Good Morning!

As we conclude this year’s legislative session, the budget has officially been approved. With no bills awaiting presentation, once Governor DeSantis signs the pending legislation, the session will officially be wrapped up.

This week, Governor DeSantis approved HB 725 and HB 1329, legislation designed to provide support to Florida’s Veterans and their families. HB 725 expands eligibility for Veterans’ long-term care facilities. HB 1329 enhances benefits for Veterans, focusing on programs that aid in the transition to civilian life. For more information on HB 725 and HB 1329, see the ‘Statewide Update’ and ‘Bill Action’ sections below.

Additionally, Governor DeSantis signed three bills to improve pediatric and cancer care in Florida. SB 1582 establishes the Andrew John Anderson Pediatric Rare Disease Grant Program and SB 7072 strengthens the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program. HB 885 mandates coverage for biomarker testing, providing faster and more accurate diagnoses for various health conditions. For more information on these bills, refer to the ‘Statewide Update’ and ‘Bill Action’ sections below.

I consider it a great honor to represent District 19. Please share this link with your friends and family so they too, can sign up for the Mayfield Minute.

If you or someone you know needs my assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office. My staff and I are here to serve you!

Bill Action by Governor DeSantis

Since the close of the 2024 Legislation Session, Governor DeSantis has signed 281 bills into law, vetoed 6 bills, 25 remain pending his action.

Below you will find underlined links to recently signed bills and bills pending. If you have any difficulty navigating the Senate website, please contact my office at 321-409-2025 and we will assist you.

Upon receipt of a bill, the Governor has seven days to sign, veto, or take no action at which point the bill will automatically become law.

Bills signed by Governor DeSantis last week include:

CS/CS/CS/SB 1582 – Department of Health

CS/CS/HB 885 – Coverage for Biomarker Testing

CS/SB 7072 – Cancer Funding

SB 7078 – Public Records and Meetings/Cancer Research Grant Applications

HB 725 – Veterans Long-term Care Facilities Admissions

CS/CS/HB 1329 – Veterans

CS/SB 7014 – Ethics

CS/CS/HB 23 – Pub. Rec./Dozier School for Boys and Okeechobee School Victim Compensation Program

CS/HB 21 – Dozier School for Boys and Okeechobee School Victim Compensation Program

Bills vetoed by Governor DeSantis last week include:

CS/CS/SB 494 – Graduate Program Admissions

HB 317 – Interstate Safety

CS/HB 821 – Melbourne – Tilman Water Control District, Brevard County

Bills received and pending consideration include:

HB 87 – Taking of Bears

CS/CS/HB 273 – Pub Rec./ Animal Foster or Adoption

CS/HB 303 – Rabies Vaccination

CS/HB 429 – Real Property

HB 1573 – Pace Fire Rescue District, Santa Rosa County

HB 1575 – Avalon Beach – Mulat Fire Protection District, Santa Rosa County

HB 1577 – Midway Fire District, Santa Rosa County

CS/HB 6007 – Relief/Julia Perez/St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office

CS/HB 7019 – Exemption of Homesteads

CS/SB 692 – Public Records/ Florida Gaming Control Commission

HB 849 – Veterinary Practices

CS/SB 7040 – Ratification of the Department of Environmental Protection’s Rules Relating to Stormwater

CS/SB 280 – Vacation Rentals

CS/SB 1600 – Interstate Mobility

CS/HB 1347 – Consumer Finance Loans

CS/CS/HB 1241 – Probation and Community Control Violations

CS/CS/SB 1198 – Corporate Actions

HB 1109 – Security for Jewish Day Schools and Preschools

CS/SB 1082 – Housing for Legally Verified Agricultural Workers

SB 1078 – Public Records/Cellular Telephone Numbers Held by the Department of Financial Services

CS/CS/HB 1063 – Chiropractic Medicine

HB 799 – Easements Affecting Real Property Owned by the Same Owner

CS/CS/SB 770 – Improvements to Real Property

CS/CS/SB 736 – Services Provided by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles or Its Agents

SB 674 – United States-produced Iron and Steel in Public Works Projects

CS/CS/HB 619 – Sovereign Immunity for Professional Firms

CS/HB 479 – Alternative Mobility Funding Systems and Impact Fees

CS/CS/HB 473 – Cybersecurity Incident Liability

CS/CS/HB 403 – Specialty License Plates

CS/CS/HB 389 – Transportation Facility Designations

CS/HB 321 – Release of Balloons

HB 187– Antisemitism

CS/CS/HB 165 – Sampling of Beach Waters and Public Bathing Spaces

CS/HB 133 – Professional Licensing Requirements for Barbers and Cosmetologists

HB 91 – Transportation Facility Designations

CS/SB 62 – Resident Status for Tuition Purposes

If you have an interest or concern regarding any of the above bills, you can also reach out to the Governor’s office directly here or contact my office at [email protected].

