June 9, 2024 - Mayfield Minute- 80th Anniversary of D-Day

Mayfield Minute - June 9, 2024 - 80th Anniversary of D-Day

Good Morning!

This week, we honor the brave soldiers who fought in the invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. This year marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, a pivotal moment in World War II, when 156,000 Allied troops from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other countries launched an assault, known as Operation Overlord, on the beaches of northern France, which were occupied by Nazi Germany.

Despite the ultimate success of the mission, it came at a tremendous cost, with 4,000 Allied soldiers losing their lives. The D-Day invasion remains the largest naval, air, and land operation in history, with massive forces converging to liberate France from Nazi occupation.

The courage and sacrifice of these troops altered the course of the war, leading to the liberation of northern France by August 1944 and contributing significantly to the defeat of Nazi Germany in May 1945.

In a heartfelt tribute, Veterans from across the U.S. made the journey back to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Twenty-two Veterans from Florida traveled to Normandy to reminisce on that day and pay their respects to those who died. For more information on the Veterans from Florida who traveled back to Normandy, see the 'Statewide Update' section below.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the Veterans who fought on D-Day. Their sacrifice and bravery changed the course of World War II and history.

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 234 bills into law, vetoed 3 bills, 34 remain pending his action, and 42 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 vetoed by Governor Desantis last week include:

CS/SB 1698 – Food and Hemp Products

Bills signed by Governor DeSantis last week include:

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

Bills received and pending consideration include:

HB 7085 – Sickle Cell Disease

HB 73 – Supported Decision making Authority

HB 87 – Taking of Bears

CS/CS/HB 273 – Pub Rec./ Animal Foster or Adoption

CS/HB 303 – Rabies Vaccination

CS/HB 429 – Real Property

CS/HB 755 – Canaveral Port District, Brevard County

HB 823 – North Okaloosa Fire District, Okaloosa County

HB 897 – Dorcas Fire District, Okaloosa County

HB 1117 – City of North Port, Sarasota County

HB 1115 – Three Rivers Stewardship District, Sarasota County

CS/CS/HB 1165 – Town of Sneads, Jackson County

HB 1483 – Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board, Pinellas County

CS/HB 1571 – Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, Monroe County

HB 1573 – Pace Fire Rescue District, Santa Rosa County

HB 1575 – Avalon Beach - Mulat Fire Protection District, Santa Rosa County

HB 1577 – Midway Fire District, Santa Rosa County

CS/HB 6007 – Relief/Julia Perez/St. Johns County Sheriff's Office

CS/HB 7019 – Exemption of Homesteads

CS/CS/HB 7021 – Mental Health and Substance Abuse

CS/SB 362 – Medical Treatment Under the Workers Compensation Law

CS/SB 692 – Public Records/ Florida Gaming Control Commission

CS/CS/HB 975 – Background Screening Requirements for Health Care Practitioners

CS/CS/CS/HB 1021 – Community Associations

HB 849 – Veterinary Practices

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 Estates

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 mayfield.debbie.web@flsenate.gov.

Statewide Update

Veterans Travel to Normandy for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day

This week, 22 Veterans from across Florida traveled back to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The trip began with a VIP sendoff at Tampa International Airport, where the Veterans were honored by airport staff, family, and passengers.

Organized by the Florida Elks Association, this trip was significant for the World War II Veterans. For some it may have been their first return to Normandy in eight decades and for others it may be their final visit.

D-Day, which took place 80 years ago on June 6, 1944, began when Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy to liberate France from Nazi occupation. Despite facing heavy casualties, their bravery and sacrifice marked a turning point in World War II, leading to the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany.

Dr. Sonia Perez Padila, trip physician and Florida Elks member who traveled with the Veterans said," They want to pay their respects to their friends and fellow soldiers who didn't make it back." She stated, "Some of them still tear up when they talk about walking across the bloody beaches, but because of them, Europe and all of us today are free."

As we honor the memory of those who served on that fateful day, we pay tribute to their courage and resilience, ensuring that their sacrifice will not be forgotten.

For more information on the World War II Veterans trip to Normandy, click here.

