us for 8 weeks beginning on April 7, from 9 am - Noon, via Zoom or in person at the UF/IFAS Extension office, 3695 Lake Dr., Cocoa, FL 32926.

To register and view the full details about the class, visit the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Class Eventbrite page

If you have any questions, please call us at (321) 633-1702 or email brevard@ifas.ufl.edu

Learn about all of our classes and programs by visiting the UF/IFAS Brevard County Extension Eventbrite page.

The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact the UF/IFAS Brevard County Extension Office at Brevard@IFAS.UFL.edu or (321) 633-1702 at least 2 weeks in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Halley Heribacka
Family and Consumer Science Program Assistant
(321) 633-1702
Hheribacka@ufl.edu

Brevard County Fire Rescue Seeks Mechanics

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3/25/2026 11:44:45 AM

1040 S. Florida Avenue
Rockledge, Florida 32955
www.brevardfl.gov/FireRescue
Office: (321) 633-2056
FAX: (321) 633-2057

BREVARD COUNTY, FL. – Brevard County Fire Rescue is seeking experienced mechanics to support our fire rescue operations.

Brevard County Fire Rescue Apparatus Service Technicians are responsible for maintaining the fire rescue fleet. Applicants must possess experience with gasoline and diesel equipment, with specific practice involving heavy equipment and fire pump mechanics. Brevard County Government offers competitive pay, which includes pay incentives for six levels of ASE/EVT certifications, benefits and retirement options through the Florida Retirement System (FRS). Qualified applicants may be eligible for uniforms and boot allowance, after hours and on-call pay, tool reimbursement, paid emergency vehicle training and certification, and hazard pay.

Brevard County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, genetics, marital status or a disability which does not preclude the performance of the essential functions of the job, with reasonable accommodation(s) provided as necessary.

For more information on the department, visit the Brevard County Fire Rescue website, or visit the Brevard County jobs website to apply.

Rachel Horst
Public Information Officer
(321) 634-2165
rachel.horst@brevardfl.gov

Brevard County Prepares for Artemis II Launch

 PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3/26/2026 10:30:00 AM

1751 Huntington Lane
Rockledge, Florida 32955
www.embrevard.com
Office: (321) 637-6670
FAX: (321) 633-1738

BREVARD COUNTY, FL. – Brevard County is preparing for the NASA Artemis II launch attempt next week. The launch window is tentatively set for 6:24-8:24 PM on Wednesday, April 1.

Reminders for launch day:

• Artemis is the largest rocket launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center and it will be loud.
  
• Expect traffic delays and congestion leading up to and especially after the launch. Motorists are encouraged to use the Waze traffic app as it offers the most comprehensive traffic updates. Always use caution, obey all traffic laws and keep an eye out for bicyclists and pedestrians.
  
• Many local parks are closed overnight from dusk to dawn, please plan accordingly.
  
• The U.S. Coast Guard and Space Launch Delta 45 have provided guidance maps and observation locations for boaters in the area hoping to view the Artemis launch.
  
• The Space Coast Office of Tourism has an Artemis II webpage with extensive resources including launch locations, traffic maps, boater maps, and hotel information.
  
• There will be no U-turns on SR 528 or George King Blvd. after the launch. A traffic map can be found on the Brevard County Emergency Management Facebook page.
  
  

Tips for commuters and motorists:

• If you live or work in the north, central, and beachside areas, plan accordingly and stay off the roadways if possible to avoid traffic congestion.
  
• If you must travel along these corridors, please plan for extra commute time.
  
• Consider running errands over the weekend before the launch to avoid traffic.
  
• Always watch for and yield to pedestrians/bicyclists crossing. There will be heavy foot traffic, especially along US 1/A1A.
  
• Obey all traffic laws. Do not run red lights, speed, or drive distracted.
  
• Once the launch is completed traffic will be funneled from East on SR 528 to A1A South and then to SR 520.
  
  

To stay informed leading up to launch day, follow Brevard County Emergency Management on Facebook and X. You can also sign up for text notifications by texting the word BREVARDEOC to the number 888777.

