State Senator Debbie Mayfield – Mayfield Minute 10/13/24

Oct 13 2024

State Senator Debbie Mayfield – Mayfield Minute 10/13/24

Good Morning!

Post Hurricane Milton Update

Last week the west coast of Florida received a direct hit by category three Hurricane Milton in Siesta Key.

Sadly, 21 Floridians lost their lives due to the devastating storm. The fatalities easily could have been double or triple if not for the pre-storm preparation led by Governor DeSantis, the Department of Emergency Management, and the brave and courageous first responders who risked their lives to save others.

Hurricane Milton made landfall at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday evening in Sarasota County with sustained winds of over 120 miles per hour, historic rain totals, and storm surge causing destruction across the Florida peninsula. The effects are significant as the State continues to recover and rebuild from Hurricane Helene just two weeks prior.

Florida residents were struck by a band of catastrophic and fatal tornadoes touching down in Vero Beach, Cocoa Beach, Fort Pierce, Palm Beach Gardens, and Miami creating havoc and exponential damage to life and property. The National Weather Service reported a record number of 126 tornado warnings were issued during the storm.

As of Friday evening, over 1,400 individuals and 140 animals were rescued. Power has been restored for 3 million residents and approximately 980,000 million remain without power. Over 12,000 miles of roadway has been cleared from debris by 468 “cut and toss” crews. Over 2,400 bridges were inspected in the first 48 hours since landfall. Florida Department of Transportation reports over 92% of bridge inspections are complete.

If you or your family need assistance following Hurricane Milton, feel free to contact our office at 321-409-2025 or visit the Brevard County Emergency Management Recovery Page.

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

How to Get Help and How You Can Help

General Assistance

The Hope Line (1-833-GET-HOPE) is available 24/7 for at least two weeks to assist those in need of resources or other assistance after the storm. Activate Hope has been deployed to help connect Floridians in need of food, supplies, home repairs, and more. Fill out the form here to get help.

The State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) is open 24/7 at 1-800-342-3557.

Veterans

If you or your family members are in need of assistance, the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) State Veterans’ Service Officers are available to take calls at (727) 319-7440 or via email at [email protected].

Agriculture

For those in the agricultural industry, you can request assistance for livestock and animals in critical need. Email [email protected] or call 1-863-993-5460.

Travel

If you are traveling outside of Brevard and Indian River counties for work or leisure post storm, visit www.FL511.com as some roads and bridges may not have reopened.

Restauranters

DBPR has encouraged impacted food service businesses to take advantage of the temporary food kitchen option as the Department works to help your business re-open as soon as possible. Food service operators can register their temporary kitchens here.

Contractors

The Florida Disaster Contractors Network has been activated to connect homeowners with licensed contractors and suppliers to perform emergency repairs. DBPR encourages Florida’s licensed contractors who provide post-storm construction-related services to register with the Florida Disaster Contractors at Network at DCNOnline.org.

FEMA Assistance

Impacted residents can apply for FEMA assistance by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov,using the FEMA mobile app or calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

Organizations Accepting Donations

The Florida Disaster Fund (FDF) is the state’s private fund overseen by Volunteer Florida. The FDF was initially established to provide financial assistance to our communities as they respond to and recover from disaster emergencies.

If you are interested in contributing to the Florida Disaster fund, click here.

Samaritans Purse is accepting monetary donations only. If you would like to provide an in-kind donation, please reach out to a local church or organizations accepting supplies. To donate to Samaritans Purse, click here.

Additionally, the Red Cross is accepting donations. For more information, click here.

Tips for Avoiding Fraud After a Hurricane

Unfortunately, in times of disaster and distress, bad actors may take advantage of the vulnerable. As part of the Fraud Free Florida initiative, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer published a series of tips on avoiding fraud in the wake of Hurricane Milton.

The number one tip the CFO’s office suggests is, “Don’t sign anything!” After storms, people may go door to door and offer repair services. Do not give these individuals cash or enter a contract with them, instead call your insurance company or the CFO’s office at 1-877-693-5236 immediately.

They also advise that you obtain multiple estimates for repairs. A good estimator will include clearly defined, itemized costs and terms.

If you suspect that you are dealing with fraud, report it immediately at FraudFreeFlorida.com or 1-800-378-0445.

Click here to view the full list of tips.

FloridaCommerce Activates Two Programs to Help Small Businesses Impacted by Hurricane Milton

Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program

FloridaCommerce activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program (EBLP), making $50 million available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Milton. Businesses and sole proprietors in Brevard County and Indian River County are eligible to apply for assistance.

