| The Mayfield Minute - October 12, 2025 |
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Happy 250th Birthday to the United States Navy
Prior to the outbreak of open hostilities with the British in April of 1775, little consideration had been given to protecting the homeland by sea until Congress received news that a British naval fleet was on its way to the colonies.
In response to the British threat, on October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress established the United States Navy, laying the foundation for the world’s most powerful maritime force. This pivotal date is not only remembered as the Navy’s birthday, but it also serves as a cornerstone in the 250th anniversary celebrations of our nation’s founding.
As America reflects on 250 years of history, October 13 stands out as a moment to honor the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of those who have defended our freedoms at sea.
Last week, in celebration of the Navy's Birthday, President Trump spoke from aboard the USS Harry Truman at Naval Station Norfolk regarding the inaugural American naval battle with the British. He stated, “We had nothing … but we had great heart. They (the British) didn't know the audacity and the grit of the American sailor. They had no idea. The war for independence gave us some of the greatest American naval heroes of all time."
Since the American Revolution, the story of the United States Navy remains one of loyalty, sacrifice, and commitment. This year, the Navy has surpassed its recruitment goal by more than 8.6%, with over 44,000 recruits, marking the best recruitment year since the beginning of the Global War on Terror.
Happy 250th Birthday to the United States Navy. We owe a great debt of gratitude to all sailors, past and present, for your service and sacrifice.
Last week, the Florida Senate held our first interim committee week in preparation the upcoming Legislative Session. Some of the highlights are listed below in the Senate Update. The remaining 2025 interim committee meetings will take place during the weeks of October 13th, November 3rd, November 17th, December 1st, and December 8th.
If you will be visiting the State Capitol during the committee weeks or 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 Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson Commends Trump Administration's Initiatives to Improve Child Nutrition
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson commended President Trump's Administration for their targeted initiatives to improve child nutrition and reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods.
The Trump Administration's Make America Healthy Again Commission is taking bold, decisive action to reform America’s food, health, and scientific systems in order to identify the root causes of the chronic disease epidemic. The Commission recently warned that nearly 70% of children's calories now come from ultra-processed foods, contributing to obesity, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.
"I applaud President Trump's leadership through the Make America Healthy Again Commission to address childhood nutrition and growing concerns related to ultra-processed foods," Simpson said in a statement. "If bureaucratic games and barriers prevent federal action, we are prepared to take decisive measures here in Florida to define ultra-processed foods and protect our children's health."
Commissioner Simpson announced his intent to promote Make America Healthy Again during the 2026 legislative session, pledging to expand programs that bring more Florida-grown, nutritious foods into schools and food banks.
To view the news release, click here.
FWC Announces Opening of Stone Crab Season
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced the opening of the recreational and commercial stone crab harvest season, beginning October 15th and closing May 2, 2026.
Recreational harvesters ages 16 and older (including those normally exempt from needing a license) are required to complete an online, no-cost recreational stone crab trap registration each year.
Upon completion, each person will receive unique trap registration numbers that must be included on each trap along with the owner’s full name and address. This information must be legible and must be permanently attached to each trap.
For more information on licensing, recreational and commercial stone crab regulations, and trap specifications, click here.
Florida House Designates Representative Sam Garrison as Speaker of the House
The Florida House of Representatives Republican Caucus officially designated Representative Sam Garrison to serve as the ninety-first Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives for the 2026-2028 term.
Speaker-Designate Garrison's colleagues praised him as a true statesman and commended his unwavering commitment to his people, his morals, his values, and his principles.
In his closing remarks, Speaker-Designate Garrison quoted the late Speaker John Thrasher, “I recognize that I am standing here today in a room full of leaders. There are many of you who could be behind this podium in my place and perhaps ought to be. I am deeply honored by the trust that each of you have placed in me, and I pledge to you that I will work every day as hard as I can to keep your confidence and show you my thanks. History is indeed ours for the making; let us make it together.”
Since his election to the Florida House in 2020, Representative Garrison has served as Chair of the Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee and is currently serving as Chair of the House Rules Committee.
Congratulations to Speaker-Designate Garrison. To watch the full designation ceremony, click here. |
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Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Major Bill Holcomb of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) Commission led a presentation to the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources on FWC's implementation and enforcement of boating legislation passed in 2025. Specifically, Major Holcomb discussed:
· SB 164 - Improved derelict and nuisance vessel management with new penalties and revised anchoring regulations.
· SB 1388 - Limited unnecessary law enforcement stops by allowing boaters to obtain a decal demonstrating that their vessel has recently undergone a modernized safety inspection.
