State Senator Debbie Mayfield – Mayfield Minute 08/18/24

Aug 18 2024

State Senator Debbie Mayfield – Mayfield Minute 08/18/24

Good Morning!

Yesterday, we celebrated National Nonprofit Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the invaluable contributions of nonprofit organizations in our communities and around the nation. Observed annually on August 17th, this day commemorates the Tariff Act of 1894, which first exempted nonprofits from federal income taxes.

Nonprofits are the backbone of our community, providing crucial services, advocacy, and support to those in need. In Brevard County, we are fortunate to have so many dedicated organizations committed to making a difference. Nonprofits continuously help our communities from supporting our Veterans and providing shelter to the homeless, to promoting education and protecting our environment, and much more.

Below is a list of various nonprofit organizations in Brevard County:

We extend our thanks to all the nonprofits in District 19 that work tirelessly to make our community a better place. Your work does not go unnoticed!

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

Commissioner Simpson Announces Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program for Farmers

Last week, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced that Florida farmers, ranchers, and growers affected by Hurricane Debby are now eligible to apply for low-interest or interest-free loans through the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program. Loans up to $500,000 are designed to help producers restore, repair, or replace essential property such as fences, equipment, and greenhouses, or to remove vegetative debris.

“Supporting our farmers, ranchers, and growers in the aftermath of a natural disaster is not just about rebuilding and replanting, it’s about safeguarding our state and nation’s food security,” stated Commissioner Simpson. Farmers, ranchers, and growers are advised to document any property damage with photos and retain receipts for recovery-related expenses.

Producers that were previously awarded funds for Hurricane Idalia can also apply for funds to repair damages from Hurricane Debby. As a reminder, applications for damages from Hurricane Idalia will close August 29th, 2024.

This initiative follows the passage of House Bill 1-C during the November 2023 legislative session, which allocated $75 million to support recovery efforts for impacted agriculture and aquaculture sectors.

For more information on the Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program, click here.

Florida Sets Record for Tourism Numbers in the 2nd Quarter of 2024

Last week, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida welcomed a record-breaking 34.2 million visitors during the second quarter of 2024, a notable 1.7% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This figure represents the highest number of visitors ever recorded for a second quarter in the state’s history, exemplifying Florida’s enduring appeal as a premier tourist destination. In 2023, Florida welcomed more than 140 million visitors, breaking the previous year’s records.

Dana Young, President & CEO of VISIT FLORIDA stated, “Florida continues to be the destination of choice for millions of Americans and international visitors alike.”

As Florida continues to showcase its natural beauty and world-class attractions, it remains a leading destination for both American and international travelers.

For more information, click here.

Agency Highlight

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

This week, we are highlighting the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), an agency with a rich history and a vital role in supporting Florida’s agriculture and protecting its consumers.

The FDACS was founded in 1868, when the Florida Constitution established the Office of Commissioner of Immigration, tasked with attracting settlers to the state. By 1885, it was renamed the Commissioner of Agriculture, reflecting the changing responsibilities of the office. In 1969, the Florida Legislature reorganized the department, adding the Division of Consumer Services and the Division of Forestry, and renaming it to include its new responsibilities as the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

The FDACS is currently led by Commissioner Wilton Simpson, Florida’s 13th Commissioner of Agriculture. A fifth-generation Floridian and lifelong farmer, Commissioner Simpson has deep roots in agriculture. His leadership is marked by a strong commitment to supporting Florida’s farmers, promoting Florida-grown food, and addressing agriculture as a national security issue. His extensive legislative experience, including his term as Senate President, has been crucial in securing significant funding and protections for the agricultural sector.

The FDACS oversees a range of divisions, essential to its mission. They work together to protect Florida’s environment, agriculture, and consumers.

FDACS’s work is supported by a range of specialized divisions, including:

The Division of Agricultural Environmental Services administers regulatory programs related to environmental and consumer protection.
The Office of Agricultural Water Policy works with the university systems and water management districts to implement the Best Management Practices (BMP) to address water quality and conservation.
The Division of Aquaculture assists in regulating aquafarms to conserve Florida’s natural resources and the various species of fish, aquatic plants, shellfish, crustaceans, aquatic reptiles and amphibians.
The Division of Animal Industry is responsible for enforcing animal health regulations and protecting Florida from pests and diseases.
The Office of Cabinet Affairs supports the Commissioner in his role on the Florida Cabinet.
The Office of Communications informs the public and media about FDACS’s programs and initiatives.
The Division of Consumer Services serves as the state’s clearinghouse for consumer complaints and protection.
The Office of Energy is the legislatively designated state energy policy and program development office for Florida.
The Florida Forest Service manages over 1 million acres of state forest resources, fighting wildfires and maintaining forest health.
The Division of Food, Nutrition and Wellness administers child nutrition programs across the state.
The Division of Food Safety a safe food supply through rigorous inspections and testing, inspects and certifies produce, licenses citrus dealers, and inspects fresh tomato packinghouses and farms.
The Division of Plant Industry works to detect and control plants that threaten Florida’s native and commercially grown plants and agricultural resources.
The Office of General Counsel provides legal services across the department, while the Office of Inspector General promotes accountability and efficiency within FDACS.
The Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement enforces laws regulated by the department.
The Division of Licensing administers Florida’s concealed weapon license program and oversees private security services.
The Division of Marketing and Development promotes Florida products and agricultural commerce.

For information on employment opportunities with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), click here.

