Good Morning!

2024 Florida Legislature Organization Session

As we continue through this transitional period, please be patient as we convert from a Senate District Office to a House District Office.

Florida Statutes require that each chamber hold an Organization Session fourteen days after a general election, this year it will be held on Tuesday, November 19th. During that organization session we will swear in members, elect presiding officers, adopt rules, and begin appointing committees. The official transfer of leadership in both chambers will also occur during that session. Senate President Kathleen Passidomo will turn the gavel over to President-Designate Ben Albritton. House Speaker Paul Renner will turn the gavel over to Speaker-Designate Daniel Perez.

You can watch Tuesday’s Organization Sessions as they happen via the The Florida Channel. Coverage begins approximately 10 minutes before a scheduled event. The Senate Organization Session will begin at 10:00 a.m and the House Organization Session will begin at 11:00 a.m.

I consider it a great honor to represent House District 32. 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 temporary office number at (321) 312-0124. My staff and I are here to serve you!

Statewide Update

The Unveiling of Florida’s Wildlife Corridor Indicators

Agricultural Commissioner Wilton Simpson and Senate President Kathleen Passidomo unveiled a new marker for the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

The Florida Wildlife Corridor Act was signed into law following unanimous bipartisan support by the Florida legislature during Commissioner Simpson’s term as Senate President. Today, under the leadership of Senate President Passidomo, the Florida Wildlife Corridor has grown to nearly 18 million acres of contiguous wilderness. This land is crucial to the survival of Florida’s 131 endangered species.

The new visual marker is located in Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park and serves as a physical and symbolic representation that visitors have entered the protected lands of the Wildlife Corridor.

For more information, click here.

International Trade Office Established in Italy

SelectFlorida’s mission to Italy, has successfully achieved one of its key goals. The delegation has announced an international trade development office will be established next year in the city of Viareggio. 

This office will serve as a conduit for Italian businesses who wish to conduct business in Florida. Currently, Florida has similar trade development offices in 16 nations. Commerce Secretary Alex Kelly has indicated the potential for collaboration in the maritime industry, given that shipbuilding is a field in which both Italy and Florida excel.

To read the full press release, click here.

Florida Legislative Session 2025

To assist in planning and scheduling for the 2025 Legislative Session, the following committee weeks have been agreed upon by the Florida House and Senate. The regular 2025 legislative Session will begin on March 4, 2025 and end on May 2, 2025.

Please see below for the 2024–2025 Committee Meeting Schedule:

• December 2 – 6, 2024 (Florida House of Representatives only)
• December 9 – 13, 2024 (Florida Senate only)
• January 13 – 17, 2025
• January 21 – 24, 2025 (Meetings begin on Tuesday due to Monday holiday.)
• February 3 – 7, 2025
• February 10 – 14, 2025
• February 17 – 21, 2025

For more information, click here.

Agency Highlight

The Florida Supreme Court

The highest Court in Florida is the Supreme Court, which is composed of seven Justices. At least five Justices must participate in every case and at least four must agree for a decision to be reached. The Court generally convenes to hear oral arguments on cases before them the first week of each month, except during mid-summer recess. Usually, all seven justices participate in oral argument. These sessions are open to the public and broadcast for the public to watch. The Court’s official headquarters is the Supreme Court Building located at 500 South Duval Street, Tallahassee, FL, 32399.

Every two years by a majority vote of the justices, a chief justice is elected. The chief justice is the top administrative officer of the judicial branch of government in Florida. The Chief Justice is eligible to serve four consecutive two year terms. 

The duties of the Chief Justice include:

• Presiding at all proceedings of the Court. If the chief justice is absent from Court, the senior justice present becomes acting chief justice.
• Assigning justices and judges, including retired justices and judges who consent and are approved by the Court to serve, to duty in courts which require temporary assistance.
• Supervising the compilation and presentation of the judicial budget to the Legislature.
• Presiding or designating another justice to preside over impeachment proceedings in the Senate.

To be eligible to serve as a justice, a person must be a Florida resident eligible to vote and must have been admitted to the practice of law in Florida for the preceding 10 years.

