State Senator Debbie Mayfield – Mayfield Minute 03/18/24

Mar 18 2024

State Senator Debbie Mayfield – Mayfield Minute 03/18/24

Good Morning!

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated annually on March 17th in honor of St. Patrick, the patron Saint of Ireland. Born in Rome, Britain in the late 4th century, St. Patrick was kidnapped at age 16 and taken to Ireland to work as a slave. He later escaped captivity but returned to Ireland to bring Christianity to the Irish people. By the time of his death on March 17, 461, he had established monasteries, churches, and schools in Ireland.

Many legends followed him throughout history and perhaps the most well known is his use of the shamrock, a three leaf clover, to explain the Trinity (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) to Christians.

Boston was the first American city to hold a St. Patrick’s Day event with a parade in 1737, followed by New York City in 1762. Two centuries later, in 1962 after a St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Chicago, the holiday became widely known and celebrated throughout the United States.

Over the generations, the lucky shamrock, Leprechauns, the color green, and meals of corned beef and cabbage were established as symbolisms of the holiday which are still in place today.

For all those celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, I wish you a very safe and festive holiday.

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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 throughout the completion of my term.

Bill Action by Governor DeSantis

On March 12th Governor DeSantis received nine bills for his consideration and has already signed three into law. He has until March 27th to sign, veto, or take no action on the remaining six at which point the bill will automatically become law.

CS/CS/SB 1758 – Individuals with Disabilities

CS/SB 330 – Behavioral Health Teaching Hospitals

CS/CS/SB 1036 – Reclassification of Criminal Penalties

SB 322 – Public Records and Meetings

CS/SB 7016 – Health Care

SB 7018 – Health Care Innovation

HB 1451 – Identification Documents

CS/CS/HB 1365 – Unauthorized Public Camping and Public Sleeping

CS/HB 1589 – Driving Without a Valid Driver License

If you have an interest or concern regarding any of the above bills, you can reach out to the Governor’s office directly here.

Governor DeSantis signed the following bills into law:

CS/HB 1589 – Driving Without a Valid Driver License

HB 1451 – Identification Documents

CS/CS/SB 1036 – Reclassification of Criminal Penalties

Tax Relief Package for 2024-2025 Provides $1.5 Billion in Tax Savings for Florida Families

The 2024-2025 budget provides over $1.5 billion in broad-based tax savings to families across the state, with a focus on keeping Florida affordable.

SALES TAX HOLIDAYS

Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

The legislation creates a 14-day “back-to-school” sales tax holiday from July 29 – August 11, 2024, for clothing, footwear, and backpacks costing $100 or less, and school supplies costing $50 or less.

Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday

The legislation creates two 14-day “disaster preparedness” sales tax holidays from June 1 – 14, 2024 and August 24 – September 6, 2024, for disaster preparedness supplies.

Freedom Month: A Month-Long Sales Tax Holiday on Recreational Items

From July 1 – July 31, 2024, purchases of admissions to music, sporting, and cultural events; tickets to movies and museums; single admission or season tickets to theatre and dance performances; state park admission and annual passes; and use of fitness facilities will be tax free.

The month-long summer sales tax holiday also applies to sales of certain boating and water activity equipment and supplies, camping equipment and supplies, fishing equipment and more. supplies, and more.

Skilled Worker Sales Tax Holiday on Tools

The legislation creates a seven-day sales tax holiday from September 1 – 7, 2024, for certain tools used by skilled trade workers. Tax-free items include certain hand tools costing $50 or less and power tools costing $300 or less, and more.

PROPERTY INSURANCE TAX RELIEF FOR HOMEOWNERS

The legislation includes a one-year relief for residential property insurance policyholders, covering the cost of insurance premium tax and the State Fire Marshal assessment for residential property insurance policies written between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025, for a 12-month coverage period.

It also includes a one-year insurance premium tax relief on flood insurance policies, reducing the cost of flood insurance policies written between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025.

TOLL RELIEF

Commuters using a Florida-issued transponder on Florida’s Turnpike System and other toll facilities in the state are eligible. Customers who engage in 35 or more toll transactions in a month will receive a 50 percent credit.

SMALL BUSINESS TAX RELIEF

A $5 million small business tax credit against the corporate income tax for three years for businesses employing persons with unique abilities of $1,000 per employee has been sent to the Governor for consideration.

