Palm Bay, Fla. — At the December 19 city council meeting, a proposed storage facility in Bayside Lakes faced fierce opposition from residents and council members, ultimately resulting in its rejection. Meanwhile, discussions about the council’s recent decision to eliminate public comments at the end of meetings raised concerns about transparency and public trust.
Bayside Lakes Storage Facility: Rejected Amid Community Concerns
Bayside Lakes, located in southeastern Palm Bay, was initially designed as a Planned Unit Development (PUD) blending residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. Approved in 1999, the plan was heralded as a transformative solution for the city’s future. However, decades later, some residents feel the development has failed to live up to its promise and are pushing back against what they see as further erosion of its original vision.
The latest controversy centers on a proposed high-quality self-storage facility that would occupy a section of Bayside Lakes previously designated for a medical office building. Developers argued that the storage facility would meet community demand and be located at the rear of the property, near a retention pond and away from residential areas. However, residents were not convinced.
“There’s a lot of commercial business potential in Bayside Lakes,” one resident said. “Could every lot eventually be turned into storage units? This isn’t what we signed up for.”
Another resident reflected on the origins of the PUD, saying, “This plan was presented in 1999 as the saving grace for the city, but that’s not what happened. They had no real plan back then—just an idea that was accepted. Let’s not repeat the mistake of not knowing what we’re agreeing to.”
Adding to the frustration, another resident stated, “You have storage facilities next to Bayside Lakes already. This is purely unacceptable.” City Planner Craig Morgan, addressing the complexities of the situation, remarked, “This has to be one of the biggest mysteries I’ve seen in 30 years.”
Despite assurances from the developer that the storage facility would be state-of-the-art and meet a pressing need, the council ultimately sided with residents, voting 5-0 to deny the proposal. Councilman Donny Hammer summed up the prevailing sentiment: “I’ve never heard anyone say, ‘We need more storage units.’”
Public Comments: Tensions Over Transparency
As frustrations over the Bayside Lakes storage facility proposal continue, residents have expressed growing concerns over the recent elimination of the second round of public comments at city council meetings.
“I’m disappointed that I’ve lost 50% of my opportunity to address you publicly,” one speaker said during a recent meeting. Pastor Mark Miller underscored the importance of the final comment period, explaining, “It was often used to offer solutions or collaborate on issues raised during the meeting.”
Council members defended the decision as a way to streamline meetings, but many residents feel it comes at the expense of transparency and community involvement. With pressing issues like the Bayside Lakes development, some question whether limiting public input risks sidelining community voices when they are needed most.
Palm Bay Explores Solutions to Homelessness as New State Law Looms
On December 17, the Palm Bay City Council held a workshop to address the city’s growing homelessness crisis, marking its first formal discussion since House Bill 1365 took effect on October 1. The law, which bans sleeping or camping on public property, is set to introduce stricter enforcement measures beginning January 1, 2025. This places pressure on cities across Florida to implement solutions for their unhoused populations while complying with the new legal framework.
During the workshop, council members explored several approaches to mitigate the issue. Discussions included the possibility of affordable housing initiatives, the expansion of emergency shelters, and providing transportation services to connect individuals to centralized support facilities. Council member Chandler Langevin expressed support for emergency shelter buses, which could help transport individuals to designated shelters outside of Palm Bay. Langevin voiced reservations about establishing a permanent shelter within city limits, citing concerns about its potential proximity to schools and family-oriented neighborhoods.
Mayor Rob Medina advocated for wraparound services, emphasizing the importance of addressing the root causes of homelessness to provide long-term solutions. The council also discussed a proposal to host a specialized event offering services and resources for homeless veterans as an initial step toward broader community support.
With the January 1 deadline fast approaching, Palm Bay’s workshop underscores the city’s intent to tackle the crisis. However, the council’s ability to turn these discussions into concrete actions will be crucial in addressing the rising number of unhoused individuals in Brevard County, which has reached its highest levels since 2016. In contrast, Broward County has implemented a more structured and well-funded response to the homelessness crisis, committing over $43 million toward affordable housing projects, shelter expansion, and eviction prevention programs.
