COMMISSIONER'S CORNER

Cocoa Beach Update
 We are ready to welcome the New Year with optimism that approved vaccines will soon end the months of this pandemic and return to normalcy! Visited my mom for first time since my father passed in February, it was nice to see other in person (due to other underlying  health issues she has been scared to go anywhere during this time and has not seen anyone other than my sister’s family who lives down the street and yes I wore a mask the entire visit!).  She has left dad’s old office set up just as it was and finds comfort in sitting in his chair (I found comfort in smelling his clothes as his scent still lingers and reading some of his old writings).  Our son completed his first junior semester at FSU and we are enjoying some time together, hopefully they will offer in person class options for 2021 (online learning is not the same college experience)!
 
As of report time, we have 25 Covid cases in our town and no shortage of hospital capacity. Please continue to take precautions (wear masks/wash hands frequently, etc.) as the majority of Covid cases are mild but for some people it can be much more serious, recent studies indicate an interferon deficiency response (interferon is a protein that our body creates to combat infections):  https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/scientists-discover-genetic-immunologic-underpinnings-some-cases-severe-covid-19  
 
City updates:
· Oxygen levels were very low in our waterways recently with some reported cases of fish kills due to dying algae (sea foam seen in canals are result of dying algae which has been churned up by high winds/waves. Fish kills should be reported to FWC hotline at 1-800-636-0511). City will continue to work on water quality restoration and this will require significant capital investments as most of our canals were man-made with no water flow.
· Footers have been poured for new CB Police Station.
· McNabb Park new playground has been ordered, old playground has been removed as it was a safety hazard.
· Public Safety Communications Tower agreement has been finalized (will save city over $225,000 in cost and will generate monthly lease income from cell phone company providers and improve cell phone reception for non- Verizon users)!
· Mayors Fitness Challenge begins February 6- March 27, 2021, more than ever your health is the most important thing in life, let’s get our title back from Cape Canaveral (remembering surfing/skating counts!):   To register https://forms.gle/iVFDyY2J7MhApA1x9.
 
Here is to a much better 2021, and thank you for your support and allowing me to serve as your Mayor! Please feel to contact me with any suggestions at bmalik@cityofcocoabeach.com or my cell at 321.794.6668.
 

Mayors in Brevard are challenging their citizens to get involved in a healthy competition – the Health First Mayors’ Fitness Challenge.
The winning team will be determined by the total number of minutes exercised by the members of each team. The municipality with the most points will win the challenger trophy, “Most Fit City 2021.”
The challenge begins on Saturday on February 6 and runs through March 27, 2021.
Sign up at uwbrevard.org