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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.
To prevent the cancellation of this year’s Melbourne Light Parade, Mayor Alfrey has offered to personally donate $7,000—the amount the City provided in 2017—to cover the costs. He emphasized that under his administration, Melbourne now enjoys its lowest tax millage rate in a decade, increased infrastructure projects, and the highest number of public safety professionals in Brevard County.
The decision on whether the parade will move forward remains pending, but the mayor’s offer could provide the financial support needed to ensure the community’s cherished holiday tradition continues.