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City of Melbourne Police Officers and Employees Recognized for Exceptional Service

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Melbourne Police Officers and Employees Recognized for Exceptional Service

 

On February 27, 2025, the Melbourne Police Department held its annual awards ceremony to recognize and celebrate police officers, communications officers and civilian employees for outstanding accomplishments, dedication, bravery and professionalism. Within these groups, the department also gave special awards to officers and employees who stood out among even these exceptional honorees. The 2024 winners of these prestigious awards are as follows:

 

Officer of the Year – K9 Officer Frank Legate

 

K9 Officer Frank LeGate was honored for his bravery during an armed confrontation in June 2024. The incident began when a caller declared war against the United States and dared officers to respond to his residence. Upon arrival, the first responding officers were ambushed by gunfire, triggering a multi-agency response. Officer LeGate arrived on scene and was immediately met with gunfire. Despite being struck by shrapnel, he refused medical aid and remained engaged in the fight.

 

Beyond this incident, Officer LeGate has played a vital role in numerous calls for service. Alongside his K9 partner, Murph, he has been instrumental in locating suspects, illegal drugs, and firearms. Additionally, he has taken on a leadership role within his shift, frequently serving as the acting sergeant. His dedication and professionalism have earned him the respect of both his peers and supervisors.

 

 

Communications Officer of the Year – Chelsea Johnson

 

Chelsea Johnson performed exceptionally as a communications officer, training officer, and second-in-charge supervisor in 2024. Her quick thinking during critical incidents saved lives and protected the community. In April, she earned two Honorable Service Awards for her role in coordinating with multiple agencies to track down kidnapping suspects from Melbourne who were enroute to Georgia that led to the safe recovery of the kidnapped child. Then in June she expertly managed communications during a multi-agency active shooter incident, ensuring a coordinated response with neighboring agencies and a successful resolution.

 

Johnson has served with the Melbourne Police Department Communications Center for five years. She is a consummate professional and is always compassionate with callers under stressful circumstances and is professional with the first responders on the radio. Her dedication and skills make her a true asset to the Melbourne Police Department.

 

Employee of the Year – Crime Scene Investigator Valerie Houston

 

Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) Valerie Houston is honored for her exceptional dedication and hard work. Valerie has consistently gone above and beyond, collaborating with officers and detectives on hundreds of cases while maintaining a positive and professional attitude with every assignment. This year, Valerie was recognized with two Unit Meritorious Awards: one for her outstanding contributions during an officer-involved shooting and another for her pivotal role in a complex narcotics investigation. In 2024, the CSI unit assisted with the investigation of 10 homicides. Valerie led the investigation in three of those cases and played a crucial supporting role in four others.

 

As the evening shift CSI, Valerie handles the highest number of cases within the unit. Her attention to detail, innovative thinking, and excellent time management skills set her apart. Valerie’s unwavering commitment and hard work make her a trusted and valuable asset to both the department and the city.

 

Detective of the Year – Detective Jay Hazelett

 

Detective Hazelett has consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty this past year. Although her primary role focuses on general crimes, she was entrusted with two challenging homicide investigations, each requiring her to demonstrate extraordinary skill and perseverance. The first case involved a complex arson murder. Detective Hazelett worked tirelessly, collaborating closely with the State Fire Marshal and the State Attorney’s Office. Her dedication to this case ultimately led to a true bill indictment from the grand jury. Through her relentless pursuit of justice, she obtained a confession from the suspect, who later pled guilty to all charges. The second case involved the stabbing homicide of a transient. Detective Hazelett’s sharp investigative skills led her to uncover critical admissions of guilt. Despite the suspect attempting to justify his actions, Hazelett’s work resulted in an indictment for murder.

 

As a senior detective, Hazelett is not only known for her exceptional investigative skills but also for her commitment to the division and the agency. She plays a key role in training new detectives and serves as a department firearms instructor, helping to elevate the standards for the entire department. Detective Hazelett is also a valued member of the SWAT team. Her supervisors have consistently praised her for her tactical expertise and ability to remain calm under pressure. Detective Hazelett’s hard work and unwavering commitment to justice make her a valuable asset to the agency and a role model for other officers and detectives.

