State Senator Debbie Mayfield Mayfield Minute 03/24/24

Mar 26 2024

State Senator Debbie Mayfield Mayfield Minute 03/24/24

Good Morning!

Brevard and Indian River County students and teachers will be on Spring Break from Monday, March 25th thru Friday, March 29th. For all families traveling over the next week, I wish you a very safe, relaxing, and enjoyable Spring Break. I want to take a moment to thank the teachers and staff who support and guide our students everyday toward a successful future!

Over the past week, Governor DeSantis received 31 bills passed by the Florida Senate and House of Representatives. He has signed 25 of the bills into law. For links to the signed bills, please see the ‘Bill Action” section below.

One of the most significant actions by Governor Desantis this week was the signage of the ‘Live Healthy’ Act championed by Senate President Kathleen Passidomo. The bill is described by many experts and the Governor himself as a ‘game changer’ for Florida residents regarding healthcare. The ‘Live Healthy’ legislation reinforces and expands Florida’s healthcare workforce, broadens access to quality care in rural areas, and advances innovation and technology in healthcare services.

Governor DeSantis signed into law CS/CS/SB 224, the Citizens Volunteer Advisory Committee bill. I want to thank Dr. Duane DeFreese for his critical support of this important legislation.

Our Governor is also intently monitoring the crisis in Haiti as ruthless gangs have overthrown the Haitian government. The DeSantis administration has been diligent in rescuing American citizens via State chartered flights from the violence and destruction occurring on the island. Additionally, Governor DeSantis has directed more than 250 additional law enforcement officers, the Florida National Guard, and the Florida State Guard to to support the United States Coast Guard in interdiction efforts to prepare and protect our state from any potential influx of illegal immigrants.

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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

Since the close of the 2024 Legislation Session, 48 bills have been sent to Governor DeSantis, He has signed 40 into law, vetoed two bills, and six remain pending his action.

Upon receipt of a bill, the Governor has seven days to sign, veto, or take no action at which point the bill will automatically become law.

Bills signed by Governor DeSantis last week include:

CS/CS/SB 224 – Citizen Volunteer Advisory Committees
CS/CS/HB 1365 – Unauthorized Public Camping and Public Sleeping
CS/SB 330 – Behavioral Health Teaching Hospitals
CS/SB 7016 – Health Care
SB 322 – Public Records and Meetings
SB 7018 – Health Care Innovation
CS/CS/SB 1758 – Individuals with Disabilities
CS/SB 1746 – Public Employees
CS/SB 474 – Public Records
SB 818 – Military Leave
CS/SB 1526 – Local Regulation of Nonconforming and Unsafe Structures
CS/SB 7006 – OGSR/Utility Owned or Operated by Local Government
SB 1720 – Marine Encroachment on Military Operations
SB 1512 – Controlled Substances
CS/HB 1415 – Peer Support for First Responders
CS/CS/HB 1113 – Use of Lights and Sirens on Emergency Vehicles
CS/HB 715 – Pub.Rec./Problem-solving Court Participant Records
HB 533 – DNA Samples from Inmates
CS/HB 463 – Lights Displayed on Fire Department Vehicles
HB 377 – License or Permit to Operate a Vehicle for Hire
CS/CS/HB 179 – Towing and Storage
HB 83 – Trust Funds/Re-creation/State-Operated Institutions Inmate Welfare Trust Fund/DOC
CS/CS/HB 49 – Employment
CS/HB 487 – Lost and Abandoned Property
CS/HB 865 – Youth Athletic Activities
CS/HB1551 – Florida State Guard
HB 5201 – Trust Funds/Federal Law Enforcement Trust Fund/FGCC
HB 7001 – OGSR/Reporter of Child Abuse, Abandonment, or Neglect
CS/HB 7003 – OGSR/Preregistered Voters
HB 7005 – OGSR/Financial Disclosure
HB 7007 – OGSR/Campus Emergency Response

Bills received and pending consideration include:

SB 522 – Tallahassee Community College
CS/SB 7006 – OGSR/Utility Owned or Operated by Local Government
CS/HB 801 – Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia Training for Law Enforcement Officers
CS/CS/HB 621 – Possession of Real Property
CS/HB 583 – Individual Wine Containers
CS/CS/HB 3 – Online Protections for Minors

If you have an interest or concern regarding any of the above bills, you can reach out to the Governor’s office directly here or please contact my office at 321-409-2025.

