Please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance led by members of upward trend academy's student government. They'll be led by Vice President Ariana Otto-born, Secretary Emma Liu Otto-born, Chloe Bell, and Cabinet members Carson Chelsea, McKenna Goodrich, Hannah McCain, Van Vessel, Neavessel, Jacob Kobielanski, and Remi Kain. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you for coming out, yeah, definitely. I feel the same. Although I just want to say that I am a student of the Opportunity Academy in New Samaritan Beach. I've been there for five years. And it's been a blessing. I've learned so much and I've gotten better at my reading. And it's been amazing. Thank you, Vice President Ariana Aud Audible. Please be seated. We're going to begin tonight with an 11-minute video featuring each of the city's four zone commissioners and the issues they've been championing at City Hall. That will be followed by tonight's main event, a speech by Mayor Fred Cleveland, covering the past year's accomplishments and future strategic priorities. Finally, after the speech, we invite you to enjoy our derives by Riverside catering in our Park View Room, more live music by saxophone as Jamie Hollis, and the opportunity to speak with your local elected officials and city department heads, who you'll find at their respective presentation stations lining the back of the room. So thank you for attending tonight. We look forward to receiving your feedback. So please sit back, relax, and enjoy tonight's presentation. you Hello, I'm Nees Mernabeech. I'm Valley Prane and proud to be your ZenWin Commissioner. One of the issues that I have been passionate about is helping in reducing the homelessness in our city. We have implemented many new programs to help with this. One, New Smirna, Port Orange, O'Kill, Ormond Beach, and several other surrounding cities have partnered with First Step Shelter. For the last two years, 94% of these participants that were moved into housing remained in housing. 23% of those we helped were veterans. Number two, we have provided our local police department the tools they need. We've made great strides in moving our transient population off the streets and on to a path to safe housing, dignity and respect. When it comes to safety, we're very happy that the bridges on Barricutable of Rd and the Yacht Club Bistreet bridge are completed. We have an ambitious lineup of capital improvement projects planned for our zone 1. We remain focused on enhancing the quality of our lives and safety for our residents and visitors. When major upcoming project will be our Washington Street project, this beautiful street skate project promises to bring resurfaced payments, sidewalk upgrades, new trees, lighting, and then to ground utilities. The Washington Street Project has been long in the making, and we're at a point where it's moving into a really good direction. Our goal is that by the end of this summer, we have our award to construction, along with an issue you'd notice to proceed to start. Currently what we're working on, just the last little pieces, finalizing our property right away easements, which we believe we're gonna have by the end of this week. So with all those final puzzle pieces falling into place, we're getting ready to start construction this summer. I want to thank all of you for your help and support. And I'm looking forward to that. Our 2025 will be our best year yet. Hi, I'm Lisa Martin. We do surrender beach 2025 ice mayor and your beach side commissioner. I'm here today with two very important men. One Chris Kirk, our chief of police, who keeps our beachside safe and David Ray, who keeps our beachside beautiful. And we're standing in the Coronado Civic Center, which was the original Coronado Beach City Hall. David Ray, you're going to tell us all about what's going on beach side. Number one here at the Coronado Civic Center, we installed new solar panels with the goal of being net zero on its electrical draw. That's just part of a whole rehabilitation plan this year, tentatively starting in June. We have a whole lot going on on Flagler Avenue. The whole Flagler Avenue landscape is getting updated. We have new light poles that were just approved and we're ordering and tentatively coming in in June and hopefully installed in September and time for the holiday season. We have our 27th Avenue playground. Right now it's getting removed and getting a brand new playground and brand new shade structures put in. As well as Flagler Avenue we just had the perky-pave put in. We had the trash corrals updated and put in. The Flagler Avenue Business we just had the Perky Pave put in. We had the trash corrals updated and put in. The Flagler Avenue Business Association is working with local artists to decorate them with wraps and we can't wait to see how they turn out. We do have a lot more projects planned not only for 2025 but as we go into 2026 as well. Now Chief Kirk is going to tell us about what he does to keep beach side safe and what a lot of you want to know how he kept spring breaks down to a dull roar. Spring breaks definitely the event of the year for us. It's absolutely what beachside residents ask us most about. I think this year it went swimmingly. We definitely had our issues but the officers and staff from our agency and all participating agencies came through. Excellently we got great feedback from the community about officer interaction and we're very pleased with how them. I am so grateful to have this opportunity to share two of our staff leaders who staff make this city work. If you