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State Senator Debbie Mayfield – Mayfield Minute 06/04/2023

Good Morning!

On June 6, 1944, Supreme Allied Commander General Dwight D. Eisenhower gave the go-ahead for the largest amphibious military operation in history, Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Northern France, commonly known as D-Day.

Tuesday marks the 79th anniversary of this historic invasion. May we always honor the service of our American soldiers and allies who fought to end World War II. We will never forget their sacrifices. 

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!

Alzheimer’s and Brain Disease Awareness Month

The month of June is National Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness month. This is especially important in our State as Florida ranks first in the nation for residents over age 65. 

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and eventually the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. For most seniors experiencing Alzheimer’s, symptoms appear later in life. Estimates vary, but experts suggest that more than six million Americans, most of them age 65 or older, may have Alzheimer’s which is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, and the most common cause of dementia among older adults.

Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning including thinking, remembering, reasoning and, behavioral abilities to such an extent that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities. Dementia ranges in severity from the mildest stage, when it is just beginning to affect one’s functioning, to the most severe stage when one must depend completely on others for help with the basic activities of daily living.

The Florida Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence (FACE) is the first of its kind administered by a state agency. FACE supports caregivers and people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias throughout communities using evidence-based strategies. FACE achieves a holistic care model for clients and caregivers to address two primary goals: allowing Floridians living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias to age-in-place and to empower family caregivers

If you are in need of assistance as a caregiver or as a loved one of someone suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s, there may be resources available to you.

In Brevard County, click here or call the Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation at 321-253-4430.

In Indian River County, click here or call the Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Association of Indian River County at 772-563-0505.

 

The Florida Department of Elder Care Services’ Alzheimer’s and Dementia Related Diseases (ADRD) also provides resources and programs for caregivers and patients. For more information, click here

Statewide Update

Patrick Space Force Base Selected as U.S. Space Force Space Training and Readiness Command Headquarters

Last week, Governor DeSantis announced that Florida’s Patrick Space Force Base was selected as the home for the U.S. Space Force Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) headquarters. This further solidifies Florida’s dominance as the most military-friendly state and as America’s hub for military and private space operations.

“From Project Mercury to today’s privatized spaceflight, Americans look to Florida’s Space Coast to see history in the making,” said Governor DeSantis. “We are honored to host the Space Training and Readiness Command headquarters and continue Florida’s history as America’s gateway to outer space.”

STARCOM will prepare combat-ready U.S. Space Force (USSF) Guardians to fight and win in a contested, degraded, and operationally limited environment through the deliberate development, education, and training of space professionals; development of space warfighting doctrine, tactics, techniques, and procedures; and the test and evaluation of USSF capabilities

Governor DeSantis Signed HB 1379 Enhancing Protections for the Indian River Lagoon

Governor DeSantis recently signed House Bill 1379 which further protects the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), expands the existing wastewater grant program, strengthens Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs), improves local government long-term comprehensive planning, and creates dedicated funding for the state’s land conservation efforts. 

I was proud to sponsor SB 712 in 2020 which established the framework for protecting our natural resources in Florida, and I look forward to continuing our work with Governor DeSantis’ ongoing efforts to protect Florida’s environment.

“Four years ago, I laid out a bold agenda for the protection of Florida’s natural resources and we not only met our ambitious goals – we greatly exceeded them,” said Governor DeSantis. “In Florida, our natural resources are the foundation of our way of life and a large driver of the economy. With this legislation, we are building on the progress we have made in water quality protection and land conservation, ensuring that we leave Florida better to God than we found it for future generations.”

HB 1379 enacts historic comprehensive protections for Florida’s environment including:

  • A comprehensive water quality monitoring program;
  • Creates new requirements for septic systems to protect and restore the IRL;
  • Expands eligibility requirements for the Wastewater Grant Program to include storm water, agriculture, and all waterbodies not meeting water quality standards.

More on the bill can be found here.

