BREVARD COUNTY • VIERA, FLORIDA – Law enforcement’s finest four-legged heroes are gearing up to take center stage at the 2025 Space Coast Police K-9 Competition, where skill, precision, and teamwork will be on full display.

The event will take place on Friday, November 14, at 6 p.m. at USSS Space Coast Stadium, located at 5800 Stadium Parkway in Viera.

More than a dozen of the best civilian trainers in the country will also compete beginning at 4 p.m. Gates will open at 3 p.m.

This is the 7th annual event, which showcases the incredible abilities of police and military working dogs as they compete in a series of challenging obstacles designed to test obedience, agility, and apprehension skills; all things these K-9 teams could potentially face on a typical workday.

Spectators will witness firsthand the incredible bonds and discipline between K-9s and their handlers. This is the ultimate display of trust and training in law enforcement.

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey will co-MC the event with fan favorite retired Corporal Shawn Crook. Another fan favorite, Stan Smith, out of Texas, who has won the civilian competition for several years running, will be wearing the bite suit and serving as a decoy, while assisting with the field commentary.

Agencies from across Florida and beyond will participate, including teams from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Titusville Police, Rockledge Police, Palm Bay Police, Leesburg Police, Florida Highway Patrol, Orlando Police Department, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Pierce Police Department, Rock Hill Police Department South Carolina, and the 45th Security Forces Squadron at Patrick Space Force Base, among others, all vying for a Top Dog finish.

“This competition isn’t just about who wins. It’s about honoring the dedication and sacrifice of every K-9 team that serves our communities,” said Dan Rhoades, President of the Space Coast Police K-9 Foundation, the organization presenting the event.

“These dogs and handlers work tirelessly to protect lives, and this event allows the public to see their skills up close.”

All proceeds from the event benefit the Space Coast Police K-9 Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting law enforcement K-9 programs in Brevard County.

The Space Coast Police K-9 Competition is open to the public – Get Tickets Here.

Event Details:
• Location: USSSA Space Coast Stadium, 5800 Stadium Parkway
• Date: Friday, November 14, 2025
• Time: Gates open at 3 p.m. | Civilian Competition begins at 4 p.m. Law Enforcement/Military Teams Compete starting at 6 p.m.

SPONSORS:

• Ace K-9
• Al’s Trophy Shop – Cocoa
• Altered Woods
• American Muscle Car Museum
• Beef O’Brady’s Cocoa Commons
• Bluewater Create – Viera Voice
• Brevard County Sheriff’s Office
• Carroll Distributing
• ChemDry Space Coast
• City of Cocoa and the Cocoa Police Department Cocoa Village Main Street
• Community Credit Union
• Dignity Memorial
• East Coast Machine
• Eastern Florida State College
• Florida Bullet
• FPL
• Frogbones Family Shooting Center
• Holiday Builders
• Jon’s Jewelers
• Julius K-9
• K-9 Strong
• K9s Place
• Kabler School for Dogs/K9 Tribe
• Kel-Tec Weapons
• Kong
• McDonald’s- Rodriguez Family
• Mountain Fox K-9
• Orlando Magic
• Paws Unleashed
• Publix
• Ron Jon Surf Shop
• Southern Tape and Label
• Tails 3 Amigas
• Tails at the Barkery
• The Viera Company
• Triad Medical
• Urban K-9 Apparel
• Walmart Cocoa
• Wawa
• 1080 SVN Apparel
• 45th Security Forces Squadron

Related Story:
HOT OFF THE PRESS! October 27, 2025 Space Coast Daily News – Brevard County’s Best Newspaper

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SHERIFF WAYNE IVEY: Here we go again…another great day out riding 10-94 with the men and women of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. From Traffic Enforcement to a possible Burglary with some action for our K9s, it’s always amazing to watch the team out there keeping our community safe!

Hello, everyone. I’m Sheriff Wayne Ivey, and it’s time for another great episode of 1094. You know how it works. We’re going out. We’re going to back up some of Brevard County’s deputies as they go from call to call. Let’s go 1094.

