| The Mayfield Minute - August 10, 2025 |
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Back to School
Tomorrow, Monday, August 11th, is the first day of the 2025-2026 school year. As the new school year begins, I want to extend my thanks to our wonderful school staff, teachers, and parents. Your dedication and support are invaluable, and we appreciate all that you do to help our children to reach their full potential. Best of luck to all the students, whether this is your first year or your final year, we hope it is filled with extraordinary accomplishments and cherished memories.
As school resumes, I encourage everyone to allow extra time in your travels. Safety is the most important priority as we re-acclimate to the increased traffic, school zones, new bus routes, and bus stops.
Below are some back-to-school resources for parents:
· For additional information and assistance with bus transportation, click here or contact your child’s school directly.
· For the latest updates to the Brevard Public Schools Dress Code, click here and for the Student Code of Conduct, click here.
· For additional information on before or after school programs, whether daily or as a drop-in, click here.
· For important dates that may impact your family's schedules, click here to view the 2025-2026 Academic Calendar.
Finally, as a reminder, Florida’s Back-to-School sales tax holiday continues through the end of August. For a list of eligible items, click here.
I consider it a great honor to represent Senate District 19. Please share this link with your friends and family to they, too can subscribe to the Mayfield Minute.
If you or someone you know needs my assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 321-409-2025. My staff and I are here to serve you! |
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Governor DeSantis Signs Proclamation Honoring Purple Heart Recipients
In 2012, the Florida Legislature unanimously passed legislation which established August 7th as Florida Purple Heart Day to recognize the recipients of our nation’s oldest award given to combat-wounded veterans. Last week, Governor DeSantis signed a proclamation honoring Florida’s Purple Heart recipients.
National Purple Heart Day is observed annually on August 7th to commemorate the historic establishment of the Purple Heart Medal. On this day in 1782, General George Washington commissioned the Badge of Military Merit, a precursor to the Purple Heart, to recognize the valor of enlisted soldiers.
This decoration, the oldest military award, was later re-designated as the Purple Heart Medal in 1932 and expanded to honor those wounded or killed in action across all military branches.
This afternoon we have the honor of recognizing eight local Purple Heart recipients at 2:00 p.m. at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center (400 South Sykes Parkway) in Merritt Island.
The 2025 Honorees to be recognized for their sacrifice and service include:
· Lloyd Lasenby, US Army
· Pasquale Conglio, US Army
· Jeff Patterson, US Marine Corps
· Tom Thomson, US Army
· Raymond Burkard, US Marine Corps
· John W. Mansur, US Air Force
· Mark Baaden, US Army
· Phil Kearns, US. Army
For more information, please call 321-454-1152.
My Safe Florida Home Program Application Portal Open
The My Safe Florida Home Program (MSFH) application portal opened on August 4th. The MSFH program provides free home hurricane inspections and hardening recommendations. After recieving their free inspection report, eligible homeowners may apply for a grant that provides financial assistance for hurricane hardening.
Applications for the program will open in four phases, based on age and household income.
· August 4 -- Age 60+, Low-Income
· August 18 -- Under Age 60, Low-Income
· September 1 -- Age 60+, Moderate-Income
· September 15 -- Under Age 60, Moderate-Income
Eligibility requirements to participate in the My Safe Florida Home Program include:
· Home must be a single-family, detached residential property or townhome.
· Home must be site-built prior to 2008 and owner-occupied.
· The homeowner must have been granted a homestead exemption.
For more information and to apply, click here.
Florida Attorney General Announces Successful Undercover Operation Resulted in the Arrest of 48 Child Predators in Central Florida
Last week, Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrest of 48 individuals following a six-day undercover operation targeting online child predators. At least six apprehended individuals are on ICE detainers, and traveled from Jamaica, El Salvador, Dubai, and India to the state of Florida with the intention to prey on children.
The operation resulted in the highest number of arrests ever made during this annual joint effort to protect Florida's children from exploitation and abuse.
“As a father, I am outraged by the heinous crimes we spoke about today. As Attorney General, I’m proud of the brave officers behind this record-breaking operation,” said AG Uthmeier. “They came after children, but Florida and federal law enforcement were waiting for them. Thanks to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for putting this operation together so these men were stopped before they could harm a single child.”
This covert operation exposed various online chat platforms, including Snapchat, that predators were using to lure children. The State of Florida is currently suing Snapchat for deceiving parents about the risks associated with the platform.
To view the full press release, click here. |
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Our Constituent of the Week is Blair Wiggins, a well-known Florida outdoorsman, professional fishing guide, boat captain, television host, and active conservationist.
Mr. Wiggins was born and raised in Cocoa Beach where he grew up fishing throughout the Indian River Lagoon system including the Banana River, Indian River, and the Mosquito Lagoon.
