State Senator Debbie Mayfield – Mayfield Minute 06/16/24

Jun 16 2024

State Senator Debbie Mayfield – Mayfield Minute 06/16/24

Happy Father’s Day!

This week, we celebrate all the wonderful fathers who impact our lives every day. Thank you to all the biological fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, and father figures for your guidance, support, and love.

As we honor Father’s Day, we recognize the countless sacrifices fathers make for their families, putting their own needs aside to support their loved ones.

Ronald Reagan stated, ” On Father’s Day, we pay tribute to all in our society who have taken on the responsibilities and joys of fatherhood. Whether our fathers are near at hand or a continent away, with their families or watching from the light of eternity, we take this day to remember them, to say thanks for the years they have given us and ask that they receive God’s blessing.”

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the amazing fathers. Today, we celebrate you and the remarkable difference you make in our lives. I hope everyone has a blessed Father’s Day spent making memories with family.

This week, Governor DeSantis signed the Focus on Florida’s Future budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The budget, featuring a $17 billion surplus, emphasizes key investments in the environment, education, health care, law enforcement, and more.

For more information on the 2024-2025 budget, see the ‘ Statewide Update’ and ‘District Highlights’ 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 250 bills into law, vetoed 3 bills, 22 remain pending his action, and 37 have not yet been sent for his consideration.

Below you will find underlined links to recently signed bills and bills pending. If you have any difficulty navigating the Senate website, please contact my office at 321-409-2025 and we will assist you.

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 5001 – General Appropriations Act

SB 2518 – Health and Human Services

HB 5003 – Implementing the 2024-2025 General Appropriations Act

HB 5005 – Collective Bargaining

HB 5101 – Education

SB 702 – Attorney Fees and Costs

CS/SB 984 – Judgement Liens

CS/HB 923 – Wills and Estates

CS/CS/SB 1420 – Department of Commerce

CS/CS/HB 1267 – Economic Self – Sufficiency

HB 823 – North Okaloosa Fire District, Okaloosa County

HB 897 – Dorcas Fire District, Okaloosa County

HB 741– Town of Hillsboro Beach, Broward County

CS/HB 103 – Pub. Rec./County and City Attorneys

HB 521 – Equitable Distribution of Marital Assets and Liabilities

CS/HB 379 – Pub. Rec./Financial Information Regarding Competitive Bidding

CS/HB 983 – Pub. Rec./ Clerks of the Circuit Court, Deputy Clerks, and Clerk Personnel

Bills received and pending consideration include:

HB 73 – Supported Decision making Authority

HB 87 – Taking of Bears

CS/CS/HB 273 – Pub Rec./ Animal Foster or Adoption

CS/HB 303 – Rabies Vaccination

CS/HB 429 – Real Property

CS/HB 755 – Canaveral Port District, Brevard County

HB 1117 – City of North Port, Sarasota County

HB 1115 – Three Rivers Stewardship District, Sarasota County

CS/CS/HB 1165 – Town of Sneads, Jackson County

HB 1483 – Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board, Pinellas County

CS/HB 1571 – Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, Monroe County

HB 1573 – Pace Fire Rescue District, Santa Rosa County

HB 1575 – Avalon Beach – Mulat Fire Protection District, Santa Rosa County

HB 1577 – Midway Fire District, Santa Rosa County

CS/HB 6007 – Relief/Julia Perez/St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office

CS/HB 7019 – Exemption of Homesteads

CS/CS/HB 7021 – Mental Health and Substance Abuse

CS/SB 362 – Medical Treatment Under the Workers Compensation Law

CS/SB 692 – Public Records/ Florida Gaming Control Commission

CS/CS/HB 975 – Background Screening Requirements for Health Care Practitioners

CS/CS/CS/HB 1021 – Community Associations

HB 849 – Veterinary Practices

If you have an interest or concern regarding any of the above bills, you can also reach out to the Governor’s office directly here or contact my office at [email protected].

Statewide Update

Focus on Florida’s Future Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Signed by Governor DeSantis

Last week, Governor DeSantis signed the Focus on Florida’s Future Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. This year’s budget totals $116.5 billion, reflecting a reduction in overall state spending while maintaining $17 billion in budgetary reserves. It highlights the Legislature’s and Governor’s dedication to addressing Florida’s top needs.

The budget includes $1.5 billion in tax relief for Florida families, featuring $450 million in toll relief and sales tax holidays. Key investments include $1.25 billion for teacher salary increases, $4.1 billion for the State University System, and $237 million for residential home mitigation programs.

Significant funding has also been directed towards environmental conservation, with over $1.5 billion for Everglades restoration and water quality projects. The budget supports law enforcement and the military, allocating $17 million for the Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program and $7 million for the Defense Infrastructure Grant Program.

For budget items approved for Brevard and Indian River Counties, see below in District Highlights. To learn more about the 2024-2025 budget, including detailed highlights and the full veto list, click here.

Historic Teacher Salary Increase in Florida: A Commitment to Education

In a press conference on Monday, June 10th, Governor DeSantis pledged to approve a historic increase in teacher salary funding, with $1.25 billion allocated for the Fiscal Year 2024–25 budget. This decision marks a significant milestone in Florida’s ongoing efforts to enhance educator compensation. Since taking office in 2019, DeSantis has overseen an investment of over $4 billion in teacher pay increases, boosting starting salaries by nearly $10,000.

“Florida’s education system is number one in the nation, and we want to make sure good educators are attracted to Florida with attractive compensation,” DeSantis stated. His administration, in collaboration with the Florida Legislature, has been instrumental in establishing and increasing the Teacher Salary Increase Allocation, which has grown from $500 million in 2020 to the current $1.25 billion.

Florida’s commitment to its educators is reflected in the average starting teacher salary, which now exceeds $48,000, and the average overall teacher salary, which is over $54,000. These figures are expected to rise further with the new funding. Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr., praised the state’s dedication, stating, “Florida continues to attract some of the best educators in the country thanks to these investments.”

For more information, click here.

Constituent of the Week

Kyle Canamore

We are honored to feature Kyle Canamore as our constituent of the week. Mr. Canamore is a Veteran and an incredible father.

Originally from Pekin, Illinois, Mr. Canamore’s childhood dream was to serve in the military. He pursued this ambition with determination, graduating high school early to enlist in 2007.

During his military career as a Sergeant in the Army from 2007 to 2016, Mr. Canamore served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was a paratrooper, completing about 50 jumps, and had the opportunity to train with foreign militaries, including the Canadian Army, the French Legion, and the Chilean Army, earning Jump Wings from them.

Raised by his mother and grandparents, Mr. Canamore was inspired by his grandfather, an Air Force Veteran who flew C-130s, the same planes he completed his jumps from. Mr. Canamore describes serving in the military was one of the greatest experiences of his life, stating that it was an honor to serve his country.

During his service, Mr. Canamore completed two tours in Iraq and a humanitarian mission to Haiti. Two of his most notable military awards are the Expert Infantryman Badge and the Humanitarian Service Medal.

Mr. Canamore is father to three beautiful daughters. He enjoys taking his daughters to parks and theme parks, cherishing every moment spent with them. His family is also an active part of Calvary Chapel Church community in Titusville.

After being honorably discharged, Mr. Canamore successfully transitioned to a career in Information Technology and has thrived in this field since 2016. While IT is one of his dream jobs, Mr. Canamore says being a father is the best job he could ever have, and he loves watching his daughters learn and grow into their own personalities.

On Father’s Day, District 19 is proud to recognize Kyle Canamore, a veteran and a devoted father, for his service and his unwavering commitment to his family.

District Highlights

Funding Secured for Local Initiatives in the 2024-2025 Budget

Environment

Treasure Coast Food Bank – $1,500,000
Palm Bay Indian River Lagoon Baffle Boxes Project – $750,000
Brevard County Indian River Lagoon Septic Upgrades to Advanced Treatment Units- $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
Sebastian River SAV Restoration Project – $1,000,000
Kilroy Monitoring System in the Indian River Lagoon – $250,000

Education

Eastern Florida State College Advanced Technologies Center – $10,000,00

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

If you have any questions about the appropriations that passed or questions about any items vetoed, please reach out to my office at 321-409-2025 anytime.

Brevard Public Schools Expand Guardian Program for Enhanced Security

On Tuesday, June 11th, the Brevard Public School Board voted to expand the Sheriff Training on Site Marshall Program (S.T.O.M.P.) to include district personnel who meet specific qualifications. This initiative demonstrates Brevard Public Schools’ (BPS) commitment to safety as the number one priority for all students and staff.

The expansion allows employees the opportunity to be school-based Guardians, provided they are not classroom-assigned and meet the criteria outlined in the Brevard Federation of Teacher bargaining contract.

Participation in the program is voluntary. The employee must undergo evaluations and complete the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office S.T.O.M.P. training requirements. Once trained, these Guardians will not have law enforcement authority except to prevent or stop active assailant incidents at any Brevard Public School site.

“This is an additional layer of security for our schools. While this program is new to Brevard, it is not new to Florida as numerous other districts have had Guardians in schools for several years,” stated BPS Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell.

S.T.O.M.P. was established by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office in partnership with Brevard Schools following the tragic Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in 2018. This program aligns with the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act and oversees all School Resource Officers and Security Specialists within Brevard Public Schools. Training for the expanded Guardian program is scheduled to begin in July 2024.

For more information about the S.T.O.M.P. Program, contact the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office at 321-264-5201.

Upcoming Events

Cocoa Beach Art Wave Festival 2024

On Saturday, June 22nd, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Minutemen Causeway in Downtown Cocoa Beach (S 6th St) will host the 2024 Art Wave Fest.

Organized by Cocoa Beach Main Street in collaboration with Breakers Art Gallery, this event features artists from across the state. The art will be displayed along the Minutemen Causeway, transforming the street into an open gallery.

Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with artists as they showcase their work. The Art Wave Fest will display various kinds of art from paintings and sculptures to photography and more.

In addition to the art exhibition, the festival will feature live music performances as well as food truck vendors.

For those interested in learning more, please contact Kenne Wells at [email protected] or call 321-693-3159.

Lunch and Learn Event for International Women in Engineering Day

On Thursday, June 20th, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Astronauts Memorial Foundation (405 NASA PKWY W, Merritt Island), Brevard Women Connect (BWC) will host a special Lunch and Learn event in celebration of International Women in Engineering Day. This event is designed to inspire, empower, and connect women in engineering and STEM fields.

BWC is dedicated to professional women in Brevard County. The event will include a panel discussion, allow networking with your peers and include an interactive Q&A session. The event is open to all female engineers and STEM students, with free admission for current STEM students.

Attendees will hear from successful female engineers about their career paths and challenges, see innovative projects from robotics teams, and connect with professionals, peers, and mentors. During the event, participants will have time to ask questions and get personalized advice.

For more information on how to register for the event, click here.

City of Rockledge Food Truck Friday

On Friday, June 28th, the City of Rockledge is hosting Food Truck Friday! The event will take place at the Civic Hub/City Hall parking lot located at 1600 Huntington Lane in Rockledge beginning at 4:30 p.m. Enjoy a variety of delicious foods from local food trucks accompanied by live music and DJ performances.

Parking is available at the City Hall parking lot and in the Subway lot south of the restaurant.

For more information, call 321- 221-7540 or click here.

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