need any more information, please contact me. Good evening and welcome to the State of the City. I'm Jason McGurton, you're only three representatives. I'm happy to report the health and stability of our city is in a very positive position. New City Manager Kevin Calper hit the ground running and adapted very well to the challenges facing our city. We all can be very pleased and confident with Kevin moving forward. We are aggressively working on new flood control policies while also partnering with our sister cities in the county to develop long-term flood control policies for Southeast Felicia. The health of New Sumerna Beach is strong, having a vibrant community in home values. Small businesses, the arts and quality of life. Thank you for attending tonight. I look forward to seeing you next year. Music Hi everyone, I'm Commissioner Brian Ashley and I'm here today to talk about something I'm incredibly passionate about citizen power. Over the past few months, I've had so many conversations with residents of Newsmen of Beach, or deeply knowledgeable and concerned about issues in our city. They could be general, they could apply to an HOA, or an entire neighborhood, but they don't have to be. They can be your own individual concern. But too often, they tell me that they feel unheard, that things are moving way too slowly, or that no one seems to care. I want to change that. A lot of people don't know how our city government works, what kind of government we even have, and most don't realize that at every commissioner meeting we set aside time for you, the public, to speak. It can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. I want to take you inside to show you how it's done. Behind me is the dais where the commissioner sit. And here facing the commission is the podium. This is where you can speak directly to your elected officials, the city attorney, the city manager, and often the chief of the police is in the audience. When you come to the podium during public participation, you'll have up to three minutes to share your thoughts, concerns, or ideas. It is a monologue, not a dialogue. No questions, no debating. It's easy. To my right, to your left as you're speaking, you'll see a green light when you begin, a yellow light when your time is almost up, and a red light when it's time to stop. And after you speak, the mayor will thank you for your input. No issue was too small. If it concerns you as a citizen of New Smirno Beach, the commission wants to hear from you. Hi, I'm Kelly. I had an issue recently in my neighborhood, and I reached out to Commissioner Ashley. And he so graciously listened to my concern and encouraged me to come down to the commission meeting and speak not only to all the commissioners, but also the mayor. And we're hearing it firsthand from these folks. Go right ahead. Hi, my name's Kelly Dr. Skold. I also introduced some of my neighbors at the meeting as well to speak about our concerns and I had no idea this was something that you could do in New Surferna Beach. I felt completely supported and also met with Detective Kirk after the meeting and spoke with him the next day to address our concerns. I felt heard, supported, and we have a solution now within just two weeks. So thank you to Commissioner Ashley. I stood before you about a month ago, I'm about to have to go asking for help protecting our street and our children. My granddaughter was not able to play outside anymore because of what was going on. And I just, we came tonight. You want to tell them, thank you. Thank you. What are you thankful for? Thank you for keeping our world safe. So we wanted to come tonight and tell you thank you to each of you for moving this forward so quickly and taking care of us and our city. So thank you. Thank you, Grandma, nice job. Applause. Kelly's story is just one example of the power of citizen engagement and participation. If you have an issue, a concern, or an idea for how to make Newsmen beach even better, please come to a commission meeting and share your thoughts. Your voice matters and we are here to listen. Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm, Brandon Center welcome to Mayor Fred Cleveland. Thank you. All right. Pardon me just a second. Thank you. Thank you so very much for coming out tonight. So very good to see all of you here to this amazing place, the Brandon Center. Thank you, Jonah Powers, for your work in managing our wonderful city asset. This meeting venue, we appreciate you and your staff's work. And how about those students from upward trend academy, student government leading us in the pledge, huh? To our citizens, I surely hope that you had a happy Passover to my Jewish friends, a happy Holy Week and Easter to my fellow Christians as we mourn the passing of the Pope. Now, commercially, Easter this year has been a real boon for the city. You know how it works. The Easter Bunny comes out of his hole, sees a shadow, and we get six more months of daylight savings time. The delivery trucks come an hour earlier on Flagler and Canal. The visitors and sunwarsherpers stay home for another hour while the sun gets higher in the sky and the traffic and parking problems are solved. There you have it. No real math logic or science there but it doesn't seem to be working and Washington either, so I thought I'd give it a shot here. Speaking of Easter bunnies and caratops, how about that video from Jason McGurk? Did you see that big smile grinning away? He's got a lot to be happy about. Truman, his son, is now driving. That gives Jason a lot more free time to serve our city. Now