July 9, 2023 - Mayfield Minute

Mayfield Minute - July 9, 2023 - 2nd Week of July

Good Morning!

Since 1985, the United States has celebrated Parks and Recreation Month in July to promote building strong, vibrant, and resilient communities.

This year's theme — “Where Community Grows” — celebrates the vital role park and recreation professionals play in bringing people together, providing essential services, and fostering the growth of our communities.

Last year, over 32 million people visited Florida State Parks and Trails, not including the county and city parks which expand throughout Florida's 67 counties. In 2022, the statewide economic impact was over $3.9 billion and state park operations supported over 55,000 jobs.

The Brevard County Parks and Recreation department manages approximately 117 parks, three campgrounds, three nature centers, three education centers, 78 beach access sites, 10 school athletic sites, and more than 16,500 managed acres of Environmentally Endangered Land sanctuaries and conservation areas.

The Indian River County Parks and Recreation department manages 36 county parks, 12 neighborhood parks, 26 conservation areas with 2,444 acres open to the public, and four guarded beaches with 1,077 visitors a day.

Florida parks contribute greatly to our state's tourism industry while also preserving the natural environment, and significant historical and cultural sites, for which Florida will always be known.

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

State Warns of Tax Refund Scams as July 17 Deadline Approaches

Last week, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis stepped up warnings to all Floridians regarding increased IRS reports of tax refund scams. Bad actors are gaining access to potential victim's personal information by sending a letter claiming that they are owed a rebate. The letter claims to be from the IRS and presents "the last chance" to file a claim on your 2019 tax return ending July 17, 2023.

“The last chance to claim a refund from the IRS on your 2019 tax returns is fast approaching, and fraudsters are using this deadline to try and dupe you into a scam. If you ever receive a letter from the IRS, make sure to check and double check its validity before you potentially give over your sensitive information to a scammer. It is essential that you be aware of the signs of fraud, and do not let yourself or your loved ones be defrauded," CFO Patronis.

If someone you know is suspicious of fraudulent activity, report it immediately at FraudFreeFlorida.com.

Over 100 New Soldiers Graduate from Florida’s New State Guard

Florida State Guard recently welcomed their first graduating class of more than 100 soldiers.

“I am proud to welcome the first class of Florida State Guard members since 1947,” Governor DeSantis said. “Even though the federal government has underfunded our National Guard, we are ensuring that we have the manpower needed to respond during emergencies. I’m proud of these men and women who answered the call to take on this important mission. When the need is greatest in their communities, these Guard members will be ready to answer the call.”

The Florida State Guard’s civilian volunteer force was initially established in 1941 to provide similar services as the National Guard. It was deployed during World War II and only operational for six years.

As of June 2022, over 1,200 aspiring guard members applied to join the New State Guard.

Skilled Floridians with emergency response, law enforcement, or military training are encouraged to apply. Qualifications include having a valid Florida driver’s license, being able to work in a stressful and team environment, pass a physical exam, participate in weekend training, among other qualifications.

For more information about the Florida State Guard, click here.

Florida Department of Health Issues Mosquito-Borne Illnesses Advisory

The Florida Department of Health (FLDOH) recently issued a statewide mosquito-borne illness advisory following four confirmed Malaria cases in Florida.

Residents throughout the state are advised to take precautions by applying bug spray, avoiding areas with high mosquito populations, and wearing long pants and shirts when possible - especially during sunrise and sunset when mosquitos are most active.

FLDOH provides the following tips to stop mosquito multiplication and person protection:

Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots, or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected.
Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren't being used.
Empty and clean birdbaths and pet's water bowls at least once or twice a week.
Protect boats and vehicles from accumulating water with tarps.
Maintain swimming pools and keep appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
Cover and repair doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house.
Cover skin with clothing or appropriate repellent.
Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone, and IR3535 are effective.
Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

For more information on mosquito protection, visit the FLDOH website here.

Constituent of the Week

Palm Bay Police Chief Doug Muldoon (Retired)

Our Constituent of the Week is Palm Bay Police Chief (Ret.) Doug Muldoon.

Last month, Chief Muldoon was one of only five officers inducted into the Florida Law Enforcement Officers’ 2023 Hall of Fame. His induction followed nominations by all of the State's premier law enforcement organizations including the Florida Sheriffs Association, Florida Police Chiefs Association, Police Benevolent Association, Fraternal Order of Police, and the State Law Enforcement Chief’s Association. He was then selected by a committee of his peers and ultimately approved by Governor Ron Desantis and Florida’s Cabinet.

Chief Doug Muldoon (Ret.) began his Law Enforcement career in 1976 with the Palm Bay Police Department. During his nearly 40 years of service, he led the department through numerous critical incidents, including the most notable as the officer in charge during the infamous April 23, 1987 attack on the community.

That evening a lone gunman went on a rampage killing six people, including two police officers, and wounding 14 others. Chief Muldoon (Captain at the time) was tasked with setting up a command post and coordinating the response of several hundred police officers who responded to the scene from around the state during a seven-hour standoff. After review of the tragic event, he was commended for his actions and went on to assist other police agencies with preparations and plans to manage similar catastrophes. Chief Muldoon remained dedicated to the Palm Bay Police Department and in April 2011, he became the City's first internal Police Chief in 36 years.

Chief Muldoon is a graduate of the University of Central Florida and the 153rd Session of the FBI National Academy. He served as the Florida Chapter President in 1998 and was appointed in 1999 as the Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the chapter. He was elected to the FBI National Academy Associates Board in 2005 and served as International President in 2013.

