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March 24 2021

Palm Bay Names New Deputy City Manager

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Palm Bay – City Manager Suzanne Sherman has named Joan Junkala-Brown as Palm Bay’s new Deputy City Manager. Prior to her promotion to Deputy City Manager, Junkala-Brown served as the City’s Director of Community and Economic Development and as the Administrator for the Bayfront Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). In her capacity as Director, Ms. Junkala-Brown oversaw the day-to-day operations of the City’s economic development programs and initiatives, state and federal housing and community development programs, citywide grant management and legislative priorities, as well as public communications. Junkala-Brown joined the City of Palm Bay in early 2019 as the City’s Bayfront Administrator.

“I am excited to promote Joan into this key leadership position. Through hard work and dedication, Joan has already proven her value to the organization. I am confident that she will continue to serve our City with integrity and professionalism, and I look forward to her support of our team as we move our great City forward into the future,” said City Manager Suzanne Sherman.

In her new role as Deputy City Manager for the City of Palm Bay, Junkala-Brown will assist in the management of daily operations and special projects with direct supervision of the City’s development departments.

Junkala-Brown previously served as the Economic Development Specialist for Broward County before relocating to the Space Coast to serve as the Economic Development manager for the City of Cocoa. She holds a Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning from Florida Atlantic University and is currently pursuing her Master of Public Administration at the Florida Institute of Technology. Ms. Junkala-Brown holds various economic development certifications for the International Economic Development Council and serves on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee for the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast.

“It is a great honor to have been selected as the new Deputy City Manager and I look forward to continuing to serve the City in this capacity. I am grateful for this opportunity and appreciate the confidence of the City Manager and City Council,” said Junkala-Brown.

March 24 2021

West Melbourne-Cops On the Coop

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The Special Olympics is a global movement of people creating a new world of inclusion and community where every single person is accepted and welcomed regardless of their ability or disability. The West Melbourne Police Department supports this movement and has once again teamed up with Chick-Fil-A and community leaders to host the Second Annual Cops On The Coop Fundraiser.

On Friday, March 26th from 6PM to 9PM, at 835 Palm Bay Rd., several community leaders will be charged with failing to obey the Chick-Fil-A standard of “Eat More Chicken” and turned over to the Chick-Fil-A Cow Warden. They will be secured on the roof of the business until their bonds are paid and they need your help posting bond. Please come out for a fun night of live music, police vehicle displays and much more to help raise money for this event. All donations are accepted and for every $5 donation made you will receive a gift card for a Chick-Fil-A sandwich. For more information go to the West Melbourne Police Department’s Facebook Page or you can contact the West Melbourne Police Department.

March 18 2021

Business of the Month-Palm Bay’s Business Friendly’s Subs & More thrives through the Pandemic

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Friendly’s Subs & More, a deliciously casual restaurant local to Palm Bay, is serving mouthwatering sub and breakfast sandwiches, American classics like wings, and even signature desserts.

Business partners Leticia Thompson and Sophie Exantus started this Palm Bay gem, with help from business manager Monica Thompson. Palm Bay Live sat down with these female entrepreneurs to learn more about their restaurant and their inspiration.

How did you get started in the restaurant business and who or what has been your inspiration?

“We used to work for Publix. Leticia for 23 years and I [Sophie] was there for twelve. We felt the transition to our own restaurant was the next logical step.”

“Additionally, my daughter and Leticia’s granddaughter were our main inspirations. We wanted to have more time with them. Unfortunately, Leticia’s daughter died not too long ago, and so Leticia has been taking care of her granddaughter as promised to her daughter. Owning our own business gives us more time to devote to family and our girls.”

“Though some days can be hectic, overall, we have the flexibility to step way when needed. The ability to take time off or cover shifts has been great. Also, as our girls get older, they have been getting more involved with the restaurant, helping with clean up and greeting the customers, which has just increased the amount of time we get to spend together.”

What were your first thoughts when entering the restaurant business?

“It is a lot and some of what we’ve encountered has been unexpected. There is a lot that we are still learning as first time business owners. Overall, though, it’s going well. We want to expand, eventually.”

Speaking of unexpected, how has Friendly’s been coping during the pandemic?

“It’s been a roller coaster. When it first hit, the place was a ghost town. Business was slow and way down. We were stressed. A few months in, it slowly started to pick up, but then it dipped again.”

“It was and is hard to predict what’s going to happen next. It’s different from week to week.”

