Good Morning!

This week, we celebrate the Fourth of July and honor the vision of our Founding Fathers and the legacy of the Declaration of Independence. As we enjoy the festivities with family and friends, let us take a moment to reflect on the importance of Independence Day.

The Fourth of July commemorates the approval of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress in 1776. On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted for independence from Great Britain and two days later, the Declaration of Independence was formally adopted. The Declaration of Independence marked the birth of the United States of America, breaking away from British rule and becoming a new nation.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.” These iconic words from the Declaration of Independence have resonated throughout centuries, reminding us of the foundational principles of freedom and equality that define our nation.

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 298 bills into law, vetoed 14 bills, signed one bill into law with an appropriation veto, and 12 bills were filed with the Secretary of State.

Below you will find underlined links to recently signed bills. If you have any difficulty navigating the Senate website, please contact my office at 321-409-2025 and we will assist you.

Of the 325 bills that were passed by the legislature during the 2024 session and signed by the Governor, 185 will go into effect on Monday, July 1, 2024. To view the full list of those bills, click here.

Bills signed by Governor DeSantis last week include:

HB 187– Antisemitism

CS/HB 321 – Release of Balloons

CS/HB 479 – Alternative Mobility Funding Systems and Impact Fees

HB 1109 – Security for Jewish Day Schools and Preschools

CS/CS/SB 1198 – Corporate Actions

CS/CS/HB 403 – Specialty License Plates

CS/CS/HB 1063 – Chiropractic Medicine

CS/CS/HB 389 – Transportation Facility Designations

CS/CS/HB 619 – Sovereign Immunity for Professional Firms

HB 799 – Easements Affecting Real Property Owned by the Same Owner

SB 674 – United States-produced Iron and Steel in Public Works Projects

CS/SB 7040 – Ratification of the Department of Environmental Protection’s Rules Relating to Stormwater

CS/SB 1600 – Interstate Mobility

CS/HB 1347 – Consumer Finance Loans

CS/CS/SB 770 – Improvements to Real Property

CS/CS/SB 736 – Services Provided by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles or Its Agents

Bills vetoed by Governor DeSantis last week include:

CS/CS/HB 1241 – Probation and Community Control Violations

CS/SB 62 – Resident Status for Tuition Purposes

CS/SB 280 – Vacation Rentals

CS/HB 133 – Professional Licensing Requirements for Barbers and Cosmetologists

SB 1078 – Public Records/Cellular Telephone Numbers Held by the Department of Financial Services

CS/CS/HB 165 – Sampling of Beach Waters and Public Bathing Spaces

CS/CS/HB 473 – Cybersecurity Incident Liability

CS/SB 1082 – Housing for Legally Verified Agricultural Workers

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

Keeping Florida’s Waters Safe: Operation Dry Water

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, Florida is preparing a crucial initiative to ensure the safety of its waterways.

Operation Dry Water, a national campaign, will take place from July 4th to July 6th, focusing on educating boaters about the dangers of operating vessels under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This effort, supported by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and other law enforcement agencies, aims to enhance safety on the water through heightened enforcement and awareness.

Operation Dry Water was launched in 2009 with a clear mission to decrease the number of alcohol- and drug-related boating incidents and fatalities. The FWC has been a key player in this initiative from the beginning, dedicating resources to promote safe boating practices, ensure compliance with laws, and encourage responsible behavior on the water.

Alcohol is a major contributing factor in many boating accidents and fatalities. In Florida, it is illegal to operate a vessel with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher, mirroring the regulations for driving a vehicle. In the previous year, FWC officers successfully removed 94 impaired boaters from Florida’s waterways during this campaign.

Colonel Brian Smith, Director of FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement, highlighted the importance of this initiative stating, “The Fourth of July is one of the busiest boating holidays in the country. With over a million registered recreational vessels in Florida, our officers are dedicated to ensuring the safety of everyone on the water. We will be increasing our patrols and looking for any signs of boater impairment to prevent accidents and save lives.”

To learn more about Operation Dry Water, click here.

Florida’s Economic Growth Surpasses National Rates

Last week, Governor DeSantis announced Florida’s impressive economic achievements, highlighting a 21.9 percent growth in real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from the first quarter of 2019 to the first quarter of 2024, nearly double the national growth rate of 11.1 percent. With an annual GDP nearing $1.3 trillion, Florida is one of the world’s strongest economies. The state continues to lead in new business formations, surpassing three million since 2019, with over 266,000 formed in 2024 alone.

Florida’s private sector job growth has a 2.2 percent increase (+192,000 jobs), compared to the national rate of 1.6 percent. In May 2024, the construction sector saw the largest job gains, adding 5,500 jobs (+0.8 percent) from the previous month, followed by education and health services adding 2,700 jobs (+0.2 percent).

Florida’s unemployment rate held steady at 3.3 percent in May 2024, 0.7 percentage points below the national rate. This marks 43 consecutive months where Florida’s unemployment rate has remained lower than the national average.

