City of Palm Bay Honored As Florida’s City of the Year By Veteran Organization
By Space Coast Daily // June 17, 2016
CITY HONORED BY Forty & Eight
BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – The City of Palm Bay received the state designation as Florida’s “City of the Year” by the veterans honor organization, the Forty & Eight.
The group serves as a representative to all segments of the Armed Forces and sponsors the City of the Year competition annually to recognize and honor a city or town that is doing something significant for local veterans.
There were several reasons for Palm Bay to receive top honors and recognition as City of the Year.
In 2015 Palm Bay took important steps forward in supporting the veteran community when the city implemented the Veterans Resources Center, bringing support services for veterans and their families back to the local government level.
The city is also home to the Homes for Warriors program, a joint partnership between the City of Palm Bay and the area non-profit Space Coast Paratroopers Association.
The program began in 2014 when funds from the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) were reallocated to build homes for local wounded veterans.
In 2015 Palm Bay was also a driving force behind the “All American Flag Act.” This home grown initiative was first introduced by state Representative Ritch Workman of Brevard County in 2014, and was signed into law by the Governor in the end of 2015.
Palm Bay was the first city to pass a resolution in support of the state law and currently flies the first flag purchased under the act after it was signed into law.
“I am so pleased to accept this award on behalf of the City of Palm Bay,” said Mayor William Capote, who was able to attend the award ceremony in Sebring Florida on June 11.
“By working with our local veteran advocacy groups and business partners to support the almost 10,000 veterans in our community, Palm Bay is aiming to be the most veteran friendly city in the state.”
In addition to special initiatives and programs like those listed, Palm Bay provides numerous other programs, parades, ceremonies and events honoring veterans in the community.
By receiving the state award, the City of Palm Bay is automatically entered into the national competition.
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