All right, this one should be a good one. We’re going to go 10-94, our motor unit. They’re doing some traffic enforcement in a problem area and going to get out with them. And they’re actually doing walk-ups where they’ll walk out in the street and stop the car. So we’ll see what they’re up to and what kind of activity they’ve got.

If somebody’s exceeding the speed limit, step out, have them pull over, and then deal with the issue. But we use that technique in problem areas, especially where our citizens are calling us to let us know there’s a need for traffic or speed enforcement. Great, great team, our motor unit. And they were out, as you saw, making sure everyone arrived alive and everyone went home safe.

Well, Saint and I just backed up Deputy Bree Lewis, who stopped an individual for a traffic violation. Hardworking guy, openly admitted he messed up, but everything checked out, and Bree gave him a warning. And I got a chance to visit with him and talk about some of the work he’s doing around our community.

All right, we’re going to 10-94 for one of our corporals out of the North Precinct. He’s got a vehicle that stopped, and he’s got some suspicious, possible drug activity. Also, it doesn’t look like he has a valid driver’s license.

Let’s go 10-94 for Corporal Flamio….what you got, baby? Saw this car a month ago. Saw her driving. Ran the tag. They cut off into the boat ramp really fast. Like, real fast. Tried to loop around. Saw them park. Violet, what’s your suspension? Do you have no suspension? I’m afraid you have to pay something. Bond judgment. Do you have to pay a ticket or something? No, bond judgment. Bond judgment, maybe?

Obviously, Corporal Flammier had made a traffic stop, and we brought in one of our canines. Deputy Weimer brought in his canine, Grizz, who did a free-air sniff of the vehicle. The dog hit on the car, and then the team, Sergeant Church and Bree Lewis, started doing a search on the vehicle. The driver had no valid driver’s license.

Ended up, we didn’t find anything in the car. Corporal Flamio issued a traffic citation for no valid driver’s license and sent them on their way. You know, when we’re out here, when the dog hits on the car, we’re going to search it. We’re going to make sure they don’t have anything in that vehicle.

It could be something they had in their residual. But in this case, no drugs were found, and the driver was issued a citation. We’re going to go 1094. Some of our deputies that are responding to a possible burglary in progress, the caller advised that the subject came over and kicked the door in at the residence and somewhere inside the house. Thankfully, the caller has gotten out of the residence, so our team’s over there.

We’re getting ready to deploy a dog. Let’s go 10-94 and see what we’ve got going on.

What we got, Ed? We got a small dog, which we’ve been told was a burglary with a battery. So we got the house held down. Adam’s trying to get his dog inside there and get these other two dogs out, but they’re not wanting to cross. Do we know for sure if he’s in there? We’re not 100%. So I guess there was information that the backslider may be open. And he doesn’t live here. There’s no civil side to it. It’s all criminal. So they said that he stayed here a couple of months, like three years ago. But ever since then, he hasn’t been allowed back. Lisa, I talked to her briefly. She said there was some kind of battery of strangulation.

Um, involving him, he was not allowed to return to the residence, no contact, or anything like that. Okay, sheriff’s office canine: if you’re in the house, come out now. It will be found, and you will get bitten. Last warning: Sheriff’s Office K9, Daniel. If you’re in the house, come out now.

You will get bitten by a dog. We didn’t know whether he was still inside, so we deployed a dog. K-9 Grizz went inside to search. We went in with Grizz. The subject wasn’t inside. We think maybe he’d gotten out of the back before we were able to establish a perimeter. But great job by our team. They’ll finish up now. They’ll gather any evidence at the scene, any witness statements, try to identify the person, and arrest them for the burglary.

But again, another great job by our team in responding to it, using the different resources we had. I mean, we had deputies there. We had motor deputies there. We had canine there. Everybody there is trying to get this subject into custody. You know, I love coming out to do 10-94, and it’s always a great time going out to work with our incredible law enforcement officers here in Brevard County. Hey, we’ll see you next time on 10-94.