Constituent of the Week

Akili Phillips

This week, in honor of National Nonprofit Day, we are proud to feature Akili Phillips as our Constituent of the Week. Akili’s dedication to uplifting the community through her work with Family Promise of Brevard is inspiring. Born and raised in Palm Bay, Akili has remained connected to her roots, driven by a desire to give back to the community that shaped her.

After graduating from Palm Bay High School with honors, she attended American Intercontinental University in London where she received her bachelor’s degree in visual communications.

Her previous professional role was as the Director of Business Development at Club Esteem Inc., a nonprofit organization in Melbourne that is committed to inspiring underprivileged youth to achieve academic and personal excellence. She helped connect young people from various communities with academic programs that would change their lives. Over the years, Club Esteem has seen remarkable outcomes.100% of students from the program who enrolled in college graduated within 4-6 years. Additionally, over 90% of these students maintained a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and more than 80% made the honor roll.

Currently, Akili serves as the Director of Development for Family Promise of Brevard, a local nonprofit organization with a mission to end family homelessness. In this role, she uses her experience in fundraising, events, and marketing to share the powerful stories of the families served by Family Promise. Akili’s passion for her work is evident, she states that she loves connecting the community with ways to help local families. Family Promise’s approach to combatting homelessness involves a four-step process: prevention, shelter, stabilization, and community initiatives. This approach has been successful in transforming so many lives within the community. Akili’s work in connecting the community to families in need has been significant in the success of Family Promise’s mission.

Beyond her role at Family Promise, Akili is an active member of the community, serving as Co-Chair on the Melbourne Regional Chamber Nonprofit Council. Her dedication and leadership was recognized this year when she was honored with the “4 Under 40” Leadership Award from LEAD Brevard.

Akili Phillips exemplifies the spirit of service and dedication that National Nonprofit Day celebrates. Senate District 19 thanks Akili for her work in supporting those in need throughout our community.

District Highlights

SpaceX Launches Imaging Satellites from Cape Canaveral

On Thursday, August 15th, SpaceX launched two imaging satellites for Maxar Intelligence from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The mission, named Maxar-2, lifted off at 9:00 a.m. Eastern and is the second of three planned launches to build Maxar’s six-satellite Worldview Legion constellation. This marked SpaceX’s 79th launch of the year.

The two satellites, part of Maxar Intelligence’s Worldview Legion series, were successfully deployed about an hour and fifty minutes after liftoff. These satellites are now in a mid-inclination orbit, allowing them to cover most of the world’s populated regions by observing areas between 45 degrees north and 45 degrees south latitude.

Maxar’s Worldview Legion satellites feature advanced imaging capabilities with a resolution of 30 centimeters, crucial for detailed mapping and other applications. Maxar Intelligence is a key provider of this type of high-resolution imagery to the U.S. government.

For more information on the Maxar satellites, click here.

2024 Primary Election

This weekend, Early Voting for the 2024 Primary Election concluded on Saturday, August 17th. The Primary Election will take place on Tuesday, August 20th, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. I would like to thank the poll workers and volunteers who contribute to the voting process. Your efforts are crucial to ensuring a smooth election day.

To ensure you cast your vote at the correct location, you can easily find your polling precinct by clicking here and using the precinct lookup tool. Simply enter your address, and the tool will provide you with the details of your assigned polling place. This will help you avoid any confusion on Election Day.

To view a full list of precincts in Brevard County, click here.

Upcoming Events

Summer VetFest at Wickham Park

On Thursday, August 22nd, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS) will host a Summer VetFest event at the Wickham Park Community Center (2815 Leisure Way) in Melbourne.

The event will include information on Veterans Benefit Claims Assistance, Eligibility and Enrollment Services, and toxic exposure screenings. In addition, other Veterans’ support groups will be in attendance with free giveaways. Summer VetFest is an event to honor Veterans and display the services that are available to them. The event is a part of the VA’s nationwide outreach campaign for Veterans.

Mr. Timothy J. Cooke, OVAHCS Director/CEO, will be onsite to speak with Veterans. Appointments to speak with the Director can be scheduled by emailing your name and contact information to [email protected].

For more information on the event, click here.

Melbourne Regional Chamber & Women of Excellence Host “Think like a Breadwinner” Event

On Thursday, August 22nd, from 7:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., Melbourne Regional Chamber is hosting a Women of Excellence event at the Hilton Melbourne Beach Oceanfront (3003 N. Hwy A1A).

The “Think Like a Breadwinner” panel will focus on financial growth and women’s empowerment. The panel aims to empower women to take control of their financial future.

The event will cover the significance of mindset shifts, planning for financial independence, and securing a successful future. Panelists for the event include Women of Excellence Chair Angela Neal, Julie Bolton from Merrill Lynch, Pam Rothenberg from Tuckaway Shores Resort, and Michelle Riegner from DAG Architects.

For more information, click here or contact Megan Szucs with Melbourne Regional Chamber by email at [email protected]

Aquadome Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

On Thursday, August 22nd, Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High School will celebrate the ribbon cutting of the new Aquadome (1500 Minutemen Causeway). The ceremony begins at 9:00 a.m., but guests are asked to arrive at 8:15 a.m. This event is a wonderful opportunity to showcase community partnerships and support career advancement for students.

Parking will be available in the West Lot; those traveling west on Minutemen Causeway should pass the front office and turn left to park. Signs will be provided to guide you.

For more information, contact Brevard Public Schools at 321-633-1000

City of Rockledge Food Truck Friday

On August 23rd, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., join the City of Rockledge at the Civic Hub/City Hall parking lot (1600 Huntington Ln.) for an evening of delicious offerings from local food trucks.

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

Vendor lineup includes: