The qualifying period for Palm Bay’s upcoming elections in August and November ended on Friday, June 14th. Included in this article are Financial Disclosures (FORM 6) Filed by 10 Candidates.
In a related development, a federal judge recently blocked a 2023 Florida law that required municipal elected officials to disclose detailed financial information. The ruling came after numerous officials, including 10 out of the 19 Palm Bay candidates, filed the required Form 6 disclosures. The law was challenged for potentially violating First Amendment rights, and the judge sided with municipal officials, issuing a preliminary injunction just weeks before the filing deadline. According to the City Clerk’s office, the list of candidates for Palm Bay City Council has been finalized for the upcoming primary election on August 20, 2024, and the special election in November for Seat 5. Amidst much anticipation, the roster has been solidified, with Randy Foster (Seat 3) and Nathan Timothy White (Seat 5) notably absent from the list of qualified candidates.
Councilman Foster, who made headlines in 2020 by securing a record-breaking 33,858 votes, recently returned to his council duties following a severe health scare. Foster was hospitalized in early March and fell into a diabetic coma, which led to his frequent absence from council meetings. Despite his recovery and return to duties, Foster did not file to qualify for the upcoming election, marking a significant development in the race.
Nathan White, a lifelong Palm Bay resident, had planned to run for City Council Seat 5 but also did not file to qualify for the election. White previously ran for City Council Seat 4 in 2022.
The candidates vying for Seat 3 include Alfy Ramsay Agarie, Michael J. Bruyette, Peter J. Filiberto, David Anthony Kearns, Chandler Langevin, and Eileen Sepp. Alfy Ramsay Agarie is a new addition to the list. He has previously run for public office, including a bid for mayor, but has not held a seat on the City Council.
With Foster out of the race, the dynamics of the election for Seat 3 could shift significantly. The residents of Palm Bay will be watching closely as the candidates campaign in the lead-up to the primary election on August 20, 2024.
In addition to the Seat 3 candidates, the City Clerk’s office has confirmed the following candidates for other offices:
Office of Mayor:
Rob Medina – qualified June 10, 2024
Edith M. Rivera – qualified June 12, 2024
Tatiana Rosado – qualified June 13, 2024
Santa Isabel Wright – qualified June 12, 2024
City Council Seat 2:
Donny J. Felix – qualified June 10, 2024
Richard ‘Mike’ Hammer – qualified June 12, 2024
Patric McNally – qualified June 12, 2024
Special Election – City Council Seat 5 (November 5, 2024):
Brevard County, FL- This morning, the Brevard Public School Board voted in favor of the expansion of our Sheriff Training On Site Marshall Program (S.T.O.M.P.) to include district personnel who meet specific qualifications to serve as Guardians. Safety is Brevard Public Schools (BPS) number one priority for all students and staff, and the inclusion of Guardians to supplement our School Resource Officers and School Security Specialists, will further support our mission to serve every student with excellence as the standard.
The expansion allows employees the opportunity to apply to be a school-based guardian. The program is voluntary and only employees who are not assigned to a classroom, and as outlined in the terms of their Brevard Federation of Teacher bargaining contract, may volunteer and/or qualify.
All employee volunteers who qualify for, and are accepted into, the S.T.O.M.P. program will undergo employment vetting, and must successfully complete the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office S.T.O.M.P training requirements before completion. Employee volunteers who advance, will have no law enforcement authority in any capacity, except in the extent necessary to prevent or stop an active assailant incident at any Brevard Public School’s site.
BPS Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell noted: “This is an additional layer of security for our schools. While this program is new to Brevard, it is not new to Florida as numerous other districts have had Guardians in schools for several years. The individuals who will be in the program are not classroom teachers or other positions that are part of the instructional staff covered by the teacher contract. All Guardians will have to go through the same screening process and intensive training that is required by our School Safety Specialists. I am thankful that we have employees who are willing to volunteer to serve in these positions. I am also grateful for the strong partnership we have the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office which provides such rigorous training.”
