State Senator Debbie Mayfield – Mayfield Minute 11/03/24

Nov 3 2024

State Senator Debbie Mayfield – Mayfield Minute 11/03/24

Good Morning!

Time to Fall Back and VOTE!

At approximately 2:00 a.m. this morning the time changed back one hour. The twice-yearly time change dates back to the 19th century and is often credited to Benjamin Franklin for suggesting daylight saving time as a solution to “wasted mornings.”

In 1918, the Standard Time Act officially creating Daylight Saving Time (DST) was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson. However, the exact months and days were not established until the Energy Policy Act of 2005. In 2007, Congress passed a statute permanently affirming the time changes would begin annually on the second Sunday in March (Spring Forward) and end on the first Sunday in November (Fall Back).

In March 2022, the U.S. Senate unanimously voted for U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s Sunshine Protection Act to permanently end the annual “fall back” in November. The legislation was sent to the U.S. House of Representatives for action but has yet to be taken up for a vote, despite broad support among lawmakers and the American people.

Twenty states have passed legislation or resolutions to pass DST including Florida, yet the full Congress has yet to approve it.

Daylight Savings Time also often coincides with another incredibly important event, Election Day. I want to commend everyone who voted early. Brevard County saw record turn out with over 245,940 voting early or by mail, and statewide a record number 7,301,080 of Floridians voted early or by mail.

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

The final opportunity to vote in the 2024 election is Tuesday, November 5th. Precinct hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on election day. You must vote at your assigned precinct and you must be in line by 7:00 p.m. to vote. To locate your precinct, click 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

Florida Attorney General Warns of Evil Twin Cyber Scams

Last week, Attorney General Ashley Moody issued a consumer alert warning Floridians about Evil Twin cyber scams. This scam involves hackers creating fake Wi-Fi networks with similar names to trusted networks in the hope that users attempt to connect and provide personal information. Evil Twin scammers may also create fraudulent mobile apps to steal user information

Here are two ways the Evil Twin scam works:

Wi-Fi Networks: Hackers create fraudulent Wi-Fi hotspots that look identical to legitimate networks in public places, such as coffee shops, airports or hotels. Once a victim connects to the network, the hacker can monitor activity and steal sensitive information.

Mobile Apps: Cybercriminals may create malicious apps that closely mimic popular, legitimate apps. Once downloaded, these fake apps can steal login credentials, financial data, or install malware on the user’s device.

Tips to avoid Evil Twin scams:

Always verify that the Wi-Fi network is legitimate with the provider before connecting by checking the exact name with a real person or written instructions;
Ensure any websites visited use https:// instead of http:// in the URL, or a padlock, showing that the website is protected;
Only download apps from official app stores, and carefully review the app’s publisher and user reviews to ensure authenticity;
Consider using a virtual private network to encrypt data and make it more difficult for cybercriminals to access personal information via public Wi-Fi;
Turn off file sharing and automatic Wi-Fi connections on devices; and
Avoid conducting financial transactions or logging in to personal accounts when connected to public Wi-Fi.

Victims of Evil Twin scams can report incidents to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Computer Crime Center.

Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida Announce Native American History Contests

The Department of Education and Volunteer Florida encourages students to participate in a Native American History Month contest—an art competition for K-3rd grade students and an essay contest for grades 4th-12th. All entries are due by Tuesday, November 12th.

The contest asks for a two-dimensional original artwork based on this year’s theme: “Honoring Native American Contributions to Florida’s Success.”

The essay contest will have six winners — two from grades 4th-5th, 6th-8th, and 9th-12th. The contestants are asked to write about a Native American with an impactful story that needs to be heard.

Winners will receive a $100 gift card for school supplies and a one-year pass to Florida State Parks. The essay contest winners will receive a two-year Florida College plan sponsored by Florida PrePaid and a $100 gift card for school supplies.

Students are also encouraged to submit their teachers for the Excellence in Education award, which can see their favorite educator receive a $2,500 prize.

For more information and to enter your submission, click here.

Agency Highlight

The St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) is an environmental regulatory agency of the State of Florida whose work is focused on ensuring a long-term supply of drinking water, and to protect and restore the health of water bodies.