For information on career opportunities with the State of Florida, click here.

Supporting Florida’s Families Through Historic DCF Funding

The Focus on Florida’s Future budget has granted more than $4.6 billion to the Department of Children and Families (DCF), reinforcing the Legislature’s and the Governor’s commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals across the state.

A significant portion of the budget is dedicated to combating the opioid crisis. With $179.4 million allocated through the Nationwide Opioid Settlement Agreement, the budget will fund on-demand mobile medication-assisted treatment, court diversion programs, naloxone distribution, prevention campaigns, peer supports, recovery housing, and other essential services. This funding aims to mitigate the impact of opioid addiction and support individuals on their path to recovery. For more information on resources for opioid addiction, click here.

The budget also allocates $6 million to expand support for human trafficking prevention, including housing and increased services for survivors. Supporting survivors of domestic violence is another key focus, with $18 million granted to ensure they have access to the resources needed to escape abusive situations and rebuild their lives safely.

To assist families who have adopted children, $13.5 million has been granted to support their ongoing needs. Additionally, $9.3 million is dedicated to expanding access to adoption incentives, specifically targeting families who adopt from foster care. These funds aim to ease the financial burden on adoptive families and encourage more adoptions from the foster care system.

Another critical area of investment is the expansion of independent living services for older youth in foster care. With $8.1 million dedicated to this program, the budget ensures that these young individuals receive valuable aftercare benefits even if adopted at an older age. This support is vital in helping older youth transition smoothly into adulthood and achieve long-term stability.

The budget includes $6.7 million to fund local prevention grant programs designed to improve outcomes for children and families served by the Department. These programs will focus on early intervention and prevention, helping to address issues before they escalate and ensuring that families receive the support they need to stay together and thrive.

For more information on the services provided by DCF, click here.

Constituent of the Week

Tim Thomas

This week, we are honored to feature Council Member Tim Thomas as our Constituent of the Week. Mr. Thomas has dedicated his life to serving his country and community.

Born in Quincy, Illinois, and raised in Pensacola, Florida, Mr. Thomas attended Tate High School, where he played football under legendary coach Carl Madison. After graduating in 1983, he received a football scholarship to Marion Military Institute. There, he was selected for the Army Early Commissioning Program.

Upon commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in 1985, he served in the National Guard while completing his bachelor’s degree at Auburn University. During his time at Auburn, Mr. Thomas interned for Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Guy Hunt, who became Alabama’s first Republican governor since Reconstruction.

Mr. Thomas’s distinguished military career spanned 23 years during which he held numerous leadership positions and served two combat tours in Iraq. One of his most significant missions occurred in 1998, when he and his team were allowed into North Korea to recover the remains of six American soldiers. His military accolades, including the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, reflect his exemplary service and dedication to serving his country.

After retiring from the military as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2010, he was hired by Viera High School to establish an Army JROTC program. Under his guidance, the program flourished becoming one of the largest in Brevard County with 253 cadets. Mr. Thomas’s commitment to instilling values of discipline, responsibility, and community service in his students has left a lasting impact on the community in Viera.

Beyond his educational contributions, Mr. Thomas has been an active public servant. Elected to the Melbourne City Council in 2016 and re-elected in 2020, he continues to serve the City of Melbourne today. Additionally, he served as Vice Mayor from 2020 to 2021. Mr. Thomas’s initiatives on the council have focused on enhancing public safety and promoting economic development in Melbourne.

He is an active member of several organizations, including the Association of the United States Army, the Military Officers Association of America Cape Canaveral Chapter, and the Republican Mentors Club of Brevard. He is also a member of the Orlando-Melbourne International Airport Authority Board.

His wife, Heather Thomas, is a deputy with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. They have three children: Tommy, Savana, and Dallas. The Thomas family are active members of Elevation Church in Melbourne.

As we celebrate the Fourth of July, Senate District 19 is honored to recognize Tim Thomas, a veteran who embodies the spirit of service and dedication, both in his military career and his continued efforts to build and support our community.

District Highlights

Cocoa Fire Stations Receives Microchip Scanners to Help Lost Pets

In a heartwarming initiative aimed at reuniting lost pets with their families, all three fire stations in Cocoa are now equipped with state-of-the-art microchip scanners. The scanners, generously donated by Tails of the Barkery in Cocoa, allow concerned citizens who find wandering pets to bring them directly to any Cocoa fire station. There, trained department staff can quickly scan the animal to retrieve vital information about its owners. This means that precious time is saved, as these pets no longer need to be transported to vet clinics or shelters before their owners can be contacted.

Chief Jonathan Lamm of the Cocoa Fire Department expressed enthusiasm about the new tools, emphasizing their value in aiding crews when encountering lost or stray animals. He noted that these scanners will not only benefit pets but also lighten the workload during such rescue operations. For more information, click here.