Palm Bay, FL – The Palm Bay City Council’s recent decision to fire City Manager Suzanne Sherman has sparked significant controversy and challenges, as the council continues to navigate its search for a permanent replacement.
Last Thursday, the council voted 3-2 to terminate Sherman, who had served as City Manager since 2020. The vote, led by Councilman Chandler Langevin, was supported by Councilmembers Mike Hammer and Kenny Johnson, with Mayor Rob Medina and Councilman Mike Jaffe dissenting. Langevin defended the decision, stating that Sherman’s leadership was taking the city in the wrong direction and that “sweeping changes” were needed.
However, the firing left the council scrambling for a replacement. Department heads, including Finance Director Larry Wojciechowski and Public Works Director Valentino Perez, declined the interim role. The city’s IT Director, Brian Robinson, also resisted but was ultimately appointed as interim City Manager by a 4-1 vote, despite his protests.
During a workshop meeting on Monday, the council revisited the issue of finding long-term leadership. While Councilman Langevin proposed former City Manager Gregg Lynk for the position, his recommendation was not supported, given Lynk’s controversial past, including allegations of bribery that led to his firing in 2020.
Instead, the council turned its attention to Scott Morgan, the retired former City Manager of West Melbourne. Morgan is being considered for an interim role to help stabilize the city and assist with the recruitment of a permanent City Manager.
Council discussions reflected a focus on finding a leader who could maintain the city’s current successes while addressing critical issues like lowering the tax and millage rates.
The financial implications of Sherman’s firing remain a pressing concern. Her contract entitles her to a severance package of 20 weeks’ pay, totaling nearly $97,000, along with payouts for accrued leave. These expenses, combined with recruitment costs for a permanent replacement, could further strain the city’s budget.
As Palm Bay grapples with this leadership shake-up, residents are watching closely to see how the council handles these challenges and moves forward with its vision for the city’s future.
Stay tuned to Palm Bay Live for updates on this developing story.
PALM BAY, FLORIDA (August 29, 2024): The City of Palm Bay is pleased to announce the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Fire Station 7, a vital addition to our community’s public safety infrastructure. The ceremony will take place on Friday, September 13 at 9:00 AM at the future site of the station, located at 2144 Palm Bay Road. The event is open to the public and members of the media.
The new Fire Station 7 serves as a replacement for the former Fire Station 1, which was demolished in January 2022 with funding from a FY 2020-2021 Community Development Block Grant. The former fire station site had remained vacant for eight years and was an eligible project under the U.S. Housing & Urban Development regulations under public facility improvements located in and providing a public service to an area of low- and moderate-income residents. The new Fire Station 7 will aim to meet the growing needs of the northeast quadrant of Palm Bay.
This project marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance emergency response capabilities and ensure the safety and well-being of our residents. The construction of Fire Station 7 will provide our dedicated firefighters with state-of-the-art facilities to better serve the community.
The contract was awarded to W & J Construction Corp. of Rockledge, FL, at the August 1, 2024, Regular Council Meeting. The total estimated cost for the construction of Fire Station 7 is $7,338,764.
Palm Bay Fire Chief Richard Stover stated, “The opening of Fire Station 7 will significantly improve the response times for our citizens and visitors in this rapidly growing part of our city. Our members are excited to have the opportunity and ability to increase citizen engagement from a modern facility that was designed to meet the needs of our community and the firefighters living there. None of this could have taken place without the continued support of our Mayor, City Council, and City Manager.”
Mayor Rob Medina added, “This groundbreaking is a testament to our commitment to public safety and the well-being of our residents. It is more than just the start of a new building; it’s the beginning of a stronger, safer future for our city.”