Governor DeSantis also Approved the Following Bills Agreed Upon by the FL Senate and FL House

Since we last reported in the May 28th edition of the Mayfield Minute, the Governor has signed the following bills:

CS/CS/HB 5 – Economic Programs

CS/CS/HB 657 – Enforcement of School Zone Speed Limits

CS/CS/CS/HB 799 – Property Insurance

CS/HB 881 – My Safe Florida Home Program

HB 1169 – Hamilton County

SB 662 – Student Online Personal Information Protection

CS/CS/SB 766 – Enforcement of School Bus Passing Infractions

CS/SB 7052 – Insurer Accountability

CS/CS/HB 21 – Transportation Facility Designations

CS/SB 478 – Early Childhood Music Education Incentive Program

CS/HB 133 – Fees in Lieu of Security Deposits

CS/HB 179 – Florida Kratom Consumer Protection Act

CS/CS/CS/HB 391 – Home Health Aides for Medically Fragile Children

CS/CS/HB 783 – Opioid Abatement

CS/HB 959 – Dosage Form Animal Health Products

CS/HB 965 – Driver License, Identification Card, and Motor Vehicle Registration

CS/CS/HB 1123 – Commercial Service Airport Transparency and Accountability

CS/HB 1397 – Regional Transportation Planning

CS/SB 552 – Public Records

CS/SB 664 – Contracts Entered into by the Department of Children and Families

CS/SB 726 – Library Cooperative Grants

CS/CS/SB 1480 – Grants for Nonprofit Organization Safety

Constituent of the Week

Frank DiBello, President and Chief Executive Officer of Space Florida

Our Constituent of the Week is Mr. Frank DiBello, President and CEO of Space Florida for the past 14 years. He recently announced his retirement effective June 30, 2023.

Space Florida was created in 2006 to strengthen Florida’s position as a global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration, and commerce.

Mr. DiBello was selected in May 2009 to lead Space Florida. In his position, he developed and executed programs designed to attract, retain, and grow aerospace business across the state. Additionally, Mr. DiBello focused on Florida aerospace workforce development and retention as well as international partnerships.

Mr. DiBello has more than 50 years of direct aerospace, defense and emerging space industry-related experience. He spent more than 20 years at KPMG, where he heavily focused on support of major aerospace mergers, acquisitions and consolidations. He founded KPMG’s Space Industry Practice taking major satellite programs to Wall Street for financing, and led the effort to develop commercial uses of the International Space Station (ISS).

Mr. DiBello served on President Reagan’s Private Sector Survey on Cost Control, also known as the Grace Commission, and was responsible for management of the teams reviewing the Departments of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Office of the Secretary of Defense, and NASA. For his service to the Nation on this Commission, he was presented with a Presidential Citation.

Mr. DiBello formed SpaceVest focused on investments in companies taking defense and space technologies to commercial applications and markets. He later served as President and CEO of Constellation Communications, International (CCI). He has been involved in multiple civic, social and industry volunteer organizations. He founded the Washington Space Business Roundtable and was appointed to serve on a number of critical defense and space commissions and committees.

For his work as President of the Board of the USO Metropolitan Washington, he received the Medal for Distinguished Public Service, the Department of Defense’s highest civilian honor.

Mr. DiBello has taught at the Defense Systems Management College and International Space University. He received his Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematics from Villanova University, and did graduate work at American and George Washington Universities.

He resides in Cocoa Beach with Mary Ann, his wife of 55 years, and their children and grandchildren.

District 19 continues to lead the nation in the aviation, aerospace, and engineering industries. As CEO and President of Space Florida, Frank DiBello’s 14 years of leadership has advanced Space Florida to global recognition and as a leader in space commercialization for generations to come.

District Highlights

Space Coast Honor Flight (SCHF) Takes Off June 10th

SCHF’s 3rd flight of the year to Washington, D.C. takes place on Saturday, June 10th. The Veterans will arrive at 1:45 a.m. and the ‘Send Off Ceremony’ begins at 2:15 a.m. If your schedule permits, please come out and support great Americans as they depart on their Honor Flight from Wickham Park Senior Center (2785 Leisure Way) in Melbourne. The Veterans will return to Wickham Park Senior Center on Sunday, June 11th at 12:45 a.m. for a ‘Welcome Home’ reception.

SCHF’s mission is to take World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam Veterans to visit their War Memorials in our nation’s Capital. This is a unique opportunity to show our gratitude to the Heroes who made it possible for us to enjoy the freedoms we have every day.  (30th)

SCHF has openings for Guardians, volunteers, new donors, and remaining seats for Veterans still interested in the Honor Flights taking place throughout the remainder of 2023. The organization is also requesting referrals if you know of a Veteran who may be interested in receiving an invitation to participate in an upcoming Honor Flight. 

