Welcome to the

Weekly Roundup!

This week in West Melbourne...

A Familiar (and Familial) Sight

If you have recently visited City Hall and the surrounding area, you might have noticed that a familiar character and his wife have been roaming about. Straight from the silhouette of our City's logo, West Melbourne happily welcomes the lovely and interesting Sandhill Crane.

Sandhill Cranes are tall, elegant birds that thrive in open habitats. They seem to enjoy marshlands - and, apparently, they enjoy the retention ditch just outside of City Hall. These birds are known for their loud trumpeting cries and also for their incredible dancing skills - stretching their wings, pumping their heads, and leaping into the air to impress their potential partner. Once they find a partner, these boisterous birds mate for life (which is roughly 20 years or more). Their babies will stay with their parents for close to a year before they leave Mom and Dad and find their way into the world.

Hopefully, these Sandhills Cranes stick around for a long, long time. They are an endangered and protected species. The earliest Sandhill Crane fossil was estimated to be 2.5 million years old and was unearthed in the Macasphalt Shell Pit in Florida. Please keep a close eye out for them - they will often stand in the road and will not hop out of the way of your car. Drive carefully - let's try to keep these feathered friends safe.

Sidewalk Solution

One of the more obvious goals of the City of West Melbourne is to do everything that we can to ensure that all residents enjoy an excellent quality of life. In our neighborhoods, while lush, tree-lined roads are beautiful, sometimes nature can block your path (yes, the Sandhill Cranes might block your cars, but I'm referring to a different type of natural occurrence). When trees are planted too close to sidewalks, as they mature, their roots grow under the sidewalks and can cause the sidewalks to lift and crack.

Along the roadways of Pine Needle Lane and Sugar Pine Drive, several trees had decided to take over. Working as quickly as possible (lots of rain halts a concrete pour), a City contractor has been diligently removing cracked concrete, cutting and grinding the roots, and pouring new concrete/sidewalks.

Thanks to those residents for their patience. The project is coming to an end soon and all will be back to safely walking (it's great exercise) and enjoying this beautiful neighborhood.

Health and Happiness from Human Resources

On June 12, 2024, the City's Human Resources Department coordinated and hosted an outstanding Wellness Event, in conjunction with our annual open enrollment for employee benefits.

At the Wellness Event, employees were given the opportunity to have a complete biometrics screening performed. The screening took less than five minutes and staff were immediately given the results of various health measures, such as cholesterol levels, blood pressure and glucose, and provided wellness coaching. Other opportunities for employees to participate included a full body composition analysis with results and tips to improve health and fitness, chair massages, Meal Prep prepared meals, and physical fitness, sports recovery and functional physical therapy techniques.

A healthy employee is a happy employee! Special thanks to the following companies who attended and enlightened our remarkable staff:

• Fitness Society Supplements

• Precision Meal Prep

• BodyFX

• No Limits Fitness

• Carabella Spa & Wellness

• Halo Salt Cave

• Coley Chiropractic

• Paradise Health and Nutrition

• Shanti Wellness

• Clow Chiropractic

West Melbourne Hosts the

Space Coast League of Cities Dinner

On Monday, June 10, 2024, West Melbourne hosted and attended the Space Coast League of Cities dinner at Promise in Brevard (co-hosted with the Town of Melbourne Village). This event provided a unique opportunity for elected officials and staff to network and to listen to a roundtable discussion with Brevard County's Property Appraiser Dana Blickley, Tax Collector Lisa Cullen, and Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller Rachel Sadoff, who shared their experiences and explained their roles in ensuring the smooth operation of Brevard County. Mayor Pat Bentley introduced the achievements of our accomplished and beautiful city and shared a nice evening with his fellow elected officials, Deputy Mayor Diana Adams, Council Member John Dittmore, and Council Member Daniel McDow - and with City Manager Tim Rhode and several City Department Directors. It's no wonder that we remain so proud of West Melbourne - we truly shine.

