Local News
Palm Bay Kidz Club Offers Summer Fun
This summer, Palm Bay Parks & Recreation will host the Palm Bay Kidz Club for four weeks from Monday, July 6 through Friday, July 31. The Palm Bay Kidz Club will operate Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 12:00pm. Activities will vary daily and include a variety of outdoor games. The Palm Bay Kidz Club is open to Palm Bay children ages 6 to 10 years old.
The Palm Bay Kidz Club will operate at three locations:
Fred Poppe Regional Park (1951 Malabar Road SW)
Goode Park (1300 Bianca Drive SE)
Liberty Park (895 Carlyle Ave SE)
Registration for the Palm Bay Kidz Club is available on a weekly basis. Spaces are limited at each location and registration will be available on a first come, first served basis. The cost to enroll is $60 per child, per week.
Registration for week 1 of the Palm Bay Kidz Club begins Monday, June 15 at 9:00am. Registration will be available online at www.PlayPalmBay.org. Patrons may also call the Tony Rosa Community Center at (321) 952-3443 or the Ted Whitlock Community Center at (321) 952-3231 to set up an appointment to register in person.
As the Palm Bay Kidz Club is an outdoor program, all activities are subject to change and weather permitting. Parents may call the special events rainout hotline at (321) 726-5682 for daily Kidz Club status due to weather.
An uptick in COVID-19 Cases Prompts CDC Emphasis on ‘Time, Space, People and Places’
An upward trend of positive COVID-19 cases in Brevard County has prompted a reminder to county residents to be mindful of Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on social distancing and its newest recommendations on ways to protect yourself and others.
The number of positive COVID-19 cases reported by the Florida Department of Health Brevard has climbed to 608. Barely two weeks ago, the number of positive cases in the county was 424. In that same time frame, statewide numbers jumped from 56,830 to 80,109.
With people returning to work, and restaurants and other establishments reopening as part of the Phase II “Re-opening Florida” economic recovery plan, the CDC is asking the public to adopt different types of prevention measures to protect yourself and to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. The emphasis is on “Time” “Space” “People” and “Places,” as in the more time you spend and the closer in space you are to any (possibly) infected people, the higher your risk. Interacting with more people raises your risk, and indoor places are riskier than outdoors.
Among recommendations: • If you have COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever or chills, cough, muscle or body aches, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, it is important to stay home and away from other people. • Wash hands often and cover coughs and sneezes. • Avoid mass gatherings. • Wear a face mask or cloth face covering when out in public. • Keep 6 feet of space between you and others. The closer you are to people who may be infected, the greater the risk of you becoming infected. Indoor spaces are more risky than outdoor spaces. • Be aware that spending more time with people who may be infected increases your risk of becoming infected, or their risk of becoming infected if you may have already been infected
Several test sites are currently available for COVID-19 testing in Brevard County:
A free drive-through, no-appointment-required state-run test site is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Eastern Florida State College, Palm Bay Campus
250 Community College Parkway
Palm Bay, FL. 32909
Health First: Pro-Health & Fitness, 255 Borman Drive, Merritt Island
Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon
To register for an appointment, call 321-434-313
Parrish Hospital: Pre-registration is required at all testing locations. For appointments, call 321-268-6139 or text “covid test” to 321-204-1699 Tuesday afternoons, Parrish Health and Fitness Center parking lot, 2210 Cheney Hwy, Titusville Wednesday afternoons, Greater St. James Missionary Baptist Church, grass lot south of church, 2396 Harry T. Moore Ave., Mims Thursday afternoons, Harry T. Moore Social Services Center parking lot, 725 S. Deleon Ave, Titusville Friday mornings, Parrish Medical Offices parking lot , 7075 US 1, Port St. John Saturday mornings, Gibson Youth Center parking lot, 835 Sycamore St. Titusville
FDOH Brevard has these free appointment-only drive-through testing locations: Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday until further notice 9 a.m. to noon DOH-Brevard Viera Clinic 2555 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera FL 32940
T-MOBILE OUTAGE
T-MOBILE users are having major issues making calls and texts since 2:30 this afternoon. According to DOWNDETECTOR.COM as of 5:37pm 28137 individuals are currently affected by the down services. At 3.07pm 101108 individuals was affected, this was the highest it peak.
