Brevard Public Schools cancels Tuesday classes as Florida flooding persists

Students in Brevard County will miss a second day of instruction due to widespread flooding. District officials canceled classes for Tuesday, extending a Monday closure that left thousands of families dealing with waterlogged homes and blocked travel. Schools are scheduled to reopen on Wednesday, November 4, assuming campus inspections confirm buildings are safe.

The decision followed a surge in severe weather events across the region. Heavy rain saturated the ground, increasing the risk of rapid runoff and localized flooding. By Monday, the situation had escalated to the point where Brevard Public Schools canceled classes to prioritize student and staff safety. District crews spent the day inspecting campuses to assess damage before confirming the additional day off.

State leadership moved quickly to coordinate a response. Governor Ron DeSantis signed Executive Order 26-227 on Monday, declaring a state of emergency for Brevard, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Indian River, Martin, and St. Lucie counties. This executive order activates the Florida National Guard and the Florida State Guard. It also allows state agencies to coordinate logistics and resources to expedite assistance to impacted communities.

Rescue operations became necessary as water levels rose. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers rescued more than 60 people in Melbourne and Palm Bay. Personnel used rescue helicopters, reconnaissance drones, airboats, and shallow-water vessels to evacuate residents and their pets. In one notable incident, aviation staff rescued a man who was clinging to a palm tree in Crane Creek.

Infrastructure across the county faced major disruptions. US 192 in West Melbourne is closed in both directions from Coastal Lane to Wickham Road. Brightline suspended train service between Orlando and West Palm Beach until 2 p.m. Thursday due to high water on the rail corridor. Health First Medical Group closed all its locations on Monday morning, with some lab and pharmacy sites facing delayed openings.

Local officials reported high demand for emergency services. Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey stated that 911 was receiving a large volume of calls from people trapped in homes and vehicles. He urged residents to call for help if needed, noting that crews were using high-water vehicles to reach those in inaccessible areas like Palm Bay’s Fairhaven district. The West Melbourne Police Department also closed Minton Road at Helen Street and US 192.

A flood watch remains in effect for all of east central Florida through 7 p.m. Meteorologists expect an additional 1 to 3 inches of rain, with some isolated areas potentially receiving up to 5 inches. A flood warning remains active for parts of Central Florida near the St. Johns River until further notice.