First and foremost, I want to announce the City of Palm Bay will host a National Day of Prayer event on Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Palm Bay Council Chambers located at 120 Malabar Road. The event will kick off at 11:45am, with official proceedings lasting until 1:15pm. Residents and visitors of all faiths are welcome to participate. The theme of the 2024 National Day of Prayer is "Lift up the Word- Light up the World." First created in 1952, the National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. Let us all pray for our city and our nation, I hope to see you there!

Next, I want to commend our first responders on the great results of the fires this past weekend. Saturday afternoon's brush fire, that started in the Space Force Annex, moved quickly to the west threatening dozens of homes along Isar Avenue NW. Winds pushed a wall off fire rapidly towards these homes, causing an evacuation and several road closures. Because of the harshness and seriousness of this fire, we enlisted help from Palm Bay PD, Melbourne Fire Department, Malabar Fire Rescue, The Air Force Fire Rescue, the Division of Forestry, and Brevard County Fire Rescue. I was able to ride along with one of our Assistant Fire Chiefs, Chief Ringleb, and I witnessed our first responders and partners throughout the county quickly assist with evacuations. I am thankful to God that he provided the right amount of rain just over the Air Force Annex to ensure there were no casualties or major structural damage other than the loss of some fences, 1 shed, and a screen enclosure. 

On April 23, Chief Augello led the men and women of the Palm Bay Police Department in the annual memorial and wreath laying ceremony honoring Officers Grogan and Johnson, who lost their lives in the line of duty 35 years ago. It is our duty and responsibility to always remember the sacrifice that those brave officers made on that day is part of the foundation on which our great city is built and that is why I am working so hard to get a new monument worthy of their sacrifice.

It may be hard to believe, but the start of hurricane season is just a month away. 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." The first week of May, we celebrate Hurricane Preparedness Week, and I'd like to encourage all Palm Bayers to have a plan in place before a storm is in the forecast. Now is the time to stay informed, review your plan, build your kit, and prepare your property. Visit www.pbfl.org/hurricane or pick up one of our free hurricane preparedness guides at City Hall. Remember – plan, don't panic – a little preparation now goes a long way in preventing stress and worry when a storm approaches. This hurricane season, let's stay safe, let's stay connected, and let's stay ready for whatever the tropics bring our way!

As we approach May 12, let's come together to celebrate Mother's Day, a special occasion to honor and appreciate mothers near and far for their love, care, and dedication.

Throughout the month of May, the City of Palm Bay recognizes the significance of Small Business Month and Mental Health Awareness Month. This is a time to support and promote our local small businesses, which are the backbone of our community, and to raise awareness about mental health issues and the importance of seeking help and support when needed.

From May 12 to 18, let us observe National Police Week, a time dedicated to honoring the brave men and women of law enforcement who risk their lives every day to protect and serve our communities. It's also a time to remember and pay tribute to those officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, acknowledging their courage and commitment to keeping us safe.

On May 18, we come together to celebrate Armed Forces Day, recognizing and honoring the dedication, selflessness, and sacrifice of the courageous individuals serving in the United States Armed Forces. This is an opportunity to express our gratitude for their service and commitment to defending our nation and preserving our freedoms.

As we approach May 27, let us solemnly observe Memorial Day, a day of remembrance and tribute to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who have given their lives in service to our country. It's a time to reflect on their bravery, honor their memory, and express our heartfelt gratitude for their sacrifice. Let's also remember to support their families and loved ones who have lost their heroes.

Finally, at the May 16 Regular Council Meeting, I will be debuting my annual State of the City Address via video. I discuss process improvements, new developments, and highlight all the progress we made throughout 2023. After the 16th the State of the City will be available to view at www.pbfl.org/SOC or on the City of Palm Bay Mayor's Office Facebook page.