CITY OF BROOKSVILLE CELEBRATES JANUARY
Brooksville, Florida (January 10, 2025) – On January 6, 2025, during a regular Council meeting, the Brooksville City Council recognized various causes and events taking place during the month of January.
Human Trafficking Prevention Month: To increase awareness and education, make resources available to assist individuals and communities impacted by human trafficking, and build diverse public-private partnerships to support a more comprehensive response to prevent and respond to human trafficking, the City of Brooksville City Council proclaimed January 2025 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Human trafficking is a public health issue and crime exploiting the most vulnerable among us, which weakens the well-being of families across generations. More than 20 years since the passing of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, human trafficking still exists—including the forced or fraudulent recruitment, harboring, or transportation of people for labor or commercial sex. The criminal enterprise of Human Trafficking is second only to the illegal drug trade, in terms of the speed of its growth and being among the most lucrative. Traffickers lure their victims with promises of love, protection, adventure, a sense of belonging, and opportunity; then use methods such as beatings, rape, isolation, drug or alcohol dependency, document withholding, and psychological and emotional abuse to control their victims. Traffickers find their victims through social networks, in neighborhoods, clubs, the internet, and schools. Human trafficking can happen to anyone, but certain populations are disproportionately at risk, including people affected by abuse, violence, poverty, unstable living situations, social disconnection, or discrimination. Girls and boys in the commercial sex trade are commonly between the age of 11 and 15 years old. Within 48 hours of running away, one out of three children are solicited for sex; and one in nine children receive online sexual solicitation. Victims can be trafficked by strangers or someone they know, including employers, partners, and family members. Human trafficking can be prevented by building individual, community, and societal understanding, reducing social inequities, and addressing the conditions that contribute to exploitation. Every individual, family, community, and organization can contribute to enhancing human trafficking awareness, prevention, and response. Through the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hernando County and Nature Coast Human Trafficking Task Force, the City of Brooksville and community will unite to combat this modern-day slavery and bring together efforts to restore freedom and dignity to survivors. The Proclamation was delivered to Janine Kell, director of the Children’s Advocacy Center, who was unable to attend the Council meeting.
Proclamation Honoring Service of Retiring City Employee, Jerome Fribley: The City of Brooksville City Council honored Jerome Fribley’s remarkable 34-year career, his invaluable service to the community, and the example he has set as both a public servant and a veteran of the U.S. Army. The Council also thanked Fribley’s family for their support. The Proclamation was presented by City of Brooksville Human Resources Director Kyle Martin and all City Council members. Jerome Fribley began his career with the City of Brooksville in August of 1990 as a Solid Waste Operator III. Fribley faithfully served the City and its residents for over three decades. Jerome has been a cornerstone of the Sanitation Department. His dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence has contributed greatly to the success and growth of the City of Brooksville, earning him the respect and admiration of his colleagues, supervisors, and Brooksville community. As a proud U.S. Army veteran and having served as a Sergeant, Jerome exemplified the core values of duty, respect, integrity, and selfless service throughout his military career. He carried those characteristics forward into his civilian life and work with the City. Jerome’s exemplary leadership, attention to detail, and unwavering determination to serve others has reflected the qualities of a true leader and been pivotal to the success of his role with the City. After 34 years of dedicated service, Jerome has decided to retire, leaving behind a legacy of outstanding contributions to the City and a model of service for future generations. With deep appreciation and admiration Proclamation Honoring Service of Retiring City Employee, Thorsten “Tee” Beyer: The City of Brooksville City Council honored Thorsten Beyer and recognized him for his 20 years of exceptional service to the City of Brooksville. They extended their heartfelt thanks and best wishes to Thorsten for a well-deserved and fulfilling retirement. The Proclamation was presented by City of Brooksville Human Resources Director Kyle Martin and all City Council members. Thorsten began his career with the City of Brooksville in February of 2005 as Fleet Mechanic. He was ultimately promoted to Chief Mechanic and has spent the last 20 years dedicating himself to maintaining and repairing the City's fleet of vehicles and equipment, ensuring that operations ran smoothly. Thorsten has consistently demonstrated extraordinary leadership, expertise, and reliability, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues, supervisors, and the Brooksville community. Thorsten’s unwavering commitment to excellence has made him a vital asset to the City of Brooksville, always stepping in when needed, coming in on his days off to solve complex mechanical issues, and being a constant source of knowledge and support when challenges arose. His exceptional problem-solving skills and ability to fix any issue, no matter how complex, have ensured the reliability and safety of the City's vehicles and equipment, allowing city services to run smoothly without interruption. After 20 years of outstanding service, Thorsten has decided to retire, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, integrity, and unparalleled service to the City of Brooksville.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day: The City of Brooksville City Council proclaimed that January 20, 2025, will be celebrated in honor and tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Council reflected on the history of civil rights in America and honored Dr. King for the power of his intellect, the truth of his words, and the example of his courage. Dr. King created a powerful and enduring legacy for all Americans by calling upon our Nation to ensure equal justice under law. Dr. King imagined a different future for America — an America he called the “Beloved Community,” requiring a shift in human understanding and a call to find a way to deal with grievances without animosity for all humanity, uniting all to move forward together. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave Americans a roadmap to unify, to heal, and to sustain the blessings of the Nation to all people. His activism and moral authority gave a voice to the restless spirit of millions yearning for change. King once asked, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are
you doing for others?” He encouraged communities across the country to come together to stand for equality and love. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is remembered for his belief in a world where the dignity of every person is respected, where people are judged not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character; and where the hope of a better tomorrow is in every neighborhood. The Proclamation was accepted by Leechelle Booker, Vice President of MLK Parade Committee. City of Brooksville government offices will be closed in observation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 20, 2025, and will reopen at regular hours on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. Brooksville’s MLK Parade will be held on Monday, January 20, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Details can be found under the “Brooksville’s MLK Parade” event page on Facebook.
Certificates Presented to Holiday Lights Contest Winners: The City of Brooksville Beautification Board recognized those who participated in the annual Holiday Lights Contest that was held in December. The Brooksville community came together to decorate their homes and businesses with Christmas lights. Participants were encouraged to submit pictures of their light displays to the Beautification Board for the contest. The Beautification Board presented each winner with a certificate.
The residential winners were as follows:
Holly Jolly Residence Winner: Stratton Family
Clark Griswold Winner: 205 Sunset Drive
Jingle Bell Best Winner: 404 S. Brooksville Ave
Frosty’s Favorite Winner: Felten Family
Christmas in Paradise Winner: Loesch Family
The commercial winners were as follows:
Merry & Bright Business Winner: Brooksville Healthcare 1114 Chatman Boulevard
Baby, It’s Cold Outside Winner: Downtown Loser 202 S. Broad Street.
