March 3, 2024 - Mayfield Minute

Mayfield Minute - March 3, 2024_Session Week 8

Good Morning!

March is Women’s History Month designated by Presidential Proclamation to honor the significant contributions of women throughout American history and in the present.

In 1978, the original organizers selected the week of March 8th to correspond with International Women’s Day celebrated annually on March 8th. The movement spread across the country as other communities and states initiated their own Women’s History Week celebrations the same week beginning in 1979.

In 1980, a consortium of women’s groups and historians successfully lobbied for national recognition and in February that year, President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the week of March 8th as National Women’s History Week.

The movement from a week-long celebration to a month-long celebration came to fruition in 1987, when Congress passed a law designating March as “Women’s History Month.” Since 1995, each president has issued an annual proclamation designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.”

Last week formal budget negotiations between the House and Senate began under the leadership of Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, the third woman to hold this leadership position in the Florida Legislature.

I'm pleased to have been selected by President Passidomo as a conferee on three important committees:

Appropriations,
Appropriation Conference Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government/Agriculture and Natural Resources
Appropriations Conference Committee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government/State Administration and Technology.

The budget must be agreed upon and published by Tuesday, March 5th for the session to sine die on March 8th.

As we approach our final week of the 2024 Legislative Session and my final session, I remain humbled by the 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!

Statewide Update

Florida's Attorney General Testifies Before the U.S. Supreme Court

Last week, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody testified at the Supreme Court of the United States defending the State's right to protect citizens from Big Tech censorship.

The oral argument comes following a multi-year legal challenge to SB 7072, which does the following:

Prohibits social media companies from censoring and shadow-banning
Prohibits prioritization of posts in a way that is inconsistent and unfair
Prohibits the de-platforming of U.S. political candidates or journalistic enterprises
Requires social media platforms to meet certain requirements when restricting the speech of users

AG Moody said, “Social media is the new town square, but the Big Tech CEOs who control these platforms argue they should have unfettered power to silence voices they don’t agree with, de-platform people who challenge corporate media narratives, and shadow ban candidates who don’t share their Silicon Valley values. We are fighting in the U.S. Supreme Court for Floridians to debate ideas, engage in political discourse, and question government policies on social media platforms.

SB 7072 requires:

Social media companies to be transparent about their content moderation practices
Social media companies to give users notice of changes to their policies

SB 7072 provides:

A pathway for citizens to sue platforms when treated unfairly
An avenue for the state to bring action against Big Tech if the platforms do not meet the statutory requirements under Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act

To read the bill in its entirety, click here.

Governor DeSantis Signs Legislation to Release Jeffrey Epstein Grand Jury Documents

Last week, Governor DeSantis signed HB 117, which allows for the public release of grand jury documents, such as those related to the 2006 Florida investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. Two victims of Epstein's offenses joined Governor DeSantis in West Palm Beach for the announcement.

“The public deserves to know who participated in Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking,” said Governor DeSantis. “Nobody should be protected from facing justice due to their wealth or status, and those who harm children should be exposed and punished to the fullest extent of the law.”

HB 117 will allow disclosure of grand jury testimony if the following conditions are met:

The subject of the grand jury inquiry is deceased
The investigation was about sexual activity with a minor
The testimony was previously disclosed by a court order
The state attorney is notified

This legislation will authorize release of the Epstein grand jury documents when it takes effect on July 1, 2024.

Bill Action by Governor DeSantis

Governor DeSantis vetoed the following bills:

CS/HB 1 - Online Protections for Minors

CS/HB 1377 - Public Records

Governor DeSantis signed the following bill into law:

CS/HB 117 - Disclosure of Grand Jury Testimony Ste

Senate Update

Safeguarding American Families Everywhere Act

I was proud to co-sponsor SB 288 now referenced as CS/CS/HB 341, the “Safeguarding American Families Everywhere” (SAFE) Act. The bill amends a Florida statute to provide that the application form for motor vehicle registrations must include language allowing an applicant to voluntarily indicate that the applicant has been diagnosed with, or is the parent or legal guardian of a child that has been diagnosed with the following:

Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Down Syndrome, Alzheimer’s, Traumatic Brain Injury, PTSD, Diabetes, Autoimmune Disorder, Deafness, Blindness, or any other mentally or physically limiting disorder.

