State Senator Debbie Mayfield Mayfield Minute 04/19/24

Mayfield Minute – April 21, 2024

Good Morning!

This year, the Passover (Festival of Freedom) begins Monday April 22nd at sundown and ends April 30th just after nightfall. Please continue to pray for our friends in Israel as they continue to fight for their country.  Senator Marco Rubio recently stated, “The most important role the U.S has to have right now is their direct, moral, and diplomatic and international support on behalf of Israel to make abundantly clear to their enemies that we are going to stand with Israel and we are going to provide them with everything we can.”   We are wishing everyone celebrating Passover a very happy and joyous holiday filled with many blessings for you, your families and friends.  Last week, Governor DeSantis signed a series of education bills while First Lady DeSantis launched a new component of the Florida Resiliency program allowing parents and grandparents to undergo training to become Resiliency Coaches in Florida Schools. This past session, the Florida Senate and House of Representatives had a keen focus on education. Some of the legislation signed by Governor DeSantis includes allowing for: – Volunteer school chaplains throughout schools to support students – Patriotic organizations the ability to present on campus – A comprehensive education bill that will provide military service options for students the ability to work throughout school – Support for classical education For more information on these bills and the Florida Resiliency program, please see the Bill Action by Governor DeSantis and the Statewide Update sections below. 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!

Bill Action by Governor DeSantis

Since the close of the 2024 Legislation Session, Governor DeSantis has signed 104 bills into law, vetoed two bills, 26 remain pending his action, and 181 have not yet been sent for his consideration.  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:  HB 0113 – Tax Collections and Sales HB 0151 – Florida Retirement System HB 0353 – Alternative Headquarters for District Court Judges HB 0537 – Student Achievement HB 0623 – Builder Warranties HB 0781 – Unsolicited Proposals for Public-private Partnerships CS/HB 813 – Certified Public Accountants HB 1147 – Broadband HB 1555 – Cybersecurity HB 7011 – Inactive Special Districts SB 0276 – Review of Advisory Bodies SB 0478 – Designation of Eligible Telecommunications Carriers SB 0544 – Swimming Lesson Voucher Program SB 958 – Local Government Employees CS/CS/HB 1285 – Education CS/CS/SB 1264 – History of Communism HB 931 – School Chaplains CS/HB 1317 – Patriotic Organizations Bills received and pending consideration include: CS/HB 1281 – Interception and Disclosure of Oral Communications CS/CS/HB 1389 – Digital Voyeurism CS/HB 919 – Artificial Intelligence Use in Political Advertising CS/CS/HB 1181 – Juvenile Justice CS/CS/HB 917 – Career and Technical Education CS/CS/HB 7013 – Special Districts CS/HB 1653 – Duties and Prohibited Acts Associated with Death CS/HB 1569 – Exemption from Regulation for Bona Fide Nonprofit Organizations CS/CS/HB 1171 – Schemes to Defraud CS/CS/HB 159 – HIV Infection Prevention Drugs CS/HB 707 – State University Unexpended Funds CS/HB 461 – Excusal from Jury Service CS/CS/CS/HB 613 – Mobile Home Park Lot Tenancies CS/HB 1031 – Debt Relief Services CS/HB 1425 – Juvenile Justice CS/CS/CS/SB 86 – Hope Cards for Persons Issued Orders of Protection CS/SB 758 – Tracking Devices and Applications CS/CS/SB 1704 – Sheriffs in Consolidated Governments CS/SB 1616 – Electronic Access to Official Records CS/CS/SB 1680 – Advanced Technology SB 1688 – Career-themed Courses CS/CS/SB 564 – Young Adult Aftercare Services CS/SB 678 – Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy Grant Program SB 158 – Value of Motor Vehicles Exempt from Legal Process CS/CS/SB 804 – Gaming Licenses and Permits SB 1116 – Campaign Finance 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.

Statewide Update

Governor DeSantis Signs HB 1285, a Comprehensive Education Bill Furthering Florida as #1 in the Nation for Education  Governor DeSantis signed HB 1285 which provides high school students the ability to consider military service, empowers students to work throughout school, and supports classical education in addition to making key improvements to higher education.  “Florida is the number one state in the country for education,” said Governor DeSantis. “By focusing on core academic subjects and rejecting indoctrination in the classroom, we have become a standard-bearer for educational excellence. The legislation I signed today continues to build on Florida’s previous accomplishments.”  The education bill does the following:  – Requires school districts and charter schools to provide 11th and 12th grade students with the opportunity to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Test and to consult with a military recruiter. – Ensures postsecondary institutions allow students to work their way through school. – Empowers aspiring teachers to obtain a classical teaching certificate developed by the State Board of Education. – Provides a clear and concise process for a struggling school to convert to a charter school “to ensure no student is left at a failing school.” – Ensures that book challenges protects schools from activists trying to politicize and disrupt a district’s book review process.  – Continues to support military families with the Purple Star Schools of Distinction Program.  – Helps to ensure a seamless transition for military families moving into Florida. For more information about Governor Desantis’ announcement, click here.  First Lady Casey DeSantis Unveils First-in-the-Nation Opportunity for Parents and Grandparents to Support Students in the Classroom Last week, First Lady Casey DeSantis unveiled new Resiliency Florida resources to support students and parents. Mrs. DeSantis announced a first-in-the-nation opportunity for Florida parents and grandparents to be in-school Resiliency Coaches to help students overcome challenges. Parents and grandparents serving as Resiliency Coaches will be eligible for a $150 stipend upon completion of a one-hour training.  “Resiliency is important for students to successfully navigate and overcome life’s obstacles,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “Florida parents, grandparents, teachers, and mentors will now have opportunities to coach and access to high-quality resources to lead important discussions with students about resiliency.” Resiliency Florida is focused on reframing mental health education emphasize building resiliency skills including: grit, perseverance, gratitude, personal responsibility, decision-making, mentorship, self-awareness, problem-solving, empathy, citizenship, and honesty. Florida is rejecting the “traditional, stigma-laden mental health approach” for a new approach that inspires the positive virtues of resiliency.  For more information on Resiliency Florida, click here.  Third Annual Space Art Contest Announced Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez’s Third Annual Space Art Contest is now open for K-5 students at public, charter, private, home, and virtual schools. Participants must submit thoriginal two-dimensional artwork. Finalists will win two tickets to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and two grand prize winners will have their artwork launched into space on an upcoming mission. Entries must be mailed to Space Florida, ATTN: Florida Space Art Contest, 505 Odyssey Way, Suite 300, Exploration Park, Florida 32953. All entries must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 24, 2024.  For more information about the space art contest, please visit: https://floridaspaceart.com/.

Constituent of the Week

Ms. Donna A. Michaels Our Constituent of the Week is Donna A. Michaels, Founder of Heroes United to Heal, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving lives by erasing the stigma of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  Ms. Michaels is a native Floridian born and raised in Rockledge. She moved to North Carolina with her family in 1983, and in 1989 she joined the United States Navy serving eight years, four on active duty and four in the reserves. She credits her “never quit” mentality to the three years she spent working alongside Navy SEALs in the Republic of Panama.  Following her service, she relocated to Orlando and began her career as a law enforcement officer. In 2014, she moved back to Brevard County to raise her daughter in the same community where she grew up.   As a law enforcement officer, Ms. Michaels served as a Crisis Intervention Officer and Critical Incident Stress Management team member. She regularly dealt with individuals in crisis situations, many inflicted with various mental health problems.   Ms. Michaels’ life and career experience is humble and noble. In 2017, she was diagnosed with PTSD after fellow Veterans stopped her from pursuing a suicide plan. Fortunately, she survived her darkest days and set out on a journey to find answers for not only her struggle, but for all dealing with the very real diagnosis of PTSD.   She began journaling and ultimately turned her story into a book, Courageously Broken,to provide help and hope to the millions of Americans suffering in silence as a result of PTSD. The response was overwhelming and in 2023, Ms. Michaels launched the Heroes United to Heal Foundation (HUHF) which assists those suffering from PTSD with a ‘place to start’ in seeking treatment and resources for recovery. Additionally, HUHF also raises funds for their treatment expenses.    She also seeks to educate the general public with a better understanding of what PTSD really is and what it means to overcome adversity.   “PTSD is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of absolute strength. PTSD is earned by doing what most people fear,” stated Ms. Michaels.  On Saturday, May 4th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the Heroes and Horses Kentucky Derby Benefit will take place to raise funds for the Heroes United to Heal Foundation at the George and Dragon English Tavern (502 Brevard Avenue) in Cocoa. For more information, click here.  Ms. Michaels resides in Rockledge with her daughter and two beloved dogs.  SD 19 commends Ms. Donna A. Michaels for her distinguished career of service, the difference she is making in the lives of those suffering with PTSD, and her efforts to prevent the tragedy of Veteran and first responder suicide.

District Highlights

Endeavor Elementary School and the Brevard Parkinson’s Alliance Each Receive Florida Blue Foundation Sapphire Awards and $25,000   The Florida Blue Foundation recognized Endeavor Elementary School and Barbara Fradkin, BSW, CCM, of the Brevard Parkinson’s Alliance, with a $25,000 award each in recognition of their exemplary work in improving health outcomes and increasing access to health care services and support. The Endeavour Elementary School program, led by Brevard Health Alliance, provides mental health support, medical care, and dental and vision services to more than 700 at-risk students through an on-site clinic. The school-based site is the first of its kind in Brevard County. The program was honored with a third-place award and $25,000.  Barbara Fradkin is a Social Worker, Certified Care Manager, and the Co-chair of the Brevard Parkinson’s Alliance, a nonprofit organization that supports individuals, caregivers, and families impacted by Parkinson’s disease.  Since Ms. Fradkin joined the Alliance in 2017, resources for funding and support group partnerships have doubled. Ms. Fradkin was honored with a third-place award and $25,000 for the Brevard Parkinson’s Alliance.  The Sapphire Awards are distributed after a thorough external review process evaluating leadership, innovative ideas, demonstrated outcomes, and excellence. In addition, the recipients must have a track record of improving people’s health and quality of life. Brevard Zoo Celebrates 30 Years The Brevard Zoo recently celebrated its 30th anniversary highlighting the facility’s robust advancement in conservation, wildlife research, education programs, and record attendance of over 500,000 in 2023.  The Zoo’s growth continues as another visitor record was set with over 75,000 visitors in March alone. Today, the Zoo employs over 230 staff members, has an economic impact of over $60 million annually, and is home to over 900 unique and native animals.  In 2023, the Brevard Zoo made the U.S. News and World Report’s annual list of the “26 Best Zoos in the US” and ranked 3rd on USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards for 2023 Top 10 Best Zoos in the nation.  For more information, click here. Congratulations to Brevard County Sheriff’s Office 2023 Employees of the Year Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey recently announced their sworn and civilian Employees of the Year. Congratulations to all recognized with our sincere gratitude for your courage and service. Deputies of the Year:Sergeant Matt Murphy, Sergeant Josh Williams Corrections Deputy of the Year:Jose Ortiz Employee of the Year:Debbie Moody, Human Resources Support Specialist Special Recognition Award:Corporal Lisa Vennard-Medeiros Lucy Ross Award:Chief Frank Ross Volunteer of the Year:COP Linda Allen Partnership Award:Al Boettjer Citizen of the Year:Travis Furst Reserve Deputy of the Year:James Hoffman Public Safety Telecommunicator of the Year:Supervisor Andrew LeBeau To learn more about each of these deserving recipients, click here.

Upcoming Events

39th Annual Melbourne Art Festival April 27th-28th The 39th Annual Melbourne Art Festival will take place on Saturday, April 27th and Sunday April 28th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Wickham Park (2500 Parkway Drive) in Melbourne. Participants can expect over 200 vendor booths, live music throughout each day, special activities at the “Kids World” exhibit, food and beverage providers, and shopping for fine art and jewelry. The festival is family friendly, free of charge, and parking is also complimentary. The full directory of vendors and the schedule of events can be viewed here. City of Melbourne Beach Founders Day 2024 The City of Melbourne Beach will be celebrating their annual Founders Day on Saturday, May 4th from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Ryckman Park (509 Ryckman Avenue) in Melbourne Beach. The 40th Annual Children’s Fishing Contest will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. There will be three age groups: 5 and under; ages 6 to 10, and ages 11 and up. Competitors will need to bring their own fishing rod. Other activities include arts and crafts, food and beer trucks, live music, and performances by the Gemini cheerleaders. There will be free offsite parking and bus transportation from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at: Rock Harbor Church – 1805 Oak Street St. Sebastian’s Church – 2010 Oak StreetOcean Park – East end of Ocean Avenue Small Business Summit Celebrating National Small Business Week The Space Coast Black Chamber of Commerce and weVENTURE, the Women’s Business Center at Florida Tech, are teaming up for a Small Business Summit on Saturday, May 4th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Design on Florida Tech’s campus (2495 Palm Bay Road NE) in Palm Bay. The event is designed to assist small businesses with: Funding Options – 12 Steps to Starting a Business – Creating a Business Plan – Becoming a Certified Business – Financial Literacy for Entrepreneurs – Taking Your Business to the Next Level The event is $20 to attend and includes lunch. For more information, click here or call 321-343-7899.

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Contact Information Melbourne Office 900 East Strawbridge AvenueMelbourne, FL 32901(321) 409-2025 Tallahassee Office400 Senate Office Building404 South Monroe StreetTallahassee, FL 32399-1100(850) 487-5019 Staff: Yvette CampbellKelli LaneSamantha Scaringe