First and foremost, I would like to congratulate Congressman Haridopolos on becoming chair of the congressional Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics. Having Congressman Haridopolos lead the subcommittee is a tremendous win for Palm Bay and the entire Space Coast. His firsthand knowledge of Brevard County’s critical role in the space industry ensures that our community's interests will be represented at the highest levels of policymaking. This leadership position strengthens our city’s connection to federal investments in space exploration, innovation, and job creation, further solidifying Brevard County as well as our own community as key players in the future of aerospace and technology.

The City of Palm Bay's Fourth Annual Multicultural Festival was even bigger than last year! This free event showcased culture, dance, music, food, and hands-on activities from countries around the world. The live entertainment kept the party jumping all day. Thank you to our sponsors Thrifty Specialty Produce and Meats, Cocina Café, United Third Bridge, All Digital All Day, and All I Need Sipz & Social. We hope to see you all next year!

Castaways Point Park, located at 2990 Bay Blvd. NE in Palm Bay, has reopened to the public! The park had been closed since July due to a shoreline stabilization project. In 2024 the City of Palm Bay secured a $2 million zero-interest loan from the state to harden the shorelines at Castaways Point Park and Stearns Point Park, 4295 Dixie Hwy. The portion of the project at Castaways Point Park is now complete.

The Palm Bay Parks & Facilities Department took advantage of the park closure to complete extensive renovations including updated landscaping, fresh paint and stain on structures, new parking stops, and refurbished north stairs to the beach. A new observation deck near the north pier was also added along with a new wooden boardwalk connecting the north and south piers. A new grill was added at the north pavilion as well. Finally, the south observation deck was refurbished utilizing salvaged wood from a 2024 project at Goode Park.

Recently, Palm Bay Fire Rescue (PBFR) proudly graduated its latest new hire class, with a whopping 24 new hires! This is the largest class in the history of PBFR! I want to give a huge shoutout to the amazing trainers we have leading our new team.

·        Assistant Chief John Ringleb 

·        Battalion Chief Benjamin Lamb

·        Lieutenant James Bliss

·        Lieutenant Camden Drake

·        Lieutenant Chris Childs

·        Driver Engineer Joe Hanstein

·        Firefighter Jesse Almeida 

During this recruit class, the new firefighters performed 587 forcible entries, pulled more than 37,000 feet of hose, threw over 5300 feet of ladders, and conducted 24 live fire company drills. Now THAT is dedication! This group of 24 new hires will bolster our ranks in preparation for the opening of two new stations that are in planning process. Their addition ensures we are ready to meet the growing needs of our community.

Speaking of new fire stations, Station 7 is really coming along and should be nearing completion in Fall of 2025. I am also pleased to share exciting progress for Fire Station 9 in Southeast Palm Bay. On January 2nd, City Council approved the purchase of a modular and relocatable fire station for $1,539,051. This state-of-the-art structure will house seven firefighters and be equipped with a fire engine, squad vehicle, and high water/brush rescue vehicle. Built to withstand 175 mph winds and equipped with hurricane-impact windows, the station includes a three-year warranty and can be relocated as needed. Fully furnished upon installation, this temporary station ensures our firefighters have the resources they need to serve our community effectively and safely.

Sacrifice Park construction is well underway! The Johnson and Grogan Memorial Amphitheater is nearing completion, and the memorial walls have been formed and poured. The plaques will be mounted on granite to match the obelisk, serving as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of those the memorial wall commemorates. The plaques themselves are engraved, allowing a visitor to do a “pencil etch” on a piece of paper as a memento. Estimated completion is early 2025. Visit www.pbfl.org/SacrificePark to view the updated renderings. 

Please join me in congratulating Gary Yeomans Ford for being chosen as the 2025 first quarter winner of the Mayor’s Business Spotlight Program. Gary Yeomans Ford, a family-owned business in Palm Bay since 2011, offers a premium selection of vehicles and has earned national recognition, including the Ford President’s Award, for exceptional customer service. Located on a sprawling 11-acre campus at 1202 Malabar Road, the dealership features a full-service center, mobile service vans, and a hassle-free sales environment. Beyond business, they actively support the community through initiatives like T.C.O.C. (Take Care of Community), hosting events such as Fill-A-Ford 4Kids, an annual Veterans dinner, and sponsoring the Chamber’s Officer of the Quarter Award. Their dedication to quality and community was honored with a Proclamation at the January 16th City Council meeting.

This month, we proudly celebrate Black History Month, a time to honor the countless contributions and achievements of African Americans and recognize their vital role in shaping U.S. history. Frederick Douglass, one of our nation’s greatest figures, once said, "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." Let this serve as a reminder of the importance of mentoring our youth, teaching them our history, and instilling enduring principles of truth and integrity.

In February, we honor remarkable leaders by observing Presidents' Day on the third Monday of the month. This day celebrates not only George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, whose birthdays are in February, but also all U.S. presidents who have shaped our nation's history. Let us take a moment to reflect on their significant contributions and the lasting impact of their leadership.

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.

In closing, I want to remind everyone to save the date of June 28, 2025, 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: Space Coast Discovery.

Since 1987, this remarkable non-profit has served children with special needs in Brevard County, providing individualized education, life skills training, and therapies to help them thrive. Currently educating 138 students with a dedicated 1-to-5 staff-to-student ratio, the school is expanding to meet growing demand, with plans for a new facility and a state-of-the-art campus to further its mission.

I sincerely hope you will consider supporting Space Coast Discovery by sponsoring the 2025 Mayor's Ball. We have several different sponsorship levels available for your consideration, ranging from our Friend of the Mayor's Ball sponsor up to our premier Platinum sponsors. As a sponsor, your organization will be identified as a valued community partner and supporter of Space Coast Discovery. This is an excellent opportunity to support a great cause and gain positive exposure for your company.

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