State Senator Debbie Mayfield – Mayfield Minute 12/10/23

Dec 10 2023

State Senator Debbie Mayfield – Mayfield Minute 12/10/23

Good Morning!

Last Thursday, December 7th marked the 82nd anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor which changed our nation forever.

On Sunday, December 7, 1941 at approximately 8:00 a.m., the nation of Japan launched a devastating and unexpected brutal air attack on the United States Pearl Harbor Naval Base near Honolulu, Hawaii.

The invasion killed 2,300 American service members and over 1,100 civilians. More than 300 American planes and 20 naval vessels, including eight battleships, were damaged or completely destroyed.

The following day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war on Japan in a memorable six-hour speech to a joint session of the United States Senate and the House of Representatives.

“Yesterday, December 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy, the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan,” declared President Roosevelt.

Congress approved the request and Japan’s unprovoked attack on Pearl Harbor catapulted the United States into the World War II conflict. America’s involvement lasted approximately four years and ended in our nation’s official defeat of Japan. Victory of Japan (VJ-Day) was celebrated on September 2, 1945 when Japan signed surrender documents aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay.

Survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack and World War II are most likely centenarians today. No matter how many years have passed, may we continue to inform our children and grandchildren of the history of the Pearl Harbor attack. May we always remember and cherish our Veterans for their sacrifice and celebrate them as their heroism inspires generations of young Americans to follow in their courageous footsteps.

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!

Statewide Update

Governor DeSantis Releases 2024-2025 “Focus on Florida’s Future” Budget Recommendations

The “Focus on Florida’s Future” budget totals $114.4 billion, over $4.6 billion less than the 2023-2024 budget. Governor DeSantis also announced the State has $16.3 billion in reserves available for unforeseen economic issues.

Proposed budget highlights include:

Tax Cuts: $1.1 billion in tax breaks, including six sales-tax holidays to save residents on fall and spring Back-to-School supplies, two disaster preparedness holidays, a 3-month Freedom Summer sales tax exemption, and a 7-day Tool Time sales tax holiday; $409 million for a one-year exemption on certain taxes, fees and assessments on property-insurance policies; $22 million to provide an exemption on insurance premium taxes on flood-insurance policies; $37 million to permanently eliminate sales taxes on over-the-counter pet medications
Environment: $745 million for Everglades restoration efforts; $157 million to brace against rising sea levels and to protect coral reefs; $100 million for the Florida Forever Land Conservation program; $20 million for citrus research; $100 million for the Rural and Family Lands Protection program
Transportation: $14.5 billion for transportation projects with $630 million for the second year of the $7 billion “Moving Florida Forward” program affecting 20 projects across the state in Central Florida and Interstate 75 between Wildwood and Ocala
Property Insurance: $109 million to replenish the My Safe Florida Home program to help residents make home improvements to reduce insurance premiums
Law Enforcement: $87 million to upgrade correctional facilities; $100 million to harden the state’s cybersecurity framework; $10 million for security at houses of worship, schools and community centers threatened by Antisemitism
Florida Military: $57 million for the Florida State Guard; $157 million for the second year of upgrades at Camp Blanding; $3 million for $1,000 bonuses to current and former members of the Florida National Guard
Education: $27.8 billion for public schools and voucher programs, a $175 boost to per-student funding in public schools over the current year; $200 million increase for teacher pay
Seniors: $6 million for the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative; $2 million in additional funding for the Florida Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence; $15 million for increased community care and home care for the elderly

The Governor’s Office will present the proposed budget before the full Senate Appropriations Committee on December 12th. The Senate and House will be drafting their own proposed budgets for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 over the next 60 days.

In depth highlights of the 2024-2025 “Focus on Florida’s Future” budget can be viewed here.

Senate Update

Senate Committee on Commerce and Tourism

Senate Bill 196 sponsored by Senator Corey Simon passed the Senate Committee on Commerce and Tourism. SB 196 removes burdensome restrictions on regional economic development organizations and increases access to rural development funding.

This legislation removes matching requirements on rural development grants allowing for fiscally constrained counties and regions to receive critical funding for economic development. SB 196 aims to improve the quality of life in rural communities without the need for burdensome taxes.

Ensuring that Florida’s rural communities have the necessary tools to establish diverse, resilient economies is critically important for families, farmers, and family-owned businesses in rural communities.

Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security

Senate Memorial 226 sponsored by Senator Tom Wright passed the Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security. Senate Memorial 226 urges the United States Congress to expand the Florida National Guard’s Force Allocation.

Florida is the 3rd most populous state in the country and outpaces the nation in net in-migration, yet has only 12,000 soldiers and airmen in our National Guard. This amounts to a ratio of one guardsman for every 1,833 Floridians. Due to Florida’s active hurricane season and the consistent need for mobilization, it is clear that an increased National Guard Force Allocation is critical to effectively respond to disasters and ensure the safety of Floridians.

Senate Committee on Health Policy

Senate Bill 66 sponsored by Senator Jason Brodeur passed the Senate Committee on Health Policy. SB 66 creates “Victoria’s Law” to raise awareness of the dangers of opioid addiction and the availability of medical treatments to reverse the effects of opioid overdose.

Throughout the first six months of 2022, Florida experienced almost 4,000 deaths from opioid overdoses. The Fentanyl that flows across America’s wide-open southern border is a leading cause of these deaths.

This legislation encourages the Florida Department of Health to hold events to boost attention relating to the dangers of an opioid overdose and how to administer Naloxone (Narcan), an emergency opioid antagonist which reverses the life-threatening effects of opioid overdose. SB 66 also allows the Governor to designate June 6 as Naloxone Awareness Day.

Constituent of the Week

Ms. Tracy Frampton

Our Constituent of the Week is Ms. Tracy Frampton, Executive Director of the Florida Wildlife Hospital (FWH).

Ms. Frampton obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Zoology from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and has worked in the field for 28 years. During that time, she was employed by four different accredited American zoos and aquariums, and worked with a wide spectrum of species as small as endangered insects and as large as elephants.

Ms. Frampton also worked at the Brevard Zoo for 10 years, starting as the part-time animal registrar while raising her two young daughters. When her daughters started school, she transitioned to full-time and became the Conservation Coordinator. Her assignments included several local projects such as leading butterfly surveys, translocating and monitoring Florida Scrub Jays, and reintroducing the Perdido Key beach mice to their historic habitat and native colony.

In 2015, Ms. Frampton was selected to serve as the Executive Director of the FWH. She is a steadfast proponent of the wildlife hospital’s mission of “Keeping Wildlife Wild.”

Recently, the Florida Today selected the FWH as a top finalist in their Organization of the Year and Volunteer of the Year categories. Earlier this year, Ms. Frampton was recognized by the Orlando Business Journal as an Honoree for their annual “Women Who Mean Business” award. Under her leadership, this past October recently the FWH also received the WESH News Channel 2 “Getting Results Award” for their compassionate care and rehabilitation of an average of over 5,000 animals annually.

Aside from these recognitions, Ms. Frampton humbly stated, “It’s rewarding to know that we not only help the animals that may be sick, orphaned, or injured, but we also help people when they don’t know where to turn.”

The FWH, located in Palm Shores, is celebrating its 50th year on Florida’s Space Coast. It is the only facility of its kind in Brevard County dedicated to rehabilitating and releasing local wildlife, including native reptiles, mammals, and birds including migratory birds. The hospital employs 15 and has 80 volunteers serving vulnerable animals free of charge 365 days a year. The average length of stay per patient is approximately nine weeks, yet some may be released earlier while others may require treatment for four to six months or longer.

Ms. Frampton resides in Cocoa with her husband, Jon Brangan, Deputy Director of Brevard Zoo, various family members, and her two dogs. She enjoys camping, hiking, bird watching, and training dogs in agility.

Ms. Frampton and her dedicated and selfless team of life saving rescuers at the Florida Wildlife Hospital are truly appreciated in District 19.

If you find an animal in need and need guidance on how to help, click here.

In celebration of the FWH’s 50^th anniversary and their next 50 years, you can assist with a one-time gift or start a monthly or annual membership by clicking here.

District Highlights

Cocoa High School Defeats Bradford High School in State Championship Football Game

The Cocoa High School Tigers won their sixth Florida High School Athletic Association state championship on Friday night in Tallahassee defeating the Bradford High School Tornadoes, 20-6. The Tigers also won state titles in 2022, 2016, 2010, 2009, and 2008.

Cocoa had a season record of 13-1 and entered the playoffs with the highest power rating in the state. Their road to the title game included defeats over Eustis, Dunnellon, South Sumter, and Booker high schools.

The Bradford High School Tornadoes (Starke, Florida) had a season record of 14-0.

Congratulations to Coach Schneider, the championship players, and the entire Cocoa High School campus community for another outstanding season.

Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization Discusses Railway Quiet Zones

The Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization (SCTPO) held a Quiet Zone workshop with the United States Department of Transportation and the Federal Rail Administration to inform local municipality and county representatives on how to apply for Quiet Zone status at rail crossings within their jurisdiction.

Mr. Rory Newton, Railroad Safety Inspector of the Federal Rail Administration, reviewed the requirements, responsibilities, risk assessment, and the code of federal regulations that must be met to successfully complete the U.S. DOT Crossing Inventory Form to establish a Quiet Zone.

The SCTPO workshop attracted a crowd of nearly 40 participants with questions centering around quality of life issues (quiet zones void of train horns) and public safety (notification of an oncoming train by train horns).

The next meeting has yet to be announced.

Space Coast Health Foundation Announces Daily Thrive 30-Day Mental Wellness Challenge

Last week in Tallahassee, I had the opportunity to meet with Johnette Gindling, President and CEO of the Space Coast Health Foundation (SCHF); Linda Dale, Foundation Chair; and Dr. Lori Parsons, Executive Director of the Lifetime Counseling Center, a program of Rockledge-based SCHF.

Research continues to prove that mental wellness impacts physical wellness. The Daily Thrive 30-Day Mental Wellness Challenge is designed to address this important connection.

SCHF’s 30-day free challenge is a series of quick, easy, and fun activities for you, your family, and employees. The goal is to reduce stress, enhance mood, boost energy, and increase resilience.

You can begin the 30-day Mental Wellness Challenge at any time. If you own a business or lead an organization and want a specific code to track how many employees are participating as part of this fun and healthy competition, email Dr. Parsons here.

To sign up for the Daily Thrive Mental Wellness Challenge, click here.

United Against Poverty (UAP) of Indian River Marks 20th Year of Service

United Against Poverty of Indian River recently celebrated their 20th year of service citing remarkable growth of their programs which help individuals and families lift themselves out of poverty.

Executive Director Matt Tanner credited the success of the organization to the collaboration and support of many key stakeholders.

“It all began when founders Austin and Ginny Hunt took a leap of faith to follow their dream of addressing poverty in our community,” said Mr. Tanner.

He added that most of the programs have been created from “scratch” by dedicated staff members who cultivated relationships to best serve the impoverished and those in greatest need.

Mr. Tanner said the organization is constantly stocked with enough food and household items to tackle food insecurity for well over 15,000 individuals and families every single year thanks to the generosity of the community.

Additionally, more than 400 adults have been hired through STEP, UAP’s Success Training Employment Program, which began five years ago.

For more information and to support their efforts and progress, contact UAP Indian River North at 772-562-5429 and UAP Indian River South at 772-770-4142.

Upcoming Events

UPDATE: National Wreaths Across America

Last week’s Mayfield Minute article on local National Wreaths Across America events is updated below:

Florida Memorial Gardens (5950 US-1) in Rockledge will hold their ceremony on Saturday, December 16th at 11:00 a.m. For more information, please contact 321-636-5054.

SNOW DAYS on the Space Coast

SNOW DAYS on the Space Coast is a two-day Christmas Festival that will be held at Sand Point Park (101 North Washington Avenue) in Titusville on Saturday, December 16th and Sunday, December 17th from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

General admission to SNOW DAYS at time of entry is $17.00 per person. Children three and under are free. Discounted tickets can be purchased online for $15.00 here.

Special activities include:

Real snow, snow slides, snow ball arena
Hayrides, kids crafts, and the annual “Elf Scavenger Hunt”
Mega darts, bumper balls, Santa Sumo, jumbo games
Food and beverage vendors
Photo opportunities Santa
Mechanical reindeer rides (Sunday only)

All activities are included in the price of admission and food and beverages are available for purchase.

Junny the Red Nose Bloodhound’s 1st Annual Christmas Light Fest

The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Charity, Inc., in partnership with BCSO and Brevard County will hold its 1st annual “Junny the Red Nose Bloodhound’s Christmas Light Fest.” Visitors can drive thru Junny’s Amazing Christmas Light Display at the BCSO Jail Complex (855 Camp Road) in Cocoa on December 16th and 17th and December 21st, 22nd, and 23rd from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. each night. K-9 Deputy Junny is Sheriff Ivey’s loyal working partner.

Sheriff Ivey said that the event came to fruition quickly after the Space Coast Light Fest in Palm Bay had been canceled for this holiday season.

“It’s a staple of our Christmas community here, you know,” Ivey said. “So when I saw it had been canceled, I thought, man, there’s a lot of kids that are going to be disappointed, a lot of family memories that won’t happen now because of it. So I reached out to our charity team, and our crime prevention community relations team, and said, ‘Can we pull this off?’ They said, ‘Absolutely, we can pull it off.’ So we kind of hinted that we’re not going to let the Grinch steal Christmas here in Brevard,” Ivey said.

Tickets for the event can be purchased here.

Limited Spots Remain for the State Capitol Advocacy Trip (“Brevard Days”) to Tallahassee

The annual two-day State Capitol Advocacy Trip (commonly known as Brevard Days) will take place on Tuesday, January 30th thru Wednesday, January 31st.

Annually, the various city Chambers of Commerce in Brevard County join together for the opportunity to hear from state policymakers and key individuals in the legislative process. Attendees will also tour various Tallahassee landmarks and observe the legislature in action.

The price per participant is $525 and includes charter bus transportation, most meals, hotel accommodations, meetings, and admission to all Brevard Day events.

Organizers highly recommend registering as soon as possible here as the trip is expected to reach the capacity of 50 registrants.

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