July 30, 2023 - Mayfield Minute

Mayfield Minute - July 30, 2023 - Back to School

Good Morning!

It's Back-to-School Time

The 2023 - 2024 school year begins Thursday August 10th for Brevard County and Indian River County students. Indian River County has "Optional Teacher Planning" days on Tuesday August 1st and Wednesday August 2nd with full teacher reporting beginning on Thursday August 3rd. In Brevard County teachers will report on Wednesday August 2nd thru Friday August 4th and Monday August 7th thru Wednesday August 9th for pre-planning.

Below you will find more information about your child's school and bus transportation.

In Brevard County, click here and select the "Schools" tab on the top right of the page.

In Indian River County, click here and follow the "Select a School" tab at the top center of the page.

As reported in last week's Mayfield Minute, Florida's Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday continues through Sunday August 6th allowing families to purchase sales tax free school supplies, clothing, eligible technology products, and other necessary items. The second Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday will take place from January 1st thru January 14th 2024.

I hope everyone safely enjoys the final days of summer, and I wish all students, teachers, parents, support staff, and administrators a successful 2023-2024 school year.

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

Attorney General Ashley Moody Announced New Consumer Warning about Smart TV Scams

Attorney General Moody is continuing her "Summer Scams Series" with a warning about emerging Smart TV scams where bad actors attempt to gain remote access to Smart TVs to steal personal or financial information.

“Devices connected to the internet can be used by scammers to rip off unsuspecting consumers. Smart TVs are no exception," stated Attorney General Moody.

She went on to say that these devices access the internet to stream content or allow users to search the web which means hackers can use your TV to send phishing messages, tech-support ads, or even fake bills for services.

"If you receive a suspicious message on your TV, do not respond. Instead, do some research and contact your service provider directly," she added.

Tips to avoid Smart TV scams include:

Update your smart TV software regularly to ensure the latest security features are in use
Avoid visiting websites listed in pop-up ads
Research the correct phone number for a streaming service or TV manufacturer before calling
Verify through a legitimate service any potential late fees rather than trusting a pop-up ad
Never let unknown individuals have remote access
Use different passwords on all accounts in case an information leak occurs, prohibiting scammers from gaining access to other accounts

Victims of cybercrimes should report incidents to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Computer Crime Center. To find more alerts on how to protect data and stay safe online, visit MyFloridaLegal.com/ConsumerAlert.

Florida’s Department of Financial Services (DFS) Urges Residents Interested in the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) Program to Apply

The My Safe Florida Home program has generated a large number of applicants. At the time of this posting, funds for a free home inspection are still available.

The purpose of the free home inspection is to determine:

Mitigation measures needed
Premium discounts that may be available
Home improvements to existing residential properties needed to reduce susceptibility to hurricane damage

Upon the home inspection, mitigation grant funding is awarded on a first-come-first serve basis. The purpose of the mitigation grants is to retrofit single-family homes to protect against vulnerability in the event of hurricane damage. Eligibility criteria includes a Homestead exemption and allows for homeowners with homes valued up to $700,000 to apply.

Improvement that can be made by using grant funds include opening protection, exterior doors including garage doors, and secondary water barriers for roofs.

For the most up-to-date information, visit the DFS MSFH website here.

Florida Freedom Summer Sales Tax Holiday Continues on Through Labor Day

During the Freedom Summer sales tax holiday period, sales tax is not collected on the retail sale of admissions to music events, sporting events, cultural events, specified performances, movies, museums, state parks, and fitness facilities. Also exempt from sales tax during this holiday period are eligible boating and water activity supplies, camping supplies, fishing supplies, general outdoor supplies, residential pool supplies, children's athletic equipment, and children's toys.

Freedom Summer eligible items include:

Outdoor recreation purchases such as supplies for camping, fishing, and general outdoor activities including kayaks and canoes
Boating and water activity supplies such as life jackets, coolers, and pool floats
Tickets for museums and events such as concerts, fairs, sporting events, and theater productions
Entry to state parks, including annual passes
Student athletic equipment for school and intramural sports

For the full list, click here.