Truman can show for dad around town. I attempt the same service to my wife Amy but have learned although I may have my hands on the wheel she can drive from any seat in the car. This thing on? Okay. From your lack of response. I thought the room might be full of a bunch of Army West Point grads. Oh, come on. You know they really do have a sense of humor. And a football team. Navy, of course, beat them this year. Well, the truth is this. Army comes into the end of the season with a 9-0 score favored to win over Navy's five-and-four season. You know why Navy's out playing Michigan pit and Notre Dame, Army's racking up, wins against Flagler College, Holy Cross and the like, right? I digress, I apologize. My colleagues from City Hall, my friends, neighbors, community leaders, all of you who are new Samarna. We are grateful for you offering your elected officials the privilege and of your time and your commitment to our community. I'd like to take a moment to acknowledge some of our special guests here this evening. From Congressman Corey Mills office, Debbie Phillips, Julie Watts here from Senator from Representative Chase Traymon's office, seventh judicial court of Florida, Judge Wesley Height. Thank you, Judge Height for being here. Managing assistant state's attorney, Spencer Hathaway, Councilman Danny Robbins, the CEO, the new CEO of the Advent Health Organization, Ken Zill. Thank you, Dr. Hill, for being here. The Honorable Nancy Miller, Daytona Beach Shores Mayor, the Honorable Mayor, Lois Peritzky. Thank you, Lois, for being here. The Honorable Mayor, Ricky Taylor from Oak Hill. School Board Representative Jesse Thompson, former Mayor Sally Mackay, former Mayor Adam Baringer, former Mayor Jim Hathaway, former Mayor Russ Owen, and former City Manager, College Rashadot. Volusia County, fine commissioner, and NSBU chairman on his 49th birthday, Buddy Davenport. Applause Canaveral National Seasore Superintendent Carmen Thompson, Marine Discovery Center, CEO and Executive Director Chad Truxel. Will Roberts, the world's most famous tax collector, our favorite elected official. NSBU, CEO and General Manager, F. from Chavez, Chamber of Commerce, CEO Stephanie Ford and her board chairman Mark Billings, also representing Habitat for Humanity as Executive Director. The FABBA President Zoe Nooner, Canal Street Historic District, owner's president Liz Jones, the interim city clerk Sharon Harding,, City Attorney, Carrie Avalon, and the city manager, Kevin Calper. And finally, and humbly, my mom. Thank you, Mary Jane Blyconship. Thank you, mom, and mayor for coming. Applause And Mohim and Rick over, the father ofS. nuclear navy wrote, the best way to predict your future is to create it. Welcome to 2025, Newsom Earnabit, State of the City Address. It's again my privilege to be here this evening with all of you. This evening, I'd like to share with you your city's vision for our future and introduce some of our extraordinary residents and city staff who are helping create the future on behalf of all of us. And how about those city commissioner videos, weren't they great? Valley Pirene from Zone 1, taking on the mayor's task force on homelessness to the next level as a board member of the First Tech Shelter. Lisa Martin in zone two for promoting the great work of Chief Kirk and Director Ray. Jason McGurk from zone three leading the way on our stormwater recovery efforts and the newest member commissioner Brian Ashley with the how to video on presenting your views at public participation. Thank you colleagues, it's my privilege and high honor to serve our city alongside of you. Approximately 14 months ago, I stood before you to deliver our last state of the city address. In the months that followed, a lot has happened in our world and community. We've basked in the sun and weathered the storms, literally and figuratively. And here we have so much to be proud of and look forward to in the year ahead of us. What you will hear a little later is a review of our city's strategic pillars that I introduced you to last year. As citizens, it's important that you are kept updated on how your elected leaders guide our planning. More on that in a few minutes. Please indulge me if you will for a moment of celebration before we dive into the business of our presentation this evening. Some of you may know that Amy and I are proud graduates of Seabreeze High School home of the fighting sandcrabbs. Why will we always be sandcrabbs? I could not be more thrilled and honored to be associated with our local hometown heroes, the New Thamurna Beach High School Baracudas. This year our kudas are celebrating what high school athletic director Gerald Fuller calls the winter of winning. Student competitors have won statewide championships in boys wrestling, boys and girls weightlifting, gold medal winning first place with the winner guard team. And most recently, the girls basketball team showed the entire state of Florida what it means to be a kuda by becoming the Florida State Champions. Many of our high school athletes and their guests are here with us tonight. Please stand as your team is called, proud kuda champions, and be recognized for your talent, your work, and the accomplishments. Girls Weightlifting, Olivia Bond West, and Ashie Mahari Manzuda. Applause. Boys, boys weightlifting. Applause. Applause. Applause. Boys weightlifting, our Mon Monies Burlock and Isaiah McLeod. Boys wrestling Jonathan Bruner and Kyle Nielsen. The Winter Guard team Skyler Hadrick, Catherine Boer, J. Lee Richie, Azalea Hauser, and Grace Nul. Applause Girls Basketball, Saraya