| The Mayfield Minute - June 22, 2025 |
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This past Monday, the Florida Legislature officially passed the budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and adjourned the 2025 Legislative Session Sine Die.
The budget, as passed, totals over $115.1 billion, which is lower than the current year’s budget of $117.4 billion. This will mark the first time since 2011 that the state budget has been reduced from one fiscal year to the next.
More details regarding the state’s budget, the tax package, and local funding projects are available below in the Budget Update. The Governor must sign the budget prior to the fiscal year starting on July 1, 2025.
I consider it a great honor to represent Senate District 19. Please share this link with your friends and family so they too, can subscribe to the Mayfield Minute.
If you or someone you know needs my assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 321-409-2025. My staff and I are here to serve you! |
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| Bill Action by Governor DeSantis |
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Of the bills passed during the 2025 Legislative Session, Governor DeSantis has signed 189 into law, and 60 remain pending his consideration. Twelve bills have not yet been sent for consideration.
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.
Some of the bills signed by Governor DeSantis last week include:
SB 0164 -- Vessel Accountability
SB 0344 -- Telecommunications Access System Act of 1991
SB 0462 -- Transportation
SB 0910 -- Veterans Benefit Insurance
SB 1198 -- Fraudulent Use of Gift Cards
SB 1344 -- Juvenile Justice
SB 1516 -- Aerospace Industry
SB 1622 -- Beaches
SB 1804 -- Capital Human Trafficking
SB 0796 – General Permits for Distributed Wastewater Treatment Systems
SB 0948 – Flood Disclosures
SB 0282 – Warranty Associations
SB 0262 – Trusts
SB 0538 – State Courts System
SB 1652 – Public Records
SB 0784 – Platting
SB 0316 – Limited Liability Companies
SB 1286 – Harming or Neglecting Children
SB 0312 – Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, Inc.
SB 0106 – Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults
SB 7010 – A Review under the Open Government Sunset Review Act
SB 0056 – Geoengineering and Weather Modification Activities |
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The Florida Legislature passed the 2025-2026 state budget of $115.1 billion for consideration by Governor DeSantis. The budget reduces spending across the board while providing substantial funding for the following programs of critical importance to our state:
- $124.5 million to support the revitalization of Florida’s historic citrus industry through large-scale field trials, marketing, and recovery and response programs.
- $55 million in salary increases for state law enforcement officers and state firefighters in addition to $14.4 million in grants to recruit and support county sheriff’s deputies.
- $1.3 billion for teacher pay increases in the Florida Education Finance Program
- $240 million for the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs for critical health care services, infrastructure improvements, and support for Veterans’ Nursing Homes.
- $1.587 billion for the environment including water quality improvement projects and the restoration of Florida’s springs, the Everglades, and the Indian River Lagoon.
- $268 million for land conservation through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program and Florida Forever Program.
Tax Package:
The Tax Package delivers more than $1.3 billion in broad-based tax relief including:
- Permanent elimination of the business rent tax, effective October 1, 2025.
- Permanent elimination of sales tax on:
- Gold, silver, or platinum bullion.
- Specified Health and Safety Items.
- Specified Disaster Preparedness Items.
- State Park Admission.
- The August Back to School Tax Holiday become a permanent recurring tax holiday.
- Establishes a Hunting, Fishing, and Camping Sales Tax Holiday from September 8th through December 31, 2025.
Building the State’s Reserve Funds:
The budget and related bills set aside significant funding in our reserves which include:
- $12.4 billion towards the State’s reserve funds.
- $500 million dedicated towards emergency preparedness and response.
- If approved by the voters in 2026, $1.1 billion for the budget stabilization fund.
- $830 million to pay down state debt.
