| The Mayfield Minute - January 11, 2026 |
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The Florida Legislature will convene on Tuesday, January 13th at 10:00 a.m. for the Opening Day of the 128th Regular Legislative Session. The annual "State of the State" address by Governor DeSantis will take place during the Joint Legislative Session at 11:00 a.m. The opening ceremony for both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and the annual "State of the State" address can be viewed on the Florida Channel here.
Some of the 2026 key issues we will address include:
· 2026-2027 Budget
· Keeping Florida Affordable
· Artificial Intelligence
· Data Centers
· Education
· Environmental Restoration and Conservation
· Rural Renaissance
· Water Quality
As bills move through the legislative process, please do not hesitate to contact my office with any questions or concerns you may have.
If you will be visiting the State Capitol during the legislative session and need assistance or an appointment, please call my Tallahassee office at 850-409-2025.
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! |
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Space Florida Announces Record Investments in 2025
Space Florida, the state’s aerospace finance and development authority, closed out 2025 with a 220-aerospace project pipeline valued at $6 billion and more than a half a billion dollars invested in spaceports since 2012.
Working closely with FloridaCommerce and the Florida Department of Transportation, Space Florida continues to position the state as the global leader in commercial space activity. In 2025, Florida achieved a record 109 launches carrying more than 2,100 payloads and over three million pounds of cargo, the highest total of any location worldwide.
Governor DeSantis understands the importance of the aerospace industry in our state. His budget recommendations for 2026-2027 include $17.5 million for Space Florida operations and $21 million for strategic aerospace investments.
To read Space Florida’s announcement in full, click here.
FWC Highlights 2025 Achievements
Last week, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) highlighted the agency’s major conservation achievements in 2025, reflecting Florida’s continued emphasis on protecting natural resources.
Marine habitat efforts advanced through the deployment of 84 new artificial reefs, bringing the statewide total to 4,400 statewide. Additionally, FWC expanded public access by establishing nine new Wildlife Management Areas, bringing total managed acreage to over six million.
Manatee conservation progressed through expanded acute care facilities, seagrass restoration, and 753 rescues since 2020. Sea turtle conservation also produced strong results, with over 168,000 nests monitored and record leatherback nesting. Invasive species removal saw record participation: the Florida Python Challenge removed 294 Burmese pythons, while the Lionfish Challenge eliminated more than 30,000 lionfish.
Red snapper management expanded with a record 127‑day Gulf season and a proposed 39‑day Atlantic season, pending federal approval. FWC also recently announced the reopening of Apalachicola Bay’s oyster industry, following a five-year closure to restore the fishery.
To read FWC's announcement in full, click here.
“Operation Tidal Wave” Results in 10,000 Illegals Apprehended in Eight Months
Last week, Governor DeSantis announced that “Operation Tidal Wave,” a joint state and federal immigration enforcement initiative launched in April 2025, has resulted in over 10,000 arrests of illegal individuals in Florida. Governor DeSantis referred to the operation as a “force multiplier” for federal authorities.
“Many of the 10,000+ individuals arrested as part of Operation Tidal Wave were trying to prey on our children. Rest assured, our Statewide Prosecutors will ensure these criminals do serious time behind bars before we send them back to where they came from,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier.
According to Governor DeSantis, 63% of those arrested had prior criminal arrests or convictions, including violent and sex‑offense charges.
Florida is the only state that requires all 67 county sheriffs to participate in 287(g) agreements. The 287(g) agreements serve to deputize state and local law enforcement to work directly with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to identify and detain illegal individuals.
"Florida's model demonstrates how state‑supported federal enforcement can strengthen national security, and If other states adopted similar measures, national immigration enforcement would be significantly more effective," said Governor DeSantis.
To read the announcement in full, click here. |
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Colonel Joseph W. "Joe" Johnston, United States Army, (RET)
Our Constituent of the Week is Colonel Joseph W. “Joe” Johnston, United States Army, (RET). Colonel Johnston is a retired U.S. Army Ranger, paratrooper, and highly decorated Veteran of both the Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf War.
