August 6, 2023 - Mayfield Minute_National Purple Heart

Mayfield Minute - August 6, 2023 - National Purple Heart Day

Good Morning!

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has advised residents near Satellite Beach to be vigilant after a crocodile killed a family’s pet dog on Tortoise Island last week.

FWC agents are diligently searching for the American crocodile, which is protected by the Federal Endangered Species Act, to relocate the reptile to a secure habitat or zoo. The agency has also added crocodile alertness signs in and around Satellite Beach canals and kayaking areas as a reminder to visitors and residents.

While crocodile and human encounters are extremely rare, FWC has stated that any crocodile sightings should be reported to their FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).

Precautionary measures include:

Walking pets on a leash and away from the water’s edge
Swimming only in designated areas in daylight hours, not between dusk and dawn
Do not intentionally feed, harm, or kill a crocodile as it is dangerous and illegal

To learn more about the American crocodile from FWC, click here.

Also last week, a fish kill was reported in the Indian River Lagoon in Sebastian. Scientists reported that high water temperatures may have been a contributing factor.

Some of the affected species reported include snook, sheepshead, stingrays, mojarra, redfish, flounder, and gar.

To report a fish kill to FWC:

Call the Fish Kill Hotline at 1-800-636-0511
Submit a report online here
Include the physical location or GPS coordinates if on the water
Estimate the number of deceased fish and the species if your able to

We are making great strides at the state and local levels to protect our waterways and marine life. While there will be natural anomalies such as high water temperatures, we will continue the work necessary to prevent negative impacts on species throughout the Indian River Lagoon.

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

Florida’s Innovative Approach to Opioid Recovery is Saving Lives and Curbing Addiction

Governor DeSantis and First Lady DeSantis are celebrating one year of helping Floridians break the cycle of addiction through the State's Coordinated Opioid Recovery Network (CORE).

“The Florida CORE Network is pioneering the future of recovery in America,” said Governor DeSantis. “While Biden’s Border Crisis exacerbates the deadly influx of Fentanyl and leftist states stock vending machines with drug paraphernalia, Florida refuses to sit idly by as these deadly drugs ruin and take lives. In one year, we’ve saved more lives than any other state by providing essential addiction treatment to those who need it most.”

From 2021 to 2022, drug-related deaths in Florida decreased by 4% with over 300 lives saved. Florida's CORE Network focuses on treatment rather than enabling, and has resulted in the highest decrease in drug-related deaths above any other state.

To find treatment and recovery resources, please visit the CORE Network website here.

Florida’s 2023 Python Challenge is Open thru Friday, August 13th at 5:00 p.m.

The Python Challenge is part of an effort to remove invasive Burmese pythons from Florida’s ecosystem. According to FWC, Burmese pythons are predominantly found in Asia, Eastern India, parts of Vietnam, and southern China, however, over the past several years, they have become highly pervasive, overpopulated, and dangerous in Florida.

During the Python Challenge, the Burmese species must be removed and killed from only these participating areas to be considered as valid entries in the competition.

Participants can register in three categories: novice, military, or professional. Prizes range from $1,000-$2,500 with the ultimate grand prize of $10.000 for the most pythons removed.

For more information about the 2023 Python Challenge and how you can register, click here.

Constituent of the Week

Ted Suzor, former United States Army Specialist

Our Constituent of the Week is Mr. Ted Suzor, former United States Army Specialist. He was born in North Carolina, and voluntarily joined the Army serving in the 4th Infantry division in Vietnam and the 3rd Infantry division in Germany. After completing six years of military service, he moved to Florida in 1972.

He began working nights at Brevard Community College (now Eastern Florida State College). In the years following, he worked in various fields of construction including concrete materials and electrical services, and ultimately retired from Walmart.

