Community Corner

🌱 How long can Merritt Island’s undefeated Mustangs stay No. 1?

Happening soon: John McDonald (solo) on the Merritt Island Patch calendar

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Thursday September 17th Patch AM
Thursday September 17th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hi Merritt Island! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How long can Merritt Island's undefeated Mustangs stay No. 1?
  • How Merritt Island students are training now for tomorrow's space jobs.
  • See which Merritt Island residents were booked in Brevard on September 15

Also on today's calendar: Burns Sci-Tech at Merritt Island Christian and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: When geese fly, one side is longer than the other. do you know why that is ? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: A p.m. t-storm in spots, with a high of 89 and low of 76 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: Cloudy with a thunderstorm, temps: high: 89, low: 76.
  • Saturday: A stray afternoon t-storm, with a high of 90 and low of 72 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. FLORIDA TODAY Week 5 Super 10 football rankings (floridatoday.com) — Merritt Island High's undefeated Mustangs remain the top-ranked Brevard football team after a 45-0 shutout over Astronaut, powered by a huge night from quarterback Kevin Verpaele and a stingy defense. The team continues its three-game homestand with a non-district matchup against Bishop Kenny on Sept. 18, while other Brevard programs shuffle in the Week 5 Super 10 rankings.
   

2. NASA Visits Schools Strengthening Florida's Skilled Workforce (nasa.gov) — NASA and Space Florida leaders recently visited Merritt Island High School and Edgewood Junior/Senior High to see local students training for aerospace and high-tech careers through the Space Florida Academy. Merritt Island teens are learning flight, engineering, robotics and more, with instructors emphasizing that these programs can connect them directly to the growing space industry on the Space Coast.
   

3. Arrests in Brevard County: September 15, 2026 – Suspects Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty (thespacecoastrocket.com) — Several Merritt Island residents were among those arrested across Brevard County on September 15, including suspects booked on domestic battery, DUI with property damage, and grand theft charges. The countywide list details names, ages, addresses, booking times, agencies, and alleged offenses, while stressing that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
   

4. Health First announces layoffs of 214 workers (floridatoday.com) — Health First is cutting 214 positions across its system even as it continues building a new hospital in Merritt Island to replace the Cape Canaveral facility. Most affected roles are management and administrative, and some programs are being absorbed or ended, but the company says it will offer 60 days' pay and job-search help while it pursues major expansions countywide.
   

5. Florida is losing its federal wildlife staff in droves (orlandosentinel.com) — Staffing cuts at Florida's national wildlife refuges are hitting Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge too, with about a dozen positions gone since 2024. A former ranger who ran veterans and kids programs there has left but still volunteers, as shrinking federal wildlife staff statewide raises concerns about managing habitats, visitor services, and conservation work across Florida.
   

📸 Around Merritt Island

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Merritt Island

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📣 Merritt Island Shout Outs!

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Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I am currently single and enjoying this stage of my life.
    I'm in no rush to enter into a serious relationship; I simply hope to meet a mature, sincere, and humorous man. We could start as friends and see… (Nextdoor Diana Shores)
  • Hello, first post.
    Does anyone know who is smoking out the air around Chase Hammock Lakes? It is more than just a little smoke. The whole neighborhood smells like… (Nextdoor Chase Hammock Lakes)
  • Olive Garden posted a job opening for Line Cook in Merritt Island. Apply here.
  • Sonic posted a job opening for Team/Crew Member in Merritt Island. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Merritt Island here.

Ok Merritt Island! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: because there are more geese on that side (Thank you jo L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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