S.T.O.M.P. was formed by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), in partnership with Brevard Schools, following the tragic events which occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018. In accordance with the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act (Florida Senate Bill 7026), S.T.O.M.P. was developed and has served as our program which oversees all School Resource Officers and Security Specialists within Brevard Public Schools sites.
Training is currently slated to begin July 2024, through collaboration with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.
For requests regarding further information on S.T.O.M.P. training, please contact the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. For media inquiries or further information regarding BPS’ role in S.T.O.M.P., please contact: [Ryan Dufrain] [Assistant Superintendent to Human Resources] [321-633-1000 ext. 11200] [dufrain.ryan@brevardschools.org]
Palm Bay, FL — Peter Filiberto, who resigned from the Palm Bay City Council following DUI and drug charges, has officially filed to run for Palm Bay City Council Seat 3. Filiberto returns to politics after a turbulent period marked by legal issues and public controversy.
Filiberto was arrested on February 11, 2023, following a brief police chase that led to charges of DUI, reckless driving, and possession of 10 grams of cocaine. Court records indicate that state attorneys later dropped the reckless driving charge and dismissed other charges. Filiberto was sentenced to 24 months of supervised probation for the cocaine charge and 12 months for the DUI charge. Additionally, he was ordered to pay over $1,600 in court costs and fines, had his driver’s license revoked for six months, and was required to complete 50 hours of community service.
His resignation from the council came six days after the arrest, following a council vote to send a letter to Governor Ron DeSantis demanding his removal. State Representative Randy Fine and Mayor Rob Medina faced criticism for not demanding Filiberto’s resignation sooner.
Seat 5, which Filiberto vacated, has remained empty. A special election is scheduled for November to fill the position. Filiberto has chosen to run for Seat 3, currently held by Councilman Randy Foster, who is not expected to seek re-election due to health issues.
Filiberto’s candidacy has sparked criticism from the community and his political opponents. Chandler Langevin, one of his opponents for Seat 3, stated, “This individual has already betrayed the public’s trust once in an egregious manner. Had the judge done her job and levied a felony conviction on him then he would not legally be allowed to run again. This individual should be thankful he got off so easily and retired from public life. His insistence on running shows a level of selfishness and immaturity that is not reflective of a leader or a man of integrity.”
In addition to Filiberto and Langevin, the race for Seat 3 includes candidates Eileen Mary Sepp, David Anthony Kearns, and Michael J. Bruyette. The primary election for Palm Bay City Council Seat 3 and other city offices is set for August 20, 2024.
This article is the second installment of an investigative series on charter schools by Palm Bay Live. Stay tuned for subsequent parts, where we will delve deeper into the intricacies and impact of charter schools in Florida’s education system.
Governor DeSantis approved House Bill 1259 last year, which updated how charter schools receive capital outlay funds. This legislation allows for a reduction of funds previously allocated to traditional public schools’ capital expenditures, to now support charter schools. It sets out a phase-out of existing funding restrictions, allowing charter schools to access revenues from the discretionary 1.5 millage local tax. Charter schools must also commit to returning any publicly funded assets to the district in the event of closure.
Proponents argue that the law is a step toward ensuring that charter school students are not disadvantaged in terms of capital outlay funding, which has historically been lower per student compared to traditional public schools. They claim that this approach recognizes the evolving role of charter schools and ensures that funding is student-centered, following students to their chosen public educational institutions. Critics, however, say this shift may impose financial burdens on public school districts. They highlight the risk of diverting essential funds from schools that have longstanding public accountability and infrastructure requirements.
The law is part of a broader legislative effort, including other educational initiatives like HB 891, which pilots year-round schooling in five districts in the 2024-25 school year. This initiative aims to address learning loss and juvenile crime rates that rise with summer temperatures.
Charter Schools and the Battle Over Public Dollars
Funding for Florida’s charter schools, particularly through property taxes, has been a significant area of contention. A 2023 proposal that sparked debate would have required school districts to share local property-tax revenue with charter schools based on the schools’ proportionate share of total school district enrollment.
