State Senator Debbie Mayfield – Mayfield Minute 02/18/2023

Feb 19 2023

State Senator Debbie Mayfield – Mayfield Minute 02/18/2023

Good Morning!

For many, Presidents’ Day means a day off from work and school and having a three-day weekend. In 1885, Congress designated February 22nd George Washington’s birthday as a holiday for all federal workers in honor of our first President. In 1971, the Uniform Monday Holiday Law changed the date to the third Monday in February. In doing so, that positioned the holiday between Washington’s birthday of February 22nd and Lincoln’s birthday of February 12th, and gave rise to the popular name of “Presidents’ Day.” Today, Presidents’ Day is seen as a day to recognize the lives and achievements of all of our presidents.

With just 15 days until the start of the 2023 Legislative Session, several committee meetings and constituent meetings took place at our State Capitol. Space Florida held their Annual Space Day in Tallahassee. I met with several representatives from the space industry and constituents from Brevard County to share their priorities for the up-coming session. Please see below for more highlights from this past week at the State Capitol.

Sadly, last week also marked the fifth anniversary of the horrific February 14, 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy. Seventeen innocent lives were lost at the hands of a ruthless criminal. On that day, students, teachers, and faculty showed great courage in the face of danger.

“The sacrifices of these heroes, as well as the brave actions of first responders, will never be forgotten,” said Governor DeSantis as he ordered all state flags to half-staff in remembrance of the lives lost of that fateful day.

In good times and in challenging times, 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.

Committee Week Six Highlights

During committee week six, my staff and I had a full schedule of visitors, including members of the Florida Dental Association. They are holding their annual Florida Mission of Mercy event on February 24th and 25th in West Palm Beach at the Expo Center on the South Florida Fairgrounds. This two-day professional dental clinic provides care to any patient at no cost. For more information and to register to volunteer, click here.

We also met with many District 19 constituents who traveled to Tallahassee as Space Florida held their Advocacy Days on February 14th and 15th. Representatives of Space X, the Kennedy Space Center and Space Force visited to share their plans on future growth and their priorities.

Other highlights of the week include:

Governor DeSantis’ Signed Four Bills: SB 2B – Emergency Response, SB 4B – Election Security Statewide Prosecutor, SB 6B – Tackling the Boarder Crisis, and HB 7B — Name, Image, Likeness Advancing Collegiate Athletics were signed into law. To view a quick summary of these bills, please revisit the February 5th edition of the Mayfield Minute.

Tackling the Fentanyl Epidemic: In the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice, Senator Jason Brodeur (R-Sanford) presented Senate Bill 280. This legislation takes a comprehensive approach to addressing the prosecution and punishment of criminal offenses relating to heroin, fentanyl, and fentanyl-related substances.

The next stop for SB 280 is the Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice.

Leading the Way in Space Innovation: In the Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security, Dale Ketcham of Space Florida and Janet Petro of NASA presented a valuable update on the status of the space industry in Florida.

To view the Space Florida and NASA presentations, click here.

Governor’s Office Presents Budget Proposal: The Governor’s office presented his budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024, “Framework for Freedom.” Governor DeSantis’ “Framework for Freedom” continues his commitment to Florida’s K-12 students, parents and teachers, environmental resources, law enforcement, and infrastructure while maintaining healthy reserves.

To view Governor DeSantis’ “Framework for Freedom” budget, click here.

Statewide Update

Governor DeSantis Announces Legislation to Protect Floridians from the Woke ESG Financial Scam

Governor DeSantis was joined by Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and House Speaker Paul Renner to announce comprehensive legislation to protect Floridians from the woke environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) movement. To watch the full press conference, click here.

“Today’s announcement builds on my commitment to protect consumers’ investments and their ability to access financial services in the Free State of Florida,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “By applying arbitrary ESG financial metrics that serve no one except the companies that created them, elites are circumventing the ballot box to implement a radical ideological agenda. Through this legislation, we will protect the investments of Floridians and the ability of Floridians to participate in the economy.”

“Governor DeSantis and Speaker Renner have been leaders on this critical issue and it is wonderful to be with them today to discuss concrete steps the Legislature will take this session to protect the retirement funds of state and local employees by guarding against misguided ESG policies,” said Senate President Kathleen Passidomo.

ESG is a direct threat to the American economy and individual economic freedom. This attempt by the corporate elite to discriminate against those who do not follow a particular ideological agenda will be outlawed in Florida. For more information on the legislative proposal, click here.

Protecting Floridians from Predatory Billboard Attorneys

Last week, Governor Ron DeSantis, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, and House Speaker Paul Renner announced the most comprehensive reforms in decades to decrease frivolous lawsuits and prevent predatory practices of trial attorneys that prey on hardworking Floridians, including truckers and small businesses. These measures include eliminating one-way attorney fees and fee multipliers for all lines of insurance, modernizing Florida’s “bad faith” law, and protecting small businesses from paying exorbitant damages.

