Florida
SpaceX rocket launch this week: List of Florida beaches, parks & best views to watch
SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch seen in Texas sky
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launched from Cape Canaveral on Monday night. The launch was meant to send 23 Starlink satellites into orbit.
Fox – 4 News
Anyone up for a rocket launch to start the week? A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will potentially lift off this Monday, carrying Starlink internet satellites.
Weather permitting, the rocket launch will be visible in the night sky above the Space Coast and the Treasure Coast on Monday, April 22.
Below is a calendar for upcoming rocket launches and how to watch the SpaceX rocket launch this week.
Is there a rocket launch in Florida today? Rocket launch calendar for Florida
Here’s what we know about the rocket launch missions, mentioned in FLORIDA TODAY’s rocket launch calendar for the month, which is updated frequently. (Check that link often for rocket launch times and dates because they are routinely subject to change for a variety of reasons.)
FLORIDA TODAY, a USA TODAY Network-Florida newspaper, provides interactive launch coverage at floridatoday.com/space with frequent updates on launches at least 90 minutes in advance, sometimes longer, depending on the mission.
For questions or comments, email Space Reporter Rick Neale at rneale@floridatoday.com or tweet him @rickneale1 on X, the social platform formerly known as Twitter.
‘What is that?!’ A SpaceX rocket that launched from Florida was spotted — in Texas
Is SpaceX launching from Florida? Monday, April 22: SpaceX Starlink
Though SpaceX has not publicly confirmed this mission’s existence, a National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency navigational warning shows a rocket launch window will open Monday night.
Here are some details about the upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch:
- Mission: A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch a batch of Starlink internet satellites from the Space Coast.
- Launch window: 6:40 p.m. to 11:11 p.m. EDT on Monday, April 22.
- Trajectory: Southeast.
- Local sonic boom: No.
- Booster landing: Drone ship out on the Atlantic Ocean.
- Live coverage: Starts 90 minutes before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space.
Pretty much anywhere in Brevard, you’ll get a view of the rocket launch. The best view to watch a rocket launch from the Space Coast is along the beach. However, visibility will depend on weather conditions and people should make sure not to block traffic or rights of way on bridges and to follow posted rules at beaches.
If you are viewing the launch along the Indian River in Titusville from Space View Park or Parrish Park, look east directly across the river.
If you are farther south along the Indian River, look northeast.
Playalinda Beach or Canaveral National Seashore is the closest spot to view liftoff because it is almost parallel to Launch Pad 39A. On the beach, look south along the coastline, (you can even see the pad from some spots).
Some hotspots to check out:
- Jetty Park Beach and Pier, 400 Jetty Park Road, Port Canaveral. Note, there’s a charge to park.
- Playalinda Beach, 1000 Playalinda Beach Road, Canaveral National Seashore. Note, there’s a charge to park, and access to Canaveral National Seashore isn’t always granted depending on capacity and time of day.
- Max Brewer Bridge and Parrish Park, 1 A. Max Brewer Memorial Parkway, Titusville. Note, parking is available on both sides of Max Brewer Bridge.
- Space View Park, 8 Broad St., Titusville
- Sand Point Park, 10 E. Max Brewer Causeway, Titusville
- Rotary Riverfront Park, 4141 S. Washington Ave., Titusville
- Alan Shepard Park, 299 E. Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach. Note, there could be parking costs.
- Cocoa Beach Pier, 401 Meade Ave. Parking fee varies.
- Lori Wilson Park, 1400 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Lori Wilson Park has a dog park, by the way.
- Sidney Fischer Park, 2200 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Note, there could be parking costs.
- Sebastian Inlet Park, 9700 S. State Road A1A, Melbourne Beach (there is a cost to enter)
- Ambersands Beach Park, 12566 N. SR A1A, Vero Beach (free parking)
- South Beach Park, 1700 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach (free parking)
- Merrill Barber Bridge in Vero Beach
- Alma Lee Loy Bridge in Vero Beach
The best views to watch a rocket launch from neighboring Brevard County, aka the Space Coast, is along the beach.
