| The Mayfield Minute - February 8, 2026 |
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Happy Super Bowl LX Sunday!
In 1960, a group of businessmen who were denied NFL franchises launched a rival league called the American Football League (AFL). The two leagues competed until 1966, when their owners reached an agreement to merge in 1970.
The first Super Bowl, which featured the AFL Kansas City Chiefs and NFL Green Bay Packers, was played on January 15, 1967. The game was originally called the “AFL-NFL World Championship Game" until Chiefs owner, Lamar Hunt, suggested renaming the game to the “Super Bowl.” The new name was accepted in 1969.
In Super Bowl I, the NFL champion Green Bay Packers defeated the AFL champion Kansas City Chiefs, 35-10. Although ticket prices averaged just $12, the game was not a sellout. It remains the only non-sellout Super Bowl in the sport's history.
Tonight, in Super Bowl LV, the New England Patriots will take on the Seattle Seahawks. Ticket prices for the sold-out game have ranged from $6,000 to $35,000. Advertisers will pay $7 million for a 30-second commercial, which is expected to be watched by over 127.7 million across 180 countries worldwide.
For everyone enjoying tonight's big game, I wish you a safe and exciting evening.
Last week, the Florida Legislature completed the fourth week of the 2026 Legislative Session evaluating a series of bills regarding state conservation lands, public school and education reforms, Alzheimer's disease initiatives, immigration, medical freedom, housing affordability, and domestic terrorism designations, among other topics.
I would like to extend my gratitude to the Brevard Days and Space Days participants for taking time out of your busy schedules to travel to Tallahassee last week. Your efforts have a positive impact and directly benefit families, businesses, and organizations throughout the Space Coast.
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) 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! |
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Florida State Parks Offer Free Admission in Celebration of George Washington’s Birthday and America’s 250th Anniversary
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) invites residents and visitors to explore Florida’s state parks in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. In honor of George Washington’s birthday, Florida State Parks will offer free admission from Friday, February 13th through Monday, February 16th.
“As the nation reflects on 250 years of independence, Florida State Parks invite visitors to experience history not just through exhibits, but through the landscapes themselves,” said DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “Our parks offer meaningful connections to the people and events that shaped our nation.”
Visitors can explore Revolutionary War-era connections at parks including:
· Big Talbot Island State Park and Fort George Island Cultural State Park, where plantations once produced indigo and Sea Island cotton that helped support the British cause.
· Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, where a frontier trading post facilitated commerce between Native Americans and British settlers.
· Tomoka State Park, the site of a British indigo plantation along the Tomoka River.
· San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park, where control of the fort shifted during periods of British rule.
· Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park, Amelia Island State Park, and Fort Clinch State Park, which were connected to small military conflicts and border tensions with the neighboring colony of Georgia.
In Brevard County, the Sebastian Inlet State Park and the Sebastian River Preserve Park will be free of charge from February 13th through February 16th.
To learn more about Florida’s role in America’s 250th anniversary, click here.
FLHSMV Announces Driver License Exams to Only be Administered in English
Effective last Friday, February 6th, all Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) driver license knowledge and skills examinations will be administered exclusively in English. This change applies to all driver license classifications, including exams administered orally. Translations services will no longer be permitted for driver license exams.
Previously, knowledge exams for most non-commercial driver license classifications were offered in multiple languages, while Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and Commercial Driver License (CDL) knowledge exams were only available in English and Spanish.
FLHSMV has updated their driver license testing system statewide to efficiently implement this change across all 67 counties.
To contact a Brevard County Tax Collector’s Office with driver license exam questions, click here.
Florida TaxWatch: Florida’s Space Coast is Well Positioned to Dominate the Future of the Aerospace Industry
Last month, Florida TaxWatch, an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit taxpayer research institute, reported that Florida’s ongoing innovations, public and private partnerships, and capital investments are solidifying its position as a leader in the space industry.
The report highlighted that Florida has made critical investments in its spaceport system to position the Space Coast to dominate the future of the aerospace industry as NASA and other countries plan for the next era of space activity.
Florida TaxWatch noted:
· KSC and the Cape Canaveral Space Port helped establish Florida as the launch capital of the world.
· As shuttle-era activity declined in 2010, the region experienced steep job losses; the shift to a market-driven model accelerated as private firms revitalized launch pads and facilities and expanded the number of launches.
· Space Florida’s increased role in diversifying aerospace activity and leveraging private-sector capital to modernize underutilized assets has led to a reduced reliance on large federal programs.
· Over the last five years, the Space Coast set records with major ongoing projects and increases in capital investment to support growth in aerospace, manufacturing services, and high-skill employment.
· Recent state actions have strengthened Florida’s ability to support spaceport and aerospace infrastructure development and partnerships.
To read the full report, click here. |
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SB 546, SB 706, and SB 1014 Successfully Pass Through Committee
I’m pleased to report that three of the bills that I have sponsored advanced through their committee assignments during the fourth week of the 2026 legislative session.
