October 15, 2023 - Mayfield Minute_Interim Committee Week 2

Mayfield Minute - October 15, 2023 - Mayfield Minute_Committee Week 2

Good Morning!

Last week, Governor DeSantis held a press conference strongly condemning the horrific, unwarranted, and inhumane attacks on the people of Israel.

There are more than 20,000 Americans, including Floridians, in Israel who seek to return to the U.S. Governor DeSantis signed Executive Order 23-208 (Emergency Management – Impacts of War in Israel) which specifically enables the Florida Division of Emergency Management to bring Floridians home and transport necessary supplies to Israel.

Florida's CFO Jimmy Patronis also announced that the Florida Treasury will invest an additional $25 million in Israel bonds bringing the total current investment to $80 million, the largest total ever held at one time by our State.

Additionally, the Governor ordered flags at half-staff and for the Florida Capitol to be lit in blue and white every night from Monday, October 9th, through Friday, October 13th.

For more information on Florida's response to the war in Israel, see the Statewide Update below.

Also last week, the Senate completed the first committee meetings in preparation for the 2023-2024 session. The summary is available in the Senate Update below.

The next committee week in Tallahassee begins October 16th. All committee meetings are broadcast on the Florida Channel and the schedule is as follows:

Monday, October 16th

3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Joint Legislative Auditing Committee

Wednesday, October 18th

9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Senate Committee on Appropriations Health and Human Services
2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Senate Committee on Agriculture
2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Senate Committee on Commerce and Tourism
2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Senate Committee on Health Policy
4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Senate Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

If you will be visiting the State Capitol during the committee weeks (November 6th, November 13th, December 4th, and December 11th) or the legislative session (January 9th thru March 8th) and need assistance or an appointment, please call my local office at 321-409-2025 or my Tallahassee office at 850-487-5019.

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!

Statewide Update

Governor DeSantis Proposes Increased Florida’s Sanctions on Iran in Wake of Attack on Israel

Last week, Governor DeSantis announced a proposal that will increase sanctions against the Iranian regime. Sanctions include broadening the industries on Florida’s scrutinized companies list and strengthening Florida’s position on states that sponsor terror.

“As a state and a nation, we must stand with Israel following the heinous attacks over the weekend,” said Governor DeSantis. “With Iran helping plot the barbaric attack against Israel, I want to make it abundantly clear: Florida supports the State of Israel against the Iranian terror state.”

Governor DeSantis is a strong supporter of Israel. He has lead two trade delegations to Israel, he has enacted historic legislation to combat antisemitism, and he has prohibited Florida from investing in companies that discriminate against Israel. In addition, he has signed legislation to prohibit foreign countries of concern from owning agricultural land or real estate near critical infrastructure, and from operating schools in Florida.

For more information on the proposed sanctions, click here.

Great Outdoors Initiative Provides 50% Discounts for Florida State Park Passes and FWC Hunting and Fishing Licenses

Discounts available from October 14, 2023 thru January 13, 2024

Executive Order 23-209 directing Florida’s Departments of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to provide a 50% discount on annual state park passes, and FWC Gold Sportsman hunting and fishing licenses, was signed by the Governor last Friday.

“Florida is home to some of the best state parks, waterways, and recreational lands in the country, and I encourage all Floridians to get outdoors, experience our extraordinary natural resources, and enjoy our fundamental right to hunt and fish,” said Governor DeSantis.

With 175 award-winning state parks, trails, and historic sites spanning nearly 800,000 acres and our 100 miles of beaches, Florida is the only four-time winner of the Gold Medal honoring the nation’s best park system.

Florida State Parks Annual Passes will have a 50% discount available at the following rates:

Family Annual Pass - $60, plus tax
Individual Annual Pass - $30, plus tax

The following FWC Gold Sportsman licenses, which include the saltwater fishing, freshwater fishing, hunting privileges and all associated permits, will also be discounted by 50% and available at the following rates, plus applicable fees:

Annual Gold Sportsman - $50.75
Five-year Gold Sportsman - $247.75
Lifetime Sportsman License
Age 4 or younger - $201.50
Ages 5–12 - $351.50
Ages 13 and older - $501.50

Click here to learn more about the Great Outdoors Initiative and purchase a pass or license.

