| The Mayfield Minute - August 17, 2025 |
|
Celebrating Local Nonprofits
Today, we celebrate National Nonprofit Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the valuable contributions of nonprofit organizations in our communities and around the nation. Observed annually on August 17th, this day commemorates the Tariff Act of 1894, which first exempted nonprofits from federal income taxes.
Nonprofits are the backbone of our community providing crucial services, advocacy, and support to those in need. Brevard County is fortunate to have dedicated organizations working to make a meaningful impact. Our nonprofits play a vital role for a wide range of causes including providing shelter to the homeless, promoting education and environmental efforts, and protecting children and seniors.
While it would be impossible to recognize all of the great organizations in our community, click here for a list of local nonprofits we have interacted with recently.
We extend our thanks to all the nonprofits in District 19 that work tirelessly to make our community a better place. Your work does not go unnoticed!
I consider it a great honor to represent Senate District 19. 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 my office at 321-409-2025. My staff and I are here to serve you! |
|
Florida Senator Jay Collins Named Lieutenant Governor
Florida Senator Jay Collins has been appointed by Governor DeSantis to serve as the state's next Lieutenant Governor, succeeding Jeanette Nunez, who stepped down in February to serve as the President of Florida International University.
Lieutenant Governor Collins was first elected to the Florida Senate in 2022, representing parts of Hillsborough County. During his time in the legislature, he served as Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and as Vice Chair of the Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee.
"Jay embodies one of our core principles: While words can be meaningful, it is ultimately deeds that are the most powerful," Governor DeSantis said in making the announcement.
"You're in office to deliver results for the people who put you there."
Prior to running for office, Lieutenant Governor Collins served in the U.S. Army as a Green Beret. While serving in Afghanistan, he suffered injuries that led to the amputation of his left leg. Rather than accepting a medical discharge, he re-qualified as a Green Beret with a prosthetic leg and went on to serve an additional five years. He is a recipient of the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Bronze Star. After retiring from the military in 2018, Lieutenant Governor Collins founded a nonprofit organization supporting veterans, first responders, and Floridians in need.
For more information about Lieutenant Governor Collins, click here.
Commissioner Simpson and President Albritton Launch Statewide Farmers Feeding Florida Initiative
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, Senate President Ben Albritton, and Senate President Pro Tempore Jason Brodeur joined leaders from Feeding Tampa Bay, the Feeding Florida Network Board, and the agricultural industry to launch the new Farmers Feeding Florida initiative.
“Through Farmers Feeding Florida, we are connecting Florida’s farmers and ranchers directly with local distribution channels to make certain our food banks and pantries are stocked with the healthy food families are looking for,” said Commissioner Simpson.
The Farmers Feeding Florida initiative is expected to reduce food waste by the agricultural community, address food insecurity throughout the state, and enhance local economies.
“I struggle with the fact that any child in Florida would have to go to bed night after night, hungry. It’s overwhelming to see so many partners here today who are running to the fight to connect hungry families across our state with Florida farmers who produce fresh, nourishing food,” said President Albritton.
To view the announcement in full, click here.
Governor DeSantis Announces Completion of Crane Creek/M-1 Canal Flow Restoration Project
Governor DeSantis announced the completion of the Crane Creek/M-1 Canal Flow Restoration Project, marking a major step toward improving water quality in the Indian River Lagoon.
The M-1 Canal was initially constructed over a century ago to control floods by altering natural water flow patterns to divert stormwater from more than 5,300 acres into the Indian River Lagoon. This stormwater is nutrient rich, and the canal has had the unintended consequence of degrading water quality in the lagoon. To address this problem, the St. Johns River Water Management District has worked with state and local partners to install a new weir (low dam), pump stations, a pipeline, and a stormwater treatment area.
The upgrades are expected to:
· Prevent an estimated 24,000 pounds of nitrogen and 3,100 pounds of phosphorus from entering the lagoon each year.
· Restore the natural westward flow to the St. Johns River Basin.
· Provide up to 7 million gallons of fresh water per day for downstream users.
“We have completed the Crane Creek/M-1 Canal Flow Restoration Project—a prime example of how strategic state investment delivers measurable environmental benefits,” said Governor DeSantis. “I’m proud that Florida demonstrates responsible stewardship of our natural resources. More projects are on the way that will ensure we have abundant, clean water for future generations.”
NOAA Maintains Above-Normal Hurricane Season Forecast
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently stated that it anticipates between 13 and 18 named storms in 2025, which is down slightly from its May forecast between 13 and 19. To date, there have been four named storms, however none have reached hurricane strength.
That being said, 105 days remain in the 2025 hurricane season, and according to NOAA, 93 percent of U.S. hurricane landfalls have occurred between August and October.
