July 23, 2023 - Mayfield Minute

Mayfield Minute - July 23, 2023 - 4th Week of July

Good Morning!

Dr. Sally Ride, the first American woman astronaut to travel into outer space passed away 11 years ago today. I felt it was appropriate to recognize how far our State has advanced in the space industry because of pioneers such as Dr. Ride, and others whom we should never forget as the risk takers and innovators achieving the milestones we continuing to build upon.

Dr. Ride was born on May 26, 1951 in Encino, California. While she showed great promise in becoming a nationally recognized professional tennis player, she prioritized her steadfast pursuit of higher education, earning degrees in English, Physics, and Astrophysics.

In 1979, she completed NASA training, obtained a pilot’s license, and earned the title of U.S. Space Shuttle Mission Specialist. In 1983, Dr. Ride became the first American woman in space aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger. And, in 1984, she commanded a second successful Challenger mission where astronaut Kathryn Sullivan became the first American woman to ever walk in space.

Following her historic space flights, Dr. Ride served as an expert on presidential commissions appointed to investigate the 1986 Challenger accident and the in-flight breakup of the 2003 Columbia Space Shuttle.

Through the1990’s and the early 2000’s, Ms. Ride led a number of programs and organizations devoted to providing opportunities for young women interested in science, mathematics, and technology.

Dr. Ride, a true innovator for women in the space industry and an internationally acclaimed author, was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013.

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 Two Week Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Begins July 24th

Florida's Back-to-School sales tax holiday begins this Monday, July 24th thru Sunday, August 6th. For the first time the State approved a second Back-to-School sales tax holiday which will begin Monday, January 1st, 2024 thru January 14th, 2024. Governor DeSantis signed the 2023-2024 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday after the bill was passed by the Florida Legislature.

This is a great opportunity for students and families to save on school expenses in preparation for the 2023 Fall start of classes, and again in January for the second half of the school year.

Eligible tax-free items include backpacks, notebooks, laptops, footwear, and much more.

To view the full list, click here.

Florida Leads the Nation in Funding for Alzheimer's and Dementia

Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez recently announced the new state budget allocates more than $65 million dollars for Alzheimer’s and dementia care and research, $12.5 million more than last year.

"That’s something we are very proud of, we put our money where our mouth is and we understand we need to be forward-thinking and making sure we’re funding this in a way that’s appropriate,” said Lieutenant Governor Nuñez.

Florida ranks first in the country for funding for Alzheimer’s and dementia. An estimated 580,000 people aged 65 and older in Florida are living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia (the second highest in the nation). Approximately 827,000 Floridians are serving as family caregivers for those afflicted.

For more information and resources for Alzheimer's and dementia care, visit Florida's Alzheimer's Center of Excellence here.

Governor DeSantis Announced Early Payoff of $400 Million in State Debt Saves Taxpayer Dollars

Last week, the Governor announced that the $400 million early pay down of State debt saved Florida taxpayers nearly $34 million. The early debt payments are part of the Governor’s Debt Reduction program and Framework for Freedom Budget. The program serves to reduce state debt by accelerating the payoff of bonds prior to maturity, avoiding subsequent interest costs.

Nearly $5 billion in State debt has been paid down since Governor DeSantis took office while the national debt has increased by more than $10 trillion.

“While Washington has governed irresponsibly and ballooned the national debt, the Free State of Florida is providing a blueprint for fiscal responsibility,” said Governor DeSantis. “We put Floridians front and center in every decision we make and are proud to continue saving them money through smart fiscal policy.”

Constituent of the Week

Dr. Toby Daly-Engel

Our Constituent of the Week is Dr. Toby Daly-Engel, Director of Florida Institute of Technology’s Shark Conservation Lab.

Dr. Daly-Engel was born and raised in upstate New York. After high school, Dr. Daly-Engel moved to Ohio where she earned her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Biology at Oberlin College. She then attended the University of Hawaii completing a Master’s degree in Zoology, and a Ph.D. in Zoology, specializing in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology.

