| kThe Mayfield Minute - April 6, 2025_Legislative Session Week 6 |
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On April 6, 1947, 78 years ago today, the United States Air Force (USAF) was officially established as a separate branch of the United States Military by President Harry S. Truman when he signed the National Security Act.
Prior to this act, airpower was part of the U.S. Army which oversaw air operations during World War II. However, with the increasing importance of air and space power in the postwar era, the United States recognized the need for a dedicated branch focused solely on air and space defense.
The official establishment of the USAF marked a significant shift in the military structure of our nation. They have since served as a critical force in the Cold War, Korean War, Vietnam War, and other military conflicts, and they remain as a key component of the United States military's strength, global operations, and strategic defense.
The formation of the USAF propelled advancements in aviation technology, the development of long-range bombers, fighter jets, and space exploration.
In our community, Patrick Air Force Base opened in 1940 as the Banana River Naval Air Station, a U.S. Navy airfield. In 1947, the base was transferred to the Air Force and became Patrick Air Force Base. In 2020 during President Trump's first term, he ordered the renaming of Patrick Air Force Base to Patrick Space Force Base.
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This is a significant day in the history of the USAF and their contributions and service are truly appreciated by the residents of Brevard County.
If you will be visiting the State Capitol during the session and need assistance or an appointment, please contact my Tallahassee 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 subscribe to the Mayfield Minute.
If you or someone you know needs my assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Will Gooden in my Tallahassee office at 850-717-5032 or Kelli Lane in the district office at 321-497-8200.
My staff and I are here to serve you! |
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FLHSMV and FHP Issue New Warnings for Distracted Driving
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), and their public safety partners remind drivers to stay distraction-free while behind the wheel.
They identify distracted driving as a triple threat citing, "If it takes your hands off the wheel, your eyes off the road, or you mind off of driving, it's a distraction."
The agencies also added that distracted driving causes vehicle operators to pay less attention to their speed, other drivers, roadway conditions, areas under construction, and the Florida Move Over Law.
In 2024, 300 people in Florida died and over 2,200 people suffered serious bodily injuries due to a distracted driver. According to the agencies, a crash occurs every 44 seconds in Florida and one in seven of those crashes is the result of a distracted driver.
Driver distractions may include (but are not limited) to the following:
- Texting or talking on the phone
- Listening to loud music
- Adjusting your vehicle’s entertainment or navigation systems
- Passengers directing your attention to other objects or events
For more information on distracted driving, visit FLHSMV’s distracted driving webpage.
St. Johns River Water Management District Proclaims April 2025 as Springs Protection Awareness Month
The St. Johns River Management District Governing Board has proclaimed April 2025 as Springs Protection Awareness Month continuing its annual recognition of the importance of Florida’s springs and the need to protect them.
Florida is home to more than 1,000 natural springs—one of the highest concentrations in the world. These springs not only support diverse ecosystems but also reflect the health of the aquifer, which supplies drinking water to approximately 90% of Florida’s residents.
“Springs are a vital natural resource, providing habitat for wildlife, recreational opportunities for visitors and residents and a window into the health of our groundwater,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Michael A. Register.
“Recognizing Springs Protection Awareness Month highlights the importance of ongoing conservation efforts and the role everyone plays in preserving these natural systems.”
The District works with local governments, stakeholders and state agencies to implement projects aimed at reducing nutrient pollution, restoring natural hydrology and enhancing water conservation efforts for long-term sustainability.
For more information on the SJRWMD's springs protection efforts, click here.
To view a list of the projects, click here. |
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| House of Representaties Update |
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Legislation Designating the Gulf of America
HB 575 and CS/HB 549 regarding the designation of the Gulf of America passed the House floor.
HB 575 aligns the Florida Statutes with the federal designation of the “Gulf of America” by replacing references to the “Gulf of Mexico” with “Gulf of America.”
CS/HB 549 requires state agencies to update geographic materials to reflect the new federal designation of the “Gulf of Mexico” as the “Gulf of America" and must reflect the new federal designation by July 1, 2025.
Both HB 575 and CS/HB 549 passed the House floor and were transmitted in messages for consideration by the Senate.
Fentanyl Awareness & Education Day Legislation Advances
HB 259 unanimously passed the House Floor. The bill designates August 21st of each year as “Fentanyl Awareness and Education Day” to increase awareness of the dangers of Fentanyl and the potential for overdoses.
