State Senator Debbie Mayfield – Mayfield Minute 1/7/24

Jan 7 2024

State Senator Debbie Mayfield – Mayfield Minute 1/7/24

Good Morning!

Happy New Year! I hope 2024 brings you joy, good health, and many blessings.

As I begin my final session as your State Senator, I’m grateful and humbled to have represented you the last eight years. The Florida Legislature will convene on Tuesday, January 9th at 9:30 a.m. for the Opening Day of the 2024 Legislative Session. At 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Governor DeSantis will deliver his annual “State of the State” address. Our opening session as well as the “State of the State” address can be viewed in real time on the Florida Channel here, or can be found in the Florida Channel archive here.

This session we will be addressing several key issues including artificial intelligence, the state budget, healthcare, hurricane recovery, insurance, workforce shortages, tax free holidays, the impact of social media, K-12 public schools, and state college accountability, among many other issues important to Floridians.

Please see the Senate Update below for more details regarding these issues.

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

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

In recognition of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Attorney General Ashley Moody has provided information on available resources and tips to help parents keep children safe from online predators and traffickers.

AG Moody said, “We have enlisted thousands of Floridians in our fight to end human trafficking. If you have not joined this vital cause yet, there is no better time to get involved than National Human Trafficking Prevention Month.”

In the United States, approximately 40% of sex trafficking victims are recruited online. Be vigilant and safeguard your children with these actions:

Open Communication: Foster open and honest conversations with children about online activities and potential risks;
Educate About Online Safety: Teach children about the dangers of sharing personal information online and the importance of privacy settings;
Monitor Online Activity: Regularly monitor and supervise children’s online interactions and the platforms they use; and
Encourage Reporting Suspicious Online Encounters: Emphasize the significance of reporting any suspicious or uncomfortable online encounters to a trusted adult.

To learn how to identify and report human trafficking, visit YouCanStopHT.com or call law enforcement in Florida at 1(855) FLA-SAFE.

FDA Approves Florida’s Request to Import Drugs From Canada

Florida was one of the first states to file a request and the first state to receive approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration agency to import drugs from Canada. The state received approval to import medications for several ailments, including diabetes, Hepatitis C, mental illness, and HIV/AIDS.

“After years of federal bureaucrats dragging their feet, Florida will now be able to import low-cost, life-saving prescription drugs,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “It’s about time that the FDA put patients over politics and the interests of Floridians over Big Pharma.”

The medicines would be available for people who are on Medicaid, patients at health facilities managed by the Florida Department of Health, and inmates at correctional facilities.

Florida said it expects the plan to save taxpayers $180 million in just the first year.

The FDA’s approval for the program lasts two years after the first batch of drugs is imported.

For more information, click here.

Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nunez Highlights 2023 Accomplishments

“I am humbled to continue serving Floridians in our second term in office and I am proud to work alongside our great Governor Ron DeSantis,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “I look forward to many more accomplishments in 2024.”

Below are some highlights of the Lieutenant Governor’s accomplishments:

Space Florida

Florida was selected as the future home of the U.S. Space Force’s Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) headquarters and Space Delta 13, the force’s education and training branch.
Two successful state mission trips to the Space Symposium in Colorado Springs and the 54th Paris Air Show in France.

Cybersecurity

Local Government Cybersecurity Grant Program, Florida’s most bold and one-of-a-kind initiative in cybersecurity to date was established with a $30 million investment from legislative.
The grant allows local governments to augment and improve their cybersecurity capabilities, harden their digital infrastructure, help mitigate threats, strengthen response efforts, and connect local governments to the Cybersecurity Operations Center.

Military

“LG on Mission” was launched to to meet with Veterans and military personnel across the state to discuss how the state can continue to put their needs and their family’s needs at the forefront.
LG Nuñez also visited several of Florida’s Veterans’ nursing homes to learn about their needs, many of whom are World War II heroes.

Israel

Following the Hamas attack on Israel, a legislative proposal passed to increase Florida’s sanctions against the Iranian regime.
Rallies held throughout Florida condemning the terrorist attacks and demanding the safe return of all hostages.

Human Trafficking

The LG Nuñez partnered with FHP, FDLE, and others to interdict illicit trafficking activity on over 12,000 miles of Florida’s highways.
Legislation was signed to strengthen penalties for human traffickers, expand human trafficking awareness, and increase support and services for victims.

Florida’s First Acquisition of Permanent Rural Land Protection Easement Announced by Commissioner Wilton Simpson

Last week, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the first acquisition of a permanent rural land protection easement through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

The easement protects the Curren Dairy property, a 237-acre agriculture operation, in Okeechobee County through the department’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. Rural land protection easements prevent future development of the land and allow agriculture operations to continue to contribute to Florida’s economy and the production of food, timber, and other resources vital to the prosperity of Florida.

HB 1279, passed by the legislature in 2023, supports the department’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program by no longer requiring the department to submit a purchase agreement to the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund for approval for projects with a purchase price of less than $5 million.

Commissioner Simpson said the rural land protection easements “strengthen our food security through the protection of prime agricultural land, keep the protected property on the local tax rolls, and require every property owner to maintain the land and its natural resources according to best management practices.”

A story map of all completed Rural and Family Lands Protection Program projects can be viewed here.

Senate Update

The 2024 Florida Regular Legislative Session Begins Tuesday, January 9th

As we enter the 2024 Legislative Session, below is a summary of the many issues that will be introduced by the Florida Senate. Your feedback is important to me. Please contact my staff in Tallahassee (850-487-2019) or my staff in the District office (321-409-2025).

Education: The Senate expects to hear bills related to minimizing regulations in public school education by streamlining bureaucratic red tape on matters relating to testing, accountability, finances, and hiring decisions.

On the postsecondary level, bills have been filed that will penalize state university and college students supporting “foreign terrorist” organizations, such as Hamas. For example, the bills call for such students to be required to pay out-of-state tuition rates, which are higher than in-state rates.

Healthcare: The Live Healthy bill is comprehensive and targets improving healthcare accessibility, innovation, incentives to retain doctors in Florida, and taking steps to avert patients from choosing emergency rooms as their first option for treatment by increasing preventative care availability and addressing healthcare workforce shortages.

Insurance: The property insurance industry remains a challenge. While significant legislation has passed in the last couple years, much more needs to be done. The House and Senate will hear bills addressing the issue and concerns ranging from citizens with an inability to secure coverage, rate increases, and residents seeking to insure their homes through the Florida’s Citizens Property Insurance Corp.

State Budget: Governor DeSantis’ Framework for Freedom proposed $114.8 billion budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The budget addresses the Governor’s ongoing commitment to Florida’s K-12 students, parents and teachers, environmental resources, and law enforcement, and secures $6.9 billion in General Revenue. To view his full budget proposal, click here.

Storms: Hurricane Ian caused major destruction in South West Florida in 2022 and Hurricane Idalia hit North Florida in 2023. Each caused catastrophic damage in different regions of the state. The legislature will further address these impacts on homeowners, businesses, municipalities, and the farming and agriculture industries.

Taxes: The Governor’s budget includes six sales tax holidays expected to generate $1.1 billion in tax breaks for Florida families through the purchase of school supplies, hurricane and disaster preparation items, tools needed for workers in the construction and contractor industries, entertainment to enjoy State parks and other recreation activities in Florida, and more. The plan also provides $409 million for to give a one-year exemption for certain taxes, fees, and assessments on property-insurance policies.

Technology: Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to expand and while some embrace the new technology, others are skeptical. The legislature will likely hear issues about AI relating to political ads and whether necessary disclaimers are required in content generated by AI. Regarding social media, members of the legislature will consider limits on children’s access to social media platforms including age verification.

Teen Labor: Legislation designed to limit regulations for teens, ages 16 and 17, seeking an opportunity to work has been filed for the 2024 session. The bill seeks to modify child labor laws for teens over 16, and prevents restrictions that may be imposed by a local government.

Constituents of the Week

Stuart and Nancy Borton

Our Constituents of the Week are Nancy and Stuart Borton, local restaurant entrepreneurs. They recently celebrated their 25th as founders and owners of the Yellow Dog Café in Malabar.

The Borton’s opened the Yellow Dog Café to provide local residents and visitors to the community a restaurant specializing in “comfort food with a flair.” They quickly became a neighborhood and county-wide favorite for their unique menu, scenic location on the Indian River, and their staff’s friendly and professional service.

