First, I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Brevard County’s own Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos, who is serving as Acting U.S. Surgeon General. It is always a special source of pride to see someone from our own community achieve such an extraordinary level of public service. Dr. Haridopolos, your dedication, leadership, and commitment to improving the health of our nation are truly inspiring. We are incredibly proud of your accomplishments and wish you well in your new role.

Secondly, I would like to recognize and honor my mentor and beloved friend, a true statesman, Bill Posey. We recently flew a flag at Palm Bay City Hall at half-staff in his honor. It was truly an honor and a privilege to work alongside such a remarkable man for so many years. He was more than a friend to me and my family, he was my brother, mentor who encouraged and motivated me to excellence. His legacy of service will continue to impact our community for generations, and we will benefit from the fruits of his dedication for many years to come.

On June 16, I had the honor of attending the Annual Palm Bay Fire Rescue Awards Ceremony, where we recognized the outstanding service, dedication, and courage of the men and women who protect our community each day.

The ceremony gave us the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of our firefighters, paramedics, and civilian staff while honoring those who went above and beyond in their service to Palm Bay. Their professionalism, teamwork, and commitment reflect the very best of public service.

I am incredibly proud of Palm Bay Fire Rescue and grateful for the sacrifices its members and their families make to keep our city safe. Congratulations to this year’s award recipients and thank you to every member of Palm Bay Fire Rescue for your continued service.

During the ceremony, I was also deeply honored to receive a custom fire helmet, a meaningful gift that I will cherish for years to come.

“Palm Bay Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 2446, was proud to recognize Mayor Medina with a custom fire helmet for his support of public safety from day one,” said IAFF Local 2446 President Brian Gent.

“Since I became Fire Chief nearly three years ago, Mayor Medina has been a strong supporter of Palm Bay Fire Rescue and has helped us make great strides in improving service delivery,” said Fire Chief Richard Stover.

On June 25, Palm Bay families made a splash at the Palm Bay Aquatic Center during the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson. For the third consecutive year, the event brought children, families, and residents of all ages together for a fun and educational experience focused on water safety and drowning prevention.

This important initiative was made possible through the collaboration of Palm Bay Recreation, Palm Bay Fire Rescue, Health First, and Aquatics & Education. Together, they reinforced the message that learning to swim is not only enjoyable but also a potentially lifesaving skill.

Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, and supported this meaningful event. By introducing water safety skills at an early age, we are helping create a safer and stronger Palm Bay.

The City of Palm Bay is proudly embracing America’s 250th birthday with special programs and activities taking place throughout the year.

On June 29, the City hosted an evening of engaging presentations reflecting on 250 years of American history. Local speakers explored where our nation has been, where we are today, and where we are headed, connecting lessons from our past with the opportunities and responsibilities that lie ahead.

I extend my sincere appreciation to each speaker who generously shared their time and knowledge. I also thank the Palm Bay Recreation Department for organizing this meaningful event and providing a setting for residents to learn, reflect, and take part in thoughtful conversation about our nation’s past and future.

On June 30, the Palm Bay Police Department hosted its annual Boots & Badges event at Texas Roadhouse, where members of the department served residents while raising funds for an important cause.

This special event benefited the Palm Bay Police Foundation, which helps provide valuable resources and support for the men and women of the Palm Bay Police Department and the community they proudly serve.

I am grateful to everyone who came out, enjoyed a meal, and supported this effort. Thank you to Texas Roadhouse, the Palm Bay Police Department, the Palm Bay Police Foundation, and all of the volunteers who helped make the event a success.

As Independence Day approaches, we prepare to celebrate a truly historic milestone: the 250th birthday of the United States of America. For two and a half centuries, our nation has stood as a symbol of freedom, courage, faith, and perseverance. I am filled with tremendous pride and gratitude as we mark this once-in-a-generation occasion together.

We celebrate 250 years of freedom and the enduring truth that we are all created equal and endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These words have guided generations of Americans and continue to challenge us to protect the freedoms we hold dear while advancing the work of forming a more perfect union.

As Mayor of Palm Bay and a proud United States Marine Corps veteran, I do not take those freedoms for granted. They were secured through the courage and sacrifice of the patriots who declared our independence and were preserved by generations of men and women who answered the call to serve. I see that same spirit throughout Palm Bay in our hardworking families, dedicated first responders, veterans, and residents who work together to make our community the greatest city on the face of the Earth.

This Fourth of July, let us celebrate the nation we love while recommitting ourselves to the principles upon which it was founded. Our Founding Fathers entrusted us with a republic, and it is our responsibility to protect it, strengthen it, and pass it on to future generations.

May we continue to serve one another, stand united in our shared love of country, and remain grateful for the extraordinary privilege of calling ourselves Americans. Happy 250th birthday, America, and may God continue to bless the United States of America and the great City of Palm Bay.

To mark this historic occasion, I invite you and your family to join me at Palm Bay’s 2026 Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 4, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Eastern Florida State College Palm Bay Campus, located at 250 Community College Parkway SE.

This annual tradition is one of my favorite events of the year, and America’s 250th birthday will make this year’s gathering especially meaningful. We are once again partnering with Zambelli Fireworks to present the largest fireworks display on the Space Coast, lighting up the sky in honor of two and a half centuries of American freedom.

The evening will also feature food trucks, local vendors, and activities for the entire family.

Bring your family, invite your friends, and join us as we honor our nation, our flag, and the generations of Americans whose service and sacrifice have protected our freedom. I look forward to celebrating with you in the greatest city on the face of the Earth!

Later this month, another favorite Palm Bay tradition returns as the friendly rivalry between our public safety departments takes center court. The third annual Battle of the Badges Basketball Game will take place on Friday, July 17, at 6:00 p.m. at Heritage High School.

The Palm Bay Police Department and Palm Bay Fire Rescue will once again face off for bragging rights and the Battle of the Badges trophy. Palm Bay Police claimed victory in the inaugural game, but Palm Bay Fire Rescue answered back last year and is ready to defend the title.

I invite everyone to come out, cheer on our first responders, and enjoy an evening of community spirit and friendly competition. No matter which team wins, we are fortunate to have these dedicated men and women serving and protecting the great City of Palm Bay.