Visibility in Indian River County, St. Lucie County and Martin County, all part of the Treasure Coast, will depend on weather conditions, and people should make sure not to block traffic or rights of way on bridges and to follow posted rules at beaches. Look due north. Here are some recommended spots, from closest to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Kennedy Space Center to farthest:
Pretty much anywhere in Brevard, you’ll get a view of the rocket launch. That includes Melbourne Beach, which borders Indian River County, or from Grant-Valkaria along the Indian River Lagoon.
- Sebastian Inlet Park, 9700 S. State Road A1A, Melbourne Beach (there is a cost to enter)
- Wabasso Beach Park, 1808 Wabasso Beach Road, Wabasso
- Ambersands Beach Park, 12566 N. SR A1A, Vero Beach (free parking)
- South Beach Park, 1700 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach (free parking)
- Merrill Barber Bridge in Vero Beach
- Alma Lee Loy Bridge in Vero Beach
- Fort Pierce Inlet, 905 Shorewinds Drive
- Blind Creek Beachside North and South, South Ocean Drive or SR A1A on Hutchinson Island in Fort Pierce
- Blue Heron Beach, 2101 Blue Heron Blvd., Fort Pierce
- Frederick Douglass Memorial Park, 3600 S. Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce
- Dollman Park Beachside, 9200 South Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach
- Herman’s Bay Beach, 7880 South Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach
- John Brooks Park Beachside, 3300 S Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce
- Middle Cove Beach, 4600 South Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce
- Normandy Beach in Jensen Beach
- Pepper Park Beachside, 3302 N. SR A1A, Fort Pierce,
- Walton Rocks Beach, which has a dog park, 6700 South Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach
- Waveland Beach, 10350 S. Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach
- House of Refuge and beach, 301 S.E. MacArthur Blvd., Stuart
- State Road A1A causeway in Stuart
Watching a rocket launch or waiting for that launch window while at the beach is a pretty Florida thing to do.
In Volusia County, immediately north of Brevard County — home to Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station — you can get a great view of a SpaceX, NASA or United Launch Alliance rocket launch.
The best views to watch a rocket launch from here is along the beach. Look due south. Readers have also mentioned seeing a rocket launch from New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach. Here are some recommended spots:
- South New Smyrna Beach (Canaveral National Seashore), there may be parking costs. New Smyrna Beach features 17 miles of white sandy beaches. An eclectic and quaint beach town, despite its reputation as the “Shark Bite Capital of the World,” New Smyrna Beach has always been a haven for surfers who come for the waves.
Dinner and a launch: Perfect for a SpaceX or NASA rocket launch, best waterfront restaurants in Volusia County
- Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park, 6656 S. Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna Beach. Bethune Beach, which is 3.5 miles south of New Smyrna Beach and one mile north of the Apollo Beach entrance to Canaveral National Seashore Park, has restrooms, picnic pavilions, showers and nearly 800 feet of beachfront sidewalk, according to Volusia County’s site. The nearby riverside park area is across South Atlantic Avenue with tennis courts, pickle ball courts, basketball and volleyball courts, playground, fishing pier and restrooms. The river by the park can be a great viewing spot for manatees, dolphins and pelicans.
- Apollo Beach at Canaveral National Seashore (south of New Smyrna Beach). Canaveral National Seashore runs along Florida’s East Coast in Volusia County and Brevard County. To access Apollo Beach, take Interstate 95 to exit 249, then travel east until it turns into State Road A1A. Follow SR A1A south to the park entrance.
- Oak Hill riverfront is the southernmost city in South Volusia County.
