Palm Bay City Council has an abundance of applications to fill the vacant seat left by Peter Filiberto. The seat was declared vacant on February 17th of this year, and Councilman Johnson predicted a high rate of application with an estimate of possibly 15-20 applicants. At the application deadline, City Hall received 33 applications. City Council will follow the new City Ordinance 2023-10 to fill the position promptly and efficiently.
According to the ordinance, the vacancy should be announced for thirty days to receive applications from prospective candidates. The deadline was Wednesday, March 29th by 5 pm. City Council will have a preliminary review of the applications to rank the candidates at the April 6th Council meeting. Five candidates will be chosen from the pool and re-ranked for final selection at a Special meeting on April 13th. The application process includes certification, which requires candidates to pay a fee to complete a background check with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and file a Statement of Financial Interest with the Florida Commission on Ethics.
Palm Bay Live has a list of candidates and key points from their applications:
Alfred Agarie
Length of Residency in Palm Bay: 37 years
Occupation: Director of Operations at Alfy’s Trucking Inc
Service to the City: Code of Enforcement, Community Development, and Parks and Recreation Boards
Community Involvement: West Indian Caribbean Culture and Sports, Greater Palm Bay Senior Center, City of Palm Bay Events, and Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce
Why serve on City Council: “I would love to share my experience over 27 years as a successful owner and operator of several businesses in the city of Palm Bay. To assist our City Council, make good decisions to make this great city of Palm Bay a better place to live, work, and play by promoting growth, infrastructure, and development of employment.”
Jimmy Backus
Length of Residency in Palm Bay: 5 years
Occupation: Tech Carrier with the US Postal Service
Service to the City: Currently serving on the Disaster Relief Committee and the Community Advisory Board
Community Involvement: Kingdom Culture Church
Why serve on City Council: “My position is to serve in Palm Bay and to assist in areas so that Palm Bay develops and grows.”
Dawn Bittar
Length of Residency in Palm Bay: 14 years
Occupation: Partner Relations Coordinator at the Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce
Service to the City: Citizen’s Budget Advisory and Community Development Board
Community Involvement: Rotary Club of Palm Bay
Why serve on City Council: “Serving the City in the role of councilman stems from my passion for our community and to be a representative of the positive changes impacting our local governance. As a prior business owner in the City of Palm Bay, a board member for the City’s Citizen’s Budget Advisory and Community Development Boards, as well as a 30-year professional in lending and real estate, provides the leadership experience which will contribute a meaningful and relevant manner.”
Denise Bowes
Length of Residency in Palm Bay: 20 years
Occupation: Child Protective Inv Supervisor for the Department of Children and Families
Service to the City: Youth Advisory Board and Parks and Recreation Board
Community Involvement: SCABBO Board Member and Road to Scholarships Owner
Why serve on City Council: “As a state employee working with the community and serving the not vulnerable has been a passion that has been purposeful and provided the motivation for me to strive to do more for my community.”
George Bozzetti
Length of Residency in Palm Bay: 6 years
Occupation: Retired
Service to the City: Not listed.
Community Involvement: Not listed.
Why serve on City Council: “I am concerned about the lack of a strong retail and employment opportunity base in the city. Palm Bay is a popular city for relocations, but for this to continue, we need to develop and attract businesses. My career has included over twenty years of management experience as well as a small business owner.”
William Capote
Length of Residency in Palm Bay: 14
Occupation: Consultant at Capote Consulting
Service to the City: Park and Recreation Board, Charter Review Board, previous mayor, and city councilmember
Community Involvement: Brevard County Planning and Zoning
Why serve on City Council: “As a former Mayor and Councilmember of the City of Palm Bay, I would bring 12 years of experience and understanding of the operation of the city. This would allow me to be able to jump right in and hit the ground running.”
Jason Carrasquillo
Length of Residency in Palm Bay: 17 years
Occupation: CEO at Harmony Mortgage Inc
Service to the City: Not listed
Community Involvement: “Over the years, I have volunteered my time in the community contributing to many community-beneficial events that support community satisfaction and promote love to all of our neighbors.”
