Bruce Pickett is a proactive and practical candidate for the Town of Melbourne Beach 2026 mayor election. When it comes to leadership, Bruce brings decades of proven experience, steady resolve, and a hands-on approach that the Town of Melbourne Beach deserves.

Bruce Pickett’s career is a testament to disciplined, decisive leadership. As a retired captain that lead a heavy rescue team with the Charlotte Fire Department, and a retired State Command Chief Master Sergeant with the North Carolina Air National Guard, Bruce knows what it means to lead when the stakes are high. His expertise in managing critical operations and teams means he’s ready to address our town’s infrastructure, safety, and emergency preparedness challenges with confidence and skill.

Beyond public service, Bruce owned and operated a trucking company. This real-world business experience gives him sharp insight into budget planning, resource management, and operational efficiency. Bruce understands how to stretch every dollar wisely — ensuring the Town of Melbourne Beach will be fiscally responsible without cutting corners on the quality services our residents rely on.

Bruce doesn’t just talk about getting involved — he rolls up his sleeves and works along with volunteers and town staff. You may have seen him at many of the Town events working tirelessly at the MBVFD tent in Ryckman Park, or manning the rescue boat during the Pineapple Man triathlon race. His practical, get-it-done attitude means challenges will be met with action for the people, not just promises.

On a personal level, Bruce is a devoted husband of 31 years to his wife, Jan Pickett. Upon his retirement, the couple moved to the Town of Melbourne Beach in June 2024 after they fell in love with the town and lifestyle along the Space Coast. They immediately got involved with meeting people and both joined the MBVFD. They enjoy nature and stay very active, regularly walking the beach together, as well as hiking, kayaking, fly fishing and traveling in their RV.

Bruce wants the Town of Melbourne Beach to stay the friendly, safe place where kids ride their bikes to school at Gemini Elementary and neighbors know each other and help each other. He loves attending community events where families gather at Ryckman Park. Seeing the kids play in the water playground as their parents sit under the shade of the oak trees brings joy to his heart. He is committed to preserving that small-town vibe that makes our town home.

At the same time, Bruce knows the town’s budget is tight — really tight. There is no room for wasteful spending. With the possibility of a State mandate requiring a 10% cut across the board in all municipalities, he is laser-focused on making every dollar count. There is no fluff in his plan — just smart, efficient use of resources to keep our town running strong.

Bruce knows that living on an island means stormwater is a critical concern. The barrier island of Melbourne Beach presents unique challenges with the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the two mile wide Indian River Lagoon to the west. Stormwater management isn’t just a line item on the budget — it’s a lifeline to many homeowners. Bruce places this high on his agenda, recognizing the practical concerns of managing stormwater as well as the importance of investing to protect our homes and environment. Planning for the future and safety of our residents is always a top priority for Bruce.

Bruce Pickett has first hand experience with and a practical understanding of the importance of police and fire departments in a community. Supporting those who serve us with safety and first response is a high priority for Bruce. He believes that they should not be taken for granted. Competitive pay is essential to keep our first responders motivated and ready. It’s about respect, retention, and ensuring the Town of Melbourne Beach stays safe.

Bruce values the hard work of our Public Works Department and Town staff. He is committed to uphold them with respect and resources they need to keep our town beautiful, efficiently maintained, and operating smoothly. “I have full confidence in our town staff to carry out their responsibilities effectively when given the opportunity to do their work.” - Bruce Pickett

Recognizing the reality that short-term rentals are here in our community, Bruce advocates for a balance of fair and transparent management strategies that protect community concerns with the economic benefits to the Town from the higher, non-homesteaded tax base generated from these properties, all without changing the landscape of our residential neighborhoods.

Bruce is committed to educating the residents on how their property taxes work. He believes the School Tax benefits all residents, whether you have children or not, and is happy to explain why investing in the future is something to feel good about. He strongly supports the caps that are in place to protect seniors from sky-rocketing property values when their homes receive the homestead exemption and the Save-Our-Homes protection act. The Fire Tax is another important aspect to understand and Bruce is committed to making sure residents are educated on the topic so they feel confident about the decisions being made. Safety is Bruce Pickett’s main concern.

Are you ready for hands-on, forward-focused leadership?

Bruce Pickett is the candidate who will listen, act in the best interest of the town, and will lead the Town of Melbourne Beach toward a safe, beautiful, and fiscally responsible future!

Bruce isn’t looking in the rearview mirror. He is not stuck in the quagmire of past history — he is 100% focused on leading the Town of Melbourne Beach FORWARD. His vision is to be known as the real people’s mayor: positive, practical, respectful, responsive, and even tempered.

Pickett for the People

Bruce wants to hear from you!

Your ideas, your concerns, your hopes for the Town of Melbourne Beach. This campaign is about community — real people coming together to build a future we all believe in.

Your voice matters. Be a part of the conversation. Be a part of the change.

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