State Senator Debbie Mayfield – Mayfield Minute 4/29/24

Apr 29 2024

State Senator Debbie Mayfield – Mayfield Minute 4/29/24

Good Morning!

I’m pleased to report that Governor DeSantis signed SB 7028 the My Safe Florida Home bill and SB 1029 the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program last week.

SB 7028 provides an additional $200 million for Floridians seeking to harden their homes in preparation for hurricanes and tropical storms. The application process begins July 1st and more information can be found here and in the Statewide Update below.

SB 1029 allows for the Department of Financial Services to begin the process of establishing the Condo Pilot Program to expand home hardening and mitigation for condos. This program is not for individual condo unit owners. Applications for inspections and grants must come from the condo associations in consultation with unit owners. The Department of Financial of Services will be launching a new website in the coming weeks with more information.

Through these programs, individual homeowners and condo associations will receive recommendations tailored to their property, outlining cost-effective measures to improve resilience which has led to significant decreases in insurance premiums.

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 135 bills into law, vetoed two bills, 44 remain pending his action, and 132 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 1565 – Florida Red Tide Mitigation and Technology Development Initiative

SB 988 – Public Records/My Safe Florida Home Program

HB 1029 – My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program

SB 7028 – My Safe Florida Home Program

CS/CS/CS/SB 86 – Hope Cards for Persons Issued Orders of Protection

SB 158 – Value of Motor Vehicles Exempt from Legal Process

CS/CS/HB 159 – HIV Infection Prevention Drugs

CS/HB 461 – Excusal from Jury Service

CS/CS/SB 564 – Young Adult Aftercare Services

CS/CS/CS/HB 613 – Mobile Home Park Lot Tenancies

CS/SB 678 – Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy Grant Program

CS/HB 707 – State University Unexpended Funds

CS/SB 758 – Tracking Devices and Applications

CS/CS/SB 804 – Gaming Licenses and Permits

CS/CS/HB 917 – Career and Technical Education

CS/HB 919 – Artificial Intelligence Use in Political Advertising

CS/HB 1031 – Debt Relief Services

SB 1116 – Campaign Finance

CS/CS/HB 1171 – Schemes to Defraud

CS/CS/HB 1181 – Juvenile Justice

CS/HB 1281 – Interception and Disclosure of Oral Communications

CS/HB 1425 – Juvenile Justice

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/SB 1680 – Advanced Technology

SB 1688 – Career-themed Courses

CS/CS/SB 1704 – Sheriffs in Consolidated Governments

SB 548 – Public Records/Military Personnel and their Spouses and Dependents

Bills received and pending consideration include:

CS/CS/HB 939 – Consumer Protection

CS/CS/CS/HB 1065 – Substance Abuse Treatment

CS/CS/HB 935 – Health Care Services

CS/CS/CS/HB 1083 – Permanency for Children

CS/HB 1561 – Office Surgeries

HB 7089 – Transparency in Health and Human Services

CS/CS/HB 1557 – Department of Environmental Protection

CS/HB 1291 – Preparation Programs

CS/HB 1361 – Education

CS/CS/HB 437 – Limitation Areas

CS/CS/HB 1503 – Property Insurance Corporation

CS/CS/HB 1611 – Insurance

CS/CS/HB 1403 – School Choice

CS/CS/HB 1335 –Department of Business and Professional Regulation

CS/CS/HB 1007 – Nicotine Prod ducts and Dispensing Devices

CS/HB 215 – Retention Groups

CS/SB 168 – Cytomegalovirus Screenings

CS/SB 186 – Supranuclear Palsy and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases Policy Committee

CS/SB 998 – Sale of Liquefied Petroleum Gas

SB 364 – Public Service Commission Rules

CS/SB 366 – Civil Penalties Under the Gas Safety Law of 1967

CS/CS/SB 532 – Securities

CS/SB 7002 – Deregulation of Public Schools

CS/SB 7004 –Education

CS/CS/CS/SB 764-– Retention of Sexual Offense Evidence

CS/SB 7032- Education

CS/CS/SB 1380- Services for Persons with Disabilities and the Transportation Disadvantaged

CS/CS/CS/HB 287- Transportation

CS/CS/HB 1389 – Digital Voyeurism

CS/SB 1616 – Electronic Access to Official Records

CS/CS/SB 804 – Gaming Licenses and Permits

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.

In Memory of My Dear Friend First Gentleman John Passidomo

Husband of Senate President Kathleen Passidomo

Surrounded by his beloved wife Kathleen Passidomo of nearly 45 years and his three daughters, John Michael Passidomo, 72, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2024. His Celebration of Life was held this past weekend in their hometown of Naples.

John suffered fatal injuries while on vacation hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park with Kathleen. Their last trip together was one of the many great adventures they shared during five decades together filled with special moments, beautiful scenery, and wonderful reflections on their time spent with family.

John and Kathleen were law school sweethearts and married in 1979. They ventured to Naples to build their home, launch their careers, and start a family together. This September would have marked their 45th wedding anniversary.