Why serve on City Council: “The city needs someone with little to no debt or stress, someone who will serve the people with a heart for what’s best for all parties. The City needs a team player that is willing to respect those that may not have the same opinions. The City needs a business-minded person to help the city grow with ideas of prosperity. The City should choose me; I am available to commit my time and energy to this task until the seat is filled by the people.”
John Curry Jr
Length of Residency in Palm Bay: 3 years
Occupation: Manufacturing Engineer at Northrop Grumman
Service to the City: Not listed
Community Involvement: not listed
Why serve on City Council: “I plan to live in Palm Bay for a very long time. I have a passion for service. I will work strategically to uncover and to discover a common vision to move Palm Bay forward. I will focus on specific, measurable, and achievable results and execute the mayor’s strategic plan. I will encourage growth in Palm Bay and financial sustainability.”
Johnathan Ellis
Length of Residency in Palm Bay: 22 years
Occupation: Campaign Manager at Joanne Terry for Congress
Service to the City: Not listed
Community Involvement: Organizer for Brevard Dems, Regular at Palm Bay City Council Meetings, Regular at Palm Bay Democratic Women’s club, Regular at Brevard School Board Meetings, and regular at Brevard Young Dems Meetings
Why serve on City Council: “I have lived in Palm Bay all my life, and I know what our community needs to grow. Having experienced the issues that affect our residents, including flooding, lack of public transportation, and unsustainable development, I feel I can bring a new perspective to the council based on my years as part of Future Problem Solving, Tech Student Association, and the Burnett Honors College at UCF. I think it is important for younger people to have a voice in our community.”
Paul Galbreath
Length of Residency in Palm Bay: 6 years
Occupation: Technology Network Support at Brevard Public Schools
Service to the City: Not listed
Community Involvement: Not listed
Why serve on City Council: “We are in an exciting time for Palm Bay, and I would like to be part of the team that will help usher in a new era for the city. My goal is to be a voice for the citizens of Palm Bay to help ensure all citizens are heard while expanding upon the transparency of government business that has continued to grow under the current city council. Other goals would include improving city services, proactive city planning, and consistent communication with the public.”
Thomas Gaume
Length of Residency in Palm Bay: 30 years
Occupation: Retired
Service to the City: Infrastructure board, Recreation advisory board, TPO Citizens advisory board, and Economic Development Board
Community Involvement: Special Olympics of Central Florida, American Legion Post 117, VFW.
*Why serve on City Council: “… My long-term residency in Palm Bay, spanning five generations, has given me a unique perspective, and understanding of the city’s history, strengths, and challenges. I am deeply committed to serving and giving back to my fellow citizens. If selected for the vacant city council seat, I would prioritize transparency, accountability, and open communication with residents. I pledge to work tirelessly to ensure that residents are informed and engaged in the decision-making process and that their voices are heard….”
Clay Gool
Length of Residency in Palm Bay: 5 years
Occupation: Chief of Staff at L3Harris Technologies
Service to the City: Not listed
Community Involvement: Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, Supporting Emergency Responders and Veterans Engagement, L3Harris Employee Resource Group
Why serve on City Council: “I want to serve on the city council because I am invested in this beautiful city. I own a house here, and my precious family does their daily activities here. I want to ensure I am involved and a positive contributing member of this community. I feel that by being on the city council, I can do this and help be a reason why Palm Bay is the GREATEST CITY ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH!”
Richard Hammer Jr
Length of Residency in Palm Bay: 43 years
Occupation: Outside Sales at Cumberland International Trucks
Service to the City: Not listed
Community Involvement: West Melbourne Football, Bayside Football, Palm Bay Community Action Group, volunteer for a number of charities.
Why serve on City Council: “As an employee of the City for 13+ years, my father 30+, my grandmother 30+, I have a deep knowledge of how the city operates. I believe someone with my knowledge of the logistics and operating procedures would bring a great decision-making factor to the table. I also believe my family being one of the founders, will bring reassurance of trust back to the community that we so gravely need. I have a reputation for being honest and fighting for what’s right, and I think it’s a great thing to have on our Council.”
