State Senator Debbie Mayfield – Mayfield Minute 06/02/24

Jun 2 2024

State Senator Debbie Mayfield – Mayfield Minute 06/02/24

Good Morning!

This week begins the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Since the late 1800s, Florida has endured more hurricanes than any other state. A staggering 120 hurricanes have made landfall in Florida accounting for over 40% of all US hurricanes.

Florida is particularly vulnerable to harsh storms and deadly hurricanes. Throughout its history, Florida has faced numerous devastating hurricanes, such as the Okeechobee Hurricane (1928), Hurricane Andrew (1992), Hurricane Irma (2017), and Hurricane Michael (2018).

It is important that Floridians take precaution and have emergency supplies in preparation for a storm. During the 2024 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, Floridians can purchase supplies needed during the hurricane season. The first sale tax holiday is from June 1st to June 14th and the second is from August 26th to September 6th.

For more information on the 2024 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, see the ‘Statewide Update’ section below.

In addition to the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, residents can take advantage of the last month of the home hardening sales tax exemption to protect their homes from hurricanes and tropical storms.

During the 2021-2022 Legislative Session, the legislature provided a sales tax exemption period to assist homeowners in hardening their home. This tax-free period started in July of 2022 and ends on June 30, 2024. For more information on the home hardening sales tax exemption, click here.

On Friday, May 31st, Brevard County celebrated the opening of the new Emergency Operations Center. Just in time for hurricane season, this new facility will ensure that Brevard County stays safe during potential storms. For more information on the new Emergency Operations Center, see the ‘District Highlights’ section 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 233 bills into law, vetoed two bills, 11 remain pending his action, and 67 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 59 – Provision Of Homeowners’ Association Rules and Covenants

CS/HB 141 – Economic Development

CS/CS/CS/HB 149 – Continuing Contracts

CS/HB 293 – Hurricane Protections for Homeowners’ Associations

CS/HB 481 – Building Construction Regulations and System Warranties

CS/HB 535 – Low-voltage Alarm System Projects

CS/HB 705 – Public Works Projects

CS/CS/SB 556 – Protection of Specified Adults

CS/SB 644 – Rural Emergency Hospitals

CS/HB 1161 – Verification of Eligibility for Homestead Exemption

CS/SB 1142 – Occupational Licensing

CS/HB 1093 – Florida Uniform Fiduciary Income and Principal Act

CS/CS/HB 1049 – Flood Disclosure in the Sale of Real Property

SB 938 – Dentistry

CS/HB 855 – Dental Services

CS/CS/CS/SB 812 – Expedited Approval of Residential Building Permits

CS/CS/SB 808 – Treatment by a Medical Specialist

CS/HB 775 – Surrendered Infants

CS/CS/HB 1203 – Homeowners’ Associations

CS/HB 1259 – Providers of Cardiovascular Services

CS/CS/HB 1363 – Traffic Enforcement

HB 7085 – Sickle Cell Disease

HB 7009 – OGSR/Mental Health Treatment and Services

CS/SB 1350 – Salvage

CS/CS/SB 1456 – Counties Designated as Areas of Critical State Concern

CS/SB 7054 – Private Activity Bonds

Bills received and pending consideration include:

CS/CS/HB 385 – Safe Exchange of Minor Children

CS/CS/HB 1267 – Economic Self – Sufficiency

CS/CS/SB 1420 – Department of Commerce

CS/SB 984 – Judgement Liens

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

CS/HB 923 – Wills and Estate

HB 741– Town of Hillsboro Beach, Broward County

SB 702 – Attorney Fees and Costs

HB 521 – Equitable Distribution of Marital Assets and Liabilities

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

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

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

Preparing for 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season

During the Atlantic hurricane season, spanning from June 1st to November 30th, hurricanes and tropical storms are unavoidable for Floridians. Since 1850, every section of Florida’s coastline has endured at least one hurricane. While the coastlines are especially vulnerable to storms, the impact of hurricanes can extend hundreds of miles, affecting Floridians across the state.

