Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina releases April 2026 mayor's message

Mayor Rob Medina describes his participation in the Palm Bay Police Citizens Academy and outlines April items including a temporary change to water treatment, a Fire Station 7 ribbon-cutting, and several community events.

Mayor Rob Medina published his April 2026 message to summarize recent activities and upcoming city events. He wrote about completing an eight-week Palm Bay Police Citizens Academy where he observed training across multiple units and programs. The message also notes a temporary change in the city's water treatment through April 13 and the planned ribbon-cutting for the new Fire Station 7. The mayor described a recent police leadership transition and listed community observances and fundraisers scheduled for April. Key updates: - The mayor participated in the Palm Bay Police Citizens Academy, which included tours of the Telecommunications Center and briefings from units such as Criminal Investigations, SWAT, K-9, Crisis Negotiations, Underwater Recovery, Traffic, and Drug Recognition experts. - The City of Palm Bay Utilities Department will temporarily switch from chloramination to free chlorination through April 13 and will flush hydrants; officials said residents may notice changes in water taste, odor, or color and advised that certain at-home medical treatments and aquatic pets may need attention. - The Palm Bay Police Department held a Change of Command ceremony on April 2 marking Chief Mario Augello's retirement and the swearing-in of Deputy Chief Jeff Spears as the next chief. - A ribbon-cutting for the new Fire Station 7 is scheduled for April 14 at 10 a.m. at 2144 Palm Bay Road; the facility replaces the former Fire Station 1 and will serve as a prototype for future stations. - Community items noted in the message include an Easter reflection for April 5, a Police vs. Fire pickleball event on April 17 to benefit local charities, an annual memorial service on April 23 for fallen officers Gerald Johnson and Ronald Grogan, and the Mayor's Ball on April 18 supporting the Essential Pregnancy Center. Summary: The mayor's message highlights public safety engagement, infrastructure updates, and several scheduled community events in April. Short-term operational items include the temporary water treatment change through April 13 and the Fire Station 7 ribbon-cutting on April 14. The message also marks the police leadership transition and lists memorial and fundraising events later in the month.