| The Mayfield Minute - November 9, 2025 |
|
Recognizing our Nation's Heroes on Veterans Day
Fighting officially ended on the Western Front of the First World War when an armistice agreement went into effect at 11:00 a.m. on November 11, 1918 (the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month). The following year, President Woodrow Wilson officially recognized the first Armistice Day, honoring all those who fought to bring an end to the “Great War.”
For the American public, Armistice Day was both an opportunity to hold parades and celebrations, and a time to grieve and solemnly remember all those who sacrificed their lives in the war. An act of Congress provided that a tomb be built in honor of “an unknown American warrior who in himself represents no section, creed, or race in the late war and who typifies, moreover, the soul of America and the supreme sacrifice of her heroic dead.” As a result, The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was opened at Arlington National Cemetery on the third Armistice Day in 1921.
In 1954, following the return of service personnel from both World War II and the Korean War, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill rededicating November 11th as Veterans Day. He encouraged all Americans to commit themselves to the cause of peace and to honor American veterans of all wars for their courage, honor, patriotism and sacrifice.
In gratitude for America’s heroes, past, present, and future, President George Washington said it best, “The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.”
Celebrating the 250th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps
I would also like to congratulate the United States Marine Corps on their 250th birthday. The United States Marine Corps was established on November 10, 1775, by a Resolution of the Second Continental Congress for the purpose of establishing two battalions of Marines for naval service during the Revolutionary War.
During a speech in 1985 honoring the U.S. Marine Corps, President Ronald Reagan said, "Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world, but the Marines don't have that problem."
Today, and every day, we honor and appreciate the United States Marine Corps and all branches of our armed forces for their service, honor, courage, commitment, and sacrifice in protecting Americans at home and abroad.
The Florida Legislature’s remaining 2025 interim committee meetings are scheduled for the weeks of 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! |
|
Florida Awards $30 Million in Grant Funding to Four Children’s Hospitals
Last week, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announced $30 million in grants to four specialty children’s hospitals in Florida: Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Nemour’s Children’s Hospital in Orlando, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, and Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville. The purpose of the grant is to develop and improve access to clinical trials, advance treatment protocols, and to discover cures for childhood cancer.
“Since I became governor, Florida has invested more than $1 billion in cancer research and treatment–a 114% increase. We created the Cancer Connect Collaborative Research Incubator program within the Florida Department of Health this year to enhance cancer research throughout Florida,” said Governor DeSantis. “By investing in statewide infrastructure for pediatric cancer initiatives, we aim to eliminate the need for Florida families to travel out of state for potentially life-saving experimental therapies and specialized care.”
The Cancer Connect Collaborative Research Incubator was created in 2025 to further Florida's efforts as a leader in pediatric cancer research and treatment. While pediatric cancer accounts for just one percent of cases nationally, Florida’s pediatric cancer population is significant, with the state accounting for six percent of all new pediatric cancer cases in the U.S.
For more information about Florida’s cancer research initiatives, click here.
Space Florida, SelectFlorida, and FloridaCommerce Partner to Connect the Space Ecosystems of Florida and Japan
Last month, a Space Industry Roundtable was held in Tokyo as part of the “Nihonbashi Space Week 2025." Participants, including Cross U (Japan), Space Florida, SelectFlorida, and FloridaCommerce, discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the space industry.
The roundtable discussion was based on a prior Memorandum of Understanding between Cross U and Space Florida and a Memorandum of Cooperation between Japan and the State of Florida. The goal of the partnership is to collaborate and enhance innovation and facilitate the growth of Florida’s and Japan's international aerospace ecosystems.
Priority Areas for Collaboration include:
· Spaceport Cooperation: Sharing infrastructure and best practices between Florida and Japan.
· Startup and Industry Partnerships: Encouraging joint projects and market expansion
· Investment and Funding: Exploring co-financing and linking venture capital networks.
· Research and Education Exchange: Supporting university collaboration and workforce development.
To read the announcement in full, click here.
Florida Provides $60 Million for Current Student Voucher Program
Florida released nearly $60 million to resolve funding issues in the education voucher program. The funds will be used to reimburse families and school districts affected by frozen or missing funds during the 2024–2025 school year.
Approximately $47 million was provided to school districts that faced shortfalls when voucher students attended public schools. An additional $16.9 million was provided to scholarship organizations, Step Up for Students and AAA, to reimburse the nearly 22,000 families whose accounts were improperly frozen.
While the funding addresses immediate concerns, legislators will continue to work towards systematic changes to ensure future voucher distribution is accurate and equitable.
Families are encouraged to regularly check their student voucher account for reimbursements.