He has been very active in retirement serving as a member of the Board of Directors and Veteran Coordinator for the Space Coast Honor Flight (SCHF). The organization’s mission is to take World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam Veterans to visit their War Memorials in Washington D.C. Mr. Suzor was recently named Chairman of the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, a fitting role given his lifelong advocacy for service members, Veterans, and their families.

Based on his experience, Mr. Suzor has a recommendation for current and future service members, and young adults in general. And, it is a classic line, “There is no ‘I’ in team.” He added that it takes common sense, team work, and work ethic to get the job done.

Of all of his life accomplishments, Mr. Suzor would likely tell you being married to his wife, Paula, for 51 years may be the greatest. They married in 1972 and Mrs. Suzor had a successful nursing career of 36 years at Wuesthoff Hospital. She also serves as a member of the SCHF Board of Directors and as a Veteran Coordinator.

The Suzor's highly encourage those interested in a rewarding and meaningful life experience to consider volunteering for the SCHF. To observe the smile and emotional memory of a Veteran visiting their branch of service's monument in the nation's Capitol is a priceless opportunity. Family members interested in applying for a SCHF for their loved one can call 321-877-1828.

Mr. and Mrs. Suzor reside in Rockledge and are parents to three adult sons. They are compassionate advocates and great assets to the Veterans community and all of District 19.

District Highlights

Honoring America's Heroes

National Purple Heart Day is observed annually on August 7th to commemorate the historic day in 1782, when General George Washington, Commander-In-Chief of the Continental Army, commissioned the first Purple Heart Medal (originally called the Badge of Military Merit).

The Badge of Military Merit was re-commissioned in 1932 by General Douglas McArthur to honor George Washington’s on his bicentennial birthday. The honor became known as the Purple Heart Medal, and today remains the oldest military award.

A Presidential order was signed in 1942 permitting expansion of the Purple Heart Medal to be awarded to all branches of the military including the U.S. Coast Guard. During World War II, qualification to receive the Purple Heart Medal changed from a merit award to honoring those who were wounded, or lost their lives in combat.

The National Purple Heart Day celebration at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center on Merritt Island will recognize 12 Purple Heart Veterans with Space Coast ties for their service and sacrifice:

Ralph Clark, US Marine Corps (Vietnam); David Crib US Army (Vietnam), Mark Gray, US Army (Iraq); Sonny Hartwell, US Marine Corps (Vietnam); Jeremiah Johnson, US Army (Niger Africa, KIA); Franck Kaiser, US Army (Vietnam); Charles Lynchard, US Army (Vietnam); Mike Maguire, US Army (WWII); Don Pearsall, US Army (Vietnam); Bruce Schwanda, US Marine Corps (Vietnam); Marley "Buddy" Story, US Army (Vietnam); and Douglas Sykes, US Army (Vietnam).

In Indian River County, Veteran Paul Bartoszewicz, President of the Vietnam Veteran's America Chapter 1038, will recognize the following Purple Heart recipients:

Craig Waskow, Army Sergeant First Class; Mike Hosford, Army Specialist; Carl Miller, Marine Lance Corporal; Erwin Hayward, Army Private; Charles Strayer, Army Sergeant; Charles Strayer, Army Sergeant; Thomas Bilotti, Army Sergeant; Geoff Darling, Army Chief Warrant Officer 3; Bob Candales, Marine Sergeant; John C. Hurley, Marine Staff Sergeant; Joe St. John, Army Chief Warrant Officer 3; Alan Hill, Army Specialist E-4; Donald Kocik, Army Sergeant; Richy Walsh, Marine Gunner Sergeant; Trace Amos, Air Force, Colonel; John C. Darling, Army Private First Class; and Ben Bydalak, Marine Corporal.

Several Space Launches are Planned for August

Last week, a 230-foot SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket was successfully launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station carrying a commercial communications satellite, marking SpaceX’s 37th mission from the Space Coast in 2023.

On August 21st at 5:23 a.m., the next four-person mission to the International Space Station is scheduled for launch on board a Space X Dragon capsule from Kennedy Space Center.