Parrish Medical Center’s Commitment to Community Health

Last week, Parrish Medical Center (PMC) celebrated a remarkable year of achievements, highlighting its post-pandemic resurgence with significant growth and enhancements in its programs and services, all aimed at benefiting the North Brevard community. Despite the challenges of the past few years, PMC has remained steadfast in its mission, continuing to operate as a robust and independent public, not-for-profit community health system in Florida, all without imposing taxes on the community for over 29 years.

This past year, PMC has successfully recruited over 50 highly skilled providers across various specialties such as primary care, cardiology, orthopedics, general surgery, oncology, obstetrics, urology, gastroenterology, and infectious diseases.

PMC also made history by becoming the first Cleveland Clinic Care Connect member in the United States, bringing world-class medical expertise to North Brevard. The hospital earned an “A” Patient Safety Grade from the LeapFrog Group, a renowned patient safety advocacy organization.

In recognition of his leadership, PMC’s President and CEO, George Mikitarian, was named one of the top Community Hospital CEOs by Becker’s Hospital Review for the second consecutive year. The medical center also achieved perfect scores in its Joint Commission Primary Stroke Center recertification. Additionally, PMC played a crucial role in ensuring improved healthcare access to Space Coast Health Centers for underinsured and uninsured individuals.

For more information, click here.

Upcoming Events

Local Fourth of July Events

• Thursday, July 4th
• City of Melbourne Firecracker 5K Race
• Time: Race begins at 7:00 a.m.
• Location: Eau Gallie Square (1453 Highland Avenue)
• Details: Race includes finisher medals, red, white, and blue popsicles for all finishers, light breakfast, free beer (21 & older), random giveaway of a Yeti cooler. For more information, click here.
• Beneficiary: EFSC Collegiate Veterans Honor Society

• City of Melbourne Fourth of July Parade
• Time: Parade begins at 10:00 a.m.
• Route: Starts at Hickory Street traveling South, crossing Strawbridge Avenue, then East on New Haven Avenue, and ends at Municipal Lane, Depot Avenue and US Highway 1.
• Details: There will be a post parade event at the Liberty Bell Memorial Museum (1601 Oak Street)
• Recommended parking: Melbourne City Hall and city parking lots on Melbourne Avenue
• For more information, click here.

• City of Melbourne MelBOOM 2024
• Time: Event begins at 8:00 p.m., fireworks at 9:00 p.m.
• Location: Front Street Park (2205 Front Street)
• Details: Free admission, food trucks, vendors. For more information, call 321-608-7400

• Merritt Island Independence Parade
• Time: Parade begins at 10:00 a.m.
• Route: Starts at Merritt Island High School, heads south on Courtenay Parkway, turns east onto Merritt Avenue, and ends at the Veterans Memorial Center.
• Details: The Veterans Memorial Center will host food trucks and provide all-access admission to the Veteran’s Museum after the parade. For more information, click here.

• Viera Great American Celebration
• Time: Fireworks from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Location: 5775 Stadium Parkway
• Details: For more information, click here.

• Brevard Symphony Orchestra Symphony Under the Stars
• Time: Concert begins at 8:00 p.m., fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
• Location: Cocoa Riverfront Park (401 Riveredge Blvd)
• Details: Bring a chair or blanket to enjoy the concert. For more information, call 321-345-5052

• City of Titusville Red, White, and Boom
• Time: Fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
• Location: Chain of Lakes Park (2300 Truman Scarborough Way)
• Details: Free admission, music, food and business vendors, family-friendly activities. For more information, contact Heather Kenney at [email protected] or call 321-567-3708

• City of Vero Beach’s Independence Day on the Indian River
• Time: Activities begin at 1:30 p.m. and fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m.
• Location: Riverside Park (Riverside Park Dr, off Beachland Blvd)
• Details: Family-friendly activities, food trucks, live DJ music, hot dog eating competitions, and fireworks display sponsored by Mulligan’s Beach House & Grill. For more information, Tammy Bursick at The City of Vero Beach 772-978-4700 or Brenda Sposato at The Source 772-564-020

• Friday, July 5th

• Port Canaveral Fireworks at the Port
• Time: Event begins at 6:00 p.m.
• Location: Exploration Tower Lawn (670 Dave Nisbet Drive)
• Details: Free admission, food trucks, vendors.

• City of Palm Bay Independence Day Celebration
• Time: Event begins at 5:00 p.m., fireworks around 9:15 p.m.
• Location: Eastern Florida State College Palm Bay Campus (250 Community College Pkwy)
• Details: Over 20 food trucks, vendors, live music, kids’ zone with free inflatables, games, and face painting. For more information, click here.

• Saturday, July 6th

• Thunder Over the Indian River (TOIR)
• Time: Gates open at 4:00 p.m.
• Location: Kings Highway (3841 Kings Hwy), directly across from Capron Road
• Details: DJ, demonstrations, BBQ competition, food/dessert trucks, raffles, and fireworks. Rain-out date is Sunday. For more information, click here.

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:

Yvette Campbell

Kelli Lane

Samantha Scaringe