First and foremost, please allow me to convey my heartfelt congratulations to all our recent graduates. Graduation marks a significant milestone in the journey of every young individual, and I'm immensely proud of the commitment and perseverance shown by our students. As you step into the future, remember that your potential is limitless. Each of you holds unique talents and dreams that the world eagerly awaits. Embrace challenges as opportunities, stay curious, and never stop learning. Your journey is just beginning, and with determination, compassion, and resilience, your future is destined to be bright and full of amazing possibilities. To the Class of 2024 – I declare blessings over each and every one of your lives as you pursue your passions and strive for greatness.

Along that same vein, as the school year comes to an end, our streets will be filled with children enjoying their summer break. I urge you to drive safely and stay vigilant. Keep an eye out for kids playing near roads, crossing streets, and riding their bikes. Slow down in residential areas and obey all traffic signals and speed limits!

At the May 16 Regular Council Meeting, I debuted my annual State of the City Address. I consider delivering the annual address to be one of my most sacred duties as your Mayor. The video highlights the city's achievements and future plans. Palm Bay received national recognition for its growth in high-tech industries, affordability, and quality of life. Economic development initiatives attracted major projects, creating jobs and investment. Infrastructure improvements, including road paving and stormwater system enhancements, were prioritized. And I reaffirmed my dedication to shaping Palm Bay into a vibrant and resilient community. The video can be viewed at www.pbfl.org/SOC. 

The following morning, I had the honor of representing the City of Palm Bay at the Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce’s 16th Annual Mayors Breakfast. The event, hosted by Sheriff Wayne Ivey, provided me with an opportunity to share all news and updates from the City of Palm Bay with a wonderful group of local dignitaries and community stakeholders. I am always #PalmBayProud to share the great things that are happening in our city and why I believe that we are the greatest city on the face of the earth!

Many families had a great time at the Kids to Park Day at the Palm Bay Aquatic Center. It was a beautiful, bright, sunny day and I want to send out a huge thank you to our Palm Bay Lifeguards!  

The expansion of the City Hall campus with the construction of Building E is currently underway! This new building reflects the City's commitment to improving service delivery and accommodating growth. The new facility will house Utilities Customer Service, Building, and Information Technology Departments and serve as an Emergency Operations Center during crises, enhancing operational efficiency and emergency preparedness. The project is anticipated to be completed in the Fall of 2025. Visit www.pbfl.org/BuildingE for project updates.

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. 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 www.pbfl.org/hurricane or pick up one of our free hurricane preparedness guides at City Hall 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!

In June, we commemorate D-Day, a pivotal moment in history that changed the course of World War II. On June 6, 1944, Allied forces launched the largest seaborne invasion in history, landing on the beaches of Normandy, France, in a daring operation to liberate Europe from Nazi occupation. As we reflect on this momentous day, we honor the courage and sacrifice of the thousands of soldiers who stormed the beaches under heavy fire, facing unimaginable danger to secure freedom for future generations. Their bravery and resilience in the face of adversity will never be forgotten.

On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution codifying the design of the flag of the United States of America. In 1916, President Wilson marked the anniversary of the act by formally establishing June 14 as Flag Day. As we raise our flags high, let us remember the history behind each stripe and every star. Each one represents the sacrifice, bravery, and perseverance of those who have come before us, shaping the course of our nation's journey.

Also, on June 14, we honor the legacy, courage, and sacrifice of the world's greatest fighting force. For 249 years, since June 14, 1775, the U.S. Army has stood as a beacon of freedom and defender of democracy, answering the call to duty wherever and whenever needed. Happy 249th Birthday, U.S. Army! Here's to many more years of protecting and serving the land of the free and the home of the brave.

I would like to extend my most sincere Father’s Day greetings to all Palm Bay fathers and father figures. This June 16, let’s all celebrate the dads in our lives.

Juneteenth marks the day when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, to announce the end of slavery. It represents the day when news of freedom reached the last enslaved people in Texas in 1865, signifying the end of slavery. As we commemorate Juneteenth, let us reflect on the journey towards freedom and equality. From the struggles of the past to the ongoing fight for justice today, Juneteenth reminds us of the importance of acknowledging our history, and how much our nation has progressed and advanced in forming a more perfect union. 

Finally, I would like to personally invite you all to join me at the 2024 Independence Day Celebration on Friday, July 5, from 5-9pm at the Eastern Florida State College Palm Bay Campus, located at 250 Community College Parkway SE. We are pleased to welcome back Zambelli Fireworks, food trucks, and various vendors for the biggest and brightest Independence Day Celebration on the Space Coast!