SB 546 – Conservation Lands unanimously passed the Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government. The bill strengthens transparency in decisions involving the sale or exchange of state conservation lands.
SB 546 ensures the public is informed in advance about which conservation lands are proposed for sale or exchange, the reasons they are deemed surplus, and the criteria used to evaluate those decisions. The bill establishes clearer processes to safeguard public interests before conservation lands leave public ownership.
The next for SB 546 is the Senate Rules Committee.
SB 706 – Commercial Service Airports unanimously passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee.
SB 706 centralizes the name of large commercial service airports under state authority. The bill codifies the existing names for each airport considered by the Federal Aviation Authority to be a medium or large transportation hub, except the Palm Beach International Airport, which the bill designates the “Donald J. Trump International Airport.” The new name recognizes and honors President Trump, who is the first Florida resident to be elected President of the United States.
The next stop for SB 706 is the Senate Rules Committee.
SB 1014 – Provision of Municipal Utility Service to Owners Outside the Municipal Limits unanimously passed the Senate Regulated Industries Committee.
The bill requires a municipal water or sewer utility to allow a property owner outside of their municipal limits to connect, so long as certain requirements are met. Specifically, the utility must have sufficient capacity, the existing service lines must be within a half mile of the property, and the property owner must pay for the connection costs and any applicable fees.
The next stop for SB 1014 is the Senate Community Affairs Committee.
Alzheimer’s Support Bill Passes Senate
Senate Bill 578 – Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Initiative passed the Senate Floor with strong support.
The bill requires the Department of Elder Affairs to contract the development and implementation of the Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Initiative nonprofit. This nonprofit organization will enable individuals with dementia, and their loved ones, to stay informed on expert research and support programs.
SB 578 creates a website and other digital resources focused on dementia early detection, risk reduction, brain health, healthy aging, and screening guidance. The nonprofit will partner with the Florida Department of Health to promote accurate health care provider education. Additionally, SB 578 establishes the Alzheimer’s Disease Advisory Committee which will complete an annual evaluation of the nonprofit to inform future funding decisions.
SB 578’s companion bill, House Bill 513, is heading to the House Health Care Budget Subcommittee. |
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Mrs. Michelle Hanus, 2025–2026 Brevard Public Schools Teacher of the Year
Our Constituent of the Week is Mrs. Michelle Hanus, 2025-2026 Brevard Public Schools' Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Hanus has taught English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) at Melbourne High School since 2021.
Mrs. Hanus is originally from Detroit, Michigan. She relocated many times due to her husband’s military and government career. From 2002 to 2006, she lived in Japan and taught English at a local school. While teaching, she completed her bachelor’s degree online in Asian Studies, with an emphasis on Japanese Studies, from the University of Maryland Global Campus.
Upon returning to the U.S., Mrs. Hanus was a stay-at home mom and volunteered as an English teacher for adult learners in Maryland and Virginia. In 2015, she graduated with a master’s degree in Teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages at the University of Maryland Baltimore County.
In 2021, the family moved to Brevard County, and Mrs. Hanus began substitute teaching at Melbourne High School. Within one month she was hired as the school's full-time ESOL teacher.
Last month, Mrs. Hanus was selected from a distinguished group of educators across Brevard County as the 2025-2026 Brevard Public Schools' Teacher of the Year. In her acceptance remarks, she credited her students as the driving force behind her work, noting that their voices and journeys inspire her daily. She also highlighted the collaborative spirit of her colleagues, emphasizing that teaching is never a solitary effort but a shared mission to uplift young people.
When she is not teaching, Mrs. Hanus enjoys traveling, particularly to the countries of her students. She and her family have hosted two exchange students, and this summer she will be traveling to visit one of the students in France. Mrs. Hanus is also active in the Rotary Club and with local running clubs as her children are track and cross-country runners.
As Brevard’s Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Hanus will represent the district in the Florida Department of Education’s statewide Teacher of the Year program.
Mrs. Hanus and her husband, Andrew, reside in Melbourne Beach, and they have four children.
SD 19 is appreciative of Mrs. Hanus’ leadership, compassion, and dedication, which exemplifies the absolute best of Brevard County’s educators, and her impact continues to resonate far beyond her classroom. We wish her the best of luck in the statewide competition. |
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EFSC President Dr. Richey's Contract Extended through 2031
In recognition of his leadership and long-term vision for Eastern Florida State College’s (EFSC) future, President Dr. Jim Richey’s employment contract has been extended by the College Board of Trustees through 2031. Dr. Richey has served as President of EFSC since 2012.
“Dr. Jim Richey has been an extraordinary force for this college and for our entire community, and the accomplishments achieved this past year are proof,” said EFSC Board Chair Ronald Howse.