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be particularly active. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an 85% chance of above normal activity this year. The risk is especially high from mid August to late October, when the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic provide ideal conditions for tropical wave development.

Due to the potential impact of these storms, it is crucial that Floridians prepare ahead in case of an emergency. This includes securing emergency water and food supplies, medicine, and power sources such as flashlights and batteries. The State of Florida is offering tax exemption for supplies through the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, aligning with the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.

The sales tax exemption will occur during two different periods. The first sales tax exemption period starts at the beginning of hurricane season on June 1st and lasts until June 14th. The second sales tax exemption period is during the peak of hurricane season, from August 24th to September 6th.

During these periods, residents can purchase essential items including flashlights, batteries, generators, candles, smoke detectors, and more emergency supplies. For a full list of supplies eligible for tax exemption, click here.

It is important to stay safe and be prepared during the hurricane season. Brevard County provides emergency alerts that are specific to storms in the area, to sign up to receive these alerts click here or call the Brevard County Office of Emergency Management at 321-637-6670.

Registration Opens for the 2024 Florida Python Challenge

Registration for the 2024 Florida Python Challenge has officially opened. This event aims at removing invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades and offers participants a chance to win over $25,000 in prizes. The 10-day competition will take place from August 9th to August 18th, 2024. In order to participate in the event, hunters must complete an online training course prior to the competition.

Burmese pythons, which are not native to Florida, pose a significant threat to the Everglades ecosystem by preying on native species. The event is a joint effort by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the South Florida Water Management District to protect the Everglades from the invasive species.

In 2023, the Florida Python Challenge successfully removed 209 Burmese pythons, contributing to a total of 917 pythons since the competition began in 2013.

FWC Executive Director Roger Young stated, “This event allows the public to get involved in protecting our native wildlife while competing to win thousands of dollars for their efforts removing Burmese pythons from our iconic Florida Everglades ecosystem.”

For more information on how to register for the Florida Python Challenge, click here

Constituent of the Week

Colonel Meredith S. Beg

This week, we are featuring Colonel Meredith S. Beg as our constituent of the week. She serves as the Vice Commander for Operations at Space Launch Delta 45 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Colonel Beg is in charge of a team of 15,000 Space Force, Air Force, and contractor personnel at the station. Her responsibilities include leading her team in conducting integrated launch and range operations and managing and overseeing the operations and maintenance of $20 billion worth of instrumentation and infrastructure.

Her distinguished career began in the Air Force in 2001 after she completed Officer Training School at Maxwell AFB, AL. She transitioned to the Space Force in July 2021. During her career in the Air Force and Space Force, she has received numerous decorations and awards, including the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Colonel Beg has a degree in Chemical Engineering from Wayne State University, as well as a degree in Systems Engineering from Loyola Marymount University. She has completed numerous professional military education courses, including the Air Command and Staff College and the Air War College.

Colonel Beg’s dedication and leadership extend beyond her professional duties, as she continually inspires her team and community through her commitment to innovation and excellence in space operations. Her contributions not only advance national security but also pave the way for future advancements in space exploration and technology.

Thank you to Colonel Beg for your service to our county and our district. Brevard County is fortunate to have a leader like you.

District Highlights

Multi-Habitat Restoration Project Commences in Brevard County

On Wednesday, May 29th, I attended a press conference at the Titusville Causeway where the Brevard County Natural Resources Management Department announced the launch of the Multi-Trophic Restoration and Living Shoreline Resiliency Action Project.

This $4.2M initiative is the first in Florida to combine multiple habitat solutions to address environmental challenges such as shoreline erosion and storm resilience in the Indian River Lagoon. The benefits of this initiative are numerous, including improved water quality, erosion control and shoreline stabilization, and the expansion of natural habitats for wildlife in the Indian River Lagoon.

The project will include removing old structures, improving the sand quality on shorelines, planting four acres of seagrass, and adding offshore breakwater devices to the lagoon to help reduce erosion. These Wave Attenuation Devices will be visible to boats and will include gaps for wildlife. The acres of seagrass will be seeded with one million clams and will help create wildlife habitats as well as improve water quality.