Local Funding Projects:
Additionally, a total of $35,454,118 has been appropriated within Brevard County for the following local projects:
- Who We Play For: Sudden Cardiac Prevention -- $500,000
- Aging Matters in Brevard -- $500,000
- Rockledge Traffic Light Revitalization -- $600,000
- Rockledge Regional Public Safety Training Center -- $700,000
- Melbourne Village Stormwater Study -- $180,000
- Indialantic Riverside Park Pier & Kayak Launch -- $350,000
- St. Lucie River North Fork Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Restoration -- $862,000
- Brevard - Aviation Assembly and Fabrication Hangar - $1,008,618
- Brevard Adults with Disabilities - $300,000
- Brevard County School District West Shore Jr./Sr. High School Expansion - $5,000,000
- Circles of Care - Brevard - $1,256,239
- Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Regional Training Center - $10,000,000
- Brevard County Indialantic Stormwater Drainage Improvements - $1,764,078
- Brevard County Indian River Lagoon Countywide Sewer Connection Assistance $2,900,000
- Brevard County Sykes Creek Phase 2 Environmental Dredging - $4,324,000
- Brevard County Sykes Creek Zones M, N, & T Septic-to-Sewer Connection Assistance - $900,000
- Brevard County West Central Avenue Bridge Replacement - $1,263,183
- West Melbourne Flood Risk Reduction - Canal C69 and C70 Improvements - $350,000
- Melbourne Downtown Core Streetscape Design - $1,000,000
- Melbourne Front Street Boat Dock Replacement Project - $500,000
- Children’s Center for Education and Collaboration-The Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse, Inc. - $350,000
- Palm Bay Police Department Communications Center Expansion, Phase 1 - $80,000
- Palm Bay Turkey Creek Sanctuary Water Quality Improvement Project - $1,000,000
- Palm Bay Fiber Optic Expansion - $500,000
- Satellite Beach Data Center Server - $220,000
- Indian River Lagoon Seagrass Restoration Project - $975,000
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State of Florida Rescues Americans Stranded in Israel
Last week, Governor DeSantis welcomed the second state-chartered flight of American evacuees from Israel as they landed at the Tampa International Airport. The rescue trips are being organized by the state with assistance from Grey Bull.
“Given you have a barrage of missiles being launched by a hostile regime into Israel, given the airports are shut down, given the neighboring areas are not that easy to navigate, this is probably the most challenging logistical mission that the Florida Department of Emergency Management has done,” said Governor DeSantis.
As of Friday, June 20th, the state had assisted 300 American citizens seeking escape from Israel during the nation's latest conflict with Iran. The first flight from Cyprus arrived last Thursday carrying evacuees including a group of American tourists on a 10-day visit to Israel.
In 2023, Governor DeSantis led a similar rescue operation to evacuate Floridians and American citizens after the horrific October 7th Hamas terrorist attack on Israel which killed over 1,400 civilians.
We continue to pray for all Americans abroad and look forward to their safe return home.
Nearly 100 New Laws Will Take Effect on July 1, 2025
Below are some of the new laws passed by the State Legislature and signed by Governor DeSantis during the 2025 legislative session which will take effect on July 1st.
- Boater Freedom Act: Law enforcement can no longer stop boats without probable cause. Boaters can get a “Florida Freedom Boater” decal after passing a safety inspection.
- State Park Preservation Act: Prevents development like golf courses or hotels in state parks, preserving them for conservation-based recreation.
- “Dexter’s Law”: Increases penalties for aggravated animal cruelty and creates a public database of offenders starting in 2026.
- Fentanyl Awareness Day: August 21st is now officially designated to raise awareness about fentanyl risks and prevention.
- Teen Driver Requirements: Teens aged 15–17 must complete a 6-hour driver education course unless they finish a Traffic Law Substance Abuse Education course before July 1st.
- “Swatting” Penalties: Harsher consequences for false emergency calls that result in harm or death.
- Dangerous Excessive Speeding: Drivers caught going 50 mph over the speed limit or 100 mph or more in a dangerous manner could face serious consequences including jail time and increased fines.
To view all of the bills that will become law on July 1st, click here.
2025 Florida Python Challenge Begins July 11th
The 10-day 2025 Florida Python Challenge opens on Friday, July 11th and lasts through Sunday, July 20th. The purpose of the annual event raises awareness about invasive species and helps to protect native wildlife preyed upon by the pythons.
Participants can win their share of $25,000 in prizes by removing invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades ecosystem. The overall grand prize is $10,000 for the hunter who removes the most pythons. Other cash prizes are awarded for the most and longest pythons removed hunters in categories which include novice, professional and military.
The challenge is hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the South Florida Water Management District.
