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It's a great day, Palm Bay!
Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in the Palm Bay Police Department's Citizens Academy, and I can tell you it was an eye-opening experience. Over the course of eight weeks, I had the chance to see firsthand the training, teamwork, and professionalism that go into keeping our community safe. From touring the Telecommunications Center and learning how calls for service are handled, to hearing from our Criminal Investigations Division, SWAT Team, K-9 Unit, Crisis Negotiations Team, Underwater Recovery Team, and many others, the program provided a behind-the-scenes look at the many roles within our Police Department. We also learned about crime scene investigations, defensive tactics training, youth services programs, and the very real dangers of impaired driving through demonstrations with our Traffic Unit and Drug Recognition Experts. What stood out to me most was the dedication of the men and women who serve our community every day and the importance of building strong relationships between our Police Department and the residents we serve. This academy is a great program that helps build transparency, understanding, and trust within our community. I encourage residents to keep an eye out for the next Citizens Academy class and consider applying. It is truly a unique and worthwhile experience. Thank you, Deputy Chief Spears, for spearheading this program!
Reminder that the City of Palm Bay Utilities Department is temporarily modifying its drinking water treatment process through April 13 as part of routine maintenance to maintain the highest water quality standards for our residents. During this time, the City will switch from chloramination to free chlorination, a standard process that helps clean the water distribution system and prevent bacteria buildup. Residents may notice a temporary change in the taste, odor, or color of their water, which is normal, and the water will remain safe to use. Utilities crews will also be flushing hydrants throughout the system to support this process. Residents who receive dialysis treatments at home or who have fish or reptiles should take appropriate precautions during this period. For more information, please contact Palm Bay Utilities at 321-952-3420 or visit palmbayfl.gov.
This month, the Palm Bay Police Department will hold a Change of Command Ceremony on April 2, marking the retirement of Chief Mario Augello and the swearing-in of Deputy Chief Jeff Spears as the City's next Chief of Police. Chief Augello retires after more than 25 years of dedicated service to our community. Throughout his career, he served in many roles within the department, rising through the ranks and ultimately leading the Palm Bay Police Department with a strong focus on officer wellness, mental health support, leadership development, and strengthening the relationship between the police department and the community. As we thank Chief Augello for his years of service, we also look ahead with confidence as Deputy Chief Spears steps into this leadership role. A lifelong Palm Bay resident, Chief Spears began his journey with the department as a Police Explorer at just 16 years old and worked his way through the ranks. This transition represents not just a change in leadership, but a continuation of the values, culture, and commitment to public safety that keep Palm Bay strong. This ceremony represents both a thank you to a leader who has served this city with dedication and a show of support for the next generation of leadership in the Palm Bay Police Department.
This month, we are proud to invite our community to join us for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of our new Fire Station 7 on April 14 at 10:00 AM, located at 2144 Palm Bay Road. This new station replaces the former Fire Station 1 and represents an important investment in the safety and well-being of our residents, particularly in the northeast quadrant of our city. Fire Station 7 is a modern, state-of-the-art facility designed to support our firefighters and strengthen emergency response in a growing area of Palm Bay. This station will also serve as the prototype for future fire stations in our city, helping us build smarter, more efficient public safety facilities as Palm Bay continues to grow. This project was made possible in part through Community Development Block Grant funding and reflects our continued commitment to investing in public safety infrastructure. Following the ceremony, the community is invited to tour the station, meet our firefighters and command staff, community leaders, and spend some time with Halo, our therapy K9. We hope you will join us as we celebrate this important milestone for the City of Palm Bay.
As we celebrate Easter on April 5, we are reminded of the true meaning of this holy day. Easter calls us to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the victory of the resurrection, a message of hope, renewal, and God's promise of new life. It is a message that continues to bring light in times of uncertainty and strength in moments of challenge. On this blessed day, may your heart be filled with peace, your home with love, and your spirit with renewed faith. May the hope of Easter guide you forward and strengthen you in the days ahead. "He is not here; He has risen, just as He said." Matthew 28:6. From my family to yours, I wish you a blessed and joyful Easter. And remember, the same resurrection power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead is at work today, bringing hope, healing, and new life.
Ready for a little friendly competition? Police vs Fire...on the Pickleball court! Join us on April 17th at 6pm inside the Ted Whitlock Center at Fred Poppe Park for Palm Bay PD vs. Palm Bay Fire Rescue, with all proceeds benefiting local charities! We hope to see you there.
Each year, our community comes together to remember and honor Palm Bay Police Officers Gerald Johnson and Ronald Grogan, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on April 23, 1987. I invite our residents to join us for the annual memorial service on April 23 at 9:00 AM at Sacrifice Park, located between the DeGroodt Library and City Hall, as we pay tribute to their service, their sacrifice, and the legacy they left behind. This ceremony is an important reminder that we must never forget those who gave their lives in service to our community.
As we approach this year's Mayor's Ball, I want to personally invite our community to join us for a very special evening in support of Essential Pregnancy Center. This organization provides compassionate care, education, and support to women and families in our community, and the work they do truly changes lives. This year's Mayor's Ball is especially meaningful as we bring this event back home to Palm Bay, and I am hopeful our community will come together in a strong way to support this important cause. The evening will be filled with fellowship, purpose, and an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of families right here in our city. Tickets and sponsorships are due by April 10. Tickets and sponsorship information can be found at www.palmbayfl.gov/mayorsball or by contacting Evelyn Padilla at [email protected]. Thank you to everyone who continues to support the Mayor's Ball each year. I look forward to seeing you on April 18 as we come together to support a wonderful organization and continue building a stronger, more caring community.
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