Related Story:
HOT OFF THE PRESS! October 27, 2025 Space Coast Daily News – Brevard County’s Best Newspaper

The post WATCH: Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey Goes ’10-94′, Provides Inside Look at Deputies on the Street appeared first on Space Coast Daily.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – It takes a community to protect a community and that for sure holds true with our partnerships with organizations like Senior Resource Alliance.

Each year SRA receives and disperses grants for funding Crime Prevention Programs related to senior citizens and this year our Agency was fortunate enough to be chosen by them to receive 2 bloodhound puppies, who will one day assist with searching for missing seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s, along with 2000 Scent Kits.

The Scent Kits, provided by Scent Evidence K9, are dispersed to families around the county with seniors who have the potential of wandering away, to assist law enforcement in locating them should they ever be in the unfortunate situation.

I was honored to meet with Melissa Parker, Joseph Downs, K9 Corrections Deputy John Ramsey and Max, one of the bloodhounds our agency received.

Melissa is a Board Member for Senior Resource Alliance representing Brevard County, and of course Joe Downs is a crucial member of our agency that works with our senior community to help keep some of our most vulnerable safe.

I cannot thank Senior Resource Alliance enough for their incredible donation to our agency and all that they do to help keep our senior citizens safe.

Thank you to Melissa and Joe for their partnership with SRA and for allowing our agency to be a recipient of such an amazing grant donation.

And of course a huge “welcome” to K-9 Max as he joins our team!! We look forward to seeing all the great things you do!!

– Sheriff Wayne Ivey

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BREVARD COUNTY • VIERA, FLORIDA – Law enforcement’s finest four-legged heroes are gearing up to take center stage at the 2025 Space Coast Police K-9 Competition, where skill, precision, and teamwork will be on full display.

The event will take place on Friday, November 14, at 6 p.m. at USSS Space Coast Stadium, located at 5800 Stadium Parkway in Viera.

More than a dozen of the best civilian trainers in the country will also compete beginning at 4 p.m. Gates will open at 3 p.m.

This is the 7th annual event, which showcases the incredible abilities of police and military working dogs as they compete in a series of challenging obstacles designed to test obedience, agility, and apprehension skills; all things these K-9 teams could potentially face on a typical workday.

Spectators will witness firsthand the incredible bonds and discipline between K-9s and their handlers. This is the ultimate display of trust and training in law enforcement.

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey will co-MC the event with fan favorite retired Corporal Shawn Crook. Another fan favorite, Stan Smith, out of Texas, who has won the civilian competition for several years running, will be wearing the bite suit and serving as a decoy, while assisting with the field commentary.

Agencies from across Florida and beyond will participate, including teams from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Titusville Police, Rockledge Police, Palm Bay Police, Leesburg Police, Florida Highway Patrol, Orlando Police Department, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Pierce Police Department, Rock Hill Police Department South Carolina, and the 45th Security Forces Squadron at Patrick Space Force Base, among others, all vying for a Top Dog finish.

“This competition isn’t just about who wins. It’s about honoring the dedication and sacrifice of every K-9 team that serves our communities,” said Dan Rhoades, President of the Space Coast Police K-9 Foundation, the organization presenting the event.

“These dogs and handlers work tirelessly to protect lives, and this event allows the public to see their skills up close.”

All proceeds from the event benefit the Space Coast Police K-9 Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting law enforcement K-9 programs in Brevard County.

The Space Coast Police K-9 Competition is open to the public – Get Tickets Here.

Event Details:
• Location: USSSA Space Coast Stadium, 5800 Stadium Parkway
• Date: Friday, November 14, 2025
• Time: Gates open at 3 p.m. | Civilian Competition begins at 4 p.m. Law Enforcement/Military Teams Compete starting at 6 p.m.