Statewide Update

Florida Leads in Marine Conservation

Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature are funding efforts to protect and restore the state’s marine ecosystems. A historic $57 million has been allocated for coral reef restoration and coastal protection in the 2024-2025 state budget.

This funding includes $5 million for the creation of additional artificial reef habitats through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). This initiative aims to develop and maintain artificial reefs in the Florida Keys, promoting marine biodiversity and supporting local ecosystems. To learn more about artificial reefs, click here.

Earlier this year, Governor DeSantis allocated $9.5 million to the Coral Reef Restoration and Recovery Initiative. Florida’s investments in coral reef restoration exceed the federal budget for similar efforts, highlighting the state’s leadership in marine conservation.

These initiatives by Governor DeSantis and the Legislature demonstrate Florida’s dedication to preserving marine environments for future generations. For more information on Coral Reef Conservation, click here.

Legislation Approved to Support Veteran Families

Last week, Governor DeSantis approved HB 725 and HB 1329, legislation that supports Florida Veterans and their families.

HB 725 expands eligibility for Veterans’ long-term care facilities to include spouses or surviving spouses, ensuring families can stay together and receive necessary care. Florida currently operates nine state Veterans’ nursing homes with plans to add a tenth, making Florida the state with the most facilities for Veterans’ care in the nation. These homes offer nursing care, hospice care, and rehabilitation services.

HB 1329 enhances benefits for Veterans, focusing on programs that aid in the transition to civilian life. This bill designates Veterans Florida as the state’s primary contact for military transition assistance and expands its board of directors. It also revises the Veterans Employment and Training Services Program to better match Veterans and their spouses with job opportunities, encourage veteran entrepreneurship, and prioritize grant funds for necessary training and certifications. For more information on Veterans Florida, click here.

These legislative efforts show Florida’s dedication to providing support and recognition to those who have served and sacrificed our country. For more information on Veteran benefits and services, click here.

Florida Advances Pediatric and Cancer Care

In a press conference last week, Governor DeSantis signed three bills that will lead to significant advancements in healthcare for Florida, particularly in pediatric and cancer care.

SB 1582 establishes the Andrew John Anderson Pediatric Rare Disease Grant Program, dedicated to funding research and cures for rare pediatric diseases. This bill also creates a new profession for environmental health technicians, allowing them to conduct septic inspections without a four-year degree. In addition, the bill standardizes newborn, infant, and toddler health and hearing screenings to ensure early diagnosis and treatment. For more information on SB 1582, click here.

SB 7072 strengthens the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program, formally establishing the Cancer Connect Collaborative within the Department of Health. Additionally, the bill revises membership of the Florida Cancer Control and Research Advisory Council to include a representative of the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. For more information on the Cancer Connect Collaborative click here.

HB 885 mandates coverage for biomarker testing through Florida Medicaid and the Division of State Group Insurance. Through Biomarker testing, Floridians can receive a faster and more accurate diagnosis of various health conditions. For more information on HB 885, click here.

These legislative efforts are supported by the state budget, with substantial investments in healthcare, including $232 million for cancer research and $456.5 million to support maternal and child health.

Constituent of the Week

 Dr. Michael A. Cadore Sr.

This week, we proudly recognize Dr. Michael A. Cadore Sr. as our Constituent of the Week.

Growing up in Titusville, Dr. Cadore learned the value of giving back from his family. He spent his youth volunteering at the Titusville YMCA, delivering clothes and food to those in need. During high school, he participated in ride-alongs with his father, who served his community as a policeman. Throughout his youth, Dr. Cadore learned valuable life lessons about compassion and the importance of community through his family.

After playing professional football for the World League of American Football in Montreal, he returned to Brevard County, where he began his career in law enforcement at the Brevard County Sheriff’s Department, serving from 1991 to 2005. From 2005 to 2019, Dr. Cadore worked as an officer at the Rockledge Police Department. In addition to his career in law enforcement, Dr. Cadore has served on various boards and commissions, including the Brevard County Housing Authority, Brevard Family Partnership, LEAD Brevard, Aging Matters, and the Space Coast Sports Commission. Additionally, he serves the City of Rockledge as Councilman Seat #1, demonstrating his commitment to advocating for the needs and interests of his community.

Dr. Cadore has earned numerous awards, including 2014 Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame, 2014 Central Florida Humanitarian of the Year, 2017 Dr. Harvey L. Riley Bridge Builder Award, 2018 Space Coast Community Leadership Award, and 2018 Ronald McNair Hidden Figures Award for Community Impact. He has a bachelor’s degree in corrections and administration of justice, a master’s degree in management and leadership, and a doctorate degree in education.

As the Executive Director of Community Engagement for External Affairs at Eastern Florida State College, Dr. Cadore leads the college’s outreach efforts, fostering meaningful connections between the institution and the community. He is also a professor for a success strategies course, helping students develop study skills and navigate college life.

