Local News

June 15 2021

The City of Palm Bay Seeks Public Input on Comprehensive Plan Update

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PALM BAY, FLORIDA,

The City of Palm Bay is seeking public input as it reviews and updates its comprehensive plan. Known as Palm Bay 2040 Vision, this effort will establish a set of objectives, goals, and policies that will help leaders guide future growth and development to ensure a high quality of life and a resilient community for future generations.

On June 29, 2021, the City will host a workshop to gather input from the public to help determine the goals and priorities represented in Palm Bay 2040 Vision. The meeting will be held in Palm Bay City Council Chambers, located at 120 Malabar Road SE, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. For those unable to attend the in-person meeting, the workshop will also be available virtually. Individuals interested in attending virtually may login at 6:00pm at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85127127911.

The City has launched a Palm Bay 2040 Vision webpage at https://smeinc.mysocialpinpoint.com/palm-bay-2040-vision. The website will be used to solicit additional public input through a survey, an idea wall feature, voting, and a capital expenditure exercise. Residents and community stakeholders are invited to visit https://smeinc.mysocialpinpoint.com/palm-bay-2040-vision and participate to make their voices heard as the City updates the comprehensive plan. Future public meeting details will also be posted on the website.

The comprehensive plan is a long-range plan that helps guide the City’s future actions through clearly stated goals, objectives, and policies. These policies inform local decision making and set the tone for future growth and development in the community. The City of Palm Bay is seeking public input to assist the 2040 Vision team in the development of goals, objectives, and polices and to understand the community’s preferences and desires for the future of the City of Palm Bay.

The City of Palm Bay is undergoing a period of rapid change. The City’s population is growing, new developments are sprouting throughout the community, and local employment opportunities are continuing to diversify. With new opportunities for growth appearing every day, the potential for the City of Palm Bay’s future is limitless. That is why the City is seeking ideas, perspectives, and expertise from the public to help determine what Palm Bay should look like in 2040. The resulting vision will be used to help guide the City of Palm Bay’s comprehensive plan update in 2021 and 2022.

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June 15 2021

City Of Melbourne, Florida, NEWS

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Melbourne, Florida–

Looking for a way to get more involved in your city? Consider serving on a City of Melbourne advisory board! Volunteer board members provide vital input to the Melbourne City Council on important local issues and have the opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way to their community.

There are currently openings on a several city boards that provide input on issues ranging from community development and neighborhood improvement to historic preservation and pension administration. For more information and to apply, contact the City Clerk’s office at city.clerk@mlbfl.org or 321-608-7220.

The Babcock Street Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Committee acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council for the Babcock Street Redevelopment Area. Members are Melbourne residents or are engaged in business within the redevelopment area.
The Citizens’ Advisory Board serves as the formal means through which active citizen participation is provided to aid in the planning, oversight and evaluation of federal- and state-funded housing and community development programs that benefit low- and moderate-income residents and neighborhoods. Must be a resident of Melbourne.
The Code Enforcement Board promotes, protects and improves the health, safety and welfare of Melbourne’s citizens and enhances property values by enforcing City of Melbourne codes, applying appropriate remedies, and promoting compliance. Melbourne residency is required. The board meets every six weeks.
The General Employees’ Pension Plan Board of Trustees provides general administration and responsibility for the operation of the pension trust fund for the City’s general employees.
The Historic and Architectural Review Board recommends local historic designations and regulates and administers historical, cultural, archaeological and architectural resources in the City of Melbourne. It also considers material changes in the exterior appearance of existing buildings located on non-residential property in the city’s three redevelopment districts. Members must represent one of the following disciplines: architecture, history, architectural history, planning, prehistoric and historic archaeology, landscape architecture, real estate, or general/building contracting. City residents, property owners in the city and individuals engaged in business within the city may also apply.
The Planning and Zoning Board advises the City Council on questions relating to zoning, comprehensive planning, and land use; conducts investigations on matters or proposals to change zoning and land development regulations; and in some cases makes the final decision on site plan approval requests under one acre. Must be resident of Melbourne.
The Police Officers’ Retirement Trust Fund Board of Trustees is responsible for the general administration and responsibility for the operation of the retirement trust fund for the City’s police officers.
The Zoning Board of Adjustment considers appeals in the enforcement of the Zoning Code and authorizes in specific cases a variance from the terms of the Zoning Code. Must be resident of Melbourne.