 

Supervisor of the Year – Sergeant David Helms

 

Sergeant David Helms was recognized for his outstanding leadership and dedication following his promotion to sergeant. Almost immediately, he stepped up to assume the additional responsibilities of Watch Commander while continuing to lead his squad and mentor a newly promoted sergeant. His ability to balance these duties while also supervising the K9 Unit highlights his versatility and commitment.

 

As the K9 Unit Supervisor, Sergeant Helms successfully coordinated training, operations, and deployments, significantly enhancing the unit’s effectiveness in critical situations. Throughout this period, he demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism, and mentorship, making a significant impact on the department’s success and setting a high standard for law enforcement.

 

Field Training Officer of the Year – FTO Briana Fahy

 

In 2024, Field Training Officer Fahy distinguished herself earning the Unit Meritorious Performance Award for her role in the multi-agency response to a barricaded active shooter incident. She also received two Exceptional Duty Awards and for her role in the arrests of multiple violent armed felons and recovery of a stolen car.

 

Field Training Officer Fahy exhibits tremendous leadership when training new officers, and she displays a level of patience and maturity needed to help new officers learn their new profession. She is a consummate professional under stressful circumstances and both empathetic and considerate when dealing with the public. Fahy is driven by a sincere desire to help her coworkers as a team player and serve the citizens of Melbourne with excellence.

 

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Palm Bay School Zone Speed Camera Project Paused

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PALM BAY, FLORIDA (February 27, 2025): During this past week, we have temporarily paused our School Zone Speed Enforcement Cameras from issuing violations in response to recent feedback from our community. The Palm Bay Police Department wants to assure residents that we are fully committed to resolving these issues, ensuring accuracy in our system and transparency for our community.

First and foremost, we want to apologize for the frustration and stress the implementation of this new project has caused. We understand your concerns and we hear you. As with any new system or project, there are growing pains, but we have worked diligently to pinpoint and address the root cause of these issues. Our commitment to fairness, accuracy, and consistency remains our top priority as we continue to fine-tune and improve the system. Rest assured, we are actively working to align all school zones with school schedules and state regulations.

When several cameras went live, we received feedback about incorrect violations. The Palm Bay Police Department immediately contacted the company that installed the cameras and conducted a thorough audit. During this process, we discovered glitches that had impacted some school zones. We took swift and decisive action to correct these errors, ensuring that any incorrectly issued violations were either refunded or dismissed. Those affected were sent notifications via mail. Additionally, we have completed a comprehensive review to prevent these issues from recurring. To make clear, there is full oversight of this program and the issuance of violations by Palm Bay Police Department’s Traffic Unit.

We are verifying again that all zones are properly labeled, flashers are correctly timed, and accurately monitored to prevent any future discrepancies before they can affect our community members. Sometimes errors are unknown until a system goes live. Continuous oversight is at the forefront of our efforts, and we are dedicated to ensuring this does not happen again.

Once all verification has been completed, the school zone enforcement will reactivate. We will also release detailed information regarding each school zone, the times when enforcement is conducted and at what speeds a violation will be initiated. We hope this will give drivers a clearer understanding of this safety project.

We want to thank our community for your patience and understanding as we work through this process. Our goal is to create a system that is not only safe for our students and community, but also reliable, fair, and efficient.

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Palm Bay Residents Raise Concerns Over School Zone Cameras and Speeding Citations

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PALM BAY, Fla. — Palm Bay residents are raising concerns over newly installed school zone cameras, with many claiming they were unfairly ticketed despite not exceeding speed limits. Reports of questionable citations have surfaced on social media, with residents questioning the system’s accuracy, the enforcement hours, and whether proper oversight is in place.

“We’ve received multiple complaints from residents who say they were ticketed when they weren’t speeding,” said one resident. “My son got one today in the mail. The picture shows Palm Bay Road, but the paper they sent says he was down in Bayside.”

Another resident shared, “I got one in the mail today. There’s no way I was driving that fast—I don’t speed like that. I have a Class A CDL, no points, and have been a safe driver for years. The cameras are not accurate, and I will take this to court.”

Other residents echoed similar frustrations, with some stating they received tickets outside of what they believed to be the designated school zone hours.

One of the biggest points of contention is when the cameras are issuing citations. According to the City of Palm Bay’s website, enforcement hours are tied to each school’s schedule:

  • 30 minutes before school starts
  • During all school hours between opening and dismissal
  • 30 minutes after school ends
  • 30 minutes before the school breakfast program

However, Palm Bay Police Chief Mariano Augello spoke at the February 20 City Council meeting, where he suggested that enforcement lasts throughout the entire school day and not just during pick-up and drop-off hours.

“The misconception is that it’s only during certain hours—it actually runs throughout the school day,” Chief Augello said. “If you go 12 mph over the limit, the system alerts the company, the company sends the video to the police, and we verify whether it’s a violation.”

He also confirmed that six locations throughout the city are currently active and issuing citations.

This statement appears to differ from the city’s official website, which suggests that enforcement is based on school start and dismissal times rather than a blanket all-day enforcement policy. Some residents who received tickets say they were cited well after school hours.

Palm Bay Live conducted a drive-by of two school zone locations and observed discrepancies in the signage. At one location, a posted sign listed the enforcement hours as 6:45 AM to 5:00 PM, though it did not specify the days it applied. At a second location near a charter school, there was only a “speed limit 20 when flashing” sign but no posted enforcement hours. Given the conflicting information, drivers should exercise caution and assume school zone speed limits are enforced throughout the entire school day, even beyond typical morning and afternoon rush periods.

Another major concern is whether anyone is reviewing these violations before tickets are issued.

At the City Council meeting, Chief Augello explained that the third-party company FLOCK sends the violations to the Palm Bay Police Department’s traffic division for review.

However, a former Palm Bay officer familiar with past traffic enforcement policies says it’s unclear who is conducting these reviews—or whether proper oversight exists.

“When we had red-light cameras, every single violation was checked by a traffic officer before a ticket was issued,” the former officer said. “The same should apply here. But if this is being handled by administrative staff instead, mistakes could easily be made.”

There are also questions about the appeals process. Residents who have tried to dispute tickets say they’ve been directed to contact the third-party company, rather than Palm Bay PD.

One resident stated, “If the PBPD holds the contract with the camera company and issues the tickets, that’s who I’d take it up with. They can take it up with their contractor.”

While the official justification for the school zone cameras is safety, some residents question whether financial considerations also played a role. Automated traffic enforcement systems have been known to generate significant revenue in other cities, leading to concerns about transparency and oversight.

Additionally, some argue that if safety was the primary goal, more should have been done to inform the public. Chief Augello has stated that the police department released multiple public service announcements (PSAs) beginning in July 2024 to inform residents about the program. However, some residents still say they were caught off guard by the enforcement hours and process.

For now, residents who believe they were unfairly ticketed are left navigating the appeals process on their own. Palm Bay Live reached out to the Public Information Officer for clarification on how violations are reviewed, who is responsible for oversight, and whether an official audit system exists. In response, we were directed to the city’s website, which outlines the official enforcement hours for school zone cameras.

As more information becomes available, we will continue updating this story.

Until then, drivers should exercise caution in school zones and assume cameras are active throughout the entire school day.

If you or someone you know has received a school zone citation you believe was issued in error—or outside of the listed hours—we want to hear from you. Comment below or message Palm Bay Live with your experience.

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Southwest Airlines Announces Layoffs

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Nationwide News:

Southwest Airlines has announced its first major layoffs in its 53-year history, planning to reduce approximately 1,750 corporate positions, which constitutes about 15% of its corporate workforce.

This decision is part of a broader cost-cutting and organizational restructuring strategy aimed at enhancing efficiency and profitability.

The layoffs will primarily impact corporate overhead and leadership roles, including the elimination of 11 senior leadership positions.

Front-line employees, such as pilots and flight attendants, will not be affected by these cuts.

Southwest anticipates that this restructuring will result in savings of approximately $210 million in 2025 and about $300 million annually by 2026.

