Melbourne Minute

Learn more about the projects featured in the latest Melbourne Minute video.

New Fire Engine

The Melbourne Fire Department recently placed a new fire engine into service at Station 71 (located on Eau Gallie Boulevard near the railroad tracks).

This new engine can carry all the equipment and personnel needed to provide help in a wide variety of emergency situations.

In 2024, Melbourne firefighters responded to an average of 50 calls a day for help. Continuous investment in reliable transportation that can get them to the people who need their help quickly and safely is of utmost importance.

In addition to investments in its fleet, the Melbourne Fire Department is also preparing for future growth. Planning for the replacement of two existing fire stations and the construction of a new fire station near the Melbourne Orlando International Airport is underway. The new stations will replace aging infrastructure and will position the Fire Department to maintain its excellent response times as the City continues to grow.

Rain Barrel Workshops

The City of Melbourne has partnered with Green Gables to host monthly rain barrel workshops.

At each workshop, participants receive and learn how to install rain barrels. They also learn how to use them as they learn about the many benefits rain barrels provide.

Rain barrels help protect the Indian River Lagoon by capturing stormwater as it washes off roofs during heavy rains. Rain barrels also save homeowners money on their water bills because they capture and store rainwater that can be used later for a variety of outdoor watering needs.

The cost is $50, which includes one rain barrel that can be taken home and installed. City of Melbourne residents qualify for a $25 rain barrel rebate.

Workshops are held outdoors. Participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

Class size is limited, and advanced registration is required.

Future workshop dates:

Saturday, April 26, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Sunday, May 18, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

New Playground Earns National Recognition

Crane Park Playground has been designated as a National Demonstration Site by the Center for Outreach, Research, and Education (CORE).

CORE recognizes and supports projects that implement research-based best practices in park and recreation design and implementation. This designation recognizes projects of excellence and demonstrates the positive impact we are making in our community.

The Crane Park Playground, located at 1440 Mosswood Drive, has been designed for kids for ages 5-12 years old. It is one of 12 new playgrounds that were installed in the City of Melbourne last year.

High-quality outdoor play and recreation environments are essential to community health and wellness. There are 24 playgrounds in parks located throughout the City of Melbourne. Our Parks Division maintains more than 230 acres of park property in the City, including 12 “community parks” with multiple amenities like ball fields, picnic tables, restrooms and playgrounds.

January 2025

Learn more about the news featured in the January 2025 Melbourne Minute.

Crane Creek Reserve Golf Course Renovation Completed

Crane Creek Reserve Golf Course re-opened to the public on January 11 after the completion of a major renovation project.

The greens, pump system, and irrigation were replaced, and the driving range was expanded. Golf staff have improved fairways and tee boxes. The pro shop interior was painted, new merchandise displays were installed, and the carpeting is in the process of being replaced.

The project began in May 2024. American Rescue Plan Act money was used to help fund the renovations and improvements.

For more information about Crane Creek Reserve Golf Course and to reserve a tee time, please visit www.melbourneflorida.org/golf.

Roads Repaved

Work to repave more than 30 roads has begun, including Pirate Lane; residential streets in the Bowe Gardens neighborhood; Babcock Street from Avenue D to Brevard Drive; and portions of Parkway Drive, Hibiscus Boulevard and Paradise Boulevard. Drainage improvements and other repairs were also made to these roadways where needed.

More Affordable Housing Projects Underway with City Funding

A “wall raising” for Habitat for Humanity’s first 3D printed homes in Florida was held on December 6, 2024. One of the homes will be for a first-time, low-income homeowner, and the other will be rented by Macedonia Development Corporation to a low-income family.

In June 2024, City Council approved a funding agreement to allocate $500 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to help construct these two homes on Lipscomb Avenue and an additional home on Steele Street.

Council also approved a $500 million ARPA funding agreement to Brevard Neighborhood Development Coalition Inc. (BNDC) to construct Greater Heights II, a multifamily rental building containing eight units for very low-income households on property owned by BNDC on Masterson Street. Plans for the project were under review by the end of 2024.