“Last year, we thought about closing due to the uncertainty. Thankfully, one of our amazing customers actually worked with us to create a great marketing campaign. She helps us get our name out there and engage the community. We were overwhelmed when the residents of Palm Bay started coming out and showing us so much love. We had so much support that we were running out of inventory!”

“Still, we expect that we will continue to see up and downs over the next few months. But the community truly loves us.”

As women of color, what advice do you have for future female entrepreneurs?

“Customer Service is the best thing and should be a primary focus. Making sure that everyone who comes in feels at home and part of your family is so important. We treat all our customers the same and strive for everyone to be comfortable.”

You’ve mentioned that Palm Bay has been supportive. As a place to do business, why did you choose Palm Bay?

“We are originally from Miami and Fort Lauderdale. However, Leticia has been a resident of Palm Bay for over 10 years.”

“We chose Palm Bay because we love the community and felt at home. Also, when we were looking for restaurant space, we just kept being drawn to the location that we are at now. We kept coming back to look at it and it felt right so, we decided to sign the papers.”

What are your best-selling items and why do you think they are so popular?

“Our Philly Cheesesteak and Heavenly’s Pot Roast are our most popular subs. The Philly is just so tasty. While I think people love the Pot Roast because it’s unique, it’s not something you can get everywhere. We only offer it on the weekend, and it sells out every time.”

“Also, even though we are a sub shop, our “Banana Pudding” is a top seller. I think it gives customers a comfort food feeling, a felling of nostalgia.”

Your business has 4.8 stars and 130 Google reviews. How does that make you feel?

“We love it. Every time I get a pop-up notification about another 5-star review, I’m so happy that we are selling something that people appreciate. We take a lot of pride in this. Even comments about the atmosphere or customer service are so appreciated. As a team, it’s what we aim for and we love to recognize our team members for a job well done.”

“It’s safe to say that subs are something that Leticia and Sophie know well. Their time working in the Publix Deli seems to have given them a lot of experience. Sophie says, “Once we decided to get into the business, we did our research, we were so focus, and the idea just took off.”

Be sure to check out this local spot and follow the Friendly’s Subs & More Facebook Page to learn more about their upcoming Wing Madness Event.

Friendly’s Subs & More

3425 Bayside Lakes Blvd SE, Suite 106

Palm Bay, FL 32909

(321) 473-8590

Friendly's Subs & More

March 18 2021

Palm Bay to Host Hook Kids on Fishing Program

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PALM BAY, FLORIDA – Palm Bay Parks & Recreation and American Legion Post 117, in partnership with Anglers for Conservation, are proud to bring the Hook Kids on Fishing program to Goode Park in Palm Bay on Saturday, May 1 from 9-11:00am. Goode Park is located at 1300 Bianca Drive NE in Palm Bay.

This conservation-minded program is open to the public and teaches children casting, rod safety, knot tying, tackle box, and boating. Hook Kids on Fishing is taught by volunteers who are professional guides and knowledgeable anglers from surrounding communities and directed by AFC Staff. Fishing equipment is not needed to attend the event – participants need only bring smiles, positive attitudes, and patience!

Kids ages 5 to 15 are welcome and registration is free. Space is limited to 40 kids for this program, so early registration is suggested. All participating kids will receive a free rod/reel and tackle box thanks to the Fish Florida Tag. Registration will begin at noon on Monday, March 22 at AnglersForConservation.org/events.

Parent/guardian of each participant must sign a waiver and accompany children while in attendance. The event will begin promptly, so please arrive 10 minutes early to get signed in. All attendees must follow social distancing guidelines and mask regulations while at the event.

The Hook Kids on Fishing program is a product of the Anglers for Conservation, a non-profit-501-C3 with a mission to inspire new generations of marine stewards through education, conservation, and fishing. Additional sponsors include Fish Florida Foundation, Fishbites, Harry Goode’s Outdoor Shop, Shells of Melbourne, Daiichi Hooks, Yamaha Outboards and FPL.

For more information including sponsorships, donations, or registration cancellation for this event, contact Mike Conneen, Executive Director, at mike@anglersforconservation.org.

March 12 2021

Brevard County -Food Trucks Sought for Movies in the Park Program

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BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — Calling all FOOD TRUCKS! Brevard County Parks & Recreation, Central Area Operations is looking for “Food Trucks” to attend our Movies in the Park program.

Our Movies in the Park program is a growing event that takes place once a month between Rockledge and Merritt Island. We are creating a signup list to have interested Food Trucks at the event. There is a fee associated.

