Turns out that several friends are all planning to go down to watch the last shuttle launch. So are a couple of million other people, so we'd rather not deal with the crowds and insanity surrounding the Titusville area. One thought on avoiding crowds and getting a decent view is to go out on a boat, either in the Mosquito Bay /ICW area, or maybe out into the Atlantic if the boat is up for it. There are enough of us that it might actually be reasonable to rent a boat for the day.
So, any of our Ormond / Dayton / East FL folks have any tips? Any of you want to make a few bucks renting out your boat?
Keep in mind the water will be as crowded as the land. Your best bet would be to watch from Mosquito Lagoon, as it is protected from the wind. It is also teeming with wildlife. (Dolphins, turtles, egrets, fish galore, pelicans, etc.)
I've done the boat rental thing down there to fish for Red Snapper, and it was reasonable. ( IIRC $150 for 1/2 day) I'd reserve now, and plan on a day of fishing just in case the launch gets delayed. It will be crowded as hell, but you probably won't mind a floating party!
I wouldn't watch from offshore unless I was in a Big boat. (over 20 ft) The Melbourne area frequently has decent waves, which could make watching offshore less than pleasant.
http://www.mosquitolagoonguides.com/
