Welcome to the

Weekly Roundup!

This week in West Melbourne...

Presidents’ Day - February 19

(City Hall Closed)

Presidents' Day, the third Monday in February, is popularly recognized as a federal holiday that honors George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Interestingly, the first declaration of annual federal holidays was in 1870 when Congress passed the federal holiday law, which allowed federal employees to receive paid time off for New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

In 1885, the next annual holiday that was established was Washington's birthday, which was February 22. Public recognition of our first President actually began in 1800. Washington was revered as one of the most important people in history and annual celebrations of his birth were common.

In 1968, in an attempt to have consistency and reduce federal employee absenteeism by allowing for several holiday weekends throughout the year, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which changed the dates of several federal holidays to be recognized on Mondays. When this change was made, recognition of Abraham Lincoln's birthday (February 12) was included in the holiday.

All federal government agencies are closed, as are most banks and many state and local governments. Today, this holiday is celebrated with patriotic displays and celebrations to not only honor the 1st and 16th Presidents, but all of those who have stepped forward to help guide our nation.

Mayor Delivers State of the City

to Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce

Mayor Pat Bentley presented the annual State of the City of West Melbourne to a packed room of 140 residents, community/business leaders, and elected officials who attended the February 7 Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce luncheon held at Promise in Brevard. The audience was receptive and pleased to hear our progress and seemed as excited about our bright future as we are. Mayor Bentley provided a comparison of the City’s performance to other nearby cities and highlighted various projects that improve the City's infrastructure. He discussed the outstanding fiscal integrity of the City, the significant community collaboration, the dedication to service, and the sustainability and resilience efforts.

We remain proud of West Melbourne and are appreciative to the Mayor and Council for their outstanding leadership.

Citizens Leadership Academy

LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP!

Community engagement builds constructive relationships. As a citizen of West Melbourne, if you want to learn how your City serves you, register now for the next West Melbourne Leadership Academy that will begin in February of 2024. The Leadership Academy class will run on Wednesday evenings for five weeks, starting on February 21 and ending on March 20, 2024.

The no-cost class is for those 18 years of age and older who want to know more about the inner-workings of their municipal government but (maybe) were afraid to ask. It is particularly designed for people who may have an interest in serving on one of the City’s many advisory boards, but would like more information. Classes will start at 6:00 p.m. and will end around 7:30 p.m. and will be held in various locations throughout the City.

The West Melbourne Leadership Academy Class of 2024 will be limited to not more than fifteen students. For more information and to see the application form, click here. Turn in your application today! Classes start this coming Wednesday!

Sunflower House Grand Opening

Aging Matters in Brevard

The City of West Melbourne is happy to announce the Grand Opening of Sunflower House, a caregiver resource center that is offered by Aging Matters in Brevard. The event will be held on Tuesday, February 20 at 11:00 a.m. at their newest facility located at 3125 Fell Road. The Sunflower House offers information and assistance to those caring for their loved ones living throughout Brevard County. In addition to printed materials, monthly programming includes Seniors at Lunch, caregiver support groups, exercise and entertainment, disease management workshops, and classes/presentations for caregivers.

Space Coast League of Cities Scholarship Program

Deadline - noon on March 1, 2024

The Space Coast League of Cities has announced that applications are currently being accepted from students who wish to be considered for a financial award in the amount of $2,500 to residents of Brevard County.

If you are interested, keep in mind that the deadline for applications is noon on March 1, 2024.

Recreation Department

Relaxation or Recreation? We want your Park's Preference!

The website playwestmelb.com remains dedicated to engaging the community in the development of a master plan for parks and recreation in West Melbourne. Please participate in the City's survey and provide feedback and input on improving existing parks, recreational facilities, and related amenities. This initiative aims to gather community perspectives to shape future developments and enhance the overall recreational experience in the area.

We welcome your point of view! Visit this website or scan the QR Code below.

Parks Master Plan Workshop

February 22

Calling all West Melbourne residents! Join us this coming Thursday, February 22, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Complex for an engaging evening of sharing ideas during our Parks Master Plan Public Workshop. Let's work together to prioritize the needs and desires of our community, enhancing parks, facilities, amenities, programs, and services. Your voice matters and, together, we can make our community thrive!

Super Mini Sports continues at

the Field of Dreams

This past Wednesday was a fun day for West Melbourne youth - and the fun continues! The super mini sports program was launched at the Field of Dreams Park and everyone had a wonderful time. The program aims to cater to children of all abilities and will be offered every Wednesday from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. This initiative provides an inclusive environment for children to engage in sports, promoting physical activity and social interaction.

Thanks for the Fun - Our Parks have Something for Everyone!

Sensory Valentines Social Saturday at the Field of Dreams was an absolute blast! We had the pleasure of hosting 200 children and families for a wonderful event. We would like to give a huge shoutout to our amazing partners: Seiser Sensory for their invaluable support, Inspiritas Memory Care of West Melbourne for generously donating a bounce house, and Parties by Krystal for the stunning balloon arch backdrop. We truly appreciate your contributions!

And...thanks to everyone who visited this past weekend as we hosted our open-air market. This was a wonderful event that brought together 27 vendors; and, in addition to the market, the event also featured the Brevard Car Show that added a unique element to the day. We had a remarkable turnout of 300 people. The next market will take place on March 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. We hope to see you there!

Road Closure - Improving West Melbourne One Project at a Time!

