| The Mayfield Minute - January 26, 2025 - NASA Day of Remembrance |
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This past Thursday, NASA held their annual Day of Remembrance in honor of the crews of Apollo 1, space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, and other astronauts who lost their lives in the pursuit of spaceflight.
On January 27, 1967, veteran astronaut Gus Grissom, first American spacewalker Ed White, and rookie Roger Chaffee were sitting atop the launch pad for a prelaunch test when a fire broke out in their Apollo capsule. The investigation into the fatal accident led to major design and engineering changes, making the Apollo spacecraft safer for the coming journeys to the Moon.
Following the Apollo 1 Incident, President Lyndon B. Johnson stated “Three valiant young men have given their lives in the nation’s service. We mourn this great loss, and our hearts go out to their families.”
On January 28, 1986, a booster engine failed and caused the shuttle Challenger to break apart, taking the lives of all seven crew members.
Following the Challenger incident, Ronald Reagan quoted from John Gillespie Magee’s poem “High Flight”: “We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them, this morning, as they prepared for the journey and waved goodbye and ‘slipped the surly bonds of earth’ to ‘touch the face of God’.”
On February 1, 2003, the seven-member crew of the STS-107 mission was just 16 minutes from landing when Mission Control lost contact with the shuttle Columbia. A piece of foam, falling from the external tank during launch, had opened a hole in one of the shuttle’s wings, leading to the breakup of the orbiter upon re-entry.
Following the Columbia incident, President Bush stated, “Mankind is led into the darkness beyond our world by the inspiration of discovery and the longing to understand. Our journey into space will go on.”
For more information on the NASA Day of Remembrance, click here.
Due to last week’s winter weather system which affected much of North Florida, Speaker of the House Perez and Senate President Albritton made the decision to cancel the meetings that were scheduled to take place in Tallahassee this past week.
The meetings have been rescheduled to take place in Tallahassee next week on Tuesday January 28th and Wednesday January 29th. Below, are the committees I serve on and a brief description of the meeting agenda:
Tuesday, January 28th:
- 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. the Agriculture & Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee will not be meeting.
- 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. the Natural Resources & Disasters Subcommittee will host presentations on emergency management by the Department of Commerce, the Department of Transportation, and the Division of Emergency Management.
Wednesday, January 29th:
- 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. the Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee will host a panel discussion on protecting minors from age restricted products.
- 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. the Education Administration Subcommittee will host a discussion on the K-12 System and a presentation on Florida’s K-12 student and school accountability system.
The House of Representatives' committee schedule can be viewed here, and the Senate's committee schedule can be viewed here. All committee meetings can be viewed on the Florida Channel.
If you will be visiting the State Capitol during the committee weeks or the regular session, and need assistance or an appointment, please contact my district office.
I consider it a great honor to represent House District 32. 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 temporary office number at (321) 312-0124. My staff and I are here to serve you! |
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Governor DeSantis Calls for Special Session
Governor DeSantis issued a proclamation calling for a special session of the Florida Legislature commencing on Monday, January 27th and extending no later than 11:59 p.m. on Friday, January 31st.
In compliance with a constitutional requirement for the legislature to convene for a special election called by the governor, Speaker of the House Perez and Senate President Albritton announced that they will convene their respective chambers at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 27th.
As a reminder, the special session may only address the following issues:
- Combating illegal immigration
- Condominium regulation
- Agricultural relief in response to natural disasters
- Replenishing the My Safe Florida Home program
- The citizens’ initiative petition process
The governor's office has released draft language for some of his legislative proposals. Click here for the draft language on combating illegal immigration, and click here for the draft language on the citizens' initiative petition process.
Gulf Winter Weather System
This past week, an area of low pressure moved across the Gulf of America and interacted with arctic air, causing widespread impactful winter weather throughout north Florida.
Single-day snowfall records were broken for many Florida Panhandle locations, and the state snowfall record was also broken with this system as 8-9” of snowfall was recorded in Milton, Florida. This more than doubles the 4“ state record set in 1954.
In preparation for this unusual weather event, Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 25-13 declaring a state of emergency, which allowed for state officials to make critical resources available to communities ahead of any potential storm impacts.
In response to the cold weather, the Brevard County Emergency Operations Center worked with local community partners to open overnight cold weather shelters to provide warmth and food for those in need.
Click here for the latest updates on the Gulf Winter Weather System from the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces Expansion of Concealed Weapon License Services in County Tax Offices
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Wilton Simpson announced the launch of concealed weapon license replacement services at Tax Collector Offices in 37 counties across Florida, including the office of Brevard County Tax Collector, Lisa Cullen.
