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Margate honors Chief Palma for 30 years and Director Gio Batista for five years
Summary
The commission recognized Chief Palma's 30 years with Margate Police Department and Director of Public Works Gio Batista's five years of service; remarks highlighted Palma's promotion history and recent appointment as chief in August 2024 and praised departmental improvements.
The commission honored two city employees during the Dec. 10, 2025 ceremony: Chief Palma of the Margate Police Department for 30 years of service, and Gio Batista, director of Public Works, for five years of service to the city.
The city manager (unnamed in the transcript) described Chief Palma's career progression from patrol officer to interim chief and noted that Palma formally became chief in August 2024. The city manager said Palma rose "through the ranks" and credited his leadership with helping to restore stability to the department. A former student and other officers also spoke in appreciation of Palma's leadership.
Chief Palma addressed the commission and audience, reflecting on his career and family support and saying, "I really can't believe it's been 30 years" and that Margate "is a great place to work." He also described recent promotions within the force and said his goal is to leave the department in good hands.
Director Gio Batista was then recognized for five years of service; speakers praised his contributions to infrastructure and neighborhood quality-of-life improvements. The mayor and city manager thanked Batista for his leadership.
The ceremony then concluded and the commission moved to a short recess for photos before resuming additional meetings later in the evening.
