State Senator Debbie Mayfield – Mayfield Minute 8/4/24

Aug 4 2024

State Senator Debbie Mayfield – Mayfield Minute 8/4/24

Good Morning!

Today we celebrate the birthday of the United States Coast Guard, a distinguished branch of our armed services. The Coast Guard was created on August 4, 1790, when the first Congress authorized the construction of 10 vessels to enforce tariff and trade laws and to prevent smuggling.

Established by President George Washington and the Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, the Coast Guard’s official history began with the signing of the Tariff Act, which set the foundation for its creation.

Over the years, the Coast Guard has evolved through various names and organizational changes, including its merger with the U.S. Lifesaving Service in 1915. It has been part of different departments, including the Treasury Department, the Department of Transportation, and currently, the Department of Homeland Security.

The Coast Guard’s missions are extensive, including ensuring maritime safety, environmental protection, and law enforcement. Their tireless work also includes combatting illegal activities such as drug smuggling and human trafficking and providing essential support during emergencies and conflicts on the coast.

For more information on the history and missions of the United States Coast Guard, click here.

As we honor this significant day, Senate District 19 extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who have served or are currently serving in the Coast Guard. Your dedication and commitment to protecting our nation and our state is deeply appreciated.

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!

Statewide Update

Empowering Communities: Hope Florida Recognizes Top Churches

Last week, the success of the Hope Florida Initiative was highlighted with significant awards to top-performing churches involved in the Hope Florida CarePortal. The top two churches meeting the needs of their community, Spanish River Church and Grace Family Church each received $50,000, while 11 other churches were awarded $25,000 each through the Hope Florida Fund.

The Hope Florida Fund, launched in July 2022 by First Lady Casey DeSantis, is supported by the generosity of the Florida private sector and operates without taxpayer expense. This initiative aims to support local nonprofit organizations through private sector charity, ensuring that resources reach those most in need.

The program utilizes Hope Navigators to guide individuals towards economic independence by fostering collaboration between the private sector, faith-based communities, nonprofits, and government entities. The CarePortal system alerts participating churches to immediate needs in their communities, encouraging them to compete in fulfilling these needs.

Erik Dellenback, the Governor’s Liaison for Faith and Community, emphasized the long-standing commitment of Florida’s faith institutions to serving their communities. He praised the awarded churches for their exceptional contributions through the Hope Florida CarePortal.

Floridians in need of support can connect with Hope Florida by calling the Hope Line at 850-300-HOPE. For more information on how to get your church connected with Hope Florida, click here.

Agency Highlight

The Florida Department of Education

This week, we are highlighting the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE), a cornerstone of the state’s educational system.

Established in 1870, the department was originally led by the Superintendent of Public Instruction, a role created under the 1868 Florida Constitution. This position evolved into the Commissioner of Education role in 1968, reflecting the changing responsibilities of the office.

Significant changes in 2003 redefined the position of Commissioner from an elected role to an appointed one, with oversight provided by the newly formed State Board of Education. The board, which includes the Commissioner, is appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.

The Florida Department of Education oversees school districts, state and community colleges, universities, and independent postsecondary institutions throughout Florida. Under the leadership of Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr., the department strives to enhance educational outcomes and ensure a successful educational system.

To support students across the state, the department implements a variety of programs and initiatives. The Division of Career and Adult Education partners with both public and private sectors to deliver high-quality workforce education. Since 2018, this division has awarded over 500,000 workforce certificates and degrees, equipping students with job-specific skills and advancing their careers.

In early childhood education, The Division of Early Learning (DEL) provides essential services to young students. The School Readiness Program, offered by the DEL, provides financial assistance to low-income families for early education and care, ensuring their children are prepared for academic success.

The Voluntary Prekindergarten Program (VPK) prepares 4-year-olds for kindergarten, setting a solid foundation for future learning. Additionally, the Child Care Resource and Referral State Network helps families find quality childcare options that best suit their needs.

The Florida College System (FCS) plays a crucial role as a gateway to higher education, with about 65% of high school graduates starting their postsecondary education at a Florida college. The FCS’s open-door policy allows students at various levels of academic preparedness to access higher education and pursue personal and professional development opportunities.

Additionally, The Florida Division of Blind Services is dedicated to assisting blind and visually impaired Floridians in achieving their goals and living independent lives. Serving individuals from infancy to senior citizens, DBS offers a range of services, including Employer Services, the Braille and Talking Books Library, and the Business Enterprise Program.

Since 2014, Florida has significantly increased its investment in education, allowing the FLDOE to effectively manage budgets and support school districts. This funding has been instrumental in enhancing educational quality and resources for students and educators across the state.

For more information about the FLDOE and its programs, visit their official website by clicking here or by contacting Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr.’s office at 850-245-9663.

Constituent of the Week

Sharlarie Highsmith

This week, we are honored to highlight Sharlarie Highsmith as our Constituent of the Week. Born in Cocoa, Mrs. Highsmith says giving back to her community has always been important to her.

Mrs. Highsmith currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Education and Training for the Department of Defense at Patrick Space Force Base and is a professor at Eastern Florida State College.

At Patrick Space Force Base, she has managed and processed over $6 million in tuition assistance, facilitated 8,000 enrollments, and supported countless graduates in achieving their degree ambitions. Her role ensures that service members and their families receive crucial support for their academic and professional development.