United Launch Alliance is also scheduled for a launch from Cape Canaveral on approximately August 29th. This will be ULA's second flight of the year and is a planned national security mission for the Space Force and National Reconnaissance Office.

Additionally, more Falcon 9 missions with dozens of Space X Starling internet satellites launches are planned throughout August with launch dates pending.

In other space news, later this summer NASA will be launching NASA+, an on-demand streaming service, featuring active launches, missions, landings and other family-friendly original content. The new NASA+ service will be free of charge, contain no advertisements, and have compatibility with current streaming media players including Apple TV, Fire TV, and Roku, and the IOS and Android NASA apps.

Local Businesses Celebrate International Beer Day

Last Friday, International Beer Day was celebrated throughout Brevard County highlighting local craft beer breweries and restaurants.

Each offer unique features to differentiate their business from others including food trucks, full food service, craft cocktails, non-alcohol beers, kid and dog-friendly play areas, and trivia contests.

Here are some of the local favorites:

321 Lime House at Carib Brewery

200 Imperial Blvd., Cape Canaveral, 321-728-4114, caribbreweryusa.co

Beachfly Brewing Co.

513 Barton Blvd., Rockledge, 321-305-6865, beachflybrewing.com

Bugnutty Brewing Co.

225 King St., Cocoa, 321-452-4460, bugnutty.com

Dirty Oar Beer Co.

329 King St., Cocoa, 321-301-4306, dirtyoarbeercompany.com

Hell n’ Blazes Brewery

1002 E. New Haven Ave., Melbourne, 321-821-4052, hellnblazesbrewing.com

Intracoastal Brewing Co.

653 Eau Gallie Blvd., Melbourne, 321-872-7395, intracoastalbrewingcompany.com

Leader Brewing

2350 Commerce Park Drive, Palm Bay, 321-327-2043, leaderbrewing.com

Mash Monkeys Brewing Co.

920 U.S. 1, Sebastian, 772-571-6283, mashmonkeysbrewing.com

Playalinda Brewing Company Brix Project

5220 S. Washington Ave., Titusville, 321-567-5974, playalindabrewingcompany.com

Playalinda Brewing Company Hardware Store

305 S. Washington Ave., Titusville, 321-225-8978 playalindabrewingcompany.com/taprooms/hardware-store

Upcoming Events

Melbourne Kids Village Announces August Activities

Melbourne Kids Village, an indoor playground dedicated to helping kids learn through imaginative play, has released their August calendar filled with activities for children ages one to five.

The imaginative and innovative learning environment includes a fully-furnished playroom and offers an array of activities ranging from pretend play, music, art, STEM exploration, and much more.

Beginning Monday, August 14th open play hours are available from:

Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday thru Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For more information, click here.

Public Comments Requested for Indian River County’s Lagoon Management Plan

The IRC Lagoon Management plan is in the final stages of the Development Phase. The draft plan is available for review here. Public comments may be submitted online here or in-person at the public meeting workshops below:

Thursday, August 10th at 1030 a.m. at the North County Library (1001 Sebastian Blvd.) in Sebastian.

Thursday, August 17th at 6:00 p.m. at the Intergenerational (IG) Center (1590 9th Street Southwest) in Vero Beach.

The Sands Space History Center to Host Space Collectibles Show and Sale

On Saturday, August 12th, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the Sands Space History Center (located at 100 Space Port Way) in Cape Canaveral will be hosting the Annual Space Collectibles Show and Sale.

The event exhibits a wide variety of space exploration related collectibles offered by multiple vendors and collectors including space memorabilia and artifacts, mission patches, postal covers, challenge coins, books, videos, vintage toys, and photography of Cape Canaveral launches captured by professional photographers.

Event admission and parking at the Sands Space History Center is free. A shaded picnic area is available for guests choosing to bring their own lunches. The History Center is located just outside of Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, therefore a Cape access pass is not required.

For parking and directions, click here.