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As families prep for the upcoming school year, one thing Brevard students won't have to worry about for the classroom is a cell phone.

A new Florida law, signed May 30 by Gov. Ron DeSantis, bans the use of cell phones during the school day for elementary and middle school students. But Brevard's school board is planning to forbid their use for all ages, saying the previous policy — which allowed the use of phones outside the classroom, in settings such as school cafeterias — wasn't being enforced well enough.

"I think if (the policy) would have been enforced the way that this board had intended that policy to work, it wouldn't have to swing this direction, but because we walk around schools and we see what's going on there, and we see that they're still using their cell phones all the time and they're still videotaping ridiculous things and doing TikTok dances in the hallway — like I see those things, that's the reason for this," said board member Megan Wright at a June 24 work session.

Nothing has been finalized, but an updated cell phone policy and student code of conduct addressing the use of cell phones are in the works. Here's what we know.

What does new Florida law say?

Under House Bill 1105, elementary and middle school students are banned from using cell phones during the school day.

The rules are a little more lax for high schoolers: Students in grades 9 through 12 can use their phones outside the classroom if their school district allows them to do so, but the use of phones is prohibited during instructional time except for educational purposes.

What does updated Brevard policy say?

In recent weeks, the board has begun working to adjust the 2025-2026 student code of conduct to align with the new law, as well as their wireless communication devices policy. While nothing has been set in stone, the board's most recent moves take the district toward a cell phone ban for all grade levels.

Under the revised wireless communications device policy, students would not be allowed to use a "wireless communications device" during the school day. Such devices must be powered off or put on vibrate/silent mode and stored out of sight. The policy does not allow for the use of phones during instructional time at the direction of a teacher.

The code of conduct was on the agenda for the June 24 school board meeting, but was removed after the agenda was released to the public.

Can students still be reached in an emergency?

At the June 24 board meeting, members of the public discussed the pros and cons of the proposed ban on cell phone usage.

Carl Sandburg spoke in favor of banning cell phones and other technology.

"They need to get rid of social platform … because it's a distraction," he said. "It's a total distraction … There's no way a third or fourth grader needs a $1,200 iPhone and a watch."

Others didn't see it as a positive move.

Max Madl, a Brevard Public Schools graduate who ran for school board in 2024, raised concerns that students may need their phones in situations like a school shooting.

"Students having access to their phones can literally save lives," he said. "We saw this in tragedies like Parkland, where students used their phones to contact loved ones and access real-time information. Removing this option strips parents and families of a layer of connection and reassurance during uncertain moments."

During the work session following the meeting, Wright clarified that students will still have access to their cell phones, even if they won't be allowed to use them during the school day.

"They can have their phone in their back pocket on vibrate, that's completely OK. They just cannot take it out during the day," she said.

Finch Walker is the education reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Walker at fwalker@floridatoday.com. X: @_finchwalker. Instagram: @finchwalker_.

A Florida sheriff has issued a stern warning to protesters planning violence towards law enforcement officials as the United States braces for a wave of anti-Trump administration demonstrations.

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey cautioned against violent behavior during the upcoming "No Kings" protests expected across the country this weekend during a news conference alongside Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier.

"Throw a brick, firebomb or point a gun at one of our deputies, we will be notifying your family where to collect your remains at," Ivey said. "Because we will kill you graveyard dead. We’re not going to play."

Uthmeier also weighed in on the upcoming protests, urging Floridians to prioritize their safety if they get caught in the middle of a demonstration.

"If you're a family out there, you're driving and all of a sudden you get surrounded by one of these angry demonstrations that's turned violent," Uthmeier said. "You don't need to sit there and wait while people smash your window and damage your vehicle and put your family in jeopardy. Just drive, get yourself out of harm’s way."

Ivey pointed to the ongoing chaos at anti-immigration protests throughout major cities across the country, before saying he "doesn’t want to hear any whining later saying ‘we didn’t know.’"

"As you watch these riots unfold across the country," Ivey said, "what you are seeing is buildings being burned down, police cars being bricked, having explosive devices thrown at them, having guns pointed at them, bricks thrown at them."