After graduating high school, he attended EFSC (formerly BCC) for three years before joining the United States Air Force (USAF). During his four years of active duty service, he worked on weapon systems while stationed in Germany and Arizona. He completed active duty having achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. Mr. Wiggins began his civilian career with Lockheed Space Operations as a quality control inspector for flight control systems on the space shuttle program.
Mr. Wiggins’ experience in the USAF and five years with Lockheed Space Operations prepared him with a strong foundation of discipline, attention to detail, and courage. While he loved this career, he made the bold decision to leave and pursue his dream career in fishing and outdoor media. He earned his boat captain's license and worked as a professional fishing guide for 20 years. In his seventh year of guiding, Mr. Wiggins' dream became a reality when he created a highly successful show, Addictive Fishing, which ran for 22 seasons.
Addictive Fishing was well received by local and national audiences largely because of his credibility as a well-known, experienced Florida outdoorsman. Addictive Fishing featured premium video content filmed in rugged environments with a focus on authentic storytelling. The show covered a wide range of topics including fishing techniques, gear tips, and Mr. Wiggins’ conservation efforts which were always an underlying theme throughout the program.
After Addictive Fishing's run ended, Mr. Wiggins created the Blair Wiggins Outdoors (BWO) show which has been airing for approximately four years. BWO expands beyond fishing to include hunting, cooking, conservation, the environment, and outdoor living. The new show reflects and highlights Mr. Wiggins’ deep commitment to conservation projects and Indian River Lagoon restoration.
Mr. Wiggins founded the IRL Clam Restoration Project to restore the lagoon’s natural filtration system by reintroducing clams, which are vital for water quality and the health of the ecosystem. Through the restoration project, over 68 million clams have been planted with natural spawning now observed in areas where clams had vanished. His partners in this initiative include the Coastal Conservation Association Florida (CCA), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC), and the University of Florida Whitney Lab.
Over the years, Mr. Wiggins has competed in countless fresh and saltwater competitive fishing tournaments and participated in the annual Space Coast Mullet Run, among many other community events. He has used his growing media presence and platform to inspire other conversationists to continue bold efforts to protect fragile marine species, improve the health of our waterways, and to advocate for responsible practices in the sport of fishing.
The Blair Wiggins Outdoor show can be seen on Fan Duel, Waypoint TV, on his website here, and on his YouTube Channel here.
Mr. Wiggins currently resides in Melbourne with his wife Cari of 36 years and his son, Drayden, executive producer on BWO.
SD 19 is grateful to Captain Wiggins for his military service and his tireless energy to utilize his media platforms to promote vital conservation efforts, preserve our natural resources, and inspire others in the community to join with him in these important causes. |
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Four Cases of Dengue Fever Confirmed in Brevard County
Last week, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) in Brevard County announced four cases of "locally-acquired" Dengue fever, a viral infection transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes.
Symptoms of Dengue fever typically begin 15 days after infection and include muscle aches, joint pain, fever, and sometimes a skin rash. Respiratory symptoms are unlikely, and Dengue fever is not contagious.
Brevard County is urging residents to protect themselves by practicing the four Ps of mosquito exposure:
· Prevent -- Wear long sleeves and pants when you are outside near mosquitoes; stay inside at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active
· Protect -- Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved mosquito repellants including those with DEET or Picaridin
· Patch -- Ensure window and door screens are patched, and use air conditioning when possible
· Pour -- Pour any water out of containers as standing water is a common breeding ground for mosquito larvae
To view a flyer with additional information on protecting yourself from mosquito borne illnesses, click here. If you or someone you know experiences symptoms consistent with Dengue fever, please contact the Florida Department of Health in Brevard County at 321-454-7101.
New Urgent Care Clinic Opens at the Viera VA
Last week, the Orlando VA Healthcare System announced the opening of a new Urgent Care Clinic within the Viera VA Clinic (2900 Veterans Way). The Urgent Care Clinic will care for Veterans needing same day medical attention for non-life-threatening conditions such as minor cuts, burns, wounds, infections, irritation, and cold or flu symptoms. Clinic hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
“The establishment of this urgent care clinic guarantees that Veterans will receive quality, immediate care during critical times,” said Dr. Brandon Vormsbacher, Chief Medical Officer at the Viera VA Clinic. “We are dedicated to addressing the healthcare needs of our Veteran community, and this clinic represents a crucial advancement in enhancing access to care.”
Brevard County is home to over 67,000 Veterans who will benefit from greater access to same day care for urgent, non-life-threatening conditions.
For more information, click here or call 321-637-3788.
Space Coast Honor Flight Set for 83rd Flight to our Nation’s Capitol
On Saturday, September 6th, the Space Coast Honor Flight (SCHF) will embark on its 83rd flight to Washington, DC with 50 Veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War on board. Notably, this will be the first Honor Flight departing from the Melbourne Olando International Airport (MLB) rather than the Orlando International Airport (MCO).
