Presented by The Committee to Elect Clarissa Harrell for County Court Judge
Paid by Clarissa Harrell for County Court Judge - Group 6
** PLEASE VOTE IN THE GENERAL ELECTION ON NOVEMBER 5, 2024 **
Out on the Campaign Trail
**Although many of our Candidate's activities are chronicled on the Campaign's Facebook page Clarissa Harrell for County Court Judge, Group 6, the Committee wants to share these updates with our website visitors as well. Five more events need to be added to bring this page up to date.**
Brevard Caribbean American Sports & Cultural Association Candidate Forum:
Clarissa was reunited with friends and former colleagues from her child welfare litigation days!
Brevard's Children in Need Gala
The Space Coast Association of Realtors hosted Brevard's Children & Families in Need 13th Annual Gala at the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront Hotel. Clarissa greatly enjoyed being in the company of many friends and supporters from the legal, child welfare, and real estate worlds to help raise funds for countless local families in need of food, shelter, and services.
Titusville Mall Forum
Jesse Wright, owner of the Titusville Mall, invited candidates from several election races to address the citizens of Titusville. Clarissa was happy to share that her candidacy has been endorsed by Titusville City Council Member JoLynn Nelson as well as State Attorney Phil Archer and two retired Brevard Sheriffs, Phil Williams and Jack Parker, who have all served north Brevard residents over the years. The topic of teaching officers training at the police academy again arose; our Candidate has also been endorsed by the Director of Brevard's Law Enforcement Academy, Steve Salvo!
Palm Bay Forum
The Campaign thanks gracious and gentlemanly moderator Kevin Vaccianna for hosting a lengthy conversation about the Candidates' professional and life experiences for his Palm Bay audience. It was a great opportunity for Clarissa to share that her candidacy has been endorsed by Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina, and by retired Chief Deputy of the Palm Bay Police Department John Blackledge.
Viva Brevard Gala!
Last month Clarissa and her husband Gary enjoyed time with vivacious friends at the Brevard Hispanic Center's glamorous Viva Brevard Gala. Several attendees were honored with U.S. Congressional Medals of Special Recognition presented by Rob Medina on behalf of Congressman Bill Posey for their stellar contributions to academia and community causes. It was a real joy to cheer their accomplishments.
Space Coast League of Cities
Special thanks to Rockledge City Council Member Sammie Brown Martin for hosting Clarissa at this October meeting. Municipal leaders from every Brevard city were in attendance to learn about community opioid abuse and treatment education efforts funded by opioid lawsuit settlement funds.
7th Annual Mental Health Fair at Suntree United Methodist Church
Mental health issues affect a large number of people in our local court system, and questions always abound about the scope and availability of resources for those who suffer from them. Clarissa learned a great deal about local programs during this large-scale event founded and perpetuated by Dr. John Baggett. Of special interest to her was the speech delivered by Dr. Ethel Andrews dissecting the major potential funding sources for services in our county, and discussing the need to refine the pipeline for concrete treatment delivery.
Somber October 7th Observance with the Jewish Community
Moving remarks by local Rabbis and other community leaders; video montages of horrific scenes from the October 7, 2023, incursion into Israel; and prayers were offered during this somber occasion. Another feature of the ceremony was the group undertaking of crafting individual challah loaves, symbolic of service to others. Clarissa has many close Jewish friends in her life and feels a deep connection to the issues and spiritual values that matter to them.
The Haven for Children
The Indian River Colony Club was the festive site for a celebration of The Haven For Children's 25th year of providing top-notch, loving care for children in its three Brevard foster homes. Clarissa joined fellow former and active Board Members to honor the exceptional women who have devoted 25 continuous years of their lives to securing the very best in goods, experiences, and services for Haven children.
Federated Republican Women in Action
Both Group 6 judicial candidates had an opportunity to talk about their career experiences for an extensive time with a sophisticated and engaged political crowd at this event in Palm Bay.
National Night Out in Cocoa
Before a massive storm rolled in, Clarissa and some campaign volunteers enjoyed the festivities at Provost Park, including performances by the Emma Jewel Charter Academy JV and Varsity Steppers, and by an aspiring young rapper. Master of Ceremonies Alton Edmond, an attorney with whom Clarissa works at the courthouse and who she greatly admires for his work in the community and inspirational speeches, also demonstrated his singing and dancing talents!
Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church: a day of worship and celebration! Thank you Rev. Willie Peterson & Rev. Nathaniel Harris
Brevard Humane Society's Tuxes and Tails Gala
Clarissa is a huge animal lover and she was gratified that her Campaign was able to be a "Tail Wagger" Sponsor of this event. Over $135,000 was raised to care for animals at adoption centers all over the county.
NAACP of South Brevard's "Get Ready to Vote: Empowerment Through Education" Candidate Forum
Clarissa and campaign volunteers enjoyed an uplifting, inspirational full day at this event. Florida Today was on scene to capture these pictures. The poignant, powerful one-woman play about civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer was a moving highlight of this day.
Brevard Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Business Social!
El Mojito's in Downtown Melbourne was the site of this lively event. Clarissa discovered a huge number of personal connections through work in child welfare, education, and the Palm Bay High and F.I.T. communities. Thank you Javier Molinares for your warmth, support, and invitation.
Hometown News!
Hometown News has published a little feature on the County Court, Group 6 candidates! Check it out:
Kennedy Space Center
Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce's
2024 Space Coast Symposium
Right on the heels of being honored by Brevard voters with the TOP NUMBER OF VOTES in the August Primary Election, launching her into the November 5th run-off election, Clarissa spent a full day at this extraordinary Symposium learning about cutting-edge initiatives from space industry leaders. Her late father Brad served as a KSC engineer, and rockets are among her earliest memories. She reveres the history and achievements of our space program, and all the talented Brevardians, past and present, who have built it.
Titusville Chamber of Commerce Candidate Meet & Greet
The Titusville YMCA with its intimate, small-town vibe was the sweet venue for the Chamber's Meet & Greet. Our Candidate was in her element, able to engage in deep and meaningful conversations with citizens. A real chord was struck with several women in particular who have now become ardent supporters and friends.
Hobnob With
The Candidates
The August candidate forum series was launched by a packed-house and Zoom live audience event jointly sponsored by the League of Women Voters, the Central Brevard Branch of the NAACP, and the Space Coast Progressive Alliance. Clarissa was excited to see her former fellow Haven for Children Board Member Mary and her sister Lindy in the crowd. The School Board candidates got almost all the questions!
National Veterans Homeless Support
Ninth Annual Rescuing Veterans Lost in America Dinner
Clarissa and her Army Veteran husband Gary were honored to be part of this major event hosted by all of Brevard County's Constitutional Officers. One hundred thirty-eight Vets were in attendance, and a significant sum of money was raised to secure housing, supplies and services for our local homeless Veterans.
MORE STRAW POLL SUCCESS AT THE SPACE COAST POLITICAL HOB NOB EVENT
Over 400 people gathered at the Cocoa Convention Center in August to meet over 50 candidates in attendance, including the three County Court Judicial Candidates in Group 6. It was a festive and high-energy event! At the conclusion the hosts announced the winners of the Straw Poll conducted over the course of the evening, and once again, our Candidate prevailed!
Space Coast Young Republicans
JUDICIAL FORUM
On July 25, 2024, the Space Coast Young Republicans kindly hosted judicial candidates from two races, Circuit Court and County Court, Group 6. Clarissa, accompanied by her daughter Caroline and future son-in-law Zach, enjoyed this rollicking forum at the elegant Hotel Melby in downtown Melbourne. A large number of questions were fielded, giving candidates opportunities to share a lot of information about their career paths and vision for judicial service.
Space Coast Patriots
Prior to the Primary Election, all judicial candidates in all races attended the candidate forum hosted by the highly educated and engaged group Space Coast Patriots at the Merritt Island Public Library. Individual as well as group questioning was conducted. This audience kept everybody on their toes!
North Brevard Democratic Club
Judicial Forum
Photo Credit: Malcolm Denemark, Florida Today
On July 22, 2024, Clarissa and other judicial candidates from all local races enjoyed a warm welcome from the North Brevard Democratic Club. President and attorney Catherine Riley presided over this extremely well organized event at the iconic Dixie Crossroads restaurant before a packed crowd. The candidates answered great questions from a panel of well-respected local leaders. Clarissa enjoyed the upbeat energy in the room and the camaraderie with her fellow candidates.
