July 16, 2023 - Mayfield Minute

Mayfield Minute - July 16, 2023 - 3rd Week of July

Good Morning!

"Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed."

Today marks the 54th anniversary of the Apollo 11 flight which landed the first humans on the moon. The crew, Neil Armstrong (Commander), Edwin 'Buzz' Aldrin (Lunar Module Pilot), and Michael Collins (Command Module Pilot), launched into space on a Saturn 5 rocket from Kennedy Space Center (formerly Cape Kennedy) on July 16, 1969 at 9:32 a.m.

It's estimated that more than one million people watched the launch from KSC. Four days later, on July 20th at 10:56 p.m., over one billion people tuned in as Astronauts Armstrong and Aldrin became the first two people to set foot on the moon stating the famous quote, "That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind."

The astronauts left behind an American flag and a plaque stating, "Here men from the planet Earth first set foot upon the moon July 1969, A.D. We came in peace for all mankind."

In the five decades since the Americans landed on the Moon, NASA and partners continue to deliver on the promise of American ingenuity and leadership in space. Through the Artemis program, NASA and partners plan another moon landing by the end of 2024.

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

Brevard and Indian River Counties to Benefit from Governor DeSantis' Project to Protect Communities from Flooding and Storm Surge

Last week, Governor DeSantis announced $300 million will be awarded in state funding from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for 71 new resilience and adaptation projects to prepare coastal and inland communities to combat impacts of flooding and storm surge.

In Indian River County, the City of Fellsmere will receive two awards in the amounts of $850,000 for the Fellsmere Flood Resilience Adaptation Alleyway Grading and $1,500,000 for the Fellsmere Flood Lift Station #3.

In Brevard County, the City of Cape Canaveral will receive $467,500 for the Center Street Drainage Basin improvements.

“The Framework for Freedom budget is a testament to our unwavering commitment to protect Florida’s communities and secure their economic vitality,” said Governor DeSantis. “Florida is a storm-prone state, and following two back-to-back hurricanes last year, this funding advances Florida’s continuing efforts to strengthen our infrastructure and fortify against the impacts of storm surge and flooding.”

FWC Opens Free Opportunity to Become a "Florida Friendly Angler"

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is offering a free online course for beginning and seasoned anglers. The course is designed for those who enjoy saltwater fishing and want to learn more about the conservation of marine resources. The course can be completed in just under two hours and includes videos, a narrated tutorial, and interactive quizzes.

The course is comprised of three modules including environmental ethics, best fishing practices, and fisheries management. Upon completion participants will receive an electronic certificate and a commemorative weatherproof Florida Friendly Angler decal.

For more information on the Florida Friendly Angler program, click here.

FDOT Joins Four Southern States to Conduct "Operation Southern Slow Down"

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Florida Highway Patrol, and local law enforcement agencies will collaborate with Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee for “Operation Southern Slow Down."

State and local law enforcement agencies in all five states will be conducting a week-long speed enforcement awareness campaign from July 17th thru July 21st aimed at saving lives and preventing reckless driving and speeding. Law enforcement traffic operations will be intensified on interstates and highways during the "Operation Southern Slow Down" campaign.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 11,258 people were killed in speeding-related traffic crashes in 2020, equating to 29% of all fatal traffic crashes nationwide.

Constituent of the Week

Our Constituent of the Week is Mr. Jason Hook

Mr. Hook is a professional photographer and the owner of a successful small business, Jason Hook Photography.

For the last four years, he has partnered with the non-profit Candlelighters of Brevard, an organization which provides emotional support and financial assistance to Brevard County and Indian River County children and families suffering with childhood cancer.

Working with Candlelighters’ executive staff, Mr. Hook created the Operation Superhero Photoshoot Experience and Campaign to capture the most precious moments and memories for families navigating their child’s diagnosis.

Operation Superhero provides cancer-stricken children with an opportunity to briefly escape the disease and transform into the superhero of their choice. Mr. Hook provides the children with a unique experience of an exclusive photoshoot and celebration as they power through treatments.

Mr. Hook has been donating his time, talents, and compassionate professionalism to create a temporary life changing experience for over 20 Candlelighter children and their families since 2019. He has donated more than 350 hours over the past four years photographing inspirational memories and producing cherished family pictures.

Mr. Hook recently stated that working with Candlelighters has been an incredibly rewarding experience, which has provided him a greater opportunity to reach more children and families that he may not have been able to achieve on his own.

Natasha Duran, Executive Director of Candlelighters of Brevard stated, “Our organization is deeply grateful to Jason Hook for his years of passion and professionalism invested into creating this once-in-a-lifetime transformational experience allowing children to recognize their superhero strength within as cancer fighters.

To be a candidate for the Operation Superhero program, all Candlelighter children are considered including those dealing with life-altering side effects from treatment, children experiencing a relapse, and those enduring an extraordinary amount of years or intensity of treatment due to their diagnosis.

As champions for the program, Mr. Hook and the Candlelighters team have inspired local vendors to join forces to create Superhero parties throughout the year for children in treatment. Their primary focus is empowering families to ‘find their inner superpower’ while supporting their child's battle to beat cancer.