- Sunrise Park, 275 River Road, Oak Hill
- Goodrich’s Seafood and Oyster House back deck, 253 River Road, Oak Hill
- Seminole Rest national historic site, 211 River Road, Oak Hill
- Riverbreeze Park, 250 H.H. Burch Road, Oak Hill
- Mary Dewees Park, 178 N. Gaines St., Oak Hill. Facilities include a rental building, playground, baseball field, basketball courts, tennis courts, outdoor restrooms, pavilions, picnic areas and grills.
- Nancy Cummings Park, 232 Cummings St., Oak Hill. Facilities include a playground, baseball field, basketball courts, outdoor pavilion and restrooms.
- Jimmie Vann Sunrise Park, 275 River Road, Oak Hill. This location has about 350 feet of beautifully restored shoreline, according to the city of Oak Hill online. Facilities include a pavilion, picnic tables and kayak launching facilities.
- A.C. Delbert Dewees Municipal Pier, 243 River Road, Oak Hill. Facilities include a 520-foot observation pier with two covered decks and seating, the city of Oak Hill site states.
- Bird Observation Pier on River Road across from A.C. Delbert Municipal Pier (see above). Facilities include a 100-foot observation pier.
Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network-Florida. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper.
Florida
Florida Lottery Powerball, Lotto, Cash4Life results for Oct. 25, 2025
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The Florida Lottery offers several draw games for those hoping to win one of the available jackpots. Here’s a look at the winning numbers for games played on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025
Winning Powerball numbers from Oct. 25 drawing
02-12-22-39-67, Powerball: 15, Power Play: 2
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Oct. 25 drawing
03-24-46-58-61, Powerball: 07
Winning Florida Lotto numbers from Oct. 25 drawing
05-09-22-30-32-50
Check Florida Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lotto Double Play numbers from Oct. 25 drawing
11-18-21-46-50-53
Check Lotto Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash4Life numbers from Oct. 25 drawing
05-06-12-19-60, Cash Ball: 03
Check Cash4Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from Oct. 25 drawing
Midday: 06-08-15-19-21
Evening: 18-27-28-30-35
Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from Oct. 25 drawing
Morning: 12
Matinee: 09
Afternoon: 11
Evening: 12
Late Night: 07
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 2 numbers from Oct. 25 drawing
Midday: 1-8, FB: 5
Evening: 6-0, FB: 8
Check Pick 2 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from Oct. 25 drawing
Midday: 3-7-5, FB: 5
Evening: 0-7-5, FB: 8
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from Oct. 25 drawing
Midday: 6-5-1-1, FB: 5
Evening: 3-8-4-6, FB: 8
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 5 numbers from Oct. 25 drawing
Midday: 6-4-1-3-5, FB: 5
Evening: 6-5-0-1-8, FB: 8
Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Where can you buy Florida Lottery tickets?
Tickets can be purchased in person at any authorized retailer throughout Florida, including gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. To find a retailer near you, go to Find Florida Lottery Retailers.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize
- Prizes of $599 or less: Claim at any authorized Florida Lottery retailer or Florida Lottery district office.
- Prizes for $600 to $1 million: Must be claimed in person at any Florida Lottery district office for games that do not offer an annual payment option.
- Prizes greater than $1 million and all prizes with an annual payment option: Must be claimed at Florida Lottery headquarters, except Mega Millions and Powerball prizes, which can be claimed at any Florida Lottery district office.
You also can claim your winnings by mail if the prize is $250,000 or less. Mail your ticket to the Florida Lottery with the required documentation.
Florida law requires public disclosure of winners
If you’re a winner, Florida law mandates the following information is public record:
- Full name
- City of residence
- Game won
- Date won
- Amount won
- Name and location of the retailer where the winning ticket was purchased.
When are the Florida Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
- Florida Lotto: 11:15 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.
- Jackpot Triple Play: 11:15 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
- Cash4Life: 9 p.m. daily.
- Fantasy 5: Daily at 1:05 p.m. and 11:15 p.m.
- Cash Pop: Daily at 8:45 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 2:45 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 11:45 p.m.
- Pick 2, 3, 4, 5: Daily at 1:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Florida digital producer. You can send feedback using this form.