Michael Harrison
Length of Residency in Palm Bay: 7 years
Occupation: Not listed
Service to the City: Not listed
Community Involvement: Masonic Lodge and Order of the Eastern Star
Why serve on City Council: “To serve my City and the Citizens. Having 38 years in law enforcement related to Immigration, Drug enforcement, and public safety, I have the ability to recognize community issues in a different way. Since living here for the past seven years, I feel that my knowledge would be an asset to the Council.”
Asheley Hepburn
Length of Residency in Palm Bay: 16 years
Occupation: Finance Director for the City of Lauderdale Lakes
Service to the City: Budget Advisory Board
Community Involvement: Powell Neighborhood Watch Board and Florida Avenue Church of Christ
Why serve on City Council: “I see a need for a fiscally conservative member on the City Council that understands intimately the fiscal impact that council policy has on the City of Palm Bay. I have over 30 years of experience in municipal finances. I have worked in an executive capacity for County and City governments throughout Florida and Wisconsin. It would be an honor to use the unique skill set I have to serve the citizens of Palm Bay, the City I reside in.”
Asheley Hepburn
Length of Residency in Palm Bay: 16 years
Occupation: Finance Director for the City of Lauderdale Lakes
Service to the City: Budget Advisory Board
Community Involvement: Powell Neighborhood Watch Board and Florida Avenue Church of Christ
Why serve on City Council: “I see a need for a fiscally conservative member on the City Council that understands intimately the fiscal impact that council policy has on the City of Palm Bay. I have over 30 years of experience in municipal finances. I have worked in an executive capacity for County and City governments throughout Florida and Wisconsin. It would be an honor to use the unique skill set I have to serve the citizens of Palm Bay, the City I reside in.”
Sylvester Julien
Length of Residency in Palm Bay: 15 years
Occupation: Retired
Service to the City: Utility Commission
Community Involvement: Not listed
Why serve on City Council: “I have over 35 years of legislative experience, from working in the Virgin Islands Legislature to the U.S. House of Representatives. I have been a Deputy to the Mayor of the City of Minneola for over two years. I live in Palm Bay; I can devote my time, effort, energy, experience, knowledge, and skills to better improve the way of life for the community as a whole. I am committed, dedicated, sincere, honest, and trustworthy.”
Kay Maragh
Length of Residency in Palm Bay: 11 years
Occupation: Real Estate Agent at BHHS Results Realty
Service to the City: Planning and Zoning, Community Development Advisory Board, and Sustainability Board
Community Involvement: Brevard Caribbean America Sports and Cultural Association and Space Coast Black Chamber of Commerce
Why serve on City Council: “I have a passion for public service. I am committed to making a positive impact on our city, contributing to its growth and development by bringing fresh perspectives and ideas that serve the best interest of our city and its residents. I am ready to be a voice for our community, especially for our youth, our seniors, and small business owners. I want to ensure that our public services are efficient and effective. Therefore, I will prioritize policies that protect our environment, promote economic development, improve infrastructure, and enhance public safety making our city a wonderful place to thrive, work and play.”
Madsen Mileon
Length of Residency in Palm Bay: 19 years
Occupation: Manager at Aubrema Trucking LLC
Service to the City: Not listed
Community Involvement: Not listed
Why serve on City Council: “The reason I want to serve on the city council is because I have a desire to serve the residents of the city of Palm Bay. I have a vision of greater growth for the city. As a business owner in the construction, Real estate, Trucking, transportation, and land clearing sector, I have an avid interest in the area infrastructure as well as affordable senior/disabled housing development. Also, as a husband and a father, my goal is to bring the guidance of unity and togetherness to my local community.”
Alan Miles
Length of Residency in Palm Bay: 35 years
Occupation: Retired Optometrist
Service to the City: Not listed
Community Involvement: Oak View Estates Homeowners Association, Senior Center, Space Coast Mustang Association
Why serve on City Council: “To help make the city a better, more vibrant place to live and work. As a recent retiree, I want to utilize my past 35 years living in Palm Bay (Ponz Malabar) from the G.D.C. era to the present and be able to guide and plan for the future.”
