COCOA BEACH, Fla. – Cocoa Beach Mayor Ben Malik announced on Thursday that he will be resigning this month.
According to Malik, he accepted a job that prohibits him from being on the city commission, though he will maintain his residency in Cocoa Beach.
Malik — originally from Boca Raton — was first elected as mayor in 2016, though he has lived in Cocoa Beach since 2007 and served on the commission for over 11 years.
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According to the city’s website, Malik is a graduate of the University of Florida, holding a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree.
City officials said that Malik worked as a vice president of a community bank during his time as mayor.
Malik told News 6 that he will be hired on Aug. 14, and his last meeting as mayor will be on Tuesday, Aug. 22.
“It’s just a career opportunity that presented itself. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; I couldn’t say no...” Malik said. “I’ve missed a lot of kids’ practices, football games, stuff like that. I just want to make sure we continue the path forward.”
In the meantime, Vice Mayor Keith Capizzi will take over as mayor in his absence. Another commissioner is set to move into the vice mayor position as the commission works to select and appoint a new commissioner for the vacant seat. Capizzi’s term will expire in November 2024.
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