Brevard County Bar Association Installation Dinner
As a former BCBA President, Clarissa was especially excited to be part of the celebration of her dear friend, fellow Palm Bay High alum, and former mock trial student Valeta Cameron's successful culmination of a year of service as BCBA President. Ms. Cameron did a spectacular job!
CELEBRATING A CAREER OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND COMMUNITY PROTECTION
In July Clarissa and her husband Gary attended the retirement celebration for a longtime narcotics police officer with whom Clarissa, as a prosecutor, has had dozens of criminal cases and trials over the years. They enjoyed the time with old friends and the sharing of career memories.
THE LATIN AMERICAN CLUB OF TITUSVILLE
SIZZLES WITH HOSPITALITY
The vivacious leadership and members of The Latin American Club of Titusville invited Clarissa to speak during their July meeting at the La Cita Country Club, and she was bowled over by their energetic level of support.
Club President Maripau Ferro Lacouture wrote, "It was an honor to have Clarissa Harrell, candidate for county court judge, join us at our monthly meeting tonight! We welcomed her with open arms and were inspired by her passion and vision. Thank you, Clarissa, for sharing your time and insights with us. Your presence was a joy, and we wish you all the best in your endeavors. It was a wonderful evening of connection and community!"
Our Committee is grateful to The Latin American Club for lifting our Candidate up in this way, and we commend it for its monumental work in serving those suffering from poverty throughout Brevard. We have a feeling this is just the beginning of a long relationship Clarissa will enjoy with its members.
Titusville Chamber of Commerce Luncheon
A Titusville Chamber gathering gave Clarissa an opportunity to hear a riveting presentation by Lynda Weatherman, President and CEO of the Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast, and to reconnect with an old friend, commercial realtor Holly Carver.
Fourth of July
In keeping with her pledge to connect with the community in as many meaningful ways as possible throughout the campaign, Clarissa spent July 4th at two important locations. She volunteered with church friends to serve a holiday meal to the homeless patrons of The Daily Bread in Melbourne, and before that she toured a nearby historical and educational gem, the Liberty Bell Memorial Museum. Tour guides Ruth and Brenda explained the museum features and history, and Clarissa especially enjoyed seeing all the educational activities available to visiting children, including a room where kids can try on the uniforms of various first responders and military branches. It was a day of both patriotic joy and somber reflection.
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Hob Nob: Straw Poll Voters Pick Clarissa by a Landslide
In June, all three Group 6 judicial candidates in this non-partisan race were invited to speak and appear on the straw poll ballot of a Brevard County Hob Nob event open to the public. Members of all political parties could participate in voting. Each of the three candidates took a turn addressing the crowd. It was a great day for our Candidate and her enthusiastic supporters.
South Brevard
Meet & Greet Event
Stuart and Nancy Borton's iconic Yellow Dog Cafe in Malabar was the riverside site of our South County Meet & Greet event. A cadre of south-county police officers who have worked with Clarissa at the courthouse over the years, and a special firefighter who is her longtime family friend, were among the many community members who attended to show their support. The valued support of both old and new friends, the kindness of our hosts, and the amazing food made this a very special occasion.
Photo Credit: Jen Rincones Photography
South County First Responders for Clarissa!
Host Extraordinaire Stuart Borton
South County First Responders for Clarissa!
Juneteenth Celebration
Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Memorial Park & Museum in Mims
Clarissa enjoyed Juneteenth festivities back at one of her favorite Brevard venues with an inspiring crowd of community leaders, philanthropists, patriots, vendors, historians, and humanitarians. The highlight of the day was watching young children gleefully pick out free new books from a dazzling array of titles supplied through the dedicated efforts and big hearts behind The Little Black Book Drive of the Space Coast.
The Haven Guild Luncheon
In June, at The Haven Guild's 2024 Spring Luncheon, Clarissa had a joyous reunion with some great friends she made during her term on The Haven for Children's Board of Directors. The dedicated women of The Guild tirelessly raise money to ensure that the children in foster care at The Haven receive the very best in care and childhood experiences.
Law Enforcement Academy Graduation
Eastern Florida State College - June 20, 2024
In June, Clarissa cheered the graduates of EFSC's 2024 Law Enforcement Academy Class. Two sons of her long-term friends were among them and joining the ranks of the Titusville and Melbourne Police Departments. As a longtime Career Criminal Unit and Child Abuse / Sex Crimes Unit prosecutor, our Candidate has worked closely with officers of all Brevard police agencies for many years in the pursuit of justice. Being present for the induction of these accomplished graduates into the role of protectors of our community was a special moment for her.