Rachel Horst
Public Information Officer
(321) 634-2165
rachel.horst@brevardfl.gov

Precautionary Boil Water Notice Issued in Mims Area

 PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3/25/2026 8:05:51 PM

2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Viera FL 32940
www.brevardfl.gov
Office: (321) 633-2000

MIMS, FL. -- A precautionary boil water notice has been issued for residents of the Mims water service area living at Amy Way, Blue Teal Ct., Bob White Tr., Cambridge Dr., Canvasback Dr, Egret Ct., Estrada Ln., Fawn Lake Blvd., Green Turtle Cir., Tuscany Dr. , James Ln., Kingfisher Way, Lee Rd., Napoli Way, Night Heron Dr., Pheasant Tr., Pintail Ct., Scrub Jay Ct., Sparrow Hawk Tr., Stag Ct., Tammy Dr., Timms Ln., Tindall Ln., Tommy Ct., and 4412-5350 Highway 46.

A water main break has occurred at Hwy 46 and Carpenter in the Mims water service area. The repair has been completed and water service should be restored to all residents.

As a precaution, we advise that all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes be boiled.  A rolling boil of one minute is sufficient.  As an alternative, bottled water may be used. 

This precautionary boil water notice will remain in effect until the problem has been corrected and a bacteriological survey shows that the water is safe to drink. You will receive another notification at that time.

If you have any questions, please go to https://brevardfl.gov/ or contact Brevard County Utility Services Department at 321-633-2091.

Rachel Horst
Public Information Officer
(321) 634-2165
rachel.horst@brevardfl.gov

Annual Brevard County 4-H Fair and Market Poultry Auction

 

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3/25/2026 10:48:09 AM

3695 Lake Drive
Cocoa, FL 32926
http://brevard.ifas.ufl.edu
Office: (321) 633-1702
FAX: (321) 633-1890

BREVARD COUNTY, FL. – We invite the community to our annual 4-H Fair & Market Poultry Auction, a free event showcasing the hard work and talents of local 4-H youth. Attendees can view project exhibits, participate in a silent auction, and bid on market poultry during the live auction. The fair and auction will take place at the UF/IFAS Extension office located at 3695 Lake Drive, Cocoa, FL 32926, on Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. For more information on this event, visit the Brevard County 4-H Fair Eventbrite page.

The 4-H Fair highlights a variety of youth projects. 4-H provides valuable opportunities for young people to develop life skills such as responsibility, teamwork, and problem-solving.
For the past eight months, 4-H members have been raising their chicks in preparation for this event. This year, Buff Orpington hens will be auctioned off, with proceeds benefiting the youth to support their future animal projects.

Interested in becoming a 4-H sponsor? Learn more on our Brevard 4-H Sponsor page.

If you have any questions, please call our office at (321) 633-1702 or email brevard@ifas.ufl.edu

Learn about all of our classes and programs by visiting the UF/IFAS Brevard County Extension Eventbrite page.

The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact the UF/IFAS Brevard County Extension Office at Brevard@IFAS.UFL.edu or (321) 633-1702 at least 2 weeks in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Halley Heribacka
Family and Consumer Science Program Assistant
(321) 633-1702
Hheribacka@ufl.edu

Brevard County Fire Rescue Hosting Annual Awards Ceremony on April 21

 

PRESS RELEASE

VIERA, FL. -- On Tuesday, April 21, Brevard County Fire Rescue will hold its Annual Awards Ceremony at Calvary Chapel Viera. Presentation of awards is scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm and is expected to last approximately two hours. The media is welcome to attend.

Event details:

• Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
  
• Time: 5:30-Light Refreshments / 6:30-Awards and Presentations
  
• Location: Calvary Chapel Viera, 2852 Fellowship Place, Melbourne, FL
  

Award Recipients include nominations received for the 2025 calendar year events, in the following categories:

Special Achievement Awards

• Meritorious
  
• Unit Citation
  
• Commendable Service 
  
• Life Saving Bar
  
• Special Recognition 
  

Annual Awards

• Volunteer of the Year 
  
• Civilian of the Year
  
• Ocean Rescue Lifeguard of the Year
  
• Inspector of the Year
  
• Recruit of the Year 
  
• Paramedic of the Year
  
• Firefighter of the Year
  
• Instructor of the Year
  
• Company Officer of the Year 
  
• Chief Officer of the Year 
  
• Tim Mills Commemorative Award 

Rachel Horst
Public Information Officer
(321) 634-2165
rachel.horst@brevardfl.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3/20/2026 2:44:54 PM

Brevard County Seeks Public Input Through Community Surveys for Neighborhood Planning Efforts

Press Release

BREVARD COUNTY, FL. — Brevard County is asking residents in several neighborhoods across unincorporated areas of the county to participate in a community survey aimed at identifying priority needs in some of our low- to moderate-income communities.

Feedback collected through these surveys will help guide the development of the County’s 2027–2032 Consolidated Plan and upcoming Annual Action Plans, as well as support the creation or update of neighborhood plans and other future community planning efforts.

Residents are encouraged to complete the survey for their specific Neighborhood Strategy Area. Surveys are currently available for the following communities:

• East Mims
  
• Sharpes–City Point
  
• Tropical Park, Merritt Island
  
• Cocoa West
  
• Clearlake Road
  
• West Canaveral Groves
• Micco
  

All surveys must be completed by April 6, 2026, to ensure community input is considered during the planning process.

Brevard County encourages residents living in these areas to take a few minutes to share their feedback to help shape the future of their communities.

For additional information about the survey or the County’s community development and neighborhood planning efforts, please visit the Brevard County Housing and Human Services website.

Rachel Horst
Public Information Officer
(321) 634-2165
rachel.horst@brevardfl.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Glen Roberts creates a striving business while fighting life or death struggles

 

Written By Dale Borchardt 

At times in our lives, we all dream of starting a business. But how do we do it? Most people think that one person would need lots of money and a business degree from a top university. You also need major connections and resources that rival big box stores. Well, I'm here to tell you about Glenn Roberts, owner and operator of Glenn’s Gadgets. Located in Melbourne, Florida. This very business-minded person not only created his business but has expanded it several times since its opening. 

Armed with a business plan of his own, he has created one of the most successful small businesses in his area of sales. However, it was not always an easy ride to where he is now. Health issues plagued his process. These were not just mall issues either. He was diagnosed with congenital heart disease, and as to what happened, he died. That is right, his heart stopped a few times. He now has an implantable cardiac defibrillator. This device shocks his heart if it senses a change in his heart rhythm. This is to restart his heart. 

This time was also bad because Glenn’s mother was having health trouble. This caused her to be hospitalized a few times. With all this going on, it would have been easy not to push forward with his business plan. One would figure that a person should give up and place all his time to rest and get better. However, in this case, it would have made things worse. Glenn turned it around and made it work. 

While doing all this, he is determined to help other business owners get their own stores up and running. He not only shares his knowledge about business workings, but he will also share products that he feels will help a business owner become successful. 

Now, with his trusty dog Mia and with some serious determination, Glenn’s Gadgets is one of the major gadget stores in the Melbourne, Eau Gallie area. So, if you are in the area some weekend and you are going by The Renninger’s” Farmers Market stop by and say hello to Glenn’s and check out some of the bizarre gadgets that he has.

PRESS RELEASE - Free Digital Library Cards (eCards) Now Available from Brevard County Libraries

 BREVARD COUNTY, FL. – Brevard County Libraries is excited to announce a new way for residents to access the library!  Brevard County residents aged 18 or older, who have not yet visited the library, can now apply online for a free digital library card.  This digital library card – or eCard – gives residents access to their library’s online materials and resources.

With a Brevard County Library eCard, patrons can access:

• eBooks and eAudiobooks
• Comics and streaming entertainment
• Research databases
• Test prep resources
• Learning resources, and more!

For more information and to apply for a Brevard County Library eCard, visit the Brevard County Library Card webpage.

Current Brevard County Library cardholders do not need an eCard to use electronic materials.  Your physical library card gives you full access to digital and physical materials, public computer access, meeting rooms, and more!  Patrons with a Brevard County Library eCard can upgrade to a physical library card at any time by visiting a Brevard County Library branch and presenting an accepted proof of residency.  eCards are only good for one year.

PRESS RELEASE-Malabar Road Bridge Temporary Lane Closures Starting March 16

Rachel Horst
Public Information Officer
(321) 634-2165
rachel.horst@brevardfl.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3/12/2026 4:06:01 PM

Malabar Road Bridge Temporary Lane Closures 

Starting March 16

PALM BAY, FL. -- Beginning Monday, March 16, the Malabar Road Bridge will have lane closures between Bending Branch Lane and Bavarian Avenue for repair work.

This bridge was damaged by a vehicular accident and preliminary repair work was completed. However, additional work needs to be done to improve long-term durability. Brevard County Public Works Department has contracted RUSH Construction, Inc. and its subcontractors to perform this work.

To minimize impacts to the motoring public, this work will take place in phases. The contractors will use intermittent single-lane closures so one travel lane will be provided for traffic at all times. Traffic control devices and advanced warning signage will be in place to guide motorists.

Construction schedules are subject to change due to weather and unforeseen circumstances. We appreciate the community's patience and understanding as we complete these repairs. 

For more information, please call 321-637-5437 or email craig.kupec@brevardfl.gov.

PRESS RELEASE -Your Next Life Chapter Workshop Series Open for Registration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, March 10, 2026 1:45 PM

BREVARD COUNTY, FL. – Retirement offers us an opportunity to step back and shape what comes next.  Many of us look for greater meaning in our relationships, community involvement, learning, or creativity – but oftentimes the path forward can feel uncertain.

Develop a focused path for your future in the Purposeful Retirement: Your Next Chapter workshop hosted by Brevard County Libraries.  In this 3-day workshop series, we’ll explore ideas related to purpose, resilience, and mindset.  Participants will also collaborate with peers, utilize an interactive app, learn strategies to overcome barriers, gain clarity about what gives their life meaning, and create a plan with achievable goals.

This workshop is also suitable for those wanting to start a new chapter in their life or find themselves at an unfamiliar crossroad.  If you’re an empty nester, soon-to-be graduate, or are thinking about a career change, consider signing up for this free workshop.

Purposeful Retirement: Your Next Chapter draws on behavioral science research and was developed by Stanford University Educator, Raj Bhargava.  In addition to teaching the Your Next Chapter course at Stanford University, Raj also works as a high-tech entrepreneur and executive in Silicon Valley, and is a mentor to social ventures.

This free workshop series will be hosted at the Suntree/Viera Public Library (902 Jordan Blass Dr., Melbourne, FL 32940) on April 6, 13, and 20 from 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM.  Space is limited to 30 attendees, and registration is required.  Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptop, iPad, or tablet as this series uses an interactive app.

For more information and to register, please call the Suntree/Viera Public Library at (321) 255-4404.  If you need special accommodations due to a disability, please contact the event location at least three days prior to the event.

Visit the Brevard County Libraries Event Calendar or follow the Brevard County Libraries Facebook page and Brevard County Libraries Instagram for more library programs.

ANTI-ICE PROTEST HELD IN MELBOURNE BEACH FLORIDA

Monday, February 9, 2026

By Dale Borchardt

 

      Melbourne Beach, FL. – On Sunday at the intersection of Ocean Avenue and Oak Street, A peaceful protest was held in protest to President Trump and Homeland security polices on immigration. Little to no incidents occurred due to his protest. A small crowd was posted along the main road through the town, only causing minor traffic congestion with no backup reported. Police were on standby; no calls for service were reported.  

      This comes from recent immigration policies with Immigration and Customs Enforcement's hard stance on the deportation of undocumented individuals in the United States. The detention of these individuals has been at the forefront of discussions in the political landscape. This is causing backlash in many communities across the nation. Many of which have caused outrage at the actions of both ICE agents and protestors alike.

      Many people are calling for the defunding of ICE to fight against what is being called excessive force on these undocumented individuals. This is due to their immigration status being taken into custody and held at various detention centers across the country. The topic has become a hotbed of discussion on all sides of the political spectrum.

     This, along with the recent walkout of students in protest of this same subject. Even among warnings, and the recent “No Kings” protest in nearby cities. This topic is increasingly getting recognition in the Bevard County area.  The protest at the function stayed peaceful during the event and started to disperse around noon. The event was conducted without police intervention and did not cause any disruption to the city or the surrounding businesses.

 

Walker, F. (2026, February 6). Despite warnings, Brevard high schoolers walk out to protest ICE actions. Florida Today. https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/education/2026/02/06/brevard-high-schoolers-defy-warnings-hold-protests-against-ice-actions/88514504007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=false&gca-epti=z114140p004150c004150v114140&gca-ft=52&gca-ds=sophi

‌ McCloud, C., & Bridges, C. A. (2025, October 15). The map shows “No Kings” protests registered in Florida. See locations participating Oct.18. Daytona Beach News-Journal Online; The Daytona Beach News-Journal. https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/2025/10/15/no-kings-protests-florida-map-list-locations-trump/86703805007/

Art Festival, Ends with Mother Nature’s fury. A Vendors perspective.

January 18, 2025

By Dale Borchardt

Picture by Dale Borchardt (2025)

The Melbourne Arts and Craft Expo, being held at Wickham Park in Melbourne,e Florida, is a place of wonder. Vendors from different places come to show off their skills and sell the art creations made with their painstaking work. From crocheters to portrait painters, rs the show brings in top talent.

                                              Picture by Dale Borchardt (2025)

After the start of a quiet morning on Sunday, the show opened at 9 am with a slow but steady customer base starting to trickle in. As a vendor, an early morning is almost guaranteed. Open your canopy, set up your wares, and wait for the first patrons.

 

Many Vendors of different calipers attend this market. Some even demonstrate the art that they are so passionate about. With the show starting off with a very successful day on Saturday, today was looking like another great day.

                        Picture by Dale Borchardt (2025), Landscape by Hannah’s Gardens.     Picture by Dale Borchardt (2025) Scenic Scenery Photography

                              Picture by Dale Borchardt (2025), Artist Michael Love.                             Picture by Dale Borchardt (2025) OnSkyky Designs.

As the crowd continued to grow larger, it seemed like another successful day in this beautiful park.

                                 Picture by Dale Borchardt (2025)

Around 11 a,m the first of the wind picked up. Show organizers, vendors, rs and customers alike paid no attention to this as it is a normal thing along the Florida Space Coast. It was also forecast to have higher-than-normal winds starting around noon. With that, the show continued without any problems at that time.

By 12pm The wind had increased a lot,t but still not causing much alarm to the show. However, it did start causing some concern to some vendors who, at this point, were considering closing early. By p.m.,m Mother Nature had started to show her fury, and the wind got to the point that vendors were holding onto their canopies to make sure they were not damaged by the winds. Receiving a report that the wind will pass amongst different vendors.

Just before 2pm, major winds ravaged the showgrounds. Vendors scrambled to collect the goods and take down the remaining canopies while helping the vendors that had received damage.

“After eight years of doing the shows, this is the first time this has ever happened.” (Anonymous vendor)

Causing damage to canopies and products alike. The hardest winds subsided at 2pm, but with this,s the damage was done. Now, according to the National Weather Service, the report of winds reaching 58 mph was recorded in the Melbourne area.

                                                                                     by Dale Borchardt (2025)

At the time of this report, no injuries have been reported, and only minor damage to some of the vendor canopies and product were known.

 

by Dale Borchardt (2025)

Dale Borchardt

Independent Journalist, Student at Full Sail University inthe  

New Media Journalism Master's Program

New business creation starts with the original flea market.

By Dale Borchardt

After doing the research and finding or creating a new product, you just know it could bring you a lot of return on investment. You've got to get the product ready for sale, but how do you get it to the public? Do you put it on social media or do word of mouth and try telling everyone you know about it? Do you put it on eBay and try to put it there? Worst yet, do you spend thousands of dollars to open a brick-and-mortar store and rent expensive commercial property, hoping not to go broke before making any kind of profit?

