In an update posted by Melbourne Mayor Paul Alfrey, the future of the beloved Melbourne Light Parade hangs in the balance as the private non-profit responsible for organizing the event faces financial difficulties. According to the mayor, the organization informed the City of its potential inability to host this year’s parade due to an ongoing struggle to raise necessary funds, coupled with the owners’ sale of their business.
Mayor Alfrey, a vocal advocate for transparency and fiscal responsibility, referenced his efforts to combat corruption within the City during his tenure as a council member. In 2017, Alfrey uncovered a fraudulent over-billing scam that targeted Honor America, a local veteran’s organization. His actions led to the filing of a criminal complaint with the Brevard Economic Crime Task Force, resulting in an arrest and the recovery of half the funds stolen from taxpayers.
During that same period, Alfrey championed a temporary halt to City funding for private organizations and spearheaded a successful request for a state audit of the City’s finances. The audit, which took several years to complete, revealed significant fiduciary mismanagement, including the City overpaying for real estate purchased from a former mayor. Alfrey noted that these issues have since been addressed under his administration.