SPONSORS:

• Ace K-9
• Al’s Trophy Shop – Cocoa
• Altered Woods
• American Muscle Car Museum
• Beef O’Brady’s Cocoa Commons
• Bluewater Create – Viera Voice
• Brevard County Sheriff’s Office
• Carroll Distributing
• ChemDry Space Coast
• City of Cocoa and the Cocoa Police Department Cocoa Village Main Street
• Community Credit Union
• Dignity Memorial
• East Coast Machine
• Eastern Florida State College
• Florida Bullet
• FPL
• Frogbones Family Shooting Center
• Holiday Builders
• Jon’s Jewelers
• Julius K-9
• K-9 Strong
• K9s Place
• Kabler School for Dogs/K9 Tribe
• Kel-Tec Weapons
• Kong
• McDonald’s- Rodriguez Family
• Mountain Fox K-9
• Orlando Magic
• Paws Unleashed
• Publix
• Ron Jon Surf Shop
• Southern Tape and Label
• Tails 3 Amigas
• Tails at the Barkery
• The Viera Company
• Triad Medical
• Urban K-9 Apparel
• Walmart Cocoa
• Wawa
• 1080 SVN Apparel
• 45th Security Forces Squadron

Related Story:
HOT OFF THE PRESS! October 27, 2025 Space Coast Daily News – Brevard County’s Best Newspaper

The post More Than 30 Elite Teams Will Vie to Be ‘Top Dog’ at 2025 Space Coast Police K-9 Competition in Viera appeared first on Space Coast Daily.

ABOVE VIDEO: Cocoa Police Department Gears Up for K9 Competition at Space Coast Stadium

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Cocoa Police Department announced its partnership with the Space Coast Police K-9 Foundation, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Space Launch Delta 45, USSSA Space Coast Complex, and several community organizations to host the 7th Space Coast Police K-9 Competition.

The event will take place on Friday, November 14, at the USSSA Space Coast Complex, 5800 Stadium Pkwy, Melbourne. Beginning with civilian competitions at 4 p.m., followed by law enforcement and military divisions at 6 p.m.

Spectators can expect thrilling demonstrations of agility, obedience, and skill as the dogs and their handlers showcase the precision and discipline that define K9 teamwork.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item to support the City of Cocoa’s Food Drive.

Donations will earn participants a free item from Texas Roadhouse, adding a charitable twist to an evening of community spirit and excitement.

The competition showcases the skills, dedication, and teamwork of local law enforcement K-9 units while allowing the public to support these vital programs.

The Cocoa Police Department encouraged residents to mark their calendars and attend the event in support of K-9 teams across the region. Organizers expressed excitement about the upcoming competition and the strong collaboration among participating agencies and community partners.

The department looks forward to welcoming attendees for an evening of demonstrations, community engagement and recognition of the hard work of K-9 units protecting the Space Coast.

Related Story:
HOT OFF THE PRESS! October 27, 2025 Space Coast Daily News – Brevard County’s Best Newspaper

The post WATCH: Cocoa Police Department Gears Up for K9 Competition at Space Coast Stadium Nov. 14 appeared first on Space Coast Daily.

ABOVE VIDEO: Tim Tebow and members of the 2008 Florida Gators reflect on their loss to the Ole Miss Rebels and “The Promise” speech Tebow issued after the game. Tebow’s speech inspired the Gators to win their final eight regular-season games and beat Oklahoma for the BCS national championship.

(FOX NEWS) – Florida Gators football is in search of a new head coach after the school fired Billy Napier on Sunday following an error-filled victory over the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III floated a big name that the Gators might want to consider as their next head coach: Tim Tebow.

“I’ve said this for years now. I think they should hire Tim Tebow,” Griffin said Monday on “The Dan Patrick Show.” “I think they should hire Tim Tebow. If Tim Tebow goes into any home in Florida, you’re telling me that those parents aren’t saying, ‘Yep, sign me up. I’m coming.’ You gotta put a great staff around him.”

Patrick and Griffin debated the notion of hiring an iconic athlete like Tebow as their head coach as it didn’t exactly turn out great in college basketball for Georgetown and Patrick Ewing and St. John’s and Chris Mullin.

