DOG-FRIENDLY PARKS IN PALM BAY, FL

Florida's Space Coast includes this rapidly growing city of 120,000, where population nearly tripled since 1990. Subtropical climate creates hot, humid summers with daily afternoon thunderstorms and mild winters attracting retirees from northern states. Hurricane risk from June through November shapes construction codes and insurance costs. The city's flat terrain and numerous lakes result from low-lying coastal geography. Indian River Lagoon lies just east, separating the mainland from barrier islands. Development continues transforming scrubland and wetlands into subdivisions. Spring and fall blur together in extended warm seasons, with pleasant weather brief before summer heat returns.