However, the company expects to incur a one-time charge of $60 to $80 million in the first quarter of 2025 related to these changes.

This move comes amid financial challenges for the airline, including a 10% decline in its share value this year, contrasting with gains by competitors such as Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.

Additionally, Southwest is facing pressure from activist investor Elliott Investment Management to improve profitability and stock performance, leading to Elliott gaining several board seats to influence company decisions.

In addition to the layoffs, Southwest has paused hiring for pilots, flight attendants, and management positions as part of its efforts to control costs and streamline operations.

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Florida Supreme Court Reverses Decision, Allows Mayfield to Run for Senate District 19

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Palm Bay, Fla. – In a unanimous ruling, the Florida Supreme Court has overturned the state’s decision to disqualify former state Sen. Debbie Mayfield, allowing her to run in the special election for Senate District 19. The court’s decision, issued late Thursday, reverses the Florida Department of State’s initial ruling that Mayfield was ineligible due to term limits.

Mayfield, a longtime Republican legislator, served eight years in the Senate from 2016 to 2024 before being term-limited out. She then won a seat in the Florida House of Representatives for District 32 but resigned in an attempt to reclaim her former Senate position following the resignation of Sen. Randy Fine, R-Melbourne Beach. Fine, who was elected to Mayfield’s former Senate seat in 2024, stepped down to run for Congress in Florida’s 6th Congressional District, which includes Daytona Beach and five other counties. Fine won the Republican nomination for the congressional seat and will compete in the April 1 special election for that position.

The Florida Division of Elections initially barred Mayfield from the Senate District 19 race, citing Florida’s constitutional term limit rules. However, the Supreme Court found that because Mayfield had a break in service after leaving the Senate, she did not violate the consecutive eight-year service limit. Justice Jamie Grosshans, writing for the court, stated that “Mayfield experienced a break in service when her Senate term ended in November 2024,” which resets the clock on her consecutive years of service.

“If the people of Florida want other limitations on the time their elected officials may serve, they can incorporate such language explicitly through the constitutional amendment process,” Grosshans wrote. “Until they choose to do so, we cannot read a prohibition into the Constitution that does not exist.”

The ruling means Mayfield will now officially appear on the ballot for the April 1 Republican primary, where she will face Marcie Adkins of Grant-Valkaria, Mark Lightner III of Suntree, and Tim Thomas of Melbourne. The winner of that contest will then compete against Democrat Vance Ahrens of West Melbourne in the June 10 special general election.

In the lead-up to the Supreme Court’s decision, state officials argued that there was insufficient time to add Mayfield to the ballot before the Feb. 14 deadline for sending vote-by-mail ballots to military and overseas voters. Attorneys for Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd contended that Mayfield should have challenged her disqualification sooner, stating in a legal brief that she “had Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s to think about her candidacy” but did not take legal action until after the state had already acted.

The state’s argument also emphasized that the Secretary of State had a duty to uphold election laws, comparing Mayfield’s situation to an ineligible non-U.S. citizen or a convicted felon attempting to qualify for the ballot. The attorneys argued that term limits should apply regardless of an individual’s break in service, contending that Mayfield had waited too long to mount her challenge.

Mayfield, however, maintained that her disqualification was an overreach, arguing that the Department of State has a purely ministerial role in processing election paperwork and does not have the authority to remove candidates. The Supreme Court ultimately ruled in her favor, allowing her to remain in the race.

Mayfield’s return to the race reshapes the Republican primary, which had previously been set without her on the ballot. Following the court’s ruling, Fine expressed his support for Mayfield, stating on X, “I am thrilled the Supreme Court repudiated the ‘lawfare’ against her unanimously. Debbie stood with President Trump last year, and I know she will be a tireless fighter for his agenda in Florida.”

Election officials have confirmed that the ruling allows them to proceed as scheduled with mailing vote-by-mail ballots to overseas and military voters, followed by a mass mailing to other Republican voters on February 27.