The City is continuing work on a significant drainage improvement project in the Melbourne Estates neighborhood. Bossieux Boulevard at Henry Avenue closed on February 14 - this closure could last for up to 14 days. This project will allow for a new drainage culvert to be installed in Melbourne-Tillman Canal 84. Please keep in mind that weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances could affect construction schedules. We appreciate your patience!

Police Department

West Melbourne's remarkable Police Department continues to provide excellent service to our community to ensure that we live in the safest City possible! We remain proud of the members of our force who work tirelessly each and every day to protect and serve.

Crisis Intervention Training

Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) remains a crucial tool to improve communication, to identify mental health resources for those in crisis, and to ensure both officer and community safety. Four members of the Department attended a 40-hour CIT training program at Eastern Florida State College. This important program creates connections between law enforcement, mental health providers, hospital emergency services and individuals with mental illness and their families. West Melbourne Mayor Pat Bentley and Melbourne Mayor Paul Alfrey spoke at the graduation for the class.

High Visibility Enforcement

West Melbourne PD continued their grant-funded high visibility enforcement near U.S. 192 and Hollywood Boulevard, after the area was identified as having experienced a higher number of incidents than other areas of bicycle and pedestrian incidents with vehicles. The Department has been conducting ongoing education, distributing pamphlets, and is conducting enforcement activities when violations are observed.

Fundraising for Special Olympics is underway!

Last year, West Melbourne Police Department helped raise over $14,000 for our great athletes in Florida. We know we can increase those funds even further! WMPD will be selling T-shirts at several locations; and the Cops on the Coop event has been scheduled for March 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. Join us at the Chick-Fil-A on Palm Bay Road and the Walmart parking lot.

Donations are being accepted at the WMPD page of the Special Olympics website.

Image of West Melbourne Police Department Patch

Notable Incidents and Activities

Vehicular Accident

Police responded to a rollover traffic crash at northbound Minton Road, north of Wingate Boulevard that caused traffic delays. Fortunately, there were no injuries to either party.

Mental Health Crisis Intervention

Units responded to the area of Hibiscus Boulevard in reference to a subject who reportedly had a firearm and was threatening to end his life. Units were able to locate the male in one of the area businesses. The male denied having a firearm or making a threat, but consented to a search of the business. Two firearms were located in the office. The male was taken into custody for a Baker Act. It was learned that he is on active felony probation and cannot possess or purchase a firearm. The subject was transported to Brevard County Jail for Violation of Probation and firearm-related charges, along with a Baker Act.

Flock Success!

Our Patrol entered a license plate into Flock in search of a female with a felony outstanding warrant. There was an alert that the vehicle was traveling in town and they were able to arrest the subject without incident.

Public Works

The City’s Public Works Department continues to provide a broad range of services that keeps West Melbourne running smoothly and efficiently.

Municipal Maintenance

The Streets and Drainage Department repaired a manhole this week on Attilburgh Boulevard where a sinkhole was developing. The crew also repaired two “P-Tops” located on Soft Breeze Circle. The inside of the manhole and “P-Tops” needed to be repointed to stop the water and soil intrusion.

Our Parks Maintenance crew continued improving the appearance of our remarkable City! The sidewalks at the Field of Dreams Park were pressure washed this week and the palms around the West Melbourne sign near I-95 were trimmed.

Water and Sewer

The Public Works Water Department completed 180 work orders, serviced 22 fire hydrants, painted 24 fire hydrants and exercised 48 in-line gate valves. The crew also rebuilt a fire hydrant off Coastal Lane and responded to a 10-inch water main break on Bossieux Boulevard.

The Sewer team completed 115 work orders, two sewer inspections, and 46 sewer/reuse locates this week. Maintenance crews were on hand to inspect the extension of the Columbia Lane force main, along with a new 12-inch tee and valve that were installed to service the new Integra Heritage development.

Vision Zero

What is Vision Zero? Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all.

The goal is simple: saving lives. Zero traffic deaths. Everyone should be able to travel safely without the fear of death or serious injury.

Community Development

West Melbourne remains one of the fastest growing communities in Brevard County. Our remarkable and dedicated team of Planners, Plans Examiners and Building Inspectors keep a busy schedule!

New Permit Applications: 109

Inspections Completed: 374

Significant Projects

Publix, Palm Bay Road
Eden at Heritage Lakes, 72 individual apartment structures
Epoch West Melbourne, Norfolk Parkway, 280 units
Another Broken Egg, Palm Bay Road
Town Place Suites hotel, Norfolk Parkway
Banfield Pet Hospital, West New Haven Avenue
Chick-fil-A restaurant, Palm Bay Road
Promise in Brevard, LLC, Fell Road
Spring Hill Suites hotel, Hollywood Boulevard
Fifth Third Bank, West New Haven Avenue
Take 5 Car Wash and Oil Change, West New Haven Avenue
Coastal Hyundai, Dorchester Avenue
Planet Fitness, West New Haven Avenue

Join Our Team

The City of West Melbourne is committed to being a vibrant, growing, and caring community that continually seeks excellence for residents. Our vision is to grow West Melbourne into the Space Coast’s premier location for homes, careers, and families.

We are looking for bright, motivated people who want to work in a challenging and dynamic environment while contributing to the success of their local government.

Positions Currently Available:

Inspector, Code Enforcement

Police Officer in Training

Police Officer

Apply Now!

www.westmelbourne.gov/careers