Your Community Website
Your Community Website

Date/Time:

Advertise Here
Donation Accepted
Menu

Must Read

Palm bay live_article-02-02

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

, , , 2

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.

Palm-Bay-Parks-and-Recreation-600

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

, , 0

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.

PALM BAY FIRE DEPARTMENT FIRE TRUCK

Palm Bay – Structure Fire – Homicide Investigation

, , 0

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.

Police Chief article

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

, , , 0

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.

processed-1448F8C7-9475-4311-B3FA-D2F2A8D2E8C0 (1)

City of Melbourne Police Officers and Employees Recognized for Exceptional Service

, , 0

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.

 

school_zone_camera

Palm Bay School Zone Speed Camera Project Paused

, , 0

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.

1200x628 article

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

, , 2

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.

PALMBAYPD

Palm Bay Police Face New Scrutiny Over Wrongful Arrest Lawsuit

, 0

PALM BAY, Fla. — Amid growing concerns over police conduct, Palm Bay Police Department (PBPD) is facing another lawsuit, this time from a Georgia woman who says she was wrongly arrested, jailed for days, and extradited to Florida—all because of a stolen driver’s license used by someone else.

Karen Maloof, 54, has filed a federal lawsuit against PBPD and Officer Cody Spaulding, accusing them of failing to conduct a proper investigation before issuing a warrant for her arrest. The lawsuit alleges that had basic investigative steps been followed, her wrongful detention could have been avoided.

Maloof was arrested at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in May 2023, just as she was about to board a flight to Scotland. Federal officers detained her, informing her of an outstanding warrant in Palm Bay, Florida, for grand theft auto, larceny, and fleeing from justice, despite the fact that Maloof had never set foot in the city.

According to court filings, Maloof’s driver’s license was stolen in 2017 and later used by an unknown suspect to rent a U-Haul van online. When the van was never returned, Palm Bay police pursued criminal charges against Maloof, even though the booking process used a different email address and a false phone number.

The lawsuit alleges that Officer Spaulding failed to verify key details before submitting a probable cause affidavit that led to Maloof’s arrest. According to the suit, he made no attempt to contact Maloof at her Georgia residence, did not confirm the identity of the person in U-Haul’s rental records, and ignored discrepancies in the address provided by the thief.

Maloof was held in jail for three days before her husband posted bail. The charges were later dropped, but the legal ordeal left her traumatized and with thousands in legal expenses.

“All this fear, trouble, and legal expenditure could have been avoided but for the lack of care on behalf of Defendant Spaulding, the City of Palm Bay, and the City of Palm Bay Police Department,” the lawsuit states.

Maloof’s lawsuit comes as PBPD faces growing scrutiny over use-of-force incidents and allegations of leadership failures. As previously reported by Palm Bay Live, former Deputy Chief Lance Fisher has spoken out about what he describes as a culture of favoritism and a failure to hold officers accountable.

“We as a staff recognized that a specific squad had several questionable uses of force incidents,” Fisher told Palm Bay Live.

His concerns include multiple incidents where individuals suffered severe injuries during arrests. In one case, an officer tased a man off a moving motorcycle, breaking his clavicle and five ribs. That same officer was later involved in the arrest of Thomas Farley, who was tased multiple times and left paralyzed after falling from a fence.

Fisher also pointed to what he describes as leadership failures, claiming PBPD prioritizes loyalty over accountability.

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

Concerns over PBPD’s internal culture have sparked scrutiny. While allegations have been raised regarding Chief Mario Augello, the Public Information Officer confirms that there is no active investigation into him by any outside entity or law firm.

In a previous statement regarding allegations of misconduct, the department defended its policies and practices:

“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.”

With multiple lawsuits now facing PBPD, questions remain about the department’s handling of arrests and internal oversight.

Maloof’s case will proceed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.

Correction: A previous version of this report stated that an external investigation was underway into Chief Mario Augello. The Public Information Officer has since confirmed that there is no active investigation by any outside entity or law firm.

1200x628

Southwest Airlines Announces Layoffs

, , 0

Nationwide News:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

stormwater

City of Palm Bay Issues Notice to Proceed for Infrastructure Repairs on Norwood Street NE

, 0

The City of Palm Bay has issued a Notice to Proceed to Don Luchetti Construction, Inc. for critical stormwater and utilities infrastructure repairs on Norwood Street NE. The contract, valued at an amount not to exceed $3,132,314, is a critical step in addressing damage sustained during Hurricane Milton in October 2024.

On the evening of October 9, 2024, powerful storm bands from Hurricane Milton caused a catastrophic embankment washout along Norwood Street NE when an outfall structure to the Melbourne Tillman canal failed. This failure resulted in the exposure and structural failure of critical infrastructure, including storm drainage systems, potable water lines, and a force main line.

In response, the City of Palm Bay’s Public Works and Utilities Departments implemented emergency stabilization measures to prevent further damage and restore essential services. Crews worked tirelessly overnight to install emergency repairs, including securing the embankment with telephone poles and straps. Within 24 hours, a temporary stormwater pipe was installed to slow further erosion, and additional dirt was delivered and backfilled to reinforce the area. These temporary measures remain in place, with pumps on standby to prevent further erosion in the event of significant rainfall. However, a permanent solution is urgently needed to protect the City’s infrastructure.

Following a comprehensive evaluation process, Don Luchetti Construction, Inc. was selected to complete the repair project. The contract includes a 100% public construction bond to ensure the project’s timely completion. The scope of work includes:

  • Utility Line Stabilization: Scheduled for completion within 60 days to secure vital water and sewer lines.
  • Stormwater Repairs: Expected to be completed within 180 days, include the installation of a baffle box, a box culvert from Norwood Road to the south of the lift station, and two 72-inch pipes to improve stormwater drainage into the canal.

These improvements will enhance long-term infrastructure resilience, particularly for the adjacent utility lift station and the maintenance of both the lift station and the baffle box. The contract was executed on February 6, with the contractor mobilizing the week of February 17.

The City of Palm Bay appreciates the patience and cooperation of residents as we work to complete these necessary repairs. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this project, please contact Tim Roberts, Utilities Project Manager, at (321) 952-3410.

Load More