Space Coast Office of Tourism Update: Brevard Chef Named James Beard Best Chef Semifinalist

By Space Coast Daily // February 14, 2026

Commemorating America’s 250th

Space Coast Chef named James Beard Best Chef: South Semifinalist

A HUGE congratulations to Chef Toni Elkhouri, the mind behind Cedar’s Cafe, for being named a James Beard Best Chef: South Semifinalist!

Built on a love of food, respect for ingredients, and a commitment to sustainability, Cedar’s Cafe is one Space Coast restaurant worth traveling for. Come see what Chef Toni is cooking up this week and congratulate her on this incredible honor!

Learn More about Chef Toni and the James Beard Award

Space Coast Marketing Updates

Commemorating America’s 250th

As the nation approaches America’s 250th anniversary, we are celebrating this milestone by showcasing the region’s role in America’s story—from civil rights and early spaceflight to today’s Artemis missions.

Our America250 webpage highlights historic sites, iconic attractions, and America250-themed events across the destination. We’ve also developed a gamified trail featuring the area’s many historic sites. Participants who visit five or more locations will receive a limited-edition America250 mission patch (while supplies last).

Additionally, the Space Coast will be featured in one of seven episodes in an upcoming Visit Florida America250 docuseries, spotlighting the State’s locations that have shaped America’s past, present, and future.

If your organization is planning events, exhibits, or programs tied to America250, we encourage you to share them with us so they can be considered for inclusion on our America250 events calendar and promotional efforts.

Submit your America250 Event

Space Coast Sports Commission Updates

Tune into the Space Coast Classic on February 22!

Mark your calendars for the inaugural Space Coast Classic presented by Moon Golf, the very first time a golfing event will be streamed from Duran Golf Club! February 22, 13 Division 1 teams from all over the country will converge on the Space Coast for a tournament they’ll remember forever! You can tune into this event on the Championship Golf Network through the link below. Streaming the event has been three years in the making, and we are excited for other parts of the country to see why we are so proud of our community.

Tune into the Space Coast Classic 2.22.26

Space Coast Travel Trade Updates

Visit Space Coast Represented at Visit USA, Switzerland Island Hopping Training

Florida’s Space Coast Office of Tourism participated in the Visit USA Switzerland Island Hopping training seminar on February 5th, 2026, in a new location, the Volkshaus in Zürich. Approximately 70 Swiss travel agents attended the event and a series of training sessions were held throughout the day. We had a total of six 10-minute trainings to a total of 48 travel agents, who were all very interested, asking specific questions. We also distributed approximately 50 Vacation Planners. The event also presents a platform to speak to the Swiss tour operators and airline partners. Other Florida partners were Visit Orlando and Visit St. Pete/Clearwater.

Fly Us To The Moon

The Space Coast Office of Tourism attended the opening dinner for the Airport Roundtable Series conference that was held at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The actual conference was held in Cocoa Beach from February 11-13 and is the industry’s must-attend small conference for airport air service development and marketing professionals. Over 90 airline executives attended, including many professionals who do route planning for airlines. It was a great opportunity to showcase the destination, and Peter Cranis, Director, presented to the group, highlighting the many amenities that make Space Coast such a great destination to have direct air service to. Also speaking was Greg Donovan from the Melbourne Orlando International Airport, and there was a special presentation by Retired Astronaut Mark Baker, who flew on 4 Space Shuttle missions. Laura Beebe, Marketing Director, and Tom Bartosek, Travel Industry Relations Manager, also attended the dinner.

Spotlight on the Space Coast

Space Coast in the Media

CNN Travel – Fly me to the moon: On a mission to Florida’s classic Space Coast
Travel + Leisure – 13 Incredible Space Museums in the U.S. Every Traveler Should Visit
Fodor’s Travel – 12 Easy Winter Getaways That Will Cure Your Seasonal Depression
Business Insider – I’ve lived in Florida for nearly a decade. These 7 underrated spots should be on your travel list
Travel and Tour World – Artemis II Mission Now Ignites Space Tourism Enthusiasm, Gearing Up for Historic Moon Launch from Kennedy Space Center
Sport Fishing – Florida’s Space & Treasure Coasts: Out-of-This-World Fishing
WESH 2 – Brevard Zoo nominated for best in the country
Fox35 – Winter readiness: How the Brevard Zoo protects native, exotic species from the cold
WFTV9 – Brevard Zoo to welcome birth of rare giraffe
ClickOrlando/News 6 – Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosts space-themed LEGO building contest for kids
Orlando Sentinel – Cruise Critic awards: Port Canaveral named best homeport, Virgin crowned best line
Orlando Sentinel – Survivors juggle sorrow, hope on NASA’s day remembering Challenger, Columbia, Apollo 1
Orlando Business Journal – New details and renderings revealed for Brevard Zoo’s $140M aquarium project
Florida Today – Blue Angels to headline Cocoa Beach air show, commemorate USA’s 250th birthday
Florida Today – Almost 50 cold-stunned green turtles rehabilitated at Brevard Zoo
Florida Today – Colobus Monkey Sisters new to Brevard Zoo Expedition Africa
UCF Today – UCF Alum’s Influence on Rise of Florida’s Space Coast
OnlyInYourState- 10 Fascinating Spots That Celebrate America’s Space Legacy
Majic 102.1 Houston – 8 US Travel Destinations That Showcase Black History For Children And Teens

Community News and Updates

- Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex –Experience Artemis at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
- Space Coast Daily – WATCH: Space Coast Symphony Orchestra Offers Sci Fi Soundtrack Concert for Valentine’s Weekend