Prior to her career at Florida Tech, she served as an Assistant Professor at the University of West Florida where she ran a shark tagging field program and helped to establish the West Florida chapter of the Association for Women in Science. She joined Florida Tech in 2017 as the Director of the Shark Conservation Lab. Dr. Daly-Engel utilizes her areas of expertise: molecular ecology, shark behavior, marine biology, field ecology and genomics, in her collaborative work with students, state and federal agencies, and other non-governmental and public groups.

She has earned accolades and acclaim for her research and studies of how reproduction and rising temperatures shape movement patterns in large migratory fish, in the identification of cryptic species, and her work in increasing the representation of women in the field of science. Dr. Daly-Engel has authored over 35 peer-reviewed publications and has been interviewed countless times as a renowned media expert in how, when, and why sharks attack, and addressing the fear and fascination surrounding these species.

Most recently she hosted the series, "When Sharks Attack...And Why" on National Geographic’s SharkFest 2023, which began on July 6th and is currently streaming. The series is unique as it serves to provide shark education to help people better understand the species, rather than to elevate fear or shock value.

Some of her proven findings of great interest to viewers include the power of a shark's senses of smell, hearing, and vision (which is 10 times greater) in comparison to humans even as sharks migrate through murky and deep waters. One of the areas she enjoys the most is the science behind shark-human interactions and “busting the myths that make people afraid of the water.”

For more information about Dr. Daly-Engel’s Shark Conservation Lab, click here.

District 19 is pleased to have Dr. Daly-Engel, a profound shark species expert and researcher who also serves as a mentor to young women seeking careers in the field of science, as a member of our community.

District Highlights

Space Florida Announces Amazon's Investment of $120 Million at KSC

Last week, I was pleased to join Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nunez, Senator Wright, Representative Altman and Representative Brackett, and Space Florida leaders for Amazon’s announcement that NASA's Kennedy Space Center will be the site of their new $120 million Kuiper space-based internet satellite facility.

Space Florida’s Launch and Landing Facility will be home to the 100,000-square-foot processing facility. Amazon has reported that the project will bring an additional 300 construction jobs during the development phase and approximately 50 full-time positions upon completion. The facility is expected to be fully operational in early 2025.

Project Kuiper is Amazon’s low Earth orbit satellite network, which aims to provide fast, affordable broadband to unserved and underserved communities around the world. This new facility enables the company to conduct final preparations ahead of satellite deployment through heavy-lift launch vehicles from Blue Origin and United Launch Alliance (ULA).

“This partnership not only fuels Florida’s reputation as the gateway to space, but also accelerates Space Florida’s mission to transform the Launch and Landing Facility into the premier location for aerospace innovation,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, Chair, Space Florida Board of Directors. “Together, we are solidifying our position as a global leader in the space economy. We look forward to the remarkable achievements and endless possibilities to come.”

For more information, visit Space Florida here.

Todd Fennell of Indian River County Receives FWC's Youth Hunting Program Landowner of the Year Award

Last week, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission awarded Todd Fennell, of Indian River County, with the Youth Hunting Program of Florida's Landowner of the Year award.

The FWC's Youth Hunting Program provides quality safe and educational hunting experiences for 12 to 17 year-olds.

Mr. Fennell owns Blackwater Creek Ranch in Indian River County and has opened his property to the Youth Hunting Program of Florida since 2019. The Blue Cypress Hunting Club leases the Blackwater Creek Ranch property together with 3,500 acres of adjacent property to create a 4,600-acre private hunting paradise featuring hunting, camping, fireside chats, nature walks, fishing, and buggy rides.

“Blackwater Creek Ranch is an oasis for the landowners who love wild things and wild places,” said Bill Cline, FWC’s Section Leader for Hunter Safety and Public Shooting Ranges. “It is an honor to recognize this property for the 2023 Youth Hunting Program Landowner of the Year award.”

For more information about FWC's Youth Hunting programs, click here.

Upcoming Events

Purple Heart Recipients to be Celebrated in Vero Beach on August 7th, Deadline to Register is July 28th

After a two year hiatus, Paul (Mr. B) Bartoszewicz, President of the Vietnam Veteran's of America Chapter 1038, proudly announced the annual brunch honoring Purple Heart recipients will take place on Monday, August 7th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Vero Beach Veteran's Club (2500 15th Avenue in Vero Beach).

Only 125 spots are available and will be awarded on a first come / first serve basis. Purple Heart Recipients are free of charge. The cost for guests is $15.00 and includes a full brunch menu.

To reserve your seat(s), please contact Mr. Bartoszewicz directly at 770-905-9821 by July 28th.

Celebrating the Life of Colonel Martin J. Zickert

Colonel Martin “Marty“ Zickert, U.S.A.F. (Ret.) was born in Greenwood, Wisconsin in 1941, and proudly served in the United States Air Force for 30 years.

Sadly, Marty passed away unexpectedly on July 2, 2023 and he will forever be remembered for his service to our country, his great fun-loving spirit, and dedication to helping others.

Those who knew him best described Marty as a true leader, patriot, mentor, and friend. He joined the Board of Directors of the Veterans Council of Indian River County in 2010 and remained a valued member of the organization through 2021.

The Zickert family will hold a memorial service honoring him on Saturday, July 29th at 9:00 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary in Vero Beach. Attendees are also invited to an event that same day celebrating Marty’s life at Walking Tree Brewery in Vero Beach from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Zickert family asks that attendees to both events wear colorful attire to celebrate Marty’s life.

To make a donation to the Col. Martin J. Zickert Memorial Fund which benefits direct aid programs at the Veterans Council of Indian River County, please send contributions to the to the Veterans Council at PO Box 1354, Vero Beach, FL 32961, or click here to donate online.

Cancer Awareness Walk at Eddie Lee Taylor, Sr. Community Complex Scheduled for July 29th

The 'One Community Day' event and Cancer Awareness Walk will take place on Saturday, July 29th from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Eddie Lee Taylor, Sr. Community Complex (3316 Monroe Street in Melbourne). Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the Walk begins at 8:30 a.m.

Other activities throughout the day include a health fair, educational workshops, the Kids' Zone, face painting, games, prizes, live music and food for free and for purchase.

The event is open to the public and free of charge. Proceeds for the event will support the Eddie Lee Taylor, Sr. Community Complex and the Joris Heart organization.

For more information, call 321-608-7450 or click here.

Citizen Input Requested for Brevard County and FDOT Projects

Brevard County is holding a public meeting on Monday, July 31st from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Administrative Office (91 East Drive in Melbourne).

The purpose of the meeting is to gather public input on a draft Recreational Plan for the Central Brevard Coastal Ridge Management Plan, which you can access here.

The meeting is open to the public. If you are interested in attending or are unable to attend but would like to provide comments, contact David DeMeyer@brevardfl.gov or at 321-449-4720 x 60779.

The Florida Department of Transportation is also seeking resident feedback at a public meeting on Tuesday, August 1st at 5:30 p.m. at the Front Street Civic Center (2205 Front Street in Melbourne). The topic of the meeting is safety improvements along U.S. 1 from Myers Drive to Crane Creek Bridge.

Project proposals include:

Resurfacing of 2.1 miles of the U.S. 1 corridor to include pedestrian and bicycle safety enhancements

Construction of medians from North of University Boulevard to Crane Creek Bridge and directional medians at Roosevelt Avenue and Jernigan Avenue in Melbourne

Resurfacing and restriping of travel lanes to provide a buffered bicycle lane from Myers Drive to University Boulevard in Palm Bay

Additional pedestrian signal upgrades, ADA pedestrian curb compliance, and roadway intersection lighting upgrades

For more information on virtual options to attend the FDOT meeting, click here.

'State of the Schools' Event at EFSC

On Tuesday, August 1st from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) will host a “State of the Schools” panel discussion with Brevard County K-12 and higher education leaders. The event is open to public and will be held at EFSC’s Melbourne Campus (3865 North Wickham Road) in the Student Union, Building 16.

The event will also be live streamed on EFSC’s YouTube channel @EasternFlorida.

The panelists are:

Dr. Mark Rendell, Superintendent, Brevard Public Schools
Dr. John Nicklow, President, Florida Institute of Technology
Dr. Randy Fletcher, Vice President, Academic and Student Affairs, Eastern Florida State College
Dr. Pam Cavanaugh, Associate Vice Provost, University of Central Florida

For more information, click here.