October 1, 2023 - Mayfield Minute_Interim Committee Week 1

Mayfield Minute - October 1, 2023 - Mayfield Minute_Committee Week 1

Good Morning!

The first of the Fall Interim Committee Weeks will begin tomorrow, October 9th for the Florida Senate. The schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, October 10th

9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security
11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance
2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Senate Committee on Criminal Justice
4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Senate Committee on Education Pre-K-12

Wednesday, October 11th

9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Senate Committee on Appropriations Health and Human Services
11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Senate Committee on Appropriations Criminal and Civil Justice
2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Senate Committee on Appropriations

The Banking and Insurance Committee will have presentations and discussions on issues surrounding the property insurance market. Presentations will be presented by:

Michael Yaworsky, the Commissioner of the Office of Insurance Regulation
Tim Cerio, President, CEO, and Executive Director of Citizens Property Insurance Corporation
The My Safe Florida Homes Program (update on progress of the Florida Department of Commerce program which provides state matching dollars for hurricane hardening home improvements)

All committee meetings can be viewed on the Florida Channel here.

If you plan on visiting Tallahassee during the committee weeks (October 9th, October 16th, November 6th, November 13th, December 4th, and December 11th), please contact the office at 850-487-5019 for an appointment or assistance.

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

Update on Alligator and Crocodile Sightings

Last week it was reported that a 'massive' American alligator was seen swimming in the brackish water of the Indian River Lagoon near Crab-E-Bill's Indian River Seafood in Sebastian.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), brackish water has more salinity than freshwater but less salinity than the ocean. Alligators moving through brackish water are pursuing mullets and crabs, and are more likely to be larger adults, not juveniles, as adults can better tolerate the infusion of salt water.

In the August 6th edition of the Mayfield Minute we mentioned that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) received a report about a deceased dog that was seen in the mouth of a crocodile near a home in Brevard County.

In recent months, Florida has seen an increase in alligator and crocodile sightings. While FWC says human encounters with these reptiles are very rare, they continue to update basic reminders to minimize the risk of dangerous confrontations.

If you are concerned about an alligator or crocodile, call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-392-4286. The FWC will dispatch one of its contracted nuisance alligator trappers to resolve the situation.

Remember the following:

Never feed an alligator or crocodile.
Keep your distance if you see one.
Swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours.
Keep pets on a leash and away from the water.

For more information, please click here.

Constituent of the Week

Miss Addy Grove

Our Constituent of the Week is Ms. Addy Grove, 11 years old, and already an entrepreneur and philanthropist in her own right. Earlier this year, late at night, Addy was experiencing muscle spasms and an irregular rapid heart rate after a recent illness. Her parents immediately took her to Holmes Regional Medical Center's Pediatric Emergency Department.

Thanks to the team at Holmes Regional, when Addy arrived that night, she was met with a "treasure chest" where pediatric patients are able to select a toy, a stuffed animal, a game, items of comfort to create a happy diversion from their ailments, fears and anxiety about being hospitalized. After a brief stay, she made a full recovery.

Last month, Addy, her sister Mia, and her parents, Sarah and Casey Grove, visited the Holmes Regional Pediatric ED to return the "happy diversion" favor for other children in her prior situation. Addy raised over $400 through her lemonade and cookie sales to refill the pirate's treasure chest.

Her parents say she learned a valuable lesson in being a successful fundraiser..."The cause counts." She personally selected the items for the children in the pediatric ED.

"I was tired when I was there and it helped to have some fun things around... we wanted to pick up stuff for everyone, and I walked around the stores thinking about what boys and girls would like," said Addy.

Items included stuffed animals, baby pacifiers, Hot Wheels cars, building sets, board games, nail polish, hair accessories, and much more.

Kirsten Black, a full-time Child Life Specialist, said Addy's particular efforts are singular and that she could not remember another fundraiser or act of giving back like this.

"It speaks volumes to the type of child that she is and her family raising her," Black said.

No parent ever wants to bring their child to an emergency room, but should that dreadful day happen, through the efforts of Addy Grove, her family, and Holmes Regional Pediatric ED, your son or daughter may receive one or many meaningful comfort and "happy diversions" from the treasure chest.

