Senator Rob Bradley and Representative Halsey Beshears held a legislative delegation hearing Tuesday in Mayo.

MAYO — Florida Senator Rob Bradley (R-Fleming Island) and Florida Representative Halsey Beshears (R-Monticello) visited Mayo on Tuesday morning for a legislative delegation hearing.

Bradley announced that the 2018 regular session is beginning early next year. Instead of starting in March it will start Jan. 9, 2018.

Public Defender Blair Payne addressed some issues he would like Bradley and Beshears to look into regarding legislation for drug trafficking offenses and driver’s license suspensions for non-driving offenses.

“It takes a small amount of prescription drugs to be classified as a trafficker,” Payne said, adding that it is easy for people to get hooked on prescription drugs.

He said the driver’s license issue is important because people cannot get anywhere around Lafayette County unless they have a driver’s license.

Clerk of Court Steve Land asked Bradley and Beshears to look into the funding issue clerks in Florida are facing.

“Anything you can do to help us is appreciated,” Land said. “It’s getting tough.”

“You guys do the most with so very little,” Beshears said.

Beshears said he is working on a new bill to provide economic incentives for existing businesses.

“It drives me nuts to say we give checks to a brand new company to come in here when you got guys that have been here forever,” Beshears said. “Let’s incentive them.”

He added that the bill does not mean new business is not welcome, he just wants to take care of businesses that were here first.

Anthony Adams said he appreciated all that Bradley and Beshears do for the county.

“Thank y’all for coming out,” Beshears said. “We are always a phone call away. If I can help you, we are here to serve you. It is a privilege and honor to serve you.”

Bradley agreed with Beshears.

“It really is a privilege to have the opportunity to serve Lafayette County,” Bradley said. “This will be my second year. I have two more to go. If there’s anything personal I can do to help please feel free to call me. I’m always just a phone call away. “