| The Mayfield Minute - October 5, 2025 |
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National Breast Cancer Awareness
National Breast Cancer Awareness month is observed annually in October. Sadly, one in eight women in the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer at some point during their lifetime. This devastating disease remains the most common cancer among women, accounting for 32% of newly diagnosed cancers.
Although unprecedented treatment advancements have been made through the tireless efforts of doctors, researchers, and non-profit organizations, the disease continues to impact families across the nation. According to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, “About every two minutes, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer.”
It is estimated that by the end of the year, 42,250 women and 530 men in the United States will lose their lives to breast cancer.
While these statistics are grim, there is hope. Advancements in prevention, early detection, and treatment have contributed to a 44% decline in the breast cancer death rate from 1989 to 2022.
The Florida Department of Health (FLDOH) recommends that all women over the age of 50 get a mammogram once every two years. To determine if you are eligible for a free or low-cost exam through the Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, call (321) 454-7131.
As a reminder, the Florida Legislature's first interim committee week begins tomorrow, October 6th in Tallahassee. 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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Wounded Veterans Invited to Register for Operation Outdoor Freedom Hunting and Fishing Events
Last week, Commission of Agriculture Wilton Simpson invited wounded Veterans to apply for upcoming Operation Outdoor Freedom hunting and fishing trips. Operation Outdoor Freedom provides recreational and rehabilitative opportunities to wounded veterans at state forests, agricultural lands, and private lands throughout Florida at no cost to the participants.
“These Operation Outdoor Freedom hunting and fishing trips provide equal parts healing and camaraderie for those involved, and I encourage all eligible veterans to apply for these life-changing events,” said Commissioner Simpson.
Operation Outdoor Freedom has eight facilities around the state dedicated to activities for wounded veterans. These facilities have bunk houses, outdoor kitchens, dining areas, fire pits, and restroom facilities. Operation Outdoor Freedom outfitted the facilities to accommodate the needs of every wounded veteran participating in the program.
Since its inception in 2009, Operation Outdoor Freedom has hosted more than 970 events and served over 6,800 wounded veterans.
Wounded veterans can apply online here. Participants will be drawn at random prior to the event and will be notified by email.
$40 Million in Grants Awarded to Expand Workforce Education Programs throughout Florida
Florida Department of Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas awarded $40 million through the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program (Workforce CAP) to expand workforce education programs with a focus on in-demand industries.
“Florida’s workforce is stronger than ever because we are investing directly in students and the programs that prepare them for success,” said Commissioner Kamoutsas. “This $40 million investment expands opportunities across the state, giving students access to cutting-edge training and ensuring Florida remains the best place to build a career.”
Brevard Public Schools received $1,448,987 from this distribution of the Workforce CAP funding to support programs in Applied Cybersecurity, Applied Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Foundations, Aviation Assembly and Fabrication, and Cloud Computing and Virtualization.
Workforce CAP funding supports the creation and expansion of workforce development programs across the state, offering students in high school and postsecondary education programs hands-on training in high-demand industries.
State Approves $167 Million to Protect More Than 20,000 Acres of Conservation Lands
Last week, Governor DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet approved a $167.25 million investment to protect 20,086 acres of critical conservation land. Six of the properties are within the Florida Wildlife Corridor and another will expand Cary State Forest in Duval County.
“Yesterday’s approvals protect more than 20,000 acres of Florida’s most important landscapes,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “By conserving these lands, we are preserving clean water, safeguarding wildlife and ensuring future generations can experience the Florida we know and love.”
A 1,670-acre conservation easement within the Bar-B Ranch Florida Forever Project in Martin County, located adjacent to the C-44 Stormwater Treatment Area was identified for acquisition as part of the Indian River Lagoon-South project. The working cattle ranch lies within the Florida Wildlife Corridor and supports shallow water storage and regional water quality improvements that benefit the St. Lucie Estuary, the Indian River Lagoon, and the Greater Everglades ecosystem.
The Cabinet also approved the acquisition of a 2.63-acre parcel in Miami-Dade County adjacent to the Freedom Tower, which will serve as the site for the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library.
For more information, click here. |
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United States Army First Sergeant (Ret.) Leslie Ash
Our Constituent of the Week is United States Army First Sergeant (Ret.) Leslie Ash. Originally from Portland, Oregon, Sergeant Ash joined the United States Army in April 2001 as a Medical Laboratory Technician and over the course of her distinguished 20-year career she rose to the rank of First Sergeant.
