A Message From Cocoa Beach Mayor Ben Malik

FROM THE MAYOR: MALIK’S MESSAGE

CONTRIBUTING WRITER: Mayor Ben Malik

Kelly & Ben’s wedding (1991)

photo provided by Ben Malik

Twenty eight years ago on July 6th, she said yes, and our journey together continues. Life is not always easy; it will be full of trials and tribulations, and I am so blessed to share it with my best friend who is always there for me— Happy Anniversary, Kelly (clearly I married up!)! Four years ago, I was given a second chance at life with the installation of 4 stents in my heart. If you have a family history of heart disease, please get checked for blockages.

Kelly & Ben’s wedding (1991)

photo provided by Ben Malik

City updates: we are vetting bidders for the new Cocoa Beach Police building (this has been discussed for over a decade but was delayed due to recession). The parking garage is working out as expected with people using the new amenity, and local merchants are getting a boost in patrons (for God’s sake, the palm trees have a warranty, and if they don’t survive more suitable replacement trees will be installed as there is no room to move them west due to FDOT right of ways).

We continue to tackle our long list of deferred infrastructure projects: Fischer Park renovations, country club remodel, rec center upgrades, sewer plant upgrades, building replacements, etc. Of significance to our impaired waterways has been the recent $6.6 million (over $2.2 million in grant funding awarded to the City for this project!) in upgrades to the city’s sewer plant including influent bar screens, biological treatment bypass piping, filter replacement, etc. These upgrades will reduce nutrient loading of nitrogen and phosphorus into the Banana River Lagoon and enhance plant reliability and performance. The existing filters are over 30 years old and have been rebuilt but cannot be rebuilt again. New filters are much more efficient in capturing nutrients from entering the waterways. Also included are continued dredging projects to remove muck from the waterways. The total costs of all these improvements are over $17.1 million. Kudos to city staff members Wayne Carragino and Brad Kelsow for securing over $10 million in grant funding to offset these improvements! Estimated reduction of nitrogen in our waterways is over 10,000 pounds. We are fortunate to have such quality city staff as every city in Brevard County is competing for these grants funds! These projects are expensive but must be done to ensure we continue to improve our water quality. Keep in mind, if you are on reclaimed water there is no need to use fertilizers on your lawn! Also, remember we have a fertilizer ban from June 1 st – September 30 th . Please use a mulching blade on your mower and don’t blow the grass clippings into the street. They enter the storm drains and wind up in the river— please be part of the solution!

This month celebrates a momentous occasion in our nation’s history made right here on the Space Coast. The 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing mission! To commemorate this occasion the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation will be hosting an Astronaut Parade & Street Party on Saturday, July 13 th commencing at 9:30 am. The route starts at 4th Street North and proceeds down South Orlando Avenue ending at 1st Street South with the street party downtown afterwards!

Thank you for your support and allowing me to serve as your Mayor. Please feel to contact me with any suggestions at bmalik@cityofcocoabeach.com or my cell at 321-794-6668.

Mayor Ben Malik