Chief Muldoon transitioned to the private sector in 2015 and is currently a Director of Law Enforcement Relations for ecoATM. He has served as a member of the FBI National Academy Associates Foundation since 2014 and is currently the Chairman.

Current Palm Bay Police Chief Mario Augello congratulated Chief Muldoon (Ret.) on his induction to the FDLE Hall of Fame stating, “This is perhaps the highest honor a law enforcement officer in the State of Florida can receive and Chief Doug Muldoon more than deserves it.”

District 19 is thankful for Chief Muldoon's decades of service, his compassionate commitment to our community, and for his ongoing leadership throughout the law enforcement profession.

District Highlights

Brevard County Lifeguard Heroes Perform Nearly 230 Rescues During the 4th of July Holiday Weekend

From Friday, June 29th thru Tuesday, July 4th, Brevard County Ocean Rescue lifeguards performed 229 ocean rescues.

"On Saturday, that was nine rescues per hour," said Rachel Horst, spokesperson for Brevard County.

Ms. Norst added that in comparison (Brevard County) made about 370 rescues during the the three-month period of November 2022 to February 2023, compared to the necessary ocean rescues lifeguards conducted the past weekend.

Over 70 lifeguards were dispatched to Brevard County beaches in anticipation of increased 4th of July crowds, riptide currents, potential marine life encounters, and with variation in swimmer abilities.

As summer continues, the County reminds swimmers and beach goers to attend beaches and parks where lifeguards are posted daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.:

Cocoa Beach Pier
Shepard Park - Cocoa Beach
Lori Wilson Park - Cocoa Beach
Minutemen Causeway - Cocoa Beach
Paradise/Futch Park - North Indialantic

For more information on beach safety or if you may be interested in joining the Ocean Lifeguard program, click here.

Titusville Police Explorers Take Top Honors at State Competition

The Titusville Police Department (TPD) Explorer Team took home eight awards at the recent 2023 Florida Association of Police State Conference held in Lake Mary.

The TPD Explorer Team practiced for the past six months including over 250 hours of intense studying and practical hands-on training to prepare for the State competition where they earned:

2nd Place Overall
1st Place in Crime Scene Investigations
1st Place in Traffic Stops
2nd Place in Crisis Intervention
3rd Place Search and Arrest
4th Place In-Progress Crime
Individual 3rd Place Agility for Sergeant Brandon Michell
Prestigious Patricia Wells Scholarship Award

The Titusville Police Explorer program begin in 1960 and offers first responder career exposure, real-life scenarios, and leadership training for youth ages 14 to 21 years.

For more information regarding the TPD Police Explorer program, click here.

Upcoming Events

St. Johns River Water Management District Celebrates Projects Benefitting the IRL

The St. Johns River Water Management District is holding a special event to highlight their projects and partnerships benefitting the Indian River Lagoon. The event is open to the public and takes place on Monday, July 10th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at 2205 Front Street in Melbourne.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Shawn Hamilton will be speaking about the projects and partnerships established for the betterment of the Indian River Lagoon.

It has been an honor for me to work with Governor DeSantis and my legislative colleagues to deliver record funding for Indian River Lagoon restoration projects. The $25 million we appropriated in the 2020-2021 state budget and the $100 million secured in this year’s legislative session signify huge wins for the lagoon.

With the continued efforts of the St. Johns River Water Management District and significant financial commitments from our local partners we are working diligently together to restore this most precious natural resource for future generations.

Youth Sailing Foundation of Indian River County Opens Fall Registration

Last week the Youth Sailing Foundation of Indian River County opened Fall Registration for students interested in sailing programs at the beginner, intermediate, advanced, and racing levels. Students must be eight-years old or older to participate.

All interested sailors are invited to apply and will be added to the waitlist for enrollment. As spots open, YSF staff will contact registrants to confirm registration.

Visit the YSF website here for more information on enrollment updates and scholarship opportunities.

City of Melbourne is Seeking Public Input on New Haven Avenue Improvements

An interactive public workshop will be held on Wednesday, July 12th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Front Street Civic Center (2205 Front Street) in Melbourne. City officials are seeking public input for roadway, sidewalk, lighting, landscaping, utilities, infrastructure, traffic, security, and safety improvements on New Haven Avenue between Front Street and Livingston Street.

Residents, business owners, those employed in Downtown Melbourne, and visitors to the area are encouraged to participate. If you are unable to attend in person, you may also share your ideas here.

For more information, please contact the City of Melbourne Community Development Department at 321-608-7500.

Melbourne Municipal Band to Provide Free Concert Performances

Melbourne's Municipal Youth Band will provide a free concert at the Melbourne Auditorium (625 East Hibiscus Blvd.) on Thursday, July 13th beginning at 6:00 p.m. All performers are students in grades sixth through twelfth and range in skill level from beginner to experienced. Guests are invited to bring a picnic dinner to enjoy the free concert.

The Rock and Roll Revue, an ensemble of the Melbourne Municipal Band, will present a free concert on Sunday, July 16th at Trinity Wellsprings Church (638 South Patrick Drive) in Satellite Beach. The 12-piece group performs popular hits from the 50's thru 70's including lead singer Len Fallen and the Swingtimers Vocal Trio.

For more information on the Melbourne Municipal Band's free performances, click here.