In 2013, she volunteered for the inaugural Cultural Support Team (CST) within U.S. Special Operations Command and deployed with the 75th Ranger Regiment. Sergeant Ash participated in direct action missions and targeted intelligence gathering. In 2016, she deployed again to support direct action operations and advise the Female Tactical Platoon, recruiting and training Afghan National Army women to serve alongside special operations forces.
Throughout years of service, she has demonstrated technical expertise at the highest levels and her ascent to leadership positions. Sergeant Ash served as a Biological Research Specialist in the Malarial Research Division at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Silver Spring, Maryland, where she was also the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of the Department of Rickettsial and Enteric Infections. She was also the NCOIC of Hematology at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany and a Chemistry Instructor/Writer and Adjunct Professor for George Washington University at Joint Base San Antonio in Texas. She served in Yongsan, Korea as First Sergeant of the Brian D. Allgood Army Community Hospital.
In recognition of her service and heroism, Sergeant Ash has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Combat Action Badge, Expert Field Medical Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Gold German Army Sports Badge, and the Silver German Schützenschnur Weapons Badge.
After retiring from the United States Army in 2021, she relocated to Brevard County and continued to demonstrate her commitment to Veterans and military families. She serves as Adjutant and Veterans Service Officer for Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8191. Sergeant Ash is also a member of the Executive Committee and the Certified Chapter Service Officer for the J.L. Golightly Chapter 32 Disabled American Veterans where she assists Veterans with their VA benefits, conducts outreach programs, and leads fundraising events and facility improvement projects.
Sergeant Ash and her husband Shawn (U.S. Army, Ret.) reside in Melbourne with their children, Devlin and Colin. She is also the loving caregiver to her father, Ernest Winterton, a retired Navy Corpsman and disabled Veteran.
SD 19 is grateful to First Sergeant Leslie Ash for her courageous service, sacrifice, and compassion for Veterans and military families. She leads by example as a role model for young women considering a career in the military, and inspiration in the importance of giving back to the patriots who fought and served our nation. |
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Brevard Delegation Meeting
The 2025 Brevard County Legislative Delegation Meeting took place last week with nearly 300 community members in attendance throughout the event. I would like to thank all the citizens, government officials, and community organizations who spoke at the meeting. These speakers shared meaningful concerns and thoughtful recommendations on a variety of topics ranging from the environment to healthcare to government accountability.
More than 85 individuals registered to speak during our scheduled four-hour meeting. Thank you to my colleagues on the Delegation for agreeing to extend the meeting by one hour in order to accommodate everyone who wished to speak.
During the meeting, the delegation elected Representative Robert Brackett as Chair and Senator Tom Wright to serve as Vice Chair of the 2026 Brevard Delegation Meeting.
If you were unable to attend the 2025 Delegation Meeting in person, please click here to watch the recording.
Early Learning Coalition of Brevard County Celebrates 20 Years
The Early Learning Coalition of Brevard County joins the Florida Department of Education’s Division of Early Learning (DEL) in proudly commemorating 20 years of Florida’s Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK), a historic milestone in empowering young learners to enter kindergarten ready for school.
ELC Brevard celebrates the 40 Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) providers in Brevard County who have earned an “Excellent” designation from the Florida Department of Education, DEL, for the 2024–2025 program year.
Florida was one of the first states in the country to offer free prekindergarten for all 4-year-olds regardless of family income. Since its launch in 2005, more than 3.1 million children have benefited from the VPK program. State data confirms that children who participate in VPK are much more prepared to enter kindergarten setting them on a path to learn, graduate and succeed. DEL offers a VPK 20th Birthday Family Celebration Guide to encourage family participation.
The Early Learning Coalition of Brevard honors the childcare providers, families, and community partners whose dedication today ensures Florida’s youngest learners continue to thrive for the next 20 years and beyond.
Pineapple Cove Breaks Groundbreaking
Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of Pineapple Cove Classical Academy's West Melbourne campus. Pineapple Cove's classical education model is focused on a content-rich curriculum, virtuous living, civic responsibility, and character development. The school also values parental rights and school choice which empower parents to select schools aligned with their family values.