· HB 735 - Enhanced boating infrastructure and access locations while providing a new designation for Clean Marine Manufacturers.
To watch the full presentation, click here.
Senate Committee on Appropriations
Amy Baker, Coordinator of the Florida Office of Economic and Demographic Research, presented Florida's Long-Range Financial Outlook to the Senate Committee on Appropriations. Specifically, Ms. Baker provided an overview of the state's:
· Financial position based on revenue estimates and recent spending.
· Demographic and economic trends such as growth in population, increased average age, gross domestic product, personal income, and population.
· Fiscal strategies to provide for critical needs and priorities while mitigating the potential for a state budget deficit.
Since 2006, the Long-Range Financial Outlook has been constitutionally required to be issued by the Legislative Budget Commission by September 15th of each year. The outlook is produced by a team of nearly 100 analysts across the state's government.
To watch the full presentation, click here. |
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Puneet "PK" Kapur
Our Constituent of the Week is Puneet “PK” Kapur, General Manager of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Palm Bay and the Home2 Suites by Hilton in Vero Beach.
In 2001, Mr. Kapur graduated from Delhi University with a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, before earning his Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Indian Institute of Planning and Management. After moving to the United States, Mr. Kapur found unexpected success working in the hospitality industry.
From 2007 to 2009, Mr. Kapur worked as a Front Desk Representative at the Hampton Inn and Comfort Suites and as the Front Office Manager at Best Western in Fort Pierce. In 2010, he was selected to serve as General Manager for the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Palm Bay. Simultaneously in 2022, Mr. Kapur was also named General Manager for the Home2 Suites by Hilton in Vero Beach. He is presently employed in both positions. As General Manager of the two successful hotels, Mr. Kapur is responsible for the daily operations and strategic direction of the properties. He has achieved double digit growth year-over-year and has repeatedly exceeded goals set by the companies.
In 2018, under his leadership, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Palm Bay earned the InterContinental Hotels’ Torchbearer Award, which is the highest honor bestowed to the company’s top-performing hotels and is considered a symbol of “elite service and operational mastery.” In 2019 and 2021, Mr. Kapur’s hotel received InterContinental Hotels’ Quality Excellence Award.
In addition to many significant achievements in the hospitality industry, Mr. Kapur is also a leader in several community organizations. He has served as the Chairman of the Brevard Tourist Development Council, as an Executive Board Member of the Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce and the Melbourne Regional Chamber, and is currently a member of the Palm Bay Police Foundation.
Mr. Kapur has a heart for giving back to the community and inspires his staff and others to do the same. He is a strong supporter of the Humane Society, first responders, and law enforcement officers.
In the little free time he has, he enjoys the shooting range, practicing clay pigeon shooting, and outdoor activities. Mr. Kapur is also passionate about promoting Outdoor and Eco-tourism on Florida's Space Coast.
SD 19 is grateful to have Mr. Puneet “PK” Kapur as a member of our community. He is more than a highly successful leader in the hospitality profession, he is a friend to all who meet him, an inspiration and motivator to the team he leads, and a compassionate supporter of causes throughout Brevard County. |
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25 Brevard Schools Honored as Florida Schools of Excellence
The Florida Department of Education recognized twenty-five Brevard Public Schools as Schools of Excellence, citing academic excellence and community commitment. The Schools of Excellence program was created by the Florida Legislature in 2017 to recognize schools that rank in the top 20% statewide based on school grade performance.
“We are incredibly proud of the educators, students, and families whose dedication and excellence have earned this recognition,” said Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell. “These schools exemplify the high standards and commitment to academic success that define Brevard Public Schools.”
The following Brevard Public Schools were recognized as Schools of Excellence:
· Elementary Schools: Enterprise, Freedom 7, Gemini, Indialantic, Lewis Carroll, Longleaf, Manatee, Ocean Breeze, Quest, Robert L. Stevenson, Sea Park, South Lake, Spessard L. Holland, Suntree, Surfside, Theodore Roosevelt, Tropical, Viera, and West Melbourne School for Science
· Middle School: DeLaura Middle School
· High Schools: Satellite and Viera High School
· Combination Schools: Edgewood Jr./Sr. High School and West Shore Jr./Sr. High School
Volunteers Rescue More Than 30 Sea Turtle Hatchlings
Last week, volunteers from the Sea Turtle Preservation Society rescued more than 30 sea turtle hatchlings trapped by sargassum weed and beach erosion due to days of consistent downpours and high winds.
