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Meet Candidate #1 for Palm Bay City Manager: Jason Brian Davis Brings Two Decades of Government Leadership

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Palm Bay, FL – Jason Brian Davis, one of eight finalists selected for public interviews in Palm Bay’s City Manager search, brings more than two decades of leadership experience in both government and private sector operations. Known for his data-driven approach and commitment to community service, Davis currently serves as Deputy County Administrator in St. Lucie County, Florida.

In his current role, Davis manages major departments including Facilities, Parks & Recreation, Libraries, Water Utilities, and Mosquito Control, overseeing more than 400 employees and contributing to the management of a $760 million county budget. His achievements include launching a trades apprenticeship program, supporting long-term capital planning efforts, and playing a key role in policy updates and internal process improvements.

Davis has spent over 15 years in executive roles with Palm Beach County government, where he advanced from facilities management to Division Director. There, he led departments across construction, utilities, security, and fleet, and was instrumental in preserving the county’s AAA bond rating and spearheading award-winning operational initiatives.

Earlier in his career, Davis also spent more than a decade in the private sector, managing security and operations for high-profile facilities such as hotels, casinos, convention centers, and cruise ships. His work earned recognition from the Secret Service and local law enforcement agencies, and he played a leadership role in creating the Downtown Security Alliance.

Davis holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and an MBA from Nova Southeastern University, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology from Florida State University. He is also a Project Management Professional (PMP) and a Certified Government Executive, among other credentials.

His resume emphasizes a focus on people-centered leadership and operational excellence. “I strive to foster a team environment with an empowered staff—a culture of excellence,” Davis wrote in his cover letter. “I pride myself on the diverse teams I have built and guided.”

Outside of work, Davis is active in community service, volunteering for organizations including the United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Red Cross, and Animal Care & Control. He has also served as a baseball coach at the high school, collegiate, and professional showcase levels.

Davis was among the top choices of Mayor Medina, Deputy Mayor Jaffe, and Councilman Hammer at the March 20 City Council meeting. That meeting, where the council ultimately voted to move eight finalists forward, featured moments of public criticism and intense debate over the selection process.

Davis lives in Port St. Lucie and will participate in public interviews on March 29 at Palm Bay City Hall. The City Council plans to make a final selection and extend a formal offer by April 17.

Palm Bay Live will continue publishing individual candidate profiles throughout the week to help residents learn more about the contenders.

See related article by clicking here: Palm Bay Narrows Down City Manager Search to Eight Finalists

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Palm Bay Narrows Down City Manager Search to Eight Finalists After Heated Council Debate

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Palm Bay, FL – After a lengthy and occasionally tense meeting on March 20, the Palm Bay City Council voted unanimously to invite eight finalists to participate in public interviews for the city’s next permanent City Manager. The decision followed a spirited debate among council members over how many candidates should advance, with Mayor Rob Medina initially advocating for a much smaller shortlist.

The eight candidates moving forward to the March 29 public interviews are:

  1. Jason Brian Davis
  2. Matthew Thomas Morton
  3. Mark Sohaney
  4. Gregg Lynk
  5. Ricardo J. Mendez
  6. William R. Lawrence
  7. Howard W. Brown
  8. Sonia A. Alves-Viveiros

Mayor Medina initially recommended narrowing the list to just three candidates whom he believed had the broadest support: Davis, Morton, and Sohaney. “I don’t like going backwards,” he said, signaling reluctance to consider former City Manager Greg Lynk, who was fired in 2018.

However, other council members expressed concern with limiting the list prematurely. Councilman Michael Hammer Jr. suggested, “If two council members think somebody is good enough to be on this list, they should be invited.”

Eventually, the council moved to expand the shortlist to eight names, which passed in a 5-0 vote.

One of the most debated additions to the list was Greg Lynk, the city’s former city manager. Councilman Kenny Johnson spoke about his decision to support Lynk’s return to the candidate pool, despite having voted to terminate him in 2018.

“I had a call from former Councilman Brian Anderson… we shared much discussion over 30 minutes where he cleared the air on a lot of accusations made about Mr. Lynk,” Johnson said. “Our God is a God of second chances. I know so much more now than I did six years ago.”

Tensions escalated during the public comment period when one speaker accused Mayor Medina of making unilateral decisions in the selection process.

“We started this process where everybody said their top five—and you, sir, elected three without consulting anyone. How dare you,” he said.

The speaker also criticized past leadership, claiming: “Suzanne Sherman botched a billion dollars in economic development under Greg Lynk. He [Lynk] put that together. He helped put together the entirety of the Heritage Parkway connection as a privatized deal to make it happen.”

