August 13, 2023 - Mayfield Minute

Mayfield Minute - August 13, 2023_Session Highlights

Good Morning!

I hope the first days of the 2023-2024 school year went smoothly and safely for all students, families, and teachers in Brevard County and Indian River County.

Last week, my 2023 post-session newsletter was distributed through the US Mail which recapped our accomplishments this past session. Below I have outlined some of the accomplishments and appropriations that benefitted our district.

Policy highlights include:

Sales tax holidays for student school supplies, home and business hurricane preparedness, freedom summer events and activities, energy star appliances, etc.
Parental rights, "Let Kids Be Kids" legislation and universal school choice
Milestone legislation in protecting the IRL
Preserving the Brevard Barrier Island through designation as an Area of Critical State Concern
Strengthening the 2nd Amendment
Enforcing immigration laws

Appropriation highlights include:

$9 Million for Grand Canal Phase 5 Environmental Dredging and Interstitial Water Treatment
$2.1 Million for Palm Bay Septic-to-Sewer Conversions
$1.5 Million each for South Brevard Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plan, North Brevard Water Treatment Plant Expansion Potable Water Wells, and Palm Bay 4-Lane widening of St. Johns Heritage Parkway, Malabar Road North to Emerson Rd
$1.25 Million Palm Bay Public Safety Facility improvements, regional Training Grounds and Gun Range
$1.02 Million for Canaveral Fire Rescue Aerial Tower Truck Replacement
$1.15 Million combined for the Merritt Island Veteran's Center Amphitheater and Veteran Housing and Homeless Prevention program

If you did not receive the post-session newsletter, please contact my office at 321-409-2025 and one will promptly be sent to you.

I consider it a great honor to represent District 19. Please share this link with your friends and family so they too, can sign up for the Mayfield Minute.

If you or someone you know needs my assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office. My staff and I are here to serve you!

Statewide Update

Commissioner Wilton Simpson and Sheriff

Ivey Announce Statewide Vehicular Heatstroke Prevention Initiative

Commissioner Simpson, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service (FDACS), and Sheriff Ivey held a press conference in Titusville to stress the importance role of parents and caregivers in preventing vehicular heatstroke fatalities. Florida currently leads the nation in these tragedies.

Commissioner Simpson announced that every fuel pump across the state will have a new inspection sticker reiterating the critical message to “NEVER LEAVE CHILDREN OR PETS IN A HOT VEHICLE.”

"With daily routines changing for children heading back to school coupled with the still very present summer heat, it is imperative for parents and caregivers to be vigilant to protect their precious cargo,” said Commissioner Simpson.

“This is an education and awareness campaign to remind parents and pet owners to not leave their children or pets in a hot car. Don’t leave them unattended – in a split second something could go wrong,” said Sheriff Ivey.

Vehicular Heatstroke Prevention:

If you see a child, vulnerable adult, or pet locked in a hot car, take immediate action by calling 911.
Always check the back seat before leaving and locking your vehicle.
Florida Statutes, section 768.139, provides for the rescue of a vulnerable person or domestic animal from a motor vehicle. Good Samaritans may have immunity for damage to the motor vehicle if:
The vehicle is locked and there is no other reasonable way for the person or animal in imminent danger to escape.
Law enforcement or 911 calls are made prior to or immediately after entering the vehicle.
Uses no more force than is necessary.
Remains with the person or animal until law enforcement or other first responders arrive.

To view the announcement in full, click here.

Governor DeSantis Proclaims Resounding Success for Year One of Interdiction Strike Force

Last week, Governor DeSantis announced that the first year of Interdiction Strike Force resulted in thousands of felony charges, more than 40 human smuggling charges, over 150 drug charges, and the seizure of $2.7 million worth of illicit drugs.

“The Biden administration is asleep at the wheel, and Florida will not sit idly by while drugs continue to pour across the open southern border and into our communities,” said Governor DeSantis. “The overwhelming success of our interdiction strike force serves as a blueprint for states across the nation to uphold the rule of law and protect their communities from the Biden Border Crisis.”

The Interdiction Strike Force includes members of the Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and local sheriff's offices.

To view the full list of Interdiction Strike Force operations and illegal items seized, click here.

Constituent of the Week

Maria Dockery

Our Constituent of the Week is Maria Dockery, founder and president of Femme Fatale ARMS and Training.

She is a trailblazer, business woman, and entrepreneur who strategically established Femme Fatale ARMS and Training to inspire, educate, and empower women to take control of their own safety.

For years, Ms. Dockery has continued to gain ground in the traditional male-dominated gun ownership field by reinventing a firearms instruction and ownership model designed for women seeking to protect themselves and their families.

She faced resistance and multiple roadblocks throughout the process, yet she stayed true to her mission and was driven to share her knowledge, passion, and experience to embolden women.

Ms. Dockery holds multiple credentials including serving as a National Rifle Association (NRA) Certified Instructor in many programs such as “Refuse to Be a Victim” and “Personal Protection Inside the Home.”

In addition to achieving the NRA recognition of Chief Safety Officer, Ms. Dockery also holds certifications as a Situational Awareness Specialist and an Instructor in the Use of Pepper Spray tactics.

Ms. Dockery’s efforts are not solely for women, she provides gun safety and protective training to men as well. However, it is top of mind for her that national crime statistics

indicate eight percent of American women will have a potentially violent stalker at some point in their lives. In Florida, our state is home to over 10 million female residents and that could mean up to 800,000 women may be at risk.