The EBLP provides short-term, zero-interest loans with flexible repayment options to small businesses that experienced “economic injury or physical damage” due to Hurricane Milton. The deadline to apply is now through December 4, 2024 or until all available funds are expended.

Loans available for those eligible businesses include:

Small Businesses: Loans up to $50,000
Agriculture and Aquaculture Small Businesses: Loans up to $100,000
Citrus and Cattle Operations: Loans up to $150,000

For more information or to apply, click here or call 1-833-832-4494.

Business Damage Assessment Survey

FloridaCommerce and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Milton. Business owners can self-report physical and economic damage caused by Hurricane Milton. Survey responses allow the state to expedite Hurricane Milton recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of impacted businesses.

To participate in the survey online or if you need additional assistance with your business click here and select “Hurricane Milton” from the dropdown menu. You can also call the private sector hotline at 850-815-4925 or email [email protected].

Agency Highlight

Florida State Guard

In 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis reactivated the Florida State Guard (FSG) as a state-supported volunteer force to provide a rapid emergency response.

Since the relaunch, the FSG’s continued growth in capability and personnel is strengthening Florida’s emergency response in aviation, maritime, and land-based operations. The FSG is committed to serving Florida families in need—anytime, anywhere.

Currently, 23 states and the territory of Puerto Rico actively maintain state guards. State guards are authorized under Title 32 of the U.S. Code and operate distinctly from the National Guard. They are state-funded, overseen by the Governor, and focused on the needs of our state.

The mission and vision of the FSG is to protect and preserve the life and property of Floridians through rapid deployment of ground, maritime, and air capabilities in partnership with state and local agencies.

The Executive Director of the FSG is Mark Thieme, appointed on October 27, 2023 by Governor DeSantis. Director Thieme oversees operations, mission alignment, administration, personnel, training, procurement, and all other functional components of the FSG.

He has over 35 years of experience in public service, including more than 15 years of executive leadership and senior operations management throughout his career in the United States Marine Corps (USMC). He enlisted in the USMC in 1987 as an infantryman and was selected for his leadership abilities to earn a commission as an infantry officer in 1994.

While serving in the USMC, Director Thieme led large-scale, cross-functional teams in dynamic environments. He successfully launched an emerging civil-military organization focused on enabling and assisting local governments in crisis management and emergency response.

For his dedication and service, he received numerous awards such as the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

For more information or to join the FSG, click here.

Constituent of the Week

Chief Master Sergeant

Brandon Daugherty

Our Constituent of the Week is Chief Master Sergeant Brandon Daugherty.

He was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona and joined the United States Air Force (USAF) as a Pararescuemen (PJ) after the twin towers struck in 2001, and served on active duty for 10 years.

Chief Master Sergeant Daugherty has been deployed seven times as a Pararescue Team Leader supporting combat search and rescue operations during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, during the joint task force mission in the Horn of Africa, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Chief Master Sergeant Daugherty joined the USAF Reserves in 2012 and is still serving as the 920th Operations Group Superintendent. He also provided humanitarian support missions during Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita, and completed over 120 hoist rescues during Hurricane Harvey.

He joined the U.S. Department of Defense and moved to the Space Coast in 2015. He was assigned to develop the Astronaut Rescue and Recovery program for NASA for the Department of Defense. Mr. Daugherty served in that position until 2021.

In 2020, he became the CEO of Operator Solutions, a contracted rescue service operation that supports the commercial space industry. During that time, Operator Solutions, acquired hoist equipment, boats, aircraft, and established medical and pararescue teams to rescue victims and provide resources to them in times of disaster. Most recently, his team served those stranded in Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene.

When asked about Operator Solutions’ efforts regarding Hurricane Milton, Chief Sergeant Daugherty stated that they will be wherever and whenever needed, and that the state had things well under control.

In 2013, Chief Master Sergeant Daugherty had a close friend he was mentoring, a former combat medic, that took his own life. He vowed that he would find a way to be part of the solution and not blindly ignore the mental health crisis facing military members and first responders.

He became involved with the Sheepdog Corporation which was founded and developed by individuals who have real combat experience, and know the struggles and hardships that can only be learned through such experience. He currently serves on the Board of Directors.

Click on these links to learn more and support Operator Solutions or the Sheepdog Corporation,

Chief Master Sergeant Brandon Daugherty is a member of the Patrick Space Force Base community. District 19 is grateful for his bravery, leadership, and compassion towards disaster victims, Veterans, members of our military.

District Highlights

Brevard County Opens Hurricane Milton Website to Report Damage

Residents are encouraged to complete a damage report if your property or home has been affected as a result of Hurricane Milton. This includes water in your home, roof, or structural damage, etc.