Community Development

West Melbourne remains one of the fastest growing communities in Brevard County. We strive to retain and attract businesses and create awesome residential neighborhoods to ensure that we continue to live, work and play in an outstanding City. As we grow, our incredible and diligent team of Planners, Plans Examiners and Building Inspectors do all they can to ensure that all new construction is an asset to our community!

Permits Submitted: 48

Inspections Conducted: 300

Significant Projects

Publix, Palm Bay Road
Epoch West Melbourne, Norfolk Parkway, 280 units
Integra Heritage Apartments, St. Johns Heritage Parkway
Town Place Suites hotel, Norfolk Parkway
Banfield Pet Hospital, West New Haven Avenue
Chick-Fil-A restaurant, Palm Bay 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
Planet Fitness, West New Haven Avenue
Mister Car Wash, West New Haven Avenue
Westover Warehouse, Westover Drive
West Melbourne Business Center, Coastal Lane

Public Works

The City’s Public Works Department proactively identifies innovative solutions that continue to improve all of West Melbourne every day. This important Department remains crucial to keeping our community running smoothly and efficiently.

Municipal Maintenance

The Streets and Drainage Department continued making another pass through the City with the Menzi this week clearing out the C-9 canal. If you are a new subscriber to the Weekly Roundup (shameless plug: please tell a friend to sign up), the Menzi Muck is a fascinating piece of equipment. The Menzi is a walking excavator that adapts to any terrain and provides mobility and stability that allows our crews to perform all jobs safely, no matter the challenge.

The Parks Maintenance Crew continued with their tree trimming projects, hauling over 10,000 pounds of brush to the Sarno Road landfill - very impressive! Preparing for hurricane season is critical. The City's contractor was also on-site completing Phase 2 of resealing the parking lot at the Field of Dreams Park. Additionally, the Crew replaced all of the Military Branch and American flags at the Veterans Memorial Complex. Happy Flag Day, everyone!

Water and Sewer Maintenance

The Public Works Water Division completed 154 work orders, serviced 43 fire hydrants, exercised 50 water valves, and repaired a one-inch service line leak on Stephenson Drive.

Water Distribution Worker III Alan Brookins was on-site at the new Sunrise Estates project while the contractor installed the new ten-inch water main.

Florida Pipeline invited our Water Department to a training demo located at the City of Melbourne’s Public Works Facility this week. Both cities practiced putting on full circle repair clamps and making taps with the new style saddles.

The Sewer Team completed 170 work orders, 49 sewer inspections, and 66 sewer/reuse locates this week. The Maintenance Crew replaced all 60 cloth media socks inside the disc filter due to high back wash rates and lower reuse production because pesky roots caused algae to build up underneath the cloth media socks and grease. A necessary, but not so pretty, job.

The Maintenance Crew inspected the air release valve at Columbia Force Main ARV #3 for their routine maintenance located just west of I-95. The above-ground ARV unit was cleaned out and worn parts were replaced during the inspection. The Crew also replaced a damaged skimmer blade on clarifier #1.

Additionally, the Maintenance Crew started the walk-through for sanitary sewer at the Integra Heritage project including manhole, force main, lift station and cleanout inspections.

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.

Recreation Department

The National Park Service reported that in 2023, more than 325 million people visited parks last year. That makes sense...who wouldn't want to enjoy the peace, tranquility and fun that parks deliver? Grab a bottle of water and your sneakers to join your friends and neighbors at any one of West Melbourne's outstanding parks and enjoy all that our Recreation Department has to offer.

West Melbourne's Open-Air Market Welcomes 100's of visitors

This past weekend, despite the heat, our Open-Air Market and car show was a tremendous success, with an impressive turnout of over 400 people! The event brought together 48 vendors from different industries, showcasing a variety of products such as handmade crafts and delicious food items to please all palates. Not only was the Market spectacular, but a thrilling car show added an exciting element to an already fun-filled day. See you for the next Market, which is scheduled for July 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Special Populations Game Day at the Field of Dreams

When Mother Nature decides to rain out Kickball, West Melbourne's spirits are never dampened. We pivoted and had a ball anyway! Approximately 25 people gathered indoors at the Field of Dreams where we organized a variety of fun activities that everyone thoroughly enjoyed. We played Bingo, Connect 4, and flexed some creative muscle with arts and crafts. This was a great event, filled with laughter and fun. A huge thanks to everyone who came out and participated.