HB 259 was transmitted in messages for consideration by the Senate.
Legislation Reforming Initiative Petitions for Constitutional Amendments
CS/HB 1205 revises the requirements for initiative petitions, petition sponsors, and petition circulators. The bill requires initiative petitions to elicit additional identification information from voters signing the petition.
Petition sponsors are required to submit a bond after reaching a certain threshold as well as affirmations relating to citizenship and felony convictions to the Department of State.
The bill requires that all petition circulators must be residents of the state and revises the registration requirements for paid petition circulators to require more stringent identification disclosures.
The bill also revises the timeline in which petition forms must be delivered to the Supervisor of Elections (Supervisor) from 30 to 10 days and increases the associated fines.
Supervisors must send a notice to voters when their signatures have been verified, and the bill creates a signature revocation process.
The bill increases certain fines and creates criminal penalties for violations of the initiative petition process and includes violations of the Florida Election Code.
CS/HB 1205 was transmitted in messages for consideration by the Senate. |
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Terrance A. Levell
Our Constituent of the week is Mr. Terrance A. Levell, Executive Director for AMIkids Space Coast, He is responsible for the comprehensive administration of program operations, academic programming, treatment programs, behavior modification, and individual case management.
Founded in 1988, AMIkids Space Coast is a foster care residential program for young men ages 13-17. The program operates 24 hours a day and seven days a week to provide care, guidance, and a sense of family.
Through AMIkids evidence-based programs and comprehensive services, they equip young people with the tools they need to overcome challenges by focusing on education, behavior and skills training, and treatment.
AMIkids works together with youth to support their goals and dreams and create stronger communities. Participants at AMIkids Space Coast are referred by community-based care agencies under contract with the Florida Department of Children and Families.
In addition to Executive Director Levell's responsibilities, he also implements fundraising initiatives, oversees financial resources, secures and maintains relationships with community agencies, and manages the organization’s budget. In Mr. Levell’s position, he also mentors and trains employees.
Prior to joining the AMIkids team, Mr. Levell was a Case Manager for the Department of Juvenile Justice for 15 years, where he held numerous positions including Case Manager, Director of Case Management, Director of Operations, and Program Manager.
Mr. Levell’s passion to mentor troubled youth and assist them in their transformation to become responsible young adults has led him to receive numerous accolades. To name just a few, Mr. Levell has been recognized as Executive Director of the Year, Outstanding Director of Operations, and with leadership awards and excellence in fundraising.
He earned his Baccalaureate degree in Criminal Justice from Johnson & Wales University in 2006. And, when he has a free moment, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends and listening to music.
House District 32 is greatly appreciative of Mr. Levell's tireless efforts to assist teens at risk and as they advance to recovery. |
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Brevard Zoo Earns Top State Ranking
Recently, the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne earned the second highest rating on a list of 10 zoos and aquariums in Florida, just behind the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota. The survey was conducted by Islands Travel with responses from over 10,000 participants.
Brevard Zoo was recognized for the following:
- Adventure experiences including kayaking (which is one of many wheel-chair friendly attractions at Brevard Zoo)
- Ability for guests to take part in animal encounters and feedings
- Unique visual perspectives such as the Canopy Walk where visitors can spot monkey and jaguars from the trees
- Visitors can also zipline over wetlands on the “Zip It” course
- Expedition Africa which offers opportunities for guests to see giraffes, ostriches, and white rhinos
Brevard Zoo was also acknowledged for their support of many local and global conservation efforts through their Sea Turtle Healing Center, FrogWatch USA, and the Restore Our Shores program,
To catch up on the exciting developments at the Brevard Zoo, click here.
Hurricane Creek Saloon in Downtown Melbourne Selected for a Revamp by the Nationally Acclaimed "Bar Rescue" Show
Hurricane Creek Saloon (829 East New Haven Avenue) in downtown Melbourne was selected for a makeover by the Paramount Network national television series "Bar Rescue" which helps struggling bars and nightclubs become profitable businesses.
The filming and renovations are expected to take place April 14th through April 18th and the episode will air on the Paramount Network at a later date.
The "Bar Rescue" show is nationally known for selecting bars and nightclubs across the country that have significant potential to be successful with the help of renovations and a rejuvenation of their businesses.
Hurricane Creek Saloon, owned by Randy Bennett, is a country western bar, serving food, and drinks, and offers free dance lessons. Last week, the City of Melbourne, approved the permit for the "Bar Rescue" show to film and renovate the Hurricane Creek Saloon.
Congratulations Hurricane Creek Saloon for being recognized on the national stage.
Brevard County EMS Announces Operational Changes to Enhance Emergency Response and Patient Care
Brevard County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will be making operational changes to maintain quick response times and ensure advanced life support services are available for patients’ needs.
As part of this process change, EMS will coordinate with Coastal Ambulance Systems (CAS), to provide non-life-threatening patient transportation to hospitals effective Monday, April 7th.
Some of the changes include:
- 911 calls may be triaged to ensure the correct resources are being dispatched for patients
- Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) may respond to a call, assess the patient, and then contact CAS to transport the patient to a local hospital for non-emergency cases
- Once BCFR has verified the patient's condition is non-life-threatening and the CAS unit has been dispatched, the BCFR unit may leave the scene to ensure a prompt response to other emergency calls
Residents and visitors should call 911 for life-threatening emergencies such as a heart attack, stroke, severe injuries, uncontrolled bleeding, and allergic reactions.
For more information, click here.
The King Center for the Performing Arts Ranks in Pollstar's Top 200 for the First Time Since COVID
The King Center for the Performing Arts was recently recognized in the prestigious Pollstar’s “2024 Top 200 Theatre Venues Worldwide.”
“It’s a testament that things are coming back to normal and everybody’s excited to have live entertainment,” said Ashley Dillow, King Center director of marketing. “It’s beyond amazing to have that classification. I come from a really small town, and to think you end up somewhere with worldwide recognition, it puts a lot of things into perspective. We’re giving something really special to the Space Coast.”
Iconic theatres such as Radio City Music Hall in New York City, the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, and the Royal Albert Hall in London, were also named.
The King Center’s General Manager Bob Papke added, “To be in that company, and to be well represented, it’s a recognition and affirmation that the King Center is a very special place. Those venues are an integral and a vital part of those communities. You can’t think of Melbourne without the King Center.”
Congratulations to the King Center team for a job well done!
For more information about upcoming concerts and events held at the King Center, click here. |
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Melbourne Police Department to Hold Recruiting Open House on Friday, April 11th
If you or a family member are considering a career in law enforcement as a sworn officer or as a non-sworn officer in a civilian position, the Melbourne Police Department is holding a recruiting event and open house on Friday, April 11th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The event will be held at 250 West NASA Boulevard in Melbourne and includes a tour of the new facilities and an opportunity to meet the men and women of the MPD.
Representatives from the following divisions will be available for questions and information:
- Patrol
- Criminal Investigations
- K9 Unit
- SWAT
- Communications
- Crime Scene Investigation
For more information, please call the MPD at 321-608-6321.
ShrimpFeast 2025
ShrimpFeast is the Propeller Club of Port Canaveral’s annual fundraiser and will take place on Friday, April 11th at 6:00 p.m. at Cruise Terminal 5 in Port Canaveral. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy live music with the Mango Brothers band, a live auction with Sheriff Wayne Ivey, a silent auction, door prizes, a best Hawaiian shirt contest, and more activities.
Vendors include "The Shrimp Buffet by Two Chicks and a Pot," an appetizer station by Wild Ocean Seafood, and a bar by Victory Casino Lines.
Two drink tickets are included with the $60.00 admission. Early bird tickets for $50.00 are available but are limited in quantity. All proceeds are designated for scholarships for the Rockledge High School HELM Maritime studies and support for other port and maritime related organizations such as the Sea Cadets and the Lighthouse Foundation.
For more information, please click here.
Downtown Melbourne Botanical Fest
The Annual Downtown Melbourne Botanical Fest will take place on Saturday, April 12th from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 1900 South Harbor City Boulevard.
Organizers invite you to "step into spring" to experience the celebration. Over 30 local vendors will be showcasing their unique botanical items. The event is family-friendly and free of charge.
The Botanical Fest is also an opportunity to enjoy local art, shop downtown for unique items, and indulge in local cuisine and entertainment.
For more information, call 321-724-1741 or 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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