Throughout the meeting, each council member shared their top choices:

  • Mayor Medina: Michael Brillhart, Howard Brown, Jason Davis, Matthew Morton, Brian Bulthuis
  • Deputy Mayor Jaffe: Gregg Lynk, Sonia Alves-Viveiros, Brian Davis, Matthew Morton, Ricardo Mendez 
  • Councilman Langevin: Mark Sohaney, Gregg Lynk, Scott Moye, William Lawrence, Howard Brown
  • Councilman Johnson: Mark Sohaney, Gregg Lynk, Ricardo Mendez
  • Councilman  Hammer: Jason Davis, Matthew Morton, Mark Sohaney, Nate Somers, William Lawrence

Interim City Manager Scott Morgan confirmed all eight candidates will be contacted and asked to authorize background checks ahead of interviews.

The public interviews will take place at a special council meeting on March 29, where department heads may also interact with the candidates. Following the interviews, the council hopes to identify a final candidate and make a formal job offer by their April 17 meeting.

Palm Bay Live will be publishing individual candidate profiles on all eight contenders in the coming week to help the public get to know the finalists ahead of the interviews.

Watch the recorded council meeting here:

https://youtube.com/live/EPuQrI7ieoo

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City of Palm Bay Disables Comments on Multiple Social Media Pages, Residents Voice Concerns

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Palm Bay, FL – Residents in Palm Bay have raised concerns after observing that the Palm Bay Police Department, along with several other city departments, has disabled comments on their social media posts. In an email response to Palm Bay Live, a Public Information Officer for the City of Palm Bay provided the following explanation:

The City of Palm Bay is committed to maintaining open, transparent, and effective communication with our residents. As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure a positive and productive online presence, the City has made the decision to disable public comments on the Facebook pages for the City of Palm Bay Mayor’s Office, Palm Bay Police Department, Palm Bay Fire Rescue, and Palm Bay Parks & Recreation and the Instagram pages for Palm Bay Police Department and Palm Bay Fire Rescue.

This decision was made to:

  • Prevent the spread of misinformation that could impact public safety and emergency communications.
     • Ensure that official information is clearly communicated without misinterpretation.
     • Focus department resources on delivering high-quality services rather than monitoring and moderating social media discussions.

While comments will be disabled on department pages, the City of Palm Bay’s main Facebook and Instagram page will continue to allow public comments to encourage constructive community engagement.

City officials emphasize that the main City of Palm Bay social media accounts remain open for public engagement, offering at least one avenue for residents to share feedback and interact with local government.

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Palm Bay Officials Face Pushback Over School Zone Speed Cameras, Financial Incentives, and Public Comment Limits

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Palm Bay, FL – Palm Bay’s controversial school zone speed camera enforcement program is under fire again, following heated discussions at the latest City Council meeting where council members and residents questioned its accuracy, financial motivations, and the city’s handling of public concerns.

The debate came a week after the program was temporarily halted due to reports of incorrect citations being issued. The Palm Bay Police Department assured the public it was working to resolve the glitches before reinstating the system. However, the latest council discussion raised deeper concerns about whether the cameras are truly about safety or revenue generation—and whether officials are doing enough to ensure transparency.

Before discussions on speed cameras began, Mayor Rob Medina made remarks emphasizing that public comments should be handled administratively when possible. “To keep our meeting efficiently focused on City business, I respectfully ask that my fellow council members refrain from dialogue on matters which are best handled administratively,” Medina stated. He added that city staff members were available to step outside with members of the public to discuss administrative matters. “If an issue can’t be addressed immediately, the city manager’s office will contact the speaker within three business days,” he assured. 

During the meeting, Councilman Chandler Langevin raised concerns about the financial burden on residents, emphasizing that a $100 ticket could significantly impact working-class families. “If you’re living paycheck to paycheck and get hit with a $100 ticket, that means you might have to skip a dinner out or other local spending. That affects our local economy,” he said. The financial breakdown of the fines was also discussed, revealing that of the $100 citation, $60 goes to the municipality, with $39 going to the City of Palm Bay and $21 going to RedSpeed. 

Langevin also questioned the program’s effectiveness, arguing that the cameras were intended to slow drivers down—not serve as a money grab. “The whole point of these cameras is to slow people down. It’s not supposed to be a way to be a money grab,” he stated. He further pointed to RedSpeed’s track record, the company operating the cameras, referencing problems in Jonesboro, Georgia, where over 1,200 incorrect citations led to nearly $80,000 in refunds. “This isn’t a new system. This company has had problems elsewhere, and we should have known that before we brought them in,” he warned.