The history of the Yellow Dog Café is as interesting as the story of Stuart and Nancy Borton. Stuart and Nancy dreamed of owning a restaurant on the water. They discovered an old building on the Indian River Lagoon in Malabar, purchased it, quickly remodeled it in 1997, and welcomed their first customers in 1998. They have since added a riverfront covered porch, pier, a dock on the shoreline, and a landscaped area for weddings and special occasions.

Their culinary interests began long ago. Stuart is originally from Michigan and credits his mom for his interest in the food industry. While in the Army, he was stationed in Germany and Kansas. After leaving the Army, he settled in Australia where he began working in the insurance industry. Yet, his passion for the culinary field led him to purchase his first restaurant in the Australian city of Adelaide in an old Parliament building, and soon after he opened a second restaurant near Adelaide called Oxfords Café.

Nancy’s culinary interests began early in life too. From the age of 12, she was working in the culinary field serving assorted treats at the Grand View Ballroom in Menden, Massachusetts, and managing a grocery store kiosk. Her entrepreneurial spirit and experience in the food industry inspired her to take the next step in her professional career by earning a degree in restaurant business administration from the Worcester Fanning Trade School. She won several competitions for cake decorating and was class president in her senior year. Shortly after graduation, she was hired to manage The El Morocco Restaurant in Massachusetts.

Later, while vacationing back in the U.S., Stuart and Nancy had a chance meeting in Orlando and they married shortly thereafter. Together they opened a restaurant, The Steer Inn, in St. Louis, Michigan at the Michigan Livestock Exchange.

The cold weather left the Borton’s longing for Florida and in short order, they moved to the Micco area and opened Stuart’s Bistro, The Pizza Store, and ultimately the Yellow Dog Café in 1998.

Today, 25 years later, Stuart and Nancy still take on the daily challenges of owning and managing a thriving restaurant together. They divide and conquer the important tasks of menu perfection, food tasting, meal presentation, professional dining service, selecting décor, staffing, training, inventory, sales, and all other critical functions in running a

successful business. They also are well known in the community for their gracious support of many charities including Promise in Brevard.

Their success is enviable. The Yellow Dog Café was recently named one of Brevard County’s best local fine dining restaurants by Space Coast Living magazine. Florida

Travel and Life magazine featured their restaurant as one of the best tables with a view in the state of Florida. In Touch Magazine recently wrote about Yellow Dog Café: A legendary Florida restaurant cooks up one of the world’s best chicken dishes. Orlando Sentinel food reviewer Scott Joseph wrote that Yellow Dog Café is adrift in flavors along the river’s edge;

The views of the Indian River make Yellow Dog Café a scenic setting for a wonderful dining excursion.

To view the Yellow Dog Cafe’s iconic menu or make a reservation, click here.

District 19 is proud to congratulate Nancy and Stuart Borton on 25 years of success in Brevard County and we wish you both and the Yellow Dog Café another 25 years of blessings and prosperity!

District Highlights

New Year, New Opportunity! Melbourne Fire Department is Hiring

The Melbourne Fire Department (MFD) is actively hiring for new firefighters.

MFD describes the positions available as ‘careers of a lifetime and a way to serve our community.” Established over 105 years ago, the MFD has been protecting the 80,000 residents of the City of Melbourne since 1916.

Since 2022, the MFD has been designated an ISO Class 1 department, placing it among the top 1% of fire departments in the nation and the top 10% of fire departments in Florida. MFD was the first fire department in Brevard County to receive a Class 1 rating.

New hires will have the chance to advance their careers though training, promotions, and incentive pay. To learn more about the requirements to apply or to complete an application click here.

City of Rockledge Deputy Police Chief Donna Seyferth Named Interim Chief and Interim Public Safety Director

City Manager Dr. Barbara Fettrow has named Deputy Police Chief Donna Seyferth as Interim Public Safety Director and Interim Chief following the retirement of Chief Joseph LaSata who served in the position since 2013.

Interim Chief/Director Seyferth joined the Rockledge Police Department in May of 1989. She began her career as a reserve officer and a Telecommunicator before being appointed as a Patrol Officer in 1991. She served in the Patrol Division, as a School Resource Officer, the Criminal Investigations Division, Internal Affairs and the Training Division. She rose through the ranks, serving as a Corporal in Patrol and Criminal Investigations. She was promoted in 2004, where she served as a sergeant in Patrol and later in Internal Affairs.