Ms. Dockery is a Second Amendment coordinator for Gun Owners of America, a tireless supporter of gun safety, and a champion for women seeking to protect themselves and their families.

From a folding table outside of a gun show nine years ago to an invitation from the Governor's Office for the signing of Permit-less Carry, she has shown her willingness and ability to dominate obstacles and overcome challenges. To date, Femme Fatale ARMS and Training has trained over 4,500 women and men to safely shoot a firearm.

As a dedicated supporter of our Law Enforcement and First Responder communities, District 19 is grateful for her accomplishments and ongoing efforts.

District Highlights

IRSC Celebrates Grand Opening of Nursing Simulation Lab

Last week, Indian River State College held a grand opening event for the new School of Nursing. The facility is comprised of two buildings and features a high-fidelity simulation center with an 11-bed simulated nursing hospital. Two new classrooms can accommodate 120 students each, and two smaller nursing laboratory classrooms can seat 24 students each.

The project doubles the capacity of IRSC’s nursing program, which was established in 1965, and currently offers the Home Health Aide, Certified Nursing Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse, Registered Nurse, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (R.N. to B.S.N.) programs.

I am pleased to have worked with my colleagues in the Legislature to secure a $2.2 million appropriation for the new IRSC College of Nursing. A recent report from the Florida Hospital Association stated by 2035, the state's nursing shortage will reach more than 59,000. To mitigate this shortage, it is incumbent upon the Florida Legislature, colleges, universities, and technical schools to continue working together to support high quality nursing programs.

For more information about IRSC’s School of Nursing, visit irsc.edu.

Melbourne Police Department Announces “Operation Back-To School” Traffic Education and Enforcement Campaign

To reduce accidents and increase safety at school bus stops and within active school zones in the City of Melbourne, the MPD's Traffic Enforcement Unit is conducting an education and enforcement campaign, "Operation Back-To-School.”

The campaign began on August 10th and will run through September 14th. Traffic officers in unmarked vehicles will be assigned to school bus stop locations that have received safety complaints. Officers on motorcycles will be deployed to active school zones to watch for safety violations, such as drivers using a mobile device while in an active school zone.

To prevent school traffic accidents, MPD recommends the following:

Motorists: Come to a complete stop first and check for pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles before turning. Do not text and drive – it is dangerous and illegal.
Pedestrians: Always cross at marked crosswalks when available. Look both ways and don’t assume cars will see you or will be able to stop in time if you run into the road.
Bicyclists: Always ride with traffic, use proper hand signals, and obey all safety and road signs. A bicycle rider or passenger who is under 16 years of age must wear a bicycle helmet.

Upcoming Events

Indian River County Sheriff's Office is Accepting Applications for the Citizens Academy

Indian River County Sheriff’s Office (IRCSO) will kick off the 63rd Citizen’s Academy on Wednesday, August 16th. The 14-week program meets on Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and provides the public with an overview of the criminal justice system and how law enforcement and the public can work together to prevent crime.

Participants in the Citizen’s Academy will attend sessions with instruction by court judges, state attorneys, public defenders, and members of divisions of the IRCSO. Other activities include tours of the courthouse, the jail, 911 center, the Special Operations section, and demonstrations from the K-9 and drug awareness programs.

To apply and learn more about the schedule, click here.

Woodstock Reunion, Space Coast Wing Battle, and Dog Days of Summer Coming Soon

Space Coast Wing Battle

Date/Time: Saturday, August 19th from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Location: Wickham Park (2500 Parkway Drive) in Melbourne

Admission: $50.00 and includes unlimited wing samplings and domestic beer.

Other Details: Activities include live music and games (including axe throwing). Desserts will be available for purchase at the event, with 15% of proceeds going directly to The Children's Hunger Project. This event is 21+ only.

For more information, click here.

Woodstock Reunion

Date/Time: Saturday, August 19th from

Location: Squid Lips Overwater Grill (1477 Pineapple Avenue) in Melbourne

Admission: Free of charge, food and beverages available for purchase.

Other Details: The band, Electric Frogs, will be playing classic rock from the Vietnam era. A contest for best dressed "Hippie" will take place.

For more information, call 321-259-3101.

Dog Days of Summer

Date/Time: Saturday, August 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Location: Lou's Blues Bar & Grill (3191 North Highway A1A) in Indialantic

Admission: Free of charge, dogs are welcome. Proceeds will benefit a Touch of Grey Rescue, a local organization specifically geared towards rescuing senior and special needs dogs and placing them in foster homes.

Other Details: Live music, raffle prizes, local K9 Unites, food and drink specials.

For more information, click here.

Florida State Surfing Competition for Special Olympics Scheduled for August 25th and 26th

Special Olympics Florida’s annual State Surfing Championships will be held at Alan Shepard Park (202 E Cocoa Beach Causeway / SR 520) in Cocoa Beach on Friday, August 25th and Saturday, August 26th.

Volunteers are still needed to assist with the following tasks:

Event set-up and breakdown
Checking in and staging Athletes for competition
Preparing and presenting athlete awards
Assisting with meal check-in and distribution

No experience is required, all training will be provided on-site, and volunteers will receive a T-Shirt, lunch, and a record of community service hours upon request.

Volunteers must be age 11 or older, and all volunteers under age 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Click here to register.

Surfing competition events begin Friday, August 25th at 10:00 a.m. thru 9:00 p.m., and continue on Saturday, August 26th at 8:00 a.m. thru 1:00 p.m. For the full event schedule, click here.

For more information, contact Jessica Stein / volunteer@sofl.org / 352-243-9536 x 536.