Governor DeSantis’ Administration Conducts an Investigation

Governor DeSantis' recent investigation into gas station and convenience stores resulted in the seizure of 653 packages of so-called “gas station heroin,” along with 1,272 packages of a synthetic cannabinoid. A cannabinoid is defined as a compound which includes a derivative of THC or the active properties of cannabis. Stop-sale orders were issued to all businesses selling synthetic controlled cannabinoids.

According to Attorney General Ashley Moody, the drug mimics the effects of opioids and appears on convenience store shelves bearing brand names like Pegasus, Tianaa, or Zaza Red. She used emergency rulemaking authority to outlaw the substances last month, and declared each a Schedule 1 controlled substance making possession or distribution is a felony.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that opioid overdoses killed more than 100,000 Americans last year.

At this time, no Brevard or Indian River county businesses have been identified as selling “gas station heroin.” The violations were found in Lee, Orange, Clay, Highlands, Hillsborough, Leon, Miami-Dade, Pasco, Polk, and Seminole counties.

Senate Update

Florida Senate Kicks Off 2023-2024 Committee Weeks

Last week, the Florida Senate held their first interim committee week in preparation of the upcoming Legislative Session. Some of the highlights included:

Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance

Steven Felder, from the Department of Financial Services, provided an update on the My Safe Florida Home Program, an initiative renewed by the Florida Senate last session, which provides grants for the purpose of hardening single family homes against future wind damage caused by storms.

Grants can be used to pay for hurricane resistant windows, doors, shutters, and several roof related items
To date, 20,890 grant applications have been approved and over $20 million in reimbursements have been disbursed

Michael Yaworsky, Commissioner of the Office of Insurance Regulation spoke to legislative reforms including:

Stronger regulation on insurance carriers
Reduced frivolous litigation in the home insurance market
Significant funding increased for Florida’s reinsurance market
Florida has seen five new insurance carriers enter the market including an 800% increase in requests by companies to assume Citizens’ Property Insurance policies

Senate Committee on Appropriations

Amy Baker, Coordinator of the Office of Economic and Demographic Research, provided an update on Florida’s long-range financial outlook.

GDP: Florida saw a 3.5% increase from the end of 2022 through the beginning of 2023 vs. the national average of only 2% GDP growth
Florida’s personal income also grew at a higher rate (4.7%) than the national average (4.3%)
The state’s unemployment is 2.7%, 1% lower than the nationwide unemployment rate
There was a 7.5% increase in the state’s general revenue during fiscal year 2022-2023

Florida’s robust economy continues to be resilient to external economic factors and leads the nation in stability and growth across various indicators and metrics.

Senate Committee on Military, Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security

Leaders from Florida’s military service community provided updates on services offered to active Servicemembers and Veterans across the state.

Over 1.45 million Veterans reside in Florida (3rd largest in the US)
Florida is home to over 20 major military installations and has the 5th largest Department of Defense presence in the nation
The military community in Florida is the #2 economic driver creating over 800,000 jobs and generating almost $100 billion in economic impact

Constituent of the Week

Stephanie Knigge

Our Constituent of the Week is Stephanie Knigge, the 2023-2024 President of the Junior League of the Space Coast.

Ms. Knigge was born in Arizona and lived in Tallahassee, before moving to Brevard County. She is a graduate of Florida State University and Florida Institute of Technology earning degrees in Apparel Design and Business Administration.

After college, she worked in visual merchandising for Nordstrom department stores and H&M retail clothing stores. Ms. Knigge is the Marketing Manager for the Greater Good, an Ecommerce site that sells goods to raise money for various non-profits benefiting people, pets, and the planet.

She has been a member of the Junior League of the Space Coast, Inc., (JLSC) for four years and currently serves as President. JLSC is an organization of women whose mission is to provide meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

As President, she leads the 10-member Board of Directors and one of her key accomplishments has been the return of the Done-in-a-Day program, an initiative that assists other nonprofits for short–term or one–day projects and events. Some example projects include collections and delivery of food, school supplies, children’s shoes, etc. to the community's most vulnerable residents in need.

Another major project that Ms. Knigge and her team prepare for year round is the JLSC 39th annual "Festival of Trees". The event takes place on November 4th at the Wickham Park Community Center (2815 Leisure Way) in Melbourne from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There is a minimum $5.00 suggested donation for attendees over age 12. The first 300 guests will receive a special gift bag.

