Humanitarian and Sportsman Steve Wilson Retires From City of Rockledge after 20 Years of Service

served Rockledge as Community Advocate and Assistant to the City Manager

ABOVE VIDEO: When Steve Wilson heard that Julie Spurlock, a daughter of a friend, was facing cancer for the second time in her short life, he wanted to do something to lift her spirits. In an Aha! moment, Wilson hatched the plan to ask friends and families to send video and audio clips showing their support of Julie.

BREVARD COUNTY • ROCKLEDGE, FLORIDA – Dedicated humanitarian and longtime sports broadcaster Steve Wilson has retired from the City of Rockledge after 20 years of service to the City and its residents as Community Advocate and Assistant to the City Manager.

Wilson’s acclaimed career with the City of Rockledge began in 1999 in the Public Works Department.

In 2004, he was personally selected by former City Manager Jim McKnight to serve as Community Advocate and Assistant to the City Manager, and he claimed his place at Rockledge City Hall.

As if his responsibilities were not varied and diverse enough, Wilson was also chosen to impart his knowledge to other City employees in the role of Safety Coordinator.

Wilson’s co-workers described him as a calming presence that could always bring a smile to everyone’s face and as a positive influence that could make anyone feel good.

“Steve’s quiet, yet firm and steady nature made him a natural at handling resident complaints and concerns,” said longtime co-worker Public Relations Officer/City Clerk Lisa Nicholas.

“Steve also worked tirelessly on every City event, primarily behind the scenes on logistics prior to an event, and then as the man behind the camera during the event. However, he was largely instrumental and spearheaded the coordination of speakers and arrangement of the program for the City’s more recent, and very successful, Memorial Day ceremonies and 9/11 tributes.”

Throughout his notable tenure with Rockledge, Wilson was a three-time recipient of the City’s esteemed Quality Public Service Award.

Also highly regarded in the community, in 2007, Steve garnered the Hans Christian Andersen Elementary School 2007 Outstanding Mentor Volunteer of the Year award and was also named the Rockledge Kiwanis Club’s Person of the Year.

But Steve’s achievements stretched far beyond the City of Rockledge, and in October 2017, he was named as a recipient of the Space Coast Daily Humanitarian Award for his unyielding endeavors to lift the spirits of a young family friend battling cancer.

“Early on, Steve’s intent was to gather enough get-well video clips to make a concise, three- to four-minute video for the young girl that she would enjoy and would hopefully make her smile,” said Nicholas

“But Steve’s quest ended up being a worldwide effort, and his tenacity resulted in the gathering of more than 300 get-well wishes from renowned actors, politicians, and sports figures.”

In 2016, Wilson was inducted into the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame for his longtime dedication to shining the spotlight on youth sports in Brevard County.

For the past 19 years, through their program known as the Friday Night Locker Room, Wilson and his longtime friend Orville Susong broadcast local sporting events throughout Brevard County.

Through a partnership with Space Coast Daily TV, the duo can now be viewed all around the Space Coast promoting the talented youth that participates in local sports. Undoubtedly, Wilson will become even more active in the Friday Night Locker Room as a result of his well-deserved retirement.

Regardless of the task at hand, Wilson has always strived and will continue to strive to go above and beyond what is required and exceed the expectations of all involved.

Although Wilson’s retirement will leave a gaping void in the City of Rockledge, he will continue to advocate for and raise awareness of worthy causes and promote the commendable accomplishments of other altruistic individuals throughout Brevard County and the Space Coast.

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