Welcome to the

Weekly Roundup!

This week in West Melbourne...

Now is the Time to Get Ready!

Hurricane Season starts June 1!

Sorry for this unpleasant reminder, but hurricane season begins June 1 and finishes November 30, shortly after your family has finished their turkey leftovers (yep...a ridiculously long season). Unfortunately, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (known to all seasoned Floridians as NOAA) does not have great news for us. They are predicting a 30% chance of a near-normal season, a 60% chance of an above-normal season, and a 10% chance of a below-normal season. NOAA has forecasted (and they say they are 70% confident in their numbers) that there will be anywhere between 13 to 19 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), with 6 to 10 of those becoming hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 5 becoming major hurricanes (111 mph or higher).

For those of you who regularly read the Weekly Roundup, we had provided information to you last week; however, here are some additional tips:

Do not wait until a watch or warning to trim your trees. Waste haulers will be overwhelmed as a storm approaches and will suspend service when a warning is in place. Palms don’t need hurricane pruning, as they are adapted to wind storms. Only coconuts and large palm seeds should be removed during hurricane season. Trees with a thick canopy should be thinned. Avoid removing more than 25-30% of the foliage per year. Some interior branches should be removed to allow wind to go through the canopy.

Locate your important paperwork (like your homeowner's insurance policy) and document (photos are great, too) your valuable possessions (if you have receipts for certain items, that's helpful when filing insurance claims).

Get your evacuation plan ready and finalized. Make sure your loved ones know your plan. Visit FloridaDisaster.org (from the State of Florida Division of Emergency Management) for all of the details and informatoin that you need.

Assemble disaster supplies: first-aid kit, batteries, charger, radio, some cash, can opener, and flashlights.

Purchase three days worth of non-perishable food (don't forget pet food, too). Did you know that Strawberry Pop-Tarts are incredibly popular for folks preparing for a storm? (Do they ever expire?)

Buy enough water to last for at least three days. The rule of thumb is one gallon per person, per day (again, don't forget your fur friends).

An extra tip from a native Floridian who has been through many hurricanes, buy some serious sunscreen. After a storm, you will probably find yourself out in your yard, raking up and removing debris. A post-hurricane sunburn is no fun.

Rest assured that the beautiful City of West Melbourne will be ready. This past week, the Department Directors and Members of the City's Disaster Preparedness Team met to review the City's Plan. This meeting allowed for discussions of priorities and the implications. We are prepared to do everything we can to assist.

Celebrating the Solanum tuberosum

Happy International Potato Day

Preparing for hurricane season can be stressful - so, today is the day to relax by celebrating one of the world's most favorite comfort foods - the wonderful and versatile potato. Dating back over 8,000 years, with approximately 5,000 varieties, and being grown in 159 countries, the potato has been an important crop to combat hunger throughout the world for many centuries. About 2/3 of the world's population consumes potatoes as its staple food. The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations named May 30 as the International Day of Potato - so, let's support this terrific tuber.

Without further ado, here's an amazing recipe from Chef Adam Smith of the Michelin-starred Woven restaurant. This is a delicious (and relatively simple) version of Mashed Potatoes, which will not only keep your guests running back for more, but also is a great way to celebrate the perfect potato.

Ingredients:

2.5 pounds of fingerling potatoes

1.5 pounds of unsalted butter (cold)

2/3 cup of whole milk (cold)

Salt to taste

Place the washed potatoes into a heavy-bottomed pan and season well with salt. Cover with cold water.
Bring to boil and simmer until cooked.
Drain the water and allow to steam off for 3-4 minutes.
While the potatoes are still hot, remove the skin and pass through a sieve. Do this quickly, while the potatoes are hot. If they go cold the mash will be gloopy.
Next, place the potatoes into a clean pan; and, over low heat slowly add the cold diced butter little by little.
Once all the butter is added, add the cold milk while continually stirring.
The mashed potatoes will come together into lovely, buttery-rich texture.
Season with salt to taste. Be humble when the guests give you a standing ovation.

Public Works

The West Melbourne Public Works Department plays a vital role in maintaining and enhancing our community. They perform a broad range of services residents rely on daily. These hard working men and women provide an infrastructure of services including water, wastewater and stormwater treatment, public buildings, parks and grounds, and right-of-way management. We remain grateful for these outstanding employees who make the beautiful City of West Melbourne a remarkable place to live, work, and play.

Municipal Maintenance

The Streets and Drainage Department used multiple pieces of heavy equipment and also hand tools to clear out the undergrowth of a city-owned property on Lake Ibis Drive. This work greatly improved the aesthetics and functionality of the property.

Recent heavy storm activity damaged a couple of trees in the City’s easement on Dundee Circle. When the Streets and Drainage crew arrived, they discovered some of the damaged trees were diseased and in danger of coming down in a future storm. The crew removed the affected trees, eliminating the potential hazard.

The Parks Maintenance Crew completed their mulching project around City Hall. They also mowed all of our City Parks, continuing to keep them beautiful. Mowing season is most definitely upon us!

Water and Sewer Maintenance

The Public Works Water Department had a busy week as they completed 200 work orders, serviced 30 fire hydrants, exercised 37 gate valves, painted 24 fire hydrants, and replaced multiple commercial water meters throughout the city.

The Crew moved an auto flush discharge pipe that was flooding the grass area in front of City Hall. The new pipe was routed to the swale next to Minton Road.

The crew also repaired a fire hydrant on Minton Road. The entire shaft, coupling, and seat housing had to be replaced. The hydrant was reassembled and put back into full operation.

The Sewer Team completed 112 work orders, seven sewer inspections, 64 sewer/reuse locates, and was onsite to inspect the new 10-inch service for the Panda Express in the Space Coast Town Center.

