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.
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:
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.
Palm Bay, Fla. – In a unanimous ruling, the Florida Supreme Court has overturned the state’s decision to disqualify former state Sen. Debbie Mayfield, allowing her to run in the special election for Senate District 19. The court’s decision, issued late Thursday, reverses the Florida Department of State’s initial ruling that Mayfield was ineligible due to term limits.
Mayfield, a longtime Republican legislator, served eight years in the Senate from 2016 to 2024 before being term-limited out. She then won a seat in the Florida House of Representatives for District 32 but resigned in an attempt to reclaim her former Senate position following the resignation of Sen. Randy Fine, R-Melbourne Beach. Fine, who was elected to Mayfield’s former Senate seat in 2024, stepped down to run for Congress in Florida’s 6th Congressional District, which includes Daytona Beach and five other counties. Fine won the Republican nomination for the congressional seat and will compete in the April 1 special election for that position.
The Florida Division of Elections initially barred Mayfield from the Senate District 19 race, citing Florida’s constitutional term limit rules. However, the Supreme Court found that because Mayfield had a break in service after leaving the Senate, she did not violate the consecutive eight-year service limit. Justice Jamie Grosshans, writing for the court, stated that “Mayfield experienced a break in service when her Senate term ended in November 2024,” which resets the clock on her consecutive years of service.
“If the people of Florida want other limitations on the time their elected officials may serve, they can incorporate such language explicitly through the constitutional amendment process,” Grosshans wrote. “Until they choose to do so, we cannot read a prohibition into the Constitution that does not exist.”
The ruling means Mayfield will now officially appear on the ballot for the April 1 Republican primary, where she will face Marcie Adkins of Grant-Valkaria, Mark Lightner III of Suntree, and Tim Thomas of Melbourne. The winner of that contest will then compete against Democrat Vance Ahrens of West Melbourne in the June 10 special general election.
In the lead-up to the Supreme Court’s decision, state officials argued that there was insufficient time to add Mayfield to the ballot before the Feb. 14 deadline for sending vote-by-mail ballots to military and overseas voters. Attorneys for Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd contended that Mayfield should have challenged her disqualification sooner, stating in a legal brief that she “had Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s to think about her candidacy” but did not take legal action until after the state had already acted.
The state’s argument also emphasized that the Secretary of State had a duty to uphold election laws, comparing Mayfield’s situation to an ineligible non-U.S. citizen or a convicted felon attempting to qualify for the ballot. The attorneys argued that term limits should apply regardless of an individual’s break in service, contending that Mayfield had waited too long to mount her challenge.
Mayfield, however, maintained that her disqualification was an overreach, arguing that the Department of State has a purely ministerial role in processing election paperwork and does not have the authority to remove candidates. The Supreme Court ultimately ruled in her favor, allowing her to remain in the race.
Mayfield’s return to the race reshapes the Republican primary, which had previously been set without her on the ballot. Following the court’s ruling, Fine expressed his support for Mayfield, stating on X, “I am thrilled the Supreme Court repudiated the ‘lawfare’ against her unanimously. Debbie stood with President Trump last year, and I know she will be a tireless fighter for his agenda in Florida.”
Election officials have confirmed that the ruling allows them to proceed as scheduled with mailing vote-by-mail ballots to overseas and military voters, followed by a mass mailing to other Republican voters on February 27.
With the Supreme Court’s ruling now final, all four Republican candidates, including Mayfield, remain in contention for the GOP nomination in what is expected to be a closely watched race. The ruling also sets a precedent for how Florida’s term limits law may be interpreted in future election cycles, particularly regarding breaks in service between terms.
Palm Bay City Councilman Chandler Langevin is once again at the center of controversy after making inflammatory comments about Muslims. Langevin, known for past remarks praising the Confederacy and aligning with Christian nationalist views, recently declared that Muslims “do not belong in this great nation.” His comments have ignited widespread condemnation, especially in Brevard County, where a large Muslim community plays an integral role in the local economy and culture.