To join Addy and her family in support of this cause, please visit here.

Senate District 19 is pleased to recognize Addy for taking the initiative to pay it forward, the Grove family for raising awareness and leading the effort to assist other families facing pediatric illnesses.

District Highlights

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Now Certified to Offer Inclusive Experiences for Autistic and Sensory-Sensitive Guests

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has partnered with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to become a Certified Autism Center.

“This certification is just one way we are working to ensure that Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is accessible to each of our guests,” said Therrin Protze, COO, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. “The extensive autism sensitivity and awareness training our staff has undergone has already impacted the way we interact with all families and children with of all abilities, but specifically those with autism and other sensory sensitivities.”

In the United States alone, one in six people have sensory needs or sensitivities, and one in 36 children are diagnosed with autism.

KSC Visitor Complex will provide the following:

Specifically trained staff to assist autistic guests and individuals with sensory sensitivities.
On-site sensory guidance in the form of signs making it easier for individuals and families to plan activities. The signs will show ratings for each sense and detailed information on how each area may impact sensory experiences.
Designated low sensory areas with a less stimulating environment, and safe spaces for breaks and respite from potential sensory overload.

To learn more about KSC Visitor Center’s new designation as a Certified Autism Center, click here. Families can also visit the IBCCES AutismTravel.com, a free online resource for other Certified Autism Center sites, approved by the organization to meet the needs of those with autism and sensory sensitivities.

Only Two Days Left for New Voters in Sebastian and Vero Beach to Register

Tuesday, October 10th is the final deadline for new voters to register to vote. If you are already registered, and just need to update your information the deadline does not apply to you.

Sebastian and Vero Beach city council elections will take place on Tuesday, November 7th. Turnout for municipal elections is often low but highly encouraged as city council elections often affect the everyday policies that impact local residents.

To register online and learn more about the candidates running for the Sebastian and Vero Beach city councils, click here.

Residents can also register in person or by mail. For mail-in registration, applications will be available at the Supervisor of Elections office, public libraries, tax collector offices or any government office which handles social services.

Mail your completed application to the Indian River County Elections Office (4375 43rd Avenue) in Vero Beach. You can register in person there as well. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays.

Forbes Ranks Health First One of America's "Best-in-State Employers" for 2023

Forbes has ranked Health First as one of the Best-in-State Employers, one of only 16 hospitals or healthcare systems recognized, and the only Brevard County-based employer on the list for 2023.

“As we find ourselves capturing the attention of more national ‘best’ rankings – whether it’s for workplace and cultural quality, or for safety and patient experience – it’s clear that something truly special is happening here in our small slice of paradise on Florida’s Space Coast,” said Health First Chief Experience Officer Paula Just.

America’s Best-in-State Employers 2023 were identified based on 2.1 million employer recommendations from employees working for companies with more than 500 employees in the United States.

The evaluation was made on a state-by-state basis and based on three distinct criteria:

In-state indirect recommendations
National in-industry indirect recommendations
Direct recommendations

For more information on the rankings, click here.

Remembering Timothy Stephen Wakefield

August 2, 1966 - October 1, 2023

Timothy Stephen Wakefield, 57, passed away suddenly on October 1, 2023, in Massachusetts. He was the beloved husband of Stacy (Stover) Wakefield, and loving father of son, Trevor, and daughter, Brianna. Tim was a native of Melbourne and a resident of Hingham, MA.

He graduated from Eau Gallie High School in 1984 and from the Florida Institute of Technology in 1988, where he played first base on the Panthers baseball team. He was named Most Valuable Player in 1987 and 1988. Tim was elected to the Sunshine State Conference Hall of Fame in 1998, and his No. 3 jersey was retired by FIT in 2006.

In 1988, he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates as a first baseman and transitioned to pitcher in 1992. He pitched in 19 Major League seasons for the Pirates (1992-93) and Boston Red Sox (1995-2011) . He was a two-time World Series champion with the Boston Red Sox in 2004 and 2007, and was also a 2009 All-Star with the Boston Red Sox. Tim was named the American League's Comeback Player of the Year in 1995.

