Another Cousin has Retired....

On July 1, 2012, Mike Crotty officially began his retirement after 27 years as City Manager of Satellite Beach, Florida. In his honor, the city fathers have decided to name a ocean side park in his honor. The park, which is on the Atlantic ocean, will be called Michael P. Crotty Park.

On July 27, the city held a retirement party for Mike. As Mike told me, the dress was ‘Crotty casual’ or ‘Satellite Beach formal’….which interprets to shorts and T shirts! I proudly wore my Erie, Pa. T shirt.(thanks for getting this for me Rich and Barb!) I was able to go to the 2 days of the festivities, as was Patty from Dayton, Ohio and cousin Ann and her partner Claire from Jupiter Florida. Attached are: A copy of the Retirement party sign outside City Hall, a copy of the article that appeared in Florida Today, the picture of the proposed sign for the park, the stunning picture of the beautiful park area, and the picture of the four of us cousins that were there. Truly a mini reunion!

Lastly I include a portion of a letter written by Mike on the occasion of his retirement. His accomplishments are many. Wouldn’t his parents and all the aunts and uncles be proud of him?? I know I am. Enjoy your retirement Mike! Like I told you, as a retiree I don’t know what I accomplish all day but it takes me all day to do it! Enjoy! Thanks so much for letting me be part of this.

Satellite Beach park named for Michael Crotty



FLORIDA TODAY article:

Wednesday night, the Satellite Beach City Council unanimously voted to name a park in honor of retiring City Manager Michael Crotty.

City Hall staffers refer to the undeveloped site as the “Sunrise property.” This oceanfront, city-owned property is located at the end of Sunrise Avenue.

Crotty stepped down during the meeting after serving since 1985. He will take administrative leave until his July 1 retirement date.

A public reception honoring Crotty's retirement takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. July 27 at the Civic Center, 565 Cassia Blvd.

Written by

Rick Neale

FLORIDA TODAY

June 20, 2012




Portion of a letter written by Mike as he retired


A defining moment in my professional life occurred on July 1, 1985 when I interviewed for the Satellite Beach City Manager position. Exactly twenty-seven years later—July 1, 2012, I am retiring as City Manager. What an incredible 27 years it has been!

Satellite Beach has a rich history of collaboration among its citizens and community groups resulting in the city we know today. As manager, I have had the good fortune to play a part in so many of the projects that make our City unique and a desired place to call home. Highlights are many but a few of the memorable ones include:

* Preserving in public ownership 40% of the City’s oceanfront which will be a major part of the City’s legacy for current and future generations;

* Development of the 52 acre Samsons Island nature preserve;

* Elimination of the major drainage problems throughout the City. Long time residents will remember pictures in Florida Today of the long ago practice of canoes traversing many of our streets following even moderate rains;

* Development of the 35 acre Sports and Recreation Park which provided many firsts for Brevard County including a municipal dog park and skate park;

* Development of the 25,000+ sq. ft. David R. Schechter Community Center that serves as the hub for many of the activities that provide unique quality of life for toddlers through seniors; and

* Partnership with Brevard County on numerous projects especially the recent transfers of Pelican Beach Park and Hightower Beach to City ownership. These parks are now entrusted to our citizens to operate, maintain and preserve the fragile eco-system of the beach environment.