Additionally, the bill provides a $5 million credit for three years for businesses for child care expenses incurred on behalf of employees.

The bill also increases the annual cap for the Strong Families Tax Credit Program from $20 million to $40 million which provides tax credits for businesses that make monetary donations to certain eligible charitable organizations focused on child welfare and well-being.

PROPERTY TAX RELIEF

In addition to the above tax relief, House Joint Resolution 7017 proposes an amendment to the Florida Constitution requiring the current $25,000 homestead exemption, which is applied to all ad valorem taxes other than school district taxes, be adjusted annually for positive inflation growth. If passed, the amendment is expected to save Florida homeowners $22.8 million during the first year, growing to $111.7 million by Fiscal Year 2028-29.

For a comprehensive list of the tax relief package, click here.

Statewide Update

Florida’s Economy Continues to Outpace the Nation in 2024

Last week, Governor DeSantis celebrated Florida’s private sector job growth which increased by 0.4 percent with over 37,900 private sector jobs added in January 2024, double the national rate of 0.2 percent over the same period. Florida’s labor force grew by 2.2 percent, faster than the national over-the-year rate of 0.8 percent.

“Florida has started off the year strong by growing jobs at twice the national average,” said Governor DeSantis. “Florida continuously outperforms the national economy with fiscal stewardship, growth friendly policies, limited government spending, and one of the lowest tax burdens per capita in the nation.”

The education and health services sectors grew the fastest followed by leisure and hospitality (tourism-impacted professions), and professional and business services.

The hospitality industry continues to rise following the implementation of Florida’s historic E-Verify law, ensuring that companies are employing legal citizens.

Florida’s statewide unemployment rate has been lower than the national rate for 39 consecutive months. In January 2024, the national unemployment rate was 3.7 percent, 0.6 percentage point higher than Florida’s rate.

AG Moody Champions the Laken Riley Act to Protect Americans from Illegal Alien Crime

Last week, Attorney General Ashley Moody strongly urged all U.S. Senators to pass the Laken Riley Act voted favorably upon by the U.S. House of Representatives. The Laken Riley Act would require detention of any illegal alien who is charged with burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. Laken Riley was a 22-year old University of Georgia nursing student murdered by a Venezuelan national who is also an illegal criminal alien.

AG Moody said, “Over three years ago, my office sued the Biden administration for refusing to deport aliens here illegally who commit crimes. Biden has dismantled our public safety immigration structures entirely. It seems every month, this crisis worsens and in the case of Laken Riley, and many other innocent Americans, it has ended in tragedy. Enough is enough. The Senate needs to pass the Laken Riley Act swiftly so we, as a nation, can begin to fix the countless problems this president has created.”

AG Moody is joined by over 25 state attorneys determined to pass the Laken Riley Act.

The AG’s letter can be read in full here.

Governor DeSantis Deploys Reinforcement to South Florida and the Keys to Stop Potential Influx of Haitian Immigrants

Due to the recent uprising in Haiti with criminal gangs and prisoners overtaking the Haitian government, potentially resulting in an influx of illegal immigrants, Governor DeSantis has ordered additional state reinforcement to the Keys and South Florida.

Governor DeSantis said, “Given the circumstances in Haiti, I have directed the Division of Emergency Management, the Florida State Guard, and state law enforcement agencies to deploy over 250 additional officers and soldiers and over a dozen air and sea craft to the southern coast of Florida to protect our state…we cannot have illegal aliens coming to Florida.”

Additional resources added this past week include:

Florida Department of Law Enforcement: added 39 officers
Florida Wildlife Commission: added 23 officers with eight additional sea craft
Florida National Guard: added 48 Guardsmen with four additional helicopters
Florida Highway Patrol: added 30 additional officers with an additional aircraft and drones for surveillance
Florida State Guard: added 133 soldiers

Governor DeSantis went on to say Illegal immigrants feel empowered to enter the U.S. because of the federal government’s refusal to enforce immigration laws and protect the border. When a state faces the possibility of invasion, it has the right and duty to defend its territory and people.

Constituent of the Week

Kate Howick

Our Constituent of the Week is Kate Howick, President of the Space Coast Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction and Director of Operations for the Danella Engineering and Construction Company.

