City of Melbourne Donates Long-Leased Property to Disabled American Veterans to Support Services and Facility Improvements
By Space Coast Daily // March 13, 2026
The nonprofit veterans organization has leased the property from the city since 1978
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA — The Melbourne City Council has approved the donation of a long-leased city property to a local veterans organization, a move officials say will help expand services and allow the group to pursue grant funding to improve its facility.
During its March 10 meeting, the council unanimously approved a resolution to donate the city-owned property at 2265 North Harbor City Boulevard to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), specifically the J.L. Golightly Chapter 32.
The nonprofit veterans organization has leased the property from the city since 1978.
The decision transfers ownership of the site to the DAV after nearly five decades of occupancy, allowing the organization to qualify for additional state and federal grant opportunities that require property ownership.
City officials said the DAV requested either the sale or donation of the property to secure funding to improve and maintain the facility while continuing to provide services to disabled veterans throughout the community.
Council members said the donation supports an important public purpose by helping to ensure the continued operation of programs that benefit veterans injured during their military service.
“We’re going to pass this resolution and turn the keys over to you, and you can drive,” said Mark LaRusso, a Melbourne council member, addressing DAV representatives during the meeting. “I’m so proud that we’re able to do this as a city.”
The resolution adopted by the council states that transferring the property to the nonprofit serves the public interest by supporting services for local disabled American veterans. City officials determined that the donation constitutes “good cause shown” to serve a public purpose under Florida law.
Representatives of the DAV said that ownership of the property will make it easier to secure grants to renovate or upgrade the facility and expand support programs for veterans in the area.
The J.L. Golightly Chapter 32 of the Disabled American Veterans organization assists veterans with a range of services, including benefits assistance, advocacy, and community support programs designed to help veterans navigate challenges related to injuries sustained during their military service.
City leaders said the action reflects Melbourne’s continued commitment to supporting those who served in the armed forces and ensuring local veterans have access to resources and support within the community.