Amans, Corrin Estell, Briella Avia, Eva Fieldman, Riley France, Janaya Monroe, Olivia Olson, Megan Presio, a Nihoretic, Shalesa Rutberg, and Julya Smith. Applause Students, athletes, on behalf of Newsomernabeech, we are so very proud of you. Well done, coach Gerald Fuller, wrestling coach Isaac Bernard, Mike Strauss, and Chris Blasco, weightlifting coaches Tim McCray, and Steve Carraher, and Luke Bellavue. Winter Guard coaches Christine Blom and Hardley Hoddle, and finally, basketball coaches, the coach of the year, Asia Patrick, Carmella Walker, Dominique Mungan, Chicago Jones, Tanya Hayes, and Pop Mitchell. And finally to Principal Timothy Merrick for making ready the future of NSB. Thank you, Principal Merrick. As mentioned, my focus this evening is on the importance of creating our future. As Martin Luther King said, we are not so much the makers of history as we are actually made by history. And so a discussion about our future would not be complete without taking a few minutes to honor some of the incredible legacies passed in present that have helped build our community. These residents embody the saying, if not me who and if not now when. They haven't waited for a direction or a formal call to action. They've seen the need, they've jumped into Philavoid, enhancing the quality of life for all of us in the process and demonstrating what I refer to as the power of one. With her permission, I'd like to share with you a video produced by Donna Atherin of the Turnbull Creek Preservation Committee. This project represents just one example of what can be accomplished through that power of one. I have a presentation to give you of where we've been, what we've done, and where do we go next. When we began the project, it was 2019. We were slowed down by, of course, 2020, where everything's shut down. Then the flood came. Ian took up a whole lot of flooding throughout New Samaritan, covered our properties from Corbin Park Road. We were 21 inches of water. There, we got the $1.6 million from USDA natural resources and the emergency watershed management program. That kind of saved us. It allowed us the opportunity to clean what was this mess on Page Avenue. The flow of this of the Turnbull Creek of course goes north and there's a lot of wildlife throughout that creek that are, it's a great habitat. But it's absolutely loaded with with a lot of other debris. So that cleaned us out, that got us through. So the improvement as what you see here can be an enormous ecosystem for us to enjoy, to drop a canoe in or a kayak, to even walk along these banks. There's a lot of fish in here, it's now six foot deep. It goes down to the clay base. There is no debris debris left the limbs and the logs and everything you saw in those previous pictures are gone I was amazed when I came around the corner and I saw how much the debris had been removed in these sections and the fish are like crazy packed in there so it's working it's bringing back some of that and I think that the public would like to see this I invite every one of you to come join me on a swamp stump. It's not so bad anymore. We can get in the kayak right on down. You can enjoy every bit of this. I mean this is old for it at its finest. Donna Leeds and SB's Turnbull Creek Preservation Committee and personally garnered two and a5 million grant from the USDA, and that's just the beginning. Additional examples I'd like to ask the following leaders to please stand and be recognized for galvanizing their efforts where they find their passion. The Greater Florida Easter Seal President, Bev Johnson, for Edgar's Farm for Special Needs Kids, Mark Billings for Habitat for Humanity, Bruce Jahaligan, and Chad Truxel from the Marine Discovery Center, Lindsey Strassberg, and Dr. Amy McAless for Upper Trend Academy for Autistic Children, composer Russell North from the Atlantic Center of the Arts, Superintendent Carmen Thompson, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Canaver National Seashore, Zoe Nooner from the Flagler Avenue Business Association, Canal Historic District President Liz Jones, Richard England from the hub, Buddy Davenport, Jack Travis, and Susan Neeland from Sumerna Cares, to Resuppote from the Housing Authority, Sean Lane from Kudazan Hooked, and Linda Henline from Keep NSB Clean. These leaders warrant our respect and gratitude. They and so many others of you have been the key stones in our community and we stand on your shoulders. There are countless other examples in this room of selfless commitment. Our appreciation and adedendness as well to those not specifically called by name. You know who you are. And we are so grateful to all of you for a dedication to our community. Moving on to the business of our city business, you'll remember that when I stood here a year ago, we celebrated the incredible legacy of College Rashidat and talked about the absolute criticality of finding a qualified replacement that could carry on the tradition of excellence called it left us. We are fortunate to find some truly incredible candidates and with the help of many of you in June we were proud to announce our new city manager, Kevin Calper from Dothan Alabama. Does anyone know what Dothan Alabama and NSP have in common? Neither. Does anyone know what Dothan Alabama and NSP have in common? Neither does Kevin. Kevin bravely relocated himself and his lovely wife, Jenny, from the self-proclaimed peanut capital of the world to the widely acclaimed Shark Bite capital of the world. Kevin and Jenny arrived just in time for two devastating hurricanes and the heavy responsibility of filling multiple city key leadership roles. In the eight months he's been in office, Kevin has demonstrated his experience and truly earned our trust. During his leadership, NSB has successfully transitioned a new GM and CEO from our Utilities Commission, onboarded a new police chief, director of business development, director of finance, director of capital improvement, and recently hired an amazing leader to fill the recently created director of mobility role who will help us address our parking and traffic infrastructure needs. A round of applause please for the well deserved man who has really demonstrated a legacy of service. Thank you Mr. Calper. skilled a leader as Kevin is, he could not do this alone. I'd like to take a moment to recognize in no particular order the amazing city staff who has worked tirelessly on behalf of us every day. I hope you'll take advantage and the opportunity to get to know them better by visiting the stations around the room highlighting many of our city's departments. If you didn't get a chance when we began, department head directors from the staff will be available at the conclusion of this address to meet you and answer your questions. Staff leaders, please rise and remain standing and to be recognized. Salazar, Director of Leisure Services, Shane Corbin, Director of Development Services, David Ray, Director of Maintenance Operations, Samantha Bergeron, Director of Business Development, Chris Kirk, Chief of Police, Sean Vandermark, Fire Chief, Thomas Farmer, Director of Technology, Heather Kid, Director of HR, Arvin Weiss, the airport manager, Joanne Durery, Director of Finance, and Jeff C. Coby, Director of Capital Improvement. This is your city staff team. Since we last met here at the State of the City, the torch has been passed within our own police department. After a national surge, the city manager concluded our best candidate for chief of police is right here in New Samurna in the person of Chris Kirk. The former deputy chief of a hometown Orlando local raised in, and, and, and but born and raised in Orlando, now a 21 year Department veteran. He brings extensive law enforcement and leadership experience to the job from nearly every division, including patrol training, investigations and administration. Prior to serving as the deputy chief, he was the department's training coordinator, public information officer and SWAT team commander for the Southeast Volusia SWAT team, and a summa cum laude grad of UCF. Officers from many departments and many agencies around the county are here in the room tonight, I'd like to give a hand for all of them for being here. Thank you, man Not not the least of which are two of our very own retired chief Eric Feldman is in the room and retired chief Where is he? There he is, Mike Coffin is in the room. I'd like to invite Chief Kirk and his lovely bride, Kaylee to the podium now to be officially sworn in as the 16th The 16th Police Chief of News of Murder Beach. I Chris Kirk do solemnly swear. I, Chris Kirk, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and its laws, the Constitution of the State of Florida and its laws and the ordinances of the city of New Samarna Beach. Furthermore, I will well faithfully and truly perform all my duties. Furthermore, I will well faithfully and truly perform all my duties. In accordance with the Code of Ethics as an officer of the police department of New Samarna Beach. In accordance with the Code of Ethics as the chief of police for the police department of the city of Newsom Urne Beach. And you're good. To the best of my ability. To the best of my ability. So help me, God. So help me, God. Congratulations. Thank you all. Thank you all. Congratulations. Thank you guys for coming. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. And now on to those strategic pillars. You remember from last year I spoke about five pillars which guide our planning and the way your city looks to shape its future. It's my belief that these pillars represent our North Star and guide the city manager and the staff toward the execution of their regular duties. Those pillars are communications and trust, quality of life measures, growth management, environment and resiliency, and transportation and circulation. When I talk about the first pillar, communications and trust, we mean the importance of clear, transparent, and timely communication, which play a key role in building trust between our government and the citizens who have entrusted us with their voice. In 2024, we're proud to have made progress through the following areas. Increased number of workshops, town halls, and seminars on challenging topics, many of which are dear to our citizens. Needless to say, flooding tops the list, along with protecting the small coastal town feel in the midst of major influx of new residents. Preserving our beaches how to expand to the west to what I call new town NSB while ensuring we plan for the proper infrastructure to ensure a high quality of life. The City Manager continues to review public participation and offer direct feedback at the next commission meeting in the manager's report to each action topic raised by citizen speakers as Commissioner Ashley pointed out and is how to public video. We have appointed new and engaged experienced citizens to our functional boards, and Commissioner Perrine has made it a personal goal to streamline a meeting full application process while leading us and evaluating the efficacy of each board. These are services has launched a special events calendar on the city website to offer a one stop shop for locals to find out what's going on around town. The automated cell phone notification system we began using in preparation for major storms and hurricanes have been mastered. We also offer video conversations on the website ahead of storms interviewing public safety department heads, maintenance operations director, the city manager and the utilities commission CEO offering vital tips and current and contact protocol information before and after hurricanes. The mayor's office keeps me hoppin seven days a week with ceremonies and events in addition to face-to-face private in office appointments as well as as well as a presence at the Farmer's Market with a different city official on the first Saturday of every month. The police department has created and promoted a community services sergeant to supervise community outreach unit, victims' advocates, youth services, animal control, and Community Service Aids. When speaking of quality of life, we're referring to the city's responsibility to ensure we establish and safeguard the economic and environmental sustainability of our treasured coastal community. We commit to establishing sustainable and measurable goals to help ensure we protect what we love. Here for generations to come. Development services has updated and tightened stormwater regulations for the land development code. The master stormwater plan we talked through in a workshop has phase one completing later this month Two bridges have been rebuilt Barracuda and fifth street with cost increases in the millions of dollars Covered by the state because of our aggressive staff work These are services is completed a new expansion of the skate park and replaced the lounge structure partially funded grant. The city marine renovation pleaded to repave over 17 miles of city streets. And the crews are now performing preventive maintenance on the 52 city structures around town rather than only focusing on reactive repairs. Several peers and park facilities have been removed, repaired or renovated since the last year's storms. Local and countywide businesses donated over $12,000 in raffle prizes at the third annual City Employee Appreciation Day. NSB really does love its 325 dedicated City employees. When we talk about growth management, realistically we must accept that change is inevitable. And that change is awfully as deeply intertwined with growth for our community. And as I said last year, the challenge for us is not the paradox of either or, but we must manage the polarities of and and how related to what our future holds. Relative to growth management. We talked about lifting our eyes from the deck, the here and now, looking up to the future and how to prepare, how to plan for new residents and businesses coming to our community. What we want our NSB to look like going forward. We know that old town, New Samurna, is likely full and needs to be preserved and celebrated for its character and cozy feel. Businesses are filling our vacant buildings and giving the city vitality, new shopping and dining options while renovating and preserving our architectural heritage. Take a look at the Bowman Center on South U.S. 1, South of Canal. Thank you to Crystal Dungeley and how about that new ACE hardware going in on North Dixie Freeway. It'll take pressure off of 44 for our midtown and beach side residents. Thank you to the Mabel and brothers for bringing their family legacy to NSB. The city staff has been looking to the west for what new town NSB needs to have in terms of flood water management, wildlife preservation and the amenities that a growing population need for sustaining a high level quality of life. And we have held a series of workshops, presentations and city commission meetings to discuss the possibilities there. Advent hospital leadership are in the final throws of determining a relocation on their property near I-95 with an announcement coming soon. The Utilities Commission, under Chairman Buddy Davenport's leadership, is evaluating their eventual move to the acreage they own out west. It is my personal hope that they can find the best solution to serving the city's needs through a public-private partnership, minimizing the extraordinarily rising building cost while maintaining the exceptional service and state recognized lowest rates. Our land development regulations, the LDRs, are being updated deliberately and slowly by the the planning department as we are recognized as some of the strictest in the county when it comes to containing sprawl, stormwater management and preservation. Let's talk about environment and resiliency. We acknowledge the many blessings of living in a paradise of natural resources. With leadership comes the responsibility and it lies on our shoulders to balance the burden of protecting our environment while responsibly welcoming those who would come and share our home. It's my personal view, the Bible verse from which is given, much is expected definitely applies. Watch what our own Marine Discovery Center leadership has done with what they have been given. Music I'm going to do a little bit of the same thing. I'm going to do a little bit of the same thing. I'm going to do a little bit of the same thing. I'm going to home. I'm gonna go home. I'm gonna go home. I'm gonna go home. I'm gonna go home. I'm gonna go home. I'm gonna go home. I'm gonna go home. I'm gonna go home. I'm gonna go home. I'm gonna go home. I'm gonna go home. I'm gonna go home. you Thank you, Chad Trucksville, Marine Discovery Center Board. We are rich in natural resources and environmental wildlife right