BREVARD COUNTY Leaders Share Their Thoughts, HOPES AND DREAMS FOR 2024
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – It is the beginning of a new year – 2024 has arrived! I asked multiple individuals from around the county, “What does the start of a new year mean to you?” I felt good after reading every response. I wish that I could have asked every person on the Space Coast this question, but I have a feeling a lot of the responses would have been like what you see below.
U.S. Congressman Bill Posey, 8th Congressional District – “From a personal perspective, a new year represents a grateful heart for the blessings of life enjoyed in the past and opportunities for the future. In Washington, it’s another opportunity to put the brakes on the current radical out-of-touch agenda, stop deficit spending, secure our border, and safeguard our freedoms. I’m excited and optimistic about winning back our country with a new Administration that’s committed to policies that put America first.”
Wayne Ivey, Brevard County Sheriff – “As the New year is now upon us I am excited to see the amazing things we will once again accomplish as an agency in partnership with our citizens!! Of course, our New Year’s Resolution is as always, to continue lowering our crime rate and protecting our citizens, while also making sure that each and every first responder in our community goes home safe to their family at the end of their shift!! And from a personal side, my New Year’s Resolution is to try and not be the same size as Santa at the end of next year and to always remember how blessed I am to wear the same uniform as the amazing men and women of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office!!”
Tara Pagliarini, Executive Director, Family Promise of Brevard – “For me, the beginning of the year is charged with a new sense of optimism and purpose to create change, personally and professionally. The shift to a new year also holds the time and space for me to look back and process the triumphs and challenges that are so often folded into the daily grind. This past year was so full of major milestones: the move into The Firehouse to serve more families facing homelessness, my oldest going off to college, and celebrating 10-year work and 20-year marriage anniversaries. This next year is really about settling and being intentional with my time and talents.”
William E. Gary, President, Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Cultural Complex, Inc., Board of Directors, President, North Brevard County Branch NAACP – “As one who is actively involved in civic/educational/cultural and historical activities, the beginning of a new year brings the prospect of better relations among peoples of the world but in particular the people of the United States. We have a unique position in the world, one that carries with it an enormous role and responsibility of leadership. This is not based on political parties but rather on the moral compass of the citizenry that points us in the direction of right and wrong/good and evil. I believe our moral compass is off and unless we soon regain the correct compass setting that goes with our global status, we are doomed for a tragic end of that status and with it, all we pretend to value and desire for our future.”
Malak Hammad, Philanthropist – “New Year, New Beginnings.
My wish is to embrace the new year with an open heart, faith, hope, and courage.
Cherish all those who love me, those who inspire me to do my best and try to always be true to myself. I will continue to be very grateful for what I have and for what I was/is able to give.
‘Never look down at anyone unless I am giving them a hand up’. J.Jackson”
Nancy Peltonen, President/CEO Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce – “To me, a new year means a clean slate, the chance to have a fresh start. It’s a psychological mindset that the new year will bring lots of opportunities and it is exciting to start a new year with great expectations.”
Dana Blickley, Brevard County Property Appraiser – “That kiss at midnight, it has been the best kiss of the year since meeting my husband Brian in 1985. For me, the New Year is always full of moments of retrospect and excitement about the prospects of setting and achieving new goals and dreams. I am always thankful for another year of God’s great gift of life and grace, and I realize yet again, just how blessed I am! God Bless, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year to All!”
Dr. Terry Spain, USN (Ret), Terry Spain Consulting – “The beginning of a New Year brings a sense of reflection and renewal. It’s a time to look back on the experiences and lessons of the past year, cherishing accomplishments and learning from challenges. It’s a jubilant reminder that life is an ever-unfolding party, and each new year is an invitation to join the celebration of boundless enthusiasm and endless possibilities.”
Evan Ernst, Executive Director, Who We Play For – “A new year for me, means I get a moment to pause, and reflect, to think through how I can be the best version of myself, for my wife, my one-year-old daughter, my family, and Who We Play For.”