The whirlwind one-day itinerary begins at 4:00 a.m. when the Veterans arrive at the MLB Airport Welcome Center for a “Send Off” ceremony. Upon landing in Washington D.C., the Veterans will spend the day touring the city, visiting war memorials, and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Between 9:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. upon their return to MLB Airport, the Veterans will be greeted with a “Welcome Home” ceremony.
The public is highly encouraged to attend the “Send Off” or “Welcome Home” ceremonies to show appreciation for our war heroes. Ceremony attendees will receive a special event placard upon arrival at the airport for free parking.
Including this upcoming flight, the organization will have arranged for 2,208 patriots to visit DC. Space Coast Honor Flight is always looking for volunteers, donations, and sponsorships. For more information on these opportunities, click here.
For those attending the ceremonies at MLB, please click here to review a map of the airport's designated parking areas. |
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Cape Canaveral National Cemetery to Host "Spirit of 45" Event
The Cape Canaveral National Cemetery (5525 US Highway 1) in Mims will host a "Spirit of 45" wreath laying ceremony on Thursday, August 14th at 8:30 a.m. in the cemetery's Flag Assembly area. The "Spirit of 45" event honors the courage, service, and sacrifice of America's World War II Veterans.
The ceremony commemorates the 80th anniversary of President Truman's announcement that Japan had unconditionally surrendered. The announcement was made on Thursday, August 14, 1945 at 7:00 p.m., and signaled the end of World War II.
Event Agenda:
· Invocation and Benediction
· Welcome Remarks
· Wreath Dedication
· Moment of Silence
· Rifle Salute by North Brevard Honor Guard Team
· Performance of Taps
Seating is limited and guests who are unable to stand for the 20-minute ceremony are welcome to bring a lawn chair. For more information, call 321-383-2538.
Cape View Elementary Charity Golf Tournament
An 18-hole charity golf tournament, benefitting Cape View Elementary School, will be held on Saturday, September 20th at the Cocoa Beach Country Club (5000 Tom Warriner Blvd.) in Cocoa Beach. Check-in will begin at 7:00 a.m. with the shotgun start scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m.
The cost to participate is $380 per team of four or $100 per solo player. Lunch, greens fees, golf cart, and range balls are included in the cost.
The tournament will feature a hole-in-one contest with a $10,000 prize, and smaller prizes for the longest drive and putting contests.
For more information on participation, sponsorship opportunities, or to make a donation, please email Don Willis at don.willis@porterwillis.com. To register for the tournament, click here.
Brevard Thrive: Space Coast Health & Wellness Expo
Accelerate Brevard: Chamber of Innovation will host the Thrive Brevard: Space Coast Health & Wellness Expo on Thursday, August 21st from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Space Coast Health Foundation (1100 Rockledge Boulevard) in Rockledge.
The health and wellness expo features a lineup of health experts, wellness products, fitness demos, free health screenings, and healthy food samples. For participants interested in wellness tips beyond their physical health, experts in mental health, stress management, and improving financial wellness will be on site with innovative solutions to help you manage these aspects of your life. The first 100 registrants will receive a swag bag.
For additional information, click here. For questions regarding the event please call Jody Clark at 321-454-2036.
Kennedy Under the Stars
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (Space Commerce Way) in Merritt Island will be hosting their annual Kennedy Under the Stars event on August 30th at 6:30 p.m. This event offers guests a unique opportunity to visit Kennedy Space Center after-hours and to enjoy special attractions.
Kennedy Under the Stars features:
· Glow-in-the-Dark Retro Fun – Techno dance glow party with top hits from 2000s, pop music, dance-offs, and prizes.
· Stellar Costume Contest – Prizes for most creative ‘out of this world’ costume
· Cosmic Glow Mini Golf – Glow in the dark miniature golf in the Rocket Garden
· Astronaut Meet-and-Greets -- Meet veteran NASA astronauts Ellen Ochoa and Mike Foreman and hear real stories from their space flights
· Starry Night Learning -- Explore the night sky with Florida Tech’s Ortega Observatory team and telescopes
· STEAM Cart: Enjoy hands-on learning with the Gateway STEAM team
· Live Performers and Themed Food and Drinks -- Street performers will entertain throughout the park and space-themed food and drinks are available for purchase
Many attractions will be open late for guests. Tickets are $65 and parking is included. Annual pass holders receive a 30% discount on all food, beverage, and retail purchases.
For more information, click here or call 321-449-4348. |
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Contact Information
Melbourne Office
900 East Strawbridge Avenue,
Suite 408,
Melbourne, FL 32901
321-409-2025
Tallahassee Office
400 South Monroe Street,
302 Senate Building,
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100
850-487-5019
Staff
Yvette Campbell
Christian Chesnut
William Gooden
Kelli Lane |
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