For more information about the AAA Scholarship program, click here, and for the Step Up for Students scholarship, click here. |
|
|
Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources heard presentations on the state’s ongoing efforts to address Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), more commonly known as Forever Chemicals. The presentations included an overview of the unique roles of the federal government, the Florida Department of Health, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in addressing PFAS.
· Melissa Jordan, Assistant Deputy Secretary for Health at the Florida Department of Health, provided a scientific overview of PFAS, potential health impacts, and tips on how Floridians can reduce their exposure to the harmful chemicals. The Department is responsible for monitoring PFAS in drinking water, identifying potential risks to human health, and issuing advisory warnings for drinking water and fish consumption if PFAS levels are identified as a health risk.
· John Truitt, Deputy Secretary of Regulatory Programs at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, provided an overview of the state’s ongoing collaboration with the federal government to establish standards and determine safe levels of PFAS. He highlighted statewide initiatives, including chemical sampling at sites where PFAS contamination is most prevalent, such as fire training facilities, dry cleaners, superfund sites, and brownfields.
To watch the full presentation, click here.
Senate Committee on Finance and Tax
The Committee on Finance and Tax held a presentation and committee discussion on millage rates and Ad Valorem property taxes, led by the committee’s Staff Director Azhar Khan. Mr. Khan provided a comprehensive overview of the millages levied by local governments on the value of real and tangible property to generate revenue. Specifically, the presentation outlined:
· The various types of millages levied by local governments such as school districts, counties, municipalities, and special districts.
· The historical trends in millage rates levied throughout the state.
· The statutory limitations and procedures that local governments must follow when setting or increasing their millage rates.
The presentation was followed by a discussion on the potential impacts of changes to the property tax structure, including how adjustments could affect local government revenues, public services, homeowner tax bills, and the state’s economy. This discussion reflected the Senate’s ongoing effort to evaluate the most responsible and effective ways to provide meaningful property tax relief for Floridians.
To watch the full presentation and discussion, click here. |
|
James Carleton, United States Marine Corps (RET)
Our Constituent of the Week is Jim Carleton, United States Marine Corps (RET) Veteran, leader in the aerospace industry, and small business owner.
Mr. Carleton was born in Elmira, New York and moved to Brevard County after high school to attend the Florida Institute of Technology. In 1968, he took a break from college and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Shortly after being deployed to Vietnam, he was ambushed in a grenade attack resulting in life-threatening injuries. Mr. Carleton was medically evacuated and ultimately returned to the U.S. for a lengthy recovery at Walter Reed in Washington D.C.
Fortunately, Mr. Carleton overcame nearly all of his critical injuries, however he remains blind in his left eye. In recognition of his service and sacrifice he was awarded many medals of distinction, including the Purple Heart, an honor reserved for military personnel who were wounded or killed as a direct result of enemy action.
In 1971, Mr. Carleton returned to Florida to continue his engineering education, and in 1974, he graduated from the Florida Institute of Technology with a bachelor’s of science degree in mechanical engineering. He also completed the college’s Certified Manager program.
Mr. Carleton went on to a successful 40-year career in the aerospace industry at Kennedy Space Center beginning as Engineering Manager and Program Manager for United Technologies Corporation and United Space Boosters, Inc. From 1978 to 1999, he worked as an engineer on the F-15 program for Pratt Whitney and the Trident C-4 Fleet Ballistic Missile program with Lockheed Missiles.
In 2001, Mr. Carleton joined United Space Alliance (USA), a contractor for the Space Shuttle program. During his 10-year career at USA, he supported hundreds of missile and rocket launches, and all 135 Space Shuttle launches. Mr. Carleton held several managerial roles at USA including Director of Space Shuttle Upgrades, Director of Manufacturing, Operations Manager of the Solid Rocket Booster program, and Director of Program Management.
After retiring from the space industry, Mr. Carleton started a successful Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Chematics of the South, where he contracted with KSC, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Patrick Air Force Base, and Port Canaveral. Chematics of the South provides support for federal construction needs and requirements, specializing in cathodic protection, concrete restoration, and engineering consulting.
He sold Chematics of the South in 2013 and founded another SDVOSB, Old Dead Eye Golf, where he serves as CEO. Old Dead Eye Golf is a retail company that sells golf products including apparel, golf clubs, equipment, and supplies.
Mr. Carleton is a life member of the Disabled American Veterans and Vietnam Veterans of America. He served two terms as the Chairman of the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery Support Committee and is currently the Vice Chairman of the Brevard Veterans Council.
Mr. Carleton and his wife of 39 years, Kathy, reside in Brevard County, and they have two grown children, two grandchildren, and identical twin grandchildren on the way. Kathy Carleton also retired from KSC after 42 years of service as an engineer.