Dr. Cadore leads business and leadership workshops, community service opportunities, and consulting through Magnus Solutions Inc., a business he named after his grandfather who inspired his work in community outreach.

District 19 is privileged to recognize Dr. Cadore for his dedication to public service and his tireless efforts in preparing the next generation of leaders in our communities.

District Highlights

 Space Coast Black Chamber of Commerce Hosts State of the Space Coast Conference

Last week, the Space Coast Black Chamber of Commerce hosted the State of Space Coast Conference, a networking event for entrepreneurs and local business owners. The event featured around 55 Black business owners, entrepreneurs, and local government officials to discuss developments in the Space Coast.

The conference has grown since last year in Melbourne, featuring speakers such as Rockledge Councilman Shaun Ferguson, Cocoa Mayor Michael Blake, Palm Bay Deputy Mayor Donny Felix, Melbourne Vice Mayor Yvonne Minus, Rockledge Councilman Dr. Michael Cadore, Cocoa Deputy Mayor Lavander Hearn, and Titusville Councilman Joe Robinson.

Victoria Jones, the founder and president of the Space Coast Black Chamber of Commerce, expressed gratitude for the community’s support. “We are blessed and thankful for the community embracing us,” Ms. Jones said.

I was honored to have met with President Jones during the 2024 Legislative Session in Tallahassee and look forward to continue to support the chamber’s efforts to help entrepreneurs and leaders in our community succeed.

For more information on the Space Coast Black Chamber of Commerce, click here.

Space X Launches European TV Satellite from Cape Canaveral

On Thursday, June 20th, SpaceX successfully launched the Astra 1P/SES-24 satellite from Cape Canaveral Space Station. The geostationary satellite will provide satellite TV services to Germany, France, and Spain. Astra satellites have been delivering TV and radio services in Germany since 1988.

By collaborating with global companies like SES and Astra, SpaceX plays a role in advancing international cooperation in space exploration and communication. These partnerships help encourage innovation and technological advancement, benefiting both the space industry and the consumers who rely on these services.

Following the launch, SpaceX achieved its 250th successful landing on an ocean-based drone ship. Astra 1P satellite will soon begin broadcasting TV services to customers throughout Europe. To watch the launch, click here.

Local K-9 Units Honored by Brevard County Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff Wayne Ivey’s recent presentation at the Propeller Club of Port Canaveral honored Brevard County’s Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit. With the largest K-9 unit in the state, Brevard’s K-9 teams undertake a range of tasks, including preventative patrols, safety checks, tracking fleeing subjects, assisting in high-risk arrests, and conducting searches for narcotics, explosives, and missing individuals.

Beyond their daily roles, Brevard’s K-9 units assist with deputy safety and engage the public through demonstrations. Under Sheriff Ivey’s leadership, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office has initiated a breeding program.

These furry officers not only assist in crime prevention but also play a crucial role in fostering community engagement and support. For more information on Brevard County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit, click here or call 321-454-6643.

Upcoming Events

FWC Hosts Gopher Tortoise Conservation Workshop in Palm Bay

On Thursday, June 27th, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will host regional workshops at the Palm Bay Council Chambers (120 Malabar Rd SW) from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The goal of these workshops is to encourage participation in gopher tortoise conservation at the local level by providing valuable information that can assist in establishing effective local gopher tortoise protection policies. In addition to focusing on gopher tortoises, the FWC will discuss how local policies can play a crucial role in conserving other state-listed species.

During the workshops, attendees will learn about various strategies and practices for habitat management, which are essential for the protection of these species. FWC will also provide information on financial incentives available to local governments that actively engage in habitat management and conservation efforts.

The workshops are free to attend, but registration is required due to limited space. For more information on how to register, click here. To learn more about FWC’s Gopher Tortoise Program, click here.

Family Promise of Brevard Hosts 1st Annual Mermaid & Pirate Festival

On Sunday, June 30th, Family Promise of Brevard will host the 1st annual Mermaid and Pirate Benefit Festival. The festival will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Pineda Inn Bar & Grill (6533 US Highway 1) in Rockledge.

The family friendly event is free to the public and proceeds benefit the Family Promise of Brevard organization which has assisted over 12,000 families in Brevard find housing in the last 10 years. The event will feature live music, silent auctions, prizes, food vendors, drink specials, raffles, and more. Mermaid and Pirate costumes are encouraged.

For more information on the event, please call 321-751-5311. For more information on Family Promise of Brevard, click here.

Contact Information

Melbourne Office 

900 East Strawbridge Avenue

Melbourne, FL 32901

(321) 409-2025

Tallahassee Office

400 Senate Office Building

404 South Monroe Street

Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100

(850) 487-5019

Staff:

Yvette Campbell

Kelli Lane

Samantha Scaringe