Phil Moore
Length of Residency in Palm Bay: 11 years
Occupation: Medical Device Instructor at Philips
Service to the City: RAB, Utilities, Charter Review Commission
Community Involvement: Sierra Club, Audubon Society, ACLU, NAACP, Mom’s Demand Action
* Why serve on City Council: “… I understand that at the core of a well-functioning city government is the employees, staff, and workers. I will defend our city from attacks and accusations from other elected officials and stand up for what is in the best interest of the city of Palm Bay. If chosen, I understand my fiduciary responsibility is to the city, to the rights of the taxpayers, and to the Constitution of the United States. I will conduct myself with those interests in mind in my decision making….”
Terry Muller
Length of Residency in Palm Bay: 10 years
Occupation: Owner of Team Green Energy Solutions Inc
Service to the City: Not listed
Community Involvement: Not listed
Why serve on City Council: “To help our community be a better and stronger City. I love Palm Bay and its people. If I can be used to bring more business to help contribute in a positive way to its growth and ideas that will help us in the future, count me in.”
Randall Olszewski
Length of Residency in Palm Bay: 10 years
Occupation: Experience Owner at Ford Motor Company
Service to the City: Sustainability Advisory Board and Charter Review Commission
Community Involvement: Not listed
Why serve on City Council: “Because I love the city of Palm Bay. I feel it is my responsibility to share my abilities and experiences with my community. A strong sense of community around me through my youth allowed me to reach the places in life I have. I wish to pay it forward to our youth by ensuring that our city is a prosperous place to grow into productive, thriving participants in society. I am an advocate for the people, and I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to influence the future state of Palm Bay.”
Aaron Parr
Length of Residency in Palm Bay: 11 years
Occupation: Teacher at Brevard Public Schools
Service to the City: Citizen’s Advisory Board and Bayfront Community Redevelopment Agency
Community Involvement: Rotary Club of Palm Bay
Why serve on City Council: “to serve the community of Palm Bay. I ran for this specific seat in 2018 and I am still here, ready to serve. The year has changed, but my desire to live and work and serve is still right here in Palm Bay.”
Robert Rogulski
Length of Residency in Palm Bay: 29 years
Occupation: Development Manager at Wright Flood
Service to the City: Not listed
Community Involvement: Community Coach at Bayside High, Our Lady of Grace, and Palm Bay Youth Soccer
Why serve on City Council: “As a 30-year resident who raised three children in this city, it seems imperative that I get involved to leave a city that the next generation will want to call home. For many years, I have had the city council on my to-do list, and now that my children have grown, this item has made it to the top of the list. This city has many opportunities for improvements, and I have the desire to be a part of instigating those improvements.”
Eileen Sepp
Length of Residency in Palm Bay: 32 years
Occupation: Retired
Service to the City: Not listed
Community Involvement: Apollo XI Parliamentarian Unit of the National Association of Parliamentarians
Why serve on City Council: “I believe that I would bring a wealth of experience to the City Council. I grew up in the construction business and drew up contracts and estimates as well as many approved blueprints. I have held positions as CIO, CFO, and Director of Media/Technology. I have worked for the Post Office, Merrill-Lynch, GE Business Development, PGA, AllMed, CureMD, GRI, Sherry-Netherland hotel, and as a realtor. I left each better than when I found it by closing process gaps. I love Palm Bay and want to help make it better.”
Mark Louis Stephens
Length of Residency in Palm Bay: 40 years
Occupation: Retired
Service to the City: Not listed
Community Involvement: Not listed
Why serve on City Council: “I want to serve the people of Palm Bay and make it a better place for business and recreational activities. Palm Bay is a great place to live, and I would like to be a part of making it better.”
Marvin Tador
Length of Residency in Palm Bay: 3 years
Occupation: Founder at Relentless Labs Inc
Service to the City: Not listed
Community Involvement: Not listed
Why serve on City Council: “A desire to live a purpose-driven life; serve my community; and engage in fulfilling work. As Palm Bay is my hometown, I believe that I may have some input(s) that may be relevant to the city council. It would be an honor to serve on the City.”
