June 4, 2023 - Mayfield Minute - First Week of June

Mayfield Minute - June 4, 2023 - First Week of June

Good Morning!

On June 6, 1944, Supreme Allied Commander General Dwight D. Eisenhower gave the go-ahead for the largest amphibious military operation in history, Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Northern France, commonly known as D-Day.

Tuesday marks the 79th anniversary of this historic invasion. May we always honor the service of our American soldiers and allies who fought to end World War II. We will never forget their sacrifices.

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!

Alzheimer's and Brain Disease Awareness Month

The month of June is National Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness month. This is especially important in our State as Florida ranks first in the nation for residents over age 65.

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and eventually the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. For most seniors experiencing Alzheimer’s, symptoms appear later in life. Estimates vary, but experts suggest that more than six million Americans, most of them age 65 or older, may have Alzheimer’s which is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, and the most common cause of dementia among older adults.

Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning including thinking, remembering, reasoning and, behavioral abilities to such an extent that it interferes with a person's daily life and activities. Dementia ranges in severity from the mildest stage, when it is just beginning to affect one's functioning, to the most severe stage when one must depend completely on others for help with the basic activities of daily living.

The Florida Alzheimer's Center of Excellence (FACE) is the first of its kind administered by a state agency. FACE supports caregivers and people with Alzheimer's and related dementias throughout communities using evidence-based strategies. FACE achieves a holistic care model for clients and caregivers to address two primary goals: allowing Floridians living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias to age-in-place and to empower family caregivers

If you are in need of assistance as a caregiver or as a loved one of someone suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's, there may be resources available to you.

In Brevard County, click here or call the Brevard Alzheimer's Foundation at 321-253-4430.

In Indian River County, click here or call the Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Association of Indian River County at 772-563-0505.

The Florida Department of Elder Care Services' Alzheimer's and Dementia Related Diseases (ADRD) also provides resources and programs for caregivers and patients. For more information, click here.

Statewide Update

Patrick Space Force Base Selected as U.S. Space Force Space Training and Readiness Command Headquarters

Last week, Governor DeSantis announced that Florida’s Patrick Space Force Base was selected as the home for the U.S. Space Force Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) headquarters. This further solidifies Florida’s dominance as the most military-friendly state and as America’s hub for military and private space operations.

“From Project Mercury to today’s privatized spaceflight, Americans look to Florida’s Space Coast to see history in the making,” said Governor DeSantis. “We are honored to host the Space Training and Readiness Command headquarters and continue Florida’s history as America’s gateway to outer space.”

STARCOM will prepare combat-ready U.S. Space Force (USSF) Guardians to fight and win in a contested, degraded, and operationally limited environment through the deliberate development, education, and training of space professionals; development of space warfighting doctrine, tactics, techniques, and procedures; and the test and evaluation of USSF capabilities

Governor DeSantis Signed HB 1379 Enhancing Protections for the Indian River Lagoon

Governor DeSantis recently signed House Bill 1379 which further protects the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), expands the existing wastewater grant program, strengthens Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs), improves local government long-term comprehensive planning, and creates dedicated funding for the state’s land conservation efforts.

I was proud to sponsor SB 712 in 2020 which established the framework for protecting our natural resources in Florida, and I look forward to continuing our work with Governor DeSantis' ongoing efforts to protect Florida's environment.

“Four years ago, I laid out a bold agenda for the protection of Florida’s natural resources and we not only met our ambitious goals – we greatly exceeded them,” said Governor DeSantis. “In Florida, our natural resources are the foundation of our way of life and a large driver of the economy. With this legislation, we are building on the progress we have made in water quality protection and land conservation, ensuring that we leave Florida better to God than we found it for future generations.”

HB 1379 enacts historic comprehensive protections for Florida’s environment including:

A comprehensive water quality monitoring program;
Creates new requirements for septic systems to protect and restore the IRL;
Expands eligibility requirements for the Wastewater Grant Program to include storm water, agriculture, and all waterbodies not meeting water quality standards.

More on the bill can be found here.

