From Mayor to State Senate: Unpacking the 2024 Election Battles in Palm Bay and Beyond

Written by-Iulia Lupse, staff writer

2024 is poised to be significant nationally, with the highly anticipated presidential election on November 5th and within the Palm Bay community. With crucial dates set for primary and general elections, as well as a special election, the political landscape of Palm Bay is primed for change. 

2024 Election Schedule 

March 19 – 2024 Presidential Preference Primary 

August 20 – 2024 Primary Election 

November 5 – 2024 General Election 

Community Concerns 

Palm Bay Live has actively engaged with our community members to understand the pressing concerns of residents as we approach the 2024 elections. While this list is not exhaustive, it provides insight into our community’s challenges and underscores the need for effective leadership to address these issues.

Residents are expressing concerns about overall safety, especially regarding recent crime trends showing an increase in homicides and weapons law violations. In response, residents call for solutions to address safety in school zones and the broader community.

The condition of roadways and infrastructure emerges as another pressing concern for Palm Bay residents. Proper maintenance and strategic investments are essential to address the city’s growing needs and accommodate its expanding population. Capturing the community’s frustration, one resident said, “Too many people, not enough lanes.” Another resident pointed out that everyone in the city should have access to sewer, as septic systems are unsuitable for densely populated urban areas like Palm Bay. 

Residents are also drawing attention to the flooding potential in our community. John Dittmore, a candidate for Brevard County Commissioner, highlighted the issue, stating, “Melbourne Tillman had to take pumps away due to lack of funding to remove water from reservoirs.” He further emphasized that flooding in one neighborhood affects surrounding areas in terms of property value.

Moreover, frustration mounts over the lack of new businesses entering the area, with residents advocating for initiatives to attract diverse businesses and industries to stimulate economic growth and job opportunities within the community. Some residents have emphasized the need for new businesses beyond Dollar Generals and car washes. 

Housing affordability remains a significant concern, with fluctuations in housing prices and high insurance premiums impacting homeowners and renters alike. Residents call for measures to address housing costs and insurance affordability, including proposals such as a cap on short-term rentals and an STR tax. Additionally, there’s support for a tax on all rental properties with absent owners in Brevard County. One resident expressed his frustration, saying, “I have no problem with investors making a living, but if you are going to exploit our market from a distance, you are going to pay for it.”

The importance of transparent and responsible allocation of funds for infrastructure projects, social services, and community initiatives resonates strongly with Palm Bay residents, who prioritize fiscal management and accountability. Some residents have expressed discontent over elevated taxes, including the millage tax rate. Additionally, rising taxes without corresponding improvements in public services and infrastructure have become a source of worry among residents. Many want to see greater oversight and efficient utilization of taxpayer dollars.

Palm Bay Elections: Mayoral and City Council Races

August 20 – Primary election for Office of the Mayor, Palm Bay City Council Seat 2, and Seat 3

November 5 – General election for Office of the Mayor, Palm Bay City Council Seat 2, and Seat 3

November 5 – Special election for Palm Bay City Council Seat 5 

Palm Bay is gearing up for pivotal elections in 2024, where voters will have the opportunity to shape the future of their city. The qualifying period for County office and Special District candidates is from noon on June 10th to noon on June 14th. Registered voters in Palm Bay can participate in the primary election on August 20th, featuring contests for the Office of the Mayor and Seats 2 and 3 on the City Council.  In November, the community will once again head to the polls for the general election, casting votes for the same positions.  November will also feature a special election for Seat 5 on the City Council. 

Incumbent Mayor Rob Medina, a resident of Palm Bay for over 33 years and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, is seeking re-election. With a background in community service and a commitment to public safety, Mayor Medina has been a prominent figure in Palm Bay’s governance. However, his tenure has faced scrutiny for missing consecutive City Council meetings, leading to concerns among some residents. As he campaigns for re-election, Mayor Medina emphasizes his dedication to addressing crime issues and fostering a brighter future for Palm Bay. 

