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City honors Commander Byron Kek and volunteer Derek Buckner; poet‑laureate candidate invited back
Summary
The council issued a retirement proclamation for Commander Byron Kek and a commendation for citizen Derek Buckner's lifesaving actions; council also heard a lengthy interview and poem by poet‑laureate candidate Luke and voted to invite him back in December with samples and an outreach plan.
The City of Cape Canaveral used its Nov. 18 meeting to honor public service and arts programming.
Mayor Wes Morrison read a proclamation recognizing Commander Byron Kek of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office on the occasion of his planned retirement Nov. 21, 2025. The proclamation outlined Kek’s decades of service, Coast Guard and regional security roles and community outreach work; Commander Kek accepted the honor and thanked staff and colleagues.
The council also presented a commendation from the Canaveral Volunteer Fire Department to citizen Derek Buckner for rescuing a swimmer in distress on Oct. 13, 2025. City leaders praised Buckner’s quick actions and highlighted the work of volunteer firefighters.
In other presentations, the city manager introduced a new part‑time recreation leader, Jim Moran, who could not attend but whose background (retired attorney, parks and recreation experience) was described for the record.
During public participation and the poet‑laureate agenda item, candidate Luke (no last name given in the record) answered questions about outreach, recited a poem called "Taking Summer for Granted," and outlined community ideas such as guided beachwalks where participants write short pieces inspired by found objects. Council voted to invite him back to the December meeting with samples and a specific plan for community outreach and programming.
Quotes from the meeting included Commander Kek thanking the community for support and Derek Buckner recounting his actions; poet candidate Luke said he would "bridge generations" with outreach and was willing to work closely with staff if selected.