Governor DeSantis also Approved the Following Bills Agreed Upon by the FL Senate and FL House

Since we last reported in the May 28th edition of the Mayfield Minute, the Governor has signed the following bills:

CS/CS/HB 5 – Economic Programs

CS/CS/HB 657 – Enforcement of School Zone Speed Limits

CS/CS/CS/HB 799 – Property Insurance

CS/HB 881 – My Safe Florida Home Program

HB 1169 – Hamilton County

SB 662 – Student Online Personal Information Protection

CS/CS/SB 766 – Enforcement of School Bus Passing Infractions

CS/SB 7052 – Insurer Accountability

CS/CS/HB 21 – Transportation Facility Designations

CS/SB 478 – Early Childhood Music Education Incentive Program

CS/HB 133 – Fees in Lieu of Security Deposits

CS/HB 179 – Florida Kratom Consumer Protection Act

CS/CS/CS/HB 391 – Home Health Aides for Medically Fragile Children

CS/CS/HB 783 – Opioid Abatement

CS/HB 959 – Dosage Form Animal Health Products

CS/HB 965 – Driver License, Identification Card, and Motor Vehicle Registration

CS/CS/HB 1123 – Commercial Service Airport Transparency and Accountability

CS/HB 1397 – Regional Transportation Planning

CS/SB 552 – Public Records

CS/SB 664 – Contracts Entered into by the Department of Children and Families

CS/SB 726 – Library Cooperative Grants

CS/CS/SB 1480 – Grants for Nonprofit Organization Safety

Constituent of the Week

Frank DiBello, President and Chief Executive Officer of Space Florida

Our Constituent of the Week is Mr. Frank DiBello, President and CEO of Space Florida for the past 14 years. He recently announced his retirement effective June 30, 2023.

Space Florida was created in 2006 to strengthen Florida’s position as a global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration, and commerce.

Mr. DiBello was selected in May 2009 to lead Space Florida. In his position, he developed and executed programs designed to attract, retain, and grow aerospace business across the state. Additionally, Mr. DiBello focused on Florida aerospace workforce development and retention as well as international partnerships.

Mr. DiBello has more than 50 years of direct aerospace, defense and emerging space industry-related experience. He spent more than 20 years at KPMG, where he heavily focused on support of major aerospace mergers, acquisitions and consolidations. He founded KPMG’s Space Industry Practice taking major satellite programs to Wall Street for financing, and led the effort to develop commercial uses of the International Space Station (ISS).

Mr. DiBello served on President Reagan’s Private Sector Survey on Cost Control, also known as the Grace Commission, and was responsible for management of the teams reviewing the Departments of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Office of the Secretary of Defense, and NASA. For his service to the Nation on this Commission, he was presented with a Presidential Citation.

Mr. DiBello formed SpaceVest focused on investments in companies taking defense and space technologies to commercial applications and markets. He later served as President and CEO of Constellation Communications, International (CCI). He has been involved in multiple civic, social and industry volunteer organizations. He founded the Washington Space Business Roundtable and was appointed to serve on a number of critical defense and space commissions and committees.

For his work as President of the Board of the USO Metropolitan Washington, he received the Medal for Distinguished Public Service, the Department of Defense’s highest civilian honor.

Mr. DiBello has taught at the Defense Systems Management College and International Space University. He received his Bachelor's of Science in Mathematics from Villanova University, and did graduate work at American and George Washington Universities.

He resides in Cocoa Beach with Mary Ann, his wife of 55 years, and their children and grandchildren.

District 19 continues to lead the nation in the aviation, aerospace, and engineering industries. As CEO and President of Space Florida, Frank DiBello's 14 years of leadership has advanced Space Florida to global recognition and as a leader in space commercialization for generations to come.

District Highlights

Space Coast Honor Flight (SCHF) Takes Off June 10th

SCHF's 3rd flight of the year to Washington, D.C. takes place on Saturday, June 10th. The Veterans will arrive at 1:45 a.m. and the 'Send Off Ceremony' begins at 2:15 a.m. If your schedule permits, please come out and support great Americans as they depart on their Honor Flight from Wickham Park Senior Center (2785 Leisure Way) in Melbourne. The Veterans will return to Wickham Park Senior Center on Sunday, June 11th at 12:45 a.m. for a 'Welcome Home' reception.

SCHF's mission is to take World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam Veterans to visit their War Memorials in our nation's Capital. This is a unique opportunity to show our gratitude to the Heroes who made it possible for us to enjoy the freedoms we have every day. (30th)

SCHF has openings for Guardians, volunteers, new donors, and remaining seats for Veterans still interested in the Honor Flights taking place throughout the remainder of 2023. The organization is also requesting referrals if you know of a Veteran who may be interested in receiving an invitation to participate in an upcoming Honor Flight.