The City of Palm Bay invites all residents and stakeholders to join us for the groundbreaking ceremony as we celebrate this important step towards enhancing our city’s public safety infrastructur
PALM BAY, FLORIDA (August 23, 2024): The City of Palm Bay has released the Request for Applications for the Opioid Settlement Proceeds Grant (OSPG) for Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024. This initiative follows a historic settlement between the State of Florida and major opioid manufacturers, distributors, and dispensers, which will bring over $3 billion to Florida over the next eighteen years.
At the July 1, 2021, Regular Council Meeting, Palm Bay City Council adopted Resolution 2021-33 which recognized the harmful effects of the opioid epidemic suffered by the City. The City of Palm Bay joined the State of Florida, counties, and other cities in addressing the opioid crisis through the National Prescription Opiate Litigation. Resolution 2021-33 proposed a unified plan for the allocation and use of prospective settlement dollars from opioid-related litigation, and the City entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the State of Florida setting the framework of the unified plan for the proposed allocation and use of opioid settlement proceeds.
In December 2023, the City received its first round of funds from the National Opioid Settlement, totaling $275,619.36. This amount includes $86,397.57 for Fiscal Year 2023 and $189,221.79 for Fiscal Year 2024. Under the terms of the agreement, a maximum of 5% ($13,780.97) may be allocated for administrative costs, leaving a balance of $261,838.39 available for grant awards.
At the July 18 Regular Council Meeting, Palm Bay City Council authorized the publication of the Request for Applications. The OSPG will support projects and initiatives that align with the three categories outlined in the Florida Opioid Allocation and Statewide Response Agreement: Treatment, Prevention, and Other Strategies. Core strategies must comply with evidence-based best practices as specified in the agreement.
Applications for the Opioid Settlement Proceeds Grant are now open. Interested parties are encouraged to review the full Request for Applications and submit their proposals in accordance with the guidelines provided. The City of Palm Bay has released Addendum 1 to the Opioid Settlement Proceeds Grant (OSPG) RFA. The in-person workshop has been postponed to Friday, August 30, 2024, at 10 am. We have extended the date for the Mandatory Technical Assistance Workshop Registration for the Opioid Settlement Proceeds Grant.
Agencies interested in applying must complete the registration form by Thursday, August 29, 2024, by 12 noon. The form located here www.pbfl.org/opioid
The workshop will be recorded and posted here www.pbfl.org/opioid for agencies not able to attend. A self-certification form, certifying the agency watched the workshop will need to be completed and submitted with the application, on September 13, 2024.”
PALM BAY, FLORIDA (August 23rd, 2024): The Palm Bay Police Department arrested Beatriz Rapisarda, a 41-year-old teacher at Sunrise Elementary School, on charges of child abuse and false imprisonment. The arrest occurred on August 22nd at the school following a detailed investigation into allegations involving a student in the intellectually disabled classroom.
The investigation revealed that Rapisarda physically pushed the student and restrained the child by grabbing their wrists. These actions were witnessed by several individuals. After a thorough review of sworn statements and evidence, sufficient probable cause was established for her arrest.
Rapisarda was taken into custody at the school and has been booked into the Brevard County Jail. The Palm Bay Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety of individuals within our community, especially our youth. We will continue to work closely with the school and our partners at the Department of Children and Families to ensure incidents such as this one are not repeated.
The Brevard County primary election results are in, setting the stage for a series of critical runoffs and general election contests in November. Several races have been decided, while others will continue to November, with significant implications for the future governance of the region.
Palm Bay Races
In Palm Bay, Mayor Rob Medina secured a second term in office, winning 54.9% of the vote and avoiding a runoff. Medina’s victory confirms the continuation of his administration, which has focused on infrastructure improvements and public safety, despite facing various challenges during his first term.
Mayor Rob Medina
However, the Palm Bay City Council races for Seats 2 and 3 are heading to November runoffs. In the Seat 2 race, Deputy Mayor Donny Felix led with 40.2% of the vote, followed closely by Richard Mike Hammer, who received 38.4%. Patric McNally, who garnered 21.5%, has been eliminated from the race. The upcoming runoff between Felix and Hammer will determine which candidate will help shape the future of Palm Bay’s policies on growth and development.
