It's a great day, Palm Bay!

September was a busy month for the City of Palm Bay! On Thursday, September 11, our community came together at Sacrifice Park to honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and to remember the heroes who emerged that day and, in the years, since. Through heartfelt remarks, moments of silence, and reflections, we paid tribute to the nearly 3,000 lives lost, including those who gave everything in service to others. Thank you to Senator Mayfield, Representative Miller, and everyone who joined us in this moving ceremony. Together, we reaffirmed our promise to never forget. Watch the highlights from Palm Bay’s Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony.

Unfortunately, this past month, our nation witnessed the tragic loss of Christian Patriot Charlie Kirk. Throughout his career, Mr. Kirk was recognized for his efforts to engage young people in civic and political life. His passing has sparked reflection across the country about the importance of respectful dialogue, community engagement, and the responsibilities that come with public service. As we remember his life, let us recommit ourselves here in Palm Bay to fostering a community where differences can be discussed with civility and where every resident feels encouraged to participate in shaping our shared future.

I will be presenting the City of Palm Bay’s legislative priorities for the 2025 session at the upcoming Brevard Legislative Delegation meeting. The first is funding for the Sgt. Frank Tobar Tactical Training Building, which will expand our Police Range and provide state-of-the-art training for law enforcement, fire personnel, and even school faculty to better prepare for critical incidents. The second is funding to begin the widening of Babcock Street, one of Palm Bay’s busiest corridors. This project will improve traffic flow, enhance public safety, and support future growth in our community. These investments reflect our commitment to keeping Palm Bay safe and moving forward.

To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, I invite you to the 28th Annual Puerto Rican Day Parade & Festival, hosted by U.T.B. United Third Bridge, Inc., on Saturday, October 4. The parade begins at 10:00 AM in front of Walmart on Malabar Road and ends at Eastern Florida State College Palm Bay Campus, where the festival will follow at 250 Community College Parkway. Please note, beginning at 9:00 AM, Malabar Road will be closed between Emerson Drive and San Filippo Drive, and San Filippo Drive will be closed between Malabar Road and Jupiter Boulevard. Roads are expected to reopen by noon. Traffic from I-95 will be directed east on Malabar Road. Motorists should use Palm Bay Road or Babcock Street as alternate routes. For more details, visit utbunitedthirdbridge.org.

Keep the celebration going on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto for the Viva Brevard Gala, an unforgettable evening of music, food, entertainment, and recognition of community leaders, including veterans. This celebration honors the fastest-growing Hispanic community in Brevard County while uniting professionals, families, and supporters to celebrate culture, leadership, and growth. Register your spot today!

On Monday, October 13, our nation observes Columbus Day, a time to reflect on the spirit of exploration and discovery that has shaped our history. This day reminds us of the courage it takes to venture into the unknown and the lasting impact of those journeys. As we commemorate this holiday, let us also celebrate the diverse cultures and communities that make Palm Bay such a vibrant place to live.

That same day just happens to be when we proudly celebrate the brave men and women of the United States Navy on their 250th birthday! Since 1775, the Navy has stood watch over our nation, protecting our freedoms at home and abroad. I am deeply grateful to the men and women who have worn the uniform and to their families who share in that service and sacrifice.

With Halloween right around the corner, I encourage everyone to celebrate safely and enjoy all that our community has to offer. Don’t miss the City’s Fall Fest at Fred Poppe Regional Park on Saturday, October 25, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. This free family-friendly event will feature food and craft vendors, a costume contest, trunk-or-treat, spooky hayrides, music, games, and more. I hope to see you there!

The 2025 Palm Bay Fair will offer big fun with up to 20 state fair rides, games, all the delicious fair foods, a haunted petting zoo, stilt walkers, foam party, hayrides, two haunted houses, a Halloween parade, an Oddity Market and free parking as it arrives to the Space Coast Harley-Davidson Fairgrounds from October 17-26. Visit www.palmbayfair.com for more info.

I invite all Palm Bayers to join me in honoring the brave men and women who have served our country at our Annual Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 8, at 10:00 AM. This special event is an opportunity for our community to come together in gratitude for the courage and sacrifices of our veterans and their families. The parade will begin at the Tony Rosa Community Center and travel east along Port Malabar Boulevard, concluding at Veterans Memorial Park. You’re welcome to enjoy the parade from any point along the route, with some of the best viewing areas located near Veterans Memorial Park.