I am honored to play a part in this project alongside Brevard County Natural Resources Management Department, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, St. Johns River Water Management District, Sea & Shoreline, Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, Florida Power & Light, Tourist Development Council, and DRMP engineers.

This initiative is a crucial step in restoring the Indian River Lagoon. To learn more about Multi-Trophic Restoration and Living Shoreline Resiliency Action Project click here.

Brevard County Partners with FWC to Address Derelict Vessel Issues

In an ongoing effort to maintain the integrity of our waterways, Brevard County has been collaborating with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to address the issue of derelict vessels. There has been significant progress in the removal of abandoned and neglected boats.

Since the beginning of the year, a total of 103 cases have been reviewed with 67 cases successfully closed while 38 cases remain open. In addition, 12 vessels are eligible for removal, while two require attention from the Boating and Waterways Department.

Derelict vessels pose a significant environmental and safety concern. Abandoned boats, whether sunk or floating, present hazards to navigation and marine life. Despite the complexities involved, Brevard County remains committed to addressing the issue of derelict vessels to safeguard its waterways and preserve marine life.

For more information on derelict and at-risk vessels, click here.

Opening Ceremony for Brevard County’s New Emergency Operations Center

On Friday, May 31st, I attended the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new Brevard County Emergency Operations Center, along with community leaders and constituents from Brevard County.

The ceremony featured remarks from a variety of speakers, including myself, Sheriff Ivey, Representative Tyler Sirois, Senator Tom Wright, Representative Thad Altman, Rockledge Deputy Mayor Frank Forester, Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell, Jeremy Cox from Ajax Building Company, County Commissioner Rob Feltner, and Emergency Management Director John Scott.

The 54,000 square-foot Emergency Operations Center is located adjacent to the original building opened in 1964. The new center is built on land owned by Brevard Public Schools and leased to the County under a 99-year lease for just $1 annually.

The new Emergency Operations Center will enhance Brevard County’s ability to respond to emergencies. It provides state-of-the-art technology and space for coordinating disaster response, ensuring that the county is better prepared for hurricanes, floods, and other emergencies.

For more information on Brevard County’s Emergency Management Response, click here

Upcoming Events

Move into the Light: Mountain Bike Trail Ride Hosted by Brevard Prevention Coalition

On Sunday, June 9th, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Brevard Prevention Coalition is hosting a Mountain Bike Trail Ride at Wickham Park (2500 Parkway Drive) in Melbourne. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner, this event is open to all skill levels.

The mission of the Brevard Prevention Coalition is to educate families and youths about the dangers of addiction, substance misuse, and overdose while providing healthy outlets for stress relief. The non-profit organization works to provide education, healthy activities, and resources for recovery to anyone affected by substance abuse.

The event will feature bike rides through the trails at Wickham Park along with cookout food, beverages, and more.

For more information on upcoming events hosted by the Brevard Prevention Coalition, click here.

AVET Project Honoring Military Women at Brevard Zoo

The AVET Project will host a Military Women Celebration luncheon on Wednesday, June 12th, at the Brevard Zoo (8225 N Wickham Rd). The luncheon is scheduled to take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

This year, the AVET Project is celebrating the 76th Anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act signed in 1948. This legislation granted women the ability to serve and pursue careers in the United States Military.

The event aims to honor the remarkable contributions of America’s past and present Military women. The luncheon is free for Military women with Military/Veteran Id’s.

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

Henry Mancini Tribute Concert at Melbourne Auditorium

On Wednesday, June 5th, and Thursday, June 6th, the Melbourne Municipal Band is performing a Henry Mancini Tribute Concert beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Melbourne Auditorium (625 E Hibiscus Blvd).

Conducted by Staci Rosbury, the event features a Concert Band ensemble featuring the timeless music of Henry Mancini. Musician Henry Mancini is famous for his incredible work from the Pink Panther to Moon River and more.

The picnic concert is free to the public and attendees are encouraged to bring dinner or purchase food at the auditorium to enjoy during the event. For more information on the concert, click here.

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