Charter schools have recently won significant funding battles. In one instance, a court ruled that charter schools in Palm Beach County are entitled to a cut of tax dollars from a property-tax increase approved by voters, which was initially intended for traditional public school safety and teacher pay improvements. In 2022, another appeals court ruled that charter schools are entitled to receive a share of property-tax money approved by voters.
Recently, the conversation around the allocation of these funds took a more contentious turn in Broward County. At the heart of this latest dispute is Manny Diaz, Jr., Florida’s Education Commissioner, who has been a prominent advocate for charter schools. During his tenure as a state lawmaker, Diaz was instrumental in shaping policies that have made Florida a fertile ground for charter school expansion, partly through significant campaign contributions from the school choice sector.
This advocacy has continued into his role as Education Commissioner, where he is now ensuring that charter schools receive millions in public funds — funds initially set aside for traditional public schools in Broward County. The crux of the matter dates back to a tax referendum approved by Broward voters in 2018, aimed at raising funds for school safety and teacher pay improvements. Legal and legislative changes since then have mandated that these funds be shared with charter schools, a move that has led to lawsuits from charter schools demanding their share.
State officials have taken a firm stance on the issue, asserting that Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) owes around $80 million to charter schools in the district. This claim has led to heightened tensions and legal battles, with BCPS arguing that such a payout could severely impact its budget. The state’s response has been unequivocal, with Diaz and the State Board of Education demanding compliance and threatening sanctions for non-compliance, underscoring the ongoing tug-of-war over public education funding in Florida.
Amid these financial disputes, BCPS is facing significant challenges due to a years-long loss in enrollment, with a decrease of 57,857 students since the 2004/05 school year. During the same period, charter school enrollments have seen a corresponding increase of 26,559 students. This decline has escalated financial pressures, leading to the “Redefining Our Schools” initiative aimed at addressing the issue of under-enrollment and inefficiencies across the district. Under the proposed plans, BCPS has presented a drastic step of closing three schools: Olsen Middle in Dania Beach, Oakridge Elementary in Hollywood, and Broward Estates Elementary in Lauderhill. Additionally, plans for grade reconfiguration at Pines Middle, Hollywood Central Elementary, and Sunland Park Academy, as well as public-private partnerships for Quiet Waters Elementary, Deerfield Beach Elementary, and Tedder Elementary, have been laid out as part of the district’s restructuring efforts.
In a significant shift in education funding, Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 1 into law in 2023, dramatically expanding access to school vouchers across Florida. This legislation broadened school voucher access, which can impact the funding landscape for both charter and traditional public schools. By removing income and enrollment limitations, the bill extended voucher eligibility to nearly all Florida families, stirring concerns over the redirection of funds traditionally allocated to public schools.
The expanded school voucher program in Florida, as of 2023, allows all K-12 students to be eligible for private school scholarships, averaging around $7,700. This can cover tuition and other educational expenses like private tutoring. There’s also a provision for homeschooled students, limited to 20,000 this school year. Additionally, there’s a $750 transportation scholarship for public school students attending schools outside their neighborhood.
PALM BAY, FLORIDA – At around noon this afternoon, the Palm Bay Police Department received a call about a shooting south of Malabar Road and St Johns Heritage Parkway. Police located an individual with a gunshot wound who was airlifted to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The individual was part of a crew hired to work on some trees in the area west of the city’s shooting ranges. Palm Bay detectives and crime scene investigators are currently on scene working diligently to determine the origin of the bullet and the circumstances surrounding this incident. We can confirm the shooting did not involve any members of the Palm Bay Police Department. The investigation is underway and additional details will be provided as they become available.
At approximately 9:01 PM on Sunday, May 19, 2024, West Melbourne Officers responded to US 192 and Meadowlane Avenue regarding a traffic crash involving a vehicle and two pedestrians. Upon arrival, officers discovered two individuals, a male and a female laying in the roadway with life-threatening injuries; both individuals were taken to a local area hospital. The male victim, identified as 45 year old Bernard Aloyious Letzinger of West Melbourne succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The female victim is listed in critical but stable condition. The driver of the vehicle remained on scene and cooperated with Law Enforcement. This crash is under investigation as Traffic Homicide Investigators work to determine the cause of the crash. If anyone has any information about this incident, please contact the West Melbourne Police Department at 321-723-9673.