However, it did work out for Florida when the team hired Steve Spurrier to be its head coach before the 1990 season.

CLICK HERE TO READ FULL ARTICLE ON FOX NEWS

The post Former Heisman Trophy Winner Pushes for Florida Gator Legend Tim Tebow to be Next Head Coach appeared first on Space Coast Daily.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Apparently, some people didn’t get the message that if you run from Brevard County Deputies, you are gonna get bitten by one of our “Big Beautiful Dogs,” go to the hospital, and then jail!

Take yesterday, for example, when FTO Markunas and Deputy Mattern were out patrolling our streets and conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of Clearlake Road and Reid Street.

While investigating the occupants’ immigration status, since both the driver and passenger provided Guatemalan IDs, Eduardo Barrios-Mendez decided to give a clue to his immigration status when he decided to make a run for it.

While the initial Deputies lost sight of the suspect after he entered a wooded area, luckily for them, and not so lucky for the suspect, backup had arrived.

As it would turn out, Deputy Josh Hardy had arrived on scene with his four-legged partner, K-9 Richie, who is very fast and has a lot of teeth.

Well, regardless, the chase was on as Deputy Sanchez-Lucas assisted with translating the warnings into Spanish so Barrios-Mendez was clear as to what was about to happen.

I’m pretty sure the warnings contained the words…”mucho mordio” which means “a lot of bite” but either way, Barrios-Mendez had a warning as to what was about to happen.

K-9 Richie worked his way into a densely vegetated ditch to the point of nearly disappearing from the view of Deputy Hardy.

Within seconds, Barrios-Mendez began to scream like a little baby as K9 Richie helped him to understand why it’s not smart to flee from Brevard County Deputies.

As things continued, K-9 Richie was able to pull the suspect into view, where the back-up Deputies could get him handcuffed, at which time Barrios-Mendez stated that he knew the K-9 had been deployed and fled, knowing he’d be deported if he got caught.

On a bright note, the driver, Wuilmar Diaz-Gonzalez, made the smart choice by not running, so he went to jail with all of his body parts, unlike his friend Barrios-Mendez, who had a few extra body parts as a result of his encounter with K-9 Richie.

Ultimately, Eduardo Barrios-Mendez was charged with Resisting Without Violence, and Diaz-Gonzalez was charged with Operating a Vehicle Without a License.

Both were also placed on an ICE Detainer and turned over to Ivey’s Iron Bar Lodge until they are transported by Customs and Border Patrol to their final destination.

Another great job by our Deputies and, of course, K-9 Richie, who proved that the Alligators at Alligator Alcatraz aren’t the only things in Florida that will bite you if you flee into the marsh!

– Sheriff Wayne Ivey

Related Story:
HOT OFF THE PRESS! October 13, 2025 Space Coast Daily News – Brevard County’s Best Newspaper

The post Mucho Mordio: K-9 Richie Nabs Illegal Alien Who Tried to Outrun Brevard County Sheriff’s Deputies appeared first on Space Coast Daily.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Cocoa Police Department announced its partnership with the Space Coast Police K-9 Foundation, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Space Launch Delta 45, USSSA Space Coast Complex and several community organizations to host the 7th Space Coast Police K-9 Competition.

The event will take place on Friday, November 14 at 6 p.m. at the USSSA Space Coast Complex.

The competition showcases the skills, dedication and teamwork of local law enforcement K-9 units while giving the public an opportunity to support these vital programs.

The Cocoa Police Department encouraged residents to mark their calendars and attend the event in support of K-9 teams across the region. Organizers expressed excitement about the upcoming competition and the strong collaboration among participating agencies and community partners.

The department looks forward to welcoming attendees for an evening of demonstrations, community engagement and recognition of the hard work of K-9 units protecting the Space Coast.

Related Story:
HOT OFF THE PRESS! October 13, 2025 Space Coast Daily News – Brevard County’s Best Newspaper

The post Cocoa Police, BCSO Partner for Space Coast Police K-9 Competition Set for Nov. 14 at USSSA Space Coast Complex appeared first on Space Coast Daily.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – A Palm Bay man has been convicted of murder for shooting Indian Harbour Beach mother Nancy Howery and hiding her remains in an undeveloped area known as the Compound.