Instead of retracting his statement, Langevin doubled down, defiantly declaring, “I said what I said.” He further escalated the situation by endorsing violent rhetoric, including advocating for bombing Lebanon to restore a Christian majority. At last night’s Palm Bay City Council meeting, residents expressed frustration and concern, demanding action from local leadership.
Palm Bay, Fla. – Former Florida Sen. Debbie Mayfield has been disqualified from running in the special election for Senate District 19 after the Florida Department of State ruled that her candidacy violated the state’s term limits law.
Mayfield, a longtime Republican legislator, previously held the Senate seat until November 2024, when she was forced out due to term limits. She subsequently won election to the Florida House of Representatives in District 32 but resigned to pursue her former Senate seat following Sen. Randy Fine’s departure to run for Congress. However, state officials determined that her bid to return to the Senate violated constitutional restrictions on consecutive service.
The ruling has sparked political tension, with Mayfield claiming the decision was politically motivated. In a statement, she accused Gov. Ron DeSantis of “weaponizing” the Department of State in retaliation for her endorsement of former President Donald Trump over DeSantis in the 2024 Republican primary.
The Florida Division of Elections has cited the state’s constitutional term limits as the reason for Mayfield’s removal from the ballot. According to the Florida Constitution, a candidate cannot run for the same office if they have already served (or would have served, barring resignation) for eight consecutive years. While some Republican strategists argue that a break in service should reset the term limit clock, the state has taken a stricter interpretation of the rule.
Mayfield has indicated that she may challenge the ruling in court, though as of now, no official lawsuit has been filed.
Republican Candidates Battle for Senate District 19
With Mayfield out of the race, the Republican primary for Senate District 19 features three candidates:
Dr. Marcie Adkins of Grant-Valkaria, a retired economist who previously ran against Fine in a 2020 Republican primary for the Florida House.
Mark Lightner III of Suntree, a business graduate and sales representative making his first run for office.
Tim Thomas of Melbourne, a former city councilman with eight years of experience in local government.
Palm Bay Live has reached out to all candidates in both the Senate District 19 and House District 32 races for comment. While some have responded, not all candidates have provided statements at this time. This article will be updated as more responses are received.
Dr. Marcie Adkins, a retired economist from Grant-Valkaria, filed to replace Mayfield in the Senate race, citing term limits as a core reason for her candidacy. Adkins, who has lived in Brevard County since 1967, told Palm Bay Live that she firmly believes in the importance of upholding term limits as voters intended.
“The voters in 1992 overwhelmingly supported term limits, and the law should reflect that,” Adkins told Palm Bay Live. “When they passed that constitutional amendment, it was crystal clear—eight years, and you’re out, just like the President and Governor.”
Beyond her focus on term limits, Adkins has built her campaign on a platform of economic policy, environmental protections, higher education, and mental health advocacy. She has stated that addressing the challenges facing small businesses and homeowners, including skyrocketing insurance rates, is one of her top priorities.
“I am sensitive to the concerns of all small business owners and Florida homeowners,” Adkins said. “We need to take real steps to address rising insurance rates and make homeownership more affordable.”
She also emphasized the need for increased mental health support in Florida, highlighting the personal impact the issue has had on her life.
“I’ve had close people in my life struggle with mental health, and it’s an issue that affects every community,” Adkins said. “We need more resources, better access to care, and a shift in how we talk about mental health in our state.”
Despite her strong conservative credentials, Adkins has also emphasized the importance of bipartisanship. She told Palm Bay Live that she admires past Florida legislators who maintained open-door policies regardless of political affiliation and that she aims to bring a similar approach to the Senate.
“I don’t like this mentality of ‘our side versus their side.’ It’s not productive,” Adkins said. “I believe in being gracious and working with people—even those I don’t always agree with. That’s what leadership should be about.”
She recalled her admiration for former Florida Sen. Patsy Kurth, who served Brevard in the 1990s. “Patsy was someone who always had time for people, no matter their political views. That’s how I want to be—I want to sit down, have conversations, and find solutions that actually help Floridians.”
