A rare earthquake that struck the Gulf of Mexico late Tuesday evening was felt by residents across Brevard County, though no injuries or major damage were reported. The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the 4.6-magnitude quake occurred approximately 125 miles southwest of Tampa at 9:47 p.m. Seismographs recorded the tremor at a depth of 10 miles. Residents in Titusville and Cocoa described shaking that lasted about 15 seconds and caused dishes to rattle in cabinets. 'It felt like a truck went by,' said Maria Lopez, a nurse at Cape Canaveral Hospital. 'I didn't think much of it until I saw the news.' The quake was the strongest in the region since a 5.2-magnitude tremor in 2018 that caused minor damage in Hernando County. Brevard officials said they are monitoring for aftershocks but found no structural issues in county buildings. The Florida Geological Survey is investigating the quake's origin, noting the area is not typically seismically active. 'This is unusual for this part of the state,' said Dr. Emily Carter, a geologist with the University of Central Florida. 'We're seeing more tremors in the Gulf Coast region as fault lines shift.' The USGS said the quake was likely caused by tectonic stress along the Gulf Coast fault system. Residents in nearby counties reported similar vibrations, with some in Pinellas County saying they felt the ground 'roll' beneath their homes. The Florida Highway Patrol said no traffic incidents were linked to the shaking. Local emergency management officials urged residents to remain cautious but emphasized there is no immediate threat. 'This was a rare event, not a disaster,' said Brevard County Commissioner Bob Smith. 'We're just reminding people to stay informed.'