Hammer emphasized that the success of his campaign so far is “a testament to the tireless efforts of countless supporters who shared our message of empowering residents with a voice.” He highlighted his dedication to key issues such as preventing tax increases, attracting new businesses to lower the tax burden, ensuring qualified staff, and promoting sustainable growth. “Palm Bay has faced the consequences of neglecting crucial challenges for far too long. My plan is to address these issues head-on, providing our city, its staff, and its residents with clear goals and viable options,” Hammer stated.
He also noted his positive and productive relationship with his opponent, Deputy Mayor Felix, mentioning that they have already discussed potential areas for collaboration in the lead-up to the election. “Fostering a respectful dialogue and working together, even with opposing views, is essential for the well-being of our city,” Hammer added.
The race for Seat 3, which featured a crowded field of six candidates, will also be decided in a November runoff. Chandler Langevin, who led with 27% of the vote, will face off against Alfy Ramsay Agarie, who received 21%. Langevin’s candidacy has been overshadowed by controversy, as he is currently under felony criminal investigation for allegedly misappropriating campaign funds during a previous run for state representative. The investigation, coupled with Langevin’s ties to the polarizing State Rep. Randy Fine, has made his candidacy a focal point of local political discourse. The other candidates, including Eileen Sepp, David Kearns, Peter Filiberto, and Michael Bruyette, were eliminated.
Alfy Ramsay Agarie, who emerged as a top contender for Seat 3, emphasized his priorities for Palm Bay during his campaign. “We’ve accumulated over 40,000 new residents in our city, and the infrastructure hasn’t kept up,” Agarie stated. “Right now, our infrastructure and safety are far behind where they need to be. The average response time for emergency services is 18 to 20 minutes, compared to the national average of seven to eight minutes. That’s unacceptable, and we need to focus on these priorities to make our city more comfortable and safe to live, work, and play.”
Agarie also highlighted concerns about budget management, particularly within the Public Works and Utilities departments. “These departments take a significant portion of our budget each year, but they have the capacity to generate revenue and reduce their dependence on city funds. For example, Public Works takes 27% of our budget, yet they outsource jobs that could be done in-house. By managing our budget more efficiently, we can allocate more resources to public safety, infrastructure, and other critical areas.”
Last week, in anticipation of the election results, Palm Bay City Council appointed Philip Weinberg to temporarily fill the Seat 3 vacancy left by Randy Foster, who resigned in June due to health concerns. The outcome of the November runoff will finalize the council’s composition and could significantly influence the city’s direction on key issues like public safety, infrastructure, and economic development.
Brevard County Commission District 3
In a tightly contested race for Brevard County Commission District 3, Kim Adkinson narrowly defeated John Dittmore, capturing 50.7% of the vote. Adkinson, who previously served as a Republican state committeewoman, will now face Democrat Yvonne Minus, a Melbourne City Councilwoman, in the general election. District 3, encompassing areas like West Melbourne, Palm Bay, and South Brevard County, is pivotal in shaping county policies, especially in managing growth and development.
Yvonne minus
Brevard County Commission District 5
Rep. Thad Altman secured the Republican primary for District 5 with 70.5% of the vote, defeating Ritch Workman. Altman, who previously served on the District 5 commission from 1984 to 1992 and has extensive experience in the Florida Legislature, will face Democrat Vinnie Taranto in November. Altman’s return to county-level politics was anticipated, given his extensive background, but his decisive victory over Workman, a former state representative, was significant.
Thad Altman
Altman’s previous tenure on the commission and his legislative experience have made him a well-known figure in Brevard politics. His platform focused on maintaining the county’s growth while ensuring that public services, particularly in areas like public safety, are adequately funded. Despite his political experience, Workman’s loss highlights Altman’s strong support base within the district.
State Senate District 19
Randy Fine emerged victorious in the Republican primary for State Senate District 19, securing 73.6% of the vote against Charles “Chuck” Sheridan. Fine, a controversial figure in Florida politics, has been at the center of several high-profile disputes, including efforts to remove him from the ballot over alleged paperwork issues. Despite these challenges, Fine’s strong showing in the primary underscores his influence in the district.
Randy Fine
Fine’s campaign was marked by his usual fiery rhetoric and a focus on issues like securing state funding for the Indian River Lagoon and advocating for conservative values. His victory sets up a November general election battle against Democrat Vance Ehrens. Sheridan, Fine’s opponent, has indicated that he may continue to challenge Fine’s eligibility in court, keeping the race in the spotlight.
Fine’s tenure in the Florida House has been marked by his aggressive approach to politics, often engaging in public spats with both opponents and allies. His involvement in local controversies, such as his efforts to disband the Brevard County School Board, has made him a polarizing figure. As he prepares for the general election, these issues are likely to continue to play a role in the campaign narrative.
U.S. House of Representatives, District 8
Former Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos secured the Republican nomination for U.S. House District 8 with 73.9% of the vote in Brevard County and 68% in Indian River County. Haridopolos entered the race on the final day of candidate filing, the same day that incumbent Rep. Bill Posey announced his retirement and endorsed Haridopolos.
Haridopolos, a resident of Indian Harbour Beach, has been a prominent figure in Florida politics, having served as Senate President and in both the Florida House and Senate. His campaign emphasized his legislative experience and his ability to bring conservative leadership to Washington. Haridopolos’s entry into the race effectively cleared the field of high-profile competitors, leaving him to face only lesser-known opponents.
Mike Haridopolos
His campaign has been bolstered by endorsements from key Republican figures, including former President Donald Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and both of Florida’s U.S. Senators. Despite his strong support, Haridopolos faced criticism from his opponents, particularly John Hearton, who questioned his political background and the influence of major donors on his campaign. Haridopolos now moves on to face Democratic nominee Sandy Kennedy in November.
Florida House Districts 32 and 33
Tuesday’s primary set the stage for the November 5 general election for the Florida House of Representatives District 32 and District 33 seats, which represent Central and South Brevard.
In the District 32 race, Florida Senator Debbie Mayfield defeated former Congressman Dave Weldon, securing 65% of the vote. Mayfield, a resident of Indialantic, received significant support from the district’s Republican base, which makes up about 47% of the electorate. Mayfield’s campaign focused on conservative values, including protecting the Indian River Lagoon and maintaining Florida’s status as a “free state.” She will face Democrat Juan Jose Hinojosa in November, who was unopposed in the primary.
Vernon Anderson
The District 33 race saw Monique Miller, a cybersecurity executive and Board of Directors of Moms for Liberty member, winning the Republican primary with 55% of the vote. Miller, who has received backing from prominent conservative figures, will now face Democrat Vernon Mitchell Anderson Jr. in November. Anderson, who defeated Anthony Yantz in the Democratic primary with 53% of the vote, aims to break a three-decade losing streak for Democrats in this district. Anderson’s campaign has emphasized issues like voter rights, infrastructure, and affordable housing, while Miller has focused on immigration and reducing the cost of living for Florida families.
Brevard County School Board District 3
John Thomas won the District 3 seat on the Brevard School Board, securing 56.4% of the vote against Amber Yantz. Thomas, a former Melbourne city council member and school administrator, campaigned on a platform of early childhood education, career and technical education expansion, and improving school safety. His victory marks a shift in the board’s composition, as he replaces Jennifer Jenkins, the only liberal on the board.
Thomas’s victory is significant for the conservative movement within Brevard County, as it solidifies the board’s shift to the right. Thomas has taken a strong stance on several issues, including supporting the presence of chaplains in schools and expanding the guardian program, which allows certain school employees to carry firearms. Yantz, a mother of five with a more progressive platform, was unable to overcome Thomas’s strong support base.
Brevard County School Board District 4
The race for District 4 will head to a runoff in November between Matt Susin and Avanese “Ava” Taylor. Susin led the race with 48.6% of the vote, while Taylor received 32.8%. Susin, who was first elected to the board in 2016, has maintained a conservative stance on key issues, including the expansion of the guardian program and the removal of certain books from school libraries.
Dr. Avanese Taylor
Taylor, inspired to run after her son was the victim of a hazing incident, has positioned herself as a more moderate candidate. While she supports some conservative measures, such as the guardian program, she has expressed concerns about its implementation and the potential for it to create inequities in the school system. The runoff will determine whether the board will continue its conservative trajectory or shift toward a more balanced approach.
Supervisor of Elections
Tim Bobanic, the incumbent Brevard County Supervisor of Elections, won the Republican primary with 59.6% of the vote, defeating County Commissioner John Tobia. Bobanic, appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2022, has faced scrutiny over his handling of election-related issues, including a recent lawsuit that sought to remove candidates from the ballot due to alleged paperwork errors.
Tim Bobanic
Bobanic’s victory solidifies his position as Supervisor of Elections, as he will face only a write-in candidate in November, making his win nearly assured. Tobia, who has been embroiled in his own controversies during his time as County Commissioner, was unable to overcome Bobanic’s strong support, particularly from those who view him as a steady hand in the management of the county’s elections.
The lawsuit against Bobanic, filed by political consultant Robert Burns, accused his office of improperly accepting incomplete qualifying paperwork from candidates, including Randy Fine. Although the case was dismissed, it highlighted ongoing concerns about election integrity in Brevard County. Bobanic’s re-election will likely continue to be scrutinized as he navigates these challenges in the lead-up to the general election.
The qualifying period for Palm Bay’s upcoming elections in August and November ended on Friday, June 14th. Included in this article are Financial Disclosures (FORM 6) Filed by 10 Candidates.
In a related development, a federal judge recently blocked a 2023 Florida law that required municipal elected officials to disclose detailed financial information. The ruling came after numerous officials, including 10 out of the 19 Palm Bay candidates, filed the required Form 6 disclosures. The law was challenged for potentially violating First Amendment rights, and the judge sided with municipal officials, issuing a preliminary injunction just weeks before the filing deadline. According to the City Clerk’s office, the list of candidates for Palm Bay City Council has been finalized for the upcoming primary election on August 20, 2024, and the special election in November for Seat 5. Amidst much anticipation, the roster has been solidified, with Randy Foster (Seat 3) and Nathan Timothy White (Seat 5) notably absent from the list of qualified candidates.
Councilman Foster, who made headlines in 2020 by securing a record-breaking 33,858 votes, recently returned to his council duties following a severe health scare. Foster was hospitalized in early March and fell into a diabetic coma, which led to his frequent absence from council meetings. Despite his recovery and return to duties, Foster did not file to qualify for the upcoming election, marking a significant development in the race.
Nathan White, a lifelong Palm Bay resident, had planned to run for City Council Seat 5 but also did not file to qualify for the election. White previously ran for City Council Seat 4 in 2022.
The candidates vying for Seat 3 include Alfy Ramsay Agarie, Michael J. Bruyette, Peter J. Filiberto, David Anthony Kearns, Chandler Langevin, and Eileen Sepp. Alfy Ramsay Agarie is a new addition to the list. He has previously run for public office, including a bid for mayor, but has not held a seat on the City Council.
With Foster out of the race, the dynamics of the election for Seat 3 could shift significantly. The residents of Palm Bay will be watching closely as the candidates campaign in the lead-up to the primary election on August 20, 2024.
In addition to the Seat 3 candidates, the City Clerk’s office has confirmed the following candidates for other offices:
Office of Mayor:
Rob Medina – qualified June 10, 2024
Edith M. Rivera – qualified June 12, 2024
Tatiana Rosado – qualified June 13, 2024
Santa Isabel Wright – qualified June 12, 2024
City Council Seat 2:
Donny J. Felix – qualified June 10, 2024
Richard ‘Mike’ Hammer – qualified June 12, 2024
Patric McNally – qualified June 12, 2024
Special Election – City Council Seat 5 (November 5, 2024):
Brevard County, FL- This morning, the Brevard Public School Board voted in favor of the expansion of our Sheriff Training On Site Marshall Program (S.T.O.M.P.) to include district personnel who meet specific qualifications to serve as Guardians. Safety is Brevard Public Schools (BPS) number one priority for all students and staff, and the inclusion of Guardians to supplement our School Resource Officers and School Security Specialists, will further support our mission to serve every student with excellence as the standard.
The expansion allows employees the opportunity to apply to be a school-based guardian. The program is voluntary and only employees who are not assigned to a classroom, and as outlined in the terms of their Brevard Federation of Teacher bargaining contract, may volunteer and/or qualify.
All employee volunteers who qualify for, and are accepted into, the S.T.O.M.P. program will undergo employment vetting, and must successfully complete the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office S.T.O.M.P training requirements before completion. Employee volunteers who advance, will have no law enforcement authority in any capacity, except in the extent necessary to prevent or stop an active assailant incident at any Brevard Public School’s site.
BPS Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell noted: “This is an additional layer of security for our schools. While this program is new to Brevard, it is not new to Florida as numerous other districts have had Guardians in schools for several years. The individuals who will be in the program are not classroom teachers or other positions that are part of the instructional staff covered by the teacher contract. All Guardians will have to go through the same screening process and intensive training that is required by our School Safety Specialists. I am thankful that we have employees who are willing to volunteer to serve in these positions. I am also grateful for the strong partnership we have the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office which provides such rigorous training.”
S.T.O.M.P. was formed by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), in partnership with Brevard Schools, following the tragic events which occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018. In accordance with the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act (Florida Senate Bill 7026), S.T.O.M.P. was developed and has served as our program which oversees all School Resource Officers and Security Specialists within Brevard Public Schools sites.
Training is currently slated to begin July 2024, through collaboration with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.
For requests regarding further information on S.T.O.M.P. training, please contact the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. For media inquiries or further information regarding BPS’ role in S.T.O.M.P., please contact: [Ryan Dufrain] [Assistant Superintendent to Human Resources] [321-633-1000 ext. 11200] [dufrain.ryan@brevardschools.org]
Palm Bay, FL — Peter Filiberto, who resigned from the Palm Bay City Council following DUI and drug charges, has officially filed to run for Palm Bay City Council Seat 3. Filiberto returns to politics after a turbulent period marked by legal issues and public controversy.
Filiberto was arrested on February 11, 2023, following a brief police chase that led to charges of DUI, reckless driving, and possession of 10 grams of cocaine. Court records indicate that state attorneys later dropped the reckless driving charge and dismissed other charges. Filiberto was sentenced to 24 months of supervised probation for the cocaine charge and 12 months for the DUI charge. Additionally, he was ordered to pay over $1,600 in court costs and fines, had his driver’s license revoked for six months, and was required to complete 50 hours of community service.
His resignation from the council came six days after the arrest, following a council vote to send a letter to Governor Ron DeSantis demanding his removal. State Representative Randy Fine and Mayor Rob Medina faced criticism for not demanding Filiberto’s resignation sooner.
Seat 5, which Filiberto vacated, has remained empty. A special election is scheduled for November to fill the position. Filiberto has chosen to run for Seat 3, currently held by Councilman Randy Foster, who is not expected to seek re-election due to health issues.
Filiberto’s candidacy has sparked criticism from the community and his political opponents. Chandler Langevin, one of his opponents for Seat 3, stated, “This individual has already betrayed the public’s trust once in an egregious manner. Had the judge done her job and levied a felony conviction on him then he would not legally be allowed to run again. This individual should be thankful he got off so easily and retired from public life. His insistence on running shows a level of selfishness and immaturity that is not reflective of a leader or a man of integrity.”
In addition to Filiberto and Langevin, the race for Seat 3 includes candidates Eileen Mary Sepp, David Anthony Kearns, and Michael J. Bruyette. The primary election for Palm Bay City Council Seat 3 and other city offices is set for August 20, 2024.