NOAA breaks down the August through October activity as follows:
· August: activity level high; storm activity ramps up sharply as warm Atlantic waters fuel development
· September: activity level very high (peak of season); historically the most active month on record; strongest hurricanes form in September
· October: activity decreases slightly but remains elevated; late-season storms often form in the Caribbean
As a reminder, the 2025-2026 tax package included the permanent, year-round, elimination of sales tax on the retail purchase of certain disaster preparedness items. For a list of eligible items, click here.
The Florida Department of Emergency Management posts regular updates on statewide disasters on their website, to view these click here.
To sign up to receive local alerts from the Brevard Emergency Operations Center, click here. |
|
Nancy Peltonen, President & CEO, Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce
Our Constituent of the Week is Nancy Peltonen, President & CEO of the Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce.
Ms. Peltonen was born in Grimsby, Ontario and raised in Dundas, Ontario, Canada. In 1985, she graduated from Lakehead University with her Bachelor of Arts in Marketing.
In 1985, Ms. Peltonen was hired as a Management Trainee at Fairweather where she expanded her knowledge of the retail fashion industry and gained experience in sales, merchandising, scheduling, and retail management. She left Fairweather to accept what she described as her “dream job” at Shoppers Drug Mart, a retail company where she was employed for over 11 years. She left Shoppers Drug Mart in 1997 to pursue her Master of Arts in Management at the College of St. Scholastica in Minnesota.
After earning her graduate degree, Ms. Peltonen moved to Brevard County and began working as a bookkeeper at Serene Harbor, Inc., a nonprofit domestic violence shelter in Palm Bay. In this role, she updated the organization’s personnel files, policy manuals, and outdated forms. Ms. Peltonen expanded her position to provide training in the community on Domestic Violence, Elder Abuse, and other services provided by Serene Harbor.
She served as Serene Harbor's Chairwoman of fundraising creating the Purses with a Purpose, What a Girl Wants…Chocolate, Shopping, and Fashion, and Walk a Mile in Her Shoes events to raise awareness and funds for the victims of domestic violence. Ms. Peltonen left Serene Harbor in 2015, having helped the organization raise more than $1,000,000 during her tenure.
From 2015 to the present, Ms. Peltonen has served as President and CEO of the Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce. She is responsible for the complete operations of the organization including serving as the chamber's community liaison.
Ms. Peltonen is a tireless advocate for Palm Bay's business community, and regularly meets with local, state, and federal elected officials to address regulations, policies, and laws that impact the success of members’ companies. Last week, the Orlando Business Journal recognized Ms. Peltonen as one of their Top 34 Business Leaders of Central Florida for 2025. The Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce was also recognized as the fastest growing chamber in Central Florida having achieved 66.18% in revenue growth in 2025.
Additionally, Ms. Peltonen serves on the American Business Women's Association Space Coast Women Express Network where she has held positions from Vice President of Finance, Membership, and Communications to President since 2008.
Ms. Peltonen is approaching retirement and while we wish her well, she will be missed beyond measure. She will always be known for her commitment to growing the business community, being of service to those in need, as a mentor to her employees, for inspiring women to recognize there are no limits to what they can achieve as leaders in business.
Ms. Peltonen resides in Palm Bay with her husband, Glen, of 33 years and in retirement, they plan to travel the world.
SD 19 is fortunate to have Nancy Peltonen as a compassionate and extraordinary leader in our community for the last 25 years. |
|
Brevard Welcomes Baby Zebra, Offspring of Endangered Species
Last Monday, the Brevard Zoo celebrated the birth of a new male zebra foal. Iggy, the foal’s mother, and Bakari, the father, are both Grevy’s zebras which is an endangered species. Grevy’s zebras are the largest zebra species and are distinguished by their thicker stripes and larger ears compared to other zebras.
Loss of habitat and poaching has resulted in the species' population declining by over 50% since the 1980's. Today, Grevy's zebras remain endangered with roughly 2,000 to 3,000 adults left in the wild.
The birth of the healthy baby zebra has been described as an extremely meaningful and impactful birth by zoo officials. Last year, Iggy gave birth to a foal who was born with significant medical complications and passed away shortly after birth. Just a few months after that tragedy, Bakari passed away as well.
“Both mom and the not-so-little one are doing well, and the animal care team is continuing to allow the two ample time and space to bond,” according to Zoo officials. "Iggy has already been showing off her incredible maternal instincts. She’s patient and protective of her newborn as he figures out his new legs. The baby already has lots of energy and has been tiring himself out running around in the barn. Iggy is always watching over him even during his nap breaks."
Iggy and her foal will make their public debut at the Brevard Zoo in the coming weeks.
To keep up with regular updates from the Brevard Zoo, follow their blog here.
Lori Halbert Appointed to the Florida Council on Arts and Culture
Last week, Governor DeSantis announced the appointment of Lori Halbert to the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. The council is a state-appointed advisory body that provides recommendations on cultural grants and programs to the Florida Department of State. The council plays a crucial role in promoting and supporting arts and culture within the state.