James Folston, Sr., NFL Alumni and Community Leader – “The beginning of a new year holds great significance for me. It’s a time of reflection, renewal, and a fresh start. As someone who is deeply committed to giving back to the community, the new year represents an opportunity to reinvigorate our efforts and continue making a positive impact. I see it as a chance to set new goals, inspire others, and contribute to the growth and well-being of our community, especially through my volunteer work. I look forward to embracing the new year with a renewed sense of purpose, passion, and dedication to serving others.”
Tim Bobanic, Brevard County Supervisor of Elections – “The beginning of the New Year is a time to reflect on the achievements and opportunities of the previous year and use those as the building blocks for a successful 2024. Moving forward, I aspire to review all interactions with those in my life to ensure I am being the best version of myself. This new year affords all of us the opportunity to celebrate possibility and hope as we each endeavor for prosperity, joy, and happiness.”
Anne Conroy-Baiter, President, Junior Achievement of the Space Coast – “I’m not one for resolutions, but I do see the New Year as a fresh start. I set my annual intentions in August on the anniversary of when I set some serious health goals in 2020, so January 1 is the perfect time to review, revise, and reaffirm. But hey, let’s make that January 2. January 1 still feels a little indulgent to me! Pork and sauerkraut anyone? Happy New Year!”
Dr. Kristine Zonka, DNP, APRN, Health Officer, Florida Department of Health in Brevard County – “The beginning of this new year for me is one of excitement and big celebrations! We are welcoming our first grandbaby to the world in July! Both of my girls and my son are graduating from college this coming year, and we just couldn’t be prouder of them. I love my new home at the Department of Health and am excited about the positive changes we are making.
I get to create new memories, laugh like crazy, and go on new adventures with my husband and best friend…my cup is full.”
Judge Alli B. “A.B.” Majeed, Retired – “New year is a time of gratitude to our Creator for Blessing us with a beautiful year passed and an exciting one to come. Especially in these tragic times New Year is a time to appreciate what a special privilege it is to wake up under the American flag, with a roof over our head, bread on our table, and family and friends for fellowship.”
Lisa Cullen, Brevard County Tax Collector – “The beginning of a new year brings with it the opportunity to enjoy and spend time with family and friends – especially my 2 grandchildren. I use this time to recognize how very blessed I am. I am happy to just be me and take in this moment in time.”
Dr. Joe Lee Smith, Retired Educator, Administrator, Public Servant, Humanitarian – “Another God’s Blessed Year to still be alive, healthy, and the very best family man and community public servant I can be. This is in addition to sharing with the young people my ADD-C lesson to remember and practice: Attitude, Determination, Discipline, and Commitment.”
Aaron Collins, Artistic Director and Conductor, Space Coast Symphony Orchestra – “To me, it means fresh starts, the beginning of something new, and being able to improve something within yourself. Even though it sounds silly, and you can make these alterations anytime throughout the year, it’s an easy starting point to transform. We like the idea of a resolution because it gives us something to look forward to. Many of us need a fresh start or a spark, so why not begin that on the first day of the new year? Sometimes, we break them and others we stick to. But it’s a great opportunity to create a change within yourself for the better.”
Rachel Sadoff, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller – “The new year is an opportunity to make new memories and a time to reflect on memories of years past. The holidays provide time to remember the importance of family and friends and a chance to set new personal or professional goals.”
Mike Haridopolis, President, MJH Consulting – “A time to take stock of the past year and be grateful for the blessings it brought. We are so thankful for our family’s good health and that our children are on the right path. And we pray that our nation can come together during these challenging times at home and abroad.”
Stacy Cartechine, Executive Director, Brevard Heart Foundation – “The start of a new year for me begins with reflection. Did I accomplish what I hoped to the past year? Did I make a difference in the lives of others? What things created joy, peace, or were rewarding? Are there things I need to let go of? A new year, just like a new day, represents another chance to try again. God created us all with certain gifts and a purpose. Taking small steps each day to fulfill that purpose and making a positive impact on the people and world around me is what matters most. Cheers to a happy, healthy, and blessed 2024 for all!”
