May 12th - Happy Mother's Day

Mayfield Minute - May 12th, 2024 - Happy Mother's Day

Good Morning!

Happy Mother's Day! As we celebrate this special holiday, please remember all the mothers, grandmothers, stepmoms, mothers-in-law, and mother figures who fill our lives with joy, guidance, and support. Today we honor the remarkable moms who inspire us with their unconditional love, unwavering strength, and compassion.

As Ronald Reagan once said, "There is no love like a mother's - she who carries the child that God knits in the womb, she who nourishes and guides, she who teaches and inspires, she who gives of her heart and soul and self for the good and the happiness of her children and her family."

I hope everyone has a wonderful and peaceful Mother's Day spent with family and loved ones. In honor of Mother's Day, we are featuring Laura Gonda as our Constituent of the Week. Laura is a remarkable mom of 10 incredible children. Learn more about her story below.

This week, Governor DeSantis signed HB 7073, legislation that delivers significant tax relief for Floridians. The bill provides more than $1.07 billion in tax relief for families and businesses.

To learn more about HB 7073 and other bills signed this week, please see the 'Bill Action' and 'Statewide Update' sections below.

I consider it a great honor to represent District 19. Please share this link with your friends and family so they too, can sign up for the Mayfield Minute.

If you or someone you know needs my assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office. My staff and I are here to serve you!

Bill Action by Governor DeSantis

Since the close of the 2024 Legislation Session, Governor DeSantis has signed 158 bills into law, vetoed two bills, 48 remain pending his action, and 105 have not yet been sent for his consideration.

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

Upon receipt of a bill, the Governor has seven days to sign, veto, or take no action at which point the bill will automatically become law.

Bills signed by Governor DeSantis last week include:

HB 7067 - Pretrial Detention Hearings

SB 7020 - Delivery of Notices

CS/SB 1764 - Car Racing Penalties

CS/CS/SB 1628 - Local Government Actions

CS/CS/CS/SB 1532 - Mitigation

CS/CS/HB 1509 - Pub. Rec./School Guardians

CS/CS/HB 1473 - Safety

HB 1393 - Court Interpreter Services

CS/CS/SB 1136 - Regulation of Water Resources

CS/CS/HB 1077 - Clerks of Court

CS/CS/SB 902 - Motor Vehicle Retail Financial Agreements

CS/HB 761 - Interpersonal Violence Injunction Petitions

CS/HB 405 - Regulation of Commercial Motor Vehicles

CS/CS/HB 341 - Designation of a Diagnosis on Motor Vehicle Registrations

CS/CS/HB 285 - Pub. Rec./Recording Notification Service

CS/CS/HB 197 - Health Care Practitioners and Massage Therapy

CS/HB 7073 - Taxation

SB 7002 - Deregulation of Public Schools

SB 7004 - Education

CS/CS/HB 1403 - School Choice

SB 7032 - Education

HB 1361 - Education

CS/CS/CS/HB 1065 – Substance Abuse Treatment

CS/CS/HB 935 – Health Care Services

CS/CS/CS/HB 1083 – Permanency for Children

CS/HB 1561 – Office Surgeries

CS/CS/HB 437 – Limitation Areas

CS/CS/HB 1557 – Department of Environmental Protection

HB 7089 – Transparency in Health and Human Services

CS/CS/HB 1503 – Property Insurance Corporation

CS/CS/HB 1611 – Insurance

CS/HB 215 – Retention Groups

CS/CS/CS/HB 287- Transportation

CS/CS/HB 1335 –Department of Business and Professional Regulation

CS/SB 168 – Cytomegalovirus Screenings

CS/SB 186 – Supranuclear Palsy and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases Policy Committee

SB 364 – Public Service Commission Rules

CS/CS/SB 532 – Securities

CS/CS/SB 1380- Services for Persons with Disabilities and the Transportation Disadvantaged

CS/CS/CS/SB 764-– Retention of Sexual Offense Evidence

CS/SB 998 – Sale of Liquefied Petroleum Gas

CS/SB 366 – Civil Penalties Under the Gas Safety Law of 1967

Bills received and pending consideration include:

CS/CS/HB 1331- Commodities Produced by Forced Labor

CS/CS/HB 1645- Energy Resources

CS/HB 1291 – Preparation Programs

CS/CS/HB 1389 – Digital Voyeurism

CS/SB 1616 – Electronic Access to Official Records

CS/CS/SB 804 – Gaming Licenses and Permits

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

Florida's 2024 Tax Relief Package

This week I had the pleasure of joining Governor DeSantis at Gator Portside in Cape Canaveral for the announcement of Florida's 2024 Tax Relief Package. This legislation, signed by Governor DeSantis, will provide $1.07 billion in tax relief for Florida families and businesses in the upcoming year.