These expanded services are a result of legislation proposed by Commissioner Wilton Simpson during the 2024 Legislative Session. Senate Bill 1084, signed into law in 2024, expands the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ collaboration with local Tax Collectors to further streamline concealed weapon license services.
“We are committed to ensuring that Floridians have access to convenient, efficient, and secure concealed weapon license services,” said Commissioner Simpson. “By expanding the services available at local Tax Collectors, we are strengthening our dedication to customer service while upholding the rights of law-abiding citizens.”
In Brevard County, Tax Collector Lisa Cullen’s offices in Viera, Titusville-GCN, Merritt Island, and Palm Bay have begun offering replacement Concealed Weapon Licenses.
Click here to read the full press release, and click here for more information on obtaining a concealed weapons license through the Brevard County Tax Collector's office. |
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Nitzi "Sisi" Packard
Our Constituent of the Week is Nitzi “Sisi” Packard licensed general contractor and founder/owner of Packard Construction Service, Inc. based in Melbourne.
Ms. Packard was born in Puerto Rico and upon moving to the United States, she attended T.R. Robinson High School in Tampa. She went on to enroll in the University of Florida’s M.E. Rinker Sr. School of Construction Management.
Ms. Packard was one of only eight women in her class of 60 students. She earned a bachelor’s degree in building and construction management and a minor in accounting with honors.
In 2005, Ms. Packard earned her Florida general contractor’s license, an impressive feat, as according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction field in the U.S. is dominated by men (10.2 million) versus women at (1.1 million).
Throughout her construction career of over three decades, Ms. Packard has worked as a construction cost estimator (CH2M in Gainesville), Assistant Project Manager (Wohlsen Construction Company in Lancaster, PA), and as a Construction Utilities Inspector (City of Jacksonville, NC).
In 1996, Ms. Packard began her career in Melbourne. She served as the Estimator/Project Coordinator for Building Management Systems from 1996 to 2000. In 2000 she accepted a position as the Director of Operations for A Gift of Water, a non-profit organization whose mission is to bring clean water to underdeveloped countries.
In 2003, she accepted a position with Christopher Burton Luxury Homes as their Project Manager representing Melbourne, Viera, and Merritt Island. She was promoted to Purchasing Manager/Director of Client Relations, and held that position though 2012.
In 2013, Building Management Systems, Inc. offered Ms. Packard an opporutunity to return as their Project Manager in Melbourne. This led to her serving in various roles within the organization including as Director of Business Development, Vice President of Contract Administration and Business Development, and Chief Financial Officer.
Throughout her corporate career in the construction industry, she has also owned and operated her own company, Packard Construction Services, Inc. since 2005.
Ms. Packard, after decades of experience in the male-dominated construction field, remains an expert on what it takes to succeed in the industry. She emphasizes and advocates for women to seek out a mentor and build contacts and relationships.
She stated in a recent article, the keys to success for women in the construction field are that, “Women bring new ideas, they have different perspectives, they pay attention to detail, they are good communicators…”
In the little free time she has, Ms. Packard has volunteered as a member of the Planning and Zoning committees for the cities of Indian Harbour Beach and Satellite Beach, served on the Board of Directors for United Way of Brevard, Junior Achievement, and as a member of LEAD Brevard.
House District 32 is pleased to recognize Ms. Nitzi Packard and her company, Packard Construction Services. We wish her great success and appreciate her advocacy, and ongoing promotion, of women in the construction industry. |
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Brevard County Legislative Delegation Meeting Postponed
The Brevard County Legislative Delegation meeting, originally scheduled for Wednesday, January 29th, 2025, has been officially postponed.
In addition to a potential scheduling conflict with next week’s Special Session, legislators will also resume committee meetings on January 28th and January 29th following the cancellation of this week’s meetings due to severe weather and unsafe traveling conditions around Tallahassee.
A new date for the Brevard County Legislative Delegation meeting has not yet been set.
If you would like to provide a written statement or information to the Brevard County Legislative Delegation, please contact my office by emailing Debbie.mayfield@flhouse.gov or calling (321) 312-0124.
If you should need to reach another member of the delegation, their contact information is provided below.
For additional information on the Brevard County Legislative Delegation, please contact the office of our delegation chair, Representative Tyler Sirois, by calling (321) 449-5111.