Dr. R. Shaun Ferguson, Senior Pastor, Faith Temple Christian Center and Rockledge City Councilman, Seat 2 – “The beginning of a new year means a fresh start and a new beginning. It is a time to re-evaluate, to reassess, to revisit, redefine and make the necessary adjustments as I set new goals for the new year. A new year brings with it new connections, new relationships and new opportunities and possibilities. Finally, another year gained, adds more wisdom and the opportunity to learn from previous mistakes and failures.”
Clint Hurdle, Former Major League Baseball Manager, Pittsburgh Pirates and Colorado Rockies – “In a world that seeks to always be first, always be right, let’s simply BE! Hug those you’re closest to, share positivity, give and spread kindness and love!”
Brian Goins, Marketing Manager – Village Bier Garten and ABC Landclearing – “The new year holds a special significance for me. It represents a fresh start, a chance to reflect on the past and embrace the future with renewed hope and anticipation. It’s a time to set new goals, make resolutions, and embark on new adventures. The new year symbolizes growth, learning, and personal development. It’s an opportunity to leave behind the burdens of the past and embrace the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. With the new year, I find a sense of optimism, motivation, and a reminder to cherish every moment. It’s a time to celebrate life, embrace change, and strive for the best version of myself.”
Andy Karl, Rockledge Battalion Fire Chief/Cancer Patient – “For me, the beginning of a new year means the opportunity to continue my fight. I’m fighting Leukemia. I would tell others to make this new year the year of their fight. Whatever it may be. Fighting for your health, for a relationship, for a career, to be sober, to be happy. Whatever it is, just keep fighting. This new year can be a great year if you’re willing to fight for it.”
Danny Treanor, Retired and Traveling While I Can – “2024 is a chance to reboot. I want to look at life as a gift, appreciate what I have and how lucky I am. Less national and world anger. To listen more…and talk less. Be less of the problem and more of the solution.”
Corey Harris, City of Rockledge, HR Coordinator – “I saw the sky this morning and it made me really reflect. I lost my Dad in April of this year so the beginning of this New Year starts the first new year without him. It’s a weird feeling leaving behind 2023. I’ve had some personal challenges that hurt me this year, but I’ve had so much joy as well. Life is full of seasons, so the beginning of the New Year to me is kind of like an olive branch, end of conflict and beginning of peace.”
Julie Spurlock, Cancer Survivor, Student, Horseback Barrel National Reserve Champion – “Be up for any challenge even if you’re not the best at it. Remember, things can seem more difficult than they are but show up. Anything new can be scary but, in the end, you’ll look back and be grateful and appreciate your journey without regret.”
Alyssa Carson, 2023 International Scientist Influencer Award Recipient – “The New Year for me is a time for goal setting and planning. I love having goals to look forward to in my academic, personal, and professional life. Small milestone goals have helped me pursue my dreams and I hope this next year is no different. Here’s to attacking my PhD head on!”
Emerson Murray, Sr., General Manager, East Coast United Basketball – “The new year is an opportunity for me to reflect on the past achievements of my family and the people I serve. It’s a time for me to refocus on how I can better serve God and have a positive impact on the families that I get to serve. My new year’s prayer is that I never take any of my service opportunities for granted. Amen”
Peter Cranis, Executive Director, Space Coast Office of Tourism – “New Years is a time to reflect on the past year, but more importantly to look ahead to the times to come. We certainly had a great year from a tourism perspective, but next year looks to be even better with more launches, more new hotels, and more new restaurants. What a great time to be on the Space Coast, Happy New Year!”
Tony Hines, Retired Principal Rockledge High School – “Each new year brings me blessings of the events of the past year and thanks that I have been blessed to enter another. I take a mental assessment of what I accomplished and what I could have done better. I don’t dwell on that too much because I can’t change the past. I then set some goals for the new year, events, emotions, and feelings that I want to experience. I’m always grateful to God for sending me friends to add to my life on this earth and pray he gives me the strength to enjoy all that they bring to my experiences.”