Over the past few weeks, there has been a noticeable increase in dangerous and unlawful activities in the area known as the compound. These actions not only violate state law and city ordinances but also pose significant safety risks to participants, pedestrians, and other motorists. This weekend there were hundreds of dirt bikes and other recreational vehicles congregating in this area. Officers responded and were able to disperse the large group, restoring order and safety. Our efforts were focused on ensuring the welfare of residents, pedestrians, and other motorists in the area. While no arrests were made during the initial response, the incident was captured on officer’s body worn cameras and will be used to identify and hold accountable those who choose to return and engage in illegal activities.
The Palm Bay Police Department will continue to have a police presence in this area to deter future incidents. We urge residents to report any suspicious activity or gatherings to police immediately. Public cooperation is essential in addressing this issue. Furthermore, we will continue to work closely with city officials and our community to develop long-term strategies to prevent illegal activities or gatherings which pose a threat to public safety. We understand the concerns of the community regarding activities in the compound and are committed to taking all necessary actions to address this issue.
How you can help. If you have any information about incidents, please contact the Palm Bay Police Department at 321-952-3456 option 0 or for emergencies 9-1-1. Follow us on social media and attend community meetings to stay updated on our efforts and how you can contribute to keeping our neighborhood safe. We thank you for your cooperation and continued support.
This article is the first installment of an investigative series on charter schools by Palm Bay Live. Stay tuned for subsequent parts, where we will delve deeper into the intricacies and impact of charter schools in Florida’s education system.
The emergence of charter schools and the expansion of school vouchers are stirring significant debate and shaping the future of schooling in the Sunshine State. With Republican Governor Ron DeSantis at the helm, Florida is witnessing changes in how education is funded, where schools are situated, and who has access to these alternative educational options.
The Evolution and Impact of Charter Schools in Florida
Florida’s charter schools have become an integral part of the state’s educational framework since their inception in 1996. As of the 2022-23 school year, the Sunshine State boasts 726 charter schools across 46 districts, serving a diverse student population of over 382,367.
The student body in Florida’s charter schools is notably diverse, with 71% of students in the 2022-23 school year coming from minority backgrounds. Hispanic students represent the largest group, making up 46% of charter school enrollment, followed by African-American students at 18%.
Despite the competitive and scrutinized process reflected in the fluctuating charter school application approval rates, Florida has seen a steady increase in the number of high-performing charter schools. As of October 2023, there are 231 schools designated as high-performing.
Charter Schools Overview
Understanding Charter Schools
Charter schools aim to provide an alternative to the conventional public school experience, highlighting benefits like reduced class sizes and curricula that cater to specific educational needs. Their expansion is closely tied to the state’s voucher program, which enables families to allocate government funds towards private schooling options, including charter schools.
Charter schools in Florida are governed by performance contracts, known as “charters,” which are agreements between the schools’ governing bodies and their sponsoring school districts. These schools are granted operational charters, usually for up to five years, with renewals contingent on their performance outcomes.
According to the Florida Department of Education, charter schools welcome students from across their district. However, they can focus their programs on particular groups, such as students of certain ages, those at risk of dropping out, or those who fulfill specific academic criteria set by the school. Specific groups of students, including children of the school’s staff or governing board members, employees of the school’s corporate partners, and students assigned from underperforming schools, can also be given priority to attend charter schools.
Funding for Charter Schools
Charter schools receive taxpayer dollars, just like traditional schools, to cover expenses from teacher salaries to educational resources. “Charters have access to additional funding streams from the federal charter schools programs to cover start-up costs, expansions, and facilities,” explains Carol Burris, Executive Director of the Network for Public Education. “However, the original promise that charters would be free from regulation in order to innovate and provide an education at lower cost has not been met in Florida as the state’s politicians have favored the sector over public schools.”