Florida
Leanne Wong Wins Silver in World Championships All-Around – Florida Gators
Wong, sitting fourth before the final rotation, delivered a clutch Cheng vault that earned the highest vault score of the day (14.466) and launched her into the lead—until Melnikova’s closing floor routine edged her out for gold.
➡️ Vault
➡️ Leanne Wong
➡️ 14.466 pic.twitter.com/MIgCB6EG69
— USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) October 23, 2025
The one-two all-around finish was a repeat of the 2021 World Championships, when Melnikova and Wong also went one-two.
“Of course it’s disappointing to see your name go to second place, but overall I’m happy with the competition,” Wong said, according to the FIG. “I just take it a competition at a time, and I was happy to make it to the Worlds and to be winning a medal.”
U.S. teammate Dulcy Caylor took 13th in the final standings.
Another Gator looks for World Championships hardware tomorrow. Rising sophomore Skye Blakely earned a place in the uneven bars final after posting a score of 14.166 to qualify seventh. That final will take place Friday, Oct. 24 at 3 a.m. ET.
Coverage of the World Championships event finals streams live on Peacock.
13.800 gets Leanne Wong’s AA pursuit underway 🇺🇸
Live Scores: https://t.co/5yEgB1qUxF#ARTWorlds2025 #Gymnastics pic.twitter.com/GlSrMkHwng
— FIG (@gymnastics) October 23, 2025
➡️ Balance Beam
➡️ Leanne Wong
➡️ 13.500Watch live on Peacock! pic.twitter.com/erHhBjfUay
— USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) October 23, 2025
➡️ Floor Exercise
➡️ Leanne Wong
➡️ 13.200Watch live on Peacock! pic.twitter.com/hZFhKsLu5j
— USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) October 23, 2025
World Championships All-Around Final Scores
| World Championships All-Around Top 15 | |||
| Place | Name | Nation | Total |
| 1 | Angelina MELNIKOVA | AIN | 55.066 |
| 2 | Leanne WONG | USA | 54.966 |
| 3 | Qingying ZHANG | CHN | 54.633 |
| 4 | Kaylia NEMOUR | ALG | 54.564 |
| 5 | Asia D’AMATO | ITA | 53.532 |
| 6 | Rina KISHI | JPN | 53.232 |
| 7 | Aiko SUGIHARA | JPN | 53.132 |
| 8 | Abigail MARTIN | GBR | 52.998 |
| 9 | Naomi VISSER | NED | 52.299 |
| 10 | Ruby EVANS | GBR | 52.066 |
| 11 | Liudmila ROSHCHINA | AIM | 51.999 |
| 12 | Breanna SCOTT | AUS | 51.798 |
| 13 | Dulcy CAYLOR | USA | 51.532 |
| 14 | Alba PETISCO | ESP | 51.399 |
| 15 | Kaia TANSKANEN | FIN | 51.266 |
2025 FIG World Championships Schedule – Women
Senior women’s competition schedule:
- Friday, Oct. 24 | 3 a.m. ET | Vault & Uneven Bars Final | Peacock
- Saturday, Oct. 25 | 3 a.m. ET | Balance Beam & Floor Exercise Final | Peacock
Tape-Delay
- Sunday, Oct. 26 | 12 p.m. ET | Women’s All-Around Final | NBC
Florida
Will SNAP benefits be sent to Florida recipients in November? What to know about shutdown
Government shutdown impacts SNAP benefits
State health officials say food assistance could be cut off for millions if the government doesn’t reopen in the next few days.
Fox – 4 News
Nearly 3 million Floridians who rely on food stamps to provide or supplement their food budget may see their benefits for November delayed if the federal government shutdown continues past Nov. 1.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture sent a memo to state administrators of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, earlier this month, alerting them that funding is running out and they won’t receive disbursements for November if the shutdown persists. SNAP provides low-income families monthly benefits to afford healthy food.