In 2009, she was promoted to Lieutenant where she served over support services, then as a watch commander in patrol and finally as a Bureau Commander for the Criminal Investigations Division. In 2017, Interim Chief/Director Seyferth was selected to serve as Deputy Police Chief. She is the first female in the history of the department to achieve the ranks of Lieutenant and Deputy Chief.

Under the accomplished leadership of Director LaSata, the Department has achieved much over the last decade. The City of Rockledge crime rate has decreased by 54% since 2013. The Police Division became an accredited law enforcement agency in 2015 and has rigorously maintained such status since that time.

Congratulations to Chief LaSata and Interim/Chief Direct Seyferth for their career milestones.

Upcoming Events

Brevard Renaissance Fair in Wickham Park Takes Place January 6th thru February 4th

The annual festival opened Saturday, January 6th and will last for five weekends through Sunday, February 4th at Wickham Park (2500 Wickham Parkway Drive) in Melbourne.

“The Brevard Renaissance Fair brings the pageantry and fantasy of a 16th-Century countryside celebration to Melbourne’s Wickham Park,” said entertainment director Andrew Meade.

Some themed highlights include the Viking weekend January 20th and January 21st comprised of hearty feasts, horned helmets, and fur-lined tunics similar to what rugged Norsemen wore in their era.

Following the Viking weekend, the Celtic weekend takes place January 27th and January 28th with the “Bonnie Knees Quilt Contest” and a musical exhibition.

The fair concludes Saturday, February 3rd and Sunday, February 4th with the Beerfest weekend celebrating local craft brews.

Throughout the five weekends, there will be more than 100 stage shows on 12 stages daily, a variety of foods and drinks, and artisan merchants with handcrafted wares for sale.

One-day passes to the Renaissance Fair are $29 for general admission, $17 for children ages five to 11, and $23 for college students, seniors and military, active-duty or retired.

Two-day passes are $59, $39, and $31, respectively. Leashed pets are welcome to attend, for a fee of $12 pass.

Gates open at 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m.

For more details, visit brevardrenaissancefair.com.

Veterans Memorial Center and Merritt Island High School Present 1st Annual Car Show Event

On Saturday, January 13th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. the Veterans Memorial Center (VMC) and Merritt Island High School will present the “REV UP for Graduation” car show at the VMC (400 South Sykes Creek Parkway) in Merritt Island.

The collaborative event is designed to celebrate the pending “Class of 2024” high school graduates and Veterans in our community for their sacrifice and service.

Event highlights include entertainment by Johnny Danger, food and beverage trucks, local vendors, and unique cars, trucks, and motorcycles on display.

Car/truck/motorcycle exhibit registration is available in advance for $25 or $30 at the gate. Trophies and awards will be provided for the top vehicles, the Merritt Island Principal and Students Choice awards, and the “Best of Show” award.

Contact Carla Garrett at 321-213-2155 to register and receive a QR code.

2024 Space Coast Key Lime Pie Festival Set for January 19th thru January 21st

The Monday, January 19th opening event of the 2024 Space Coast Key Lime Pie Festival at the Space Coast Daily Park in Viera will feature nationally recognized country music artist Lee Greenwood best known for his song, “God Bless the USA.”

Courtesy of the Space Coast Daily, admission to the concert will be free of charge for Veterans, current service members, and their immediate families. Valid military is required for admission. Following the concert, a fireworks display celebrating America will take place.

Friday, January 19th

Gates open at 5:00 p.m. thru 10:00 p.m.
General admission concert tickets (standing room only) are $15 each and include admission to the Space Coast Key Lime Pie Festival that evening
VIP concert tickets with seats in front of the stage are available from $28 to $39
The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
All concert ticket purchases include admission to the Key Lime Pie Festival on January 19th from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.

Saturday, January 20th and Sunday, January 21st

Gates open at 10:00 a.m. thru 6:00 p.m., admission is $6 and free for children ages two and under
Pets on a leash are welcome

Food, beverage, arts and crafts vendors will be available for purchase and entertainment will be available throughout the weekend. Tickets can be purchased here.

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