It’s a great day Palm Bay!

As we begin June, I feel that I would be remiss to fail to mention the recent Memorial Day holiday. Many celebrate the unofficial start of the summer season with cookouts and pool parties, but I’d like to encourage all Palm Bayers to remember the true meaning of the holiday – remembering the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our nation. On every battlefield a price was paid so that we may continue to enjoy the freedoms and advantages of being Americans. There is a price – blood has been placed on the altar of freedom.

In June we also remember the many soldiers who fought on D-Day – June 6, 1944. On that storied day, over 156,000 Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy, France in the largest amphibious assault in history. The courageous efforts made that day marked a turning point in World War II, turning the tides against the Axis powers and ultimately leading to an Allied victory.

On June 19, 1865, more than two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas to deliver General Order Number 3, freeing African American slaves and marking the official end of slavery in the United States. Today, Juneteenth serves as a poignant reminder of the past and a celebration of African American freedom and achievement. On this Juneteenth, let us observe the progress that has been made in the journey toward equality and consider how we, as Palm Bayers, can celebrate and honor this noble cause.

I would like to take this opportunity to commend several of my City of Palm Bay colleagues for their recent achievements. In May, Councilman Randy Foster graduated from the Florida League of Cities’ Institute for Elected Municipal Officials course. Additionally, Deputy Mayor Kenny Johnson and City Manager Suzanne Sherman were both named as recipients of Florida League of Cities’ 2021 Home Rule Hero Award, an honor bestowed upon public servants who advocate for and protect the Home Rule powers of Florida’s municipalities, ensuring that local voices make local choices. I’m Palm Bay Proud to work alongside these fine individuals in service of the City of Palm Bay.

On May 20, it was my great honor to deliver my first State of the City Address. In the presence of my fellow councilmembers, City staff, community partners, and members of the public, I presented the annual address via video, detailing the City’s pandemic response, ongoing initiatives, special projects, and my vision for the Palm Bay of tomorrow. The State of the City is available to view at www.pbfl.org/SOC. 

This month, I’m excited to share that City Council voted to accept a $1.9 million offer from Space Coast Marinas for the purchase of three prime parcels in Palm Bay’s beautiful Bayfront area for the development of a boat storage and service facility, boat club, ship store, restaurant, tiki bar with an outdoor entertainment venue, and amenities including a valet service. This development is expected to bring in over $10 million in capital investment, create more than 300 new jobs, and serve as an anchor for future development in the area, bringing us one step closer to making the dream of a vibrant waterfront district a reality.

On June 18 I’ll join 15 Mayors from across the Space Coast for the Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce’s 13^th Annual Mayors Breakfast. Hosted by Sheriff Ivey, the event will give us a chance to discuss news and updates from our respective cities and towns. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to engage with my Brevard County colleagues and share the exciting reasons we have to be Palm Bay Proud.

Finally, June 1 marks the start of the Atlantic hurricane season and as Floridians we know that tropical weather is an unfortunate, but inevitable part of life. When it comes to hurricanes and tropical storms – it’s not a matter of “if”, but “when”. 

This hurricane season, I’d like to encourage all Palm Bayers to have a plan in place to ensure that you and your loved ones are prepared. The City of Palm Bay offers useful resources to help you prepare for hurricane season. Visit pbfl.org/hurricane or pick up one of our free hurricane preparedness guides at City Hall today to learn how to build a hurricane kit, home preparation tips, evacuation and shelter info, and how to stay informed before, during, and after a storm. Remember, when it comes to tropical storms and hurricanes – plan, don’t panic – and enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that you’ll be ready the next time a storm hits. Stay safe Palm Bay!