Some hatchlings struggled to free themselves from the sargassum, while others were washed back to shore due to the unusually high tides and powerful surf. The beach erosion created a cliff drop-off from their nests to the ocean, adding another obstacle for the confused and struggling turtles.
The trained volunteers rescued more than 30 hatchlings and transported them to the Brevard Zoo's Sea Turtle Healing Center. The Sea Turtle Preservation Society remains committed to rescuing more turtles each day to combat the lasting effects of the recent storms.
Struggling hatchlings should never be returned to the water as they are not strong enough to survive. If you see a stranded or distressed sea turtle, immediately contact the Sea Turtle Preservation Society at (321) 206-0646.
MLB Set to Expand with Major 176-Acre Acquisition
Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) officials recently announced the acquisition of 176.36 acres of land, marking one of the largest expansions in the airport’s history. The newly acquired land, located on the northwest corner of the airport, supports MLB’s plans for significant growth in aviation infrastructure and economic development.
The $28 million purchase was funded by the proceeds from the sale of the Tropical Haven manufactured housing community and a $2.3 million grant from the Florida Department of Transportation. The site provides direct airside access to all three runways which is attractive to new tenants, and existing tenants, like Northrop Grumman, Embraer, and Dassault Falcon Jet.
“This acquisition will have a multi-generational impact,” said Greg Donovan, MLB Executive Director. “With this additional acreage, we can now pursue significant business opportunities, with airside accessibility contiguous to our three runways, that were previously constrained by space limitations. It ensures the airport has the capacity to grow for decades to come.”
Airport officials confirmed that a 66.95-acre buffer zone between the acquired land and nearby residential neighborhoods will remain undisturbed. MLB currently contributes over $3.1 billion annually to the local economy and supports more than 20,000 daily jobs on airport property. |
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Ocean Research & Conservation Association Celebrates 20 Years
The Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA) will hold an open house on Thursday, October 16th from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the DJ Rainone Research and Science Center (1235 16th Street) in Vero Beach. The open house is an opportunity to celebrate ORCA's twenty years of protecting and restoring the Indian River Lagoon.
The event is free of charge and features a rare opportunity to view the laboratory and main facility during a behind-the-scenes tour. Expert staff will discuss the history of ORCA and the organization’s current and future projects.
For more information, call (772) 562-9052 or email inquiries@teamorca.org.
2025 Haunted Trail
Brevard County Parks and Recreation and Eastern Florida State College will host the 2025 Haunted Trail events at the Rotary Park Nature Center (1899 South Courtenay Parkway) in Merritt Island.
The Haunted Trail will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the following dates:
· Friday, October 17
· Saturday, October 18
· Friday, October 24
· Saturday, October 25
Rotary Park's .08-mile walking trail will be set up as an outdoor haunted house with jump scares and surprises. In addition to the trail, free movies will be shown at the park’s Arnold Memorial Pavilion during both Friday night events. Food and beverages will be available at the park for purchase during the event.
Ticket prices are $10 per person for ages 13 and over and $5 for children 12 and under. Parents are cautioned that the Haunted Trails experience is frightening and may not be suitable for young children.
For more information, contact Delinda Griffis at Delinda.Griffis@BrevardFL.gov
City of Rockledge National Night Out
The City of Rockledge will host National Night Out 2025 on Tuesday, October 21st from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Church of Latter-day Saints (1801 South Fiske Boulevard) in Rockledge.
The event features pumpkin decorating, face painters, musical entertainment, inflatable slides, a police K-9 demonstration, and much more. Free hamburgers, hotdogs, popcorn, desserts, drinks, and treats will be available.
Local businesses are invited to promote their companies by decorating their vehicles and filling their trunks with treats.
For more information, contact Alice Deakins at adeakins@rockledgepolice.org.
National Veterans Homeless Support 8th Annual Homestretch 5K
The National Veterans Homeless Support (NVHS) 8th Annual Homestretch 5K will host a 5K race on Sunday, November 9th at Eau Gallie Square Park (1452 Highland Avenue) in Melbourne. The 5K start time is 8:00 a.m.
The advance registration fee is $30 for an adult runner and $25 for runners under age 17, active military, and Veterans. The fee will increase by $5 on race day.
Registration and Packet Pickup will be held on Friday, November 7th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and on Saturday, November 8th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Running Zone (3696 N Wickham Road) in Melbourne. Late Registration and Packet Pickup will be available the morning of the race from 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m., at the Eau Gallie Square Park.
An awards ceremony will begin immediately following the race. All proceeds benefit the National Veterans Homeless Support organization. For more information and to register, 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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