The SJRWMD represents 18 counties in northeast and east-central Florida, including Brevard County. While the district works closely with utilities on water supply issues, the district is not a water supplier.

Florida’s five regional water management districts were established in 1972 by the state Legislature through passage of the Water Resources Act (Chapter 373, Florida Statutes).

In its daily operations, the SJRWMD tries to strike a balance in water needs by educating the public about water conservation, setting rules for water use, conducting research, collecting data, restoring and protecting water above and below the ground, and preserving natural areas.

The SJRWMD covers 12,283 square miles which is about 7.8 million acres. The main water body in the district is the northerly flowing St. Johns River, the longest river entirely in Florida. Other significant water bodies within the district include the St. Marys, Nassau, Matanzas, Halifax, and Ocklawaha rivers, and the Indian River Lagoon.

In times of severe storms such as Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the SJRWMD is essential in preparing for and recovering from potentially catastrophic flooding.

The SJRWMD operates and maintains nearly 90 major and minor water control structures, including three navigational locks and about 300 miles of levees and canals. The district owns or manages 777,912 acres of land, the majority of which is open to the public for recreation and enjoyment.

Key projects in our area that are being led and managed by SJRWMD include the Crane Creek and the M1 Canal Restoration Flow projects. The M-1 Canal is a 100-year-old, man-made flood control feature in Brevard County that cuts through the historic drainage divide between the St. Johns River and the Indian River Lagoon.

The SJRWMD staff includes biologists, geologists, hydrologists, engineers, planners, financial officers, information technology specialists, land managers, laboratory technicians and others from scientific and nonscientific fields. Many staff have advanced academic degrees and years of experience in their fields, both in the private and public sectors. In addition, many have been recognized for their work in the state, nationally and internationally.

Mike Register, a professional engineer, was named the Executive Director in 2021 by the SJRWMD Governing Board. He served in many positions with the district since 1990 including environmental resource permitting, consumptive use permitting, water supply planning, engineering and environmental sciences.

For more information about the St. Johns River Water Management District, click here.

Constituent of the Week

Joe Killian, MA, BA

Our Constituent of the Week is Joe Killian, St. Francis Reflections, President and CEO.

Mr. Killian has dedicated his 30-year career to the healthcare field. He is an experienced leader with a demonstrated history of working in non-profit organizations. He is skilled in disease management, palliative care, Medicaid practices, senior services, and physician relations.

Mr. Killian earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Eastern Kentucky University and a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Prior to serving as President and CEO at St. Francis Reflections, he worked for Health Alliance as the Director of Geriatric Services from 1997 to 2006. At Health Alliance he developed and managed geriatric services for a six-hospital system in Southwest Ohio. Mr. Killian also worked closely with University Hospital and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Department of Geriatrics to improve senior healthcare.

From 2006 to 2009, he served as the General Manager of Vitas Innovative Hospice Care and was responsible for hospice operations for approximately 600 patients and three inpatient facilities. Additionally, he is recognized for strengthening and improving end-of-life care services.

From 2009 to 2014, Mr. Killian held the position of CEO at Hospice of Southwest Ohio and CareBridge Palliative Care Services. He made great advancements by opening the facility’s first inpatient hospice unit and developing the CareBridge Palliative Care Services, which included inpatient services and case management services using telemedicine technology and employing nurse practitioners.

In December of 2014, Mr. Killian joined St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care as President and CEO. He leads the development and implementation of standards of care resulting in increased quality patient outcomes exceeding state and federal benchmarks. Under his leadership, St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care is currently developing Brevard County’s first Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), an initiative aimed at supporting frail, home-bound older adults in the community.

Mr. Killian is also a dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Suntree. He embodies the spirit of a true Rotarian embracing the values of community and “Service Above Self.”

Mr. Killian resides in Suntree with his wife, Kate, and their two dogs, Tina and Bea. They enjoy the Brevard County restaurant scene and golf in their spare time. They also have three kids and four grandkids living in Ohio and Virgina.

Senate District 19 is incredibly grateful for Mr. Killian’s compassionate work in helping our most vulnerable, beloved seniors and their families in need of kindhearted and comforting end of life care.

District Highlights

Veterans Memorial Park Amphitheatre Groundbreaking

Last week, I had the honor of attending the groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of construction for the Veterans Memorial Park Amphitheatre project.