Unlike public schools, which are overseen by elected boards, charter schools are governed by nonprofit organizations and, at times, private companies. According to Carol Burris, half of all Florida charter schools are operated by for-profit organizations, including major national chains like Academica and Charter Schools USA. Charter schools are required to report on their educational quality and financial operations to their sponsors. They risk being shut down if they do not achieve their set goals. Just like with their traditional public school counterparts, the Department of Education reviews charter schools’ performance yearly.
Florida’s charter schools receive their primary funding from the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP) based on the number of enrolled students. Financial support for these schools encompasses a blend of state and local funds, including discretionary lottery funds and contributions from the school district’s discretionary millage levy.
In addition to state funding, charter schools may be eligible for capital outlay funding, which can be crucial for securing facilities and initiating operations. This funding can come from both state and federal sources and provides financial support for the establishment and expansion of charter school facilities.
Furthermore, charter schools can benefit from voter-approved local tax referendums, which allocate funds for specific purposes such as campus security expenses and teacher compensation. These referendums, approved by voters in various counties, signify a community commitment to supporting public education initiatives.
Recent legal rulings and legislative measures have further clarified the funding landscape for charter schools in Florida. Courts have mandated that school districts share tax revenue generated by voter-approved referendums with charter schools, ensuring equitable distribution of funds. Additionally, state legislation passed in 2019 specifies that charter schools should receive a proportionate share of property tax dollars for operational needs.
To qualify for capital outlay funding, charter schools must meet specific criteria outlined in state statutes. This includes factors such as being in operation for a minimum of two years, having a governing board established in the state for the same duration, and demonstrating financial stability through annual audits that meet specified standards.
The race for Florida’s 8th Congressional District is heating up following the unexpected retirement announcement of U.S. Representative Bill Posey, 76, on April 26. This retirement, timed just as the filing deadline closed, has sparked intense discussions about its implications for the upcoming election and the choices available to the voters.
Posey, who had previously qualified for re-election and received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, cited “circumstances beyond my control” for his abrupt withdrawal. This last-minute decision has cleared the path for former state Senate President Mike Haridopolos, who had quietly filed for the primary earlier that day. Posey quickly endorsed Haridopolos, leaving him without significant opposition from other high-profile Republicans in a district that leans heavily Republican. Forty-five percent of registered voters in the district are Republican compared to 26% Democrats and 28% affiliated with other parties. Posey secured the seat by a substantial margin of nearly 30 points in the 2022 election cycle.
Mike Haridopolos, now positioned as the favored candidate, brings a mixed record into the fray. He is currently the President of MJH Consulting, based in Tallahassee. He served in the Florida House from 2000 to 2003 and in the State Senate from 2003 to 2012, culminating in a leadership role as Senate President. Throughout his tenure in the Florida Senate, Mike Haridopolos championed a distinctly conservative agenda, emphasizing fiscal austerity, education reform, and limiting government expansion.
As Senate President, he was instrumental in balancing Florida’s budget during a $4 billion shortfall without raising taxes or fees. His leadership also saw the passage of the SmartCap amendment, aimed at capping government spending, and the Health Care Freedom Amendment, which opposed federal health care mandates.
Reflecting on his tenure, Haridopolos stated, “My time in the state legislature has prepared me to hit the ground running in Congress and find ways to get things done. As Senate President, I had to work with 39 other Senators, 120 Representatives, and a Governor and Cabinet, all with differing views and priorities, to pass legislation that would benefit Floridians.”
Mike Haridopolos recently revealed his motivations for running for Congress, directly influenced by Congressman Bill Posey’s retirement. “I am running for Congress because Congressman Posey is retiring and asked me to run,” Haridopolos stated. He views Posey as a mentor whose shoes he aims to fill, bringing legislative and business expertise to tackle critical district issues such as economic improvements, border security, and national defense.
His political career, however, has not been without controversy. He has faced scrutiny, particularly over a controversial $152,000 book deal during his time at Brevard Community College. The deal, negotiated in 2003 with then-college president Thomas Gamble, paid Haridopolos to write “Florida Legislative History and Processes,” a manuscript intended as a college resource. Despite the substantial payout, the project resulted in only one available copy that never reached broader publication as initially intended. This arrangement raised significant questions about the use of taxpayer money and the deliverables associated with such contracts.
