October 28, 2024

Oct 28 2024

State Senator Debbie Mayfield – Mayfield Minutes 10/26/24

Good Morning!

Early Voting Continues through November 2nd

Early voting began Monday, October 21st and will last through Saturday, November 2nd.

At the time of this report, 42,753 of Brevard County residents have voted early. Statewide, 3,874,199 Floridians have voted early.

To remain up to date on the status of votes cast in Florida and Brevard County, click here.

Early voting allows you to cast your ballot prior to Election Day at a location designated by the Supervisor of Elections. Each year more Floridians choose to vote early to avoid longer lines and any unexpected disruptions such as traffic, weather, illness, or child care issues, on the official election day.

Brevard County’s Early Voting Locations:

Dr. Joe Lee Smith Community Center / 415 Stone Street in Cocoa
Kiwanis Island Park Gymnasium / 950 Kiwanis Island Park Road in Merritt Island
Max K. Rodes Park Community Center / 3410 Flanagan Avenue in West Melbourne
Tony Rosa Palm Bay Community Center / 1502 Port Malabar Boulevard in Palm Bay
Scotty Culp Municipal Complex/ 565 Cassia Boulevard in Satellite Beach
Titusville Public Library / 2121 South Hopkins Avenue in Titusville
Titusville Elections Office / 400 South Street, Suite 1-F in Titusville
Ted Whitlock Community Center / 370 Championship Circle NW in Palm Bay
Viera Regional Community Center / 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way in Viera
Wickham Park Community Center / 2815 Leisure Way in Melbourne

During the remaining days of the early voting period, each of the locations listed above are open weekdays (Monday through Friday) from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Saturday (11/2) from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For those who have previously secured a mail-in ballot, each of the early voting locations listed above have a secured ballot intake station (drop box) where you can securely drop your completed ballot.

If you are planning to vote on Tuesday, November 5th, the official Election Day of 2024, you must vote at your assigned precinct. To locate your precinct, click here.

If you have any questions about voting early, voting on election day, or voting by mail-in ballot, please contact my office at 321-409-2025 or by email at [email protected] for assistance. You can also contact the Brevard County Supervisor of Elections here.

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

Increase in Derelict Vessels Reported throughout Florida Waterways Due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton

Last week, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) released the following statement, “Florida is a haven for boaters and is recognized as “The Boating Capital of the World. When hurricanes Helene and Milton swept the state, wind and storm surges displaced hundreds of vessels. Some were pushed ashore, some damaged in marinas and private docks, others relocated but still afloat, and some partially or fully sunken.”

“We understand the difficulties caused by the recent hurricanes,” said FWC Boating and Waterways Section Leader Maj. Bill Holcomb. “Our officers and DV specialists are working diligently to identify displaced and damaged vessels statewide. We are dedicated to helping boat owners locate their vessels and ensuring the removal of any boats from state waters that threaten the environment, obstruct waterways, or were rendered derelict.”

To report a lost or sunken vessel, call the FWC Boating and Waterways Section at 850‐488‐5600.

If you are on the waterways and observe a derelict vessel in Brevard County, contact 321- 633-2016, and in Indian River County, contact 772-226-4000.

For additional questions or resource materials regarding waterway debris removal, call 850-366-6007 or click here.

Florida Sues the Federal Department of Justice for Impeding Investigation of the Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has filed a lawsuit alleging that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is improperly preventing the state from investigating the alleged assassination attempt last month against former President Donald Trump.

The lawsuit was filed last Wednesday in federal court in Fort Pierce against U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and alleges that the FBI, as part of the DOJ has blocked state authorities from investigating whether accused gunman Ryan Routh committed violations of state law.

Routh, 58, was spotted by a U.S. Secret Service agent hiding with a rifle in shrubbery along Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, ahead of where the former president was playing golf. A Secret Service agent fired at Routh, who fled and was captured after driving away.

Federal officials have filed charges against Routh, however, AG Moody has said that a state probe could lead to additional charges, potentially including attempted murder.

“Every day that Florida is prevented from investigating, the state’s case becomes harder to prove at trial,” the lawsuit said. “By contrast, the federal government suffers no injury from Florida investigating state law crimes, as the state has no intention of interfering with or obstructing the federal investigation.”

Agency Highlight

Department of Financial Services

This week we are highlighting the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS).

Recommended by the Constitutional Revision Commission, and passed into law by voters in 1998, the Florida Legislature carried out an amendment to the state’s constitution by merging the Department of Insurance, Treasury, State Fire Marshal and the Department of Banking and Finance into the Department of Financial Services effective January 2003.

The State’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is Jimmy Patronis and he has oversight of DFS. This state cabinet position is one of four statewide elected offices in Florida including the Governor, Agricultural Commissioner, and Attorney General.

The Department is made up of 13 divisions, several specialized offices, and 2,000 employees.