April 30 2021

Live Boxing Returns to Palm Bay – Champions in the Making: “The Legend Continues”

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PALM BAY, FLORIDA – The number one boxing program in Florida, Palm Bay ROUND13 Boxing is partnering once again with Palm Bay Parks & Recreation to bring a live boxing event to the city of Palm Bay. The event will be held on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at the Tony Rosa Community Center, located at 1502 Port Malabar Boulevard in Palm Bay.

The event is being billed as Champions in the Making: “The Legend Continues” and marks the return of the successful boxing series to Brevard County. There will be 15 -20 action packed boxing matches presented by Palm Bay ROUND13 Boxing! Doors open at 3:00pm. Fights begin at 4:00pm.

Tickets are now on dale and may be purchased through eventbrite.com (preferred), or by calling the event organizers at (321) 403-2595. General admission standing tickets are $15. Ringside/VIP tickets are $25. Kids 5 and under are free. A limited number of ringside/VIP tickets are available.

ROUND13 Boxing Club of Palm Bay is a 501c3 non-profit boxing club. For more information about this event or to become a sponsor, call (321) 403-2595 or email johnnyh1058@gmail.com.

April 28 2021

APRIL Business of the Month “Palm Bay’s Organic Girly” Cafe & Market Growing Despite COVID

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Organic Girly Cafe & Market offers organic, farm fresh, and health promoting products that are both delicious and gorgeously presented. Products in the market include keto (grain free) donuts, carrot top pesto, low calorie high probiotic water kefir, and organic honey, teas, and jams. The OG Cafe offers a flexible, seasonal menu using locally produced, farm-to-table ingredients, and favorites include keto waffles, wild salmon ceviche with yuca tortilla chips, and Cuban sandwiches using pasture raised pork. The Organic Girly is Dina Caballero, a resident of PalmBay, and we spoke to her about her passion for her products and her expanding business.

You have an interesting background, you were an EMT in the U.S. Air Force and also spent time as a Congressional staffer in a local district office. How did you become the Organic Girly?

“I believe that food is a priority when it comes to living healthy, and I started with health coaching for family and friends back in 2007 and 2008 to bring awareness about genetically modified organisms. Then, in 2019, I started selling my elderberry syrup at the farmer’s market and from there it really took off. I’ve been in Palm Bay for a long time and folks knew me and encouraged me to take the next step.”

Where did your passion for organic products come from? Elderberry and elderflower are big for you.

“It started in college, I was pre-med for a while and I took a class in food policy that made me realize that I could have more of an impact by working with the people around me rather than changing the laws in Washington. I found that if you really want to make change, it starts at the local level and not the national level, and so I started working on health things with my family and friends and their friends, and it kind of took off from there.

Your entire family supports your business, especially your sons Xavian and Alex. What is like running a family business?

“(Laughs) Oh my gosh, some days it’s a real challenge! It definitely keeps us close, we are always at the family dinner table together, and I love what it’s teaching my children about hard work and service to the community. You don’t just get stuff for free, you have to work. We work with local farmers and community members, and we support each other by working together. I love what that teaches my children.

You opened and then expanded during the pandemic, what did you do differently?

“Well, you can’t stop a virus, you just have to be proactive with your health, and we thought we could help by offering our healthy foods and products to people when they were more needed than ever. I feel like what we are doing is educating people about living healthily and making good food choices, and that’s important during a pandemic. Our focus is to help people and empower them and let them know they do have alternatives.

You’ve obviously enjoyed great support from Palm Bay, what has that been like for you?“

Oh, it’s wonderful, I love Palm Bay, I always knew I wanted my first store to be in Palm Bay! The outpouring of support from Palm Bay city officials has just been amazing. I live in Palm Bay, and I didn’t want my first store to be anywhere else, and I’d love to open another location in Palm Bay.

Tell us about you Saturdays, you are busy with farmers’ markets, right?