Mrs. Highsmith has an impressive educational background. She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida. She also holds two master’s degrees, one in Counseling Psychology from the University of West Alabama and another in Social Work from Louisiana State University. Additionally, she earned an associate’s degree in Education from Eastern Florida State College, where she currently teaches.

Beyond her professional and educational achievements, Mrs. Highsmith is dedicated to supporting her community through the nonprofit organization, URNOTFORGOTEN, Inc. which she established in January 2019. Through her organization, she has brought joy to over 300 children in foster care with birthday boxes containing banners, plates, napkins, cups, and small gifts.

During the pandemic, she supported her community by organizing food distribution events throughout Cocoa, which benefited over 2,000 families. Additionally, she served as Outreach Coordinator for her church for three years, organizing clothing drives to support 250 homeless families in the community.

Mrs. Highsmith’s outstanding contributions have earned her notable recognitions, including the Women in the Workplace Champion Award from weVENTURE and the LEAD Brevard’s ‘4 Under 40’ Award.

Senate District 19 thanks Mrs. Highsmith for her dedication to education and community service in Brevard County.

Honoring Purple Heart Recipients

National Purple Heart Day, observed annually on August 7th, commemorates the historic establishment of the Purple Heart Medal. On this day in 1782, General George Washington commissioned the Badge of Military Merit, a precursor to the Purple Heart, to recognize the valor of enlisted soldiers. This decoration, the oldest military award, was later re-designated as the Purple Heart Medal in 1932 and expanded to honor those wounded or killed in action across all military branches.

To mark this significant day, the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center will host their annual Purple Heart Recognition Ceremony on August 4th, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Merritt Island Veteran Memorial Center. Sponsored by Chapter 453 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, this event will include special recognition of 10 Purple Heart recipients and one Gold Star Family, honoring their bravery and sacrifices. The ceremony will include sharing their stories and their contributions to our nation.

The National Purple Heart Day Ceremony will recognize the following 11 Purple Heart Veterans with Space Coast ties for their service and sacrifice:

SPC Jeremiah T. Sancho, US Army (Afghanistan)
PFC James Carleton, USMC (Vietnam)
SGT Sylvester McIntosh, USMC (Vietnam)
SCPO David D. Clayton, US Navy (Vietnam)
SFC Craig L. Waskow, US Army (Vietnam)
CAPT Scott Robinson, US Army (Iraq)
Corpsman Ken Ondrus, US Navy (Vietnam)
SSGT Sean Fischer, USMC (Iraq)
Corpsman Victor Perez, US Navy (Iraq)
SGT Christopher Brink, USMC (Iraq)
SFC Chris Donaldson, US Army (Afghanistan)

Senate District 19 honors those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Your courage and dedication to this nation will not be forgotten.

District Highlights

Brevard County Opens First Middle School in 30 Years

Last week, the official ribbon cutting, grand opening, and flag raising for the new Viera Middle School (VMS) took place. The school is located at 6093 Stadium Parkway in Viera and is the first middle school to open in Brevard County in 30 years.

Superintendent Mark Rendell and Brevard Public Schools Board Members, Megan Wright, Chair, Gene Trent, Vice Chair, Matt Susin, and Kayte Campbell were in attendance as VMS Principal Kathy McNutt announced that over 700 students are already registered for the first day of school which is Monday, August 12th. The school is prepared to accommodate up to 900 students.

“This is a huge day for the Viera community and a huge day for Brevard Public Schools,” said Brevard Public Schools Superintendent Mark Rendell. “For all the students that are going to attend here, they are going to get to come into a brand-new building with all of the best stuff available right now.”

Some of the features of the 138,000-square-foot campus include:

A mixed-use cafeteria and auditorium
Classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboards
An aerospace and robotic lab
Music rooms for chorus, orchestra, and band
A technology design lab
Gymnasium

The new location alleviates some of the County’s busing costs for transporting Viera students to DeLaura Middle School.

For more information on the new Viera Middle School, click here. Highlights

Upcoming Events

Early Voting in Brevard County

Early voting for the 2024 Primary Election in Brevard County will begin Saturday, August 10th through Saturday, August 17th.

Early voting sites will be open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Secure Ballot Intake Stations will also be available during early voting hours for voters wishing to drop off their completed mail ballots.

Voters may vote at any of Brevard’s Early Voting sites regardless of their residential address. On Election Day, voters must vote at their precinct-specific polling location.

For more information on early voting locations, click here.

National Lighthouse Day at Cape Canaveral Lighthouse

On Wednesday, August 7th, the public can celebrate National Lighthouse Day with a free tour of the historic 1868 Cape Canaveral Lighthouse from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Visitors will have the unique opportunity to explore Brevard’s only lighthouse, along with restored missiles and rockets at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum. This tour offers a glimpse into the past, present, and future of space exploration.

To secure a spot, email [email protected] or call 321-351-5052.

Brevard Zoo Hosts Roaring Back to School Event

On Saturday, August 10th, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., celebrate the new school year and World Lion Day with a day full of fun and games at the zoo. Brevard County Public Libraries will be in the zoo’s parking lot, offering a special deal: show your library card to receive a buy-one-get-one-free admission to the zoo.

This exclusive offer is valid only on August 10th and requires a library card for the discount. Additionally, guests can enjoy free special lion-themed activities throughout the zoo, making it a day of learning and adventure.

For more information, click here.

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