Vance Ahrens: A Progressive Alternative
Democratic candidate Vance Ahrens, who secured his party’s nomination unopposed, also spoke with Palm Bay Live, positioning himself as a strong alternative to the Republican candidates in the race.
“I initially decided to run for the 2024 race because people deserve representation, and I was appalled by the lack of a Democrat to challenge Debbie Mayfield in her last term,” Ahrens said. “After running against Randy Fine only to see him abandon his promise of ‘fighting for Brevard’ in a move for more power, my focus continues to be on representing my neighbors, friends, and fellow Space Coast residents.”
Ahrens outlined his key priorities, which include improving the local economy, addressing storm damage to lower insurance rates, continuing cleanup efforts for the Indian River Lagoon, and advocating for reproductive rights.
“Like most Floridians, I believe that everyone should be able to make their own medical decisions with their doctors, not politicians,” Ahrens said.
House District 32 Special Election
The vacancy left by Mayfield’s resignation has also triggered a special election for House District 32, which covers Central and South Brevard. Several candidates have entered the race, including:
Dr. Terry Cronin (R) – A physician and business owner with strong financial backing, having raised over $274,000. Cronin has positioned himself as a pro-Trump conservative with a focus on healthcare reform, property insurance, and economic growth.
Brian Hodgers (R) – Businessman and former candidate with deep connections in the Republican Party.
Bob White (R) – Conservative activist and chairman of the Republican Liberty Caucus of Florida.
Juan Hinojosa (D) – The sole Democrat in the race, focused on expanding healthcare access and environmental protections.
A special primary election for House District 32 is set for April 1, with the general election on June 10.
Uncertainty Lingers
The controversy surrounding Mayfield’s disqualification adds further unpredictability to an already complex special election process. Randy Fine’s resignation triggered the need for both the Senate District 19 and House District 32 special elections, which will now take place concurrently. It remains to be seen whether Mayfield will move forward with a legal challenge to the state’s decision, which could further complicate the race.
For now, the Republican primary race for Senate District 19 is set, and voters will decide on April 1 who will advance to the June general election. Mayfield, meanwhile, faces a decision on whether to continue fighting her disqualification or pivot to a different political opportunity.
Retired economic consulting firm owner, Dr. Marcie Adkins of Grant-Valkaria has filed to replace Debbie Mayfield as State Senator, District 19 early Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
The seat was vacated by Randy Fine who resigned to pursue candidacy for Congressional District 6. Qualifying for this seat began yesterday, February 3, 2025 and ended today, Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at noon.
Dr. Adkins says, “I am excited and hopeful I will earn the right to serve Brevard County in this capacity.”
“In fact, serving Brevard in the Senate is a dream I remember conceiving approximately 35 years ago. In 1990, I worked as the Economist for Florida’s 1990 Taxation and Budget Reform Commission. This was my first professional job after completing the PhD program. My office was in the Holland Building, directly across the street from the Capitol. I remember sitting in the Senate Gallery thinking, “Wouldn’t that be awesome serving Brevard as its Senator one day.”
Patsy Kurth was Brevard’s Senator in 1990. She was a gracious, welcoming Senator, one I intend to emulate. As was Patsy’s policy, my office will always be open for all Brevard residents’ concerns and problems.
I am uniquely qualified to serve in this role. I have lived in Brevard longer than any other candidate, having moved to Brevard in 1967. I worked in Tallahassee for 2 years as a professional economist then started my own consulting firm which I ran for 30 years.
I am sensitive to the concerns of all small business owners and
Florida homeowners. My husband and I have owned a home in Grant-Valkaria since 1993 and I owned my own economic consulting firm for 30 years.
I will focus on insurance, the Indian River and higher education. I see the University of Central Florida as “Brevard’s University” and pledge to make their priorities, my priorities.”
The following is an opinion piece written a citizen of the community and does not reflect the views of Palm Bay Live LLC or its subsidiaries.