Interested competitors must register online here and complete the required online training to become eligible for challenge. |
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Lieutenant Colonel, Marcus Smith, U.S. Air Force (RET)
Our Constituent of the Week is Mr. Marcus Smith, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force (RET), Vice Commander of the American Legion Post 191, and current City of Melbourne Council Member.
Lt. Colonel Smith served over 30 years in various leadership positions in the U.S. Air Force, including nine years at Partrick Air Force Base. He earned a Master’s in Business Administration from Webster University and a Bachelor’s of Engineering from Georgia Tech University.
Throughout his military career and civilian experience, he has always been committed to workforce development, infrastructure improvement, civic engagement, and advocacy for local businesses and nonprofit organizations.
Before his election to the City of Melbourne City Council in 2024, he served for three years on the Melbourne Planning and Zoning Board. He remains a staunch advocate for strategic investments in projects that ensure smart, sustainable growth for the City of Melbourne, and local projects which benefit residents.
Since retiring from the military, Lt. Colonel Smith has had a successful career in the financial sector. He is dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve financial stability and growth. He also has a long record of giving back to the community through volunteerism specifically with local nonprofits that provide financial education to underserved populations. Lt. Colonel Smith believes that financial literacy is a critical tool for achieving economic equality.
He is an esteemed leader in our community serving as Vice Commander of American Legion Post 191, a delegate for the Space Coast League of Cities, and as a member of the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization in addition to his service as a Council Member at the City of Melbourne.
Today, Lt. Colonel Smith, the American Legion Post 191 and CareerSource Brevard-Flagler-Volusia will launch their first Certified Technology Specialist Training program in audio/visual technology. The classes are offered at the Historic American Legion Post 191 (2422 S Harbor City Blvd) in Melbourne and conveniently scheduled on certain Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The first cohort of 20 students is full but the partners plan to expand offerings in the coming weeks and months. For more information on the next classes, click here..
SD 19 is grateful for Lieutenant Colonel Marcus Smith’s lengthy and noble civic and military service. We also truly appreciate the career development programs he continues to establish to provide students specialized and unique professional opportunities. |
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Palm Bay East Little League Wins District Title
The Palm Bay East Little League 13 to 14-year-old All-Star team has made history, securing the District Championship last weekend with an undefeated 5-0 record.
This marks the first time a Palm Bay East team has claimed a district title since 2017.
The team demonstrated exceptional talent throughout the tournament dominating opponents with impressive wins against Palm Bay West 27 to 1, Greater West Melbourne 9 to 6, Viera Suntree 7 to 0, and two victories over Eau Gallie Little League 7 to 3, including a thrilling 3 to 2 extra-inning finish.
Congratulations to Palm Bay East Little League athletes, coaches, and parents. We wish you great success for the remainder of your season.
EFSC to Receive $1.5 Million from Florida's State Grants for Job Training Programs
Last week, Governor DeSantis awarded $10 million in grants to five state colleges to expand their career and technical training programs.
The five state colleges selected for the grants are Eastern Florida State College, Indian River State College, Polk State College, Valencia College, and Seminole State College.
“These grants will help students develop the skills in demand in key industries—ensuring Florida remains the national leader in workforce development and economic growth," said Governor DeSantis.
Congratulations to EFSC which will receive $1.5 million for their successful welding and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) certificate programs.
For more information on EFSC's career and technical programs, click here. |
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Waterway Warriors – Eau Gallie West Ribbon Cutting and Cleanup
On Saturday, June 28th from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. the Waterway Warriors will be hosting an event to celebrate their adoption of the Eau Gallie West area. This signifies the addition of the area to the list of locations in Brevard County that they regularly provide volunteer cleanup services to.
The event will include a brief ribbon cutting ceremony at Squid Lips restaurant (1477 Pineapple Avenue) in Melbourne followed by an inaugural cleanup of the area. Volunteers must wear closed-toed shoes and bring their own gloves and hydration; all other supplies are provided. No registration is necessary.
For more information on the Waterway Warriors, click here.
July Fourth Local Celebrations
Port Canaveral
The "Fireworks at Port Canaveral" event will take place on Thursday, July 3rd from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Exploration Tower Lawn (670 Dave Nisbet Drive) in Cape Canaveral.