Ms. Halbert is an accomplished businessowner, former Councilwoman for the Town of Indialantic, and a community leader committed to the economic development and environmental sustainability of Brevard County.
She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the Ringling School of Art and Design in 1992. She moved to Indialantic in 1996 and began a career in entrepreneurism, owning her own professional photography company and serving as a freelance designer helping corporations with reimagining their logos and branding campaigns. She is the owner and artist of Dreams in Glass, owner and writer of the Political Food for Thought show, and Owner and President of JLJ Importing, Inc.
We wish her great success in her new role on the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.
New Cellphone Bans in Brevard County Schools
Last week, as the 2025-2026 school year began, Brevard Public Schools implemented a new district-wide ban on cellphone use. The policy was adopted on the recommendation of teachers and administrators, who believe that cellphones are a distraction in the classroom. Under the new policy, students may not access their phones from the first bell of the day until the last bell.
Brevard Public Schools Superintendent Rendell reassured concerned parents that, in cases of emergencies, students can always make a call to their parents from the office or ask to use their cellphone at the front office.
"When they come to school, they're there to learn and their focus should be on learning throughout the day," said Superintendent Rendell. “We're not going to cut off communication entirely; we just need to be focused on teaching and learning," he added.
The Student Code of Conduct has also been updated to include strict consequences for using wireless communication devices to capture, record, film, or distribute inappropriate or nonconsensual images and videos, and other zero-tolerances violations.
Students and parents should review page 19 of the Student Code of Conduct here. It references the new stringent policies and consequences of using wireless communication devices at school. |
|
Green Gables to Host Author Angelica Harris, Author of Titanic: The Brothers Peracchio – Two Boys and a Dream
The team at Green Gables at Historic Riverview Village is hosting Angelica Harrison, Author of Titanic: The Brothers Peracchio – Two Boys and a Dream on Friday, August 22nd from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Italian American Club of South Brevard (1471 Cypress Avenue) in Melbourne.
The book is the true story of Alberto and Sebastiano Peracchio, brothers who were crewmembers and worked at the A' la Carte Restaurant aboard the RMS Titanic. The brothers worked under Chef Luigi Gatti, one of the owners of the White Star Line and the Titanic's most renowned chef. The Peracchio brothers, Chef Gatti, and 34 staff members of the A' la Carte Restaurant perished during the Titanic's fateful voyage.
Titanic: The Brothers Peracchio – Two Boys and a Dream has earned a five-star rating on Amazon and has been recognized as a scholarly work by Encyclopedia Titanica.
The cost to attend the event is $30 and includes a presentation by the author, a book signing, and a plated dinner with salad, coffee, and dessert. All proceeds benefit Green Gables restoration projects.
For more information and to RSVP call 321-306-8635 or click here.
Palm Bay Police Department to Honor Late Sergeant Frank Tobar
The Palm Bay Police Department will honor the memory of fallen Sergeant Frank Tobar with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque on Wednesday, August 20th at 10:00 a.m. at Sacrifice Park (120 Malabar Road SE) in Palm Bay. The ceremony will take place on the fourth anniversary of the ultimate sacrifice he made, in the line of duty, while serving the community he loved.
Sergeant Tobar's career began with the City of Palm Bay in 1995 as a light equipment operator. In 2004, he transitioned into law enforcement where he served with distinction and was promoted to Master Police Officer shortly before his passing. Throughout his career, he held various roles within the department, most notably as the lead advisor for the Police Explorers program. He held the position for over 16 years as he mentored and inspired the next generation that showed interest in law enforcement careers and serving their communities.
His name will be permanently preserved on the Wall of the Fallen at Sacrifice Park. The event is open to the public and all are encouraged to gather in remembrance of Sergeant Tobar's dedication, service, and sacrifice.
Slice of the Good Life Expo
Jill Blue, CEO and publisher of Senior Life magazine, will be hosting the Slice of the Good Life Expo on Wednesday, August 27th from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center (400 South Sykes Parkway) in Merritt Island.
Attendees of this free event will be invited to participate in a watermelon carving contest for prizes and to enjoy free food and drinks including hot dogs, chicken nuggets, donuts, coffee, ice cream, and watermelon. Other activities include a variety of exhibitors and demonstration booths, and free entry to the military museum with a sneak peek of the new Veterans Memorial Amphitheater through the periscope inside the museum. Hurricane preparation items will be available, including free bags to take home for filling sandbags.
The Veterans Center is excited to have us back again,” Ms. Blue said. “It’s so peaceful on the water. It’s the perfect place to be. The new amphitheater under construction is going to be a wonderful addition to the Memorial Park.”
For information, call 321-242-1235 or visit Senior Life's event site here. |
|
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 |
|
|
|
|