Funding for Local Projects Requested

In my last year representing District 19 in the Florida Senate, I am pleased to share with you that I have requested over $42.1 million for local funding projects. The line items below remain subject to the Governor’s consideration.

If you have an interest in any of the appropriations below, now is the time to reach out with your message of support to Governor DeSantis:

Send your email directly to the Governor’s office here.
Mail your letter to the Governor’s Office: State of Florida / Executive Office of the Governor / The Capitol / 400 S. Monroe Street / Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001

If you require any assistance with these appropriations items or information on how to send your message, please reach out to my office at 321-409-2025.

Agriculture, Environment, and General Government:

Brevard County Port St. John Regional Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant Phase Two: $1,250,000
Rockledge Advanced Water Treatment Phase One: $2,500,000
Satellite Beach – Grand Canal and Finger Canals Muck Dredging: $3,000,000
Treasure Coast Food Bank: $1,250,000
Brevard County Eau Gallie NE Environmental Dredging and Interstitial Water Treatment: $1,500,000
Cocoa Beach Gravity Sewer Rehabilitation: $1,000,000
Melbourne Lead and Copper Service Line Replacement: $250,000
Brevard County Merritt Island Lift Stations Replacement: $1,000,000
Palm Bay Indian River Lagoon Baffle Boxes Project: $750,000
Brevard County Merritt Island Sewer and Manhole Lining Phase 2: $1,000,000
Brevard County IRL Septic Upgrades to Advanced Treatment Units: $450,000
Brevard County IRL Quick Connect to Sewer: $450,000
West Melbourne Flood Risk Reduction – Connect Canal 70 to Canal 63: $400,000
West Melbourne Flood Risk Reduction – Technology Drive: $150,000
Palm Bay Indian River Lagoon Water Quality Improvement Project – Baseflow and Pond Improvements: $550,000
Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida-Sebastian River Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Restoration Project Phase 1: $1,100,000

Health and Human Services:

Veteran Housing and Homelessness Intervention Program: $250.000
Who We Play For – Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention: $975,000
Lifetime Counseling Center – Thrive Within Program: $650,000
Medal of Honor Tribute Merritt Island Veterans Memorial Park: $600,000

Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development:

Ellis Road Widening Project Pre-construction Activities: $5,769,432
Melbourne Orlando International Airport Operations Center: $5,000,000
Cape Canaveral Light Station Reconstruction – Phase 2: $650,000
Brevard County SW Public Safety Complex and Emergency Operations Center: $588,000

Education:

Big Brothers Big Sisters Bigs – Inspiring Scholastic Success: $1,250,000
Eastern Florida State College Advanced Technologies Center: $10,000,000

Statewide Update

Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez Announces Third Annual Spring 2024 Florida Space Art Contest for K–5 Students

Winning artwork will be launched into space on an upcoming mission

Last week, LG Nuñez announced the launch of the 2024 Florida Space Art Contest. Students in grades K–5 are encouraged to create an art piece inspired by the theme: Suit Up! Florida’s Space Suit of the Future.

“I am thrilled to announce the launch of the Third Annual Lieutenant Governor’s Space Art Contest. Over the last two years, with more than 4,000 original art submissions, Florida’s students have shown their overwhelming support and excitement for this art contest,” said LG Nuñez. “This year’s theme gives students creative control to engineer the space suit of tomorrow. I am excited to see the innovative and futuristic designs our young artists will bring to life.”

Space Art Contest Details:

Open to all K–5 grade students in Florida.
Each student will submit an original, two-dimensional artwork based on this year’s theme. Submissions will be broken down into two categories: K–2 and 3–5.
Six art pieces from each group (12 total) will be selected as finalists.
Finalists will win two tickets to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Two lucky grand prize winners, one selected from each group, will have their artwork launched into space on an upcoming mission!

All entries must be received by Friday, May 24th at 5:00 p.m.

For more information, forms and guidelines, click here.

Florida Reaches Milestone of 40 Months of Economic Success

Last week, Governor DeSantis announced a milestone in Florida’s continuing economic success citing that the state’s unemployment rate has been lower than the national unemployment rate for 40 consecutive months.

The national unemployment rate rose to 3.9% for February 2024, Florida’s rate of 3.1% did not rise and and continues to outperform the national rate by 0.8%.

