Mortgage Broker in Palm Bay, FL

Due to potential changes and cancellations, we encourage you to check with presenting organizations about the status of their events.

Holiday bike parade in Cocoa Village

The parade will be at Riverfront Park, 401 Riveredge Blvd., Cocoa, on Friday, Dec. 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. This unique experience features holiday music and refreshments. Prizes will be awarded for best-decorated individual, young family, adult group, best use of Hot Cocoa, and best Cocoa Village business. Admission is free with a donation of hygiene or clothing items. Visit visitcocoavillage.com.

Family Christmas Extravaganza in Palm Bay

The House Church and the City of Palm Bay host this Christmas party at Fred Poppe Regional Park, 1951 Malabar Road, Palm Bay, on Saturday, Dec. 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will include food, entertainment, inflatables, pony rides, face painting and more. Admission is free. Visit facebook.com/events/818001649934227 or familychristmasextravaganza.com.

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Merry Tuba Christmas concert in Cocoa

TubaChristmas will give a free Christmas concert at First Baptist Church of Cocoa, 750 Brevard Ave., on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 6 p.m. Tuba, baritone and euphonium players of all ages are welcome to participate. Player registration is from 2 to 2:30 p.m., with a rehearsal following from 2 to 4 p.m. Visit tubachristmas.com.

Galmont Ballet’s “Nutcracker” at Cocoa Village Playhouse

The Galmont Ballet will perform their annual production of “The Nutcracker” at Cocoa Village Playhouse, 300 Brevard Ave., Cocoa, on Friday, Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 21 at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. This brisk, witty production balances classical dance, cozy drama, and theatrical showmanship in all the right proportions. Tickets start at $35. Call 321-636-5050 or visit cocoavillageplayhouse.com.

Film screening: ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’

The 1946 classic film will be shown at Cocoa Village Playhouse, 300 Brevard Ave., Cocoa, on Monday, Dec. 23 at 6:30 p.m. In the film, an angel (Henry Travers) is sent from heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman (James Stewart) by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed. Tickets are $10. Call 321-636-5050 or visit cocoavillageplayhouse.com.

Surfing Santas in Cocoa Beach

Christmas Eve morning is Santa's last chance to catch some waves before his big midnight sleigh ride, and hundreds of Santa-costumed surfers take part of this popular annual tradition in front of Coconuts on the Beach, at the end of Minuteman Causeway in Cocoa Beach. Admission is free, both for surfers and spectators. It will start at 7:30 a.m. Dec. 24. Visit surfingsantas.org for event updates.

Live theater around Brevard:

Do you have a community event? Email tgif@floridatoday.com at least three weeks in advance for consideration for the Things to Do roundup.

Vintage vibes:'It's a Wonderful Life' hits the stage - and the 'airwaves' - at Melbourne Civic Theatre

No humbug here:One man, one stage, and the spirit of 'A Christmas Carol' at Titusville Playhouse

On a budget?Thoughtful, creative gifts don't always come with a big price tag

How to cope with the holidays:For introverts, the holidays can mean social overload.

Whether you're interested in music, theater, festivals or other local entertainment, FLORIDA TODAY has got you covered. Support local journalism by subscribing at Special Offers - USAToday Network.

Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at clafortune@floridatoday.com.

Florida is known for a lot of things—being home to Disney World, getting an average of 230 days of sun per year, and offering more than 1,300 miles of beaches to explore. The Coasts (Emerald, Forgotten, First, Treasure, Gold, the list goes on) are a big deal in Florida, and one of our favorites to explore is the Space Coast. While Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral claim most of the area’s vacationers, a lesser-known city in the area is receiving attention for its adventurous spirit and growing community.

Just about an hour southeast of Orlando, Palm Bay is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Its bodies of water include the Indian River Lagoon, Turkey Creek, and just beyond that the Atlantic Ocean; altogether offering dozens of opportunities to explore the magnificent natural beauty of central Florida. Whether you want to fish, kayak, hike, or just take a walk near the water, there’s something for everyone in Palm Bay. Factor in the city of nearly 130,000’s great restaurants and you’ve got everything you need for a great getaway. Here are the 15 best things to do in Palm Bay, Florida.

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Get Your Fill Of Outdoor Adventure

One of Palm Bay’s biggest draws is its incredibly robust fishing scene. World-class bass fishing happens at Stick Marsh, also known as Farm 13, a 6,500-acre impoundment where you can catch bass, bluegill, black catfish, black crappie, and readear sunfish. Take a guided fishing trip with an experienced captain, who will help you bring in the big stuff.

This 130-acre nature preserve has been a favorite for residents and visitors alike since the early 1980s. Admission is free and guests are welcome to traverse trails through hammock and sand pine scrub habitats. In addition to a 1.85-mile boardwalk, 1.5 mile jogging trail, and 1 mile bike trail, you can also kayak or canoe on Turkey Creek or visit the Margaret Hames Nature Center to learn more about the preserve’s flora and fauna.

To have the best experience and learn more about your beautiful natural surroundings, take a guided eco kayak tour with Paddling Paradise. With two to three tours going out each day (depending on the season)—there’s plenty of opportunity to burn some calories paddling while soaking up the magic of Turkey Creek. You can expect to see manatees, alligators, turtles, all kinds of birds, fern-covered oaks, and even native orchids.

Spending time outside is a way of life in Palm Bay, and the city’s infrastructure is built to reflect that. Public parks are a boon of this community, and two to visit are Fred Poppe Regional Park and Castaways Point Park. At Castaways Point Park, walk the paved and shaded path along Indian Creek. Cast a line off the fishing pier, launch a canoe, or pack a picnic to enjoy under a pavilion. Fred Poppe Regional Park offers an expanded area (more than 200 acres) for all kinds of outdoor pursuits, from sports fields and a disc golf course to bike trails, a dog park, and lakes where you can fish.

Palm Bay doesn’t technically have its own beach, but with the city’s proximity to Melbourne Beach, a day of fun on sandy shores is just a quick 15-minute ride down the road. Public beach access at Coconut Point Park, Ocean Park, and Spessard Holland North or South Beach Park are good places to post up for the day.

There may not be any mountains in the area, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pack your hiking boots. Enjoy a Florida-style expedition at the 1,322-acre Micro Scrub Sanctuary, a natural scrubby flatwoods and mesic flatwoods habitat that includes miles of trails for hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting.

Grab A Great Meal

A scenic vista is always prettier when accompanied by great food; likewise, a delicious meal always tastes better when enjoyed in a beautiful location. At The Shack Riverfront Restaurant & Tiki Bar you get both. Situated on the Indian River Lagoon, the waterfront restaurant is all about the views. Enjoy a cool breeze, a cold drink, live music, and everything from stuffed flounder to a NY strip. The adjoining Tiki bar offers a separate menu that includes weekday happy hour, and all-you-can-eat snow crab legs and all-you-can-eat fish fry on certain days of the week.

The South wouldn’t be the South without our beloved regional cuisine, barbecue. Try Palm Bay’s version at Memaw’s Bar-B-Que, where the meats are cooked for hours over a hickory and oak hardwood firepit. Take your pick from several “secret” barbecue sauces to cover your barbecue ribs, turkey, pork, beef, or chicken in.

With a name like the Lazy Turtle, you’re guaranteed to have a good time. Like The Shack, this riverfront restaurant is also known for its adjoining tiki bar. Here, happy hour is several hours long (11 a.m. to 6 p.m on weekdays and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends) and includes 30% off beer, well drinks, and wine, plus special-priced appetizers. It’s a great place to watch the sunset while sipping on a rum drink out of a pineapple.

The best place to start your day in Palm Bay is Dottie’s Restaurant, a local institution that serves up what they describe as “just good country cooking” in a no-frills dining room. The breakfast menu offers everything from omelets, skillets, and Belgium waffles to homemade biscuits and sausage gravy.

Seafood and Southern restaurants are a dime a dozen in Palm Bay, but something a little less easy to find is Latin cuisine. At Ven Pa Ca Latin Food, you can get an authentic taste of Puerto Rico with dishes like mofongo, empanadas, chuleta kan kan (fried pork chops) even grilled lobster.

Explore Other Attractions

Pick your own sunflowers and wildflowers, take a wagon ride, and meet farm animals at Harris Establishment Farms. If you visit the family-friendly adventure farm in fall, you can also expect a pumpkin patch and special seasonal offerings.

Open to the public by appointment, Ted Moorehead Lagoon House is the place to go to learn more about the gorgeous natural ecosystem and lagoon in Palm Bay. See fish in the lagoon-species tank, watch on a movie on the history of the lagoon, enjoy the educational exhibits, and then head out to walk on the boardwalk and nature trail, where you can see dolphins, manatees, and birds in the wild.

This tropical oasis on Florida Tech’s campus is free and open to the public. Walk under a hammock of dense palm trees alongside a burbling stream on the 15-acre Joy and Gordon Patterson Botanical Garden. It’s a great place to see and learn about Palm Bay’s plant life in a controlled environment.

Palm Bay may not have its own downtown but with Melbourne’s less than 10 minutes away, it’s a easy to spend an afternoon shopping, browsing, and sampling food and drinks. Walk around the waterfront parks, take in the colorful murals, and soak up all this vibrant and historic downtown has to offer.

The Palm Bay City Council on Monday voted to pursue former West Melbourne city manager Scott Morgan to be the city's interim city manager, following the sudden dismissal of city manager Suzanne Sherman last week.

Morgan retired from the West Melbourne job in August of 2022 after serving in the city manager role for 13 years. Morgan has worked in various city and county government roles since 1978.

Sherman was let go effective Nov. 21 after a 3-2 vote in which new councilman Chandler Langevin suggested a change in leadership was sought by Palm Bay voters. Joining him in the vote were Councilmen Mike Hammer and Kenny Johnson.

Voting to keep Sherman were Mayor Rob Medina and Deputy Mayor Mike Jaffe.

Medina said Morgan would be a natural fit for the role as a longtime city manager in the area who, having retired already, would not want to apply for the permanent position, allowing Council time to find someone for the role full time.

At Monday's workshop at Palm Bay City Hall, many members of the public spoke out in support of Sherman, whose kindness and hard work they said had been crucial to the city since she was hired for the in January 2021 after previously serving as interim city manager since July 2020.

Some like resident Ann Davis said she was "disappointed" in the process at Mondays' meeting. Sherman's firing was too sudden for the city council to have made a sound, informed decision, especially given the fact that Sherman will receive a large severance package following her termination. Davis said logistical challenges and cost of replacing her without a plan in place would exceed any possible benefits.

MIke Hammer, who entered office this past month along with Langevin as newly elected members of Council, said that there was an appetite for change from the community. And with a newly elected Council, it was time to take the city in a new direction, despite how much he personally liked and respected Sherman. "We need someone with the same integrity, credibility and work ethic" as Sherman, Hammer said.

Langevin was less diplomatic with his language, said the vote for Sherman's dismissal was a sign of a lack of trust in her ability to do the job. He said the lack of volunteers within the city stepping up to take over Sherman's job in the interim was a sign of a "lack of leadership" within city government.

Langevin during the meeting advocated for rehiring former city manager Gregg Lynk, who was fired as a result of a 3-2 vote in 2018 shortly after an election, in a move that was echoed this past week. Kenny Johnson, who was newly elected at the time, was the only person to vote on firing both Lynk then and Sherman this month.

At one point Langevin likened Lynk to Donald Trump, saying that Lynk would be able to negotiate with developers and businesses in the same way as Trump negotiated with North Korea.

Several other members of council said the city needed fresh leadership and not to go back to the past as the city is determined to grow. Currently, the city's Information Technologies Director Brian Robinson is acting city manager after several other leaders on city staff turned down the position.

As things stand now, the Council is looking to reconvene at their Dec. 5 meeting to move forward with the plan for Sherman's replacement. At that time, Council will also vote on a plan on the best approach for making a permanent hire with public input.

Robinson will be in charge of reaching out to Morgan about the job of serving as interim city manager. When reached by telephone for comment Tuesday, Morgan said he would be glad to step in as the interim city manager if the Council ultimately decided he was fit for the job. He added that he would not be interested in seeking the job permanently at any point. "A couple of people had reached out to me to see if I would be interested," Morgan said. "My main priority would be assisting in the hiring of a new permanent city manager and setting things up for them to take over."

Morgan added that he would be meeting with city leaders on Tuesday, Dec. 3 to discuss his possible hiring.

Tyler Vazquez is the Brevard County and North Brevard Watchdog Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Vazquez at 321-480-0854 or tvazquez@floridatoday.com

Palm Bay city council unexpectedly fires city manager

The biggest city in Brevard County needs a new city manager after Palm Bay’s current top dog was abruptly fired. Three out of five council members are brand new, and a majority of them voted to fire Suzanne Sherman at their very first meeting.

PALM BAY, Fla. - The biggest city in Brevard County needs a new city manager after Palm Bay’s current top dog was abruptly fired.

Three out of five council members are brand new, and a majority of them voted to fire Suzanne Sherman at their very first meeting.

Council member Chandler Langevin was the one behind it all. He felt the city was heading in the wrong direction and wanted change fast.

In a 3-2 vote, the council made the call on Thursday night. Council member Mike Jaffe and Mayor Rob Medina were the only two who wanted Sherman to stay.

"This is a bad perception on what is calling to come on our dais. This is what’s trying to come against our city," said mayor Rob Medina.

City leaders quickly found out after they fired Sherman, no one else wanted the job.

"I cannot and will not accept it," said Larry Wojciechowski, who’s the finance director for the city.

The next "no" came from another director in a different department.

"I respectfully decline," said Valentino Perez, who’s the public works director.

The city's IT director also didn’t want the job.

"I will be declining," said Brian Robinson.

Robinson tried to get out of it but didn’t end up having a choice.

"At the end of the day, we are the bosses, so whoever we appoint is who we appoint," said Council member Kenny Johnson.

The council overruled Robinson’s opposition and made the IT director the new interim City Manager for the biggest city in Brevard County.

"Heavy is the head that wears the crown," said new Council member Chandler Langevin.

Langevin defended the firing on Friday.

"We need to implement sweeping changes. We need to get this city moving in a new direction," he said.

He says he wants to see someone hired with private and public experience.

"We need a strong conservative leader, fiscal hawk," said Langevin.

Voters hope the new council knows what they're doing.

"Good luck, you guys. You’re the new council," said a speaker during the city council meeting on Thursday.

Even though Sherman was fired, she’s still getting paid for 20 weeks on the taxpayer's dime.

There is a workshop on Monday at 6 p.m. where city leaders will try and move forward with finding a new city manager.

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