Palm Bay Announces Grand Opening of Revitalized Sacrifice Park
Residents invited to honor fallen first responders, including Officers Grogan and Johnson, at March 28 ribbon-cutting.
Palm Bay, FL – The City of Palm Bay will proudly unveil the revitalized Sacrifice Park, a memorial dedicated to first responders who sacrificed their lives serving Palm Bay and Brevard County. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on Friday, March 28, at 9:00 a.m., located in front of the Franklin T. DeGroodt Memorial Library.
Remembering Palm Bay's Fallen Heroes
Originally established in the early 2000s, Sacrifice Park honors Palm Bay Police Officers Ronald Grogan and Gerald Johnson, who tragically lost their lives responding to a mass shooting on April 23, 1987. On that day, 59-year-old retired librarian William Bryan Cruse Jr. carried out an attack at two Palm Bay shopping centers, killing six people and wounding 14 others. The event remains the deadliest mass shooting in Brevard County history. Sacrifice Park continues to provide a solemn space for reflection and remembrance.
The recent upgrades aim to elevate the memorial's impact, ensuring it remains an enduring and respectful tribute to all first responders.
Key Features of the Revitalized Park:
Three-Sided Obelisk: Symbolizing unity among police, fire, and emergency medical services.
Flagpole: Representing patriotic gratitude for first responders.
LED "Thin Blue Line" Feature: Illuminated tribute honoring law enforcement.
Engraved Pledge of Allegiance Monument: Reinforcing community values.
Enhanced Landscaping: Includes uplighting and comfortable seating for contemplation.
Johnson and Grogan Memorial Amphitheater: Dedicated venue for ceremonies and public gatherings.
Interactive Memorial Walls: Angled walls featuring bronze plaques for visitors to create pencil etchings.
A Community-Driven Vision
Mayor Rob Medina emphasized the collective effort behind the park’s revitalization:
“Sacrifice Park now stands as a truly fitting tribute to the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our community. I sincerely thank the Brevard County Commission, state legislators, generous donors, and our local community supporters for bringing this vision to life.” – Mayor Rob Medina, City of Palm Bay
Funding Overview:
Brevard County Commission: $250,000 (allocated in 2023)
State Appropriations: $150,000
Private Donations: $100,000
Event Information
Residents and visitors are encouraged to participate in this meaningful ceremony:
Date: Friday, March 28, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Sacrifice Park, Franklin T. DeGroodt Memorial Library
The event will include remarks from Mayor Medina, a moment of silence, and a wreath-laying ceremony. Additional notable guests, including Brevard County officials and representatives from local first responder organizations, will also participate.
Experience the Tribute
Palm Bay warmly invites everyone to visit the enhanced Sacrifice Park and experience its profound tribute to community heroes. Additional details can be found at www.pbfl.org/SacrificePark.
Join us on March 28 to honor those who gave their lives protecting our community and celebrate this lasting memorial.
Curated by AI and fact-checked by The Palm Bayer.