The expansion is a continuation of campus improvements and provides additional opportunities for students in academic and collaborative learning, sports, and the arts including:
· 24 new classrooms and a new cafeteria
· Renovated band space
· A Performing Arts Center with 400 seats, stage, lighting, and AV capabilities
· New athletic fields for track, soccer, and flag football with lights and bleachers
· 200+ parking spaces to improve traffic flow for students, staff, and visitors
For more information about Pineapple Cove Classical Academy, click here.
NVHS Annual Rescuing Veterans Lost in America Gala
Last week, the 10th Annual Rescuing Veterans Lost in America Gala was held to raise funds for the National Veterans Homeless Support (NVHS). The mission of NVHS is to prevent and end Veteran homelessness across Central Florida.
Each year, with more than 500 people attending, the Rescuing Veterans Lost in America Gala is hosted by the Brevard County Constitutional Officers, Sheriff Wayne Ivey, Property Appraiser Dana Blickley, Tax Collector Lisa Cullen, Clerk of Courts Rachel Sadoff, and Supervisor of Elections Tim Bobanic. The keynote speaker for the event was Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins.
NVHS has contributed to a reduction in Veteran homelessness in Brevard County by 90%, from 1,800 in 2008 to less than 200 in 2024. NVHS has also provided street outreach, prevention case management, basic needs support, mental health referrals, and transitional housing to more than 350 veterans and 190 families over the last year.
To learn more about year-round opportunities to support National Veterans Homeless Support, click here. |
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New Life Mission and CITA Rescue Mission to Hold 24-Hour Live Stream Event
The New Life Mission and CITA Rescue Mission will hold "Conversations on a Bench" in downtown Melbourne (407 East New Haven Avenue) from Friday, October 10th at 3:00 p.m. to Saturday, October 11th at 3:00 p.m.
In honor of World Homeless Day, the CEO of New Life Mission, Amy Lyon, and the President of the CITA Rescue Mission, Buddy Morrow, are partnering with the CityGate Network to livestream the 24-hour storytelling initiative which aims to raise awareness about the plight of those experiencing homelessness in Brevard County and throughout the nation.
The CEOs of both missions will have open, unfiltered conversations for the 24-hour period with community leaders, graduates of homeless programs, pastors, business owners, and members of the public to generate awareness, compassion, and actionable solutions to the growing crisis of homelessness.
For more information and to join the conversation, contact staci@newlifemission.org.
Space Coast Honor Flight 84th Flight
On Saturday, October 11th, the Space Coast Honor Flight (SCHF) will embark on its 84th flight to Washington, DC with 50 Veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War on board.
The whirlwind one-day itinerary begins at 4:00 a.m. when the Veterans arrive at the Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) Welcome Center for a “Send Off” ceremony. Upon landing in Washington D.C., the Veterans will spend the day touring the city, visiting war memorials, and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. The veterans are expected to return to MLB Airport between 9:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., where they will be greeted with a “Welcome Home” ceremony.
The public is highly encouraged to attend the “Send Off” or “Welcome Home” ceremonies to show appreciation for our war heroes. Ceremony attendees will receive a special event placard upon arrival at the airport for free parking. For those attending the ceremonies, please click here to review a map of the airport's designated parking areas.
Upon the completion of this flight, Space Coast Honor Flight will have arranged for 2,258 patriots to visit DC. The organization is always looking for volunteers, donations, and sponsorships. For more information on these opportunities, click here.
2025 Palm Bay Fair
The Palm Bay Fair will be held from Friday, October 17th through Sunday, October 26th at the Space Coast Harley-Davidson Fairgrounds (1440 Sportsman Lane NE) in Palm Bay. In addition to rides for all ages, the fair will also feature attractions such as a petting zoo, daily foam parties, puppet shows, musical entertainment, food and beverages, and more.
Fair hours are as follows:
· Monday - Thursday: 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
· Friday: 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
· Saturday: 1:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
· Sunday: 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The fair is open to all ages with some ride restrictions. For additional information on admission and ticket pricing, click here.
EFSC Golf Classic Player Registration and Sponsorships Open
The Eastern Florida State College Foundation will host their Annual Scholarship Golf Classic on Friday, November 7th at Duran Golf Club (7032 Stadium Parkway) in Viera. Check-in for the event will begin at 7:00 a.m. with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m.
The annual golf classic raises funds to support EFSC student scholarships, primarily for first-generation college students and those in nursing and other academic programs. The 2024 tournament raised over $155,000.
Early registration is encouraged as the event often reaches capacity. To register, sponsor, or learn more about the event, 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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