The criteria for Veteran participation includes:

   1. Any Critically Ill Veteran      

   2. World War II Veterans (Service through 1948)      

   3. Korean War Veterans (Service 1949 to 1954)      

   4. Vietnam Veterans (Service 1955 to 1975)      

   5. Recent Conflicts (Service 1976 to present) 

For more information, please visit the Space Coast Honor Flight website, email [email protected], or call 321-456-7031.  

Breeze Airways Completes First Three Months of Service to and from Vero Beach

Breeze Airways began flight service in Vero Beach on February 2nd. In the first two months, the airline exceeded expectations serving more than 11,000 travelers through the Vero Beach Airport. 

Breeze Airways officials have reported that even with weather delays to its destinations in Hartford, Connecticut and White Plains, New York, more than 90% of the flights arrived within 30 minutes of their scheduled time. Breeze Airways also flies to and from Vero Beach and Norfolk, Virginia.

Future plans include moving the outdoor baggage claim to the indoor facility, and additional flight destinations are in consideration. Any anticipated parking challenges have not come to fruition; on average, only approximately 10 percent of long term parking is occupied leaving additional space for short term travelers.

Click here to view Breeze Airways’ twice daily flights available to and from Vero Beach.

In other Vero Beach Airport news, officials have announced the return of the Blue Angels for the May 3rd to May 5th 2024 Vero Beach Air Show. To follow the development of the 2024 Air Show schedule, click here.

Upcoming Events

Surfers for Autism Cocoa Beach Registration Opens June 10th

The 13th Annual Cocoa Beach Surfers for Autism Festival will take place on Saturday, June 24th at Alan Shepard Park (200 East Cocoa Beach Causeway) from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Registration for participants and volunteers opens Saturday, June 10th. The annual Surfers for Autism event accommodates a limit of 200 participants and 500 volunteers;

organizers encourage those interested to register promptly here beginning June 10th.

Registered participants should arrive for check in on Saturday, June 24th at 8:00 a.m. to receive a wristband. Surfing begins at 9:00 a.m. and the local chapter of Surfers for Autism

will assist participants with surfing, water safety, board retrieval, lunches, and more.

All participants must complete and bring the liability waiver which can be accessed here.

Free Summer Events Begin

Summer Sunday Concert Series at Captain Hiram’s

Every Sunday, beginning today thru July 30th, Captain Hiram’s (1606 Indian Drive) in Sebastian will host free outdoor concerts. The waterfront resort will host reggae bands from across the country throughout June and July. For more information call 772-388-8588 or visit hirams.com.

IRC Museums to Provide Free Admission for Blue Star Families

The Vero Beach Museum of Art, the Environmental Learning Center, and McKee Botanical Garden are offering free admission to active duty military and family members through Labor Day, September 4th.

The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and Space Force, and up to five family members.

One person in each group must show their official military identification and there is no limit to how many museums a family can visit during the summer.

For more information on the Vero Beach museums participating, click the following links:

Free Admission for Dads at Brevard Zoo on Father’s Day

The Brevard Zoo (8225 North Wickham Road) in Melbourne is granting Dads, accompanied by a paying child, free admission in celebration of Father’s Day on Sunday, June 18th.

The Brevard Zoo has recently welcomed new animal residents including a trio of bobcats, a new howler monkey, a cape porcupine, and sea turtles in need of rehabilitation to return to sea, or a permanent home.

Tickets can be purchased online here or in person.

Patriotic Concerts in Brevard and Indian River County

The Space Coast Symphony Winds will perform the following “Spirit of America” patriotic admission-free concerts:

  • Saturday, June 24th at 2:00 p.m. at the Emerson Center (1590 27th Avenue) in Vero Beach
  • Saturday, June 24th at 7:00 p.m. at the Scott Center for the Performing Arts (5625 Holy Trinity Drive) in Melbourne
  • Sunday, June 25th at 3:30 p.m. at the Riverside Presbyterian Church (3400 North Atlantic Avenue) in Cocoa Beach. *Admission is free but tickets are required and can be reserved by calling 855-252-7276 or visiting spacecoastsymphony.org.

