A Melbourne car dealership and a local service club say they're putting a combined $40,000 toward flood relief for Brevard County families still digging out from record rainfall earlier this month. Kelly Ford and the Satellite Beach Lions Club announced the joint commitment, aimed at helping residents who lost vehicles, homes, and belongings when storms brought up to 20 inches of rain to Brevard County.
A press release distributed via Send2Press states that Kelly Ford will contribute $25,000 directly, with the Lions Club adding $15,000 through a Lions Clubs International Foundation disaster-relief grant. Kelly Ford's share is meant to benefit 20 local individuals and families who lost vehicles.
Awards Split Into Three Tiers
Under the plan described in the Send2Press release, relief assistance would be distributed among recipients in three award categories: five recipients would receive $2,500 each, ten would receive $1,000 each, and five more would receive $500 each. Recipients would not be required to purchase a vehicle to qualify for the assistance, and funds could be used wherever needed most, including transportation costs, necessities, or other unexpected flood-related expenses.
The Send2Press release describes a community relief event on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, at 76 S. Magnolia Ave. in Melbourne, with participants asked to arrive by 10 a.m., registration closing at 11 a.m., and recipients selected at noon.
Lions Club Grant Tied to Local Request
The Satellite Beach Lions Club's portion stems from a disaster-relief grant awarded by the Lions Clubs International Foundation following a request submitted by District Governor John Hanna, according to the dossier of facts behind the announcement. The foundation says it has empowered Lions around the world for more than 60 years. Separately, the foundation's own website notes that its Emergency Grants fund Lion-led service activities for immediate and short-term disaster relief, with awards ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, according to the Lions Clubs International Foundation.
Beyond the direct cash awards, local Lions volunteers are also planning a separate relief effort described as a special shop-with-a-Lion event. Participating families would receive a shopping budget based on family size along with personal assistance from Lions volunteers at local Walmart stores, shopping for food, clothing, bedding, hygiene products, and household cleaning and repair supplies. That effort is expected to reach 30 additional families beyond those chosen through the Robert P. Kelly Family Foundation selection. Combined, organizers say the overall commitment is expected to reach approximately 50 families.
A Dealership With Deep Local Roots
Kelly Ford, which sells new and pre-owned Ford vehicles along with service and parts, describes itself as a longtime fixture of the local auto market. The Send2Press release states Kelly Ford has served Melbourne and Brevard County since 1975 and was founded by brothers Edward J., Gregory W., and Robert P. Kelly. Jeremy Collins, speaking on behalf of the partnership, said that supporting the community means showing up when neighbors need us most.
Flooding Left Lasting Damage Across Brevard
The relief effort follows what officials have called historic flooding in Brevard County, with up to 20 inches of rain damaging homes, totaling cars, and resulting in two deaths, according to WESH. The flooding affected communities across Brevard County. Florida declared a state of emergency on Nov. 2 in response.
Brevard County officials have said assessing and repairing the damage could take months. Flood victims face a long recovery. The Red Cross opened an emergency shelter at the Wickham Park Senior Center in Melbourne for residents displaced by the floodwaters.
Flood Recovery Continues
Flood recovery efforts continue across Brevard County.