Activities include food trucks, music, and a "Touch-A-Truck" zone where children can safely explore, touch, and climb aboard fire trucks, police cars, and construction
machinery,
Public viewing for the fireworks is available in the Cove District and on the lawn of Exploration tower. Parking will be free of charge until capacity is reached. Additional overflow parking will be available at Port Canaveral for a cost of $15.00 per vehicle. Follow the lighted signs and adhere to the direction of the volunteers assisting with parking overflow.
For more information, call 321-783-7831 or email event organizers here.
Merritt Island
The annual Brevard County Sheriff's Office Merritt Island Independence Day Parade, led by Sheriff Ivey and K-9 Saint, will take place on Friday, July 4th at 10:00 a.m. The parade route starts at Merritt Island High School (100 Mustang Way) and heads south along Courtney Parkway before turning east on Merritt Avenue. The procession will conclude at Edgewood Jr./Sr. High School (180 East Merritt Avenue).
Spectators are encouraged to arrive early to find the best viewing spots along the route.
For more information, click here or call 321-264-7755.
Rockledge
The 38th Annual City of Rockledge Independence Day Picnic will take place on Friday, July 4th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at McLarty Park (790 Barton Boulevard) in Rockledge.
Attendees can purchase a hamburger or hot dog, chips and a drink for $1.00. The longstanding community event features kid-friendly activities, games, water slides, and music.
For more event information, call 321-221-7540.
Palm Bay
Palm Bay's Annual Independence Day Celebration will take place on Saturday, July 5th, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Palm Bay Campus of Eastern Florida State College (250 Community College Parkway SE).
Admission and parking are free of charge. A country music legends concert will take place at 5:00 p.m. and the Bruno Mars tribute concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
The fireworks display will take place at approximately 9:15 p.m.
Other activities include a variety of food trucks, local vendors, and free kids' zone with inflatables, games, face painting, mini-golf, and a foam pit.
Cocoa
On Friday, July 4th the Brevard Symphony Orchestra (BSO) will hold a patriotic "Symphony Under the Stars" concert at Cocoa Riverfront Park (401 Riveredge Boulevard) in Cocoa at 8:00 p.m. Fireworks will follow at 9:15 p.m.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket. Food trucks will be on site and local restaurants will be open and available before the concert.
The VIP event begins at 6:00 p.m. and VIP packages are available for $80. Each includes reserved parking, a BBQ dinner at the Cocoa Civic Center, dessert, and reserved seating at the concert. BSO season ticket holders will receive a special rate of $65 for VIP tickets.
For more information, click here.
Titusville
The Red, White and Boom 2025 will take place on Friday, July 4th from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Chain of Lakes Park (2300 Truman Scarborough Way) in Titusville. The fireworks will begin at 9:15 p.m. Attendees can bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages, and food trucks will be on site. Other activities include bounce houses, the Kid Zone, and music. The event is free of charge.
For more information, call 321-567-3775.
Melbourne
The City of Melbourne Independence Day celebration on Friday, July 4th from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Front Street Park (2210 Front Street). Fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m. (weather permitting). The event includes food trucks, local vendors, children’s activities, and live music.
The schedule is as follows:
4:00 p.m. – Food trucks open (Better Call Dogs, Strong Island Ice Cream, Tasty Freeze, Kona Ice, Ray’s Kettle Corn, and others)
5:30 p.m. – Char Good performs live
6:45 p.m. – Hot Pink performs live
9:00 p.m. – Fireworks start (weather permitting)
Parking and shuttle service:
Attendees are encouraged to park at Melbourne Auditorium (at 625 Hibiscus Boulevard) and use a free shuttle service to Front Street Park. Three buses will run continuously from 7:00 p.m. until 8:15 p.m. Bus service will resume after the fireworks show and will run until 11:00 p.m. An ADA accessible bus will be available at the Melbourne Auditorium.
In the event of rain, the fireworks display will be rescheduled for Saturday, July 5th at 9:00 p.m., however the shuttle service will not be available.
For more information including road closures, click here. |
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Contact Information
Melbourne Office
900 East Strawbridge Avenue,
Suite 408,
Melbourne, FL 32901
321-409-2025
Tallahassee Office
400 South Monroe Street,
302 Senate Building,
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100
850-487-5019
Staff
Yvette Campbell
William Gooden
Kelli Lane |
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