In addition, last month Governor DeSantis announced $450 million in toll relief for Floridians. Our 2024 Tax Relief Package marks a significant milestone in our efforts to alleviate financial burdens for hardworking families across our state.

The 2024 Tax Relief Package offers opportunities for sales tax savings on back-to-school items, hurricane preparation, tools for skilled workers, and summer entertainment.

The sales tax holidays include:

Disaster Preparedness: July 1st thru July 14th and August 24th thru September 6th

Back-to-School: July 29th thru August 11th

Skilled Workers "Tool Time": September 1st thru September 7th

Freedom Month: July 1st thru July 31st

To read more about the entire 2024 Tax Relief Package which includes additional tax credits and other tax relief, click here.

30,000 Floridians Transition from Government Assistance to Economic Independence through First Lady DeSantis' Hope Florida Initiative

Last week, Governor DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announced that the Hope Florida Initiative has helped 30,000 Floridians to move from government assistance to economic independence which is projected to save taxpayers nearly $800 million over the next 10 years.

The Hope Florida initiative builds a collaborative partnership network with nonprofit and faith-based organizations, the private sector, and government entities to assist Floridians in need.

Since First Lady DeSantis launched Hope Florida, nearly 30,000 Floridians have reduced their reliance on (or no longer need) government assistance. Hope Florida serves families, young children, vulnerable women, those facing crisis, and other Floridians needing a path to prosperity. Participants work with experienced Hope Navigators to identify resources and services available to them. The program has since expanded to offer Hope Navigators to Veterans and seniors.

Floridians who are in need of support can connect with Hope Florida by visiting www.HopeFlorida.com or calling the Hope Line (850-300-HOPE).

Florida Remains the #1 Destination for Domestic Tourism

In a recent announcement, Governor DeSantis stated that Florida remains the #1 domestic tourist destination in the country. According to VISIT FLORIDA data, the state also remains one of the top destination choices for international travelers.

Governor DeSantis attributed the consistent growth of Florida's tourism industry to the state's world class attractions, hospitality, and its commitment to freedom. While Florida's continues to attract new visitors, previously popular destinations like California and New York have experienced a significant decline.

Dana Young, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA stated, "Florida's ability to attract visitors speaks volumes about the states appeal, both domestically and internationally. From our beaches and serene state parks to the thrills of our world-renowned theme parks

and vibrant cities, Florida continues to captivate its visitors with its unmatched experiences."

For more information on everything Florida has to offer, click here.

Constituent of the Week

Laura Maas Gonda

This week for Mother's Day, we honor Laura Maas Gonda as our Constituent of the Week, celebrating her remarkable dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to her family, community, and faith.

Ms. Gonda's journey is one of courage and selflessness. She was born in Ridgewood, New Jersey in 1981 and moved to Brevard County in 1993. As the daughter of a pastor, Ms. Gonda's upbringing instilled in her a deep-rooted passion for her Christian faith, a guiding force in all aspects of her life.

Married to her husband, Jeremiah Gonda, for 21 years, Ms. Gonda is a devoted wife and mother to their 10 children. As well as home schooling, she prioritizes her children's talents and passions, from music and dance to self-defense training and academic pursuits. Her tireless efforts extend beyond just her immediate family. From 2006 to 2008, Ms. Gonda was a missionary in Modiin, Israel. While raising three boys at the time, she served the local community of Modiin alongside her husband.

As an active member of Church on the Rock in Melbourne, Ms. Gonda leads worship services alongside her husband and children, sharing her musical gifts and spreading joy to others. Additionally, she serves as the face and voice of the family's self-defense business, demonstrating her commitment to empowering others and promoting safety within the community.

Her husband, Jeremiah Gonda, stated, "Laura is full of grace and truly the bright shining light of the Gonda family. Laura's faith in God has been the glue of the family. She is raising incredible children; her patience is saintly. I have leaned on her strength more times than I can count."

As we commend Laura Maas Gonda for her extraordinary contributions and selfless devotion, we are reminded of the importance celebrating the resilience, compassion, and love mothers embody. Thank you, Ms. Gonda, for your remarkable example and profound impact on the lives of others.