“For decades, Florida has been considered a judicial hellhole due to excessive litigation and a legal system that benefitted the lawyers more than people who are injured,” said Governor DeSantis. “We are now working on legal reform that is more in line with the rest of the country and that will bring more businesses and jobs to Florida.”

The proposal also institutes reforms to protect small businesses from paying exorbitant damages when they are not primarily at fault. Additionally, the proposal sets standards for awarding medical damages to prevent fraudulent practices. These include requiring medical records, procedure codes, and information regarding health insurance reimbursement to ensure accurate settlements are reached between parties.

Agency Highlight

The Department of Management Services

The Department of Management Services (DMS) is the primary provider of business, workforce, and technology services to Florida’s Government. DMS serves those that serve Florida, working every day to create efficiencies, value, and sustainable cost savings for Florida taxpayers. DMS was created in 1993 after the Departments of Administration and General Services merged to improve services and reduce administrative overhead.

Business Operations and Workforce Operations are the two major service areas of DMS.

Business operations consist of:

Workforce operations consist of:

In 2022, Governor DeSantis appointed Pedro Allende as Secretary of DMS and Mr. Allende was confirmed by the Florida Senate during the 2021-2022 legislative session. Secretary Allende is responsible for the oversight of DMS’s $1 billion budget and the 1,000 employees within DMS.

He previously served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Infrastructure, Risk and Resilience Policy with the Office of Strategy, Policy and Plans at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In this role, he led policy development to protect U.S. critical infrastructure against cyber, physical and natural threats, oversaw policy efforts to increase federal and state local preparedness, response and recovery capabilities.

Prior to his role at the DHS, Secretary Allende served as Senior Adviser and Director of Strategic Initiatives in the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response at the U.S. Department of Energy, and as Counselor to the Secretary and White House Liaison at the U.S. Department of Labor.

In the private sector, he practiced law at a national firm where he cofounded the firm’s data privacy and cybersecurity practice and litigated class action lawsuits and cross-border disputes.

Secretary Allende has two bachelor’s degree in political science and economics, a master’s degree in decision and information science, and a juris doctorate degree from the University of Florida.

For more information about the Florida Department of Management Services, click here.

Constituents of the Week

Rosemary Barton & Jennifer Barton

Our constituents of the week are Jennifer Barton and Rosemary Barton.

Jennifer Barton and Rosemary Barton are truly a mother and daughter dream team. Thirteen years ago they joined together on a mission to better the lives of seniors in our community by establishing Seniors Helping Seniors.

Rosemary began working in the insurance industry in 1977. Years later, she became the caregiver to her parents and realized a greater calling. She was then challenged, and rewarded, with caring for her older siblings, family, and friends. These experiences served as motivation to achieve her personal mission to serve seniors.

“As the youngest of seven children, with aging parents who had poor health, I became a caregiver at a very young age,” said Rosemary. “When my daughter, Jennifer, came to me with the idea to start providing caregiving services to seniors in our community, it just made perfect sense.”

Jennifer had a similar intuitive experience after caring for her mother-in-law.

“I had spent a lot of time caring for my mother-in-law after she had two surgeries. While I was running to doctors’ appointments, doing errands, and sitting at lunch surrounded by seniors, I realized that this was no burden at all, I was really enjoying myself!”

Jennifer is a former Brevard County School teacher and earned her Master’s Degree from the University of Central Florida. In addition to being a co-owner of Seniors Helping Seniors, Jennifer is very active in the community serving on the board of non-profits and as the Public Information Officer for Brevard County TRIAD, which is a partnership with the State Attorney’s office, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, and local police to enhance the quality of life of seniors. Jennifer is active in the Space Coast Walk to End Alzheimer’s and a member of the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church.

Together, Jennifer and Rosemary creatively established an opportunity to employ and carefully match seniors wanting to help other seniors in need of basic services. This unique peer-to-peer assistance allows seniors to receive care from someone they could trust and with whom they can build a friendship.

The services provided by Seniors Helping Seniors include:

Light housekeeping
Transportation
Grocery shopping
Gardening
Meal preparation
Bill paying
Computer assistance
Laundry
Companionship

District 19 is grateful for Rosemary Barton and Jennifer Barton for combining their experience, talents, and compassion to be of great service to seniors in our community.

District Highlights

Brevard Schools Foundation and Embraer Foundation Partner with Eau Gallie High School’s Aviation Training Program

Brevard Schools Foundation, Embraer Foundation and the Eau Gallie High School Aviation training program have partnered to educate and train the next generation of aviation mechanics. Embraer Foundation provided a $12,500 grant to fund program services, supplies, tools, and equipment. The students in the Aviation Maintenance Technology program of Eau Gallie High School, which is led by Mr. William McInnish, will gain the foundational knowledge and skills to become entry level aviation technicians and assemblers.