here in NSB. Boarded to the north by the Ponsonlet and to the south by the Canaveral National Seasure, we garner a real quality of place right here at home. And we must hold on tightly for this genie does not go back in the bottle. From a recovery perspective over seven million dollars in state funding has been obtained to eliminate septic tanks in silver sands which borders our precious Indian River Lagoon. State grants have been received in the amount of three point five million dollars to match city funding to clean out and stabilize Gabordi Canal, Cemetery Canal, Aquacourt, Pine Island, and Old Menorcan Pond. The city manager and I have just returned from Tallahassee speaking with our state legislature seeking $2 million of other stormwater restoration and mitigation work on the historic west side. Clean outs are underway or completing in Turnbull Bay North and south and we've added a generator for the lift station on Esther Street for emergency operations. A total of 35 million dollars in state funding has been obtained by the county to use toward projects our city and others are cooperating toward the master storm water plan. Thank you, Council and Danny Robbins. This grant represents the largest of its type in any county in this state, the largest of any county of the 67 in the state of Florida. These are all fantastic responsive actions to an old and insufficient water management system, largely in the oldest parts of our city. Looking forward, we must take water flow provisions from the newer populations alongside Highway 44 and Invention Bay. Our coordinated engineering efforts in Invention Bay will bring the definitive solution those locals have long sought. When looking even further to the west, water management and wildlife considerations must be attended to first, alongside other considerations for our expansion. Resiliency and self-sustaining in that part of our city must be real, sustainable for not only today's needs, but also for decades to come in order to obtain a high quality of life for those seeking to live and work in a park environment such as Deering Park. And lastly, with regard to transportation and circulation, we also recognize that our existing infrastructure has the challenge of effectively meeting our current needs while maintaining, by remaining nimble enough to prepare for our future. Last year I summarized this by the expression, what got us here will not get us there. That remains true and our work here is highlighted by the appointment of a newly formed directorate for parking and mobility as commended by the citizen lead task force and recommended by our transportation engineering contractors. Welcome Mr. Steve Mangreli from the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District and prior to that Disney Springs parking. We have high hope and great expectations that you will generate the relief solutions are diversely challenging mobility issues provide. The police department has restructured the zone, has resurrected the drone program after the previous legislative shutdown. The chief also now places traffic directors at at key intersections for increasing flow during major events and on high traffic weekends. Coordination with our county has resulted in accelerated beach access protocols and increased staffing during heavy loads. The NSB PD has doubled its traffic unit to four motorcycle officers intending to increase traffic enforcement and pedestrian safety. Whether our emergencies which arise daily on our streets and in our homes and businesses, I'm comforted to know that the police work hand in glove with other agencies for quickly resolving them. Not the least of which is our very own fire department and EMS team, which just recently commenced operating its second EMS transport unit in NSB, doubling our capacity and reducing the response time. Well done, Chief Fermark. When we speak of the future of Newsomerno Beach, one word seems to be used consistently, development. Unfortunately, more times than not, that word carries a negative stigma, referring to the development strictly in the context of building and construction. I spoke earlier of the plans we have in place to ensure a sustainable future for our community, carefully balancing the economic viability while protecting our history and natural resources. I'd like to also recognize that development also means creating future leaders and systems and infrastructure that protect that balance. As a news the morning, I'm humbled at every interaction I have with a younger generation of residents. From the children who have probably stood and let us in the pledge of allegiance at City Commission meetings, to our student athletes you met earlier who have put Newsom Urna on the map demonstrating skill and sportsmanship. To the academic heroes who excel in our school systems, I know that the future is in great hands. In 2023-24 school year, the graduation rate at Newsomernabee High School was 97.2%. Kudos to our students for their amazing families and teachers. Representing our future, we are absolutely delighted to have with us this evening the valedictorian of News of Bernabége High School Scarlett Wishheimer. A lifelong resident in our community, Scarlett will be leaving New Samona for the swamp, capital T, capital S, home of the University of Florida Gators. Good job, good job. Yep, that was my granddaughter video. I don't know how that got in there. Having been dual enrolled through high school, Scarlet will be entering UF as a junior. In addition to her academic achievements, Scarlet has logged over 500 community service hours and is an incredibly talented seamstress and fashion designer who will be showcased Again again at the upcoming Razzle Dazzle student event, fashion event, put on by the hub. All of this, just a few weeks shy of her 18th birthday next month. It is my honor and pleasure to introduce you the best of the best Scarlett Wishheimer. Applause. Thank you. Thank you. In just a month, I will have graduated from New Samaritan Beach High School. While I've only been enrolled there for four years, my memories there easily last over a decade. I remember being young. my dad as a school teacher would take me to teacher duty days. I would roam away in the halls and I would play hide and seek or I'd scribble all over his Le Whiteboard. My times in New Samurna are so much beyond just living here. In my past 17 years I've been an active member of the community here and I've realized that New Samurna is something so special. We have the Canaveral National Seasure, Flagler and Canaveral Avenue, Batoon Beach. We're a beach town. We're a place to have fun in the sun and even if that's not for you like it isn't necessarily for me, there are still so many activities that we have to offer here, so many free community resources and programs. For me, I was more dedicated to the arts growing up. I participated in the Atlantic Center for the Arts Youth program. I would come home every day with glue stains all over my shirt and paint chips all under my nails. But at the end of the week, I'd always have a masterpiece to bring home. And still to this day, do they sit in my dad's classroom? Although I've moved on from the ACA Art Camps, my passion for art still continues at Razzle Dazzle, a free program for middle school and high schoolers at the Hubbunkanao, where students like me learn to so create and really re-embodied, re-ignite the passion of sewing, of a hobby that's long been in decline, of creating, something that is long forgotten. It's a basic life skill, and it's really good to know that Nusomera and Abige offers such a now niche hobby. I hold all of these programs so near and dear to my heart because that's what Newsomera and Abige has given to me. Although this chapter of my life may be ending soon, I continue on to the University of Florida. I'm not whether I'm not sure whether I will have a major in engineering or in law, but I do know for certain my purpose at UF is to foster my passions and talents that New Samurna has fostered for me. My journey of academics and success is far from over and Newsomurna has led me one step in the right direction. While I may leave the town of Newsomurna Beach, the lessons I've learned will always and forever stay. Thank you. Mr. Mrs. Wishheimer, take a bow. Take a stand. Nice job, you guys. That's parenting. Huge thank you to Scarlett and all the young people for whom we must work to leave a legacy which they can be proud of. You join a rich heritage to others who started here and went on to great achievements. Doris Leeper, Rahim Moster, Bones McKay, West Chandler, Neil Coates, Sandy Lloyd, Cole Holcomb, a good friend Rayette, Stan Harrison, and Chris Kirk. You see my friends. the youth of New Cermurna Beach does represent such a bright future for our community. They have in the past, and it's my belief that our youth today will deliver many more great contributions to our city guided by the givers and mentors this town is full of. So now the answer you've all been waiting for. What is the state of our city? Last year I summarized that answer in one word, solid. Well that still holds very true. As you may have picked up from the tone of this address, I am awed and humbled by the talent, passion, dedication, and determination of the amazing people who are Newsom or Nebich. They and you, every one of you, determine every day the state of our city. One word cannot summarize the power, the power of one. It's the power I spoke about earlier. Yes, we have challenges there before us, but I'm confident in that power that this community lies, the success of this community lies in tapping the potential of our citizens. The state of the city is in our hands to protect and secure for generations to come. In conclusion, I'd like to reiterate that we have so much to be thankful for and proud of in New Samarrabiich. I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve as your mayor for a second term. I know that we have work to do and you have my commitment that we will represent you to the best of our abilities. Your concerns regarding critical issues such as flooding and the future infrastructure cannot be solved by one and done thinking. The results will take time and our future relies on the partnerships across the state and the relationships we are building now that will be our legacy for generations to come. Our success will depend on only what we do but how we do it. And I assure you we will move forward guided by the key principles of character, courage, and commitment. For I believe that the caliber of one's commitment is determined by the content of one's character. As the expression goes, you can caked the boy out of the navy, but you'll never take the navy out of the boy. So I'd like to conclude my time by saying, who the same as I did when we began, it's a naval quote. The author's unknown, but the sentiment is of universal appeal. It's not the ship you're on. It's the crew that make the difference. Thank you for the opportunity to be serving on this amazing crew, our community. Together we will build a bright future for Newsomerna. Thank you, God bless you, God bless our city. Thank you.