Good Morning!

Through an act of Congress on January 28, 1915 the United States Coast Guard (USCG) was officially established which resulted in the merger between the Revenue Gutter Service and the Life-Saving Service. For the first time, the nation had one single consolidated maritime service dedicated to saving lives at sea and enforcing national maritime laws.

The USCG’s history of service began in 1790 when the first Congress authorized the construction of ten vessels to enforce tariff and trade laws and to prevent smuggling. In 1915 the USCG’s responsibilities expanded to include maritime navigation through the operation of the nation’s lighthouses, licensing and regulation of the safety of merchant vessels, administration of bridges, and carrying out the enormous challenge of defending the homeland on our waterways.

The USCG operates as part of the Department of Homeland Security, serving as the nation’s front-line agency for enforcing our laws at sea, protecting marine environments and commercial maritime interests, the coastline and ports, and performing life-saving rescues. In times of war, or at the direction of the President, the USCG serves under the Navy Department. 

Nearly 50,000 Americans serve on active duty in the USCG every day and their life risking duties to secure our nation are commendable and truly appreciated.

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

Florida Remains #1 Destination for Seniors in Retirement

Last week, Governor DeSantis announced Florida’s #1 ranking as the best ‘state to retire’ and the state’s #1 ranking for ‘quality of life’ for seniors among all 50 states, according to a study by WalletHub. Florida’s attributes in attracting seniors include the state’s favorable tax structure, affordable health services available for seniors, low crime rate, multitude of social and family attractions available, and record economic growth.  

“Florida’s strong economy and low taxes create opportunities for families which is why Florida continues to lead the nation in net in-migration,” said Governor DeSantis. “We are proud to be the top destination for retirement.”

Florida ranked #4 for affordability for seniors in comparison to other states:

• New York ranked #44 overall among best states to retire, with an affordability ranking of #50 for seniors.
• California ranked #17 overall, with an affordability ranking of #33 for seniors.
• Georgia ranked #10 overall, with an affordability ranking of #10 for seniors.
• Texas ranked #32 overall, with an affordability ranking of #25 for seniors.

Statewide High School Graduation Rates Set New Record

The recently announced 2022-23 Florida high school graduation rates represent a new record of 88% high school graduates completing their education, an increase of .7% over the previous school year.

Other statewide graduation rate highlights include:

• 4.9% increase among students with disabilities, rising to 85.5%
• 1.7% increase among black or African American students, rising to 83.2%
• 7.2% increase among American Indian or Alaska Native students (a five-year increase), rising to 84.7%
• .09% increase among Hispanic students, rising to 86.8%
• .09% increase among economically disadvantaged students, rising to 83.8%

For more on Florida’s 2022-23 graduation rates, click here. 

Ribbon Cutting for First Cell of the Everglades Agricultural Storm Water Treatment Held

Last week, a ribbon cutting took place for the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA), a 6,500 acre storm water treatment area which will store and clean water flowing from Lake Okeechobee.  

“The EAA Reservoir is the crown jewel of Everglades restoration, ensuring that we are sending water south and reducing harmful discharges into our waterways,” said Governor DeSantis. “The opening of this storm water treatment cell is a key milestone in the EAA Reservoir project and will help ensure the health of the Everglades for generations to come.”

Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Shawn Hamilton added, “Restoring America’s Everglades is one of the most ambitious hydrological restoration projects ever undertaken and will restore the natural flow of clean water south to where it’s needed most.”

Since 2019, more than 65 Everglades restoration projects have been completed or have broken ground – the most in state history as a result of record investments by Governor DeSantis.  He has also $1.1 billion in his Focus on Florida’s Future budget proposal to further Everglades restoration.

For more details on the EAA Reservoir project, click here.

Senate Update

Senate Committee on Rules

SCR 324 and SCR 326, presented by Senator Blaise Ingolia, passed the Senate Committee on Rules favorably.

SCR 324 calls on the Congress of the United States to hold a convention for the sole purpose of proposing an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to require a balanced federal budget. 