If the applicant indicates a diagnosis listed above on the application, the department must include the designation “SAFE” in the motor vehicle record. The department may not include in the motor vehicle record personal identifying information or any diagnosis of a person for whom a diagnosis is indicated. The department must also allow a motor vehicle owner or co-owner to update a motor vehicle registration to include or remove the “SAFE” designation at any time.

The next stop for CS/CS/HB 341 is the Governor’s desk.

Reclassification of Criminal Penalties

Senate Bill 1036 now referenced as CS/CS/SB 1036 passed the Senate floor with unanimous support. CS/CS/SB 1036 ensures the safety of our communities by enhancing criminal penalties for illegal immigrants who are deported from our country for the commission of a felony, and then reenter and commit an additional felony. The disastrous Biden Administration border policies have threatened all communities throughout the U.S. Just last week an illegal immigrant was arrested for the tragic murder of a college student and another was arrested for stabbing a man in an attempted robbery.

As the Biden administration allows illegal immigrants to surge across our border, many bringing weapons, drugs, and violence onto our streets, Florida is standing firmly to ensure the safety, security, and prosperity or our residents.

The next stop for CS/CS/SB 1036 is the Florida House for consideration.

Advanced Technology

Senate Bill 1680 now referenced as CS/CS/SB 1680 passed the Senate floor with unanimous support. This legislation establishes key regulations to protect the privacy and safety of Floridians. CS/CS/SB 1680 creates the Government Technology Modernization Council which is tasked with studying and monitoring the development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in Florida. This council will provide policy proposals aimed at enhancing privacy, enacting protections from discrimination, and promoting the responsible creation and use of AI.

CS/CS/SB 1680 explicitly prohibits the generation, possession, distribution, or viewing of child pornography generated by AI and takes proactive steps to prevent potential abuse by bad actors.

The next stop for CS/CS/SB 1680 is the Florida House for consideration.

History of Communism

Senate Bill 1264 now referenced as CS/CS/SB 1264 passed the Senate floor with strong support. This legislation ensures that Florida schools provide a robust education on the horrors of Communism and the threat that it poses to our freedoms.

The Communist ideology is the antithesis of America’s founding ideals of liberty, equality under the law, and the right to personal property as Communist regimes have regularly stripped citizens of their freedoms and taken private property under the guise of distribution of wealth.

It is critical that our next generation is fully aware of the horrific history of Communism and the many victims who have suffered under it.

The next stop for CS/CS/SB 1264 is the Florida House for consideration.

Behavioral Health Teaching Hospitals

Senate Bill 330 now referenced as CS/SB 330 passed the Senate floor with unanimous support. CS/SB 330 is a component of the Live Healthy legislative package and aims to address key healthcare workforce shortages in our state. The bill establishes behavioral health teaching hospitals to enhance Florida’s system of mental health care and promotes strategic partnerships between mental health care providers and educational institutions.

Further, the legislation establishes the Florida Center for Behavioral Health Workforce, an innovative center to be based at the University of South Florida, that will analyze behavioral health workforce supply and demand.

The next stop for CS/SB 330 is the Florida House for consideration.

Interstate Mobility

SB 1600 now referenced as CS/SB 1600 passed the Senate floor with unanimous support. CS/SB 1600 is another component of the Live Healthy legislative package. The bill establishes the Mobile Opportunity by Interstate Licensure Endorsement (MOBILE) Act to streamline and expedite the application process for out-of-state medical professionals seeking to attain licensure or certification in Florida.

Florida is the #1 state for net in-migration and a robust health care workforce is critical in providing quality service to our growing population.

The next stop for CS/SB 1600 is the Florida House for consideration.

Constituent of the Week

Craig Wallace, Chairman of the Board of the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition

Our Constituent of the Week is Craig Wallace, Chairman of the Board of the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition (BIRLC).

Mr. Wallace is a retired electrical engineer and marketing manager with over 40 years of experience working in the communications industry.

He is originally from Massachusetts and moved to North Miami at age 15. He earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the University of Florida.

He began his professional career with Motorola in the Fort Lauderdale/Boynton Beach area in 1976. After 26 years with Motorola, he formed ADAPTAV Solutions, Inc., a custom home audio and visual integration company outfitting homes and businesses with wired and wireless computer networking in 2004.

