It’s a great day Palm Bay!
October 1 represents the beginning of the new fiscal year for the City of Palm Bay. The new fiscal year brings opportunities to begin new projects that will benefit our great community, finish ongoing activities and initiatives, and plan for our city’s future. I am proud to report that my fellow Councilmen and I approved a 3% raise for all City of Palm Bay employees as part of the 2022 budget. We also approved funding to prioritize several key initiatives including strategic planning and visioning efforts, continued work on the Comprehensive Plan, and another funding draw for the GO Roads paving program.
This month, through October 15, we continue our celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month – a time to appreciate the cultures, rich histories, and diversity of the American Hispanic and Latino community. With a population of over 60 million, Hispanic and Latino Americans represent the nation’s largest ethnic minority, and I am pleased to say that Palm Bay is home to a large, vibrant Hispanic community. ¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana!
The month of October is also Manufacturing Month and here in Palm Bay we are no stranger to the importance of manufacturing in building a strong local economy. According to The Manufacturing Institute, the United States will need to fill 4 million manufacturing jobs over the next 10 years. With the Space Coast’s long-established ties to the aerospace and defense industries, as well as Palm Bay’s industrial base, there is little doubt that manufacturing careers will be well represented in the Palm Bay of tomorrow.
While it is important to look ahead as we strive to build a strong, secure local economy, we cannot afford to lose sight of the countless successes happening now. This month, I am #PalmBayProud to announce my new Mayor’s Business Spotlight initiative, designed to feature local businesses who foster pride in our great City’s thriving business community and strong local economy.
Businesses will be recognized quarterly based on several criteria including longevity, growth in revenue and/or employees, innovation, and community involvement. The selected businesses will receive a proclamation at a Regular Council Meeting, a spotlight on the Community & Economic Development website, recognition in the Community Connection Newsletter, and an exclusive window cling to display at the business. For information on nominating a business, please email econdev@pbfl.org. I hope you share my excitement as we work to recognize some of the wonderful businesses in our community.
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge two recent events that took place within our community. Last month, a morning grocery shopping trip nearly turned tragic when a senior shopper collapsed at the Publix on Malabar Road. A bystander witnessed the event, alerted staff, and called 9-1-1 for help. The Publix Store Manager, along with four other Publix employees, acted without delay to control the scene and assist the imperiled shopper by providing CPR and utilizing an onsite AED defibrillator. The gentleman was transported to the hospital in stable condition by Palm Bay Fire Rescue. The actions of this group of heroes are to be commended.
I extend my gratitude to:
- Chris Gerace, Publix Store Manager
- Jen and Leah, Cashiers
- Jeff, Bakery
- Lauren, Customer Service
- Justin, Publix Shopper
Similarly, on September 12, employees at the Palm Bay Aquatic Center took quick, decisive action to come to the aid of a swimmer in distress. The group of seven staffers worked together to recover the unresponsive swimmer from the pool, alert first responders, and provide lifesaving CPR to the young man while waiting for Palm Bay Fire Rescue and First Flight to arrive. Thanks to the heroic actions of these individuals, a young life was saved and a family was kept whole.
My heartfelt thanks to:
- Cheyenne Davis, Swim Team Member
- Madison Davis, Head Lifeguard
- Jennifer Faraoni, Swim Team Member
- Elizabeth Preston, Front Desk Clerk
- Fiona Sargente, Lifeguard
- Geno Sargente, Lifeguard
- Katie Steward, Recreation Supervisor
These instances demonstrate that heroes walk among us daily in this community and I am #PalmBayProud of the actions taken by these individuals.
Finally, I invite all Palm Bayers to join me on Saturday, November 6 at 9:00am for the 2021 Palm Bay Veterans Day Parade. The parade will start at City Hall at 9:00am and head east on Malabar Road to Emerson Drive, before heading south on Emerson, ending at Copley Street SE. There will be viewing areas for the public in the median of Malabar Road, as well as the sidewalk on the south side of Malabar. The Grand Marsal of the Veterans Day Parade will be United States Congressman Bill Posey from Florida’s 8th Congressional District. I hope you’ll mark your calendars and join me in honoring our veterans!