Skate Jam at the Community Park

What are you doing next week? If you're not joining us at Skate Jam, 3 p.m. on Friday, June 21, you are really going to miss out! West Melbourne is stoked to be coordinating this event in partnership with Resident Skateshop. Whether you're a ripper, a grom or just learning, this event promises to be a fantastic time for everyone. The event kicks off at 3 p.m., with plenty of skateboarding action and a chance to show off your skills. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to skate with fellow enthusiasts and enjoy the supportive, high-energy atmosphere. In addition to the skateboarding excitement, we will have free food available while supplies last. Bring your friends, family, and fellow skaters to celebrate Go Skate Day with us. It’s going to be an unforgettable event, and we can’t wait to see you there!

Police Department

Our incredible Police Department continues to provide excellent public service that keeps all of us safe and educated each and every day! As always, we remain proud of the efforts of this remarkable force of men and women.

Florida Police Chief's Association Conference

Police Chief Gregory Vesta proudly represented the City of West Melbourne at the recent Florida Police Chiefs Association summer training conference. As part of his role as the Director for Brevard County, Chief Vesta participated in the annual board meeting where several topics relevant to our agency and profession were discussed. In addition, he attended a number of training sessions, including:

Cold case discussion and considerations
Integrating Communications, Assessment and Tactics (ICAT) programs
Florida Missing Children’s Day foundation
The Executive Guide for Law Enforcement Wellness Program Success
Artificial Intelligence – What’s coming and how to prepare
Organized Retail Theft – What Chiefs need to know
Lessons learned from Daytona Beach Officer Shooting

Thanks, Chief, for staying up to date on how to keep us safe!

Everbridge Training

Members of the West Melbourne Police Department participated in training on the Everbridge citizen notification portal, which is used for natural disasters and other community emergencies for notifying citizens of important information. Thanks to members of the command staff and support staff for making sure everyone is well-versed on how to respond in the event of an emergency (let's hope we never have to put that training in practice).

Image of West Melbourne Police Department Patch

Notable Incidents and Activities

K9 Captures Dangerous Suspect

West Melbourne Police Department (WMPD) and Melbourne Police Department (MPD) were conducting K9 training in a vacant building on the Melbourne Central Catholic High School Campus. At a location a block away, MPD officers were chasing a suspect, believed to be armed and wanted for various drug-related felonies. MPD K9 Units were deployed to track the suspect. Upon request of MPD, the WMPD Units provided secondary assistance by establishing various perimeter points. After the suspect was captured, different K9 Officers were requested for an article search for the gun. K9 Officer LaRosa conducted an after-the-fact article search.

Unruly Patron

There was a multiple unit response to Slingers Bar with regard to a male inside the bar who was trying to fight everybody. Once he saw the Officers, he tried to quickly exit. He was detained and charged with battery, disorderly intoxication, and resisting arrest without violence.

Domestic Disturbance

There was a police presence in the 700 Block of John Adams Lane regarding a domestic disturbance where the victim was battered and threatened with a firearm. A perimeter and contact team were established. Shortly thereafter, the suspect was called out and taken into custody without further incident. The suspect cooperated with officers. An interview was conducted and a signed Consent to Search form was obtained, which resulted in the firearm being recovered. The offender was charged with Domestic Violence battery, false imprisonment, and aggravated assault with a firearm. A Risk Protection Order was also initiated.

Join Our Team

United States President Woodrow Wilson (#28) once said this about public servants: "You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand." Are you ready to be part of something greater than just a career?

The City of West Melbourne is dedicated 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. Public service isn't just a job - it's a calling.

Positions Currently Available:

Equipment Operator

Maintenance Worker, Streets and Drainage Division

Police Officer

Police Officer in Training

Apply Now!

www.westmelbourne.gov/careers