LTC (Ret) Tim Thomas, Senior Army Instructor, Viera High School – “For me it’s a time to reflect upon the past year and be thankful to the Lord for yet another year to fulfill his purpose for my life. With my future retirement coming up soon from teaching, I’m looking forward to the opportunities ahead of me and pray for God’s will in my life. Whatever opportunity the Lord bestows upon me, I pray that I’m able to greatly impact those around me and bring glory to God’s kingdom.”
Dr. Michael A. Cadore, Executive Director of Community Engagement External Affairs EFSC, Rockledge City Councilman, Seat 1 – “The Cadore family as a whole reflects, gives thanks, and prepares for the new year in October! This leads to an intentional mindset to begin the year already grateful, thankful, refreshed, and focused. That being stated, the new year means having your mind and heart set on being intentional about loving yourself, your family, community, and serving others while embracing the next! Remember, ‘If you don’t serve your community now, don’t expect your community to serve you later!’”
Johnny-Lee “Bam-Bam” Footman, Super Heavyweight Champion of Brevard County/Author & Musician – “What the new year means to me is that I have nothing to prove, because I’ve already done that and more. But I have everything to show. I want to show my doctors, nurses, family, and friends that their efforts, prayers, love, time, and care were not wasted. Don’t believe me? Just watch!”
Theresa Clifton, Executive Director, Brevard Humane Society – “The new year brings more opportunities to pursue projects that will improve the lives of homeless pets that will bring a brighter future for everyone in our community.”
Gary Miracle, Author – No More Bad Days – “As it says in the very first opening line of the Grammy nominated Christian artist MercyMe song called ‘Say i Won’t’ … “today, it all begins.
New Year’s Day to me means a new beginning! A chance to wipe the slate clean. A chance to start over. A chance to reset on who you are and Whose you are! No more rearview mirror. No more looking in the past. What are we going to do with 2024? Let’s change the world!”
Kristin Bakke, President/CEO LEAD Brevard – “The beginning of a new year is an opportunity to reaffirm what’s working, assess how to change what needs to be course corrected and move forward into those things that will make a greater impact … in our lives and in our community. For LEAD Brevard, it’s continuing to work together to strengthen our community by inspiring people to lead … in whatever way that translates for them.”
Doug Butler, Teacher/Track Coach, Satellite High School and Eastern Florida State College – “The start of a new year always means the start of a new track season to me. Season 24 is about to begin and for me. It’s about trying to get the kids to see how good they can be if they commit to the program.”
Lisa Nicholas, Business Development Manager, Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority – “To me, the beginning of a new year signifies opportunity. In our culture, New Year’s Day has become symbolic of a time to reflect and to make changes in our lives if we want to or feel a need to. As human beings, however, we should remain mindful that we all possess the ability to confront ourselves and can empower ourselves to make changes in our lives if we are dissatisfied. This can occur on ANY day of the year, not merely on January 1.”
Erin Akins, President, Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce – “As we bid farewell to the past year and welcome the dawning of a new one, we find ourselves filled with optimism and anticipation for what lies ahead. The new year signifies a fresh start, a chance to reflect on our achievements and challenges, and an opportunity to set new goals for the growth and prosperity of our business community. It is a time to evaluate our strengths, adapt to emerging trends, and collaborate with one another to create a thriving community. Within the realm of the Chamber, the new year carries immense importance. It allows us to reinforce our commitment to our members, to provide support, and pave the way for their success. We see it as an occasion to build stronger relationships, foster connections. and create a collaborative environment that nurtures entrepreneurship and innovation.”
Mike Erdman, Erdman Automotive – “The new Year for us here at Erdman Automotive is Opening more Doors in 24. This could mean we actually want to find more ways to open more Sales and Service doors or figuratively we want to be a better community spirit or personally we want to reach out and do different new things. Blessed with all the opportunities we have living on the Space Coast!!!”
Frank “Alligator” Robb, EEARSS – “The New Year means to me: A New Year To be thankful and Praise God in all things. A New Year in hope of all the wildlife encounters will bring. A New Year full of Cheer, Joy and praise filled tears and why not all things EEARSS!”
Johnny-Danger-Live, Entertainer – “The New Year feels like spring. The beginning of a new year represents success, a combination of great memories of the past year combined with the positive expectations of good things yet to come.”