Palm Bay City Councilman Chandler Langevin, or as many are now calling him “The Randy Fine wannabe” & “sock puppet” has made headlines, once again, recently making statements asserting that Muslims “do not belong in this great nation” and advocating for bombing Lebanon to restore a Christian majority. News flash Chandler, The history of Islam and Christianity is deeply intertwined, sharing significant theological and historical connections. Both religions trace their origins to Abraham, recognize many of the same prophets—including Moses, David, and Jesus—and uphold similar moral teachings. Islam reveres Jesus (Isa) as a prophet and honors his mother, Mary (Maryam), more times in the Quran than she is mentioned in the Bible. For centuries, Christian and Muslim communities have coexisted, influenced each other culturally, and even preserved each other’s sacred texts and knowledge. Lebanon itself is a testament to this coexistence, historically serving as a melting pot of religions where Christians and Muslims have lived together for generations.
The suggestion that bombing Lebanon would “restore” Christianity is not only historically ignorant but morally reprehensible. Such rhetoric echoes the darkest chapters of human history, where religious intolerance led to devastating wars, genocide, and suffering. Or is this in line with the handful of MAGA’s who say the quiet parts out loud, and are afraid of their own extinctions? TRUE faith does not demand destruction; it calls for understanding, respect, and coexistence. Advocating violence in the name of any religion is a fundamental betrayal of its core teachings, although many in Brevard have come to understand the real motives of those local politicians kissing the asses of the elites and not serving EVERYONE.
Let’s move on to the contributions of Muslims in American Society and even here in Brevard County.
Muslims have been an integral part of the United States since its inception, long before you were born and definitely long after you’ve departed, contributing significantly across various sectors, including medicine, engineering, business, and the arts. In Palm Bay and the surrounding areas, Muslim-owned businesses enrich the community.
For instance, the many Restaurants in Palm Bay that offer authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, contribute to the local economy and cultural diversity in far more ways than you can imagine. How about Dr. Imami, a surgeon with Health First? How about the Honorable Judge Majeed? Just two examples of the many respected and valued members of our communities that you’re saying do not belong here. Will Health First, Brevard County Government, and others stand up and denounce this rhetoric as well!?
The importance of diversity may be lost on some, but those who value cultural understanding are willing to learn and educate others. Diverse communities consistently prove to be more innovative and economically prosperous, benefiting EVERYONE. Diversity fosters a variety of perspectives, leading to better decision-making and problem-solving.
In cities like Palm Bay, embracing residents from various cultural and religious backgrounds enhances social cohesion and economic vitality. It makes me wonder if statements like this from Chandler this will cause serious harm to those who listen to closely to politicians and take matters into their own hands. It shouldn’t be – but apparently is still – surprising that elected officials need to evaluate their words and actions extremely carefully as we’ve seen on Jan 6th at our nations capital!
The dangers of segregationist rhetoric and promoting the exclusion of any group based on religion or ethnicity is not only morally reprehensible but also poses tangible dangers. Such rhetoric can lead to increased discrimination, social fragmentation, and even violence. History has shown, despite extremist political actors such as Chandler, that societies embracing inclusivity thrive, while those that don’t often face internal strife.
The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution GUARANTEES individuals the right to practice their religion without government interference. Singling out a specific religious group contradicts these foundational values and undermines the rights that countless Americans have fought to protect.
In conclusion, Langevin’s statements not only misrepresent the Muslim community here in Brevard and the United States in a massively negative and xenophobic way, but also threaten the inclusive values that make the nation strong. It is crucial to recognize the invaluable contributions that individuals of all faiths bring to society and to uphold the principles of diversity and inclusion.
I would highly encourage you to detract the statements you’ve made in bad faith and make an equally off handed statement that you’ll work hard to earn the trust of the people in Palm Bay back. We won’t hold our breath on the latter though!
For everyone else, I would highly encourage you to give the Mayor of Palm Bay a call to express your disgust of this type of behavior and ask him to immediately denounce it.
Palm Bay, FL – The Palm Bay City Council’s recent decision to fire City Manager Suzanne Sherman has sparked significant controversy and challenges, as the council continues to navigate its search for a permanent replacement.