After graduating from college in the early 1970's, he lived in Melbourne and enjoyed all of the natural resources and outdoor activities our community has to offer including fishing, clamming, and sailing in the IRL. He knew then that he would retire in Brevard County, and his premonition came true in 2016.

Unfortunately in his first year of retirement, the massive brown tide was prevalent and resulted in a significant fish kill that year. In search of a solution to improve the IRL’s health, Mr. Wallace began volunteering with the Brevard Zoo's Restore Our Shores program, the Marine Resource Council, Keep Brevard Beautiful, the Brevard County SOIRL Citizens Oversight Committee, UF/IFAS, and Florida Tech where he gained knowledge and insight to the efforts required to restore the vitality of the Lagoon .

In 2020, he joined the Brevard IRL Coalition serving as liaison to the coalition partners. In 2022, he was elected to serve as Chairman of the BIRLC Board, the position he currently holds.

The BIRLC is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit, nonpartisan organization seeking and facilitating education and collaboration to bring together organizations, businesses, and individuals who share the goal of supporting restoration of the Lagoon.

Under Mr. Wallace’s leadership, the BIRLC continues to serve as the connection between five counties, 38 cities, 1.6 million people, an economy valued at $7.6 billion annually encompassing more than 40% of Florida’s East coast.

Last week, Chairman Wallace and the Coalition launched an information campaign titled “Healing Our Lagoon” to further expand on the ongoing accomplishments benefiting the lagoon and to ensure our residents and visitors are mindful of how our daily activities impact stormwater and sewer and septic systems, marine life and habitats, and the recreational and commercial activities in the precious IRL.

When asked about the initiative, he said, "I can only thank the amazing people of Brevard and the Counties bordering the Lagoon, that have dedicated their lives to the restoration of this priceless treasure called the Indian River Lagoon. I think I speak for us all when I say my goal is that our children and grandchildren will be able to enjoy the Lagoon the way it has enriched my life."

Senate District 19 is grateful Mr. Wallace decided to retire in Brevard County with a full-time commitment and determination to continue protecting and preserving the Indian River Lagoon.

District Highlights

March 1st World Seagrass Day

Florida’s leading aquatic restoration firm Sea & Shoreline announced the unveiling of a new seagrass nursery in Melbourne Beach with the sole intent of growing over one million seagrass plants annually for the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). Additionally, a seagrass planting initiative is underway and includes 16 projects in the IRL.

For years, there have been concerns about declining water quality in the IRL caused by multiple factors including development, septic systems, stormwater runoff, and warming temperatures from climate change. The IRL, which spans 156 miles and five counties, has experienced a devastating loss of seagrass in recent years resulting in the tragic loss of manatees and fish, increased algal blooms and diminished water quality.

I was honored to support funding for the seagrass project initiated by Sea & Shoreline Aquatic Restoration and their many partners to ensure this essential resource is replenished and continues to thrive.

Seagrass provides:

Critical habitat and food for many species including fish, manatees, dolphins, and turtles
Essential nutrient cycling to clean and oxygenate the water column to reduce algal blooms
Sediment stabilization to prevent sediment resuspension and flooding, and
Climate regulation through carbon sequestration for millennia

To view the press release in full, click here.

“Exceptional Performance and Visionary Leadership” Earns EFSC President Dr. Jim Richey a Contract Extension thru 2029

Last week, the Eastern Florida State College Board of Trustees extended the contract of College President, Dr. Jim Richey, with unanimous action by the five-member board.

Accomplishments resulting in Dr. Richey’s contract extension include:

Launching 50 new programs and the modernization of EFSC’s four campuses campuses
New facilities for aerospace education and student housing have been completed and two technology buildings are in process
EFSC achieved a highly positive reaccreditation report from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges preparing the college for final reaccreditation approval in 2024
Tuition remained constant for the 12th year and over $1 million in student scholarships were awarded
Enrollment has increased to exceed pre-pandemic levels
EFSC was named among the top 150 community colleges in the nation by the Aspen Institute and is in the running for the best in the U.S.

For more information about Eastern Florida State College, its programs, and corporate services, click here or call 321-632-1111.

