MALIK’S MESSAGE

MALIK’S MESSAGE

COCOA BEACH UPDATE FROM THE MAYOR

We are ready to welcome the new year with optimism that approved vaccines will soon end the months of this pandemic and return us to normalcy! I visited my mom for first time since my father passed in February. It was nice to see each other in person. Due to other underlying health issues, she has been scared to go anywhere during this time and has not seen anyone other than my sister’s family, who lives down the street, and yes, I wore a mask the entire visit! She has left dad’s old office set up just as it was and finds comfort in sitting in his chair (I found comfort in smelling his clothes as his scent still lingers and reading some of his old writings). Our son completed his first junior semester at FSU, and we are enjoying some time together. Hopefully, they will offer in-person class options for 2021 (online learning is not the same college experience)!

As of report time, we have 25 COVID cases in our town and no shortage of hospital capacity. Please continue to take precautions (wear masks/wash hands frequently, etc.) as the majority of COVID cases are mild, but for some people it can be much more serious. Recent studies indicate an interferon deficiency response (interferon is a protein that our body creates to combat infections): https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/scientistsdiscover-genetic-immunologic-underpinnings-some-cases-severecovid-19

City updates:

• Oxygen levels were very low in our waterways recently with some reported cases of fish kills due to dying algae. Sea foam seen in canals is a result of dying algae which has been churned up by high winds/waves. Fish kills should be reported to the FWC hotline at 1-800-636-0511. The City will continue to work on water quality restoration, and this will require significant capital investments as many of our canals were man-made with no water flow.

• Footers have been poured for the new CB Police Station.

• The McNabb Park new playground has been ordered, and the old playground has been removed as it is a safety hazard.

• Public Safety Communications Tower agreement has been finalized (will save the City over $225,000 in cost and will generate monthly lease income from cell phone company providers and improve cell phone reception for non-Verizon users)!

• Mayors’ Fitness Challenge begins February 6 and goes through March 27, 2021. More than ever your health is the most important thing in life. Let’s get our title back from Cape Canaveral (remember surfing/skating counts!): https://forms.gle/iVFDyY2J7MhApA1x9

Here is to a much better 2021. Thank you for your support and allowing me to serve as your Mayor. Please feel free to contact me with any suggestions at bmalik@cityofcocoabeach.com or my cell at 321-794-6668.