While Florida’s private sector job growth rate increased by 2.3% (+194,200 jobs) over the year in February 2024, the national rate grew by only 1.6% over the same period.

“Florida continues to outperform the nation,” said Governor DeSantis. “We have proven that bold, conservative leadership across the board produces booming economic results–more jobs, lower taxes, less regulation, and fiscal security.”

The education and health services sector gained the most jobs among all major industries, adding 57,500 jobs over the year. The trade, transportation, and utilities sector performed second best, adding 48,300 jobs. And importantly, leisure and hospitality (tourism) added 35,000 jobs.

To review the full announcement from the Governor’s office, click here.

Constituent of the Week

Our Constituent of the Week is Kathryn Rudloff.

Kathryn Rudloff has served as the Executive Director of weVENTURE Women’s Business Center (WBC) at the Bisk College of Business at Florida Institute of Technology since 2020.

The weVENTURE WBC program is an established Small Business Administration resource partner which provides low and no-cost business education and mentorship to female entrepreneurs. As Executive Director, Ms. Rudloff manages a team of business coaches that serve over 900 unique small business clients a year.

Her leadership extends beyond FIT University as she also serves on the board of the Association of Women’s Business Centers and is active on the advocacy committee.

Before joining FIT, Ms. Rudloff held positions as Executive Director for a local pro-business non-partisan small business advocacy organization and as District Director for the Congressman from FL-08.

In her early career she worked in strategic messaging and communications for political committees and campaigns in Washington DC, California, and Florida. She has worked on campaigns at every level – local, state, federal, and even a 2007 presidential campaign as Florida Director of Field Operations.

Ms. Rudloff holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from The Ohio State University, a Masters in Political Management from George Washington University, and is a candidate for a Doctor of Business Administration at Florida Institute of Technology.

Her dissertation research looks at the impact state-level family policies have on female labor force participation and entrepreneurship. Ms. Rudloff is also a certified facilitator for Athena International and holds the license for TEDxFloridaTechWomen.

She is passionate about her work in women’s economic empowerment and has been recognized for her outstanding contributions, including the 2017 “4 under 40” award from LEAD Brevard.

She and her husband, Alex Rudloff, have three sons and enjoy all things Disney.

SD 19 is grateful for Ms. Rudloff and her ongoing mission to advance entrepreneurial opportunities for nearly 1,000 women on the Space Coast while she continues to promote female entrepreneurs seeking the same path to economic success and leadership.

District Highlights

Women Who Rock!

Last week, I attended the weVenture Women Who Rock event hosted by the Florida Institute of Technology and the Women’s Business Center at FIT’s Bisk College of Business.

The weVenture event honors and elevates women leaders in our community who are making measurable contributions in their professions.

The winners by category are:

Small Business Owner of the Year — Ms. Rebekah Coates / Owner, Fit4Mom

Ms. Coates is the Owner of Fit4Mom and she is a beacon of support and community building in Brevard County. Fit4Mom employs approximately 8-12 coaches who lead classes daily, creating a haven for mothers offering fitness, friendship, and support. Ms. Coates is dedicated to maternal health and wellness.

Executive of the Year — Heather Jenkins / Director of Operations and Finance, Premier Plastic Surgery Group

Ms. Jenkins has made significant contributions to Premier Plastic Surgery Partners, demonstrating exceptional leadership and a commitment to fostering the success of her entire team. She has worked with Clevens Face and Body Specialists since 2012 where she serves as controller and director of operations. She recently helped a lead a merger of three renowned plastic surgery groups across the country from Boston, San Francisco, and Melbourne. She played an instrumental role in the integration of the three practices and now oversees a staff of 100.

Excellence in Mentorship — Kodey Bogart / CEO of KB Solutions, LLC

Ms. Bogart is the CEO of KB Solutions, LLC and founder of the Space Coast Women in Aviation Alliance. She inspires young women to follow their passion for aviation and mentors them on a wide range of opportunities that await them. In addition she volunteers to promote aviation careers and organizes educational events like “Girls in Aviation Days.”