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Contact Information

Melbourne Office 

900 East Strawbridge Avenue

Melbourne, FL 32901

(321) 409-2025

 

Tallahassee Office

400 Senate Office Building

404 South Monroe Street

Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100

(850) 487-5019

Staff:

Kelli Lane

Yvette Campbell

Joshua McWilliams

Ian Nolan

US Senator Rick Scott’s Week in Review 06/02/2023

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Dear Fellow Floridian,

Since I arrived in the United States Senate, I’ve worked every day fighting to pass commonsense reforms that shake some sanity into Washington. It seems like all folks know to do up here is spend, spend, spend. But when I talk to Floridians, I hear your firsthand experiences dealing with the soaring prices and inflation caused by Democrats massive spending spree. 

That’s why I voted no on the bad debt ceiling deal this week. This bad deal promises more debt and inflation for Floridians who need relief the most. 

There will never come a day when the permanent political class in either party in Washington will stand up in favor of curtailing runaway spending and debt. The politicians in Washington will never accept that they are wrong, so we have to force change. 

I won’t compromise on debt. I won’t say ok to ‘good enough.’ I am committed to stopping this madness and will keep working with my conservative colleagues in the Senate and House to actually get something done for the American people. We need to pass No Budget, No Pay to make sure Congress doesn’t get paid unless a real budget is passed. We need to end reckless spending and we won’t stop focusing on making sure Congress actually starts passing budgets.

For more, click HERE.

Sincerely,

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Rick Scott

United States Senator

To be the first to find out about Senator Scott’s actions and statements, follow him on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

See more of what Senator Scott has been up to this week below.

 

Sens. Rick Scott & Marco Rubio Criticize Biden Policy Empowering Child Trafficking

Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Marco Rubio and their colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) Alejandro Mayorkas demanding U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) continue to conduct familial DNA testing at the U.S. southern border. This letter follows recent reports indicating that CBP will stop using “all familial DNA testing” at the U.S. southern border this month which will significantly increase the risk for children to be exploited and trafficked through fraud schemes along the U.S. southern border.

Earlier this month, Senator Scott led Senators Rubio and Tom Cotton in introducing the Stop Human Trafficking of Unaccompanied Migrant Children Act. This bill ensures extensive vetting by the DHS and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) before a vulnerable unaccompanied child is placed with a sponsor.

Read more HERE. 

Sen. Rick Scott Applauds Florida Space Coast’s Selection for STARCOM Headquarters

Following major effort to secure Florida as the home of Space Training and Readiness Command, also known as STARCOM, Senator Rick Scott applauded Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall’s decision to select Patrick Space Force Base for its permanent headquarters. Earlier last year, Senators Scott and Marco Rubio joined Representatives Bill Posey, Stephanie Murphy and their colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary Kendall regarding his forthcoming selection of a permanent location for the U.S. Space Force’s STARCOM. Today, it was announced their efforts to bring the command to Florida were successful.

Senator Rick Scott said, “I have been very supportive of bringing STARCOM to the Sunshine State, and today, I am proud to stand with my colleagues and Secretary Kendall to announce it will finally become a reality. This is a massive win for Florida’s role in our country’s space efforts that will bring more jobs and enhance our national security. Florida’s aerospace and aviation workforce is more than 100,000 strong with the skills and experience necessary to support STARCOM and Space Delta 10—that is complimented by the more than 40 colleges and universities boasting an extraordinary talent pipeline that continues to grow. Like I’ve always said, Florida has a long history of advancing America’s national security and leadership in space, and I’m confident this strategic decision to headquarter STARCOM and Space Delta 10 in Florida’s Space Coast will continue that tradition for years to come.”

Read more HERE. 

Sen. Rick Scott Partners with Weather Channel’s Jim Cantore for Hurricane Preparedness PSA

Senator Rick Scott joined The Weather Channel’s Jim Cantore for a public service announcement urging Floridians to get prepared for the upcoming hurricane season beginning tomorrow, June 1st. Senator Scott has been traveling across the Sunshine State as part of his hurricane preparedness tour where he continues to emphasize the importance of planning ahead for the possibility of a major storm.

Last week, Senator Scott and Mrs. Ann Scott announced that they will be donating his first quarter Senate salary to the American Red Cross Florida Regions and Meals on Wheels, which operates 126 programs throughout the state. Both of these organizations play a critical role in serving Florida’s communities, especially during hurricane season, to help families and senior citizens receive much-needed resources and support. Senator Scott has donated his Senate salary every quarter since taking office. 

Read more HERE. Watch the full video HERE.
 