Hope Florida: Empowering Communities Through Law Enforcement Collaboration

This week, First Lady Casey DeSantis met with law enforcement officials from across Florida to introduce new resources aimed at enhancing community support through the Hope Florida program. The initiative focuses on equipping officers with the means to connect individuals in need with Hope Florida.

This summer, law enforcement agencies across the state will receive training on how to connect those in need to Hope Florida. Operated by dedicated Hope Navigators, the Hope Florida program embodies a collaborative approach, engaging various community programs, including faith-based organizations, nonprofits, and governmental agencies.

Hope Navigators offer personalized assistance, aiding individuals in identifying their needs, setting achievable goals, and navigating pathways to success. Through community collaboration, Hope Florida maximizes resources and creates avenues for those dealing with challenges.

Hope Florida has assisted nearly 30,000 Floridians in reducing their reliance on government assistance. This not only benefits individuals but also the state by saving an estimated $800 million over the next decade.

The program continues to serve as a beacon of hope for families, veterans, vulnerable populations, and those navigating crises statewide.

For more information on Hope Florida, click here.

Constituent of the Week

Teresa Kinney

This week, we are featuring Teresa Kinney as our Constituent of the Week. As NASA's first female chief engineer at the Kennedy Space Center, Ms. Kinney is a trailblazer in the field of aerospace engineering.

Her remarkable journey to this prestigious role is a testament to her dedication, expertise, and passion for space exploration.

Growing up in a military family stationed in Germany, Ms. Kinney fascination with space was sparked at a young age. She recalls watching the Apollo 11 moon landing with her family, an experience that ignited her lifelong interest in space exploration. Inspired by her father's love for space and encouraged by her own curiosity, Ms. Kinney pursued a career in aerospace engineering, driven by a desire to contribute to humanity's exploration of the cosmos.

Ms. Kinney's academic background is impressive, with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and a master's degree in industrial engineering. Her expertise spans a wide variety of projects, from working on Spacelab missions to contributing to the development of the International Space Station. Throughout her career, Ms. Kinney's contributions have been instrumental in shaping the future of space exploration.

In her current role as NASA's chief engineer, she is one of the managers for the Gateway Lunar Space Station Project. The Gateway Lunar Space Station Project is a program which will bring astronauts to the moon to operate a lunar space station. Ms. Kinney is tasked with ensuring the technical integrity and mission success of the project.

Her dedication to her work extends beyond the role as chief engineer. As a mentor to younger team members and a champion for female leaders in the aerospace industry, she is committed to empowering the next generation of space explorers.

District 19 extends its gratitude to Teresa Kinney for her exceptional contributions to the Kennedy Space Center and to the future of space exploration. Her pioneering spirit, leadership, and dedication to excellence are truly exemplary, and we are proud to honor her as our Constituent of the Week.

District Highlights

Boeing Starliner Successfully Launches from Cape Canaveral

On Wednesday, June 5th, Boeing successfully launched its Starliner capsule on its first crewed flight, carrying two NASA astronauts. The spacecraft lifted off at 10:52 a.m. ET from Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral. This landmark event is a critical demonstration for Boeing, marking the potential start of regular trips to and from the International Space Station (ISS).

NASA astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita Williams were aboard the Starliner capsule as it embarked on a journey taking them to the ISS. They plan to spend approximately one week at the space station before returning to Earth. This mission, known as the Crew Flight Test, is a testament of Boeing’s decade-long effort to develop a viable spacecraft under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

Despite facing delays and challenges, this successful launch signifies a major step forward. The Starliner’s successful mission could pave the way for Boeing to join SpaceX in providing regular crew transport services to the ISS, enhancing the United States' capabilities in space exploration.

To watch NASA's Boeing Starliner Crew Flight Test Launch, click here.

Florida Tech Secures NASA Grants for Space Tech Innovations

Florida Tech has received significant recognition from NASA, awarding grants for two projects to engineering Professor Hector Gutierrez. These projects are part of NASA’s $1.5 million initiative to support 24 innovative efforts that will assist in future missions to the moon and Mars.