Constituent of the Week

Ms. Theresa Clifton

Our Constituent of the Week is Theresa Clifton, Executive Director at the Brevard Humane Society (BHS).

Ms. Clifton is a fourth generation Brevard County resident. She earned an Associate of Arts degree from Eastern Florida State College (formerly Brevard Community College) and a Bachelor’s of Science from Nova Southeastern University in Business Administration, Management and Operations.

Prior to taking on her current role as Executive Director at the BHS, Ms. Clifton worked at the Kennedy Space Center for 25 years in security, with additional assignments in scheduling and the repair/fabrication of space shuttle parts.

Ms. Clifton, a self-proclaimed animal lover from birth, began volunteering at the Humane Society in 1991. In 2004, she became the Executive Director of the BHS where she oversees the day-to-day operations including plans for future growth, budget goals, leadership, and management. All of her responsibilities are grounded in her primary commitment to the welfare of animals and her empathy for the mission of the BHS which is to serve as the leading advocate for homeless, lost, and abandoned animals.

Under her leadership, the BHS has addressed the challenge of pet overpopulation with their Spay/Neuter Clinic providing humane services at a significantly low cost or even free of charge. Additionally, BHS provides other important affordable healthcare options such as vaccinations, wellness check-ups, training classes, planning for emergencies, and comforting support for families needing end of life care for their beloved pets.

Ms. Clifton’s successful business philosophy is a combination of ‘a fine balance between your staff, your product and your process’ and that without each working in balance, success is difficult to attain. She says her most proudest moment at BHS occurred in

October 2006 when they became a no-kill adoption center. After 54 years, the entire organization changed its philosophy and every adoptable animal taken in from that moment was guaranteed a “forever home.”

On Saturday August 26th, the BHS is hosting their 12th Annual Tuxes and Tails Gala fundraiser from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Space Coast Convention Center (301 Tucker Lane in Cocoa). For ticket information and to bring your beloved pet to walk the red carpet at the event, click here. The event includes a dinner buffet, music and dancing entertainment, pet adoptions, a live auction by Sheriff Wayne Ivey, and a performance by the Menestrelli Performing Circus Dogs.

District 19 is proud to recognize Ms. Theresa Clifton for her years of compassionate service in protecting pets in our community, and her leadership in making the Brevard Humane Society an exemplary organization.

District Highlights

Breeze Airways Adds New Flights to Providence, Rhode Island from Vero Beach

Beginning November 2nd, Breeze Airways will provide service between Vero Beach and Providence, Rhode Island on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. The Providence flights is an additional destination to Breeze Airways existing flights between Vero Beach, Hartford, Connecticut and White Plains, New York.

“This is great for the city and offers more opportunities for people to come down, especially those looking to avoid Logan International Airport in Boston,” said Bob McCabe, chair of the Vero Beach Chamber of Commerce.

According to the airline, from February 2023 through June 2023, Breeze Airways has flown nearly 30,000 passengers in and out of Vero Beach on 151 flights.

Last year, Travel and Leisure magazine readers ranked Breeze Airways #2 in its reader survey of the Top 10 Best Domestic Airlines.

For reservations on current routes and the new Providence flight, click here.

Melbourne Main Street and Melbourne Mayor Alfrey Receive 2023 Awards from Florida's Secretary of State

Last week, Melbourne Main Street Board Member Corey Runte and Melbourne Mayor Paul Alfrey received prestigious awards from Florida’s Secretary of State Cord Byrd during his annual recognition event of Florida's Main Street organizations. Secretary Byrd acknowledged all 57 Main Street communities throughout Florida and the impact that they have on the State.

Melbourne Mayor Paul Alfrey received one of three Local Leader of the Year awards for his dedication to downtown Melbourne, support of key economic development programs, and his leadership on public safety issues.

Corey Runte was named Board Member of the Year in recognition of his more than 12 years of outstanding service to Melbourne Main Street.