Sam Martello, Reporter, WFTV News – “To me, the beginning of a new year means we get to look back and reflect, and at the exact same time, we’re anticipating what lies ahead. The New Year allows us to evaluate the stuff that worked for us during the last year of our lives and change anything that didn’t. We all get to choose for ourselves how we use the gift of the New Year.”
Natasha Duran, Executive Director, Candlelighters of Brevard – “The beginning of the new year is an opportunity to simply refocus. Renewing our minds to align with our daily habits and behaviors that will ultimately lead to a better life. Health is one of the most precious gifts – thus we must “re-priority” it, “re-store” it and “re-new it. Whole health is best found when we create a lifestyle where faith, family and fellowship is grounded in love and light.”
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Giles Malone, Partner, Space Coast Daily – “The beginning of the new year always represents hope for me, as we get to plan things for the new year that we would like to achieve and change.…and as we get older, we appreciate each day and each year more and more – as we know how precious and what a blessing life is. Happy New Year to all.”
Tom Palermo, Space Coast Daily President and Publisher – As we move into 2024, I want to thank each and every one of our readers, viewers, advertisers and supporters for making it possible for our team of outstanding journalists and multimedia producers to provide you the best, most sophisticated, unbiased, non-agenda driven news and information.
As the most trusted and most-read locally produced news and information source in East Central Florida, and with 2024 shaping up as one of the most contentious political election seasons in the nation’s history, Space Coast Daily is a neutral site for the citizens of Brevard County, and this great country, to express their opinions on our interactive multimedia platform and social media venues. Space Coast Daily is your go-to free local connection and interactive conduit as you participate in the democratic process, a right in which many of your fellow citizens have paid for with their very lives. All citizens of this nation collectively have the awesome responsibility, and voice, to ultimately determine the fate and security of our future generations. Make sure you do your part – join our conversation and always make sure to vote!
On a personal note, I thank God for the good health and wellbeing of my loving family, and the opportunities that our great country provides for each and every one of us. Wishing everyone a safe, prosperous and happy 2024!
Joe Rodriguez, McDonalds, Owner/Operator, and President, Space Coast Cars and Motorcycles – “We must Thank All Law Enforcement for keeping us safe. That is why we would love to invite everyone to Space Coast Cars and Motorcycle on January 13th from 2-5 pm thanking them.”
Breanna Sorensen, Sports Reporter – “The beginning of a New Year means a lot of hope and renewal to me. I love looking at the previous year and evaluating my achievements and failures. Then after evaluating the previous year, I get excited about the hope of what’s to come in the new year. I am a very goal-oriented person and I love the idea of a new year with a hope of accomplishing new goals.”
Kaira Simmons, Orange County Deputy Sheriff – “To me, the beginning of the New Year signifies a life reset. It means letting go of last year’s defeats and applying last year’s lessons into the new year. The New Year means embracing new challenges, being open to what is to come, and having gratitude for the blessing of being able to see another year.”
Royce “Scooter” Morrison, Pastor, LifePointe Ministries – “New Year’s represent new beginnings to so many people. For me, it’s exciting to begin new things. But it’s also exciting for a new opportunity to renew old projects I’ve started, to revisit goals and aspirations from the past. It’s an opportunity to make new and old dreams come true. It’s always just an energetic time of the year to set before us, the things in our heart and mind we want to accomplish!”
Ted Suzor, US Army, Chairman, Brevard Veterans Center, and Veterans Coordinator, Space Coast Honor Flight – “Looking forward to a great year for Space Coast Honor Flight, and all our Veterans. Plus, seeing the U.S.A gets back to a better way of live.”
Chief David Gillespie, Melbourne Chief of Police – “The new year is a great time to re-dedicate yourself to personal goals and set organizational priorities. 2024 will be an exciting year for the Melbourne Police Department as It is going to bring many things that are new. We will implement a new computer aided dispatch system and open the doors to our brand-new police headquarters. 2024 will also bring many new police officers and communication center technicians! If you are interested in joining one of the finest police departments in Central Florida, contact our Police recruiter at 321-608-6321 or visit our website at recruiter@mlbfl.org. Start the new year off right, join the Melbourne Police Department.”