American History Books Donated to Brevard Public Schools
The local chapter of Sons of the American Revolution, in partnership with the Veterans Memorial Center, donated 17 copies of the bestselling book “1776” by David McCullough to Brevard Public Schools. Doug Bisset and Donn Weaver, representing Sons of the American Revolution and the Veterans Memorial Center, led the presentation.
"1776" details the military conflicts between the American and the British armies during the first 18 months of the Revolutionary War.
The books were presented to Brevard Public Schools Superintendent Mark Rendell who plans to distribute one copy of the book to the social studies department of every high school in Brevard County.
This initiative aligns with Sons of the American Revolution's mission of supporting education and honoring our nation's history, especially as we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
For more information on the Brevard Chapter of Sons of the American Revolution, click here.
Evans Road in Melbourne to Close for 90 Days for Drainage Improvements
To accomodate a $1.18 million drainage improvement project, Evans Road in Melbourne will be temporarily closed from February through mid-summer.
This essential upgrade is designed to enhance drainage and roadway infrastructure in this high-traffic corridor, improving safety and resilience for the community. Construction is expected to take approximately five months to complete.
Brevard County is collaborating closely with the City of Melbourne and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to minimize impacts to residents, commuters, and businesses. The road is expected to reopen in June as contractors complete the remaining work.
To assist drivers during the closure, clearly marked detour signage will be in place. The detour routes are as follows:
- Southbound Traffic: Hibiscus Blvd. to Dairy Road to US 192
- Northbound Traffic: US 192 to Dairy Road to Hibiscus Blvd.
For more information on the project, click here.
Local Response to Recent Cold Weather
As mentioned above in the Statewide Update, the Brevard County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) worked with several local community partners to open overnight cold weather shelters.
Throughout the week, the following organizations opened shelters:
- LifePointe Ministries (4220 South Hopkins Avenue) in Titusville opened at 5:00 p.m. daily and served dinner and breakfast.
- Matthew’s Hope (825 Forest Avenue) in Cocoa stayed open all day and served breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Central Brevard Sharing Center (13 Aurora Street) in Cocoa opened at 6:00 p.m. daily and served dinner and breakfast.
- Daily Bread operated in Joseph N. Davis Community Center (2547 Bruce D. Buggs Street) in Melbourne and opened at 5:30 p.m. daily and served dinner and breakfast.
- HELPS Community Initiatives operated in Peace Lutheran Church (1801 Port Malabar Blvd NE) in Palm Bay and opened at 6 p.m. daily and served dinner and breakfast.
Each of these organizations helped to provide members of our community with necessities through a challenging time.
To sign up to recieve the latest updates from the Brevard EOC, click here. |
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World Wetlands Day – Brevard Zoo
On Sunday, February 2nd, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. the Brevard Zoo (8225 North Wickham Road) in Melbourne will host an event in celebration of World Wetlands Day.
Guests with an active zoo membership can take a free self-guided wetlands kayaking tour. Guests who are not zoo members can take the same tour with a 50% discount off the standard kayaking rate.
In addition to kayaking, the zoo's animal care team will provide guests with informative presentations on species native to wetlands around the world including Flamingos, African Pythons, Caracaras, Capybaras, and Baird's Tapir.
For more information, click here.
Young At Heart Senior Expo
On Thursday, January 30th, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Platinum Events will be hosting their Young At Heart Senior Expo at the Wickham Park Community Center (2815 Leisure Way) in Melbourne. Attendance is free of charge.
At the expo, local organizations will provide seniors with relevant resources and information to help them navigate life. Examples of the organizations participating include the Brevard County Sheriff's Office, Meals on Wheels, local doctors and lawyers, and activity-based clubs for seniors.
For more information, click here.
17th Annual Publix Florida Marathon Weekend
The 17th Annual Publix Florida Marathon Weekend will be held on Sunday February 9th. Participants can choose between a marathon, half marathon, 10k, and 5k. The starting line of all four races will be at the Front Street Civic Center (2205 Front Street) in Melbourne. The start times are staggered based on distance. The marathon will begin at 6:10 a.m., the half marathon begins at 6:30 a.m., the 10k begins at 7:00 a.m., and the 5k begins at 7:10 a.m.
Throughout the course there will be hydration stations and musical performances for the runners and spectators. The full marathon is a qualifier for the Abbott World Majors Marathon.
For more information and to register, click here. |
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Contact Information
Melbourne Office
900 East Strawbridge Avenue,
Suite 408,
Melbourne, FL 32901
Tallahassee Office
400 South Monroe Street,
1401 The Capitol,
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100
Staff
Yvette Campbell
William Gooden
Kelli Lane |
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