This is a great opportunity and we look forward to working with those interested, as it not only supports small businesses, but it also shows the local community your amazing food!
Interested parties, please send the following:
• Contact information; including your name, your business name, phone, email, and social media sites for your business.
• A written introduction about yourself and your business with all details of your operation. Include photos of your operation, equipment, vehicles and products.
• A copy of your menu with pricing.
• Food Manager Certificate
• Copy of mobile vehicle insurance and Florida driver’s license.
• Florida Department of Revenue DR-11 & DR-13
• Copy of current occupational state and county business licenses, current Brevard County Business Tax Receipt (BTR), health department permits, and insurance certificate naming Brevard County as additional insured. Your insurance must include sexual abuse and molestation coverage.

Please contact Rhonda McConnell at (321) 633-1874 or email Rhonda.McConnell@BrevardFL.gov.

Central Area Operations
840 Forrest Ave.
Cocoa, FL 32922

March 7 2021

Palm Bay Officer Involved Shooting- Suspect Arrested

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PALM BAY, FLORIDA – At 3:18 a.m., officers with the Palm Bay Police Department responded to 1900 block of Snapdragon Drive NW for a report of a suspicious vehicle. This area is located in the gated community of Parkside West near Malabar Road and St. Johns Heritage Parkway. Officers located the vehicle which was described as a black Kia SUV and conducted a traffic stop on it. As officers were making the approach, the vehicle fled towards the gate in the community. Officers were positioned at the gate which prevented the suspect from getting out. The suspect was confronted again, ultimately fleeing on foot, jumping over the gate and running towards Malabar Road. Officers chased after the suspect and attempted to subdue him with a Taser. The suspect fell to the ground and pulled a gun from his pocket. He fired several shots at the officers with the officers firing back. The suspect then ran into the woods. None of the officers were struck or injured during the altercation.

Multiple agencies responded to assist including Brevard County Sherriff’s SWAT, Melbourne SWAT, West Melbourne SWAT, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Special Operations Group, and Osceola Aviation Unit. Through all these agencies’ coordination, the suspect was located in the wooded area he was last seen running into. The suspect was not harmed during the incident. The suspect has been identified as Joseph Martin Martinez. As of now, Martinez is being charged with violation of probation for a previous armed carjacking case. Charges for today’s incident are forthcoming. All officers involved are being placed on administrative leave with pay until the conclusion of the investigation.

Following the capture and arrest of Martinez, Chief Moya made the following statement: “I am grateful for the men and women that came to our assistance today from the various law enforcement organizations. The successful capture of this suspect is due to their resilience and their true professionalism. I thank the affected residents in the vicinity of this incident for their patience and for showing us their unyielding support. Our police officers and deputies selflessly serve our communities well and any attack on them is an attack on our community. We look forward to the successful prosecution of this violent suspect.”

Investigators are not looking for anyone else involved. As charges are brought forth and new information is developed, an update will be given.

March 7 2021

Palm Bay Officer Involved Shooting.

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Police are searching for a person of interest at the present time in the area of Malabar Road and Heritage Parkway. A heavy presence of Police from Palm Bay, Melbourne, West Melbourne, Fish & Wildlife, Brevard and Osceola Sherriff office could be seen in the area.

The Person of interest is Joseph Martin Martinez a 26 year old male from the Lake worth area. Officers performed a traffic stop early this morning. Within 2 minutes, shots was fired. Resident Dan Holmes of the Malabar Lakes Community stated that around 3.31am he heard gunshots.

March 6 2021

Phil Rotondo Recognized as No. 1 Coldwell Banker Agent, Nationally, for Units Sold

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Palm Bay, Fla. (March 4, 2021) – Coldwell Banker Realty in Florida is pleased to announce that for the second consecutive year, Phil Rotondo has earned the ranking of the number one individual sales associate for total units, out of more than 96,000 Coldwell Banker® network sales professionals. Rotondo also ranks as the number one affiliated sales associate for total units in Florida.

Rotondo surpassed his total units for 2019, with a total of 409 total units sold in 2020. In addition, Rotondo is being recognized with the Coldwell Banker International Society of Excellence award.

“Phil continues to raise the bar for success with his continuous achievements in real estate. He has long been in the top ranks, which he has accomplished through hard work, dedication and expertise,” said Duff Rubin, president of Coldwell Banker Realty in Florida. “I am extremely proud of all his success and honored to have him as part of our Coldwell Banker network.”

With over 16 years of experience in real estate, Rotondo successfully meets the needs of homebuyers and sellers throughout the area. His specialties include vacant land listings and sales in all of Florida and residential properties in Brevard County. Rotondo has earned professional designations including Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), e-PRO Internet Professional and Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR). He has previously been recognized with the prestigious International President’s Premier award and is also a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and the Florida Association of REALTORS®.

March 5 2021

Grocery Leader ALDI Opens Third Melbourne-Area Store

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Melbourne, Fla. – March 4, 2021 — ALDI, a leader in the grocery industry, will offer Melbourne residents a smarter, faster and easier grocery shopping experience as it opens its newest store at 6460 N. Wickham Rd. The new location is part of the company’s national expansion plan to become the third-largest U.S. grocery retailer by store count by the end of 2022.

ALDI prides itself on setting the standard for quality and affordability, and now even more savvy shoppers can experience the ALDI difference when the new Melbourne store opens on March 18 at 9 a.m. The store will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“We are proud of our continued expansion,” said Matt Thon, Haines City division vice president for ALDI. “Opening new stores allows us to provide even more shoppers convenient access to fresh, high-quality groceries at unbeatable prices. We look forward to serving the Melbourne community at our newest location for many years to come.”

ALDI stores are purposefully designed for simplicity and efficiency. A typical store is approximately 12,000 square feet of retail space, making ALDI stores much easier to navigate than traditional grocery stores. Stores also feature open ceilings, natural lighting and are built with environmentally friendly materials. Most importantly, ALDI stores are optimized to provide the cleanest and safest shopping environment possible, as the health and safety of customers and employees is the company’s top priority. In addition, the retailer remains focused on ensuring stores are stocked with food and household essentials customers need, including healthy, convenient options and a robust selection of produce delivered fresh to stores daily.

Known as private-label pioneers, the ALDI business model is intentionally designed to offer customers high-quality products at unbeatable prices, every day. Now, more than ever, access to affordable groceries is important, and the ALDI commitment to low prices is unwavering. When it comes to value, ALDI won’t be beat on price, and for the past 10 years, ALDI has held the esteemed title of Value Leader among U.S. grocery stores, according to the Market Force Information® U.S. Grocery Competitive Study.* The retailer consistently maintains low prices by working with the best partners to curate a selection of more than 90% exclusive brands, and ALDI guarantees its products are as good as or better than national brands. In fact, 1 in 3 ALDI-exclusive products is award-winning.**

To provide customers choice and convenience in how they shop, ALDI continues to increase its e-commerce presence. ALDI grocery delivery reaches nearly 200 million Americans across more than 10,000 ZIP codes,*** and last year, ALDI quickly mobilized to meet the growing demand for grocery pickup through its accelerated curbside rollout to nearly 700 stores across the country. ALDI also remains focused on expanding curbside pickup to even more stores. Visit shop.aldi.us to place an order.

As an award-winning employer, ALDI is nationally recognized for its commitment to employees and its dedication to prioritizing employee well-being and safety. Known for offering highly competitive wages and industry-leading benefits, ALDI made the Indeed Best Places to Work: Compensation and Benefits list in 2018 and 2019. As one of the fastest-growing retailers in the U.S., ALDI is constantly creating new job opportunities and encourages local residents to apply for open store positions. To learn more about working at ALDI and search job openings, go to careers.aldi.us.

Exterior_Front_Entrance_with_ALDI_Sign_Harrisburg

February 7 2021

Palm Bay Homicide Investigation Update

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PALM BAY, FLORIDA – Since the early morning hours on Christmas Eve, detectives have continued to work tirelessly to identify those responsible for the shooting death of Tyler McCoullough. On February 5th, 2021, detectives with the Major Case Unit were able to identify two alleged shooters and obtain arrest warrants for both. Today, detectives, along with members of our Crime Suppression Unit, Special Investigations Unit, and Brevard County Sheriff’s Office GAMEOVER Task Force located both individuals and took them into custody. The suspects have been identified as Hunter Oswiecinski, 17, and Toby Gamble Jr, 23, both of Melbourne. Oswiencinski and Gamble have both been charged with 1^st degree premeditated murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

This case remains open and anyone with information is urged to contact Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477) or the call the Palm Bay Police Department at 321-952-3456.

Palm Bay Police Department detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred during the early morning hours of December 24th, 2020. Police officers responded to the area of Forest Knoll Drive and Tree Ridge Lane after receiving calls about shots being heard. Patrol officers discovered a male who had been shot multiple times. The male victim was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased by medical staff. The victim was identified as Tyler McCoullough, 33, of Palm Bay. At this time, detectives are searching for the suspect and determining a motive for the shooting. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477) or the call the Palm Bay Police Department at 321-952-3456.