Activities include:

Variety of decorated Christmas trees and wreaths
Cooking with Mrs. Claus
Holiday vendor marketplace
Pictures with Santa
Christmas book readings for children

If you are interested in learning more about the Junior League of the Space Coast's volunteer and donation opportunities, how to become a member, or the services they provide to other nonprofits, click here.

Ms. Knigge resides in Melbourne with her husband Brenden and Rex, her beloved 14-year-old Yorkie.

Senate District 19 is pleased to recognize Ms. Knigge for her efforts in empowering women and families, inspiring volunteers, and in the training of future leaders in our communities.

District Highlights

Congratulations to Two of Our Local Restaurants

Florida’s Fresh Grill in Cocoa Beach earned Trip Advisor's “Best of the Best” designation in the "Everyday Eats" category. Urban Prime, a new restaurant and marketplace in Viera, held a soft opening which attracted over 400 guests.

Florida's Fresh Grill

Over 7,000 excellent reviews led Florida Fresh Grill to earn "Best of the Best" award, which recognizes the top 1% of restaurant listings on the Trip Advisor platform.

The criteria for the national "Everyday Eats" category includes restaurants with "laid-back fare that goes above and beyond, without breaking the bank."

Florida's Fresh Grill (2039 North Atlantic Avenue) in Cocoa Beach, claimed the 11th spot with an average five-out-of-five rating and 7,432 reviews.

Florida's Fresh Grill is open daily from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Congratulations to the owners, staff, and patrons for helping to showcase this local favorite in the national spotlight.

Urban Prime

The "gourmet marketplace casual-upscale" restaurant in Viera is comprised of 7,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor dining space and a 4,500 square feet market. Owner Ercan Ekinci has worked as a chef in Brevard County for years and recently brought his dream restaurant to fruition in Viera at 2435 Metfield Drive.

Urban Prime boasts a 1,400 bottle wine cellar, a measured wine-sipping station in the marketplace, multiple grocery items including fresh produce and vegetables, fresh meat, seafood, deli, bakery, and sushi.

Hours of operation:

Restaurant

Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Monday - Thursday: 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Marketplace

Monday - Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

“We are aiming to be the destination in the community for gourmet food, shopping, casual drinks, social gatherings, and a truly unique dining experience," Ekinci said.

Upcoming Events

2024 Spring Semester Registration Open at Indian River State College

Returning students and new students may now register for classes for the Spring 2024 semester at Indian River State College (IRSC) for on campus, online, and hybrid courses. Classes begin Monday, January 8, 2024.

IRSC offers 100+ education options that range from Bachelor’s and Associate degree programs, and several Career Training and Technical certificates.

New students should apply here or contact the college at 772-336-6200 for more information.

Third Thursdays in Viera

This free, family-and-pet friendly night will be outdoors in the Central Park area of The Avenue Viera (2261 Town Center Avenue) on Thursday, October 19th from 5:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. Enjoy live music by Heatstroke, local vendors, complimentary snacks, and a free drink or ice cream. Admission is free, but you must register to receive an event ticket.

Click here for more information.

KSC Visitor Complex Offers 67% Discount on Admission for Brevard County Residents thru October 29th

KSC's annual "Salute to Brevard" returns October 16th thru October 29th. Daily admission for Brevard County residents is $19 for adults and $14 for children ages 3–11 (plus tax) for up to six guests with proof of residency. This is a significant discount compared to the regular one-day ticket price of $75/adult and $65/child.

Guest are asked (but not required) to bring canned goods and non-perishable food items, baby formula, and hygiene products for donation to the Sharing Center of Central Brevard.

The discounted ticket includes access to every exhibit. Only the ticket purchaser is required to be a Brevard County resident, but all tickets must be purchased on-site on the day of entry.

More information is available on the visitor complex's website.

Promise in Brevard's Annual Diamond Royale Event Supports Adults with Disabilities

The Diamond Royale event will take place at the Audi Melbourne dealership (2260 Coastal Lane) in Melbourne on Saturday, November 4th from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Organizers promise an exciting and worthwhile "Vegas Glamour" casino night experience while raising funds for Promise in Brevard, a nonprofit facility dedicated to providing affordable, independent housing for adults with cognitive and physical disabilities. Northrop Grumman is a proud sponsor of the annual event.

Tickets (suggested donation) are $200.00 and activities include: