I want to start my message by congratulating two Palm Bay brothers, Jeremiah and Joseph Gordon, who were announced as winners of the 2024 Black History Month Essay Contest. This year's theme was Celebrating Florida's African American Heroes and Their Contribution to Freedom. Jeremiah, Grade 5, and Joseph, Grade 10, who are both homeschooled, recently traveled to the Governor's Mansion to receive their awards. Winners received a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and a $100 gift card for school supplies. I am so #PalmBayProud of those boys!
Although March 1st is considered Employee Appreciation Day, I appreciate the dedicated and hardworking employees who tirelessly serve our community every day. Whether they are maintaining our streets, keeping our parks beautiful, ensuring public safety, or providing essential services, our employees embody the spirit of service before self. Their unwavering commitment to excellence is the driving force behind Palm Bay's success, and I am truly grateful for their dedication to making our city a better place for all.
I am honored to recognize and celebrate Women's History Month this March and, therefore, would like to highlight Grace Hopper, who made groundbreaking contributions to computer programming, software development, and the creation of programming languages. She earned her PhD in mathematics from Yale University in 1934. Notably, she pioneered the development of the first computer programming language to use words and is widely credited as one of the architects of the COBOL programming language. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, she joined the Navy, serving intermittently for nineteen years and earning the nickname "Amazing Grace" from her colleagues. Hopper retired as a rear admiral at the age of 79, making her the oldest serving officer in the U.S. Armed Forces at the time. In her honor, the Navy commissioned the USS Hopper, a guided military destroyer, in 1996. In 2016, Hopper posthumously received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, in recognition of her "lifelong leadership role in the field of computer science."
On March 8th, we celebrate International Women's Day to recognize the economic, political, and social achievements of women across the world. Here in Palm Bay, we are blessed with a rich legacy of women who have shaped our City. The day-to-day operation of the City of Palm Bay is managed by our three charter officers, all of whom are women. City Clerk Terese Jones manages our Legislative Office, City Attorney Patricia Smith supervises the City Attorney's Office, and our City Manager Suzanne Sherman oversees the operations of the City's thirteen departments. The City's Community and Economic Development, Growth Management, and Human Resources Departments are all led by female directors. The City of Palm Bay benefits significantly from the talents and dedication of these women.
Whether you're Irish by birth or Irish at heart, on March 17th, I wish you all a Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Join us for the Third Annual Palm Bay Multicultural Festival on Saturday, March 23rd, 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!
That evening, I will also be hosting 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.
I sincerely hope you will consider supporting Serene Harbor by sponsoring the 2024 Mayor's Ball. It's not too late! 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.
Tickets and sponsorship information are available now at www.pbfl.org/mayorsball or by emailing Evelyn.Padilla@pbfl.org.
I would like to close this month's message by sharing some words from my heart. On this Good Friday and Easter, let us pause to reflect on the profound depth of love and sacrifice demonstrated by Jesus Christ. His journey from the agony of the cross to the triumph of resurrection embodies the very essence of hope, redemption, and unwavering faith. In moments of darkness and despair, let us find solace in the promise of Easter – that light will always prevail over darkness and that through every trial, there is the potential for transformation and renewal. As we gather with loved ones to celebrate the miracle of Easter, let us carry the lessons of Good Friday in our hearts, remembering the power of forgiveness, the strength of perseverance, and the boundless love that knows no bounds. May this Easter be a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always the promise of new beginnings and that through faith, anything is possible. Wishing you a blessed Good Friday and Easter filled with hope, joy, and the everlasting embrace of God's love. Happy Resurrection Day, Palm Bay!