A Brevard County jury found Daniel L. Stearns, 35, guilty as charged on Oct. 6 of second-degree murder, abuse of a dead human body, and tampering with or destroying evidence. Stearns now faces life in prison.

During a five-day trial, prosecutors Samantha Barrett and Trevor Persenaire made the case that Stearns arranged to meet Howery – whom he had dated – in February 2023. Witnesses and evidence showed Stearns shot her in the head with a handgun, dismembered her, then burned and buried her remains in the unincorporated area west of Palm Bay.

Stearns had met Howery online and was angry that Howery wouldn’t date him exclusively, according to witnesses and records obtained from their mobile-phone accounts. Howery was reported missing Feb. 18, 2023, by her ex-husband after she failed to pick up her children from schools in Satellite Beach. Her Honda minivan was discovered abandoned in Southwest Palm Bay the next day.

Within a week, agents with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Department had questioned Stearns, and the sheriff’s GAME OVER Task Force began surveilling Stearns’ nighttime trips to and from the Compound in his black Chevrolet pickup truck.

Agents detained Stearns as he was disposing of something from a bucket along the C-54 Canal. Deputies found shovels in the bed and rear seat of Stearns’ truck.

A K9 deputy’s human-remains detection dog alerted to the presence of decomposition around those areas.

At trial, a forensic anthropologist testified that skull fragments recovered from the burial sites showed a bullet exit wound in the victim’s forehead. A woman’s middle finger recovered by crime scene investigators had a fingerprint that matched a known print from Howery.

The jury deliberated three hours before returning its guilty verdict. Circuit Judge Kathryn Speicher scheduled Stearns’ sentencing for Dec. 3.

The post Prosecutors Convict Palm Bay Man for Killing, Dismembering Beachside Mom appeared first on Space Coast Daily.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – It’s normally speeding we talk about that gets you pulled over, but in this case, a vehicle was driving too slowly and holding up traffic.

This past weekend, Deputy Fultz was patrolling the area of Eau Gallie Boulevard when he noticed a vehicle driving approximately 30 miles an hour in a 50-mile-an-hour speed zone.

During a subsequent traffic stop on the vehicle, K9 Deputy Lexi Gordon arrived on scene with her dog Luna to conduct a free air sniff around the vehicle.

Well, as you might imagine, this is where things get really interesting, as K-9 Luna gave Deputy Gordon the top secret sign that she smelled something in the car that was a big No-No.

While searching the vehicle, Deputies found a makeup bag in the center console that contained just a few of the items we think Luna was talking about. You know, things like approximately 4.88 grams of fentanyl, 2.3 grams of cocaine, and a clear glass pipe,

Deputy Fultz questioned the driver if he knew of anything in the console, which he adamantly denied knowledge of.

Deputy Fultz then asked the passenger, Laura Ellis, about the bag and its contents, and surprisingly, she admitted to putting the bag in the center console.

Folks I don’t know how many times I have to say it, but if you bring poison on to the streets of Brevard County we will find you, we will arrest you, and we will lock your butt behind bars which is exactly where Ellis is for trafficking in fentanyl, possession of cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia on a no bond status.

No surprise here, thanks to our less-than-stellar criminal justice system, but Ellis was already out on bond for possession of cocaine and methamphetamine when she got arrested this time. Hopefully, her stay at Ivey’s Iron Bar Lodge will be a little bit longer than the last time.

Maybe one day they will let me set the bonds on these poison-pushing criminals, and they will stay locked up.

Great job by Deputy Fultz, Deputy Gordon, and K-9 Luna for getting these drugs off our streets.

– Sheriff Wayne Ivey

Related Story:
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The post SHERIFF WAYNE IVEY: Serial Poison-Pushing Criminal Back in Ivey’s Iron Bar Lodge After Traffic Stop appeared first on Space Coast Daily.