Verizon, AT&T and Sprint are also reporting issues today. No one is reporting the cause of the issue.
Donna Goerner, Judicial Candidate for the 18th Circuit will be on Palm Bay Live
This Thursday Palm Bay Live will interview Donna Goerner, Candidate for 18th Circuit Judge. Stay tuned to facebook.com/palmbaylive to see the full playback of the interview.
Election Watch
Today is Qualifiying Day. Congrats to all!!
MAYORAL CANDIDATE
Jeffrey Allen Motenson – withdrawn
Christopher Lloyd Duncan Jr.- Did Not Qualify
Alan Borwkowski -Qualified
Alfred Ramsey Agaire -Qualified
Kay Maragh -Qualified
Rob Medina- Qualified
SEAT 2
Julia Fleming Craft- Withdrawn
Jamal Curry – Did Not Qualify
Janice Crisp- Qualified
Donny Felix – Qualified
Peter Filberto – Qualified
Berekia LaFaille – Qualified
Santa Wright – Qualified
SEAT 3
Brian Anderson -Did Not Qualify
Shawn Bell- Did Not Qualify
Randy Foster – Qualified
Thomas Gaume – Qualified
Don’t forget to join us for live candidates interviews
on facebook.com/palmbaylive and WWW.PALMBAYLIVE.COM.
PALM BAY POLICE DEPARTMENT RESPONSE TO A POST THAT WENT VIRAL OVER THE WEEKEND
The Palm Bay Police Department has been made aware of Facebook posts from “Brevard County F.O.P.” calling for law enforcement officers from Minneapolis, Atlanta, and Buffalo to relocate to Brevard County to seek employment with local law enforcement agencies in Brevard County. The “Brevard County F.O.P.” page does not speak for the City of Palm Bay, the Palm Bay Police Department, or our staff members. The Palm Bay Police Department would like to assure the public that it is not affiliated with the “Brevard County F.O.P.”, nor do we condone the opinions expressed in the posts.
In recent days, Police Chief Nelson Moya has led the City of Palm Bay in publicly addressing issues of police brutality and misconduct. Chief Moya and representatives from the Palm Bay Police Department have attended several peaceful demonstrations to show their support, listen to the community, and continue this important conversation. We stand in solidarity with our community and remain committed to positive, proactive community policing by officers who conduct themselves with honor and integrity.
We stand in solidarity with our community and remain committed to positive, proactive community policing by officers who conduct themselves with honor and integrity.
Our Story
City of Palm Bay Awards Twice Weekly Solid Waste and Recycling Services Contract
Palm Bay, FL – At the May 28th, 2020 Special Council Meeting, Palm Bay City Council voted to award the City’s ten-year Solid Waste and Recycling Services contract to Republic Services of Florida. The award is the result of an extensive and competitive procurement solicitation process that was initiated following Council’s decision not to renew the City’s current contract when it expires on September 30th, 2020.
Following the solicitation and vendor evaluation process, City Council voted to authorize staff to begin contract negotiations with the highest ranked hauler, Republic Services of Florida for twice-a-week residential garbage services at the April 22nd, 2020 Special Council Meeting. Based on the negotiations, residential customers will receive twice weekly solid waste service for $23.50 per month. Commercial service of varying container sizes and frequencies is also covered by the contract. The term of the agreement is ten years with two, two-year renewals for a maximum term of 14 years.
The new solid waste and recycling contract will deliver many service improvements to Palm Bay residents. Beginning October 1st, 2020, Republic Waste Service will provide residential customers with twice-a-week garbage collection and once weekly recycling collection. The contract will also offer pickup for bulk and yard waste with no volume limitations and removal of large piles within three days of notification to Republic dispatch by the customer or a Republic driver. Current residential customers will have the option for a one-time, no-cost opportunity to change their existing 64-gallon capacity cart to either a 35-gallon or 96-gallon cart to accommodate the needs of their household.
