I want to start by letting you all know that due to some weather conditions, the Third Annual Palm Bay Multicultural Festival has been rescheduled to Saturday, March 23, from 11 AM to 5 PM at Fred Poppe Regional Park. This is a free event presented by Thrifty Specialty Produce and Meats, Cocina Cafe, and the City of Palm Bay. It will showcase culture, dance, music, food, and hands-on activities from countries around the world. Enjoy live entertainment featuring the Spinning Canvas Dance Troupe, the Sifu Och Wing Chun Dancing Lions, food and craft vendors, face painting, glitter tattoos, inflatables for the kids, and much more. I hope to see you all there!

In January, I had the opportunity to be a keynote speaker for BCASCA’s 19th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast; joining their commitment to our community with 19 years, it was an honor for me to bring a message of encouragement. I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate and commend BCASCA for their dedication and sacrifice in keeping the tradition of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast as part of their mission for nineteen years. Thank you for all you do to enhance the quality of life in our community.

I want to express appreciation to our officers at the Palm Bay Police Department and all surrounding law enforcement agencies for their work in the shooting incident from over the weekend and thank God for his grace and protection as we continue to declare that angels surround them in their daily activities. Let us all continue to pray for their quick recovery and the peace and comfort of the surviving family members who have lost loved ones in this tragedy.  

I would also like to commend Officer Lutz for being recognized at an Orlando Magic game by the Florida Department of Transportation as the Impaired Driver Enforcement Officer of the Year for the State of Florida. This recognition spawns from his removal of over 1,600 impaired drivers from the roadway. Thank you for your service and dedication, Officer Lutz!

Also, great news regarding Sacrifice Park: In 2023, the City modified the approach to the planning of the park. Rather than replace the existing memorial with a new design in the same footprint, the City is pivoting the memorial 90 degrees to the east, demolishing the existing small pavilions, and adding an amphitheater on the west side of the park to maximize the park event space and make Sacrifice Park a remembrance destination. The next step is to obtain engineering plans and permits in the next few months in order to get the project to Procurement and to City Council for award of bid in late summer and begin construction late this year. I am so #PalmBayProud of all the progress thus far. We are well on our way to building a monument worthy of the sacrifice of our first responders.  

This month, we celebrate Black History Month, a time to honor the remarkable contributions of African Americans, and one key figure is Frederick Douglass. Born into slavery, Douglass rose to become a prominent abolitionist, writer, and statesman. His escape from enslavement, self-education, and powerful oratory skills made him a leading figure in the fight against slavery.

Douglass's advocacy extended beyond the abolition of slavery; he was a profound supporter of women's suffrage, recognizing the interconnected struggles for freedom and equality. His commitment to justice and equality resonates through his famous words: "If there is no struggle, there is no progress."

As we commemorate Black History Month, let us honor Frederick Douglass and the countless individuals who have fought for justice and equality. Their legacies inspire us to continue the journey towards a more inclusive and equitable future, where the triumphs of the past serve as a foundation for a better tomorrow.

In February, we commemorate notable leaders, observing President's Day on the third Monday. This day pays tribute not only to George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, whose birthdays fall in February but also to all past U.S. presidents. Let's take a moment to recognize these leaders' significant contributions and impact on our nation.

I want to take a moment and wish my beautiful wife, Lissette, and all the other lovely ladies of Palm Bay a very happy Valentine's Day from the bottom of my heart! Life is too short, be sure to tell the people you love how special they are to you each and every day.

Remember to mark your calendars for Saturday, March 23, 2024, for the annual Mayor's Ball charity fundraiser. As Mayor of the greatest city on the face of the Earth, I feel it is my duty to give back to the community, and I have chosen a very special recipient: Serene Harbor.

Serene Harbor, a state-certified domestic violence shelter and resource center, has diligently served the community for 31 years, providing critical support to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence. Established in 1992, Serene Harbor's mission is to break the cycle of domestic violence in Brevard County through a multifaceted approach encompassing education, empowerment, intervention, prevention, social change, advocacy, and community engagement.

At the heart of their operations is the provision of emergency shelter, offering a safe haven to women, children, and even pets fleeing abusive environments. Last fiscal year, Serene Harbor provided an astounding 7,470 nights of emergency shelter, assisting 1,680 individuals in their courageous efforts to escape domestic violence.

The spectrum of services offered by Serene Harbor is vast, including a 24/7 crisis hotline, counseling, support groups, case management, career, and financial resource programs, education and mentoring empowerment programs, relocation assistance, housing assistance, legal support, civil injunction legal representation, and legal advocacy. These services are provided at no cost, aiding survivors in their journey toward personal and professional goals and offering newfound hope for a life free from violence.

I sincerely hope you will consider supporting Serene Harbor by sponsoring the 2024 Mayor's Ball. We have several different sponsorship levels available for your consideration, from our Friend of the Mayor's Ball sponsor to our premier Platinum sponsors. As a sponsor, your organization will be identified as a valued community partner and supporter of Serene Harbor. This is an excellent opportunity to support a great cause and gain positive exposure for your company. As a business with strong ties to our community, you are an intricate part of making this event a success!

Tickets and sponsorship information are available now at www.pbfl.org/mayorsball or by emailing Evelyn.Padilla@pbfl.org.