This form is not an application for assistance. Brevard County Emergency Management uses this information to make informed decisions on operations to serve our community.

Residents are asked to provide your name, property address, and photos of the damage incurred. You can click this link to complete the form.

FPL Continues to Work 24/7 to Restore Power

Power restoration continues to progress exponentially as FPL lineman are working 24/7. For those who are still impacted, you can click this link for a status update or call 1-866-263-9186.

The company estimates 90% of all statewide impacted customers will have their power restored by the end-of-day Monday, October 14th. They expect 95% of Brevard and Indian River counties’ customers will have their power restored by end of day Thursday, October 17th, if not sooner.

If you’re in need of assistance, you can visit FPL’s customer outage relief site in Brevard County (845 Palm Bay Road) in Melbourne for essentials like ice, water, and answers to restoration-related questions.

City of Melbourne Water Rebates Available

To incentivize water saving measures post-storms, the City of Melbourne has begun offering a new $50 rebate for residents. To become eligible for the rebate, residents can install a composter with a capacity of at least 30 gallons, install a rain barrel with a capacity of at least 40 gallons, or replace a pre-1994 toilet with a new WaterSense certified high-efficiency toilet.

The city also stated that in addition to the rebate, residents who take appropriate action may save money on their water bills. The rebates are available from now until September 30, 2025.

Only one rebate is available per address/account. For additional information, call the city’s Environmental Community Outreach Division at (321) 608-5080 or email them at [email protected].

80th Space Coast Honor Flight

The 80th and final Space Coast Honor Flight (SCHF) of 2024 took place on Saturday, October 12th. Thirty distinguished Veterans from the Korean and Vietnam Wars, along with their guardian escorts and SPCH volunteers, flew to Washington, D.C. to visit their war memorial monuments.

The one-day, all expenses paid trips provide a memorable and collaborative opportunity for Veterans to reflect upon their deployments and reminisce with their fellow service members.

Since 2010, nearly 2,100 Veterans have traveled to our nation’s Capitol through the SCHF program. In 2025, the organization has confirmed six SCHF trips. They are seeking Veterans who would enjoy this historic experience. The organization is in need of volunteers, guardian escorts, and donations to assist with the 2025 trips.

For more information, to register a Veteran, or sign up as a volunteer or guardian escort, click here. You can also call SCHF at 321-456-7031 or send an email to [email protected].

Upcoming Events

Annual “Purses with a Purpose” Event to Benefit Serene Harbor

Serene Harbor will host their popular fundraising luncheon “Purses with a Purpose” on Wednesday, October 16th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Eau Gallie Yacht Club (100 Datura Drive) in Indian Harbour Beach.

Tickets are selling fast online at www.sereneharbor.org and are available for $60. The event features designer handbags paired with experience packages as part of an auction led by Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey. There will also be an awards ceremony for Serene Harbor’s community partners, volunteers, and supporters.

Proceeds will benefit domestic violence programs at Serene Harbor and the Nadene Cavaliere Center. Some of the programs and services Serene Harbor provides include a 24/7/365 confidential hotline, counseling services, transportation, relocation assistance, support groups, education support, and financial empowerment initiatives for survivors of domestic violence.

For more information, click here or call 321-726-8282.

Viera Harvest Festival Including Kids’ Scarecrow Building Contest

The Viera Harvest Festival and Scarecrow Auction will take place on Saturday, October 19th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Woodside Park (1705 Crane Creek Boulevard) in Viera East.

Activities include the Penny Creek Bluegrass Band providing live music all day, food and beverages, a pumpkin patch, the hay maze, photo opportunities with hay bale horses, and the Kids’ Fall Costume Contest. To participate in the Kids’ Mini-Crow (Scarecrow) Building Contest. you must register in advance here.

For more information on all events taking place and prizes that will be awarded during the Viera Harvest Festival, click here.

2024 She Means Business Expo

The “2024 She Means Business Expo” hosted by weVENTURE, Women’s Business Center at Florida Tech, will take place on Saturday, October 26th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Pavilions 1 and 2 at Wickham Park (2500 Parkway Drive) in Melbourne.

Attendees will have the opportunity to shop, network, and share experiences while exploring the latest trends in products and services offered by women-owned businesses.

General admission is free and there will be a variety of food trucks, prize giveaways, music, and more.

This expo is part of a larger international initiative supported by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and hosted by the local Iota Pi Omega chapter of Brevard County in partnership with weVENTURE Women’s Business Center. The intent is to advocate for economic opportunities for women, highlight local women entrepreneurs, encourage partnerships, and help build the economic wealth of women and their families.

For more information, click here.

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