Approximately 100 members of our community attended the event, including Brevard County Commissioner, Tom Goodson, Ellen Donner, Director of Brevard County Parks and Recreation, Chairman Marcus Herman of the Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency, Don Pearsall of the Brevard Veterans Council, Donn Weaver from the Veterans Memorial Center, Steve Sergis from Ivey’s Construction, and Sheriff Wayne Ivey.

The Veterans Memorial Park Amphitheatre vision began through a partnership between the Brevard County Parks and Recreation Department, the Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency, and the Brevard Veterans Council in 2016.

During the 2023-2024 fiscal year, I was pleased to secure $1,000,000 in funding for the Amphitheatre which was approved by Governor DeSantis. Recently the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners approved the remaining $1.23 million in construction costs through a Tourist Development Council grant.

The Amphitheatre will feature a 2,100 square foot open-air stage and a tiered lawn seating area with a capacity of 2,350 attendees, complemented by an adjacent lawn for overflow as needed.

The project is expected to be completed in late 2025. To view the rendering of the new VMC Amphitheatre, click here.

Satellite Beach’s Coastal Community School Students Communicate in Real Time with Astronaut in Space

Last week, students at the Coastal Community School (CCS) in Satellite Beach had the unique opportunity to communicate directly with Astronaut Sunita (Suni) Williams currently on the International Space Station. The ISS is traveling at over 17,500 miles per hour and the students were able to interact with Suni Williams via a HAM radio call as the space station passed over Florida.

HAM (amateur radio) is the use of the radio frequency spectrum for purposes of non-commercial exchange of messages, wireless experimentation, self-training, private recreation, radiosport, contesting, and emergency communications.

This rare opportunity to talk live to an astronaut on the space station was facilitated by CCS Principal Jennifer Elling. Twelve students had the chance to ask questions of Ms. Williams while the entire student body was able to listen to the exchange in real time on campus.

Astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore had flown to the ISS on the Boeing Starliner’s crewed flight test in June for an eight-day mission. Due to concerns about Starliner’s thruster performance they have been unable to return. Astronauts Williams and Wilmore are now scheduled to return to Earth on the Crew-9 SpaceX Dragon in February 2025.

For more information on the CCS students’ conversation with Astronaut Suni Williams, click here.

Florida Tech will Induct Five Former Athletes into their Sports Hall of Fame

The Florida Tech Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1986 to honor those who have made outstanding contributions such as distinction, honor, and excellence to Florida Tech Athletics. To date, 62 alumni athletes and nine teams have been enshrined into the Florida Tech Sports Hall of Fame.

This year’s inductees include:

Austin Allen, Baseball (2013-2015)

He was selected in the fourth round of the 2015 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres, making him Florida Tech’s highest ever draft pick. Austin made his Major League debut on May 11, 2019, joining Tim Wakefield as the only Panther to reach the majors. He hit his first Major League home run on August 5, 2020, with the Oakland Athletics.

Chris Cacciapaglia, Men’s Cross Country (2009-2012)

Chris was named the 2012 SSC Runner of the Year after becoming the third Panther to win the SSC championship race with a time of 25:56.50, finishing ten seconds ahead of the second-place runner. Chris was a member of the 2012 team that reached the Division II National Championship, marking the only time Florida Tech has achieved this as a team.

Victor Rocha Furtado, Men’s Swimming (2015-2019)

A member of the 2017 National Champion 200 Free Relay Team, Victor played a key part in Panther men’s swimming ascension nationally. He competed at the National Championships all four years and earned a total of five individual All-American honors and 11 as a member of relay teams.

Kristina Huba, Women’s Tennis (2010-2014)

Kristina Huba’s career resume is amongst the most decorated of any Panther to step on the court having achieved the program’s all-time wins in singles play with 80 and fourth in doubles wins with 79. Kristina was named the 2013 SSC Athlete of the Year for Women’s Tennis.

Randy Muns, Athletics Supporter (1974-1978)

Randy was the first baseball player recorded to achieve over four hits or more in five games. He signed as a free agent with the Chicago Cubs minor league organization upon graduation and returned to Florida Tech the following year on a graduate fellowship to obtain his master’s degree. Randy served as an assistant baseball coach for two years while also teaching undergraduate business courses.

