| The Mayfield Minute - January 12, 2025 - Interim Committee Week 2 |
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The second of six Interim Committee Weeks will begin tomorrow, January 13th, in preparation of the 2025 Legislative Session. This week will be the first formal meeting of the committees and subcommittees of the Florida House and Senate for the 2024-2026 term.
The substance of this week's committee meetings will primarily consist of informative presentations, introductions, and panel discussions with subject matter experts.
Below, are the meeting times for the committees I serve on and a brief description of the meeting agenda.
Tuesday, January 14th:
- 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. the Agriculture & Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee will host a panel discussion with leadership from the Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, the Department of Citrus, The Department of Environmental Protection, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
- 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. the Natural Resources & Disasters Subcommittee will host a panel discussion with local governments impacted by hurricanes.
Wednesday, January 15th:
- 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. the Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee will host a panel discussion on the prosecution and enforcement of illegal gambling.
- 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. the Education Administration Subcommittee will have a presentation and overview of our early learning system and a panel discussion on the administration of School Readiness.
The House of Representatives' committee schedule can be viewed here, and the Senate's committee schedule can be viewed here. All committee meetings can be viewed on the Florida Channel.
If you will be visiting the State Capitol during the committee weeks or the regular session, and need assistance or an appointment, please contact my district office.
I consider it a great honor to represent House District 32. 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 temporary office number at (321) 312-0124. My staff and I are here to serve you! |
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Florida’s Record-Breaking Graduation Rates for 2023-2024 School Year
Florida’s graduation rate has increased significantly in the last few years, moving from 70.6% in 2018 to the record high rate of 89.7% in 2023-2024. Last year's graduation rate is the highest in state history, with an exception during the pandemic years when several of the state's graduation requirements were waived.
“Florida’s graduation rate continues to climb,” said Florida Department of Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. “Florida is number one for education because of our commitment to providing a quality education that fits the needs of each student, and our climbing graduation rate is proof positive that our approach is working. Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, Florida will continue to lead the nation in educational success.”
To read the full press release, click here.
Governor Ron DeSantis Highlights Everglades Restoration
The Governor is recommending $805 million in funding for Fiscal Year 2025-26 in support of the everglades restoration. This funding includes over $670 million for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) and another $130 million for other projects to support Everglades restoration and water quality improvements.
In order to eliminate federal delays and accelerate progress, Governor DeSantis also called for greater state control of CERP projects and the restoration of state permitting authority under the Clean Water Act.
Supporting the call for greater state control of CERP projects, Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert commented "Floridians understand the Everglades better than anyone else. We live, work and recreate here, and we are committed to the land that sustains this. Florida has the experience, urgency and determination to get the job done. We have proven our ability to manage restoration projects efficiently.”
To read the full press release, click here.
Florida Department of Commerce Announces Credit Initiative to Support Small Businesses
The Florida Department of Commerce announced $167 million for the new State Small Business Credit Initiative 2.0 (SSBCI). Florida’s SSBCI capital programs facilitate and expand access to funds for small businesses who would otherwise not be able to receive funding and provides businesses with additional resources to facilitate growth and economic development.
The SSBCI funds can be used for:
- Start-up costs and working capital
- Franchise fees
- Upgrading equipment
- Expanding inventory
- Business acquisition
- Refinancing
- The purchase, construction, renovation, or tenant improvements of an eligible place of business
To read the full press release, click here. |
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Angela Neal
This week, we are proud to highlight community advocate, Angela Neal, as our Constituent of The Week. Angela has been an Air Force spouse for 20 years, and has been a dedicated advocate for solving the under-employment challenges facing military spouses and seeks tactical solutions to address this problem.
Angela earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Houston-Clear Lake and her MBA from the University of Maryland. She is also a certified Project Management Professional.
In August of 2020, Angela’s husband’s military orders in Okinawa, Japan ended, and their family moved back to Brevard County. Upon returning, Angela found herself facing a challenge obtaining employment. This experience led her to launch the Space Coast Military Spouse Professional Network with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes program. Since 2020, this network has grown to nearly 600 career-minded military spouses.
Angela's work with the Hiring Our Heroes program led to her recent participation in the George W. Bush Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program. This program brings together diverse leaders from across the United States, including civilians, veterans, and active-duty military, who support our nation’s veterans and their families.
In addition to her work with military families, Angela has been a highly involved member of the Brevard County community. She previously served as the President of Rockledge Rotary and currently serves as a member of the Cocoa Beach Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the Health First Board of Trustees, an alumni of LEAD Brevard, and the Chair of the Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce Women of Excellence.
Several organizations have recognized Ms. Neal for the work she has done in the community. In 2022 she was recognized as Volunteer of the Year by the Economic Development Commission on Florida’s Space Coast, in 2023 she received the Making a Difference Award from the American Business Women's Association, and in 2024 she was awarded as the regional President of The Year by Rotary.
On behalf of House District 32, It is an honor to highlight Angela Neal for her dedication to supporting the military families in our community and beyond. |
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| In Remembrance of Hamilton Boone |
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On Thursday, January 9th Indian Harbour Beach City Councilman Hamilton "Ham" Boone passed away.