The Melbourne Main Street organization also received the “Telling Your Story” award for their rebranding campaign, which included creation of a new logo and visual identity, development of a comprehensive new website, and the production of new promotional materials and street-pole banners.

New Amphitheater Coming to Veterans Memorial Park in Merritt Island

Donn Weaver, United States Army Ret. and immediate past Chairman of the Brevard Veterans Council, announced that a groundbreaking event will soon be scheduled for the new amphitheater at Veterans Memorial Park adjacent to the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center (400 South Sykes Creek Parkway in Merritt Island).

I had the opportunity to work with Chairman Weaver and Representative Sirois to secure $1 million in state funding for the Veterans’ amphitheater project. This new facility will enhance the Veterans Memorial Park and will benefit Veterans, their families, and the entire community. Mr. Weaver’s goal is to have a minimum of 26 or more military-related events in Brevard County every year at their new facility which will safely and conveniently accommodate the Veteran community.

The new amphitheater area encompasses 10 acres and includes a food service area, event space, electrical hubs for food trucks, additional parking, expansive lighting, additional restrooms, and other amenities and safety measures.

The expected completion date is prior to Veterans Day, November 11, 2024. To view the proposed rendering for the amphitheater, click here and for for more information about Veterans Memorial Park, click here.

Upcoming Events

Update: Brightline High-Speed Testing Resumes in Brevard

Brightline’s next round of 110 mph high-speed testing began Friday, July 28th and is expected to continue throughout the upcoming week in Brevard County. According to Brightline, the current round of testing is among the final tests underway leading up to opening travel to Orlando.

The high-speed testing is taking place along a 41-mile section of track involving multiple railroad crossings through Cocoa, Rockledge, Melbourne, Palm Bay, Malabar, Grant-Valkaria, and Micco. Testing will occur daily between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Important safety reminders:

Residents should be alert and follow the law around active railroad tracks and railroad crossings
Drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists should be aware that rail traffic will run on both tracks in both directions
Stay off the tracks and never go around crossing gates
Only cross the railroad at a designated crossing
Never stop on the tracks

To view the full release of railroad crossings impacted, click here.

Back to School Bash in Viera

The Back to School Bash will be held on Saturday, August 5th at the Addison Village Club (8150 Stadium Parkway in Viera) from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The event is open to the public, free of charge, and activities include water slides and obstacle course challenges. A wide variety of food and dessert trucks will be providing dinner, snacks, and beverages for purchase.

Local Farmer's Markets Celebrate National Farmer's Market Week August 6th thru 12th

The National Farmer's Market Week was established 24 years ago to highlight the vital impact and contributions local farmers have on our nation’s food supply system.

Please visit the following links to support some of our local farmer's markets:

Farmer's Market Frenzy in Rockledge

Sunday, August 6th at 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Phone: 321-636-7662

Address: 2153 US-1, Rockledge

Renniger's Flea and Farmer's Market

Fridays thru Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Phone: 321-242-9124

Address: 4835 West Eau Gallie Boulevard, Melbourne

Merritt Island Farmer's Market at Crisafulli Groves

Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Phone: 321-373-4023

Address: 5515 North Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island

Brevard County Farmer's Market

Thursdays from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Phone: 321-633-1702

Address: Wickham Park Regional Pavilion / 2500 Parkway Drive, Melbourne

Farmer's Market Oceanside Vero Beach

Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Contact: info@verobeachfarmersmarket.com

Address: Humiston Park 3000 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach

Classic Car Show Benefitting the Brevard County Sheriff's Office Charity

In support of the Brevard County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) Charity, Pint and Pistol is hosting a Classic Car Show for all ages on Sunday, August 6th from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event will be held at Pint and Pistol located at 2911 Oxbow Circle in Cocoa. The classic car show entry fee is $10 and proceeds will benefit the BCSO Charity.

A representative of the BCSO Charity will be on site with adoptable pets. Pint and Pistols is a 3-in-1 facility featuring a gun range, safe shooting lessons, a retail store, and restaurant.

For more information, contact Pint and Pistol at (321) 305-6448.