Last Thursday, the council voted 3-2 to terminate Sherman, who had served as City Manager since 2020. The vote, led by Councilman Chandler Langevin, was supported by Councilmembers Mike Hammer and Kenny Johnson, with Mayor Rob Medina and Councilman Mike Jaffe dissenting. Langevin defended the decision, stating that Sherman’s leadership was taking the city in the wrong direction and that “sweeping changes” were needed.
However, the firing left the council scrambling for a replacement. Department heads, including Finance Director Larry Wojciechowski and Public Works Director Valentino Perez, declined the interim role. The city’s IT Director, Brian Robinson, also resisted but was ultimately appointed as interim City Manager by a 4-1 vote, despite his protests.
During a workshop meeting on Monday, the council revisited the issue of finding long-term leadership. While Councilman Langevin proposed former City Manager Gregg Lynk for the position, his recommendation was not supported, given Lynk’s controversial past, including allegations of bribery that led to his firing in 2020.
Instead, the council turned its attention to Scott Morgan, the retired former City Manager of West Melbourne. Morgan is being considered for an interim role to help stabilize the city and assist with the recruitment of a permanent City Manager.
Council discussions reflected a focus on finding a leader who could maintain the city’s current successes while addressing critical issues like lowering the tax and millage rates.
The financial implications of Sherman’s firing remain a pressing concern. Her contract entitles her to a severance package of 20 weeks’ pay, totaling nearly $97,000, along with payouts for accrued leave. These expenses, combined with recruitment costs for a permanent replacement, could further strain the city’s budget.
As Palm Bay grapples with this leadership shake-up, residents are watching closely to see how the council handles these challenges and moves forward with its vision for the city’s future.
Stay tuned to Palm Bay Live for updates on this developing story.
The Brevard County primary election results are in, setting the stage for a series of critical runoffs and general election contests in November. Several races have been decided, while others will continue to November, with significant implications for the future governance of the region.
Palm Bay Races
In Palm Bay, Mayor Rob Medina secured a second term in office, winning 54.9% of the vote and avoiding a runoff. Medina’s victory confirms the continuation of his administration, which has focused on infrastructure improvements and public safety, despite facing various challenges during his first term.
Mayor Rob Medina
However, the Palm Bay City Council races for Seats 2 and 3 are heading to November runoffs. In the Seat 2 race, Deputy Mayor Donny Felix led with 40.2% of the vote, followed closely by Richard Mike Hammer, who received 38.4%. Patric McNally, who garnered 21.5%, has been eliminated from the race. The upcoming runoff between Felix and Hammer will determine which candidate will help shape the future of Palm Bay’s policies on growth and development.
Hammer emphasized that the success of his campaign so far is “a testament to the tireless efforts of countless supporters who shared our message of empowering residents with a voice.” He highlighted his dedication to key issues such as preventing tax increases, attracting new businesses to lower the tax burden, ensuring qualified staff, and promoting sustainable growth. “Palm Bay has faced the consequences of neglecting crucial challenges for far too long. My plan is to address these issues head-on, providing our city, its staff, and its residents with clear goals and viable options,” Hammer stated.
He also noted his positive and productive relationship with his opponent, Deputy Mayor Felix, mentioning that they have already discussed potential areas for collaboration in the lead-up to the election. “Fostering a respectful dialogue and working together, even with opposing views, is essential for the well-being of our city,” Hammer added.
The race for Seat 3, which featured a crowded field of six candidates, will also be decided in a November runoff. Chandler Langevin, who led with 27% of the vote, will face off against Alfy Ramsay Agarie, who received 21%. Langevin’s candidacy has been overshadowed by controversy, as he is currently under felony criminal investigation for allegedly misappropriating campaign funds during a previous run for state representative. The investigation, coupled with Langevin’s ties to the polarizing State Rep. Randy Fine, has made his candidacy a focal point of local political discourse. The other candidates, including Eileen Sepp, David Kearns, Peter Filiberto, and Michael Bruyette, were eliminated.