Eau Gallie Little League Opening Day Ceremony Highlighted Melbourne Native and MLB Great Tim Wakefield

Last week, the City of Melbourne officials formally dedicated and unveiled the new sign for the Tim Wakefield Sports Complex (1550 Mosswood Drive) during the Eau Gallie Little League Opening Day ceremony.

On November 14, 2023, the Melbourne City Council approved a resolution to change the name of Crane Field Park to Tim Wakefield Sports Complex to honor Tim Wakefield and provide a long-lasting and permanent testament to his commitment to the City of Melbourne.

The Tim Wakefield Sports Complex consists of two baseball fields, a softball field, basketball court, and a multi-purpose field.

Tim Wakefield passed away on October 1, 2023. He was born in Melbourne in 1966 and attended Eau Gallie High School and Florida Institute of Technology until drafted by Major League Baseball.

He was a gifted athlete and held international fame and remained dedicated to our community. He served on the Florida Tech Board of Trustees, received an honorary degree, and many accolades for his humanitarian projects. He hosted an annual celebrity golf tournament to raise money for Melbourne’s Space Coast Discovery while also championing children's causes in the Boston community through programs such as New England’s Pitching in for Kids and the Wakefield Warriors Program, among others.

Tragically, his wife Stacy Wakefield passed away last Wednesday after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Undoubtedly, Tim and Stacy Wakefield will forever be remembered and appreciated for their generous contributions to our community.

Upcoming Events

Central Brevard Residents to Receive Notification of Smoke Testing for Sewer Systems

Residents in Central Brevard County will begin receiving notifications this week of planned smoke testing beginning early March to help pinpoint potential holes, breaks, or other flaws in sewer system connections and piping.

Brevard County and USSI, the smoke testing contractor, will be sending notices to residents living in areas where smoke testing will be performed. Door hangers with facts and information related to the tests will also be posted at residences and businesses where smoke may be visible.

Smoke testing is a standard procedure that benefits property owners by keeping the sewer system in working order. USSI will set up multiple points in the area with County Utility staff present to perform the testing. The smoke will be blown into a manhole and smoke will be visible exiting from the vent stacks on houses or holes in the ground. This smoke is non-toxic, non-staining, odorless, white and/or grey in color, and creates no fire hazard.

If you receive a notice or door hanger, no action is necessary on your part. Testing will occur in March and continue thru May. Please contact Brevard County Utility Services at (321) 633-2091 or USSI at (941) 926-2646 if you have any questions or concerns.

Dementia Resource and Education Summit in Vero Beach

A Dementia Resource and Education Summit will take place at Certus Senior Living (5380 US-1) in Vero Beach on Wednesday, March 6th from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event is tailored toward those working with or living with someone affected by Dementia.

The day focuses on education, support, and available resources to empower those impacted by the disease. Attendees can expect:

An opportunity to earn continuing education units for professionals
Information for resources and services for caregivers, patients, and families
Dementia simulation activities
Presentations by Inspired Memory Care and the Alzheimer and Parkinson Association of Indian River County, among other field experts

The event is free of charge. To RSVP click here or for more information email theiserman@certusseniorliving.com.

Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce to Host State of the Economy

Thursday, March 7th from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., the Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce will host the State of the Economy event at the Space Coast Convention Center (301 Tucker Lane) in Cocoa.

Dr. Mike Slotkin, Professor of Economics in the Bisk College of Business at Florida Tech, will serve as keynote speaker and will address the areas economic forecast, trends, data, statistics, and other information relevant to our local, state, and national economy.

For more information and early registration, click here.

Time to Spring Forward on Sunday, March 10, 2024

On Sunday March 10th at 2:00 a.m. daylight savings time takes place. We will set our clocks to spring forward by one hour for the next seven months until falling back one hour on November 3, 2024 at 2:00 a.m.

Unfortunately, we will lose one hour of sleep but the benefits include an extra hour of sunlight in the evening for family, farming, outdoor, and transportation activities.

Currently only Hawaii, parts of Arizona, and the territories of American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands do not participate in daylight saving time.

The Sunshine Protection Act sponsored by Florida's U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, which aims to establish daylight savings time as the permanent standard time, was unanimously approved by the U.S. Senate in 2022. It has yet to be approved by the U.S. House of Representatives.