Some of the 13 Divisions include:

The Insurance Agent and Agency Services Division which oversees the education and licensing of insurance agents in Florida. The Division also ensures that all agents and agencies are following the law. The DFS investigates any agencies or agents that they suspect to be out of compliance.

The State Fire Marshal office which oversees and is responsible for the prevention of fires in the state by conducting fire/life safety inspections and construction plan reviews on all state-owned buildings, regulating the fireworks and the fire sprinkler industries, and inspecting boilers. The Fire Marshal’s office also approves the training curriculum for firefighters throughout the state and ensures that they meet the required standards.

The Division of Risk Management which ensures that quality risk management services are provided to state agencies and universities.

The Criminal Investigations Division which investigates misuse of state funds and acts of fraud involving insurance, public assistance, or workers compensation.

The Division of Worker’s Compensation which assists injured workers, employers, health care providers, and insurers in following the Florida workers’ compensation rules and laws.

The Division of the Treasury which ensures that Florida’s cash and other assets held for safekeeping within the Treasury are accurately accounted for, effectively invested, and competently protected.

The Division of Unclaimed Property currently holds roughly $2 billion in unclaimed property from a wide variety of sources. Examples of unclaimed property include: dormant accounts in financial institutions, insurance, and utility companies, securities or trusts; tangible property such as watches, jewelry, coins, stamps, currency; other miscellaneous property contained in abandoned safe deposit boxes. To determine if you or your family have unclaimed property in Florida, click here.

DFS is also responsible for the funerals, cemeteries, and other related industries throughout the state. By managing the licensure for businesses in the ‘death care’ industry and regulating their activities, the department aims to protect consumers during a particularly vulnerable time in their lives.

If you have questions on financial or insurance related topics, reach out to the Division of Consumer Services by clicking here.

Constituent of the Week

Dana Blickley

Our Constituent of the Week is Dana Blickley, Brevard County Property Appraiser.

Ms. Blickley was raised in Jacksonville and moved to Brevard County in 1985.

Her career with Brevard County dates back to July 1986 when she served as the Director of Tax Roll and CAMA (Computerized Assisted Mass Appraisals) for the Property Appraiser’s office. Ms. Blickley held the role through December 2006. From March 2007 to February 2011, she served as an Internal Auditor of the Brevard County Clerk of Courts.

In 2012, she served in Budget Administration for the University of Central Florida, her alma mater, before being elected as Brevard County Property Appraiser in November 2012. She was reelected without opposition in 2016, 2020, and 2024.

The Property Appraiser’s primary statutory responsibilities include property valuation and the administration of various exemptions, agriculture classifications, assessment caps, and the preparation of the annual tax roll as set forth by Florida law and the Florida Department of Revenue. The Property Appraiser position is one of the County’s five constitutional officers, elected by voters, along with the Sheriff, Supervisor of Elections, Clerk of Court, and Tax Collector.

Notably during her busy career, she completed two colleges degrees at UCF, a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Public Administration with a minor in Legal Studies in 2003, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration in 2010. She also holds a Chartered Financial Analyst certification.

In addition to serving the county in her official capacity, Ms. Blickley is known throughout the community for her countless hours of volunteer service for Veterans’ charities. As the daughter of a Marine, Semper Fidelis was more than a slogan in her home, it was a way of life.

While working in the County Clerk of Court’s office, she became involved with National Veterans Homeless Support (NVHS), a non-profit based in Brevard County. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of NVHS and tirelessly supports the organization’s mission to eliminate Veterans’ homelessness by providing street outreach, housing assistance, and transitional housing facilities.

According to the US Census Bureau, there are 4,700 Veterans in Brevard County that are in poverty and need support.

NVHS is accepting donations and volunteers for their 15th Annual Thanksgiving Meal for Homeless and At-Risk Veterans on Thursday, November 28th. The organization is seeking support to provide meals to 300 Veterans and their families on Thanksgiving Day. For a list of items in need, drop off locations, to make a donation, or serve as a volunteer, click here.

Ms. Dana Blickley has shown an admirable and lengthy commitment to the residents of Brevard County in her service as Property Appraiser. Yet, she would likely tell you also drives her is the mission to eliminate Veteran homelessness across Central Florida, and to provide respect and dignity to the men and women who have served our nation.

Ms. Blickely resides in Brevard County with her husband, Brian. They have two children, Jessica and Jared, and their daughter-in-law, Rebecca.

Senate District 19 is fortunate to have Dana Blickley as a leader in our community.

District Highlights

SpaceX Starlink Launch from Cape Canaveral Last Week Ties Yearly Launch Record

Last Wednesday, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying 23 Starlink internet satellites, became the 72nd successful launch of the year and tied the 2023 record. SpaceX and Cape Canaveral officials expect to surpass the 2023 record before the end of 2024.