Ms. Howick was born in Seattle, and lived in Salt Lake City before moving to Brevard County in 1992. She graduated from Cocoa High School in 1994 and promptly joined the U.S. Army after graduation and served as a Petroleum Supply/Operations Personnel Specialist at Fort Benning in Georgia. After her tour of service, she moved back to Brevard County and began working in the construction industry as a Project Coordinator at Ivey’s Construction in Merritt Island.

She used her GI Bill to further her education and enrolled at the University of Central Florida graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Mathematics in 2006. Upon graduation, she began teaching at Viera High School serving nearly 12 years teaching AP Calculus, where she also served as an AP Research Teacher, and as the Math Department Chair.

In 2018, she returned to the construction industry with Magellan Advisors as a Project Manager, and in 2020 she joined the Danella Engineering and Construction Company as Director of Operations. At Danella, Ms. Howick oversees the design and build of broadband infrastructure for service providers, municipalities, and government entities at the Melbourne location.

Ms. Howick is also the current president of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Space Coast Chapter. NAWIC is a national non-profit organization representing women in construction and the trades. Their core purpose is to promote and amplify the success of women in construction through networking, professional development, advanced certification, continuing education, advocacy and mentorship among other actions.

In Brevard County, the NAWIC Space Coast Chapter’s efforts include promoting construction and the trade careers by offering scholarships, attending Career Fairs, participating in community service projects, building partnerships in education, hosting K-6 building block competitions, and encouraging Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) education.

The membership is comprised of business owners and executives from a diverse range of fields including paving, concrete, marine and general contracting, underground utilities, roofing, metal fabrication, rentals, painting, specialty construction material and supply.

The Space Coast Chapter also takes on local charitable initiatives. Recently, the Make-A-Wish foundation reached out to the membership to help a little girl on Merritt Island with a genetic disorder needing a wheelchair friendly backyard. To participate in their efforts to grant her wish, click here.

Ms. Howick and her husband, Dan, reside in Viera, and they have a son residing in Orlando. In her spare time she enjoys exercising, attending concerts and sporting events, and Disney World.

In recognition of National Women’s History month, it is an honor to highlight Ms. Howick’s leadership, service, and success throughout Senate District 19.

District Highlights

Palm Bay Ranks 13th in Southern Living Magazine’s Top 25 Rising Cities in the South

Southern Living Magazine ranked the City of Palm Bay 13th in their annual list of 25 cities throughout the United States based on research compiled, editors’ experience, and reader input. The only other Florida city making the top 25 is North Port in Sarasota County.

“These reader-selected cities have excellent food scenes, cool yet quaint downtown districts, incredible natural beauty, thriving arts communities, and the warmth our region is known for,” according to Southern Living Magazine.

The magazine also stated that the South is the most populous region in the country and accounted for 87% of the nation’s growth in 2023.

“Saltwater fishing and unspoiled nature have long been the draw of this sleepy Space Coast town,” according to Southern Living Magazine.

Palm Bay’s proximity to beaches, the Indian River Lagoon, and accessibility to the Orlando airport were additional factors in the ranking.

USA Today Ranks Melbourne and Palm Bay in Top 5 of 30 Best Cities in Florida

The USA Today Homefront research team recently reviewed the top 30 cities to move to in Florida. Melbourne and Palm Bay ranked in the top five, 5th and 3rd respectively. Others cities in the top five, were Gainesville (1st), Palm Coast (2nd) and Fort Myers, (4th).

Eighteen metrics were calculated to determine the rankings including life expectancy, median income, typical rent payment, typical home value, unemployment among other factors such as crime/safety, quality of hospital and schools, and natural disaster risk.

USA Today’s research stated the following:

“Melbourne, a city in Brevard County on the east coast, has the sixth lowest typical rent across all home types at $1,893 per month. It tied with Palm Bay for second-lowest unemployment (4%) and is also tied with Palm Coast and Palm Bay for best schools. Other perks include beautiful beaches, the Brevard Zoo and the Orlando theme parks about two hours away. Melbourne is another safe destination for those looking to move to Florida.”

Melbourne: Life expectancy 77.4 years, median income $64,331, typical rent $1,893, typical home value $368,900, and unemployment rate 4%.

“Palm Bay, located on the Space Coast in Brevard County, is also quite safe, with 17 crimes per 1,000 residents. This city also ranks high on NeighborhoodScout due to school quality (8 out of 10). The hospital, Palm Bay Hospital, scored 4 out of 5 by CMS. With Kennedy Space Center just an hour away, Palm Bay is also close enough for residents to see rocket launches from their own backyards.”

Palm Bay: Life expectancy 77.5 years, median income $71,645, typical rent $1,907, typical home value $310,781, and unemployment rate 4.2%.

To review the full article, click here.

Upcoming Events

Veterans Events Announced for Saturday March 23rd

Vietnam Welcome Home Commemoration Ceremony: The event will take place at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery (CCNC) in Mims on Saturday, March 23rd from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with the reading of the names of those who served in Vietnam now lying in rest at CCNC.

Carl Miller, Vietnam Veteran and Commander of the Brevard Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter, will serve as keynote speaker. The event is free of charge and open to the public.

“Be the One 5K”: The run/walk event will take place at Veterans Memorial Center (VMC) Park on Saturday, March 23rd from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The event is sponsored by American Legion Post 344 and half of the proceeds will be provided to veteran and first responder suicide prevention. T-shirts are included with the $20 registration fee.

After the run/walk event, participants are invited to a BBQ lunch sponsored by the Transport Worker Union Veterans committee. The event includes a motorcycle convoy from Kelly Park to the VMC where 25 vendors will be on hand providing products for purchase. A special Suicide Prevention themed program will take place in Gray Hall and will feature a Spartan Sword that was created from steel recovered from the World Trade Center buildings.

First Responders present will take the Spartan Pledge: a promise written by Iraq War Veteran, Boone Cutler, which is made between veterans to not commit suicide without reaching out to their battle buddy first.

To register or obtain further information, contact [email protected] or call 321-350-6163

Veterans Children’s Easter Party: The event, sponsored by the American Legion AUX Post 344, will be held at the VMC Park from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and includes an Easter egg hunt, crafts, lunch, and games. For more information and to register for the event, contact Diane at (607) 382-3405.

Community Event to Celebrate Robert “Ozzie” Osband, Best Known for the Space Coast’s 321 Area Code

On Thursday, March, 21st at 3:21 p.m., the 21st day of the third month of the year, the American Space Museum and National Space Society will honor Robert “Ozzie” Osband in celebration of his securing the 321 area code for the Space Coast.

The event will take place at Space View Park (10 Broad Street) in Titusville in tribute to Ozzie, who is also known for his decades of narrating ‘countdowns to launch’ from the park.

According to the official press release, the event will be the “best block party in the galaxy” and efforts are taking place to ensure the event becomes an annual 321-Day celebration.

The agenda is as follows:

3:21 p.m. Informal remembrance and respects
4:00 p.m. Special presentation by the American Space Museum
5:00 p.m. Formal tribute to Robert Osband

Food trucks, exhibitors, and vendors will be on site with items for purchase. Interstellar Groove Machine will perform live among other special surprise events.

Sadly, Ozzie passed away on August 6, 2023 of natural causes at the age of 72.

To learn more about the event and Ozzie’s life, click here.

Pre Easter Events in Indian River County

Fellsmere Chapel Spring Flea Market & Easter Bunny Experience: The Fellsmere Chapel (99 North Pine Street) will be hosting its Spring Flea Market and Easter Bunny Experience on Saturday, March 23rd from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Over 30 vendors will be providing food, music, games, arts and crafts, bounce houses for children, and a visit by the Easter Bunny.

For more information call (407) 223-4885 or email [email protected] for more information about this event.

Egg Hunt at Riverside Church Sebastian: The Riverside Church Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday, March 23thd at 10:00 a.m. at the Riverside Church Sebastian (11205 Roseland Rd). The event is geared toward children age 12 and under and children should bring their own baskets to collect eggs.

For more information, call 772-589-7825.

Dive-In Egg Hunt at North County Aquatic Center: The annual Dive-In Egg Hunt hosted by the North County Aquatic Center (9450 CR-512) in Sebastian will be held on Wednesday, March 27th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for an underwater egg hunt. The event is free and open to children aged 12 and under. Children aged 5 and under must be accompanied by an adult in the water for safety.

For more information, call 772-226-1752.

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