Commissioner Rob Feltner introduced a resolution in collaboration with the Salvation Army to designate October 2024 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Brevard County. The resolution underscored the issue of domestic violence, stating that over one in four women have experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner. Feltner emphasized the importance of community involvement in combating this issue.

Cindy Mitchell from the Salvation Army spoke on the significance of the recognition, stressing that domestic violence affects everyone and highlighting the necessity of education and community support. Her remarks were followed by a photo opportunity with members of the Domestic Violence Task Force.

Commissioner Feltner also presented a resolution focusing on suicide prevention, declaring September as National Suicide Prevention Month. The resolution aimed to raise awareness and encourage ongoing discussions around mental health. Janette Ginling, president and CEO of Space Coast Health Foundation, highlighted community efforts to address mental health issues, noting a decrease in suicides on the Space Coast in 2022. The resolution received unanimous support.

Commissioner Tom Goodson then shared information about “You Matter Day” at Merritt Island High School, scheduled for September 21, urging community attendance to support mental health initiatives.

Next, the commission acknowledged the Early Learning Coalition of Brevard, recognizing their achievements and partnership with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. The resolution highlighted the importance of early childhood development and the impact of the Imagination Library in providing monthly books to children from birth to age five. This resolution also passed unanimously, with representatives from the Coalition expressing gratitude and emphasizing the developmental milestones achieved through early literacy programs.

A major point of contention during the meeting was the funding request for the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation. Ron Meer, the foundation’s current president, requested $775,000 to complete the second phase of the lighthouse restoration project. He detailed an educational program involving fourth-grade students from Brevard County and emphasized the lighthouse’s historical significance.

Commissioner Rita Pritchett sought clarification on the total cost of the project, noting that previous funding totaled $500,000. Concerns were raised about the feasibility of the project due to restrictions on access to the lighthouse, which is located on a military base. Commissioner John Tobia pointed out potential limitations on tour days due to increased launch schedules, impacting visitor access.

An economic impact study presented by the lighthouse was critiqued for being internally generated, raising questions about its reliability. Tobia expressed skepticism about the projected increase in visitor time translating into significant economic benefits, drawing comparisons to other capital projects that did not justify the expense.

Despite these concerns, there was strong community backing for the lighthouse funding. Numerous attendees supported the funding request.

The commission also discussed the implementation of the TDO marketing support program. Commissioner Tobia initiated a motion to direct staff to implement “option two” of the program, dividing $840,000 into $240,000 for the marketing fund and $600,000 for the cultural fund. The motion, seconded by Commissioner Pritchett, passed without opposition.

An amendment to the BCC 24 policy was also proposed to streamline the process for acquiring, selling, leasing, exchanging, dedicating, and donating real property. This amendment aimed to reduce staff workload and remove redundant items from meeting agendas. The motion was approved.

The meeting included updates on various community issues, including a pending law affecting the homeless population and potential fee increases for fire assessments. The necessity for public engagement and feedback was reiterated, especially given the long process associated with modifying assessments.