For more information on the inductees, click here.

Upcoming Events

16th Annual Native Rhythms Festival

The annual Native Rhythms Festival will take place on Friday, November 8th and Saturday, November 9th from 9:00 a.m. to 8:45 p.m., and Sunday, November 10th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Wickham Park Amphitheater (2500 Parkway Drive) in Melbourne.

The three-day festival during Native American Heritage month honors the culture of the indigenous people of America. Activities include day and evening concerts, workshops, kid-friendly events, arts and crafts, the vendor village, competitions, flute making, and much more.

The family-friendly event is free of charge. To view the daily schedule, click here.

3rd Annual DASH in Life 5K Benefitting St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care

The DASH in Life 5K celebrates our Veterans with Devotion Admiration Service and Honor. The race will take place on Saturday, November 9th at 8:00 a.m. at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center (400 South Sykes Parkway) in Merritt Island. Whether you prefer to walk, run, or jog, everyone is welcome.

A Veterans Pinning Ceremony to honor all Veterans in attendance will immediately follow the race. Other activities include raffle prizes and an award ceremony.

Race participant packet pickup:

Friday, November 8th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Running Zone (3696 North Wickham Road)
Saturday, November 9th from 7:00 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center (400 South Sykes Parkway) in Merritt Island

Proceeds will support St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care’s “We Honor Veterans” program.

For over 40 years, St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care has been a compassionate provider of hospice and palliative care in Brevard County, offering comprehensive services for all stages of end-of-life care. Their expertise spans from pre-hospice care to post-hospice support ensuring a continuum of compassionate care.

To register online, click here.

Viera Announces New Fire Station Grand Opening

The grand opening of the new Viera Fire Station 49 (8588 Bower Lane) in Melbourne will take place on Saturday, November 9th at 6:00 p.m. The new station was built and funded in collaboration with The Viera Company to accommodate the area’s growth.

The event will include a formal dedication ceremony, tour of the station, and a meet and greet with the firefighters. Refreshments and beverages will be provided.

For more information, click here or call 321-633-2056

Veterans Open House at Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum

The Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum (6600 Tico Road) in Titusville will host a two- day open house celebrating active duty military and Veterans on Saturday, November 9th and Sunday, November 10th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The event is free of charge for active duty military and Veterans. Admission is also free for Florida residents who bring a canned food donation.

Activities include:

Aircraft displays throughout the years
Exclusive book signings with authors
Scale model exhibits
Food vendors

For more information, email [email protected] or 321-268-1941.

2024 Downtown Melbourne Food and Wine Festival

The annual Downtown Melbourne Food and Wine Festival will take place on Saturday, November 9th from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. along the waterfront of Melbourne Avenue and Crane Creek. Proceeds from the Downtown Melbourne Food and Wine Festival will benefit the revitalization of Downtown Melbourne.

This all-inclusive event highlights the finest restaurants along the Space Coast region and provides ticket holders the chance to sample foods, wine, beer, and spirits from local culinary experts for one inclusive price. The event includes live music and other performances. Organizers have confirmed that festival will take place rain or shine.

Event tickets are required. Tickets are $125 per person and can be purchased here.

For more information, email [email protected].

National Veterans Homeless Support 5K Event

The NVHS 5K event will take place on Sunday, November 10th beginning at 8:00 a.m. and ending by approximately 9:15 a.m. Pre- and post-event activities will occur at the Eau Gallie Square from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

The run will begin and end on Highland Avenue, travel east over the Eau Gallie Causeway (in the right, westbound lane), and return via the same route to Highland Avenue.

To register or acquire more information, contact Jennifer Taylor, NVHS at 321-360-6809 or [email protected].

Melbourne Beach Veterans Day Celebration

The Town of Melbourne Beach will host the 2024 Veterans Day Celebration on Monday, November 11th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Ryckman Park (509 Ocean Avenue).

Activities include the honoring of Veterans for their service to our nation, a Color Guard presentation, performance by the Gemini Elementary School Chorus, arts and crafts for kids, and a “Meet a Hero” segment where attendees will be able to meet Veterans and learn about their time in service.

The event is free of charge. For more information, click here or call 321-724-5860.

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