Welcome to the

Weekly Roundup!

This week in West Melbourne...

Happy (pre) Valentine's Day - A bit of History

If you have stopped into any store recently, it is hard to miss the red and pink Valentine's Day displays. I love the buy one-get one free chocolate sales! Like me, you may know where to buy the best chocolate, but did you know that Valentine's Day has been around since at least the third century?

While there are several legends about the origins of the celebration of Valentine's Day, one of the more popular ones is that Roman Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those who had wives and families, so he outlawed marriage for young men. A priest named Valentine, who was a big fan of love, defied Claudius and continued to secretly perform marriage ceremonies for young people.

And speaking of love...the first Valentine poem was entitled, "The Parliament of Fowls" (probably due to the concept that Valentine's Day coincided with birds' mating season.) It was written by the poet Geoffrey Chaucer in 1383. Chaucer is often called the "Father of Literature"; and, just like your West Melbourne employees, Chaucer enjoyed a career in public service.

We hope that you enjoy this pre-Valentine's Day weekend and attend one (or both) of the two Valentine's events hosted by our Recreation Department.

Citizens Leadership Academy

Deadline - February 12

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. Make sure you turn in your application on or before the deadline of February 12!

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

The website playwestmelb.com is 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

Calling all West Melbourne residents! Join us on 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.

Sensory Valentines Social at the Field of Dreams

Embark on a heartwarming journey at the Sensory Sensitive Valentine Social on Saturday, February 10, at the Field of Dreams located at 3053 Fell Road. The festivities kick off at 10:00 a.m. and end at noon, promising a delightful experience for all attendees.

This event offers so much fun: a spread of delicious pancakes to tempt your taste buds, a photo booth to capture special moments, and a variety of games designed to cater to everyone! There will be entertainment for every age and interest.

The celebration goes beyond the ordinary with the inclusion of sensory stations, creating an environment that is accommodating to varying sensory needs. These stations provide a space where individuals can explore and engage with their surroundings in a manner that suits their preferences, fostering a sense of comfort and inclusion.

The Sensory Sensitive Valentine Social is more than just an event - it is a carefully crafted experience aimed at ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and welcomed. Enjoy a morning where laughter and sensory-friendly delights come together to create lasting memories. See you this Saturday!

February 14 - Senior Sweetheart Pancake Breakfast

-Veterans Memorial Complex

The Senior Sweetheart Pancake Breakfast is scheduled for February 14 at the Veterans Memorial Complex. Recent studies conducted by the National Institute of Health concluded that adults over 65 who have regular encounters with friends reported less stress and better emotional well-being. Come to this event and meet your new best friend!

This promises to be a delightful morning for seniors - wonderful pancakes and a welcoming atmosphere. It provides an opportunity for seniors to come together, enjoy a delicious meal, and celebrate Valentine's Day with fellow community members. This event aims to create a memorable and enjoyable experience for seniors in a festive and communal setting. Space is limited - so RSVP today!

Road Closure - improving West Melbourne one project at a time

The City is working on a significant drainage improvement project in the Melbourne Estates neighborhood and will be closing Bossieux Boulevard at Henry Avenue starting on Wednesday, February 14. This project will allow for a new drainage culvert to be installed in Melbourne-Tillman Canal 84. The road closure could last for up to 14 days. 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. Recently, Officer Ashley Simons was nominated by her peers and selected to be the 4th quarter of 2023 recipient of the Officer of the Quarter. She excelled and performed above and beyond the call of duty, including the discovery of a juvenile who had been involved with an adult in another jurisdiction. Additionally, through Officer Simons' efforts, a substantial amount of narcotics was seized along with a stolen firearm. She was recognized for her efforts at a recent Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce luncheon. We remain proud of Officer Simons and the members of our force who work tirelessly each and every day to protect and serve.

SIGNIFICANT CASE UPDATE

On the evening of January 3, 2024, 43-year-old John Wakefield entered the Walmart in West Melbourne. He approached the cashier and brandished an electronic stun device. He then pushed the cashier to access the register, which caused the register to close due to the contact. Mr. Wakefield left the store.

Detectives began working with Walmart to coordinate with another store to identify Mr. Wakefield. Mr. Wakefield was a very active fan of the social media app TikTok. He posted images and videos that helped investigators positively identify him.

The Florida Highway Patrol located Mr. Wakefield in Orange County where he was detained on a warrant from Flagler County. During their traffic stop, the troopers also discovered methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Once Mr. Wakefield is released from Orange County, he will be transported to Flagler County and finally brought to Brevard County where he will be held without bond for the charge of attempted robbery with a weapon.

Mr. Wakefield was released from a Florida state prison in 2021 after spending 10 years for Robbery in Indian River County.

Wakefield has a criminal history of the following: Robbery, Trafficking in Hydrocodone, Possession of Schedule II Substance, Possession of Schedule IV Substance, Grand Theft, and Driving while license suspended with knowledge Petty Theft.

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

Mental Health Crisis Intervention

West Melbourne Police Department and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office worked together on a rolling barricade to intervene with a suicidal male who had a knife to his neck on Wickham Road in the area of Ridge Club Drive. We assisted with the resulting traffic issues at the southern point at Harper Road.

Flock Success!

Patrol responded to a possible missing person call concerning an elderly male with dementia who had been last seen in the City of West Melbourne leaving in a vehicle. His vehicle was located on Flock leaving the area. Gratefully, as the male was being entered into the computer system as a missing person, a family member called to say that the gentleman had returned to his residence in Grant. We verified that the male had returned home and provided the family with additional resources to assist in the event there are future issues.

Public Works

The City’s Public Works Department continues to provide outstanding service that improves all of West Melbourne every day.

Municipal Maintenance

The Streets and Drainage Department completed repairing the parking lot at Dollar General located on U.S. 192. The last section of asphalt was patched in the open cut where the new six-inch water main was installed. An asphalt patch was also installed at the Reserves Apartment complex to repair a water leak.

The Parks Maintenance crew spread mulch around the West Melbourne gateway signs on Palm Bay Road and near the overpass at I-95. They also continued with the pressure washing project at the Field of Dreams Park this week.

Water and Sewer

The Public Works Water Department completed 128 work orders, serviced 15 fire hydrants and exercised 28 in-line gate valves. The crew also spot dug multiple water mains this week and repaired a four-inch water main on Scarsdale Court.

The Sewer team completed 161 work orders, 5 sewer inspections, and 38 sewer/reuse locates this week. The Maintenance crew performed the cleaning and inspection of aeration basin #2, with no issues found. Aeration basin #2 will be brought back into service and aeration basin #3 will be taken off-line to clean and inspect. The crew also replaced both transfer motors on the east and west side of the belt presses.

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: 82

Inspections Completed: 285

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

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