Politics
Most Popular
Suspension of Palm Bay School Zone Speed Camera Program
Mayor Rob Medina stated, “I support the concept of the school zone camera program and its goal of encouraging safer driving behaviors around our schools through a civil administrative process that doesn’t impact driver’s licenses with points. However, given the recent inconsistencies in the accuracy of information, I believe it’s appropriate to pause the program once again. Our children are our most precious resource, and we must ensure any initiative designed to protect them is implemented with the highest level of integrity and reliability.”
Palm Bay deputy mayor seeks tighter rules on public comments, meeting broadcasts
Deputy Mayor Mike Jaffe has asked colleagues to amend three sections of the City Council’s Policies and Procedures “to streamline meetings and to reduce risks of purposeful or inadvertent violations” of Federal Communications Commission indecency rules, according to a legislative memorandum dated May 1. The language tracks restrictions the Brevard County School Board adopted earlier this year.
Entertainment
The Memorandum of Agreement enrolls Palm Bay in ICE’s 287(g) Task Force model, which allows ICE to deputize local officers after they complete a 40-hour online training certified by the Department of Homeland Security. Once trained, officers may initiate administrative holds for individuals with immigration detainers and transfer them to the appropriate facility, such as the Brevard County Jail, for ICE processing.
Must Read
Recent Events
News around the world
Florida Lawmakers Consider Sweeping Changes to Taxes, Housing, Teen Labor Laws, and Guns
Florida lawmakers are also revisiting gun legislation passed in the aftermath of the 2018 Parkland school shooting. The Florida House recently approved House Bill 759, which would lower the minimum age to purchase rifles and shotguns from 21 to 18. The vote passed 78-34
Palm Bay Approves ICE 287(g) Agreement, Allowing Local Officers to Enforce Immigration Detainers
The Memorandum of Agreement enrolls Palm Bay in ICE’s 287(g) Task Force model, which allows ICE to deputize local officers after they complete a 40-hour online training certified by the Department of Homeland Security. Once trained, officers may initiate administrative holds for individuals with immigration detainers and transfer them to the appropriate facility, such as the Brevard County Jail, for ICE processing.
Southwest Airlines Announces Layoffs
Southwest Airlines has announced its first major layoffs in its 53-year history, planning to reduce approximately 1,750 corporate positions, which constitutes about 15% of its corporate workforce.
Brevard County Charter School Operations and Oversight
According to Russell Bruhn, Chief Strategic Communications Officer for Brevard Public Schools, charter schools in Brevard County are financed through a combination of state, local, and federal funds, similar to other public schools. The primary source of funding is the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP), which allocates funds based on the number of full-time enrolled students. Additionally, charter schools have the opportunity to enhance their funding through federal grants. One notable example is the Charter School Program Grant, which supports the planning and initial implementation of charter schools.
Brevard Public Schools Board Votes to Approve Expansion of Guardian Program
BPS Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell noted: “This is an additional layer of security for our schools. While this program is new to Brevard, it is not new to Florida as numerous other districts have had Guardians in schools for several years. The individuals who will be in the program are not classroom teachers or other positions that are part of the instructional staff covered by the teacher contract. All Guardians will have to go through the same screening process and intensive training that is required by our School Safety Specialists. I am thankful that we have employees who are willing to volunteer to serve in these positions. I am also grateful for the strong partnership we have the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office which provides such rigorous training.”