Uthmeier went on to echo the statements from Ivey, adding, "we're grateful to have a great president and a governor that respects rule of law. In Florida, you're not going to see anything like you're seeing in California."

The words of warning from officials come as authorities around the country are gearing up for a weekend of "No Kings" protests, which were organized by the 50501 Movement in response to President Donald Trump’s inauguration earlier this year. The protests are scheduled to coincide with Trump’s 79th birthday and an Army parade on Saturday, with organizers vowing the movement will remain peaceful.

The 50501 Movement did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

"President Trump wants tanks in the street and a made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday," the organization’s website states. "A spectacle meant to look like strength. But real power isn’t staged in Washington. It rises up everywhere else."

Officials are expecting two protests within Brevard County, according to Florida Today.

"Florida will never be California," Uthmeier said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "Rioting is illegal in our state and our law enforcement are on full alert this weekend. If anyone participates in violent rioting, threatens or injures law enforcement, damages businesses or property or obstructs traffic, we will ensure you will see the back of a jail cell and prosecute you to the fullest. Florida stands by President Trump, ICE and the rule of law."

The Brevard County Sheriff's Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

Ivey closed the department’s warning by acknowledging that peaceful protests "are part of our democracy."

"Stand on the mountaintops and yell your opinion," Ivey said. "We invite that. But don’t go breaking the law, because it won’t go well for you."

Did Brevard residents get a “sign” that Trader Joe’s is one step closer to coming to Brevard County?

Signs posted at Michael’s in The Avenue Viera indicate the store is closing. The crafting retailer, located at 2221 Town Center, is the same location a permit was recently filed for a buildout for Trader Joe’s.

Brevard County officials confirmed in May a building permit application was filed for work to be done on "interior renovation for a Trader Joe's grocery store." As of June 2, the permit remains “under active review by the relevant agencies,” county officials said.

In May, officials with Trader Joe’s said there is “no confirmed location” for the grocery store in Brevard County.

Are Michael’s stores across the country going out of business?

They don’t seem to be.

In fact, earlier when fellow crafter Joann announced it was closing all of its stores by the end of May, Michael’s posted a message on its website saying, “Welcome JOANN Customers. We’ve got your go-to essentials & so much more!"

The largest crafting store in the US, Michael’s, founded in 1973, has more than 1,300 stores in 49 states and Canada.

Rumors about Trader Joe's coming to Brevard pop up often

Back in December there was a lot of online buzz about Trader Joe's coming to the Space Coast, but the grocery store's officials shut down those rumors.

And if you feel like we've been down this permit application process with Trader Joe's before, it's because we have.

Back in 2017, residents got their hopes up when the grocer applied for a permit with the county, and a former county commissioner announced on social media that Trader Joe’s was coming to Merritt Island.

The plan was for it to move into a building on State Road 520 that once housed a Barnes & Noble. Trader Joe’s officials never confirmed the Merritt Island location, and it never came to be.

Hopes were raised once again in 2019. That’ when an Eau Gallie Arts District grassroots social-media campaign unsuccessfully attempted to lure Trader Joe's to open a store inside the shuttered Walgreens. A sign with the Trader Joe’s logo was hung on the building, which got the public excited. But that also never led anywhere.

Spitzer is a Trending Reporter. She can be reached at MSpitzer@Floridatoday.com.

Be prepared for some spectacular sunrises and sunsets later this week.

The vibrant, colorful sky shows are thanks to a plume of dust from the Saharan Desert sweeping across Florida. Estimated to be 2,000 miles wide from east to west and 750 miles long from north to south, the plume is the largest to reach America so far this year, according to AccuWeather.

“You could call it a spectacle,” said Brendan Schaper, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Melbourne. “We usually see these dust plumes this time of year, at the beginning of hurricane season. This one is a large plume.”

When will the dust plume arrive in Brevard?

The greatest concentration is expected to arrive some time on Wednesday into Thursday, Schaper said. “The main plume will be dissipating over the area by Friday," he added.

Aside from the beautiful sunrises and sunsets, residents can expect to see hazy skies. Visibility will be affected by the plume, however, it is not expected to affect air quality.

What is Saharan dust?

Saharan dust is dust and sand from the continent of Africa that gets brought over via wind around this time every year.