SCR 326 calls on the Congress of the United States to hold a convention for the sole purpose of proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution to set a limit on the number of terms to which a person may be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. 

Each bill references Article V of the U.S. Constitution which allows amendments upon two-thirds votes of the U.S. House and Senate subject to ratification by three-fourths of the states, or else upon the call of two-thirds (34) of the states to open a convention, also subject to ratification by three-fourths (38) of the states.

The Florida Constitution requires the state to balance its budget annually and has long imposed eight-year term limits for members of the Florida House and Florida Senate. Currently, the federal government is not required to balance its budget allowing for tremendous deficits, and the U.S. Constitution only requires term limits (two four-year terms) for presidents.

SCR 324 and SCR 326 have been placed on the Senate Calendar for Second Reading.

Senate Committee on Judiciary

Senate Bill 1276, sponsored by Senator Jay Collins, passed the Senate Judiciary Committee with unanimous support. This legislation takes a strong stance against bad actors within third party litigation financing groups that compromise the integrity of the judicial system when hedge funds and other financiers operate in the shadows through influencing legal strategy, funding frivolous lawsuits, and exposing our nation and state to undue foreign influence.

SB 1276 continues Florida’s legacy of governing in the sunshine by protecting the integrity of Florida’s judicial system, empowering Floridians’ rights as litigants, and enhancing transparency and accountability for litigation financiers and investors who try to influence our courts for their gain.

The next stop for SB 1276 is the Senate Committee on Fiscal Policy.

Senate Committee on Criminal Justice

Senate Bill 1222, sponsored by Senator Jay Trumbull passed the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice with strong support.

SB 1222 enhances criminal penalties for theft under certain circumstances, specifically for looters who participate in “smash-and-grab” theft where offenders steal thousands of dollars of merchandise, physically overpower store employees, potentially resulting in injuries and placing retailors at additional liability for employee safety.

This legislation also strengthens criminal penalties for “porch pirating”, where a thief brazenly steals a package or packages left outside an individual’s home. In 2022, an estimated 260 million packages, worth $19.5 billion were stolen via “porch pirating”.

SB 1222 provides for increased penalties for those who commit retail crimes in coordination with five or more people and/or if these crimes are coordinated through social media.

The next stop for SB 1222 is the Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice.

Senate Committee on Health Policy

Senate Bill 644, sponsored by Senator Corey Simon passed the Senate Committee on Health Policy with unanimous support. This legislation expands access to health care in rural communities throughout Florida and builds upon the Live Healthy Legislative package passed off the Senate Floor last week.  

SB 644 allows for rural emergency hospitals to enter into contracts that increase the funding they are eligible to receive through reimbursements and requires health insurance companies to provide coverage for services performed in rural emergency hospitals.

The next stop for SB 644 is the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services.

Senate Committee on Government Oversight and Accountability

Senate Bill 796, sponsored by Senator Bryan Avila, passed the Senate Committee on Government Oversight and Accountability with unanimous support. This legislation is the next step in Florida’s fight against human trafficking through enhanced awareness and training policies and requirements.

SB 796 targets Florida’s efforts to combat human trafficking and specifically adds additional community involvement for the State’s support of the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking and increases awareness of Florida’s Human Trafficking Hotline.

Under SB 796, public lodging establishments are required to provide human trafficking awareness training to all employees who regularly interact with guests, and the bill also requires that companies who maintain state contracts to attest that they do not utilize any coercion of labor. 

Florida has been an unfortunate hotspot for this horrific crime, third only to Texas and California as a result of the federal government’s failure to act to secure the southern border.

The next stop for SB 796 is the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice.

Constituent of the Week

Our Constituent of the Week is Fireman Amy M. Hagan, United States Coast Guard Station Port Canaveral.

Fireman (FN) Amy M. Hagan is currently assigned to Coast Guard Station Port Canaveral and serves in the Starboard Duty Section as an engineer, boat crew member, Boarding Team Member, and communications watchstander. Her collateral duties include Secretary for the unit’s Leadership Diversity Advisory Council and she is a member of the unit Honor Guard.