The criteria for Veteran participation includes:

1. Any Critically Ill Veteran

2. World War II Veterans (Service through 1948)

3. Korean War Veterans (Service 1949 to 1954)

4. Vietnam Veterans (Service 1955 to 1975)

5. Recent Conflicts (Service 1976 to present)

For more information, please visit the Space Coast Honor Flight website, email guardian@spacecoasthonorflight.org, or call 321-456-7031.

Breeze Airways Completes First Three Months of Service to and from Vero Beach

Breeze Airways began flight service in Vero Beach on February 2nd. In the first two months, the airline exceeded expectations serving more than 11,000 travelers through the Vero Beach Airport.

Breeze Airways officials have reported that even with weather delays to its destinations in Hartford, Connecticut and White Plains, New York, more than 90% of the flights arrived within 30 minutes of their scheduled time. Breeze Airways also flies to and from Vero Beach and Norfolk, Virginia.

Future plans include moving the outdoor baggage claim to the indoor facility, and additional flight destinations are in consideration. Any anticipated parking challenges have not come to fruition; on average, only approximately 10 percent of long term parking is occupied leaving additional space for short term travelers.

Click here to view Breeze Airways’ twice daily flights available to and from Vero Beach.

In other Vero Beach Airport news, officials have announced the return of the Blue Angels for the May 3rd to May 5th 2024 Vero Beach Air Show. To follow the development of the 2024 Air Show schedule, click here.

Upcoming Events

Surfers for Autism Cocoa Beach Registration Opens June 10th

The 13th Annual Cocoa Beach Surfers for Autism Festival will take place on Saturday, June 24th at Alan Shepard Park (200 East Cocoa Beach Causeway) from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Registration for participants and volunteers opens Saturday, June 10th. The annual Surfers for Autism event accommodates a limit of 200 participants and 500 volunteers;

organizers encourage those interested to register promptly here beginning June 10th.

Registered participants should arrive for check in on Saturday, June 24th at 8:00 a.m. to receive a wristband. Surfing begins at 9:00 a.m. and the local chapter of Surfers for Autism

will assist participants with surfing, water safety, board retrieval, lunches, and more.

All participants must complete and bring the liability waiver which can be accessed here.

Free Summer Events Begin

Summer Sunday Concert Series at Captain Hiram's

Every Sunday, beginning today thru July 30th, Captain Hiram's (1606 Indian Drive) in Sebastian will host free outdoor concerts. The waterfront resort will host reggae bands from across the country throughout June and July. For more information call 772-388-8588 or visit hirams.com.

IRC Museums to Provide Free Admission for Blue Star Families

The Vero Beach Museum of Art, the Environmental Learning Center, and McKee Botanical Garden are offering free admission to active duty military and family members through Labor Day, September 4th.

The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and Space Force, and up to five family members.

One person in each group must show their official military identification and there is no limit to how many museums a family can visit during the summer.

For more information on the Vero Beach museums participating, click the following links:

VBMA (3001 Riverside Park Drive)
McKee Botanical Garden (350 US Highway 1)
Environmental Learning Center (255 Live Oak Drive)

Free Admission for Dads at Brevard Zoo on Father's Day

The Brevard Zoo (8225 North Wickham Road) in Melbourne is granting Dads, accompanied by a paying child, free admission in celebration of Father's Day on Sunday, June 18th.

The Brevard Zoo has recently welcomed new animal residents including a trio of bobcats, a new howler monkey, a cape porcupine, and sea turtles in need of rehabilitation to return to sea, or a permanent home.

Tickets can be purchased online here or in person.

Patriotic Concerts in Brevard and Indian River County

The Space Coast Symphony Winds will perform the following "Spirit of America" patriotic admission-free concerts:

Saturday, June 24th at 2:00 p.m. at the Emerson Center (1590 27th Avenue) in Vero Beach
Saturday, June 24th at 7:00 p.m. at the Scott Center for the Performing Arts (5625 Holy Trinity Drive) in Melbourne
Sunday, June 25th at 3:30 p.m. at the Riverside Presbyterian Church (3400 North Atlantic Avenue) in Cocoa Beach. *Admission is free but tickets are required and can be reserved by calling 855-252-7276 or visiting spacecoastsymphony.org.