Adding to Haridopolos’s controversies is a dispute over property taxes from 2018 related to his $2.525 million home on Lansing Island, which he argued should be reduced due to environmental issues affecting the Indian River Lagoon. Citing the deteriorating condition of the lagoon, which has experienced significant ecological problems, Haridopolos contended that these issues had devalued his property, making the tax assessment unfairly high at the time. This case, reviewed by a special magistrate in 2018, could have set a precedent for property valuations in areas affected by environmental degradation.
Despite some controversies, Haridopolos has garnered significant endorsements, including from Florida Senator Marco Rubio, Florida House Representative Randy Fine, who represents a large portion of Brevard County, and Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey.
Looking ahead, Haridopolos outlined his priorities should he be elected. “My priorities will be to improve our economy, secure our border, protect national security, and put the American Dream back in reach for more families,” he elaborated. He also emphasized the unique aspects of the district that he plans to champion, such as advocating for the space industry—a foundational element of Brevard County’s identity. This includes supporting major local institutions like the Kennedy Space Center and Patrick Space Force Base. Additionally, he stressed the importance of protecting and restoring the Indian River Lagoon, a critical environmental concern for the area.
Haridopolos faces Republican contenders John Hearton of Satellite Beach and Joe Babits of Vero Beach, as well as Democrats Sandy Kennedy of Cocoa and Daniel McDow of West Melbourne. Bill Posey had more than $579,300 in cash on hand before announcing his retirement. In contrast, his potential successors report much smaller amounts: John Hearton holds $98,541, Joseph Babits has $12,628, and Democrat Daniel McDow has amassed $9,180 as of March 31st.
Palm Bay Live reached out to all candidates for comment regarding Mike Haridopolos joining the race following Bill Posey’s unexpected retirement announcement, seeking insights on their platforms and reactions. While responses were limited, Democrat Dan McDow offered a candid assessment of his new opponent.
House Seat Candidate Daniel McDow
“There’s no appreciable difference between running against Bill Posey and running against his chosen replacement, Mike Haridopolos. Both Posey and Haridopolos represent the extreme right of the Republican Party. They are anti-Reproductive Rights, anti-Environment, pro-NRA, and willing to raise the retirement age and cut benefits when it comes to Medicare and Social Security. I stand in stark relief to both of them. To replace Posey with Haridopolos is like rearranging the chairs on the Titanic. It changes nothing,” McDow stated.
McDow is particularly vocal about reproductive rights, an issue he considers the most pressing in the district, particularly in light of Florida’s stringent 6-week abortion ban. He stresses, “I consider Reproductive Rights the most important issue in this election. Florida women and girls are dying as a result of this ban. Voters must both pass Amendment 4 to enshrine the right to abortion in the Florida state constitution and elect me to Congress so I can make sure no national ban is forced down our throats.” Additionally, McDow addresses the affordability crisis, underscoring the importance of financial stability for Floridians. He supports HR 6944, aimed at bolstering the property insurance market, noting, “It’s time federal funds are used to help seniors stay in their homes and help young families qualify for mortgages.”
In contrast, Republican candidates have staked out positions on fiscal and national security concerns. John Hearton calls for a Balanced Budget Amendment and champions smaller government, while Joe Babits focuses on securing the border and implementing congressional term limits. Sandy Kennedy, another Democratic contender, champions a broad agenda that includes reproductive rights and climate action.
Primary elections are scheduled for August 20, with the general election to follow on November 5.
Wawa is celebrating its 60th anniversary today by offering a free cup of coffee size- all day (Tuesday, April 16, 2024).
Wawa is celebrating its 60th anniversary today by offering a free cup of coffee size- all day (Tuesday, April 16, 2024). Dubbed “Wawa Day” customers that are not a coffee lover can get Tea, juice, lemonade, and a special birthday cake doughnut for just 60 cents. Wawa opened its first store in Folsom, Pennsylvania, in 1964. The East Coast staple now has more than a thousand locations throughout the country.