Challenging Mayor Medina is Santa Isabel Wright, who recently announced her candidacy for Mayor of Palm Bay on Facebook. In her announcement, she expressed her deep-rooted commitment to the community. Wright pledged to contribute her skills, vision, and dedication to the progress and prosperity of Palm Bay, promising to listen to residents’ concerns and lead with honesty, integrity, transparency, and innovation. 

In the race for City Council seats, contenders vie to represent the diverse interests of Palm Bay’s residents. Richard Michael Hammer Jr. and Donny Jean Felix compete for Seat 2, while Chandler Austin Langevin and Randy Foster vie for Seat 3. The special election for Seat 5 attracts several candidates, including Michael Spencer Jaffe, Nathan Timothy White, Paul D. Galbreath II, and Jimmy Backus.

Palm Bay Live reached out to all candidates for their perspectives on our community’s issues. While we value the engagement of those who responded, we understand that candidates may have various commitments. Among those who shared their views, Richard Michael Hammer Jr., a lifelong resident, highlighted the significance of equitable taxation, strategic development, and effective city management. Hammer highlighted the role of city council members in suggesting initiatives and working alongside management to address infrastructure and economic growth, stating, “We need to take the tax burden off small businesses and onto larger industries. Ensuring the right management is in place is crucial for the council’s effectiveness. Palm Bay’s infrastructure needs significant advancement, and economic development isn’t meeting its potential.”

As Palm Bay residents prepare to cast their votes, these elections serve as a platform for addressing the city’s evolving needs and shaping its future trajectory.

Melbourne Mayoral Race

Paul Alfrey seeks re-election against former Mayor Kathy Meehan in Melbourne’s mayoral race. Mayoral races in Melbourne are non-partisan, with the mayor elected at-large. 

Mayor Paul Alfrey underscores his administration’s focus on enhancing Melbourne’s infrastructure. He has highlighted his administration’s accomplishment of repaving five times more miles of roadway within the past three years, achieved through a new infrastructure millage. Meanwhile, Kathy Meehan, who previously served as Melbourne’s mayor from 2012 to 2020, re-enters the arena, drawing from her tenure and local business experience as the owner of Meehan’s Office Supplies. 

Brevard County Sheriff Race 2024

As Brevard County residents grapple with rising concerns over public safety and higher crime rates, the race for sheriff slated for November 5th has garnered significant attention. Incumbent Wayne Ivey, seeking his fourth term as sheriff, faces a challenge from former deputy Brian Allen Potters.

Under Sheriff Ivey’s leadership, Brevard County’s Crime Prevention Unit earned accolades and was named the State of Florida’s Crime Prevention Unit of the Year. However, controversies surrounding accusations of political favoritism have shadowed his tenure despite solid support from conservative circles for his law enforcement approach, including backing for permitless carry.

Opposing Ivey is ex-deputy Brian Allen Potters, who critiques the current administration’s spending practices while advocating for a shift towards leadership-driven solutions over political rhetoric in addressing public safety challenges. Potters’ platform focuses on significant reorganization within the sheriff’s department. He aims to enhance competitiveness and efficiency by reducing Command staff positions by 50%.

Potters also stresses the need for tactical upgrades, including introducing rifle-rated outer vest carriers for deputies to bolster their safety during duty. He proposes measures such as expanding off-duty details in surrounding counties and deploying mobile and stationary License Plate Readers (LPRs) to bolster law enforcement capabilities. In addition to operational enhancements, Potters wants to introduce a childcare stipend for new parents within the department, seeking to boost morale and improve work-life balance among deputies. 

Brevard County Commissioner District 3 Election 2024

Three candidates are vying for the Brevard County Commission District 3 seat. Kim Adkinson, a Conservative Republican, emphasizes protecting beaches, fostering business development, and enhancing collaboration between local and governing bodies to serve the community better.

Republican contender John Dittmore prioritizes centralizing school security, mitigating flood risks, and restructuring fire service fees for fair taxation. Reflecting on his inspiration to run, Dittmore remarked, “We need to focus on good economic growth in the community with infrastructure to sustain that economic growth.” As an insurance agent, Dittmore highlights the impact of flooding on property insurance and calls for addressing flooding issues to prevent increased premiums for homeowners. He underscores the importance of proactive engagement from county commissioners, stating, “We need to get ahead of the issues.”