Known officially as the Saharan Air Layer, Saharan dust is dry, dusty air that forms over the Sahara Desert in northern Africa, according to the National Weather Service. As it moves off the west coast of Africa, it can travel across the North Atlantic reaching Florida and the United States.

Due to potential changes and cancellations, we encourage you to check with presenting organizations about the status of their events.

1. ‘The Best of John Williams’ concert in Melbourne

Space Coast Symphony Orchestra presents a concert of John Williams’ film scores at the Scott Center, 5625 Holy Trinity Drive, Melbourne, on Saturday, May 24 at 7 p.m. The program will feature music from “Star Wars,” “E.T.,” “Jane Eyre,” “Far and Away,” “Jurassic Park,” “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and more. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Star Wars attire or costume. Selected youth musicians from around Central Florida will perform side-by-side on the second half with their professional SCSO counterparts. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door or free for ages 18 and younger. A second performance will be at Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center, 1707 16th Street, Vero Beach, on Sunday, May 25 at 3 p.m. Call 855-252-7276 or visit spacecoastsymphony.org.

2. Merfolk academy in Rockledge

Ever dream of being a mermaid or merman? Brevard County Central Area Parks and Recreation is hosting a Merfolk academy from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on May 24 at McLarty Aquatic Center, 790 Barton Blvd. Rockledge. The class will cover basic swimming skills before transitioning into the monofin. Instructors will teach safe fin use and proper breathing while swimming. Participants must complete a swim test before registering for the academy. The swim test consists of being able to swim 12 yards without stopping, being able to float on their front or back. Merfolk tails and monofins are provided. Space is limited to 10 participants. The cost is $28.94 per student. Call 321-302-1658.

3. Bold murals at Brevard Zoo

Brevard Zoo, 8225 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, is debuting its second round of Bold Murals, featuring artists tackling the theme "They Thrive, We Thrive" this Memorial Day weekend. This exhibition features 13 new artists, all residents from Florida. Guests can watch the artists bring their large murals to life live before their eyes from May 24 to 26. Visitors can also enjoy several art-themed and educational activities around the zoo over the weekend, including opportunities to make your own art with natural elements, mini mural painting stations and more. Visit brevardzoo.org.

4. Free comic books in Melbourne

Famous Faces & Funnies, 3540 W. New Haven Ave., Melbourne, will give out 10 free comic books every Saturday in May, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. No purchase is necessary, and admission is free. Visit famousfacesandfunnies.com.

5. Summer Grinch Fest in Wickham Park

Meet the Grinch and some surprise friends in Wickham Park pavilion, 2500 Parkway Drive, Melbourne, on Saturday, May 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shop with over 100 vendors and food trucks. Email specialtypopupevents@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/specialtypopup.

6. Master Artisans Friday Night Market in Melbourne

Meet talented local artisans and find one-of-a-kind gifts at Max K. Rodes Park, 2885 Champion Way, Melbourne, on Friday, May 23 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. There will also be a DJ and food trucks. Admission is free. Visit brevardfl.gov or facebook.com/BrevardParks.

7. Free movie in Wickham Park

The movie “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” will be shown in Wickham Park, 2500 Parkway Drive, Melbourne, on Friday, May 23 at sunset. The movie will be shown drive-in style, with audio available through car stereo and external speakers. Prior to the movie, starting at 6 p.m., there will be food trucks. Admission is free. Visit brevardfl.gov or facebook.com/BrevardParks.

8. Lawndale Museum in Rockledge

Lawndale Museum, 1219 Rockledge Drive, is open for community visits and information tours each Saturday from 10a.m. to 3 p.m. This elegant, authentically decorated home and beautiful outdoor environment was completed in 1880. Admission is a $10 donation, or free for kids. Visit friendsoflawndale.com.

9. Live theater around Brevard

Do you have a community entertainment event? Email tgif@floridatoday.com at least three weeks in advance for consideration for the Things to Do roundup.

Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at clafortune@floridatoday.com.

Whether you're interested in music, theater, festivals or other local entertainment, FLORIDA TODAY has got you covered. Support local journalism by subscribing at Special Offers - USAToday Network.