Also in Space news, NASA and SpaceX facilitated the safe return of the Crew-8 mission from the International Space Station early Friday morning. NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, Jeanette Epps, and cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin completed a seven-month science expedition aboard the ISS.

Crew-8 touched down off the coast of Florida on Friday, October 25th at 3:29 a.m.

“Teams on the SpaceX recovery ship, including two fast boats, secured the Dragon and ensured the vehicle was safe for recovery,” NASA said.

The four astronauts landed safely and were taken for a routine medical evaluation at Ascension Sacred Heart in Pensacola. They will depart to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston upon medical clearance.

To view the upcoming launch schedule, click here.

HOPE for Brevard Provided Critical Help in Rescue of Hurricane Helene Displaced Cats

Workers and volunteers from HOPE (Helping Overpopulation of Pets End) for Brevard traveled to North Carolina recently in a caravan of minivans to rescue 147 misplaced, injured, or homeless cats from multiple hard hit shelters.

In addition to rescuing the cats, HOPE for Brevard delivered food and cat litter to multiple shelters in North Carolina for those remaining in the affected areas.

With the addition of 147 cats to the 120 cats currently being cared for at HOPE for Brevard, the facility is in great need of volunteers, adopters, and donations.

For more information on how you can help Hope for Brevard, click here.

Upcoming Events

Brevard Veterans Memorial Center to Break Ground on New Amphitheatre

Brevard Veterans Memorial Center to host Groundbreaking for New Amphitheatre

on Tuesday, October 29th at 10:00 a.m. at the Brevard Veteran’s Memorial Center (600 South Sykes Parkway) in Merritt Island.

The free event will be held in the side parking lot adjacent to the Amphitheatre construction site.

The new Amphitheatre will be comprised of:

Acoustic engineering with an estimated tiered lawn seating capacity of 2,350 and over 5,000 including adjacent park areas
Amphitheatre performance stage, green room, vendor docking and storage facilities, electrical infrastructure, stage lighting, and digital performance level sound production
Concession facilities and picnic seating, parking, walkways and restrooms
A well-designed park including a stormwater lake to accommodate inclement weather
Handicapped accessible parking
Landscaping, irrigation and sight utilities (power, water, sewer, data/communications)

To preview renderings of the new facility, click here. For more information, contact Bethany Prasad at [email protected].

Brevard County Ocean Rescue is Hiring Lifeguards

Brevard County Ocean Rescue recently announced lifeguard tryouts for multiple open positions during the January through October 2025 season at the payrate of $15.75 per hour. Selected candidates will receive paid training leading up to the 2025 season.

Tryouts will take place at 9:00 a.m. at the Rockledge High School pool (616 Seminole Drive) on Saturday, November 2nd.

Lifeguarding experience is not required. Interested candidates must be over age 16 and possess strong swimming skills.

Candidates will be required to swim 500 yards in less than 10 minutes, complete a 2-mile run, and perform a physical agility test that requires 30 push-ups. Advanced registration is not required. However, testing will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. and anyone arriving after testing begins will not be permitted to try out.

If selected, completion of the hiring process is dependent on the candidate’s ability to pass a background check and successful completion of the paid training course.

For additional information and to register, email Brevard County Ocean Rescue at [email protected].

Eastern Florida State College to Host Bachelor’s Degree EXPO

EFSC is holding a free Bachelor’s Degree EXPO on Wednesday, November 6th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Melbourne Campus in the Student Union, Conference Center (3865 North Wickham Road).

EXPO participants will have the opportunity to learn about degree programs available, admission requirements, and apply for admission for free. Faculty and advisors will be on hand for networking and to answer questions about the degree programs. Participants can also learn about the financial aid options available and the criteria to qualify.

EFSC offers four-year degrees in Business, Health Sciences and Nursing, Computer Information Technology, and Science Teacher Education, with more than 25 specialized tracks available. Classes are held on campus and online.

Those interested are encouraged to register in advance at easternflorida.edu/go/expo.

For more information, call 321-433-5420 or email [email protected].

2024 Indian River Lagoon Day

The City of Melbourne, the Brevard County Natural Resources Management Department, and the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program will host the 2024 Annual Indian River Lagoon Day on Saturday, November 10th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event will be held at Front Street Park (2210 Front Street) in Melbourne and admission is free.

Activities include:

Environmental exhibitors’ showcase includes volunteer opportunities in restoration activities, educational efforts, and citizen-science projects
Free kayaking will be provided by Paddling Paradise
Food trucks, music, arts and craft vendors, bounce house and activities for children will also be available.
Environmental bingo games with chance to win one of the 26 prizes. You must be present to win
A “Hook Kids on Fishing” clinic will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for kids ages 5-15 years old. Advance registration is required, click here for more details..
Rain barrel workshops will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participants will be able to construct and take home a free rain barrel. Only 30 are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Register here to secure your spot.