The contract with Republic Services provides for enhanced customer relations availability, including expanded customer service hours and options via phone, a web portal, and a mobile app. Customers will receive ample information and educational materials from Republic Services in preparation for the transition. The City and Republic Services will have regular meetings to coordinate the implementation of the new solid waste and recycling services contract to facilitate a seamless transition for Palm Bay customers when the new service begins in October. As part of the agreement, Republic Waste Services will take over responsibilities for cart service management from the City’s Public Works Department.
Republic Services operates in 41 states and Puerto Rico with a team of over 36,000 staff. Republic Services has earned notable third-party recognitions including Forbes Best Employers for Women, Dow Jones Sustainability Indices, and a placement on the Ethisphere Institute’s World’s Most Ethical Companies list for the fourth consecutive year.
City of Palm Bay Facilities to Reopen to the Public on June 1st
The City of Palm Bay will reopen City facilities to the public beginning June 1st with the exception of the Palm Bay Senior Center, Ted Whitlock Community Center, Tony Rosa Community Center, and the Margaret Hames Nature Center.
While the City’s community centers and outdoor rental pavilions will remain closed, Parks and Recreation facilities including City playgrounds, public restrooms, and the McGriff Skate Park will be included in the June 1st re-openings.
As a reminder, under Florida’s Phase 1 re-opening guidelines, group gatherings of ten or more are prohibited and individuals must continue to adhere to the Centers for Disease Control’s recommendations for social distancing by maintaining at least 6-feet of distance from others while using City parks and facilities. Playgrounds and restrooms inside City of Palm Bay parks will be cleansed and sanitized daily.
The City of Palm Bay has installed protective measures such as sneeze guards in areas visited regularly by the public and implemented occupancy limitations in waiting areas for in-person services at counters.
Signage and floor markings have also been fitted throughout City buildings to maintain social distancing. The City will continue enhanced facility cleaning and sanitization protocols put in place during the initial COVID-19 response to include the sanitization of frequently touched surfaces such as door handles and stair rails.
.
To limit the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the number of person-to-person interactions, the City will continue to facilitate remote and contactless service options. Citizens are encouraged to continue utilizing the City’s online service options and contacting staff by telephone or email whenever possible
Palm Bay Will Not Host Traditional Independence Day Celebration Event
Palm Bay, FL – In order to adhere to the guidelines in Governor DeSantis’ multi-phase Plan for Florida’s Recovery, the City of Palm Bay has decided to cancel the annual Independence Day Celebration event scheduled for July 4th, 2020 at the Palm Bay campus of Eastern Florida State College.
Each year, the City-led event draws thousands of attendees for a day of family-friendly activities, food trucks, music, and a fireworks display to celebrate the birth of our Nation; however, an event of this size poses difficulties ensuring proper social distancing and sanitization. In consideration of the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and the State of Florida, the desire to maintain public safety has prompted the City to make the difficult decision to cancel the annual Independence Day Celebration.
At a time when our community is coping with the daily challenges presented by COVID-19, the City recognizes the importance of preserving annual events and traditions. While the Independence Day Celebration cannot take place as planned, we look forward to the time when we can all gather together safely once again for large community events.
On July 4th and 5th, the City of Palm Bay will offer free “drive-in” movie screenings of National Treasure (rated PG) at 8:30pm behind the Ted Whitlock Community Center in Fred Poppe Regional Park located at 1951 Malabar Road NW. Following the movie, a fireworks show set to music will be shown on the big screen to celebrate Independence Day. The screenings are part of a summer movie series hosted by the City’s Parks and Recreation Department that are designed to comply with social distancing guidelines. Guests will have the option to enjoy the film from their vehicle in an assigned parking space or from reserved 8’x8′ “family spaces” on the lawn that will accommodate a blanket and chairs for picnic-style viewing. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Attendees must pre-register for the event by calling (321) 952-3231.
This Independence Day, we hope the public will join the leaders and employees of the City of Palm Bay in celebrating our Nation’s birthday safely from home or at our socially distant outdoor movie screening.