For more information about Candlelighters of Brevard and how you can support the Operation Superheroes Campaign, please click here.

District 19 is pleased to recognize Jason Hook and the Candlelighters of Brevard for shining a bright and inspiring light on those suffering through the darkness of childhood cancer.

District Highlights

Two Local Beaches and a Bass Lake Earn State Rankings

Florida's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recently released its list of the Top 10 Best Bass Lakes of 2023 which included the Fellsmere Reservoir/Stick March.

“We take a tremendous amount of pride in managing our freshwater fisheries. The recognition of multiple Florida waterbodies in the Best Bass Lakes is a testament to our commitment to preserve the well-being of our aquatic ecosystems while promoting recreational fishing in Florida,” said Roger Young, FWC Executive Director.

Mr. Young added that Fellsmere, Stick Marsh, and the Kenansville reservoirs in Indian River County are all "gems for bass fishing enthusiasts."

Also last week, the national Readers Digest publication listed its Top 15 of Florida’s Best Kept Secret Beaches.

Readers Digest selected Playalinda Beach in Titusville in their top 15 citing the beach’s quietness, picturesque sanctuary, and one of the best beach camping spots in the State. Additionally, its proximity to the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge where visitors can explore trails in the morning and body surf in the afternoon was a compelling factor.

Seagrape Trail Beach in Vero Beach was also listed in the top 15 describing it as a secluded stretch of sand in Vero Beach and well known by locals for collecting actual buried treasure. Back in the early 18th century, a Spanish ship sank off the coast and ever since inquisitive beach goers have been finding silver coins believed to be remnants of the wreckage. The publication highlighted Seagrape Trail Beach for its unique size and minimal crowds as there are only 20 parking spots available.

To view the Top 15, click here.

Coastal Connections and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Held Latest Turtle Dig

Last week, Coastal Connections and FWC held a Turtle Dig event resulting in positive findings of zero new hatchlings paralyzed in place, zero encumbered in their pathway to the ocean, and zero left behind in their nests. This is a special victory for the non-profit partnership between Coastal Connections and the FWC. Both entities are dedicated to protecting, preserving, and saving the lives of the fragile species.

Coastal Connections will continue their series of Turtle Dig events throughout August. During these experiences the Coastal Connections team will evaluate hatched nests, count the eggs and the numbers that have hatched, and the overall health of the turtles. If the team comes across any hatchlings left behind, they provide assistance to release them into the ocean or provide other care as needed.

During the Turtle Dig events, participants will also have a chance to listen to a presentation while watching the evaluation and seeing the turtle eggs up close.

The next Turtle Dig is Tuesday, July 18th at 9:00 a.m. and the meeting place is the Ocean Grill located at 1050 Beachland Blvd. in Vero Beach. Participants need to pre-register here to secure one of the 60 "front row" viewing spots.

For general information about Coastal Connections, click here.

Upcoming Events

Movie Night in the Park with City of Cocoa Police K9 Copper

The City of Cocoa is hosting the "Dog Days of Summer" on Friday, July 21st at Riverfront Park (401 Riveredge Blvd) in Cocoa Village from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Paw-o-Graph party with Police K9 Copper will begin at 6:30 p.m. Purchasers of the book "K-9 Cooper-Who's a Good Boy" ($20.00) will have an opportunity for Copper to paw-o-graph their copy and take photos.

Officer Cierra Johnson and her K9 partner Copper recently released the children's book as a unique way for kids in the Cocoa community to get to know Copper and Officer Johnson better. The book introduces K9 Copper and explains his important role as a member of the Cocoa Police Department's Community Engagement Unit.

The family- and pet-friendly event includes other activities: food and beverages for purchase, balloon art from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and the outdoor big screen will feature a free showing of the Fox and the Hound II movie beginning at 8:00 p.m.

All proceeds will benefit the Cocoa Police Foundation.

City of Palm Bay to Hold Groundbreaking Ceremony for Nutrient Separating Baffle Boxes

The groundbreaking event for the installation of five nutrient separating baffle boxes is open to the public and will be held on Tuesday, July 25th at 9:00 a.m. at the Main Street Boat Ramp (141 Main Street Northeast) in Palm Bay.

I was pleased to work with members of the legislature to secure $1.2 million in funding for the installation of the baffle boxes which will reduce pollutant discharges into Turkey Creek and improve water quality in the IRL. Construction is expected to be completed in early 2024.

For more information, contact the City of Palm Bay here.

Keep Florida Beautiful is Seeking High School Junior and Senior Volunteers

Keep Florida Beautiful (KFB) is launching a new Young Ambassador program for Florida high school juniors and seniors. Participation in the new KFB Young Ambassador program counts toward volunteer hours required for students seeking Bright Futures and other scholarships. The application process is open until July 31st.

The program is student driven and the program coordinator will assist the participants with guidance, support, connections to local chapters, and other students.

The Young Ambassador Program seeks to:

Inspire and empower youth to keep our communities clean and beautiful through litter prevention and environmental efforts
Spread awareness and organize efforts in their local communities and become leaders and capacity builders in their communities.
Inform ambassadors through virtual webinars, guest speakers, and collaboration with other state affiliates
Engage students in clean up and community projects

For more information or to apply on line, click here.