Justices are appointed under a system called merit selection and retention. The governor appoints new justices from a list of three to six names submitted by an independent panel of citizens called a Judicial Nominating Commission. The governor must select from the list. Once appointed, justices face the voters in a “yes” or “no” vote as to whether they should remain on the Court. This retention vote takes place in the first general election, at least one year after their appointment, and every six years thereafter. takes place. The Florida Constitution also requires Supreme Court Justices to retire when they reach 75 years of age.

Chief Justice Carlos G. Muniz currently leads the Florida Supreme Court. The other six justices on the court are: Justice Charles T. Canady, Justice Jorge Labarga, Justice John D. Couriel, Justice Jamie R. Grosshans, Justice Renatha Francis, and Justice Meredith L. Sasso.

To learn more about the Florida Supreme Court, click here.

Constituent of the Week

Kristin Bakke

Kristin Bakke was born in Wisconsin, where she attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison before leaving the state to live and work in Virginia and then Indiana. In 1988, Bakke began working professionally in the leadership development industry.

As an Associate Director for the National Association for Community Leadership in Indiana, Bakke came to know the leaders of local leadership programs throughout the country. One of those leaders was Jenny Atkinson, the inaugural director of the local nonprofit organization, LEAD Brevard.

When Bakke learned that Atkinson was retiring in 2000, she saw the perfect opportunity to move to Florida while she continued to work in the leadership development field. After speaking with Atkinson to learn more about the program, Bakke went through a competitive nationwide search process and was selected as the next president of LEAD Brevard.

Since 2000, Bakke has served as the President & CEO of the organization. Under her guidance, the program has grown into a beacon for leadership excellence. Her vision has elevated the organization, creating lasting opportunities for individuals to lead and serve. The nonprofit’s mission is: “working together to strengthen our community by inspiring people to lead”.

Bakke has been a cornerstone of community leadership development in Brevard County. At LEAD Brevard, participants engage in a nine-month experiential and practical leadership education journey, addressing local challenges and fostering collaboration across diverse sectors. The program has over 2000 alumni and focuses on building long-term networks, empowering leaders, and delivering meaningful impact to the community. In 2024, through the Community Acceleration Projects, class members contributed $16,878 in economic impact through service hours in partnership with local nonprofits.

Bakke says “Leadership is about inspiring others to see their potential and act for the greater good. Together, we shape the future of the Space Coast”.

Her professional achievements include studying at the Institutes for Organization Management and earning the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from the American Society of Association Executives. Bakke received the Preceptor Award, a national acknowledgment from the Association of Leadership Programs.

House District 32 is grateful for Kristin Bakke’s commitment to developing the future leaders in our community.

District Highlights

Northrop Grumman Expansion to Bring Over 1,000 Jobs to the City of Melbourne

Melbourne City Council has approved Northrop Grumman’s request to build their new expansion. This project consists of a 300,000 square foot office building and a 17,000 square foot bay building.

The new facilities will join several other defense contractors in the Industrial Zone near the Melbourne Orlando International Airport. The planned expansion of Northrop Grumman’s business operations will create more than 1000 jobs to the community.

To learn more about career opportunities with Northrop Grumman, click here.

The Disney Treasure Arrives in Port Canaveral

Port Canaveral welcomed another new ship to its impressive lineup of homeport vessels with the arrival of Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Treasure. Disney Treasure is the third Disney Cruise Line ship to be based in Port Canaveral, joining Disney Wish and Disney Fantasy.

“Disney Cruise Line has been a longtime partner of Port Canaveral, and we’re thrilled to welcome this newest addition to its fleet which will provide guests with unforgettable vacation experiences,” said Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO. “Disney Treasure is the latest chapter of the continued growth at our Port, and we couldn’t be prouder and more honored to serve as the homeport for this amazing ship.” 

To learn more about the Disney Treasure’s amenities and itineraries, click here.

City of Melbourne Salutes Hometown Heroes Military Banner Program

The City of Melbourne is now accepting applications for the “Melbourne Salutes Hometown Heroes” military banner recognition program through January 24, 2025. Starting May 1, 2025 thru July 4, 2025, the city will display street pole banners along New Haven Avenue in Downtown Melbourne, each featuring a different veteran’s name, photo, branch of service, and years served.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Sebastian Inlet’s North Jetty Closes for Extensive Repairs

Due to the substantial damage from recent storms, the North Jetty at Sebastian Inlet will be closed while repairs are being made.

