Local Business · Brevard County
Five months after a New Glenn rocket explosion during a static fire test on May 28 at Launch Complex 36 in Cape Canaveral Space Force Base, Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp confirmed the Vehicle Access Tower has been fully rebuilt and restacked. In August, Blue Origin identified a faulty oxygen valve as the cause of the explosion, which generated sound waves detected more than 1,000 miles away in Texas. NASA Artemis Program manager Jeremy Parsons said over 100 federal agency teams are collaborating with Blue Origin on return-to-flight readiness, though no target launch date for follow-up tests has been announced. Blue Origin aims to return the rocket to flight before the end of 2026, while construction continues at a second pad, Launch Complex 36B, to support future New Glenn launches.
Public Safety · Brevard County
The Brevard County Parks & Recreation Department has temporarily closed some beach crossovers and boat ramps due to rough ocean conditions and King Tide-driven coastal erosion. The City of Satellite Beach also announced closures of its beach crossovers earlier in the week, citing strong winds, King Tides, and significant beach erosion. Residents heading to the beach are urged to exercise extra caution and swim only near guarded lifeguard stations.
Public Safety · Brevard County
A 16-year-old boy survived a plunge into turbulent ocean waters Sunday after a metal grate collapsed beneath him at the Sebastian Inlet State Park fishing pier during king tides. Landen Williams stripped off his gear and swam to safety as friends pulled him from the surf; he suffered cuts, rashes, and neck and back soreness but did not require hospital transport. Brevard County Fire Rescue evaluated him at the scene. State park officials closed part of the pier to the public on Tuesday, and administrators have not stated when or if repairs will occur.