“ Yes, we host along with our partners a farmer’s market on the second and fourth saturday of each month, and Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina recognized those two days as Palm Bay Farmer’s Market Days, and we very much appreciate his support and recognition. About 80% of the businesses there make the products they sell, many are local local farmers. So our Saturday’s are busy!

Is the Organic Girly donut the healthiest and most delicious donut in the world?

“(Laughs) Oh, my gosh, maybe! Those keto donuts are delicious, and I like making things pretty, that’s the girly part of the Organic Girly. If you can satisfy the visual and the taste buds at the same time, then you feel like you’re eating a real donut! 63 calories and only 1.1 grams of net carbs, for the unstuffed donuts, and only 2 grams of carbs for the stuffed donuts! And no sugar.

Café OG & Market

3200 Dixie HWY NE STE 3 & 4

Palm Bay, FL 32905

(321) 210-2030

https://www.facebook.com/organicgirly/

https://www.instagram.com/theorganicgirly/?hl=en

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April 28 2021

Brevard Local Toastmasters Chapter hosts productive mentorship seminar

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By Sarah Wyatt

Images by Darrell Scattergood

Palm Bay, FL— Florida International Talkers invites Brevard County residents and remote guests to a special Toastmasters program, “Keys to an Effective Mentorship.” The free event will be held Sunday, May 2 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Memaw’s BBQ Restaurant, 4916 Babcock Street NE in Palm Bay, as well as virtually on Zoom.com.

“Being a successful mentor, as well as learning from one, are skills that are important in the business world,” says Deborah Wilde, chapter president. “We welcome the public to attend, either at the restaurant or online. This is a significant professional and academic topic.”

Following the keynote speech by Wilde, members and guests will enjoy an impromptu speaking activity. Public relations chair Rachael Assignon, who has served in several roles with the group, will assist with the presentation.

“Mentorship is valuable for both the student and mentor,” says Assignon. “It’s a win-win.”

For more information about the program, email Deborah Wilde at dtm.debbywilde@gmail.com or call 321-427-7771.

Florida International Talkers meets the first and third Sunday of each month from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Memaw’s BBQ Restaurant, 4916 Babcock Street NE in Palm Bay, as well as virtually. For more information about the club or for the Zoom address, please visit fitalkers.toastmastersclubs.org.

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of meeting locations. Headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, the organization’s membership exceeds 313,000 in more than 14,650 clubs in 126 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people of all backgrounds become more confident in front of an audience. For information, please visit www.toastmasters.org. Follow @Toastmasters on Twitter.

: Images by Darrell Scattergood

: Images by Darrell Scattergood

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: Images by Darrell Scattergood

: Images by Darrell Scattergood

April 28 2021

Melbourne Salutes Hometown Heroes Banners to be Displayed Downtown Through July 4

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“Melbourne Salutes Hometown Heroes” is a new program designed to honor City of Melbourne residents or their immediate family members who are actively serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, are veterans, or were killed in the line of duty.

From now until July 4, the City will display street pole banners along New Haven Avenue in Downtown Melbourne, each featuring a different veteran’s name, photo, branch of service and years served. The banners are located on the poles that line New Haven Avenue starting at Campbell Park (929 E. New Haven Ave.) and continuing west until about Waverly Place. They will be in alphabetical order.

The program was announced this past November, and applications were accepted January 11 through January 25. The City of Melbourne Veterans Working Group reviewed all of the applications and selected those that met the program’s requirements.

Colllins Aerospace, Bay Equity, Diversified Services of Florida, The Geiger Team at GT Realty, and Taylor Made Therapies generously donated the funds to make this program available to our residents free of charge.

April 28 2021

Palm Bay-Armed Robbery Investigation

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The Palm Bay Police Department needs your help! On 04/23/2021 at 12:37AM, an unknown male suspect entered the Burger King at 1164 Malabar Road. Once inside, he demanded money from the register implying he had a weapon. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of currency, the male fled the area. No injuries were reported.

If you can identify the suspect in the below video, please contact the Palm Bay Police Department at 321-952-3456. Those with information can also anonymously contact Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477) to provide information.

Video footage from a surveillance camera is available below.