To ensure public safety, the jetty will remain closed until the Sebastian Inlet District completes repairs. The repairs are expected to cost $2.5 million and will not be finished until July, 2025.

Updates on the repair project will be posted here.

Upcoming Events

Merry and Bright Tree Lighting Celebration

Join in on the holiday festivities at the Merry and Bright Tree Lighting Celebration on Friday, November 22, from 5-8 P.M. at The Avenue Viera (2261 Town Center Avenue, Melbourne).

Attractions include, a horse drawn carriage, street performers and a live DJ. Santa will lead the countdown to lighting a 40 foot tall tree at 7 p.m. The event is free to attend.

For more information call (321)-634-5390 or click here.

Holiday Market and Snowfest

This Friday and Saturday, November 22-23 there will be a family friendly Holiday Market at the Melbourne Auditorium (625 E. Hibiscus Boulevard, Melbourne) Hours are 3-8 P.M Friday and 10-3 P.M. Saturday.

This event will include a festive shopping market with unique vendors and food. The market is free to attend, but on Friday there will be an additional $5 Kidszone from 5-8 PM which will include a Snow Slide, Santa, cookie decorating.

For more information, call (321) 608-7420 or click here.

40th Annual Festival of Trees

The 40th Anniversary of the Festival of Trees event will take place on Saturday, November 23rd from 9 AM – 5 PM at the Wickham Park Community Center (2815 Leisure Way, Melbourne). The event will include a showcase of trees and festive decor, a silent auction, shopping, and delicious treats.

All proceeds benefit the Junior League of the Space Coast’s mission to improve our community. To attend there is a $5 minimum suggested donation for each attendee ages 12 and up.

For more information, call (321) 610-8950 or click here.

Space Coast VegFest

The Space Coast VegFest, a celebration of all things vegan, will be held on Saturday, November 23, from 10 AM – 6 PM at Cocoa Riverfront Park (401 Riveredge Boulevard, Cocoa).

Enjoy a variety of activities, from enlightening speakers to invigorating yoga sessions, arts and crafts, food, and local businesses.This event is free to attend.

For more information, click here.

28th Annual Artworks of Eau Gallie Fine Arts Festival

The 28th Annual Artworks of Eau Gallie Fine Arts Festival will take place Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24 from 10 AM – 4 PM in Melbourne’s Eau Gallie Arts District (1490 Highland Avenue, Melbourne).

This festival features prominent artists who will be displaying original art for sale. There will also be a porcelain artists show, a “meet the authors” event, live entertainment, and a food court.

For more information, call 321-254-2584 or click here.

Central Brevard Art Association’s Cocoa Beach Holiday Art Show & Sale

From November 22-24, The Central Brevard Art Association will be having their Holiday Art Show & Sale at the Cocoa Beach Public Library (550 N. Brevard Avenue, Cocoa Beach) , November 24. Hours will be 9 AM – 5 PM Friday/Saturday, and 1-4 PM Sunday.

For more information, call (321) 806-8065 or click here.

Suntree United Methodist Church Hosting Raleigh Ringers Concert

Suntree United Methodist Church (7400 North Wickham Road, Melbourne) will host the Raleigh Ringers at 7 PM on Monday, November 18th. The internationally acclaimed, Emmy nominated handbell choir is from Raleigh, North Carolina. The concert is free to attend, with a suggested donation of $20.

Click here for more information, or call 321-242-2585.

Eastern Florida State College Chamber and Community Orchestras Concert

Eastern Florida State College will be featuring the combined performances of both the EFSC Chamber Orchestra and the Community Orchestra, conducted by Justin Walker on Thursday, November 21st at 7:30 PM at the EFSC Cocoa Campus located at 1519 Clearlake Road in the Simpkins Fine Arts Center (Bldg. 4).

Ticket prices and info can be found at efsc.booktix.com

For more information, call (321) 433-7022 or click here.

Contact Information

Melbourne Office 

900 East Strawbridge Avenue

Melbourne, FL 32901

Tallahassee Office

Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100

Staff

Yvette Campbell