FN Hagan grew up in Sherwood, Oregon and attended Portland Community College. She earned her bachelor’s degree at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles with an original desire to pursue acting. She appeared in various commercials and some feature films.  

Putting acting aside, FN Hagan followed her other passions which include military service and strength and endurance competitions. She qualified for the Boston Marathon and has placed or won numerous races and strongman competitions. In September 2022, she joined the United States Coast Guard and was assigned to Station Port Canaveral where she has been a stand-out Fireman.

FN Hagan has received three Meritorious Team Commendations since reporting to Station Port Canaveral. Each award has highlighted her dedicated involvement in unit volunteering activities, exceptional performance of duties as Color Guard for the Marine Safety Unit Change of Command ceremony, and her commitment to the expansion of the Port Canaveral Auxiliary Culinary Assistance Team. She also volunteers for the solemn duty of supporting families at military funerals and the more inspiring tasks of meeting with high school students and ROTC cadets as they seek future careers in military service.

Last week, FN Hagan was selected as the “Enlisted Person of the Year” by Chief Warrant Officer 3, Phillip DaWalt III, United States Coast Guard Commanding Officer Station Port Canaveral, in recognition of her outstanding professionalism, successful partnering initiatives, unwavering determination, and for serving as a strong advocate in the recruitment of future members of the USCG.  

In his commendation letter to FN Hagan, Chief Warrant Officer Dawalt stated, “You are commended for your outstanding performance of duty. By your meritorious service you have upheld the highest traditions of the United State Coast Guard.” 

FN Hagan has also been selected to report to CGC GLEN HARRIS at the Naval Support Activity in Bahrain on June 1, 2024 where she will be stationed for 12 months. FN Hagan’scareer goal is to become a Public Affairs Specialist and possibly apply for Officer Candidate School.

District 19 is grateful for her noble service and excited for her future contributions accomplishments. 

District Highlights

In its 95th Year, Melbourne Airport Reaches Milestone of Nearly 749,000 Travelers in 2023

The Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) recently released their December 2023 activity report indicating record passenger activity of just under 749,000 total passengers last year.

“We are thrilled with MLB’s 2023 performance. Under the guidance of the Melbourne Airport Authority Board and with the incredible efforts of our team, we provided exceptional air travel experiences to nearly three-quarter-million individuals. I cannot underscore the pride we feel in this accomplishment as we look forward to the year ahead,” said MLB Executive Director Greg Donovan.

In the last year, MLB recently completed a $72 million terminal renovation and expansion project adding 86,000 in square feet of new facilities including a welcome center, new passenger boarding bridges, food, beverage, and retail offerings, an expanded international baggage claim, a four-times larger TSA passenger screening space, and four new sets of bathrooms.

Additional capital improvement projects are slated for 2024, including the installation of an innovative in-line baggage system, new escalator, and enhanced security systems. All improvements are being accomplished with transportation specific grants and airport generated revenue.

The full report is available here.

Indian River County Highlights Organizations Fighting Human Trafficking

Recently, the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) recognized the Florida Faith Alliance and Catch the Wave of Hope for consistently raising awareness of human trafficking and for providing services and therapy for victims of human trafficking.

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has made eradicating human trafficking paramount to her service as the chief law enforcement officer of our state. She is committed to making Florida a zero-tolerance state for human trafficking.

According to the U.S. Department of State, there are an estimated 27.6 million victims of human trafficking worldwide at any given time. Victims of human trafficking include children, women, and men who are subjected to sexual exploitation or forced labor through force, fraud, or coercion. Human trafficking knows no borders whether physical or virtual. It is a heinous crime that is a threat to our communities.

There are many organizations throughout our state like Florida Faith Alliance and Catch the Wave of Hope that are working hard in support of AG Moody’s eradication efforts.

Please see more information below about both organizations:

Florida Faith Alliance

The mission of the Florida Faith Alliance is to ignite churches, synagogues, businesses, organizations, and schools and work with law enforcement to fight child sex trafficking.

Next Event: Florida Faith Alliance free Awareness Presentation

Date: Tuesday, January 30th from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Location: Indian River Shores Community Center, 6001 Florida A1A

For more information, click here or email [email protected]. 

Catch the Wave of Hope

The Catch the Wave of Hope organization has a mission to prevent the sex trafficking of children through awareness, education, restoration, and legislation. Their vision is to be an empowering voice and defender of sexually trafficked children.

To join in their efforts, visit here or call (772) 291-2222.

Upcoming Events

City of West Melbourne to Hold State of the City Luncheon

The “State of West Melbourne” luncheon event will take place on Wednesday, February 7th from 11:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Promise in Brevard (4105 Norfolk Parkway) in West Melbourne. Presentations by Mayor Pat Bentley and City Manager Tim Rhode will include the latest news, updates, and future plans.

The admission fee is $35.00 for non-members of the Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce and $40 for guests registered by Friday, February 2nd. Lunch is included.

The City of West Melbourne was established in 1959 and had a population of nearly 26,000 as of the 2020 U.S. Census.

To register for the “State of West Melbourne” luncheon, click here.

Kennedy Under the Stars After Hours Event

Tickets are now on sale for the Kennedy Under the Stars event which will be held at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (Space Commerce Way) in Merritt Island on Friday, February 2nd from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Space-themed costumes are encouraged and guests will have access to all main campus attractions and experiences like Space Shuttle Atlantis, Shuttle Launch Experience, Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex, Spaceport KSC, and more.

There will be a glow-in-the-dark DJ-led techno party, Cosmic Glow Miniature Golf, and Veteran NASA astronauts Chris Ferguson and Nicole Stott as featured guests. 

Tickets are $65.00 per person and parking is free. Annual pass holders will receive discounts on food and a 30% discount on all retail items.

To purchase tickets online, click here.

Space Coast Strawberry Fest

The annual Space Coast Strawberry Festival will take place on Saturday, February 3rd and Sunday, February 4th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Space Coast Daily Park (5775 Stadium Parkway) in Viera. 

The two-day outdoor family friendly festival is ideal for those seeking an affordable and healthy entertainment experience in our community. Admission is $6.00 and re-entry is permitted.

For the full schedule of events and more information, click here.

Brevard Zoo’s Manatee Mosey 3K

The Brevard Zoo’s Manatee Mosey 3K will take place on Saturday, February, 10th from 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. The Manatee Mosey at Brevard Zoo is celebrating its 18th year providing a unique opportunity that blends athleticism and a wildlife experience. 

Runners, walkers, and “mosey-ers” are all welcome and please see important information below before you attend:

• Register here early. The event will be capped at 1,500 participants and is known to sell out.
• Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Individual registration is $35.00 before February 1st and $40.00 after February 1st.
• Kid’s registration is $20.00 before February 1st and $25.00 after February 1st.
• Parking for the race will open at 6:00 a.m., with gates closing at 7:00 a.m. The race begins at 7:30 a.m.

Registration for the Indian River Council Envirothon Program and Competition is Now Open

Envirothon is a national environmental and natural resource education program and competition that encourages students to learn about aquatic ecology, forestry, soils and land use, wildlife, and current environmental issues. 

The Indian River Lagoon Envirothon regional competition will take place Wednesday, March 6th beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the Environmental Learning Center (255 Live Oak Drive) in Vero Beach. However, demand is high and space is limited. Teams must

register by Wednesday, February 14th.

The Indian River Lagoon Envirothon includes middle and high school teams from Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin and Okeechobee counties. Winning teams will compete in

the statewide Florida Envirothon competition (in April), and winning teams from the state competitions will compete in the National Envirothon competition (in July).

Envirothon is the largest environmental competition in North America, involving over 500,000 high school students each year. The international competition hosts over 600 students, advisors, volunteers, and parents from the U.S. and nine Canadian provinces.

Teams compete for over $125,000 in scholarships and Canon technology products.

Environthon teams can be established through public, private, and charter middle and high schools, youth clubs, and community groups. For more information and to register your team, 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

Ian Nolan

Samantha Scaringe