Sens. Rick Scott & Marco Rubio Introduce Fairness in Higher Education Accreditation Act

Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Marco Rubio and their colleagues to introduce the Fairness in Higher Education Accreditation Act. This legislation prohibits Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) accredited agencies from considering a school’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and affirmative action policies, or lack thereof, as criteria for the school’s accreditation.

Senator Rick Scott said, “We need to make sure that no school is judged based on whether a DEI agenda is used. What we care about in Florida is academic success so students can get great jobs after graduation. That’s why our state has been ranked #1 for higher education by U.S. News & World Report for six years running. I am proud to sponsor the Fairness in Higher Education Accreditation Act to bring needed accountability to our colleges and universities.”

Read more HERE.

Sen. Rick Scott & Colleagues Recognize Rough Riders During 125th Anniversary of Spanish-American War

As the United States marks the 125th anniversary of the Spanish-American War in 2023, Senator Rick Scott, joined by Senators Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz, announced a resolution designating June 2nd as National Rough Riders Day. The 1st United States Volunteer Calvary, nicknamed the Rough Riders, was a Tampa-based regiment that fought valiantly to defend and protect the United States’ interests during the Spanish-American War.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Florida has a proud history of military service and achievement, and I am honored to be joined by Senators Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz with this resolution honoring the service and sacrifice of the Rough Riders. While President Theodore Roosevelt’s leadership of this cavalry regiment has secured its place in history, it is my hope that this resolution designating June 2 as National Rough Riders Day will ensure that future generations learn the stories of the brave men who served under his command and honor those who gave their lives in service to our nation.”

Read more HERE. 

Sen. Rick Scott Issues Weekly Update on Biden’s Inflation Crisis

Senator Rick Scott released a weekly update on his actions to address America’s debt crisis and rising inflation and shared his statement slamming the passage of the debt ceiling legislation that will allow the federal government to hit $35 TRILLION in debt and does nothing to stop Joe Biden’s raging inflation crisis. Reckless government spending causes inflation, and Senator Scott has been clear that a balanced budget is necessary to get the country back on the path to fiscal sanity, and give the families that continue to struggle some relief. Yesterday, Senator Scott wrote an op-ed for Fox News regarding his opposition to the legislation and released the following statement.

Senator Rick Scott said, “I voted no today because this legislation will only bury us deeper in debt and does nothing to stop the rampant inflation Biden and the Democrats have caused with their addiction to reckless government spending. There will never come a day when the permanent political class in either party in Washington will stand up in favor of curtailing runaway spending and debt. The politicians in Washington will never accept that they are wrong, so we have to force change. I have spent every day of my time in the Senate fighting to pass commonsense reforms that shake some sanity into this place and today made it even clearer that our work must continue. We won’t compromise on debt. We won’t say ok to ‘good enough.’ I am committed to stopping this madness and will keep working with my conservative colleagues in the Senate and House to actually get something done for the American people. We need to pass No Budget, No Pay to make sure Congress doesn’t get paid unless a real budget is passed. We need to end reckless spending and we won’t stop focusing on making sure Congress actually starts passing budgets.” 

 Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.

Sen. Rick Scott in Fox News: Debt ceiling deal won’t deliver on inflation or America. Senate must scrap it

Senator Rick Scott wrote an op-ed for Fox News sharing his thoughts on the debt ceiling legislation that will allow the federal government to hit $35 TRILLION in debt and inflation to keep skyrocketing. Reckless government spending causes inflation, and Senator Scott has been clear that a balanced budget is necessary to get the country back on the path to fiscal sanity, and give the families that continue to struggle some relief. 

In the op-ed, Senator Rick Scott writes, “While I made it clear this week that I do not support the debt ceiling deal, I believe Speaker Kevin McCarthy and our House Republican negotiators gave it their best against a president who does not care about how the inflation he created, retirement concerns and medical bills are causing havoc on families all across this country. 

“It’s OK to acknowledge that the deal being voted on this week may be the best that could be done with this president who refused to negotiate or even discuss this issue for months. But that acknowledgment must come with a second part: This legislation will only bury us deeper in debt and won’t actually deal with the raging inflation that is hurting every American family. Now conservatives in Congress have a choice. We can either do business with the devil knowing this debt ceiling bill will not slay inflation, reduce retirement concerns or medical bills. Or, we can say now is the time to live within our means and stop inflation in its tracks.

“If the time to say no is not today, when is it?


