Mayfield Minute - August 12, 2018
Good Morning!
This week I attended Boeing’s reception honoring the five member crew that will fly the Boeing CST-100 Starliner to the International Space Station. This mission will mark the return of American astronauts to space on an American rocket. It was a true honor to meet Nicole A. Mann, Josh Cassada, Eric Boe, Suni Williams, and Chris Ferguson and celebrate the significance of this milestone for both Brevard County and our country.
 
I consider it a great honor to represent all the citizens and visitors of District 17. Please continue to share  this link  with friends and family. If you or someone you know needs my assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. My staff and I are here to serve you.
Treasure Coast Technical College Grand Opening
On Thursday, the Treasure Coast Technical College hosted their ribbon cutting ceremony to officially celebrate their grand opening. The new Treasure Coast Technical College will consolidate adult education at one central location, offer easy access to public transportation for students, and add numerous new programs of study. 

Currently, Treasure Coast Technical College offers programs in Medical Assisting, Medical Coding/Billing, Certified Nursing Assistant Services, Licensed Practical Nursing, Pharmacy Technician Services, and Phlebotomy. With this new expansion, some of the above programs will be expanded and new programs in Commercial and Culinary Arts, Early Childhood Education, Building Construction Technologies, and Welding Technologies will be added.

The new Treasure Coast Technical College location is 4680 28th Court, Vero Beach. For more information on Treasure Coast Technical College, please contact the Principal of Treasure Coast Technical College, Christi Shields at (772) 564-5006, or visit www.indianriverschools.org/tctc.
New Signage Approved for Veterans Memorial Center
I’m happy to report that the Veteran’s Memorial Center (VMC) request for signage on I-95 has been approved by FDOT and will be installed this October. The signs will be located on north and south bound I-95 as travelers approach exit 201.

Since 1978, the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center and Council has supported our local Veterans and their families through various programs and services. Currently, the VMC serves as the home of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Post 123. The DAV’s volunteers assist more than 3500 veterans and their families every year with questions about VA health Care, benefits, survivor benefits, as well as other benefits offered to our Veterans. The DAV also administers a small but active emergency relief funds for veterans in dire need of assistance who cannot get direct support from the VA or other agencies. 

In addition the Veteran’s Memorial Center is a resource for educating our citizens and visitors on how our Veterans have made positive contributions to our county, state, and country. 

For additional information on the VMC and the services they provide, please visit their website. 
State Department Highlight
Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services supports and promotes Florida’s agriculture, protects the environment, safeguards consumers, and ensures the safety and wholesomeness of our food. Some of the department’s main responsibilities include:

  • Protecting Florida’s livestock, honey bees, and crop plants from pests and diseases.
  • Promoting Florida’s 300 agricultural commodities across America and around the world.
  • Helping farmers implement the best management practices to conserve water and prevent water pollution.
  • Assisting businesses and residents in the safe and proper use of pesticides.
  • Managing over a million acres of state forest land for multiple uses including timber, wildlife habitat, and recreation.
  • Fighting wildfires to protect lives and property.
  • Serving as the state’s clearinghouse for consumer concerns. The Department’s call center analysts answer questions, provide information, and help resolve complaints from Floridians.
  • Ensuring thorough regulation and mediation for Floridians by safeguarding consumers from unlawful and deceptive business practices.
  • Assisting Florida’s schools in serving more than a million healthy meals each day, providing students with the sustenance they need to succeed.
  • Inspecting grocery stores and convenience stores for cleanliness and safety.
  • Serving as Florida’s lead agency for food safety. The Department analyzes more than 15,000 food samples each year. Their scientists test for toxins, allergens, chemical contaminants, pesticide residues, food additives and fraudulent formulations.

The Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services has several hotlines that will connect you to one of their representatives based on your specific concerns or questions. These hotlines include:
  • Consumer Assistance and Information: 1-800-HELP-FLA or 1-800-435-7352
  • Arson Hotline: 1-800-342-5869
  • Plant Industry Helpline: 1-888-397-1517
  • Fair Rides 24-Hour Accident Reporting: 1-800-663-3542

In addition, this Department also has several quick links that will provide you with information on the Department and the various services they provide:
  • FAQ: See the top 10 most frequently asked questions about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. 
  • Concealed Weapon Licenses: Find contact information for our Concealed Weapon License Program.
  • A-Z Resource Guide: Find contact numbers by subject.
District Highlight
Florida Power & Light Hosts Open House in Vero Beach
This week, Florida Power and Light’ (FPL) hosted two open house events in Vero Beach to provide community members with information on the finalization of their purchase of Vero Beach’s electric system. Additionally, this open house gave Vero Beach residents the opportunity to speak directly with representatives from FPL to learn more about their affordable, reliable, and clean energy.

It was great to see so many constituents at this event and speak with FPL’s External Affairs Manager, Bart Gaetjens. For more information on FPL and continued updates on their purchase of our electric system, please visit FPL’s Vero Beach website
FDOT to Host Public Information Meeting in Brevard County
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is hosting a public information meeting for proposed improvements to State Road 518/Eau Gallie Boulevard. The proposed improvements will enhance the multi-modal opportunities along the corridor including bicycle and pedestrian connectivity and transit access. FDOT will hold the meeting from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. on Thursday, August 30, at the Indian Harbour Beach City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting will be in an informal, open house format with a short presentation at 6:00 PM. 

Persons with disabilities who may require accommodations or who require translation services should contact Judy Pizzo, FDOT Project Manager, at (386) 943-5167 or judy.pizzo@dot.state.fl.us , at least seven days prior to the workshop. 
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Contact Information
Melbourne Office
900 E. Strawbridge Ave.
Melbourne, FL 32901
(321) 409-2025

Tallahassee Office
324 Senate Office Building
404 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100
(850) 487-5017

Vero Beach Office
Administration Building B
1801 27th Street
Vero Beach, Fl 32962
(772) 226-1970
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