District Highlights

Port Canaveral Expands Infrastructure Due to Cruise Industry Growth

Port Canaveral is beginning a significant expansion effort with plans to construct a new cruise terminal at Port North 8 berth. This expansion plan allows the Port to accommodate the increasing demands of the cruise industry.

John Murray, CEO of Port Canaveral stated, "We have cruise partners with immediate needs to locate assets and Port Canaveral is where they want to be."

The construction of the new multi-user cruise terminal is expected to take approximately two years and will cater to the largest ships in the world. This expansion will provide operational flexibility and cost savings while ensuring that Port Canaveral remains a preferred choice for cruise partners in Florida.

Micah Loyd, Chairmen of the Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners, emphasized the economic benefit of the expansion stating, "A new cruise terminal will deliver on our board's commitment to the economic prosperity of the Port community."

To learn more about the expansion, click here.

Last Day to Honor Vietnam Veterans at the Traveling Wall Memorial in Wickham Park

Last week, Wickham Park (2500 Parkway Drive) in Melbourne opened its gates for the unveiling of the Vietnam Veterans Traveling Wall Memorial. Today, May 12th beginning at 11:00 a.m., will be the final day to visit the replica of the Washington, D.C. Vietnam Veterans Memorial which signifies the sacrifices and list the names of Vietnam War service members.

The 300-foot-long wall serves as a place of reflection and remembrance allowing Veterans to pay tribute to their loss comrades and to find peace in each other's company. The opening ceremony last Thursday was significant with Veterans participating in wreath-laying ceremonies and sharing memories of their service.

The Traveling Wall honors the memory of those who served and provides support for Veterans, offering a space to share their stories and connect with other Veterans who understand their experiences, and families who continue to suffering the loss of loved ones.

Upcoming Events

Sizzling Showdown: The Space Coast Burger Battle Returns

The Annual Space Coast Burger Battle will take place at Wickham Park (2500 Parkway Drive) in Melbourne on Saturday, May 18th from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday, May 19th from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The 3rd Annual Space Coast Burger Battle will feature competitors across Brevard County. As well as burgers, the festival includes dessert vendors, locally crafted draft beers, and cocktails. In between tastings, attendees will enjoy live music, the craft fair marketplace, featuring local artists, businesses, and activities such as axe throwing, face painting, gem mining, and more.

A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the Children's Hunger Project which provides weekend meals to underprivileged students to ensure they are not coming to school hungry. The Children's Hunger Project assists over 4,000 students at 60 different schools in Brevard County.

For more information on the festival or how to buy tickets, click here.

Navigating the Future: Advancing Transportation on the Space Coast

The Space Coast Planning Transportation Organization (SCPTO) invites residents of Brevard County to participate in a series of informative and interactive workshops aimed at shaping the future of transportation on the Space Coast.

These workshops offer an opportunity for residents to engage with transportation planning initiatives and provide valuable input on upcoming projects. During the workshops, residents will learn more about the Transportation Improvement Program. This program outlines projects which will be implemented over the next five years.

Throughout the workshops, residents can expect to hear from transportation experts, share their own ideas and experiences to help meet the needs of the community.

Below is the list of the free workshops residents can attend:

Beachside on Wednesday, May 22nd at 5:30 p.m. at the Scotty Culp Municipal Complex (565 Cassia Boulevard) in Satellite Beach

South Area on Thursday, May 30th at 5:30 p.m. at the Franklin T. Degroodt Memorial Library (6475 Minton Road SW) in Palm Bay

North Area on Tuesday, June 4th at 5:30 p.m. at the Titusville Public Library (2121 S. Hopkins Avenue) in Titusville

Central Area on Wednesday, June 12th at 5:30 p.m. at the Center for Collaboration (1100 Rockledge Boulevard / US 1) in Rockledge

For information on how to register for the SCPTO workshops click the location links above.

Experience Live Jazz with the Space Coast Jazz Society

The Brevard Veteran's Memorial Center (BVMC) is hosting the Space Coast Jazz Society for their last concert before summer. The series will resume in September.

Guests will experience live jazz by the talented Joe Goldberg Trio on Sunday, May 19th 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the BVMC (400 South Sykes Creek Parkway) in Merritt Island. Joe Goldberg studied music at Florida State University under the mentorship of renowned pianist Marcus Roberts and went on to perform with Marcus Roberts at the Lincoln Center in New York. He is a renowned musician and performs regularly with his 7-piece swing band, Joe Goldberg and the Function.

To learn more about the Space Coast Jazz Society, click here.