Armed Robbery Investigation

The Palm Bay Police Department needs your help! On 04/23/2021 at 12:37AM, an unknown male suspect entered the Burger King at 1164 Malabar Road.

April 28 2021

City of Palm Bay Releases Floodplain Management Report

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PALM BAY, FLORIDA – The City of Palm Bay recently released the 2021 Floodplain Management Plan Progress Report. The report is an integral part of the Community Rating System (CRS) that lowers flood insurance rates for local residents by 15%. A copy of the plan is made available to the public through the City’s website or can be picked up at the Building Department, located at 190 Malabar Road SW Suite 105.

The Floodplain Management Plan Progress Report summary includes the status of projects that help reduce flooding hazards within the geographic boundaries of Palm Bay. The Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS) combined with the Public Works Standard Operating Procedures for Stormwater and Floodplain Management and the CRS community outreach activities are used to provide the optimum flood protection for the citizens of Palm Bay.

The report is submitted to the Insurance Service Office (ISO) for recertification and includes information regarding the recent steps taken by the City of Palm Bay to decrease citizen’s vulnerability to future economic and environmental costs caused by natural disasters.The strategy outlines ways in which the City develops, monitors, and maintains a local plan for hazard mitigation and post-disaster redevelopment. It highlights recent projects that have been completed to meet those goals including new road paving and drainage system upgrades, culvert replacements, and overall improvements to the City’s infrastructure specifically relating to flood prevention.

The CRS promotes activities sponsored by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). These activities help to give communities incentive to promote flood protection public works projects and community awareness to local flood hazards. This is Palm Bay’s fourth year as a CRS Class 7 community, giving residents a 15% reduction in their flood insurance premiums.

The City of Palm Bay will continue to implement the recommendations and ongoing objectives detailed in the countywide LMS, and update citizens on the status of the newly revised January 29, 2021 Coastal Flood Insurance Rate Maps. Additionally, the City will continue to attend Melbourne Tillman Water Control District meetings and maintain an active role in the St. John’s River Water Management District, as well as the Florida Stormwater Association. Community outreach activities will continue along with the release of public information on matters relating to flood protection.

April 28 2021

City of Palm Bay to Host Vaccination Clinic in Partnership with Orlando VA

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PALM BAY, FLORIDA – The City of Palm Bay will host a vaccination clinic in partnership with the Orlando VA Healthcare System on Friday, April 30, 2021. The event will be held from 10:00am until 2:00pm in the Dawn Reid Community Room in the City Hall Annex, located at 120 Malabar Road SE. Vaccinations will be offered to veterans, as well as veteran spouses, caregivers, and CHAMPVA recipients 18 years of age and older.

To pre-register for vaccination, visit https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/ or call (407) 631-0499.

Orlando VA staff will be distributing the double-dose Moderna vaccine and the single-dose Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine at the clinic. Distribution of the Janssen vaccine resumed on April 23 at the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration following a temporary pause to conduct a thorough safety review. Both agencies issued statements supporting the continued use of the vaccine and determined that available data show that the benefits of the Janssen vaccine outweigh the known and potential risks in individuals 18 years of age and older. Individuals who receive the Moderna vaccine will have their second dose appointment scheduled at the Palm Bay VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic or the Viera VA Clinic.

April 27 2021

Palm Bay PD gives update on Traffic Fatality

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PALM BAY, FLORIDA – Update April 26, 2021- After reviewing surveillance footage and speaking to witnesses, it has been determined that this crash was not a hit and run. The black Mercedes was the only vehicle to make contact with the white Nissan. Investigators have also located the Chrysler 300, which is dark gray in color. The investigation is ongoing with speed most likely being the contributing factor. Charges are still pending and any updates will be provided as they become available.

This release serves as an update to the fatal traffic crash that occurred this past Saturday evening, April 17, 2021. Traffic Homicide Investigators are looking for the owner and/or driver of the pictured Chrysler 300. The driver of the vehicle is a person of interest at this time. Should anyone have information about this vehicle, they are urged to contact the Palm Bay Police Department at 321-952-3456 or contact Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS.

This is still in active investigation. No charges have been made yet. Any updates will be made available once they are received.