On the Democratic side, Yvonne Minus touts over 40 years of working with conservative and progressive leaders. If elected, she pledges to focus on shoring up infrastructure, supporting first responders, and addressing the issue of affordable housing. 

Brevard County Supervisor of Elections Race 2024

Brevard County Supervisor of Elections is a crucial position responsible for overseeing and managing the election process in one of Florida’s largest voting populations. 

In the upcoming Brevard County Supervisor of Elections race, voters will witness a showdown between two Republican candidates, Tim Bobanic and John Tobia.  Both candidates bring distinct backgrounds and experiences to the table, promising to uphold the integrity of the election process in one of Florida’s largest voting populations.

Tim Bobanic, appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis in October 2022, boasts a wealth of experience in election systems and technology. With nearly a decade of service as the Director of Information Technology and Election Systems prior to his appointment, Bobanic has overseen 30 elections. That includes Florida’s first statewide recount since 2000.

John Tobia is a two-term Brevard County Commissioner and former state legislator. He has consistently highlighted his commitment to fiscal responsibility and adherence to Florida law as key aspects of his platform. However, his candidacy has been affected by an ongoing state investigation into alleged voter fraud. The investigation was prompted by accusations of criminal use of personal identification information and improper voter registration. Tobia denies the allegations, attributing them to political motives. Nevertheless, Tobia remains steadfast in his candidacy, focusing on taxpayer savings and efficient governance issues.

Brevard County School Board District 3 Election 2024

In the race for Jennifer Jenkings’ seat on Brevard County’s District 3 school board, both candidates bring a strong commitment to improving the educational system.

Republican John Thomas, CEO of the Home Builders and Contractors Association of Florida’s Space Coast, expresses deep concern about the state of education in Florida. When asked about his motivation to run, he said, “It’s troubling to see Florida ranked 42nd among the states in public education, especially when our own school district ranks 17th within the state.”

Thomas’ extensive involvement with at-risk youth through programs like the PAL program has given him insights into the challenges facing children in the community. Regarding teacher recruitment and retention, he states, “We need to address discipline through prevention, intervention, and support, with the goal of creating a better learning environment and making teachers’ jobs safer.”

On the importance of early childhood education, Thomas said, “Quality early childhood education can have long-lasting positive effects on academic achievement, social skills, and overall well-being. I believe a strong early childhood program will help reduce future discipline issues and help contribute to the students’ self-esteem and success.”

Concerning school safety, Thomas stressed, “Creating a safe school environment involves fostering open communication and trust between students and adults. By promoting a culture of vigilance, communication, and mental well-being, we can create safer school environments where students can focus on learning and thriving without fear.

Amber Yantz, running unaffiliated with a party, is a parent to five children in BPS and an active school volunteer serving on three school advisory committees. Yantz shares a similar commitment to improving the educational system but emphasizes specific areas such as a STEAM curriculum, which includes civics education, making career and technical education (CTE) accessible, and holistic safety that includes mental and emotional support. She believes in the value of introducing children to diverse career paths, including space exploration and healthcare, to inspire them to dream big and pursue their passions. 

Yantz focuses her platform on school safety and comprehensive student support. She opposes the expansion of Brevard’s Guardian program, which involves training civilians by the sheriff’s office to carry firearms in schools. Instead, she advocates for increasing the number of social workers and guidance counselors in District 3 schools to address safety concerns effectively. Yantz addresses the need for a holistic safety net that includes mental and emotional support for students, stating, “The safety and well-being of our students extend beyond physical security measures. By investing in social workers, counselors, and mental health programs, we can create a nurturing environment where every student feels secure, supported, and ready to learn.”

Florida House of Representatives District 33 Election 2024 

Several candidates are contending to succeed Representative Randy Fine (R), who is ineligible for re-election due to term limits. Encompassing most of southern Brevard County, including portions of Palm Bay, House District 33 is set for an electoral contest with diverse contenders.