 
“So ask yourself this question: is a yes vote this week simply kicking the can down the road and telling American families we don’t care about how inflation is impacting their ability to make ends meet. Of course, the answer is yes.

“When a family has a spendthrift child, all they want is for that child to learn to be independent and live within their means. We all love our kids and we don’t want them to fail, but seeing your child be independent and responsible is one of the greatest joys of parenthood. Standing up on your own feels good whether you’re a parent, running a company or leading a state. Only in Washington do people have a hard time accepting this basic and universal truth. 

“Frankly, I’m sick and tired of watching people live in D.C.’s fantasy land where debt doesn’t matter, while America burns in the background.

“I am a businessman who has negotiated a lot of deals. In every deal, you have to say no at some point. Maybe this is the time all Republicans need to say no. Not to be an obstructionist, but to tell every American family we hear them and we care about them…

“President Biden’s proposed budget for this year was $6.8 TRILLION – a 55% increase since 2019. Meanwhile, the U.S. population has grown less than 2% in that same time. This is the kind of reckless spending that gets embraced in Washington and it’s ruining our country. The only way out of this mess is to balance the budget, pay down federal debt, reduce the size of government, reduce regulations, make permitting easier and have government only do the must haves…

“I supported what House Republicans originally passed in the Limit, Save, Grow Act. It wasn’t perfect, but at least it started the process to a balanced budget, get able-bodied Americans back to work, reduced the regulatory footprint which is killing American jobs and worked to grow the American economy not the Washington, D.C. economy…

“So if our only two options are to make the tough choices to balance our budget or pass this bad bill, the decision is easy. Let’s do the hard work and make the tough choices so American families can realize the dream that has made our great nation the greatest place for opportunity on Earth…”

Read the full op-ed in Fox News HERE.

Sen. Rick Scott in South Florida Sun Sentinel: Don’t wait, Florida, get prepared for hurricanes now

Senator Rick Scott wrote an op-ed for the South Florida Sun Sentinel urging Floridians to get prepared for the upcoming hurricane season beginning on June 1st. Senator Scott has been touring the Sunshine State as part of his hurricane preparedness tour where he continues to emphasize the importance of planning ahead for the possibility of a major storm. See more from his most recent stop in Mexico Beach HERE.

Last week, Senator Scott and Mrs. Ann Scott announced that they will be donating his first quarter Senate salary to the American Red Cross Florida Regions and Meals on Wheels, which operates 126 programs throughout the state. Both of these organizations play a critical role in serving Florida’s communities, especially during hurricane season, to help families and senior citizens receive much-needed resources and support. Senator Scott has donated his Senate salary every quarter since taking office. 

In the op-ed, Senator Rick Scott wrote, “Stepping through the wreckage that was scattered across Highway 98 in Mexico Beach, I saw a man and his wife standing in the garage of their condo looking over what was once a beautiful home before the storm surge came. That was nearly five years ago, in 2018, one day after Hurricane Michael slammed into the Florida panhandle as a category 5 storm. I’ll never forget what those kind people said to me when I walked over to greet them: We thought the warnings were overblown and that we could ride it out. We will never ignore those evacuation orders again.

Those folks were lucky to be alive, but others have not been so fortunate…

If there is one thing I learned, it’s that Florida is resilient. Our state and local communities come together in times of need and work incredibly hard to recover from these storms.

…as the 2023 hurricane season approaches, Americans continue to face the challenge of inflation and increased prices on everyday goods. That means every Florida family needs to be even more vigilant about making a plan and getting prepared ahead of time. We know how suddenly severe weather can develop and threaten our communities — it can happen at any moment. So, I am urging every family and business in Florida to get a plan and make a disaster preparedness kit today.

…As Floridians, we know better than anyone that preparedness saves lives. Even for those who have lived in Florida for decades, we can never become complacent or let our guard down…

As I always say, you can rebuild your home, but you cannot rebuild your life…

While families across our state prepare for the upcoming hurricane season, I’ll continue to work with our federal partners at FEMA, the National Hurricane Center and other federal agencies to make sure that we are ready to get needed resources and assistance to Floridians impacted by severe weather…

Don’t wait to take action. Start getting prepared today.”

Read the full op-ed in the South Florida Sun Sentinel HERE.

The Hill: Rick Scott ahead of debt ceiling vote: ‘If the time to say no is not today, when is it?’