The event is free to everyone, and all adoptions are free as well, thanks to our amazing adoption sponsors at Boniface Hiers Automotive, Glover, Orndorf, and Flanagan Wealth Management, and ATH Trailer Sales.

BREVARD COUNTY • VIERA, FLORIDA – Brevard County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Officer Saint is inviting all Brevard County kids to the first-ever K-9 Saint Francis’ Kids Day, a full day of family fun and, of course, great food, in celebration of  Saint Francis’ Feast Day – the Patron Saint of Animals – on Saturday, October 11.

The event, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Viera High School, will feature amazing dogs available for adoption.

The event will feature a Touch-A-Truck area, all sorts of police cars and fire trucks, bounce houses, free food, music, and, of course, K-9 Saint and his Uber Driver, Sheriff Ivey will be there to greet everyone.

“The kids will have a blast and maybe even go home with a new family member, as there will also be some amazing dogs available for adoption,” said a BCSO spokesperson.

The event is free to everyone, and all adoptions are free as well, thanks to our amazing adoption sponsors at Boniface Hiers Automotive, Glover, Orndorf, and Flanagan Wealth Management, and ATH Trailer Sales.

So mark your calendars for some great fun and a great cause as the first annual K-9 Saint Francis’ Kids Day will be a day for everyone to remember.

Related Story:
HOT OFF THE PRESS! September 15, 2025 Space Coast Daily News – Brevard County’s Best Newspaper

The post Brevard Sheriff’s Office Postpones K9 Saint Francis Kids Day at Viera High Due to Inclement Weather, Rescheduled for October 11 appeared first on Space Coast Daily.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – I was recently honored to celebrate the graduates of the very first class of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Basic Recruit Training Program and also to swear them in as Deputy Sheriffs with our agency.

Our newly created in-house Law Enforcement Training Academy is facilitated through an amazing partnership with Eastern Florida State College.

Our Training & Recruitment Unit provides all of the instruction for the recruits, from Defensive Tactics to Vehicle Operations to Firearms Training, as we make sure they excel in their preparation to serve as Deputy Sheriffs.

In addition to the hands-on training, a major emphasis is placed on the academic standards of the curriculum, with this class having a 91.77% academic average.

I could not be more proud of our instructors for the amazing job they did with preparing this class for their journey through the academy!! And to our first graduating class…25-L1, you all set the bar high and showed us just how ready you were to join our BCSO family.

Please join me in congratulating the 12 newest Deputy Sheriffs of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, as they begin their journey protecting our incredible community.

Eastern Florida State College’s Law Enforcement Academy Shaping the Future of Public Safety

Located at Eastern Florida State College’s Public Safety Institute, the Law Enforcement Academy has been a trusted resource for providing the exceptional training that new officers in our Sheriff’s Office and Police Departments need to protect our communities.

More than just a training facility, the Academy is where discipline meets dedication and cadets transform into officers ready to protect, serve, and lead with integrity.

“The Law Enforcement Academy’s goal isn’t just to teach future officers the basics of the law,” said Police Chief John Lau of the Titusville Police Department.

“It’s about instilling the values and leadership skills that define great law enforcement professionals.”

That philosophy echoes throughout the Academy, where experienced and respected instructors are known for their high expectations, personalized support, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

“The Academy’s success is evident in the numbers,” said College President Dr. Jim Richey.

“The most recent graduating class of 37 students achieved a 100% pass rate on the Florida State Officer Certification Examination (SOCE), with an average GPA of over 92%.

These outcomes testify to the Academy’s rigorous 770-hour curriculum and the exceptional instructors committed to our success.”

Quality, Experienced Law Enforcement Instructors Make the Difference

“I’m really impressed by the quality of instructors,” shared Samantha Harris, a current Academy student training to become a Deputy Sheriff.

“They’re all current or former law enforcement officers, and they bring so many different perspectives and real-world experiences that you can’t get from just reading a book. That experience is invaluable.”