That will affect the 42 million Americans currently receiving SNAP benefits, including 2.8 million in Florida, the state Department of Children and Families confirmed. The program is funded by the federal government but administered by each state.
“If the federal government shutdown continues into November, SNAP benefits for the month of November will not be issued until federal funding is restored,” an alert on Florida’s SNAP website says. “You may receive notices about your eligible benefit amount, but you will not receive any benefits deposited to your EBT card during this time.”
SNAP benefits for October will continue and DCF is still processing initial applications and renewals, DCF spokeswoman Anna Archambault confirmed in an email. Newly approved recipients may receive notification about November eligibility, but will not get benefits yet.
Here’s what to know.
What is SNAP, the former food stamp program?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that provides assistance to low-income seniors, people with disabilities living on fixed incomes, and other individuals and families with low incomes to help them buy nutritious food.
It grew out of the nearly century-old national food stamp program and was renamed in the 2008 farm bill. SNAP is part of the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
Why aren’t SNAP benefits going out in November?
The federal program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In Florida, SNAP is managed by the Florida Department of Children and Families Office of Economic Self-Sufficiency (ESS).
The federal government shutdown is affecting large areas of the federal government, including the Agriculture department. SNAP benefits were already obligated for October but further funding may be delayed.
How does SNAP work?
Once you are approved to receive SNAP benefits, you receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer Card (EBT), a physical, reloadable card like a debit card that can be used at participating retailers to buy approved items or to withdraw cash at specified locations.
Monthly benefits appear on the card’s balance. Sales tax cannot be charged on items you buy with an EBT card.
Can I still use the balance on my EBT card?
Yes, you still can use your existing SNAP benefits, which roll over every month if not used. You can check your EBT card’s balance at ebtEDGE.com or by calling 888-356-3281.
Who is eligible to receive SNAP benefits in Florida?
SNAP eligibility is based on income, resources, and the size of your household. Eligibility rules are set at the federal level but individual states may change them. In Florida:
- You must be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or qualified noncitizen and be able to prove your identity. You must have a Social Security number or proof you have applied for one.
- Individuals aged 16 – 59 must meet General Work Requirements for SNAP unless exempt, such as being unable to work, caring for young children or incapacitated persons, or being a student. Additionally, adults aged 18 – 59, unless exempt, must work or participate in the SNAP Employment and Training Program (SNAP E&T).
- Most households must pass a gross income limit less than or equal to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Some household expenses such as shelter expenses, dependent care, medical expenses, child support paid, utility deductions, earned income deduction may be subtracted from the total monthly income in the food assistance budget.
- Households must report when their total monthly gross income exceeds 130% of the Federal Poverty Level for their household size and when work hours of able-bodied adults fall below 80 hours per month. The household must report these changes within 10 days after the end of the month of the change.
- Most food assistance households may have assets such as vehicles, bank accounts, or property and still get help. Households with a disqualified member must meet an asset limit of $2,500 ($3,750 if the household contains an elderly or disabled member.
Requirements for SNAP benefits became more restrictive since the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 expanded the 80-hour-a-month work requirement for SNAP by increasing the age limit on able-bodied adults without dependents from 49 to 54. The Florida Department of Children and Families expanded its own definition to include adults up through 59 years old and increased the mandatory employment and training program (SNAP E&T) from 80 hours every month to 120.
What can I buy with SNAP benefits in Florida?
Households can use food assistance benefits to buy breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, poultry, dairy, and plants and seeds to grow food for their household to eat.
Households cannot use food assistance benefits to buy nonfood items such as pet foods, soaps, paper products, household supplies, grooming items, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, food to eat in the store, or hot foods.
Who is ineligible for Florida SNAP benefits?
Reasons for SNAP ineligibility include:
- Conviction of drug trafficking
- Fleeing a felony warrant
- Breaking SNAP Program rules
- Noncitizens without a qualified status
- Students attending an institution of higher education at least half time, in some circumstances
Contributing: Gray Rohrer, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida
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