As a member of Boston's pitching staff and the franchise's career leader in innings pitched, he is the only pitcher ever to make 200 starts and 150 relief appearances for the club. With his final victory on September 13, 2011, he became the 89th modern Major Leaguer (since 1900) to reach 200 career wins. Following his baseball career, Tim was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame.

Off the field, one of the many charitable causes he championed included Melbourne's Space Coast Early Intervention Center, a unique non-profit therapeutic preschool program for children with special needs. He raised over $10 million for the organization through his annual Tim Wakefield Celebrity Golf Classic and Memorabilia Auction.

He has been awarded the MLB's esteemed Roberto Clemente Award as one of the most charitable players in the game among countless recognitions he earned while living in Boston and New England.

Tim was an avid outdoorsman, golfer, hunter and fisherman but most importantly he was dedicated to his family. Tim also leaves behind his parents, Lester (Steve) and Julia (Judy), his sister, Kelly, his mother-in-law, Patricia (Tarkanian) Stover, and father-in-law, James Stover.

Beloved by his teammates and friends, "Wake" will be remembered for his selflessness, his generosity, and the kindness he extended to everyone he met. He was the ultimate team player, often sacrificing personal career achievements for the sake of the team.

For those wishing to share a Tim Wakefield memory for the family, an online guestbook can be accessed here.

Upcoming Events

Indian River County Non-Profit, The Source, Presents "Hidden Faces"

The Source is a non-profit organization that works closely with law enforcement and the most vulnerable individuals suffering homelessness in Indian River County. To further their mission, The Source's “Hidden Faces” event will be held on Thursday, October 19th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Heritage Center (2140 14th Avenue) in Vero Beach.

"Hidden Faces" demonstrates how The Source works with people every day to overcome homelessness and to thrive in their lives going forward. Participants will experience a compelling program featuring images of the human side of local homelessness and learn about the growth of The Source organization, which has gained national attention for their efforts. Video and in-person testimonials of lives transformed will also take place at the "Hidden Faces" event.

DJ Ross and live music artists will be providing entertainment, and the students of The Source's Dignity Catering and Culinary Training programs will be serving food and drinks.

Tickets are $20.00 per person and can be purchased here. If you need further assistance or have questions, please contact Jonathan Orozco, Director of Development of The Source at (386) 290-4396 or by email.

Exciting Fall Events Taking Place in Brevard County

Space Coast Art Festival in Viera

The Space Coast Art Festival will take place on Saturday, October 14th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 15th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at The Avenue Viera (2261 Town Center Avenue). Approximately 100 local artists' work will be on display, including a student art show. Food, beverages, and shopping options will be available.

Palm Bay to Host '15 Minutes of Fame' Film Festival

Ray and Migdala Etheridge, producers of the '15 Minutes of Fame' film festival, will screen 31 short films at the Franklin T. DeGroodt Public Library (6475 Minton Road) in Palm Bay, on Sunday, October 15th and Monday, October 16th.

Admission is free. Click here for the list of films and the viewing schedule.

Rocky Water Brew Fest in EGAD

Locally owned Intracoastal Brewing Company and the Eau Gallie Rotary Club are partnering to bring an afternoon of craft beer to the Eau Gallie Arts District on Saturday, October 21st. Breweries from across Brevard and throughout the state will share their unique products with proceeds benefitting the Eau Gallie Rotary Club.

Tickets are $45. Click here for more information about the Rocky Water Brew Fest.

Fall Art & Craft Festival in Cocoa Village

Visit the kid and pet friendly event in Cocoa Village on Saturday, October 21st from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 22nd from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There will be street food and live entertainment. Over 200 vendors will share their products and services. Call 321-631-9075 or visit visitcocoavillage.com.

Turkey Creek Fall Art Show in Palm Bay

Get a head start on your holiday shopping at the Turkey Creek Fall Art Show at the Tony Rosa Community Center (1502 NE Port Malabar Blvd.) in Palm Bay, on Saturday, October 21st from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It will include over 60 vendors displaying mostly handcrafted items, raffle drawings, food trucks, and more. Proceeds will benefit the Turkey Creek Sanctuary. Admission is free. Visit palmbayflorida.org.