Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina Releases October 2026 Mayor’s Message

It's a great day, Palm Bay!

This year marked 25 years since the tragic events of September 11, 2001. On September 11, our community gathered at Sacrifice Park for Palm Bay's Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost and reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and service that followed that devastating day. Twenty-five years later, the memories of September 11 remain deeply personal for so many Americans. We remember the first responders who ran toward danger, the service members who answered the call in the years that followed, and the families whose lives were forever changed. I am grateful to everyone who joined us as we reflected, prayed, and stood together in remembrance. As a community and as a nation, we carry forward a promise that has endured for a quarter century: we will never forget. Watch the highlights from Palm Bay's 25th Anniversary Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony.

As we mark three years since the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks on Israel, I stand with Israel in remembering the lives lost, the families forever changed, and all those impacted by that horrific day. We remember the victims, honor their memory, and continue to pray for all those affected by the violence that began that day.

On October 13, we recognize the 251st birthday of the United States Navy. For more than two and a half centuries, the Navy has defended our nation, protected our interests around the world, and answered the call to serve. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to every Sailor, past and present, and to the military families whose support and sacrifice are an important part of that service. Happy Birthday, United States Navy!

As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, I encourage our community to celebrate the rich culture and traditions that help make Palm Bay such a special place. The 29th Annual Puerto Rican Day Parade & Festival, hosted by U.T.B. United Third Bridge, Inc., will take place Saturday, October 24. The parade steps off at 10:00 AM from Turner Elementary School and will travel north on Emerson Drive, west on Malabar Road, and conclude at Palm Bay City Hall, 120 Malabar Road SE. Following the parade, the celebration continues at City Hall with a multicultural festival featuring live music, cultural entertainment, food vendors, and activities for the entire family through 7:00 PM. Presented by United Third Bridge and sponsored by Palm Bay Gary Yeomans Ford, this annual tradition is a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate the cultures that enrich our community. For additional information, contact United Third Bridge at (863) 381-4858.

October also means Halloween is right around the corner! I encourage everyone to have fun, stay safe, and take advantage of the many family-friendly activities happening throughout Palm Bay. Be sure to join us for the City's Fall Fest at Fred Poppe Regional Park on Saturday, October 31, from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. This free community event will include trunk-or-treat, a costume contest, spooky hayrides, food and craft vendors, music, games, and plenty of fun for all ages. I look forward to seeing you there!

Looking ahead to November, I invite our community to join me as we honor the men and women who have served our nation during Palm Bay's Annual Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 7, at 10:00 AM. This meaningful tradition gives us an opportunity to come together and show our gratitude to our veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice. The parade will begin at the Tony Rosa Community Center and travel east along Port Malabar Boulevard before concluding at Veterans Memorial Park. Residents are welcome to watch from anywhere along the parade route, with excellent viewing areas available near Veterans Memorial Park. I hope you will join us as Palm Bay comes together to recognize and honor our nation's veterans.