Mayor Capote Delivers Virtual State of the City Address

By  //  January 17, 2014

ABOVE VIDEO: During the State of the city, Mayor William Capote took citizens on a “virtual tour” of the city, highlighting the most notable 2013 accomplishments such as the opening of Bass Pro Shops, the ongoing construction and paving of the new Palm Bay Parkway, the new Harris Technology Center, the realignment of Clearmont Street and Troutman Boulevard, Florida Tech’s new research park – and many other new and exciting additions in the city.

BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA — Mayor William Capote delivered his annual State of the City address last night at the Palm Bay City Council Chambers. 

Mayor William Capote delivered his annual State of the City address last night at the Palm Bay City Council Chambers. (City of Palm Bay video image)
Mayor William Capote delivered his annual State of the City address last night at the Palm Bay City Council Chambers. (City of Palm Bay video image)

The annual address highlighted the city’s accomplishments over the prior year 2013 and also focused on the future direction of Central Florida’s second largest municipality.

This year’s speech featured a different format as Mayor Capote chose to present the city’s accomplishments in a more visual form.

The mayor took viewers on a “virtual tour” of the city, highlighting the most notable 2013 accomplishments such as the opening of Bass Pro Shops, the ongoing construction and paving of the new Palm Bay Parkway, the new Harris Technology Center, the realignment of Clearmont Street and Troutman Boulevard, Florida Tech’s new research park – and many other new and exciting additions in the city.

 CITY WEBSITE WILL HAVE A NEW LOOK, MORE USER FRIENDLY

In the video the mayor discusses the city’s financial condition which has stabilizing.

“The budget for fiscal year 2014 retains our skilled workforce and invests in our strategic priorities,” Mayor Capote says.  “We were also able to reduce our property tax rate by about 4 percent.”

The Parks and Recreation Department was noted for its new programs and events such as the city’s first Food Truck Wars and the opening of the new Cyclocross Park, which the mayor believes is making Palm Bay a “destination city.” (City of Palm bay image)
The Parks and Recreation Department was noted for its new programs and events such as the city’s first Food Truck Wars and the opening of the new Cyclocross Park, which the mayor believes is making Palm Bay a “destination city.” (City of Palm bay image)

Among the strategic priorities the mayor highlighted for the upcoming year are communications, improved maintenance of key commercial and industrial corridors and working smarter with E-government.

“You will see the results of these efforts as you drive down our main roads or visit our new web site.  The web site will shortly have a new look, with many more user friendly features and improved online services for the public,” said Mayor Capote.

The mayor also showcased the accomplishments of the police and fire departments and their innovative programs.  The Parks and Recreation Department was noted for its new programs and events such as the city’s first Food Truck Wars and the opening of the new Cyclocross Park, which the mayor believes is making Palm Bay a “destination city.”

PALM BAY IS ‘DOWN TO EARTH’

The mayor praised city employees for their dedication and commitment to the community not just on the job but with their participation in events like Relay for Life, United Way, the Ladder Climb for the Children’s Hunger Project, Toys for Tots among others.

Mayor Capote closed his remarks by introducing the first phase of the city’s new communications strategy aimed at highlighting Palm Bay’s many advantages.
Mayor Capote closed his remarks by introducing the first phase of the city’s new communications strategy aimed at highlighting Palm Bay’s many advantages.

“It is who we are and what we are about,” said Mayor Capote.

Mayor Capote closed his remarks by introducing the first phase of the city’s new communications strategy aimed at highlighting Palm Bay’s many advantages.

“I’m looking forward to the next year,” he said.  “In 2014 we are focusing on emerging opportunities, our economy and the environment because Palm Bay is ‘Down to Earth’ and ‘Up to Great Things.’”