As a life-long resident of Brevard County, Mr. Boone entered the Marines shortly after graduating high school in 1967. Afterwards, he obtained his Bachelor’s in biology from Georgia State University and went on to earn a post-graduate degree as a Physician's Assistant (PA) from the Medical College of Georgia.
Upon graduating, Mr. Boone practiced at medical centers across the country. In 1989, Mr. Boone developed and instituted a new P.A. practice model in Atlanta providing surgical PAs to hospitals and surgeons and then bringing that concept home in 1998.
Mr. Boone found time to serve our local community through volunteering and community engagement. Mr. Boone was recognized by Central Florida’s VA Regional Medical Center for his contributions to disabled veterans through the coaching and teaching of Adaptive Training.
Mr. Boone served on the City Council of Indian Harbour Beach from his election in November, 2023 until his passing this past week. Mr. Boone's passing is a loss for the whole community, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Boone's wife, Penny and his family. |
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Brevard County Fire Rescue Lieutenant Recognized as Florida's Top Hazardous Materials Responder for 2024.
At the annual Florida Fire and EMS Conference in Orlando on Wednesday, January 8th, Brevard County Fire Rescue Lieutenant Fergus Kelly was honored as the state's top hazardous materials responder for 2024.
This award honors a hazardous materials responder who has made significant and valuable contributions to the hazardous materials section, who demonstrates an ongoing commitment to the Fire Service, and serves as an example to their profession and their department as a whole.
Thank you to Lieutenant Kelly for your continued dedication to keeping the citizens of Brevard County safe.
For more information on the Brevard County Fire Rescue, click here.
Florida University Space Research Consortium Launched at NASA's Kennedy Space Center
The presidents of the University of Florida, the University of Central Florida, and Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University joined NASA’s Kennedy Space Center director, Janet Petro, in the signing of a memorandum of understanding in research and development to assist with missions and contribute to NASA’s Moon to Mars exploration approach.
This marks the launch of the Florida University Space Research Consortium at Kennedy Space Center, the only partnership between a university consortium and a NASA center.
Governor DeSantis commented, “Home to a thriving aerospace industry and world-class higher education institutions, Florida is the ideal place to launch this initiative. We are primed to lead the nation in developing a blueprint for state-space partnerships into the future.”
Rob Long, president and CEO of Space Florida added, “The research developed through this consortium could help attract more high-value projects to the state, giving Florida a significant advantage in the development of the aerospace economy and enabling us to shape the future of commerce.”
To read more, click here. |
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Clams Across the Lagoon
The Save Our Indian River Lagoon Program will be hosting a Clams Across the Lagoon Event, In celebration of the 100th pollution reduction project, on February 1st from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the A. Max Brewer Bridge (A. Max Brewer Memorial Pkwy, Titusville).
The event will feature the release of 100,000 clams into the Indian River Lagoon to celebrate the improvements made toward a cleaner estuary. Experts from local and state governments, non-profits, and community organizations will present information regarding restoration progress, plans, and volunteer opportunities for residents. The event will also feature interactive exhibits, games, and food trucks.
For additional information, click here.
Frozen Friends Snow Ball
The Melbourne Kids Village will be hosting a Frozen themed event on Friday, January 24th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 5000 N Wickham Rd #110, Melbourne. The event features playtime and photos with characters from the movie Frozen, themed crafts and decor, special take home gifts, and frozen treats.
The event is open to children between the ages of 1 and 7 years old. The cost of admission will be $25 per child or $20 per child for members of the Melbourne Kids Village.
For additional information, please call 321-622-6546.
A Matter of Balance Workshop
The Senior Resource Alliance will be partnering with the Satellite Beach Fire Department to host a series of workshops which will provide seniors with practical strategies for managing falls. Participants will attend a four week workshop that will be conducted each Monday and Wednesday throughout February at the Satellite Beach Civic Center (565 Cassia Boulevard, Satellite Beach).
Participants can choose a time slot convenient to them for the course of the series. The time slot options are 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., or 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The workshop series will be free to attend, but pre-registration is required.
To sign up for the workshop series, call the Satellite Beach Fire Department at 321-773-4405 ext. 302.
Downtown Melbourne Putta Palooza
Melbourne Main Street, will be hosting their second annual Putta Palooza event in downtown Melbourne on Saturday, February 8th. Check in for the event will be at 9:30 a.m. at the Hotel Melby (801 East Strawbridge Avenue, Melbourne). The event will have a shotgun start and players will golf from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The course for Putta Palooza takes you through participating businesses in downtown Melbourne, each hosting their own creative and fun putting greens. The cost to register for the event is $30 for an individual or $100 for a team of four.
For more information and to register, click here.
City of Melbourne Downtown Parking Workshop
The City of Melbourne will be hosting two workshops related to the city's parking facilities on Thursday, January 23rd in the City Council Chamber of Melbourne City Hall (900 East Strawbridge Avenue). The morning workshop will take place at 8 a.m. and the afternoon workshop will be at 5:30 p.m.
The workshop is intended to provide information and to receive public input for the development of a Downtown Melbourne Parking Management Plan for the city’s parking facilities.
For more information, click here. |
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Contact Information
Melbourne Office
900 East Strawbridge Avenue,
Suite 408,
Melbourne, FL 32901
Tallahassee Office
400 South Monroe Street,
1401 The Capitol,
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100
Staff
Yvette Campbell
William Gooden |
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