The Maintenance Crew completed the repairs on the main air line trunk inside aeration basin #2.

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.

Community Development

West Melbourne remains one of the fastest growing communities in Brevard County. As we grow, our incredible and diligent team of Planners, Plans Examiners and Building Inspectors play a central role in shaping the quality of life for our residents. This hard working team does all they can to ensure that all new construction is an asset to our community!

Permits in Various Stages: 43

Inspections Finalized: 205

Significant Projects

Avasa at Hammock Landings, Minton Road, 300 units
Epoch West Melbourne, Norfolk Parkway, 280 units
Town Place Suites, Norfolk Parkway, hotel
West Melbourne Business Center, Coastal Lane
MedFast Urgent Care Center, Milwaukee Avenue and Minton Road
Chick-Fil-A, Palm Bay Road
Space Coast Town Center-7-Eleven, U.S. 192
Space Coast Town Center - Panda Express, Andromeda Road
M&L Auto Collision & Bodyworks, Sonny Dale Drive

Police Department

Our West Melbourne Police Department's mission is to provide exceptional service while relentlessly pursuing justice to foster a safe community. They are driven by their calling to serve the people with honor, courage and integrity.

We remain grateful for the diligent efforts of this remarkable force of men and women.

Quarterly Awards

The West Melbourne Police Department presented quarterly awards to members of the Department for their excellent service to the community. The following awards were presented.

Officer of the Quarter

Detective Donovan Brickhouse

Certificate of Commendation:

Officer Justin Crooks
Officer Michael Kaplan
FTO Pavlos Pavlakos

Letter of Appreciation:

Officer Timothy D’Ambra
Detective Stive Jean-Simon
FTO William O’Connell, Jr.
Officer Jaidon Richards
Crime Analyst Nicole Tarry

Unit Citation:

Detective Donovan Brickhouse
Record Technician Brandi Bruch
Detective Adam Butler
FTO Adam Campos
Officer Steven Carroll
Sergeant Corey Casey
Record Technician Kelly Cohick
Deputy Chief Richard Cordeau
PSA Scott Crissey
Officer Justin Crooks
Property and Evidence Technician Misty Curry
Senior Administrative Assistant Monica M. Diaz
Commander Michelle DiGiorgio
Lieutenant Graig Erenstoft
Officer Thomas Galonsky
Detective Stive Jean-Simon
Crime Scene Technician Joseph Jones
Officer Joshua Kennedy

Detective Patrick Kenny
K-9 Officer Joseph LaRosa
Officer Arnold Mathews
PSA Juan “Jumo” Montemayor
Lieutenant James Parsons
FTO Pavlos Pavlakos
FTO Joseph Pinsker
Lieutenant Brittney Rau
Officer Jaidon Richards
Lieutenant Antonio Romano
Detective Sergeant Kieran Ruhling-Griffin
Support Services Administrative Assistant Eddie Mae Saines-Walker
Officer Joseph Schwab
K-9 Sergeant Kenneth Sells
Officer Eileen Stanton
Crime Analyst Nicole Tarry
Detective Kimberly Utsler
Officer Jason Wheeler

Police Academy Advisory Board

Police Chief Gregory Vesta attended a meeting as a member of the Brevard Police Testing Center Advisory Board to review a number of topics relevant to training of new police officers. In addition, Chief Vesta and the Board reviewed upcoming training classes and revisions to statewide training standards.

Notable Incidents and Activities

Hit and Run Accident

A vehicle was involved in a hit and run accident on Greenboro Drive that involved substantial damage to a city-owned fire hydrant. Patrol was able to utilize the City's Flock license plate reader system to locate a suspect who was arrested for leaving the scene of the accident. Restitution for the damage will be sought through insurance and through the court system.

Traffic Stop Results in Arrest

A subject that was stopped for a traffic violation was found to be wanted in Brevard County for Grand Theft. The subject was turned over to the jail for processing.

Retail Theft

A suspect in a retail theft that had occurred on May 20 was identified and the case was sent to the State Attorney’s office for review and potential charges.

Traffic Stop Results in DUI Arrest

A suspect stopped for a traffic violation was found to be under the influence of alcohol, and had a breath alcohol level of over 0.15. They also had a warrant for their arrest from Brevard County. They were transported to jail.

Recreation Department

Why are Parks and Recreation programs so important? So many reasons: health and fitness; reduce stress; community connections; access to nature; positively promotes the City - and, most importantly, parks are fun!

Come join your friends and neighbors at one of our many parks today!

Babysitting Bootcamp Success

We had a great turnout for Babysitter Bootcamp today. Teens and pre-teens learned essential skills in babysitting, CPR, and basic first aid, leaving confident and ready for future opportunities. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the day a success!

Breakfast, Books, & More

Start your Friday mornings with "Breakfast, Books & More!" at Aves’ Place in West Melbourne. This fun, weekly program is perfect for kids ages 2–7 and includes story time, arts and crafts, music, and breakfast—all packed into one engaging hour. Join us every Friday from June 6 through June 27, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Aves’ Place, located at 3095 Fell Road. Each week features a new theme: Who’s in the Zoo? (6/6), If I Had a Dragon (6/13), Planes, Trains & Trucks (6/20), and You Bake a Cookie! (6/27). Plus, before and after the program, enjoy a 20% discount for refreshments and snacks at Aves’ Place. No registration needed—just come ready to have fun!

Join Our Team

Civil Rights Leader Martin Luther King, Jr., once said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" Public service is not just a job, but a way to make someone's world a little better - every day. Are you ready to be part of a team and really make a difference?

The City of West Melbourne remains dedicated to being a vibrant, growing, and caring community that continually seeks excellence to continue to improve the quality of life for our 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.

Current job opportunities:

Police Officer in Training

Police Officer

Apply Now!

www.westmelbourne.gov/careers