With the Supreme Court’s ruling now final, all four Republican candidates, including Mayfield, remain in contention for the GOP nomination in what is expected to be a closely watched race. The ruling also sets a precedent for how Florida’s term limits law may be interpreted in future election cycles, particularly regarding breaks in service between terms.

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Concerns Over Leadership, Use of Force, and Police Culture at Palm Bay PD

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Palm Bay, Fla. — Allegations of excessive force, questionable leadership decisions, and a culture of favoritism have raised concerns about the Palm Bay Police Department (PBPD). Former Deputy Chief Lance Fisher, who served the department for two decades, has spoken out about internal concerns over officer misconduct and leadership practices, citing cases that resulted in serious injuries and ongoing lawsuits.

Federal lawsuits and public scrutiny have increased in recent months, putting the department’s practices under the microscope.

Federal Lawsuit Raises Questions Over Use of Force

According to WESH 2 Investigates, a federal lawsuit has been filed against Palm Bay officers, alleging excessive force during an arrest that resulted in serious injuries. The lawsuit accuses officers of false arrest and unnecessary violence during the detention of a man who later required hospitalization.

The Palm Bay City Attorney’s Office has denied wrongdoing, stating in court filings that any injuries sustained were caused in part by the plaintiff’s own actions.

However, the lawsuit highlights concerns about police tactics and the handling of arrests by the department.

According to WESH 2, court records show that one of the officers named in the lawsuit was also involved in a separate 2024 arrest that left another man paralyzed.

The lawsuit is scheduled for trial in 2026.

Man Left Paralyzed Following Arrest

Another high-profile case involving Palm Bay officers has drawn further attention to use-of-force policies within the department.

In June 2024, Thomas Farley suffered a spinal injury after being repeatedly tased while climbing over a fence during an encounter with police, WESH 2 reports. Body camera footage reportedly captured Farley telling officers, “Sir, I think I broke my neck.”

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents Farley’s family, has called the police response excessive and unjustified, arguing that Farley should never have been tased in the first place.

His family has since called for all charges against him to be dropped so that he can receive proper medical care.

The Palm Bay Police Department has defended its officers’ actions, stating that they followed department policy.

Jacob Mitchell’s Arrest Sparks Additional Questions

Concerns over excessive force within PBPD have been further heightened by the December 2022 arrest of Jacob Mitchell.

According to Space Coast Rocket, Mitchell’s arrest was caught on a home security camera, and the footage quickly went viral on social media. The video shows officers repeatedly tasing and striking Mitchell in the face. He was hospitalized for several days before being transferred to the Brevard County Jail.

An arrest affidavit from Palm Bay Police states that Mitchell, 22, was approached by officers after allegedly making a false 9-1-1 call about armed teenagers. Initially denying involvement, Mitchell later admitted that he fabricated the story.

According to the report, Officer Cole McDonald attempted to place Mitchell under arrest, but he allegedly resisted by pulling away from officers. The affidavit states that Mitchell attempted to grab at the officer’s police vest and other equipment, prompting officers to deploy a taser multiple times and deliver what they described as ‘forward striking distractors’ to his face to subdue him.

The affidavit claims Mitchell fled on foot before being tased again and handcuffed. He was later charged with battery on an officer, resisting arrest with violence, and other offenses.

However, Space Coast Rocket reports that the home security footage does not clearly show Mitchell acting aggressively toward the officers. The Palm Bay Police Department has not yet released the full body camera footage from the arrest.

Lance Fisher, the former deputy chief, has pointed to this case as part of a larger pattern within PBPD, where the same group of officers has been involved in multiple use-of-force incidents. “We as a staff recognized that a specific squad had several questionable uses of force incidents,” Fisher said. “Staff continued to justify the use of force until an officer tased a man off a moving motorcycle, breaking his clavicle and ribs. That same officer later tased Thomas Farley off a wooden fence, causing paralysis.”

Concerns From Former Deputy Chief

Former Deputy Chief Lance Fisher says he began questioning department leadership after observing repeated cases of force being used by one squad within the department.

“We as a staff recognized that a specific squad had several questionable uses of force incidents,” Fisher said. “We openly discussed concerns with the number and types of force that were being used, and how it was specific to one squad.”