Florida Tech’s awarded projects include a Contactless Magnetic Joint Actuator (CMJA) and a Smartphone Video Guidance Sensor (SVGS) for spacecraft formation flight. Both projects are under the leadership of Professor Gutierrez, a distinguished professor in mechanical and aerospace engineering.

The Smartphone Video Guidance Sensor is a video-based sensor attached to a camera on a spacecraft that assists in navigation and proximity operations.

The Contactless Magnetic Joint Actuator enhances space applications, focusing on critical areas identified by NASA, such as dust mitigation, precision landing, surface navigation, and autonomous system development.

Professor Gutierrez stated, “This program is designed to foster technology development in both academic and corporate settings, fulfilling specific NASA needs while encouraging external research and innovation."

These innovative projects exemplify Florida Tech’s role in advancing space exploration technologies, paving the way for more effective and sustainable missions to the

moon and Mars.

For more information on Florida Tech's Research Programs, click here.

Eastern Florida State PJ Wilson & Henry Scott Golf Camp Celebrates 30 years with Largest Turnout

Eastern Florida's PJ Wilson and Henry Scott Youth Golf Camp marks its 30th anniversary this year, continuing its tradition of promoting golf among young enthusiasts. This year’s camp, held at Eastern Florida State College’s Fred Gay Golf Academy, had over 130 registered campers, with more than 100 beginners taking their first swings.

“This is the biggest group ever, really good to see the popularity of the camp continues to grow,” said Jamie Howell, Eastern Florida State College men's golf coach. Coach Howell, who has been involved since 1994, is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Henry Scott and PJ Wilson. “They helped more young people in this county than anyone knows. The least we can do is carry that on.”

Grouped by skill level rather than age, participants range from complete beginners to experienced young golfers. The camp ends on June 12th, with a celebration and awards ceremony on June 13th, recognizing the achievements of the young golfers.

For more information on Eastern Florida State's golf team, click here.

Upcoming Events

Melbourne Regional Chamber Hero Appreciation Week

Next week, Melbourne Regional Chamber will host the Annual Hero Appreciation Week from June 10th to June 14th. This special event serves as a platform to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the betterment of our community.

Throughout the week, heroes from various fields will be recognized for their dedication and service. The event will feature different fields each day, including nonprofit organizations, education, first responders, military, and healthcare. The week will conclude at the Hero Appreciation Breakfast Reception on Friday, June 14th at the Melbourne Fire Department Station 71 (865 W. Eau Gallie Boulevard) from 8:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.

Thank you to the heroes who make a difference in our community every day. For more information on Hero Appreciation Week, contact Megan Szucs with the Melbourne Regional Chamber by email at megan@melbourneregionalchamber.com

Tim Tebow to Host "Grace for the Family Experience" at the Maxwell C. King Center for Performing Arts

Tim Tebow will speak at the "Grace for the Family Experience," event hosted by Men Passionate About Christ Ministries (MPACT) and Love INC Brevard in celebration of Father’s Day. The doors will open at 6:00 p.m. and the event will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 13th, at the Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts (865 N Wickham Rd) in Melbourne.

In addition to a sermon led by Tim Tebow, the event will feature a worship performance led by CAVworship of the Church of Vierra. Members from Love INC Brevard will share testimonials about their husbands and their roles as fathers within their families.

This marks the third year MPACT Ministries has hosted the event. For more information on how to purchase tickets, click here.

Viera Country Fest 2024

On Saturday, June 15th Wickham Park (2500 Parkway Drive) is hosting the 3rd Annual Viera Country Music Fest. This will be an evening of country music and entertainment featuring an impressive lineup of talented musicians performing on the main stage.

Doors will open at 2:30 p.m. for VIP ticket holders and 3:30 p.m. for general admission. Julian Mangum will perform starting at 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., followed by Red Dirt Roses taking the stage from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and finally from 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., country music artist Noah Hunton will perform.

In addition to the performances, the event will feature a variety of food trucks, beer and cocktail tents, and vendors.

Early purchase tickets are available for $15, while VIP tickets, which include food and beverages, are priced at $65. Parking is priced at $5.

For more information on the event, click here.