In the Republican primary race for House District 33 on August 20th, Erika Orriss, Logan Luse, and Monique Miller seek the nomination. Orriss, a licensed mental health professional and former Brevard Republican Executive Committee precinct committeewoman, is joined by Luse, the Florida State Director of the American Conservation Coalition, and Miller, a founding advisory board member for Moms for Liberty. Miller has notably supported Florida’s Parental Rights in Education bill, which restricts discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in primary schools.

The three Republican candidates are committed to shoring up the education system, strengthening the economy, supporting law enforcement, and ensuring election integrity. They aim to uphold the legacy of past Republican victories in the district and advocate for conservative values in Tallahassee.

On the Democratic side, Anthony Yantz and Vernon Anderson offer differing perspectives. Yantz addresses concerns raised by residents, highlighting the pressing issues of housing affordability, safety in school zones, and infrastructure upkeep in a recent Facebook post. He emphasizes the need for inclusive policies and green technologies to combat climate change. Yantz’s analysis delves into the fluctuating housing market in Palm Bay, high insurance premiums, and concerns about rental rates and safety in school zones due to gun-related incidents. He calls for effective allocation of funds and transparency to address infrastructure needs and combat homelessness. Meanwhile, Anderson’s campaign centers on several key pillars. He aims to address government overreach in education, ensure comprehensive teaching of AP African American History, increase funding for community support programs and events, protect voting rights, and advocate for freedom of choice, particularly in women’s health and abortion rights.

Grover Bentley, running as a Libertarian, adds a different perspective to the race. As a combat veteran and active community member, Bentley positions himself as a voice advocating for smaller government, police accountability, protection of Second Amendment rights, medical freedom, and environmental conservation. He aims to address issues such as taxation, economic growth, and the role of homeowners associations (HOAs). Bentley proposes significant reforms to address concerns about taxes, economic growth, and individual freedoms. His proposed legislation, The Freedom to Disassociate Bill, aims to limit the power of HOAs in the state, ensuring property owners have more control over their communities.

Florida Senate District 19 Election 2024 

In the Florida Senate District 19 race, Republicans Randy Fine and Robyn Hattaway compete for the party’s nomination in a heavily Republican-leaning district. Randy Fine, currently representing District 33 in the Florida House, is seeking to transition to the Florida Senate. He is known for his involvement in politically charged battles, including disputes over LGBTQ+ school policies and COVID-19 mask mandates with Brevard County School Board member Jennifer Jenkins. 

Fine has voiced his stance on key issues, particularly emphasizing securing state funding for the Indian River Lagoon’s restoration and addressing affordable housing challenges on the Space Coast by advocating for removing governmental barriers hindering development.

Robyn Hattaway, a former Canaveral Port Authority commissioner, prioritizes environmental conservation, crime reduction, and economic growth. She aims to steer away from what she views as unnecessary culture wars, focusing instead on practical concerns like job creation, education, and public safety. Hattaway advocates for collaboration with local businesses and the education system to ensure job opportunities for graduates.

Contrasting with the Republican candidates is Vance Ahrens, the sole Democrat in the race. A native Floridian and self-described progressive, Ahrens is committed to advancing policies promoting inclusivity, equity, and social justice.

Shaping the Future of Palm Bay and Brevard County

The upcoming elections in Palm Bay and Brevard County are pivotal moments for residents to shape the trajectory of their communities. With various candidates vying for key positions, from mayoral seats to county commissioner roles, voters will have the opportunity to elect leaders who will address pressing local issues.

As residents prepare to cast their votes later this year, engaging with candidates’ platforms and understanding how they plan to address these critical issues is essential. Whether it’s advocating for comprehensive solutions to school safety, promoting economic development, or ensuring transparent and accountable governance, voters play a crucial role in determining the direction of their communities.

We encourage all residents to research candidates thoroughly, participate in local forums and debates, and ultimately make informed decisions at the ballot box. By actively engaging in the electoral process, residents can ensure that their voices are heard and that elected leaders are committed to addressing the needs and concerns of the community.

About the writer: Iulia Lupse is an experienced researcher, writer, and entrepreneur with a strong track record in news media and politics.