Fisher detailed a specific 2023 case where an officer tased a man off a moving motorcycle, causing multiple fractures. Despite the severity of the incident, Fisher says the officer was neither fired nor criminally charged.

“I felt that when Chief Augello refused to terminate the officer and seek criminal prosecution, he placed our community and officers in danger,” he said.

According to Fisher, that same officer was later involved in the incident that left another man paralyzed.

Allegations of Targeting a Sober Living Facility

Fisher also raised concerns about what he described as “inappropriate use of police resources” against a sober living facility located near the PBPD chief’s home.

“Around March 2024, I became concerned that Chief Augello was using police resources for personal gain to harass a sober living facility that was located across the street from his residence,” Fisher stated.

According to Fisher, police records show 185 calls for service to that location over a nine-month period, compared to just one police-initiated call at other similar facilities in the city.

Fisher says Palm Bay’s City Attorney had warned against specifically targeting the residence, citing federal housing protections.

“Even though the City Attorney told Chief Augello in a meeting that a city could not specifically target a sober living facility (Oxford House) because the residence was protected under the Federal Fair Housing Act, he still went after them,” Fisher said.

Calls for an External Review

Fisher and other critics have called for an independent review of Palm Bay’s use-of-force cases over the past three years.

“An agency that does not have ties to Brevard County needs to come in and look at the current culture,” Fisher said.

He referenced similar reviews in other Florida police departments, which have led to leadership changes and restructuring.

“It is time to break the ‘good old boy’ system that has been created over the past decade and hire an outside Chief that can lead and serve a diversified community,” he said.

So far, Palm Bay officials have not publicly responded to calls for an outside investigation.

Palm Bay Police Responds

The Palm Bay Police Department responded to the allegations, defending its policies and leadership.

“The Palm Bay Police Department remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability in serving our community. Recent allegations made by a disgruntled former employee regarding our department’s use-of-force policies and promotional practices are entirely false and without merit.

The Palm Bay Police Department has been a fully accredited agency for the past 15 years, most recently achieving Excelsior Status through the Florida Commission for Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA), a distinction that represents the highest level of excellence in law enforcement accreditation. Our most recent accreditation review found no violations of policies or procedures, reaffirming our firm commitment to transparency, ethical policing, and best practices.

Our policies regarding use of force, promotions, and officer accountability are designed to prioritize community safety while ensuring fairness and professionalism. Promotions within the department are based solely on merit, experience, and qualifications, not likability, as falsely alleged. Additionally, our use-of-force policies align with local and state best practices, with stringent oversight and accountability measures in place.

We stand by the integrity of our officers and the rigorous standards that govern our operations. The Palm Bay Police Department remains dedicated to fostering trust with our community through transparency, accountability, and professionalism.”

Ongoing Investigations and Lawsuits

With lawsuits moving forward and additional scrutiny on department practices, the coming months may determine whether PBPD leadership will face further review.

For now, the department maintains that officers followed policy in key cases, while critics argue that a deeper investigation is needed to ensure accountability.

Palm Bay Live will continue following this story and providing updates.

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 Palm Bay Councilman REFUSES to Apologize for Shocking Anti-Muslim Remarks

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Palm Bay City Councilman Chandler Langevin is once again at the center of controversy after making inflammatory comments about Muslims. Langevin, known for past remarks praising the Confederacy and aligning with Christian nationalist views, recently declared that Muslims “do not belong in this great nation.” His comments have ignited widespread condemnation, especially in Brevard County, where a large Muslim community plays an integral role in the local economy and culture.

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Instead of retracting his statement, Langevin doubled down, defiantly declaring, “I said what I said.” He further escalated the situation by endorsing violent rhetoric, including advocating for bombing Lebanon to restore a Christian majority. At last night’s Palm Bay City Council meeting, residents expressed frustration and concern, demanding action from local leadership.

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Debbie Mayfield Disqualified from Florida Senate Special Election Amid Term Limits Controversy

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Palm Bay, Fla. – Former Florida Sen. Debbie Mayfield has been disqualified from running in the special election for Senate District 19 after the Florida Department of State ruled that her candidacy violated the state’s term limits law.

Mayfield, a longtime Republican legislator, previously held the Senate seat until November 2024, when she was forced out due to term limits. She subsequently won election to the Florida House of Representatives in District 32 but resigned to pursue her former Senate seat following Sen. Randy Fine’s departure to run for Congress. However, state officials determined that her bid to return to the Senate violated constitutional restrictions on consecutive service.

The ruling has sparked political tension, with Mayfield claiming the decision was politically motivated. In a statement, she accused Gov. Ron DeSantis of “weaponizing” the Department of State in retaliation for her endorsement of former President Donald Trump over DeSantis in the 2024 Republican primary.

https://x.com/debbie_mayfield/status/1887142453758586957 

The Florida Division of Elections has cited the state’s constitutional term limits as the reason for Mayfield’s removal from the ballot. According to the Florida Constitution, a candidate cannot run for the same office if they have already served (or would have served, barring resignation) for eight consecutive years. While some Republican strategists argue that a break in service should reset the term limit clock, the state has taken a stricter interpretation of the rule.

Mayfield has indicated that she may challenge the ruling in court, though as of now, no official lawsuit has been filed.

Republican Candidates Battle for Senate District 19

With Mayfield out of the race, the Republican primary for Senate District 19 features three candidates:

  • Dr. Marcie Adkins of Grant-Valkaria, a retired economist who previously ran against Fine in a 2020 Republican primary for the Florida House.
  • Mark Lightner III of Suntree, a business graduate and sales representative making his first run for office.
  • Tim Thomas of Melbourne, a former city councilman with eight years of experience in local government.

Palm Bay Live has reached out to all candidates in both the Senate District 19 and House District 32 races for comment. While some have responded, not all candidates have provided statements at this time. This article will be updated as more responses are received.

Dr. Marcie Adkins, a retired economist from Grant-Valkaria, filed to replace Mayfield in the Senate race, citing term limits as a core reason for her candidacy. Adkins, who has lived in Brevard County since 1967, told Palm Bay Live that she firmly believes in the importance of upholding term limits as voters intended.

“The voters in 1992 overwhelmingly supported term limits, and the law should reflect that,” Adkins told Palm Bay Live. “When they passed that constitutional amendment, it was crystal clear—eight years, and you’re out, just like the President and Governor.”

Beyond her focus on term limits, Adkins has built her campaign on a platform of economic policy, environmental protections, higher education, and mental health advocacy. She has stated that addressing the challenges facing small businesses and homeowners, including skyrocketing insurance rates, is one of her top priorities.

“I am sensitive to the concerns of all small business owners and Florida homeowners,” Adkins said. “We need to take real steps to address rising insurance rates and make homeownership more affordable.”

She also emphasized the need for increased mental health support in Florida, highlighting the personal impact the issue has had on her life.

“I’ve had close people in my life struggle with mental health, and it’s an issue that affects every community,” Adkins said. “We need more resources, better access to care, and a shift in how we talk about mental health in our state.”

Despite her strong conservative credentials, Adkins has also emphasized the importance of bipartisanship. She told Palm Bay Live that she admires past Florida legislators who maintained open-door policies regardless of political affiliation and that she aims to bring a similar approach to the Senate.

“I don’t like this mentality of ‘our side versus their side.’ It’s not productive,” Adkins said. “I believe in being gracious and working with people—even those I don’t always agree with. That’s what leadership should be about.”

She recalled her admiration for former Florida Sen. Patsy Kurth, who served Brevard in the 1990s. “Patsy was someone who always had time for people, no matter their political views. That’s how I want to be—I want to sit down, have conversations, and find solutions that actually help Floridians.”

Vance Ahrens: A Progressive Alternative

Democratic candidate Vance Ahrens, who secured his party’s nomination unopposed, also spoke with Palm Bay Live, positioning himself as a strong alternative to the Republican candidates in the race.

“I initially decided to run for the 2024 race because people deserve representation, and I was appalled by the lack of a Democrat to challenge Debbie Mayfield in her last term,” Ahrens said. “After running against Randy Fine only to see him abandon his promise of ‘fighting for Brevard’ in a move for more power, my focus continues to be on representing my neighbors, friends, and fellow Space Coast residents.”

Ahrens outlined his key priorities, which include improving the local economy, addressing storm damage to lower insurance rates, continuing cleanup efforts for the Indian River Lagoon, and advocating for reproductive rights.

“Like most Floridians, I believe that everyone should be able to make their own medical decisions with their doctors, not politicians,” Ahrens said.

House District 32 Special Election

The vacancy left by Mayfield’s resignation has also triggered a special election for House District 32, which covers Central and South Brevard. Several candidates have entered the race, including:

  • Dr. Terry Cronin (R) – A physician and business owner with strong financial backing, having raised over $274,000. Cronin has positioned himself as a pro-Trump conservative with a focus on healthcare reform, property insurance, and economic growth.
  • Brian Hodgers (R) – Businessman and former candidate with deep connections in the Republican Party.
  • Bob White (R) – Conservative activist and chairman of the Republican Liberty Caucus of Florida.
  • Juan Hinojosa (D) – The sole Democrat in the race, focused on expanding healthcare access and environmental protections.

A special primary election for House District 32 is set for April 1, with the general election on June 10.

Uncertainty Lingers

The controversy surrounding Mayfield’s disqualification adds further unpredictability to an already complex special election process. Randy Fine’s resignation triggered the need for both the Senate District 19 and House District 32 special elections, which will now take place concurrently. It remains to be seen whether Mayfield will move forward with a legal challenge to the state’s decision, which could further complicate the race.

For now, the Republican primary race for Senate District 19 is set, and voters will decide on April 1 who will advance to the June general election. Mayfield, meanwhile, faces a decision on whether to continue fighting her disqualification or pivot to a different political opportunity.

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Palm Bay City Manager office responds to the public concerns on new visitor check in requirements

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Palm Bay, Fla. — Visitors to Palm Bay City Hall are now required to check in at the customer service desk with a valid photo ID before gaining access. As of Monday, January 13, the new procedure includes wearing a numbered Visitor Pass, which must be displayed visibly at all times.

The policy has sparked public debate, with some residents questioning its necessity and raising concerns about potential constitutional violations. In response to these concerns, Palm Bay Live reached out to the City Manager’s Office to better understand the rationale and legal basis for the change. We have included the responses below:

Click here to see the questions and the responses from the City Managers office

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According to the City Manager’s Office, the policy was implemented administratively following recommendations from a third-party security analysis of city facilities. Officials explained that the City Manager, under the City Charter, has the authority to establish and maintain administrative policies.

“This measure ensures the safety of everyone while maintaining open access to government functions,” the office stated. “Identification is not required to prevent access to public records, meetings, or government services.”

The policy has raised concerns among some residents about potential violations of the First and Fourth Amendments. In response, city officials clarified that the policy is a “reasonable time, place, and manner restriction” aimed at ensuring security. They emphasized that requesting identification in this context does not constitute an unlawful search or seizure and is consistent with practices in other government facilities.

Florida has seen a trend toward stricter security measures in municipal buildings, often driven by heightened safety concerns. For example, the City of Sanford implemented a visitor management system requiring identification, citing similar goals of improving security without increasing staffing levels. However, such policies must balance security with Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine Law, which ensures public access to governmental meetings.

In a 2003 opinion, the Florida Attorney General noted that while security measures are essential, they must not unreasonably restrict public access. Furthermore, a 2023 Florida law now provides residents with a legal mechanism to challenge local ordinances perceived as arbitrary or unreasonable.

The Office of the City Manager emphasized that the Palm Bay policy is applied uniformly and that administrative codes are reviewed biannually to incorporate public feedback and make improvements.

“The requirement to provide identification helps us monitor access, protect against potential threats, and ensure accountability for those within the building,” city officials stated.

The new check-in procedure has divided public opinion. While some residents view it as a practical safety measure, others argue it is unnecessary and infringes on their rights. Residents with concerns are encouraged to share their feedback with city officials as the policy continues to be implemented.

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