Greg Parks, Senior Vice President of RedSpeed, pushed back against criticism, arguing that the company does not issue tickets automatically and that Palm Bay Police officers review all citations. “We’re simply gathering evidence and presenting it to Palm Bay Police,” he said. He also disputed claims that Jonesboro, Georgia, had abandoned its RedSpeed program. “The Jonesboro program that was referenced is still operating with great effect,” he stated. “They reduced speeding by 90%, and it’s still in operation.”

Deputy Chief Jeff Spears acknowledged that there had been a glitch in the system that resulted in incorrect violations, but assured council members that the issue had been resolved and that refunds were issued where necessary. He also noted that 3,970 warning citations had been issued since the program launched, and that nearly 900 drivers had already paid their citations. Spears reiterated that Palm Bay Police officers review all violations before tickets are issued.

Additionally, broader concerns about surveillance technology in Palm Bay surfaced during the meeting, particularly regarding Flock Safety’s automated license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras. Some residents questioned the necessity of these cameras and their potential implications for privacy and over-policing. 

Despite reassurances from officials, the debate underscores ongoing skepticism from residents and local leaders alike. As discussions continue, the council appears divided on whether the cameras should remain in place or if further adjustments are needed to restore public trust in the system.

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Palm Bay City Manager Search Moves Forward as Council Prepares for Interviews

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Palm Bay, FL – Following the controversial firing of former City Manager Suzanne Sherman, the Palm Bay City Council is moving forward in its search for a permanent replacement. With 115 applications submitted before the February 28th deadline, the selection process is now underway, with critical decisions looming in the coming weeks.

Interim City Manager Scott Morgan has outlined the next steps in the hiring process, emphasizing a structured approach to narrowing down candidates. Two retired city managers from Central Florida volunteered their time to assist in reviewing applications at no cost to the city. They categorized applicants into three tiers: highly qualified, well qualified, and less qualified. The council received this analysis on Friday, March 7.

At an upcoming City Council meeting on Thursday, March 20, council members will discuss their top five choices for interviews. If a candidate appears in multiple selections, they will likely be invited to an in-person interview. However, the final number of candidates to be interviewed will be determined by council consensus. Interviews are scheduled to take place in a special council meeting on Saturday, March 29. The goal is for the council to finalize its choice by the end of March, allowing time for thorough background checks before making a formal job offer in April.

According to Morgan, the city aims to have the new City Manager under contract by May 1, though the official start date will depend on the selected candidate’s availability. “We are looking for stability,” Morgan emphasized. “This is a crucial hire, and we need someone who will commit to Palm Bay long-term.”

The city has enlisted additional resources to ensure a smooth selection process, with council members individually reviewing applications and preparing their recommendations ahead of the March 20 discussion. Morgan stressed that transparency will be a key component, with all major deliberations taking place in public meetings.

The 115 applicants bring a range of backgrounds, including experience in municipal administration, finance, infrastructure management, and public safety. Some candidates have held leadership positions in city government, while others bring private-sector management expertise. Among them are individuals with experience in crisis management, economic development, sustainability planning, and urban infrastructure.

One of the more controversial applicants is Gregg Lynk, Palm Bay’s former City Manager who was fired in 2018. An FBI recording later resurfaced, allegedly capturing Lynk offering a city councilman a vehicle allowance in exchange for favorable votes. His attempt to return to the position has raised concerns among residents and council members alike.

In recent years, the City Manager position has come with a salary around $240,000 per year. Both Suzanne Sherman, who held the role before being terminated, and Interim City Manager Scott Morgan earned salaries in this range, with Morgan’s salary prorated for the duration of his service. 



With interviews set for March 29, residents and officials alike are watching closely. The council must balance experience, leadership skills, and integrity when making their decision. The stakes are high—Palm Bay has faced significant governance challenges in recent years, and the next City Manager will play a critical role in shaping the city’s future.

Following the interviews, the council will conduct extensive background checks on finalists before making a formal offer. The selected candidate will need to negotiate a contract with the city, which will then be voted on in a public meeting. While the council hopes to have a new City Manager in place by May, the timeline could shift depending on negotiations and candidate availability.

Palm Bay Live will continue providing updates as the selection process unfolds, ensuring that residents stay informed on one of the most important leadership transitions in the city’s recent history.

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Palm Bay – Structure Fire – Homicide Investigation

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PALM BAY, FLORIDA (March 6, 2025): 

On March 3rd at 11:47pm, Officers responded to a structure fire with reports of severe injuries on the 500 block of Balue Ln. Officers encountered a severely burned male and female, along with two other individuals. The male and female were airlifted to Orlando and the other two individuals were transported to a local hospital for smoke inhalation. 

The female has been identified as 67-year-old, Louella Mitchel and has succumbed to her injuries. Her brother, 65-year-old Mitchell Henry is still in critical condition. Investigators have been working diligently to determine the circumstances and motive surrounding this incident. After several interviews and a review of the evidence, this incident is being investigated as a homicide. 

We want to assure the community that this was an isolated incident and that there is no threat to the community.

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Did Palm Bay Hire an Outside Law Firm to Investigate Its Police Chief—Then Shut It Down?

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Editor’s Note (03/04/2025): Palm Bay Live has received new information related to this story. For additional context, including email correspondence between Fisher and city officials, please see the addendum at the bottom of this article.

PALM BAY, Fla. — A public records request by Palm Bay Live has revealed that the city retained RumbergerKirk, a well-known law firm, to investigate allegations of police misconduct, abuse of power, and a toxic work culture within the Palm Bay Police Department (PBPD). These allegations, brought forth by former Deputy Chief Lance Fisher, included claims against Chief Mariano Augello regarding the misuse of police resources and a culture of favoritism and retaliation within the department.

However, before the investigation could be completed, Palm Bay’s interim city manager abruptly ordered it to be shut down.

A February 20, 2025, document obtained through public records confirms that Palm Bay’s City Attorney Patricia Smith received a report from RumbergerKirk, detailing their review of allegations brought forward by former Deputy Chief Lance Fisher.

The firm was assigned to evaluate claims that Chief Augello misused police resources to target an Oxford House sober living facility near his home, directed officers to harass residents of the facility to push them out, and fostered a culture of favoritism and retaliation within the department.

RumbergerKirk requested interviews with both Fisher and Augello. Fisher’s attorney, Sawyer Frescoln, declined the request on Fisher’s behalf, citing ongoing litigation. Augello agreed to be interviewed, but the investigation was terminated before his interview took place.

Palm Bay’s Interim City Manager Scott Morgan ordered that the inquiry be terminated on February 6, 2025.

In a written statement included in the firm’s report, RumbergerKirk confirmed:

“On February 6, 2025, we were informed by Ms. Patricia Smith that Interim City Manager, Scott Morgan, directed her to end the investigation.”

“Due to the complaining witness’ unwillingness to provide a statement and the decision to terminate this investigation, no findings have been made. RumbergerKirk has ended its investigation and is providing this report to Ms. Patricia Smith.”

While there is no current investigation, public records show that an external inquiry was authorized, initiated, and then shut down before reaching any conclusions.

At a recent Palm Bay City Council meeting, Mayor Rob Medina asked Interim City Manager Scott Morgan whether there had been any investigative action related to allegations against the police chief.

“Are you able to clarify the investigative portion of that?” Medina asked.

“To my knowledge, there is no active investigation,” Morgan responded.

City Attorney Patricia Smith also reinforced this stance, stating:
“There is no active investigation.”

While these statements are accurate, they do not acknowledge that an investigation was in fact initiated—only to be discontinued.

Fisher, who has been speaking out for nearly a year, has repeatedly claimed that Palm Bay’s police leadership prioritizes loyalty over accountability. He has alleged that PBPD leadership filed false police reports, misled the media, promoted officers based on favoritism rather than merit, and failed to address excessive use-of-force incidents.

At the latest City Council meeting, Fisher reiterated his concerns. He has referenced multiple cases where officers involved in violent arrests—some resulting in serious injuries or paralysis—were not held accountable.

While city officials deny any active investigation, PBPD has also responded to allegations of misconduct.

In a prior statement, the department said:

“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.”

With the investigation shut down before any determinations were made, the question remains—why did Palm Bay authorize an external review, only to cancel it before reaching any conclusions?

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

For transparency, Palm Bay Live is making the full RumbergerKirk investigative report available to the public. Below is the official document sent to the City of Palm Bay regarding the now-terminated investigation: 

Police Department Investigation

Addendum: Email Correspondence Between Fisher and City Officials

Since the publication of this article, Palm Bay Live has obtained email correspondence related to Fisher’s claim that he attempted to raise concerns with city officials.

On September 6, 2024, Fisher requested a meeting with city officials, including Mayor Rob Medina, to discuss his concerns about the Palm Bay Police Department’s leadership and culture. In response, Medina advised Fisher to continue discussions with his attorney and city staff.

Separately, on September 10, 2024, City Attorney Patricia Smith sent an email stating that the city had not taken retaliatory action against Fisher and that whistleblower complaints must be submitted in writing to be considered under city policy.

Palm Bay Live will continue following this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

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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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