Colonel Johnston was born and raised in Ohio and enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era, before becoming a commissioned officer. Throughout his career, he served as both an Army Ranger and paratrooper.
For his distinguished service in combat, he was awarded the Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal, among many other decorations for valor and meritorious achievement.
Colonel Johnston complemented his military experience with advanced education in management and business. In 1982, he graduated from the U.S. Army Command General Staff College and in 1983, he graduated from Central Michigan University with an M.A. in business and executive management.
As a disabled Veteran himself, Colonel Johnston has served as a passionate advocate for his fellow Veterans through Disabled American Veterans (DAV). In recognition of his lifetime of service, Colonel Johnston was inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame in 2007, honoring both his military achievements and his post‑service contributions to Veterans and his community.
In 2013, delegates to DAV’s National Convention unanimously elected him National Commander, entrusting him to represent more than one million disabled Veterans and their families.
In 2023, Colonel Johnston moved to Melbourne, where he is active in the local DAV Chapter 32. He dedicates his time to mentoring future leaders, supporting local chapters, and to safeguarding the integrity and effectiveness of the DAV’s mission across the state.
Colonel Johnston and his wife, Laurie are both retired, and they have seven children, 10 grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.
SD 19 is grateful for Colonel Joseph “Joe” W. Johnston whose noble and compassionate service to Veterans and our community continues long after his courageous service to our nation. |
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BCSO and FHP Launch Joint Speeding Enforcement Campaign
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) have launched a joint traffic‑enforcement initiative aimed at reducing speeding and dangerous driving on Interstate 95, one of the county’s busiest and most crash‑prone corridors.
Sheriff Wayne Ivey announced that the “This Is the Only Warning You’re Getting” campaign emphasizes enforcement rather than issuing repeated cautions to violators. In 2025, 86 fatal crashes took place on Brevard County roadways, including 16 during the November-December holiday travel period.
"Currently Brevard County's 72-mile stretch of I-95 has unfortunately been labeled one of the deadliest areas of interstate in the entire country, and starting right now, that changes," Sheriff Ivey said.
The initiative will deploy additional deputies and state troopers to high‑risk areas, focusing on excessive speeders, aggressive lane‑changers, and drivers who disregard posted limits and ignore 'move over' laws. FHP officials added that speeding increases both the likelihood and severity of crashes, endangering not only motorists but also passengers and first responders.
“The goal is not to generate citations but to save lives by changing dangerous driving habits before they lead to tragedy,” said Sheriff Ivey.
The Children’s Hunger Project Celebrates 15 Years of Feeding Children in Need
The Children’s Hunger Project (TCHP), a Brevard County nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring local children have food security during weekends, recently celebrated 15 years of "feeding and loving children." In 2025, TCHP distributed more than 200,000 food packs, supported by 3,000 volunteers contributing 13,000 hours.
TCHP began in 2010 at a single school, Rivieria Elementary, serving just 27 children. The program has since expanded dramatically, now providing over 4,800 weekend food packs every week. During the November 2025 government shutdown, when families temporarily lost SNAP benefits, TCHP doubled its output to 9,000 packs weekly, requiring an additional $20,000 per week in food purchases.
Every year TCPH hosts their annual Fight Child Hunger 5K, Derby Day, and Love a Kid Luncheon to support their mission of reducing child hunger.
To learn more about The Children’s Hunger Project and how you can participate in community events, meal packing activities, and the scholarship program, click here.
EFSC Proposes Major Expansion of Dental Facility
Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) recently announced a significant expansion of the college’s dental program in an effort to increase patient access to top level dental care. The expansion of EFSC’s dental hygiene and dental assisting program will better serve students and residents throughout Brevard County.
The college is planning a $7.8 million transformative investment to address the critical shortage of dental care facing seven million Floridians. Of the $7.8 million in funding needed, EFSC is seeking approximately $3.3 million from the Florida legislature matched by $3.3 million in federal funding. The remaining $1.2 million is expected to be provided through local community support including a funding request currently under review by the Space Coast Health Foundation.