Some of President Richey’s major 2025 accomplishments include:
· Opening the Center for Innovative Technology Education (CITE), a state-of-the-art facility designed to prepare the future Space Coast workforce.
· Launching the Tigers to Titans program that provides Cocoa High School students a no-cost, dual enrollment pathway into EFSC’s Welding Technology certificate program.
· Continuing his commitment to affordability, marking the 14th consecutive year without a tuition increase.
· Awarding a record $1,230,000 in scholarships to 1,047 students, 13 new scholarships established, and 221 new donors contributing $256,000.
To read the announcement in full, click here.
Artemis II Mission Update
Last week, NASA announced that the new target timeframe for launch of the Artemis II will be March 6th through March 9th, as well as March 11th as a possibility. The postponement allows time for NASA teams to review data, make necessary adjustments, and complete additional testing.
NASA successfully completed a major pre-launch test for Artemis II, known as a wet dress rehearsal, which involved fueling the rocket, performing final spacecraft closeouts, and safely draining propellant. While the test met many of its primary objectives, other items, including a liquid hydrogen leak and cold weather impacts, were identified that need to be addressed prior to launch.
“With more than three years between SLS launches, we fully anticipated encountering challenges, said Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator. “That is precisely why we conduct a wet dress rehearsal. These tests are designed to surface issues before flight and set up launch day with the highest probability of success.”
To remain informed on the status of the Artemis II mission, click here.
City of Palm Bay Honors Palm Bay Fire Rescue Outstanding Personnel
Last week, during a special ceremony attended by the city commission and community members, Palm Bay Fire Rescue personnel were recognized for their outstanding service and life-saving actions.
Mr. Kotter Klasek was named Firefighter of the Year, Mr. Brian Miller was named Chief Officer of the Year, and Ms. Valerie Baptiste was named Inspector of the Year. The three recipients were previously recognized by the Space Coast Fire Chiefs’ Association.
Palm Bay Fire Rescue Lieutenants Cam Drake and Chris Childs were also honored for their life-saving actions during the Jingle Bell 2 Mile race in Satellite Beach last December.
According to Satellite Beach Fire Department officials, a runner collapsed and went into cardiac arrest during the race. Lieutenants Drake and Childs, who were participating in the race off duty, immediately stopped to assist. Their actions helped support advanced care efforts during a critical moment. The patient was successfully resuscitated and recovered in the hospital.
“These actions show how much they care for others and that firefighters are never truly off duty,” said a Satellite Beach Fire Department official.
Congratulations to each of the Palm Bay Fire Rescue’s first responders honored for their dedication to the residents of our community. |
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6th Annual 321: Food Fest and Craft Fair
The 6th Annual 321: Food Fest and Craft Fair will take place on Saturday, February 14th from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, February 15th from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Wickham Park (2500 Parkway Drive) in Melbourne. The first 200 attendees to arrive on Saturday will receive a Valentine’s Day surprise.
Pre-sale tickets are available for $7 and include admission for both days. Day of event tickets are $9 and include admission for both days. Children ages 10 and under are free of charge.
The event features an a la carte tasting menu with items priced from $1 to $5 and a variety of beverages including local craft beers and non-alcoholic drinks. Additional activities include free axe throwing, live music, crafts for purchase, a culinary vendor competition, and a Kid Zone.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
17th Brevard Autism Awareness 5K Run/Walk
The 17th Annual Brevard Autism 5K Run/Walk for Autism Awareness, a Flutie 5K, will be held on Saturday, February 21st at David R. Schechter Community Center (1089 South Patrick Drive) in Satellite Beach. The 5K start time is 8:00 a.m.
The registration fee is $35 for all runners and includes a T-shirt, post-race Kids Fun Run, refreshments, and an awards ceremony.
Advance registration and packet pickup takes place on Thursday, February 19th and Friday, February 20th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Running Zone (3696 North Wickham Road) in Melbourne. Late registration and packet pickup will be available on the morning of the event, from 6:45 a.m. to 7:45 a.m., at the race site.
Proceeds from the 5K will benefit the Autism Coalition of Brevard.
For more information and to register, click here.
Unite for Heroes: A Gala for Hope and Healing
The Heroes United to Heal's Gala for Hope and Healing will be held on Saturday, February 28th at 5:00 p.m. at the Radisson Resort at the Port (8701 Astronaut Blvd) in Cape Canaveral.
Individual tickets are $125 and VIP tickets are $250 and include a pre-event reception at 4:00 p.m. Brevard County Clerk of Court and Comptroller, Rachel Sadoff, will serve as the emcee for the event and Sheriff Wayne Ivey will lead the auction. Sheriff Mark Lamb of Pinal County, Arizona and retired US Navy Seal Team Six Master Chief Ross Munro will serve as keynote speakers.
Proceeds from the gala benefit Heroes United to Heal and their mission to end Veteran suicide.
For more information and to purchase tickets, 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
Christian Chesnut
William Gooden
Kelli Lane |
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