This is where the flea and farmers' market come in. One company has been in the flea market business since the 1980s. Renninger’s Promotions, a family-owned and operated company, operates four large farmers’ markets in both Florida and Pennsylvania. These locations rent locations for not only farmers to show off their harvest, but they also give individuals the opportunity to sell the finds or unwanted items to others with renewed interest. The final service is to offer locations to start a new business, without the hustle of commercial locations.

Every year, new businesses start with reduced overhead, giving the common entrepreneur with limited start-up capital the needed locations and guidance needed to start a thriving business. Including information on needed licenses and tax information for whatever industry they want to enter.       

       “At one point, we had a main location, we lost it when the location contract terminated, and we had to restart the business over again. We were able to move into a small spot and finally expanded to a semi-successful business. “

Angla Anderson (Creative Creations)

 

These markets offer not only needed space, but they also provide parking and access to customer traffic to showcase the products. The market in Melbourne, Florida, described as the largest flea market on theSpace Coastt, features 2.4 miles of covered shopping. Thus, giving lots of exposure for a new business to start with lots of customer traffic.

With the economy tanking every chance it gets, the help to start these businesses is essential. Now, don’t get me wrong, not every business

survives after starting up; lots of them close after the first few months in these locations. Some of these businesses close after the first couple of years for various reasons.

 

              “It is still hard at times to keep paying the rent; it would have never happened if we had to move into another commercial location.”Angla Anderson (Creative Creations)

 

 

Others, however, go on to move into regular storefronts with successful businesses. One thing it is not is a get-rich-quick process, and the work still must be invested.

If you need any information on one of these locations, someone can contact one of the markets closest to them online at: https://www.renningers.net

Halloween Volunteers return after yearlong shut down.

By Dale Borchardt

 October 2025

After missing last year’s Halloween season, The Haunted Lair in Palm Bay, Florida, is returning this year after a missed Halloween season in 2024. This totally volunteer-run group runs a long-running charitable haunted house that gives to multiple charities after the Halloween season. Giving to food pantries and veterans groups food and hygiene products to homeless veterans.

The actors in the haunted house are all volunteer students from the area who work to jump scare right into the volunteer hours needed to graduate and receive their high school diplomas. While the proceeds go to running the haunted house every year, and then the remained going to the before said charities.

 

“Last year, we were forced to move from our location on Willamina Court in Palm Bay due to the extreme rent increases at the location. After locating a new location, the city refused to approve the new location in time to run the yearly event.” Anonymous crew member

 

 Originally, in Melbourne at the old Super Flea and getting its start at the flea market, it then proceeded to move to its location in Palm Bay of where it ran for approximately 10 plus years. It was then forced to move out of its Palm By location, where the group then ran into a problem with a suitable location to hold the yearly event. After finding a location, it was then denied by the city to hold the event. So, the crew was then able to reach out to Palm Bay Harley Davidson and was able to hold a very small few day’s event.  This year, a new location has been selected. Palm Bay Harley Davidson has allowed the return of the full Haunted Lair. The final permits and city approval have been received to run this year’s spooky event. Starting the second weekend in October and running a new and fresh theme, the volunteers are excited to return and scare the heck out of the surrounding community.

No information is available as to which charities are going to receive the tremendous help from this group this year. However, in the past, they have donated to both veterans and food banks in the area. One of the ways of help is if the public arrives, they can receive a discount if they donate a food item at the time of the ticket purchase.

Another exciting piece of news is that, as of this writing, it is also said that many of the original actors alongside of lots of new actors are trying out for parts in this year’s event. This means that these graduating students will meet the volunteer requirements for their graduation. This is an important service they provide for the actors and volunteer crew.

Volunteers are still needed for this year’s hunting season and will be greatly appreciated for any help that they can provide. Some of the help that is needed are of course, the scare actors themselves, Make-up artists, Costuming assistants, not to mention all the behind-the-scenes volunteers to help the event run smoothly.

 

 “We are always looking for help. Everything from parking and crowd control, makeup, and even helping keep the actors hydrated during the long hours in the haunted house.” Patrica Larrabee

 

 If interested in volunteering to help in this long running project you can contact the Haunted Lair Volunteer Coordinator at 321-831- 0906.

The Haunted Lair will be located at Space Coast Harley Davidson on Palm Bay Road in Palm Bay