🏛️ Palm Bay City Council to Vote on Major Funding and Growth Plans
💰 Over $4 Million in Spending and Economic Incentives on the Agenda
Palm Bay, FL — With over $4 million in funding decisions on the table and policies aimed at shaping Palm Bay’s future, the City Council’s upcoming meeting on March 6, 2025 will address key issues, including infrastructure, economic incentives, and public safety investments. The meeting begins at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers (120 Malabar Road SE) and will include proclamations, public hearings, and opportunities for public input on city initiatives.
📌 Highlights of the Agenda
Proclamations and Recognitions
Flood Awareness Week (March 3–9) and Irish-American Heritage Month (March 2025) will be formally recognized.
The Council will deliberate on the Flag Program nomination of U.S. Army Veteran Sergeant Lyndsay Gray, honoring her eleven-year service and deployment to Afghanistan.
💼 Major Approvals and Expenditures
City Council will review key financial decisions and agreements, with over $4 million in planned expenditures. These include funding for critical infrastructure, economic development incentives, public safety improvements, and community programs that support residents and businesses. Some of the most impactful financial allocations on the agenda include:
Resolution 2025-11: Proposes an amendment to the City’s building permit fee schedule, ensuring alignment with Florida statutes.
Resolution 2025-12: Establishes a temporary pre-application fee waiver program through September 30, 2025, aimed at incentivizing commercial, industrial, and mixed-use development. This initiative lowers early-stage costs for businesses, making Palm Bay a more attractive location while streamlining the planning process to spur job growth and increase the tax base.
HOME Disbursement ($1,736,065): Funding agreement with Brevard County to support critical housing programs, including transitional housing and down payment assistance.
SHIP Funding Increase ($38,610): Additional funds for the South Brevard Women’s Center to expand transitional housing services for survivors of domestic violence.
FDLE Grant Extension: Requesting additional time to complete the multi-purpose training facility and repairs to the police firing range rappel tower.
FDEP Grant Application: Seeking $1 million in state funds for septic-to-sewer conversions, requiring a 40% local match.
🏕️ YMCA Summer Camp Agreement: Partnering with the YMCA of Central Florida to manage the 2025 summer camp at Ted Whitlock Community Center, potentially saving the City over $70,000 in staffing costs. This collaboration not only reduces administrative overhead but also improves accessibility for families by providing structured, high-quality programs at an affordable rate. The YMCA’s expertise in youth development ensures that participants benefit from a diverse range of activities, including sports, STEM enrichment, and leadership-building programs, fostering personal growth and community engagement. This collaboration ensures high-quality youth programs, including sports, STEM activities, and leadership development, while reducing administrative overhead.
Utility Easements and Lease Amendments: Approval of a utility easement for New Cingular Wireless PCS (AT&T) and an amendment to T-Mobile’s lease at Fire Station #2 to support telecommunications infrastructure.
Interlocal Agreement for the MPO: Renewing Palm Bay’s participation in the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to secure federal and state transportation funding.
🏗️ Public Hearings
Private Road Naming & Easement Vacations: Proposed changes to road rights-of-way and utility easements on private lots.
Sustainability Board Provisions: Updates to the responsibilities of Palm Bay’s Sustainability Advisory Board.
Conditional Use Permit: A request to allow a nursing school in a Light Industrial (LI) zoning district. The applicant proposes repurposing an existing facility to provide specialized training for aspiring nurses, addressing workforce demands in the healthcare sector. If approved, the institution would offer hands-on training and certification programs while operating in a manner that preserves the surrounding industrial environment and contributes to job growth in the community.
📢 Public Input and Upcoming Events
Supporting Our ASD Kids, Inc. (SOAK) requests co-sponsorship for the Get Soaked for Autism event on April 5 at Fred Poppe Regional Park.
Eastwind Pentecostal Church is seeking co-sponsorship for its Annual Easter Extravaganza, scheduled for April 19 at Fred Poppe Regional Park.
How to Participate
📄 Download the Full Agenda
For those interested in reviewing every agenda item in detail, the full agenda is available for download here:
🎥 Watch the Meeting Live
Residents can attend the meeting in person at City Hall Council Chambers (120 Malabar Road SE) or watch it live and access previous meetings on Palm Bay’s Government Website. The meeting will also be broadcast via Space Coast Government TV.
🗣️ Public Comment: Those wishing to speak must submit a public speaking card prior to the meeting’s start.
Curated by AI and fact-checked by The Palm Bayer.
I can not drive at night. I would like to ask council when we might have a sidewalk, bike lane, cross walks, street lights in the SE section that is NOT a new build. I would love to get the governor's taken on building a city with no infrastructure. We were better off in the 90's with mazziotti