John’s list of achievements is innumerable, but key among them are the daughters he and Kathleen raised together, Catarina, Francesca, and Gabriella. They are also very proud grandparents to William and Emilio.

John grew up in Harrison, New York and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Boston College in 1974 and a Juris Doctorate from Stetson University School of Law in 1978. He was a real estate lawyer specializing in land use and zoning. As an attorney, John played a role in virtually every major development project in Naples and Collier County over the last 40 years, and throughout his career he earned recognitions, awards, and accolades too numerous to list.

Even in his final hours, John put others first. As a registered organ donor, John made clear that he wanted to help others live in the event he could not. Several matches for his organs made life possible for others, and the family finds comfort knowing their great loss resulted in a life-saving gift.

Statewide Update

Governor DeSantis Announces $1.5 Billion for Everglades Restoration and Water Quality Improvements

Governor DeSantis approved $1.5 billion to support Everglades restoration and water quality improvements. This funding brings Florida’s total investment in Everglades restoration and water quality improvements to $6.5 billion since he took office in 2019.

“I am proud to continue making these investments in Everglades restoration and water quality that will benefit our state for decades to come,” said Governor DeSantis. “I made a promise to Floridians that we would leave this state better to God than we found it, and we are doing that for our future and our children’s future.”

Of the $1.5 billion in funding, approximately $850 million will go towards Everglades restoration projects, including $614 million to support the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) and the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir. This is the largest state investment in a single year since CERP was established in 2000.

SB 1638 allocates revenue from the Seminole Gaming Compact, directing 96% of the revenue generated to fund water quality improvement, infrastructure, and the continued conservation of lands.

Continuing the Fight Against Red Tide: Governor DeSantis Signs Crucial Legislation for Environmental Protection

Governor DeSantis recently addressed one of Florida’s most persistent environmental challenges by signing House Bill 1565, the Red Tide Mitigation and Technology Development Initiative. This initiative is crucial in coordinating efforts between key agencies such as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to combat the harmful effects of red tide on Florida’s coastal communities and marine ecosystems.

The significance of HB 1565 stems from its removal of the sunset provision, guaranteeing ongoing support for research and innovation in addressing the effects of red tide. By implementing this initiative, Florida aims to lead the way in protecting its coastal environments from the impacts of red tide.

Governor DeSantis stated, “I am happy to sign legislation continuing research efforts to mitigate the impacts of red tide and preserve our coastal communities and working waterfronts.”

For more information, click here.

FWC, Local, State, and Federal Agencies Intercept Human Smugglers Offshore in Miami-Dade County

On April 19, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) working in tandem with local, state, and federal authorities prevented an illegal smuggling operation in South Florida.

Over 30 migrants attempted to enter Miami-Dade County by sea aboard a 60-foot vessel commanded by two alleged human smugglers. FWC, Miami Dade- Police Department, the Air and Marine Operations Center, U.S. Border Patrol, the U.S. Coast Guard prevented the illegal activity and all on board turned over to the U.S. Coast Guard.

On Jan. 6, 2023, Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order #23-03 (Emergency Management – Illegal Migration), activating the Florida National Guard and directing state law enforcement agencies and other state agencies to provide resources in support of local governments responding to the alarming influx of migrants landing in the Florida Keys and Florida’s shores.

Twenty-three additional officers and eight more vessels have been activated to protect our state from illegal entry.

Governor DeSantis Announces Successful Rescue of More Than 700 Americans from Haiti

Last week, Governor DeSantis announced that Florida has successfully rescued 722 Americans from Haiti. The Florida Division of Emergency Management began rescue operations in March due to the political turmoil in Haiti.

“The State of Florida doesn’t shy away from doing the right thing and helping Americans in need,” said Governor DeSantis. “I’m proud to announce that despite the lack of cooperation from the federal government, more than 700 Americans have been successfully evacuated from Haiti to Florida.”

Evacuees have access to resources including food, water, medical treatment and transportation home.

This is the second time the state administration has launched rescue missions for Americans and Floridians from dangerous situations. Last October, Florida rescued 700 Americans trapped in Israel following the Hamas terrorists.

Constituent of the Week

United States Army Colonel Hal Gibson (RET)

Our Constituent of the Week is United States Army Colonel, Hal Gibson, (RET). Colonel Gibson is celebrating his 100th birthday on May 3, 2024.

Colonel Gibson was born in Oklahoma City. He served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946. During World War II he was deployed as a single-engine fighter plane pilot serving in the Pacific Theater (the Asia-Pacific War) primarily in New Guinea and the Philippines.

After the war, Colonel Gibson completed two college degrees at SMU in Dallas. Shortly thereafter, he was recalled into the Army as an Army bandleader where he served for over 30 years conducting bands at every level of the Army. He is the longest living conductor of the U.S. Army Field Band.

As its fourth commander, Gibson directed the U.S. Army Field Band from 1968 to 1974. In 1976, Colonel Gibson was selected to form and conduct the Department of Defense band, the only military band ever comprised of members from all five branches (at that time) of the U.S. military — Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. The prestigious Department of Defense Band represents the nation’s military at Bicentennial Celebrations and other special events.

Throughout his lifetime, Colonel Gibson has led bands in all 50 states and 38 countries.

He became the Director of Bands and a Professor of Music at Columbus College in Georgia. He retired from the Columbus College in 1990 and in 1993 he moved to Brevard County with his wife of over 70 years, Marie. He formed the Space Coast Winds and became involved with the Melbourne Municipal Band where he continues to serve as a Board Member and still steps in as conductor for the concert band and the Swingtime ensemble.

Colonel Gibson has stayed busy in retirement through his music and flying. He recently gave up flying at the age of 98.

“I had been flying since World War II and thought that was enough,” said Colonel Gibson.

In 2004, Gibson was inducted into the National Hall of Fame for Distinguished Band Conductors, and in 2021, he received the coveted National Band Association’s Al and Gladys Wright Legacy Award for lifetime achievement.

Last week, in a very unique event, all of the past living conductors of the U.S. Army Field Band joined members of the Melbourne City Council, Patrick Space Force representatives, and the community to honor Colonel Gibson’s at his Centennial birthday where he conducted a new arrangement of the Space Force song and closed the program with the classic, “Stars and Stripes Forever.”

District 19 wishes Colonel Hal Gibson a very happy 100th birthday and commends him for his distinguished service to our nation and community.

District Highlights

Enhancing Infrastructure for Space Exploration: The NASA Causeway Bridge Project

Last week, I joined Secretary Tyler of Florida Department of Transportation’s District 5 on a boat tour of the NASA Causeway Bridge over the Indian River. I had the opportunity to witness firsthand the ongoing transformation of this vital infrastructure. The current NASA Causeway Bridge, constructed in 1964, is being replaced with twin high-level bridges that will accommodate oversized vehicles to launch sites. This initiative is a collaboration between NASA, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), and Space Florida.

The construction of this bridge is funded by the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America Grant which was obtained by the State of Florida from the US Department of Transportation. This grant will not only provide the funds needed for this bridge but will also aid in the widening of Space Commerce Way.

The reconstructed NASA Causeway Bridge will enhance the accessibility to the Cape Canaveral Spaceport and Kennedy Space Center. While the eastbound bridge was opened to the public last year, the westbound bridge will open in the summer of 2025.

To learn more about the reconstruction of the NASA Causeway Bridge, click here.

Brevard County’s Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics

Brevard County hosted its annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics in Melbourne last week. The event, organized by the Melbourne Police Department included participation from various law enforcement agencies including the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, West Melbourne PD, Indialantic PD, Palm Bay PD, Rockledge PD, Cocoa Beach PD, Satellite Beach PD, and others.

Starting from the Front Street Civic Center, participants embarked on a one mile run over the Melbourne Causeway, carrying the torch symbolizing support for Special Olympics athletes in Florida.

This run exemplifies our community’s unwavering support for Special Olympics and its athletes. Thank you to the law enforcement officers and members of the community that participated.

Click here for more information on future events for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Florida.

Upcoming Events

First Responder Appreciation Day Hero Fest

The 5th Annual First Responder Appreciation Day Hero Fest will be held Sunday, May 5th (Cinco De Mayo) from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Center (400 Sykes Creek Parkway) in Merritt Island.

Brevard County first responders and families will be recognized for their service and sacrifice. Activities include food and drink vendors, music, entertainment, children’s activities, and promise of more surprises. The event is free of charge and open to the public.

For more information, click here.

36th Annual Florida Vietnam and All Veterans Reunion

The Florida Veterans Reunion is one of the largest and longest running Veterans events in the country.

On Sunday, May 5th at 10:00 a.m., the Vietnam Traveling Wall, currently located at Eastern Florida State College on Clearlake Road in Cocoa, will travel by escort to Wickham Park (2500 Parkway Drive) in Melbourne and remain on display from Thursday, May 9th thru Sunday, May 12th.

If you would like to participate in the escort on May 5th, call 321-652-4185. Please note four wheel vehicles will be allowed in the escort but you must maintain a strict speed of 20 MPH.

The “Some Gave All” Vietnam Traveling Memorial and other static displays will be featured during the four-day day event which is free of charge. Each day there will be food, drink, and merchandise vendors, music entertainment, and children’s activities available. present. The event is expected to attract over 40,000 to 50,000 attendees over the four days.

For more information, click here and for the daily event agenda, click here.

Cocoa Village Summer Arts and Crafts Fair

The historic Cocoa Village Summer Arts and Crafts Fair is one of the largest outdoor handmade markets with over 200+ artists and crafters displaying their personal artwork.

The event takes place on Saturday, May 11th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 12th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Historic Cocoa Village (434 Delannoy Avenue) in Cocoa. It is free to enter, no tickets are required, pets are welcome, and parking is free of charge.

Special activities include the “Kids Creation Station”, the Taylor Park playground, free all-day art workshops, food trucks, and live music.

For more information, click here.

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