The expansion includes the relocation and upgrading of existing programs into a larger, 13,000 square foot renovated facility on the Cocoa campus. About $1.2 million of the overall investment will be allocated for essential equipment, including dental chairs, X–ray systems, diagnostic tools, and laboratory technology.
Priorities of the EFSC dental program expansion include an increase in clinical training opportunities, modernized community services including advanced procedures using 3D–printing technology, reduction in waitlists for preventive care, and enhanced partnerships with healthcare providers and public health agencies.
For more information on Eastern Florida State College’s Health Sciences programs, click here. |
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DEP to Hold Public Meeting on Blue Origin's Request for a Renewal Permit
Since December 4th, I have been working with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to ensure that a public hearing is held in Brevard County regarding Blue Origin’s permit renewal and proposed capacity increase for their Industrial Wastewater Treatment Facility. The purpose of the meeting is to allow residents to share their expertise and provide valuable feedback to DEP before a decision is made.
DEP did decline my requests to change the meeting format and to move to a more convenient venue location. The public meeting remains scheduled for Friday, January 30th, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the UF/IFAS Extension office (3695 Lake Drive) in Cocoa. I will be returning from Tallahassee to attend the meeting and ask that if you are planning to attend, please arrive early as attendance is expected to reach capacity.
Participants in the public meeting will have the opportunity to speak directly with DEP's technical experts and Blue Origin officials, and to ask questions about the draft renewal permit.
The public comment period will remain open through Friday, February 6th to allow additional time for feedback following the meeting, and for DEP to review and consider all input as part of the permit review process. Public comments can be emailed to DEP_CD@FloridaDEP.gov.
To view the meeting agenda, click here.
Lagoon Tax Workshop
The Brevard County Board of County Commissioners and the Save Our Indian River Lagoon (SOIRL) Board will hold their second workshop on Monday, January 12th at 5:00 p.m. at the Palm Bay Council Chambers (120 Malabar Road SE) in Palm Bay.
The meeting will include presentations from the Brevard County Natural Resources Department, SOIRL Citizen Oversight Committee, and the National Estuary Program. There will also be an opportunity for public comments and discussion by the Board.
Brevard County Commissioners voted last month to move forward with the idea of extending the half-cent tax referendum approved in 2016. The half-cent tax has been used to fund the SOIRL program, which has completed 111 projects to remove major sources of pollution. The tax generated $560 million in funding over 10 years. If approved by the County Commission, the sales tax extension will be placed on the 2026 ballot.
The meeting will be recorded for later viewing online; however, it will not be livestreamed, as live broadcasts are typically limited to meetings held at County facilities.
For more information, contact Cathy Lively at 321-633-2010.
Space Coast Renaissance Fair
The 2026 Space Coast Renaissance Fair will be held today, January 11th and Saturday, January 17th and Sunday, January 18th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Space Coast Daily Park (5775 Stadium Parkway) in Viera.
One- and two-day admission passes are available online from $16 to $22 for children ages 3 to 12, and $27 to $40 for ages 14 and over.
The Renaissance Fair features:
· Jousting tournaments, knightly competitions, and performative horses
· Live music, stage shows, and roaming performers
· Artisan marketplace with authentic items for purchase
· Family-friendly activities and medieval-themed interactive experiences
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here or call (855) 386-3836.
Original Florida Key Lime Pie Festival
The Original Florida Key Lime Pie Festival will be held on Saturday, January 17th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Park Amphitheater (400 Sykes Creek Parkway) in Merritt Island. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages four and older.
The event features famous key lime pie contests, live music and street performers, food trucks, local artisans and vendors with Florida-made items, and Brevard County Sheriff’s Office K-9 and SWAT demonstrations.
The Original Florida Key Lime Pie Festival is hosted by the Florida Key Lime Pie Company of Cocoa Beach which is best known for setting the world record for the largest key lime pie, measuring 12.25 feet in diameter.
For more information, 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 |
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