SD 19 is grateful for Jim Carleton’s service and sacrifice, his leadership in the space industry, and his ongoing support of Veterans and military in our community. |
|
Eau Gallie High School Ribbon Cutting
Last week, Eau Gallie High School, in partnership with the Melbourne Regional Chamber, held a ribbon cutting for the grand opening of their new Diesel Technology Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program. The diesel program expands Eau Gallie High School’s technical education offerings and supports workforce development along the Space Coast.
Students enrolled in the program receive hands-on training in diagnosing and repairing diesel engines and systems using Consulab technology and an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified curriculum. Additionally, students gain expertise in critical areas such as brakes, drive trains, and electrical systems which are necessary skills for careers in the transportation, construction, agriculture, and marine industries.
Students may be eligible for paid and non-paid internships, part-time employment, and full-time employment upon graduating. Investing in career specific education ensures graduates are well prepared to fill essential roles that strengthen local businesses and reduce workforce shortages.
For more information on Eau Gallie High School’s CTE programs, click here.
Space Coast Honor Flight Completes Final Flight of 2025
Last night, the 85th Space Coast Honor Flight (SCHF) safely returned home from Washington, DC with 49 Veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War on board. This was the third Space Coast Honor Flight to depart from the Melbourne Olando International Airport (MLB) rather than the Orlando International Airport (MCO) since the inception of the program in 2010.
The Veterans kicked off their journey with a "Heroes Send Off" at 4:30 a.m. Saturday morning before departing for Washington, DC. They spent the day touring the nation’s Capital, visiting war memorials and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Upon their return to MLB, they were greeted with a “Welcome Home” ceremony by family, friends, and community members grateful for their service.
To date, Space Coast Honor Flight has arranged for over 2,300 patriots to visit Washington, DC. The organization continually seeks Veterans interested in joining future flights, in addition to volunteers, donations, and sponsorships to expand flight opportunities for local heroes.
For more information on how you can become involved in Space Coast Honor Flight, click here. |
|
Brevard Public Schools' Middle School Choice Nights and High School Curriculum Nights Announced
As families across Brevard County prepare for the upcoming open enrollment period, Brevard Public Schools is spotlighting its commitment to educational choice through a series of Middle School Choice Nights and High School Curriculum Nights.
These events offer parents and guardians the opportunity to explore academic programs, meet educators, and evaluate the unique offerings of each school to help families make informed decisions about their child’s educational path.
The events are open to the public, and all students are eligible to attend whether they are currently enrolled at the hosting school or not.
For additional information on Brevard Public Schools' School Choice Program, click here. To view the schedule for the participating middle and high schools, click here.
17th Annual Native Rhythms Festival
The Indian River Flute Circle and Native Heritage Gathering will host the 17th annual Native Rhythms Festival on Friday, November 14th and Saturday, November 15th, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Sunday, November 16th, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Wickham Park (2500 Parkway Drive) in Melbourne.
The three-day festival coincides with Native American Heritage Month and honors the culture of the indigenous people of the Americas through music.
The event is family friendly and admission is free. Activities include day and evening concerts, food and beverages, arts and crafts vendors, flute and drum musicians, educational workshops, and much more.
To view the daily event and performance schedules, click here.
250th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps Celebration
The Brevard County Detachment 513 Marine Corps League will be hosting the 250th Birthday Celebration Ball for the U.S. Marine Corps on Saturday, November 15th from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Space Coast Convention Center (301 Tucker Lane) in Cocoa.
Highlights of the event include retired Marine Corps Sergeant Major Duane Guise serving as the guest speaker, a museum display of Revolutionary War artifacts, the Volusia Young Marines presentation of colors, and the traditional cake-cutting.
Tickets for the event are $50 and include dinner and musical entertainment. A separate cash bar will be available. Advanced registration is required; walk-ins will not be admitted due to space limitations.
For more information and to register, click here or contact MCLBrevard513@gmail.com.
2025 World Day of Remembrance Honors Traffic Crash Victims
The Space Coast Transportation and Planning Organization (SCTPO) will host the World Day of Remembrance on Sunday, November 16th from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Brevard County Government Center Reflection Pond (2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way) in Melbourne.
Each year, the third Sunday of November is designated as World Day of Remembrance honoring the lives of traffic crash victims and survivors. The event serves as a spotlight on personal stories of remembrance and resilience, and to further raise awareness and urgency in making roads safer for everyone.
Attendance is free and open to the public. Advanced registration is encouraged to accommodate the quantity of seating and refreshments needed. Upon registration, participants will receive an email with parking details and additional information.
In an effort to ensure that victims of traffic crashes are not forgotten, SCPTO is inviting community members to submit a tribute or story which will be shared through their digital media sites.
To register for the World Day of Remembrance event and to complete the tribute form online, click here. |
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