“As one of the leading companies in the aerospace industry, Embraer is focused on innovation and education. Education has always been at the core of our social responsibility initiatives and this program reinforces that commitment – not only to inspiring youth through aviation, but to developing a high-performing and diverse talent pipeline,” said Monica Newman McCluney, head of Corporate Social Responsibility and the Embraer Foundation for the US. “These students are the future of our industry, and we are honored to provide additional resources to help them grow and succeed.”

For more information about the program call 321-633-1000 or email [email protected].

Vero Beach Prayer Breakfast with Tim Tebow

Last Thursday, over 2,000 people joined together for the 19th annual Vero Beach Prayer Breakfast at Riverside Park where Tim Tebow, former NFL and MBA player, served as the keynote speaker. The annual event provides an opportunity for a morning of prayer, inspirational music, and reflection.

As quarterback, Tim Tebow, 35, led the University of Florida Gators to the national championship in 2006 and 2008, He is also a Heisman Trophy winner, first-round NFL draft pick, and a former professional baseball player. He played professional football for the Denver Broncos and New York Jets, and later signed to play professional baseball for the New York Mets organization.

Currently his work revolves around the Tim Tebow Foundation, which assists children with life-threatening illnesses in more than 70 countries throughout the world.

The first Vero Beach Prayer Breakfast took place in 2005 and provided spiritual comfort after Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne destruction.

To learn more about the Vero Beach Prayer Breakfast, click here.

Upcoming Events

American POW MIA Monument to be Unveiled in Sebastian

On Sunday, February 26th at 1:00 p.m. the Sons of the American Legion Squad 189 will unveil the new American POW-MIA Monument at Riverview Park (US 1 and County Road 512) in Sebastian. The event will take place at the Riverview Park flag pole.

The monument is dedicated to the honor of the over 82,000 American POW-MIAs still unaccounted for since World War I. Organizers are dedicated to ensuring these brave patriots are remembered throughout history.

The event is open to the public. Individuals and families with children are encouraged to attend.

For more information, contact the Sons of the American Legion-Squad 189 here.

Titusville Community Bicycle Rodeo

Park Avenue Baptist Church, Titusville Fire and Police Departments, and the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization will host the Titusville Community Bicycle Rodeo on Saturday, February 25th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The event will take place at the Park Avenue Baptist Church located at 2600 South Park Avenue in Titusville. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.

Registration in advance is required and can be completed here.

The Bicycle Rodeo is designed for beginner bike riders who have some experience and want to work on their skills in a safe and fun environment on a closed course. This event will not teach children how to ride a bicycle. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bike; however, loaner bikes will also be available. Organizers also advise participants to wear closed toed shoes. Attendees will have the opportunity to have their helmet fitted or receive a new helmet, and a take-home goodie bag (while supplies last.)

Brightline Construction Continues at Eau Gallie Boulevard

As part of Brightline’s ongoing high-speed rail project, the railroad tracks at Eau Gallie Boulevard will remain closed through Monday, February 27th until 7:00 p.m.

Detour Information:

Eastbound Eau Gallie Blvd. traffic will be directed to travel south on Apollo Blvd. to Sarno Rd., travel east on Sarno Rd. to US-1 and travel north on US-1 to Eau Gallie Blvd.
Westbound Eau Gallie Blvd. traffic will be directed to travel south on US-1 to Sarno Rd., travel west on Sarno Rd to Apollo Blvd. and travel north on Apollo Blvd to Eau Gallie Blvd.

For updates on railroad construction and traffic disruptions, click here.

56th Annual Grant Seafood Festival

The 56th Annual Grant Seafood Festival will be held Saturday, March 4th from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 5th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The main festival grounds are located at 4580 1st Street in Grant. Admission and parking are free. Food and event tickets are available for purchase. Over 125 arts and crafts vendors will be on exhibit, in addition to live entertainment and a vast variety of local seafood.

Additional parking is available at the Valkaria Airport (1 Pilots Place in Valkaria). Free shuttles will run on a continuous loop from the festival grounds on Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Please note event restrictions include: No pets other than service dogs in a distinguished collar or vest; no coolers, no tents (canopies or pop-up tents), no umbrellas, and no overnight parking.

For more information, please click here.

Brevard County Advocacy Trip to Tallahassee Scheduled for March 21st to March 23rd

Representatives of several Brevard County City Chambers of Commerce, citizens groups, and residents will travel to Tallahassee for a three-day advocacy trip beginning March 21st thru March 23rd. The purpose of the advocacy trip is to meet with the Brevard County’s members of the Florida Legislature and receive session updates as well as discussing issues that are important to our county and state.

In addition to the legislative meetings, the organizers of the 2023 Brevard County Advocacy Trip have many festivities planned including an evening reception on March 22nd and a Brevard Day luncheon on March 23rd. The full agenda will be provided upon registration.

Space is limited, registration discounts end on February 27th, and all registrations must be completed by Monday, March 13th. Contact Sam Salonen at 321-724-5400 x 244 or [email protected] with questions.

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