The Hill: Rick Scott says he will oppose bill to raise debt limit

The Free Press: Sen. Rick Scott Touts Increase Of Law Enforcement Orgs Supporting School-Guardian Bill

Gulf County News: U.S. senator visits Mexico Beach to discuss hurricane preparedness

Florida’s Voice: Florida Sens. Scott and Rubio vote against debt ceiling deal 

Senator Scott’s Team in Live Oak

This week, Senator Scott’s team joined members of the Suwanee County School District in the touring Riveroak Technical College in Live Oak, FL. 

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Senator Scott’s Team in Merritt Island

Senator Scott’s team also attended the Rolling Thunder, Inc. Ride for Freedom XXXV in Merritt Island. 

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Senator Scott’s Team in Naples

Another event Senator Scott’s team attended was the Memorial Day Remembrance Flag Folding Ceremony at the Pelican Bay Rotary Club in Naples, FL. 

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US Senator Marco Rubio Newsletter 06/02/2023

THIS WEEK IN THE OFFICE OF SENATOR MARCO RUBIO

MAY 30 – JUNE 2, 2023

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Reforming Food Stamps
  • Senator Rubio joined Jesse Watters Primetime where he discussed removing soda as an eligible item from the taxpayer funded food stamp program. 

Creating Stronger Medical Supply Chains 
  • In the Washington Times , Senator Rubio made the case for creating a stronger domestic medical supply chain to reduce medication shortages and decrease our reliance on China. 

STARCOM Makes Florida Home
  • Following the announcement that STARCOM will make Florida its preferred headquarter location, Senator Rubio applauded the decision. 

Opposing Nominees
  • Senator Rubio released a statement opposing Jean Manes, President Joe Biden’s nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to Colombia.  

Letters
  • Senator Rubio sent a letter to President Joe Biden requesting the administration remove unnecessary red tape for Floridians as the 2023 Hurricane Season begins.

  • Following an expose in Forbes on TikTok, Senator Rubio sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland requesting an investigation into whether TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew committed perjury when he testified before Congress.  

  • Senator Rubio sent a letter to U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo urging the department to implement stricter semiconductor rules to combat China. 

  • As Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Vice Chairman, Senator Rubio and his committee colleagues sent a letter to Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines demanding answers from the Intelligence Community regarding the Hunter Biden laptop letter.

Legislation 
In the News

“TikTok CEO Should Be Investigated By DOJ, Senator Says” (Forbes , 6/1/2023) 

“GOP Senators Introduce Bill Banning Higher Ed Accreditors From Considering ‘Diversity’ Initiatives”(Daily Caller , 6/1/2023)

“Senate GOP demands answers on security clearances of signatories of Hunter Biden laptop letter”(Fox News , 5/31/2023)  

“Marco Rubio Calls on Biden to Lift Red Tape Ahead of 2023 Hurricane Season” (Florida Daily , 6/2/2023) 

“Rubio torches Comey’s Trump-bashing book tour: ‘Monetizing government service’ at expense of country” (Fox News , 6/1/2023)

“Sen. Marco Rubio applauded the decision after spearheading a bipartisan effort last year among the state’s congressional delegation stumping for bringing STARCOM to Florida.” (Space Coast bases named ‘preferred’ location for Space Force training HQ, South Florida Sun Sentinel, 5/31/2023)

“Marco Rubio: U.S. Needs to Impose More Sanctions, Restrictions on China Over Uyghur Genocide”(Florida Daily , 6/1/2023)

“Marco Rubio Calls on Commerce Department to Have Tougher Rules on Chips to Combat China”(Florida Daily , 6/1/2023)

“‘China’s genocidal regime will stop at nothing to harass and intimidate Uyghurs, Tibetans, Falun Gong practitioners, Christians, and Hong Kongers living in exile, even on U.S. soil,’ Rubio said in a statement to The Epoch Times.” (Republicans Call for Action as China Turns US Into ‘Hunting Ground’ for Dissidents, The Epoch Times, 5/31/2023)

“In a commendable move, Republican Sens. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Marco Rubio and Rick Scott of Florida, Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Bill Hagerty of Tennessee are urging the U.S. Treasury Department to take immediate measures against Tobacco International Holdings, a Switzerland-registered business suspected of having ties to Mexico’s Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación.”(Commentary: Biden’s tobacco policy good for cartels’ health, San Antonio Express-News, 6/1/2023)

 

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