Women Trending in Tech — Kimberly Alkire / Chief Information Security Officer, Health First

Ms. Alkire leverages her extensive experience in healthcare, financial, and government industries to develop and implement technology and cybersecurity strategies that reduce risk to Health First and the patients it serves Se developed a mentoring program, specifically for women in tech and also founded the ISC2 Space Coat Chapter, a local affiliate of the world’s leading association for cybersecurity professionals.

Excellence in Caregiving — Jennifer Barton / CEO, Seniors Helping Seniors Brevard

Ms. Barton’s exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to the well-being of seniors have contributed to her remarkable success. Seniors Helping Seniors has been a source of meaningful employment for 98 seniors, empowering them to valuable contributions to society. Under Ms. Barton’s management, Seniors Helping Seniors has become a cornerstone at the Senior Resource Center.

Zonta Yellow rose Award for Excellence in Community Service — Juanita Jackson / President, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority’s Omega Omicron Zeta Chapter

As president of the Zeta Phi Beta sorority, Ms. Jackson spearheaded numerous initiatives benefiting organizations including the American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, and Women Veterans Rock. Under her leadership, the chapter awarded over 10,000 scholarships to high school girls and organized empowering events like the Women and Girls Empowerment Summit.

Congratulations to all of these amazing nominees and award recipients for your leadership and service right here in Brevard County.

Upcoming Events

Local Easter Events

BREVARD COUNTY:

Flashlight Egg Hunt in Satellite Beach

Date/Time: Thursday, March 28th at 7:45 p.m.

Location: DeSoto Park (497 DeSoto Parkway) in Satellite Beach

Cost: $10 for Satellite Beach residents, $11 for non-residents

To register: Visit playsatellitebeach.org or facebook.com/events/718260526925992

Details: Event is for children grades 1st thru 6th. Participants should bring their own flashlights. Bags will be provided for eggs.

Spring Family Fun Fest in Melbourne

Date/Time: Friday, March 29th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 30th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Location: Wickham Park Pavilion (2500 Parkway Drive) in Melbourne

Cost: $25 for all-inclusive tickets

To register: Visit facebook.com/events/749308016842056

Details: Activities include bounce houses, bungee trampolines, pony rides, a petting zoo, rock climbing wall, character meet and greets, an egg hunt every 30 minutes and more.

Easter Brunch at Brevard Zoo

Date/Time: Saturday, March 30th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Location: Brevard Zoo (8225 N. Wickham Road) in the Nyami Nyami River Lodge

Cost: $50 for adults (includes one adult beverage ticket), $45 for children 3 to 11, free for age two and younger

For Tickets: Click here

Details: The brunch buffet a variety of options including a waffle-making station and gluten-free and vegan options. Activities such as exploring sustainable Easter practices, creating enrichment items for animals, lawn games, and photo opportunities will be available. Zoo admission is not included with the brunch.

Easter Bonnet Competition at Surfside Playhouse

Date/Time: Saturday, March 30th at 2:00 p.m.

Location: Surfside Playhouse (301 Ramp Road) in Cocoa Beach

Cost: $5

For Tickets: Click here

Details: Contestants will create original hats and compete for prizes including most innovative, best Easter theme, most avant garde, all recycled materials and best in show. Proceeds will benefit the Brevard Cultural Alliance..

Underwater Eggsplosion in Rockledge

Date/Time: Saturday, March 30th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Location: McLarty Park Aquatic Center (790 Barton Boulevard) in Rockledge

Cost: $6 for egg hunters, $2 for adults

To register: Call 321-302-1658

Details: Kids ages 4 to 16 are invited to hunt for eggs in the pool. Goodie bags and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny and Easter Chicken will be available. Attendees should bring a waterproof basket and towel.

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY:

City of Sebastian and Sebastian Police Department Easter Celebration

Date/Time: Friday, March 29th from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Location: Between the twin piers on Indian River Drive.

Cost: Free of charge

To register: Call 772-228-7054 or email [email protected]

Details: Children will be able to take photos with the Easter Bunny followed by the an Easter Egg hunt and an outdoor movie featuring “Peter Rabbit 2, The Run Away” including free popcorn and snow cones.

Easter Egg Hunt at Community Baptist Church

Date/Time: Saturday, March 30th from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Location: Community Baptist Church (12534 Roseland Road) in Sebastian

Cost: Free of charge

To register: Click here

Details: Lunch will be provided to all families free of charge. Children are welcome to meet the Easter bunny and collect candy-filled eggs..

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