Alfy Ramsay Agarie, who emerged as a top contender for Seat 3, emphasized his priorities for Palm Bay during his campaign. “We’ve accumulated over 40,000 new residents in our city, and the infrastructure hasn’t kept up,” Agarie stated. “Right now, our infrastructure and safety are far behind where they need to be. The average response time for emergency services is 18 to 20 minutes, compared to the national average of seven to eight minutes. That’s unacceptable, and we need to focus on these priorities to make our city more comfortable and safe to live, work, and play.”
Agarie also highlighted concerns about budget management, particularly within the Public Works and Utilities departments. “These departments take a significant portion of our budget each year, but they have the capacity to generate revenue and reduce their dependence on city funds. For example, Public Works takes 27% of our budget, yet they outsource jobs that could be done in-house. By managing our budget more efficiently, we can allocate more resources to public safety, infrastructure, and other critical areas.”
Last week, in anticipation of the election results, Palm Bay City Council appointed Philip Weinberg to temporarily fill the Seat 3 vacancy left by Randy Foster, who resigned in June due to health concerns. The outcome of the November runoff will finalize the council’s composition and could significantly influence the city’s direction on key issues like public safety, infrastructure, and economic development.
Brevard County Commission District 3
In a tightly contested race for Brevard County Commission District 3, Kim Adkinson narrowly defeated John Dittmore, capturing 50.7% of the vote. Adkinson, who previously served as a Republican state committeewoman, will now face Democrat Yvonne Minus, a Melbourne City Councilwoman, in the general election. District 3, encompassing areas like West Melbourne, Palm Bay, and South Brevard County, is pivotal in shaping county policies, especially in managing growth and development.
Yvonne minus
Brevard County Commission District 5
Rep. Thad Altman secured the Republican primary for District 5 with 70.5% of the vote, defeating Ritch Workman. Altman, who previously served on the District 5 commission from 1984 to 1992 and has extensive experience in the Florida Legislature, will face Democrat Vinnie Taranto in November. Altman’s return to county-level politics was anticipated, given his extensive background, but his decisive victory over Workman, a former state representative, was significant.
Thad Altman
Altman’s previous tenure on the commission and his legislative experience have made him a well-known figure in Brevard politics. His platform focused on maintaining the county’s growth while ensuring that public services, particularly in areas like public safety, are adequately funded. Despite his political experience, Workman’s loss highlights Altman’s strong support base within the district.
State Senate District 19
Randy Fine emerged victorious in the Republican primary for State Senate District 19, securing 73.6% of the vote against Charles “Chuck” Sheridan. Fine, a controversial figure in Florida politics, has been at the center of several high-profile disputes, including efforts to remove him from the ballot over alleged paperwork issues. Despite these challenges, Fine’s strong showing in the primary underscores his influence in the district.
Randy Fine
Fine’s campaign was marked by his usual fiery rhetoric and a focus on issues like securing state funding for the Indian River Lagoon and advocating for conservative values. His victory sets up a November general election battle against Democrat Vance Ehrens. Sheridan, Fine’s opponent, has indicated that he may continue to challenge Fine’s eligibility in court, keeping the race in the spotlight.
Fine’s tenure in the Florida House has been marked by his aggressive approach to politics, often engaging in public spats with both opponents and allies. His involvement in local controversies, such as his efforts to disband the Brevard County School Board, has made him a polarizing figure. As he prepares for the general election, these issues are likely to continue to play a role in the campaign narrative.
U.S. House of Representatives, District 8
Former Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos secured the Republican nomination for U.S. House District 8 with 73.9% of the vote in Brevard County and 68% in Indian River County. Haridopolos entered the race on the final day of candidate filing, the same day that incumbent Rep. Bill Posey announced his retirement and endorsed Haridopolos.
Haridopolos, a resident of Indian Harbour Beach, has been a prominent figure in Florida politics, having served as Senate President and in both the Florida House and Senate. His campaign emphasized his legislative experience and his ability to bring conservative leadership to Washington. Haridopolos’s entry into the race effectively cleared the field of high-profile competitors, leaving him to face only lesser-known opponents.
Mike Haridopolos
His campaign has been bolstered by endorsements from key Republican figures, including former President Donald Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and both of Florida’s U.S. Senators. Despite his strong support, Haridopolos faced criticism from his opponents, particularly John Hearton, who questioned his political background and the influence of major donors on his campaign. Haridopolos now moves on to face Democratic nominee Sandy Kennedy in November.
Florida House Districts 32 and 33
Tuesday’s primary set the stage for the November 5 general election for the Florida House of Representatives District 32 and District 33 seats, which represent Central and South Brevard.
In the District 32 race, Florida Senator Debbie Mayfield defeated former Congressman Dave Weldon, securing 65% of the vote. Mayfield, a resident of Indialantic, received significant support from the district’s Republican base, which makes up about 47% of the electorate. Mayfield’s campaign focused on conservative values, including protecting the Indian River Lagoon and maintaining Florida’s status as a “free state.” She will face Democrat Juan Jose Hinojosa in November, who was unopposed in the primary.
Vernon Anderson
The District 33 race saw Monique Miller, a cybersecurity executive and Board of Directors of Moms for Liberty member, winning the Republican primary with 55% of the vote. Miller, who has received backing from prominent conservative figures, will now face Democrat Vernon Mitchell Anderson Jr. in November. Anderson, who defeated Anthony Yantz in the Democratic primary with 53% of the vote, aims to break a three-decade losing streak for Democrats in this district. Anderson’s campaign has emphasized issues like voter rights, infrastructure, and affordable housing, while Miller has focused on immigration and reducing the cost of living for Florida families.
Brevard County School Board District 3
John Thomas won the District 3 seat on the Brevard School Board, securing 56.4% of the vote against Amber Yantz. Thomas, a former Melbourne city council member and school administrator, campaigned on a platform of early childhood education, career and technical education expansion, and improving school safety. His victory marks a shift in the board’s composition, as he replaces Jennifer Jenkins, the only liberal on the board.
Thomas’s victory is significant for the conservative movement within Brevard County, as it solidifies the board’s shift to the right. Thomas has taken a strong stance on several issues, including supporting the presence of chaplains in schools and expanding the guardian program, which allows certain school employees to carry firearms. Yantz, a mother of five with a more progressive platform, was unable to overcome Thomas’s strong support base.
Brevard County School Board District 4
The race for District 4 will head to a runoff in November between Matt Susin and Avanese “Ava” Taylor. Susin led the race with 48.6% of the vote, while Taylor received 32.8%. Susin, who was first elected to the board in 2016, has maintained a conservative stance on key issues, including the expansion of the guardian program and the removal of certain books from school libraries.
Dr. Avanese Taylor
Taylor, inspired to run after her son was the victim of a hazing incident, has positioned herself as a more moderate candidate. While she supports some conservative measures, such as the guardian program, she has expressed concerns about its implementation and the potential for it to create inequities in the school system. The runoff will determine whether the board will continue its conservative trajectory or shift toward a more balanced approach.
Supervisor of Elections
Tim Bobanic, the incumbent Brevard County Supervisor of Elections, won the Republican primary with 59.6% of the vote, defeating County Commissioner John Tobia. Bobanic, appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2022, has faced scrutiny over his handling of election-related issues, including a recent lawsuit that sought to remove candidates from the ballot due to alleged paperwork errors.
Tim Bobanic
Bobanic’s victory solidifies his position as Supervisor of Elections, as he will face only a write-in candidate in November, making his win nearly assured. Tobia, who has been embroiled in his own controversies during his time as County Commissioner, was unable to overcome Bobanic’s strong support, particularly from those who view him as a steady hand in the management of the county’s elections.
The lawsuit against Bobanic, filed by political consultant Robert Burns, accused his office of improperly accepting incomplete qualifying paperwork from candidates, including Randy Fine. Although the case was dismissed, it highlighted ongoing concerns about election integrity in Brevard County. Bobanic’s re-election will likely continue to be scrutinized as he navigates these challenges in the lead-up to the general election.
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):