Matt Jankowski, a current instructor and Public Safety Coordinator at Eastern Florida, emphasized the importance of understanding both the law and effective communication.

“They must know the laws they’ll be enforcing. After that, report writing is critical because it’s the foundation of the criminal justice process,” Jankowski explained. “As much as we love range time and driving courses, the reality is that strong reports are how we ensure justice is carried out.”

The Academy’s commitment to superior hands-on training also sets it apart.

“Eastern Florida’s instructors don’t just train officers—they shape leaders,” added Melbourne’s Police Chief David Gillespie. “Their personal investment in every cadet sets the College’s program apart.”

Jankowski agreed with the Chief’s comments and added, “We give students as much trigger time as possible—about 79 hours on the range where they collectively shoot thousands of rounds, and it really shows in their competency. I’ve heard from students at other academies that they didn’t get nearly the same amount of range time. Here, students really get the experience they need.”

Curriculum Tailored for Success

The Academy offers multiple pathways to certification, including the popular 770-hour Florida Law Enforcement Academy Career and Technical Certificate, which prepares students through an intensive and structured curriculum.

The Academy also offers an accelerated 490-hour program for eligible U.S. military veterans, which honors their service while streamlining their path to law enforcement certification.

Additionally, the Auxiliary Law Enforcement Officer certificate, consisting of 360 hours of training, prepares graduates to serve in supportive law enforcement roles on the Space Coast and beyond.

The majority of training is conducted on EFSC’s Melbourne Campus, which accommodates a range of students, from working adults to career changers.

Each program is developed under the guidance of the Law Enforcement Advisory Committee, which comprises leaders from our county’s municipal and county law enforcement agencies.

They ensure Eastern Florida State College academies are conducted to meet and exceed the high standards of the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Trace Markle, a current cadet planning to work for the Melbourne Police Department after graduation, has had a positive experience with the Academy that goes beyond traditional learning.

“My self-confidence has skyrocketed,” said Markle. “I broke through walls I didn’t even realize I had. I’m doing things that I never imagined I’d be capable of, like shooting and defensive tactics.”

Samantha Harris noted the personal growth that comes with stepping outside her comfort zone. “Coming out here has helped me get around different personalities again, talk to people, and grow personally after years of being more introverted post-military service.”

Brevard Police Testing and Selection Center

Every candidate’s journey begins with the Brevard Police Testing & Selection Center (BPTC) at Eastern Florida State College’s Public Safety Institute.

Established in 1987 by the Florida Legislature, the BPTC plays a critical role in screening and vetting applicants through rigorous assessments, including the Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test (CJBAT), the Physical Abilities Test (PAT), and an in-depth background check.

Applicants must meet the state’s minimum standards, including age, education, and legal qualifications as defined by Florida Statute 943.13. Veterans with an honorable discharge or individuals with an associate degree may be eligible for CJBAT exemptions.

Looking Ahead

Although more than 50 Law Enforcement recruits are attending the Eastern Florida Law Enforcement Academies, EFSC plans to offer additional academy classes beginning July 28 and October 2. EFSC’s Law Enforcement Academy continues to open doors for aspiring officers from all walks of life.

Whether exiting military service, changing careers, or just starting, every cadet is supported in becoming a confident and capable guardian of public safety.

“This is the best profession in the world,” Jankowski said. “I have loved it for 30 years, and I’m so dedicated to it that I decided to give more time to training the next generation.”

Eastern Florida State College is continuing to meet the need to provide the highest-quality recruits to the exceptional Law Enforcement agencies on the Space Coast and beyond.

Before the year is out, Eastern Florida State College hopes to put more than 100 new law enforcement officers on the streets, which will help ensure that Brevard’s citizens are in good hands.

Eastern Florida State College’s Law Enforcement Academy isn’t just a training ground, and it’s a launchpad for a new generation of officers ready to make a difference, one shift, one call, and one life at a time.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in Law Enforcement, please visit Easternflorida.edu/go/law-enforcement to learn more.

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