Faith Temple Christian Center
In early June, Clarissa and her husband Gary were thrilled to be included in an uplifting spiritual celebration of the young student graduates of Faith Temple Christian Center's congregation in Rockledge. Pastor Shaun Ferguson led an exhilarating service. Clarissa enjoyed seeing friends Michael, Sonya, and Alton there, and making many new friends.
North Brevard Meet & Greet
A contingent of law enforcement officers who serve the north part of the county, together with other community leaders and locals, attended the May Meet & Greet to support Clarissa's candidacy at Vine & Olive in Titusville. These are officers with whom Clarissa has worked closely as a prosecutor over the years. A good time was had by all!
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Law Enforcement Officers for Clarissa!
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Law Enforcement Officers for Clarissa!
Law Day Celebration
In May, Clarissa gathered with fellow members of the Brevard County Bar Association to honor the young winners of the Law Day art and essay competitions, and to congratulate members of Holy Trinity's Mock Trial Team and their superb coach Tiffany Crews Loris, Esquire, on their Circuit win and trip to State competition. She most enjoyed speaking with fourth-grade award winner Caden and his proud family at her table.
Photo Credit: Randy Coleman
The Supreme Court of Florida and The Florida Bar Board of Governors'
Judicial Campaign Conduct Forum
Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Carlos G. Muniz has written, "The courts stand at the heart of the constitutional republic and, in endeavoring to preserve and strengthen our system of government, the judicial branch relies on many dedicated individuals willing to serve the public good . . . . [Campaigns should be conducted] in a manner not only exemplifying this commitment to service, but also further justifying continued public trust and confidence in our judicial system."
Clarissa Harrell takes this responsibility seriously. In addition to attending the Judicial Campaign Conduct Forum conducted at the direction of Chief Justice Muniz in early May, she has, from the very beginning of this process, well familiarized herself with Canon 7 of the Code of Judicial Conduct, the opinions of the Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee, and all governing election-related statutes in order to ensure the Campaign's compliance with all conduct and financial reporting rules.
Central Brevard Campaign Launch at the Exquisite Urban Prime!
At the end of April, gracious Chef Ercan Ekinci of the remarkable Urban Prime restaurant in Viera welcomed our Candidate, her generous event Hosts, State Attorney Phil Archer, us Committee members, and a host of enthusiastic supporters for our Campaign's first big launch event. Chief Cherry and His Red Beans & Rice Band provided the amazing entertainment with vocals by Irina Freckle. What a night! (Pictures to be added soon).
New Life Mission
On April 18, 2024, Clarissa attended the annual luncheon championing New Life Mission with several other members of the Brevard County Bar Association. This extremely well run organization implements a two-year plan to transition homeless mothers and their children into productive, stable, and secure new lives. Clarissa returned to New Life Mission in May for a special tour of the facility and grounds, introduction to the warm and loving staff members, and a leadership overview of plans for ongoing expansion and improvements.
Strategies of Successful Women
In March Clarissa returned to the Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Cultural Center to receive the benefit of life and career wisdom imparted by some impressive women from our community, including award-winning journalist and media relations consultant Rolanda Hatcher-Gallop.
The Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Memorial Park and Museum
On February 3, 2024, Clarissa joined a host of other attorneys and judges at The Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Memorial Park and Museum in Mims. This was the most profound Bar Association experience of her 31 years as an attorney in this county. The Viera courthouse where she works virtually every day bears the names of these national civil rights heroes. The Moores' reconstructed home, the beautiful museum honoring their lives, and the surrounding grounds together constitute a sacred place of tranquility and reflection. It is the perfect place to contemplate the gravity and serious purpose of our work in Brevard's criminal and civil justice system.
In January, during a lull when she remained unopposed, Clarissa reconnected with decades-long friends from her Palm Bay High School days and was fortified for the campaign road ahead.
First Days as a Judicial Candidate
Clarissa formally announced her candidacy in November of 2023. She and some members of her family enjoyed meeting realtors, mortgage lenders, and insurance providers at a beautiful holiday event at the Suntree Country Club in December.