Kelly Haskins, President and Founder, Do It For Hunter – “As the founder of Do It For Hunter, the new year means finding new ways to reach young people with the message of You Matter. We need to make sure young people know 1) it’s ok if they fail, it’s ok if they stumble, it’s ok if they are different, 2) how to reach out for help quickly, like the 988 phone and text line 3) that they matter no matter what.”
Linda Roggenkamp, President, Brittany’s Wish, Inc. – “A new year reminds me of something my mom told me, ‘Looking back is okay as long as you focus on the blessings. It’s okay to reflect on hurt, but don’t dwell there.’ I like to start the new year knowing that blessings are in my future and yours too. My advice is to skip New Year’s resolutions and strive to be your best version every day. Happy New Year and Welcome 2024!”
Kathleen Verpaele, DCNP, FNP-BC – “The beginning of a new year helps me to get back on track. It’s so easy to focus on the wrong things. The new year reminds me to remember what is important…which is my health, my family, and my time! Setting new goals or having the same goals, the success rate is higher with a fresh start of the new year!”
Melissa Parker, Co-Founder: The Parker Foundation, Mrs. Universe TCP 2024 – “The New Year is always of great significance to me. I choose a special word to set the tone for my focus, goals, and growth in each area of my life; for myself, my family and for my community. I reflect and learn from my past and look forward to the change and progress I can make with the new beginning – the next chapter in my life story…full of gratitude for another year on earth and opportunity to make a positive impact. I send much love and blessings to all for 2024!”
Krista Miller, Principal, Astronaut High School – “The beginning of a New Year means the beginning of new opportunities! The opportunity to reflect on the memories and successes of the past year, the opportunity to overcome barriers that held me back, and the opportunity to set new goals for myself both personally and professionally. As an educator, I get to celebrate the “New Year” both in August for the new school year and January for the new calendar year. Reflection on the past, to me, is the key to making an impact with new opportunities ahead!”
Lillian Grace, Student, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Majoring in Aeronautical Science with Flight – “The beginning of this new year to me is very life-changing as I will fulfill my first of many life goals in aviation! Joining the small percentage of women as a pilot and continuing on my career path in Aeronautical Science and in FLIGHT! Dreams are Limitless… we can accomplish anything with hard work and determination!”
Milo Zonka, Vice President, Strategic Growth at Sheltair– “The optimist and pessimist in me duke it out at the new year! I always look forward to putting a year behind me, probably focusing more on the bad than the good—the pessimist! At the same time, we work hard and are very lucky and I am always blindly optimistic about the opportunities in the year to come and the memories to be made.”
Drew Warren, Executive Director, Community of Hope – “Each New Year is an opportunity, if you choose to take it, to look in the rearview mirror, check your surroundings, and plot a course to your chosen destination. You look back at the good and the bad of the prior year, putting everything into perspective with gratitude and grace. You look around in appreciation and awe at the things that give your life purpose and meaning. Then you use all that knowledge to wisely plot a course for a future that allows you to grow and bring yourself closer to the person God intends for you to be.”
Keith Winsten, Chief Executive Officer, Brevard Zoo – “The beginning of 2024 means that: The Zoo that the community built on a hope and prayer turns 30 years old, exceeding all expectations; we will break ground on a new aquarium in Port Canaveral; and the NY Mets and Jets have not blown their 2024 season yet.”
Stacey Clark, Owner, Virtuous Senior Living – “The beginning of a new year means starting fresh. It signals new beginnings and new opportunities…it reminds me I’m blessed with another year and I’m grateful.”
PK Cannon, Retired Marine Veteran/Educator – “The New Year provides a time to re-set or reprioritize my goals and dreams. It’s been said, time waits for no one. So, the beginning of the New Year deters complacency and heightens my sense of urgency to tackle the impossible.”
Port Commissioner Wayne Justice, Rear Admiral USCG (Ret) – “New Years is my time to step back a take a high level/strategic look at this year’s direction. At Port Canaveral we plan to invest around $180M in port infrastructure this year. Are we investing in items that will continue to improve the delivery of our services to the public across business lines? I will do my best to ensure this happens again this coming year.”
Steve Lum, President, Slug-A-Bug, Inc.– “New Year’s Day is a symbolic ending of yesteryear and it’s the beginning of tomorrow. At least that’s the idea that has been passed down through the ages. It’s a time to reflect on milestones that took place. It’s a time to look at the life events that occurred, a time to recall the people that came into our lives and those that walked out of our lives or who transitioned from this life to the next. It can be a time of sadness or a time of celebration. The truth is that whatever happened last year or at any time in the past is indeed past. We can learn from it; we can revel in it. We can look back with sorrow or we can look back and reconcile with it and learn. We can learn from both the good that occurred and from the heartbreak and the pain. We can take those precious moments of joy and sadness, pleasure and pain and we can build onto tomorrow with them as building blocks of the new life that is tomorrow. Neither yesterday nor tomorrow ever really came. What we have is just this second. All we have is THIS moment in time. My wish for the new year is that all of us will invest those golden nuggets of time with… and for each other daily so that next year when we look back, all we will is a life worth living.”
Mayor Mike Blake, City of Cocoa – “We embrace challenges, and we modify our goals to move forward so that we can meet whatever challenges that we make and endure. 2nd Corinthians 5:17 says, ‘He is a new creature, old things have passed away. What has transpired in the past is gone. We must live for the future, that vision and behold all things become new.’
I’m tickled pink because the City of Cocoa has Brightline coming in, we have new construction taking place, and we have new communities on both sides of S.R. 528. I will become the president of the Florida League of Cities in July 2024. I am also on the National Board of Directors. So, a lot of great things are happening in our city and we will continue to move forward because we have a vision. Not only are we surviving, but we are thriving. Team Cocoa!”
Steve Wilson, Friday Night Locker Room/Space Coast Daily – “For some, the New Year is a time to hit the “reset button.” For others, it is the time to continue the path you have created. The beginning of a New Year has different meanings for different people. Three things come to mind when I think of the start of a New Year – faith, family, and good health. If you are suffering in any one of these three areas, a New Year could be the time to hit the “reset button,” and do what is within your power to make a change. I wish nothing but the best for every single person on the Space Coast. So, my final words to all are, HAPPY NEW YEAR!”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Steve Wilson was born in DeRidder, Louisiana and grew up in both New Orleans and Macon, Georgia. He moved to Brevard County in 1984 and retired from local government as the Community Advocate/Assistant to the City Manager with the City of Rockledge in 2018.
Among the awards and accolades Steve has received over the years are 15 + year Rockledge Little League volunteer, Brevard Public School Jefferson Award Recipient, Rockledge High School Raider Booster Award 2001, 2006, City of Rockledge Employee of the Year 2006, Rockledge Kiwanian of the Year 2006-2007, City of Rockledge Quality Public Service Award 2008, 2012, 2017, Rockledge Kiwanis Citizen of the Year 2012-2013, Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Sportscasting 2015, Rockledge High School Leadership and Service Award 2016, Central Florida Humanitarian Award 2017, Space Coast Inspiration Award – 2018, Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Lifetime Achievement – 2020 and Ecofest Achievement Award – 2022.
Wilson is especially proud of his chairing two fundraisers in support of pediatric cancer research through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation in honor of Merritt Island resident Julie Spurlock that raised over $25,000.00.
He has been a partner, along with Orville Susong, for the past 24 years with the Friday Night Locker Room, a broadcasting team that covers and reports on a wide variety of local events that are of significance to the residents of the Space Coast and beyond. Their mission is to promote youth sports, support first responders and law enforcement personnel, and showcase community and charitable events that are produced by our nonprofit partners in central Florida.
The Friday Night Locker Room has awarded hundreds of sports achievement plaques to Brevard County student-athletes over the years. They have also awarded more than $18,000 in academic scholarships to Brevard County high school seniors.
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