I was proud to attend this year's Chiefs Breakfast, which brought together a strong turnout of community partners. It was a great opportunity to connect and show appreciation for those who work each and every day to keep our communities safe. I want to thank the Palm Bay Police Foundation for the time and effort they put into making this event a success. Their commitment plays an important role in bringing people together in support of public safety. I also want to thank all of the sponsors of the event, with special shout-outs to Gary Yeomans Ford Palm Bay, Pineapple Cove Classical Academy and Holiday Builders for their partnership in this event. I was also honored to recognize Chief Augello for his leadership, particularly his focus on officer mental health. Supporting the well-being of our officers is essential, and his continued emphasis on mental health strengthens not only the department but the entire community we serve.

Join me in congratulating Richard's Paving & Sealcoating LLC, which was recognized as the Mayor's Business Spotlight recipient for the first quarter of 2026. A fourth-generation, family-owned business located on Bluefields Street SE, the company has served Palm Bay and communities across Florida for more than 15 years. Known for its quality workmanship, reliability, and customer service, Richard's Paving & Sealcoating provides paving and sealcoating services for both residential and commercial projects. The company is also actively involved in the Palm Bay community, including participation in the City's Annual Independence Day Celebration. In recognition of its continued growth, community involvement, and positive impact, the company was honored with a City Proclamation at the February 19 City Council meeting.

The City held a Special Council Meeting on February 27, where the City Council approved a resolution to preserve the City's option to use the uniform method of collecting non-ad valorem special assessments for fire services beginning in Fiscal Year 2026-27. This action does not impose a special assessment and does not commit the City to using this funding method. It simply provides the required advance notice under state law so the option remains available for future consideration. The resolution allows the City to continue evaluating funding options to address increased fire service demands resulting from anticipated commercial and residential growth near the St. John's Heritage Parkway interchange with I-95 only. The intent of this approach is to ensure that the public safety costs generated by new development are appropriately addressed, rather than shifting that burden to existing residents and businesses citywide. Any future decision to implement a special assessment would require additional Council direction, a separate public hearing, and mailed notice to affected property owners, as required by law. If considered in the future, a special assessment would be one potential funding option to help support enhanced fire services by allocating costs to properties that directly benefit. This approach is intended to support public safety, protect investments, and maintain the quality of life for residents and businesses.

Join us at Fred Poppe Regional Park for the Fifth Annual Palm Bay Multicultural Festival, presented by the City of Palm Bay. This free community event celebrates global cultures through music, dance, food, art, and hands-on activities from around the world. Enjoy live entertainment, a fun-filled Kids' Zone, delicious food trucks, and unique local vendors. New this year, experience our inaugural Art Show in collaboration with the Brevard Cultural Alliance, on display at the Ted Whitlock Community Center Gym in celebration of America's 250th Anniversary. The Art Show opens Friday, March 6, from 5-8 p.m., and continues during the festival on Saturday, March 7, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Celebrate culture, creativity, and community with family and friends!

I invite our community to attend the Palm Bay Utilities Department's open house at the South Regional Water Treatment Plant. This is a great opportunity to see firsthand how our City treats, tests, and delivers clean, safe, and reliable drinking water every day. Transparency, water quality, and public health are priorities for Palm Bay, and this open house offers a behind-the-scenes look at the work that protects one of our most essential resources. The event will be held Thursday, March 12, from 5:30 to 6:30 PM at the South Regional Water Treatment Plant, located at 250 Osmosis Drive. Guests will enjoy guided tours of the facility, learn how drinking water is treated and tested, see plant operations up close, and have time to ask questions and learn more about our water quality standards. This is a family-friendly event, and I encourage residents to attend and see how your water goes from treatment to tap and why you can trust every drop.