Paul Drew Warren
Length of Residency in Palm Bay: 6 years
Occupation: Chief Executive Officer at Community of Hope
Service to the City: City Education Advisory Board
Community Involvement: Continuum of Care Board, Space Coast League of Cities Associate Member, Brevard Homeless Coalition Member, Palm Bay Rotary Member and Officer, North Brevard Charities Coalition Officer, and Member of Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce Why serve on City Council: “I am a practical problem solver. While I am a registered republican, I hold some conservative views and am more liberal in other areas. In every professional and personal role I have held, I have established collaboration and brought people together. I think I can help do that for Palm Bay. I know many involved in Brevard political issues in Palm Bay and beyond and can use insights from these relationships to benefit the people of Palm Bay. I think I can make a difference.
Nathan White
Length of Residency in Palm Bay: 31 years
Occupation: Business Development Lead at Wild Manta, LLC
Service to the City: Citizens Budget Advisory Board
Community Involvement: Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce and American Conservation Coalition, Space Coast Chapter
Why serve on City Council: “I have lived in Palm Bay my entire life, and my wife and I plan to stay and raise our family here. We are deeply invested in the future of our community and believe we have a responsibility to ensure its future is a bright one. Only four months ago, 17,460 Palm Bay residents said through their ballot that they trusted me to represent them on City Council. I want to serve on City Council because I want to honor their voice. I want to serve them, as well as every family and individual in Palm Bay.”
Amber Yantz
Length of Residency in Palm Bay: 7 years
Occupation: Realtor at All Real Estate Inc (Self Employed)
Service to the City: Not listed
Community Involvement: Space Coast Realtors Association, Space Coast LGBTQ Organizations
Why serve on City Council: “As a mother to five children, I understand the importance of a budget. I want our community to grow and develop in the most effective ways as well as bring new perspectives to the board. I think it’s also important that we get a woman on the city council, and I can help create a better, more diverse board.”
Anthony Yantz
Length of Residency in Palm Bay: 7 years
Occupation: Realtor at All Real Estate Inc (Self Employed)
Service to the City: Not listed
Community Involvement: Space Coast Realtors Association, Space Coast LGBTQ Organizations
Why serve on City Council: “The city of Palm Bay needs leadership and direction. I am that leader. My reasoning skills, along with my passion to further diversity, equity, and inclusion of our city, will create a strong Palm Bay. I’ve been increasingly more dissatisfied with the attacks our legislators launch to our community without anger from our mayor. I want to give the power back to the people of Palm Bay.”
Janice Zynko
Length of Residency in Palm Bay: 4 years
Occupation: Retired Analyst/Manager
Service to the City: Not listed
Community Involvement: FIT Lifelong Scholar, Brevard Zoo, Oyster Reef Restoration, Marine Resources Council, Indian Harbour Beach Garden Club, Zan Assisted Living, Greater Palm Bay Senior Ctr, and UF/IFAS continuing education County Extension Service
Why serve on City Council: “As a retired civil servant with 36+ years of experience, I bring a fresh perspective to serve the city. Serving in a government agency with a diverse workforce built my character and taught me to empathize with people of differing cultures. We have a unique opportunity to unite the city and shake off a tainted reputation due to the actions of a few individuals. I will be proud to assist the city moving forward with the important work entailed in implementing Vision 2040 for us to live, work, and play.”
*Candidate provided supplemental materials to extensively define their response. The supplemental materials exceeded this article’s editorial format, and Palm Bay Live included an abbreviated response.
Among the candidate applicants for the vacant seat are three candidates who ran against Filiberto in the March 2022 special election to replace Jeff Bailey, who resigned to move out of state. Filiberto won the March 2022 special election with 51.2% of the votes. Phil Moore received 37.1%, Agarie received 7.4%, and Backus received 4.4%.
Shortly after Filiberto’s arrest and resignation, Councilman Randy Foster was rushed to the hospital after suffering a medical event. He has been in the ICU after falling into a coma but reports from his family and city staff state that Councilman Foster is improving. Currently, City Council is down to three councilmen. With teachers, realtors, retirees, and business owners in the application pool, the City of Palm Bay has outstanding citizens ready to serve the community.
