| The Mayfield Minute - November 30, 2025 |
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Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America was established in 1992 when the Worcester family, owners of a tree farm in Maine, had a surplus of holiday wreaths. The family committed to putting their surplus wreaths toward a good cause by placing them on the graves of fallen Veterans.
Community volunteers, including Veterans from the American Legion and the VFW, came together to transport the wreaths to Arlington, Virginia, for the inaugural Wreaths Across America ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. The Worcester family specifically requested that their wreaths be laid on the graves that receive the fewest visitors each year.
The movement spread rapidly around the nation and, by 2006, more than 150 simultaneous ceremonies were held across the country. Every year since 2008, the United States Congress has passed a resolution designating a specific Saturday in December as National Wreaths Across America Day.
This year, the ceremonies will be held on Saturday, December 13th. Wreaths Across America will place a wreath at every grave in Arlington Cemetery and support more than 5,200 ceremonies nationwide. Additionally, a ceremony is held each year in Normandy, France, to honor Veterans who lost their lives during World War II’s D-Day invasion.
Each year, more than two million volunteers participate nationwide by preparing, shipping, and placing the wreaths on the graves of fallen service members. Many of these volunteers are Veterans themselves or members of Gold Star Families.
For information on how to attend, volunteer, or donate to one of the Wreaths Across America ceremonies being held in Brevard County, please see the Upcoming Events section below.
This week, the Florida Legislature will hold its fifth interim committee week in Tallahassee, in preparation for the 2026 Legislative Session. The final 2025 interim committee week is scheduled for the week of 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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Attorney General James Uthmeier Announces Special Investigative Task Force to Combat Organized Retail Theft
Last week, Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the launch of Florida’s Retail Theft Investigative Special Task Force to aggressively combat organized retail theft in Florida.
“Instead of having toothpaste locked behind plexiglass like California and New York, we are taking decisive action to combat organized retail theft,” said Attorney General Uthmeier. “Shoppers suffer when retail thefts drive up prices. This partnership between law enforcement and the Florida Retail Federation will help keep prices down and put criminals behind bars.”
Retail thefts cause massive financial loss to Florida businesses each year. Many business owners and corporations are forced to increase prices as a result, punishing Florida consumers through no fault of the employer or the consumer.
The Retail Theft Investigative Special Task Force equips local law enforcement with statewide tools and resources, removes jurisdictional barriers, and enables prosecutors to ensure repeat offenders will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The primary goal of the task force will be to ensure swift action against organized retail theft rings.
To view the press release in full, click here.
Florida Department of Elder Affairs Announces "Operation Senior Shield" to Protect Older Floridians from Scams
Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins and Florida Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Michelle Branham recently established Operation Senior Shield. The operation is a statewide initiative to protect older Floridians from the growing threat of scams, fraud, and financial exploitation.
Specifically, the Department of Elder Affairs established a fast and free scam alert system for older adults, caregivers, and families. The department also established a statewide strike team to respond to reports of scams targeting older Floridians.
Lieutenant Governor Collins highlighted the importance of swift and aggressive action, stating, "Our seniors have spent their lives serving their families and communities, and they deserve to be protected from criminals who target them. Operation Senior Shield is our answer to that threat and a mission to keep seniors safe. Too many older Floridians are being targeted by scammers, and it is time to push back and take this fight directly to them."
"As a state, we recognize how serious – and how personal – this issue is for so many Florida families," said Secretary Branham. "When a senior is targeted or exploited, it doesn’t just affect their bank account – it shakes their dignity, their confidence, and their sense of security.
For more information or to sign up for alerts, click here.
FHP and FLHSMV Announce the “Arrive Alive” Holiday Travel Campaign
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) have launched the “Arrive Alive” campaign to encourage safe driving on state roads during the holiday season. The initiative’s primary goal is to reduce deaths on state roadways by up to 50%.
FHP and FLHSMV are reminding motorists to remain alert during the busy travel period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day by driving responsibly, observing road signs, and never operating a vehicle while impaired.
“Reckless and impaired driving are not just violations of the law—they are threats to the lives of every Floridian on the road,” said FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner. “This holiday season, we are reminded that every decision behind the wheel carries consequences. Let us all choose patience over aggression, responsibility over risk and remember that arriving alive means protecting not only yourself, but everyone sharing Florida’s roads — today and every day.”
“Our troopers see first-hand the devastating aftermath of drivers that choose distraction, unlawful speed or impairment over safety,” FHP Col. Howze said. “Staying alert, obeying traffic laws and respecting others on the road are the basics to ensuring Floridians can Arrive Alive and celebrate a joyful holiday with loved ones.”
For more information about the “Arrive Alive” campaign, click here. |
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Dr. Jeffrey Njus, Executive Director of Daily Bread – Providence Connects
Our Constituent of the Week is Dr. Jeffrey Njus, Executive Director of the Daily Bread – Providence Connects.
Dr. Njus is originally from Michigan and moved to Brevard County in 2014. He earned his Master’s Degree in Divinity and a Doctorate in Theology. His education prepared him for pastoral and nonprofit leadership, deepened his spiritual foundation, and equipped him to integrate faith-based principles with community service.
For more than 10 years, Dr. Njus has been working in homeless services and housing support in Brevard County. In 2018, he was selected to serve as the Executive Director of the Daily Bread, which was founded in 1988 as an outreach center to assist people experiencing homelessness.
As Executive Director, Dr. Njus has overseen the Daily Bread's transformation from a traditional soup kitchen into a housing-focused, client-centered organization. Under his management, comprehensive services and mobile outreach programs are available through strong partnerships and collaboration with organizations like Streetside Showers and health care, behavioral health, and addiction recovery providers.
Dr. Njus is spearheading the development of Providence Place, a 120-unit supportive housing development for individuals overcoming homelessness and seeking long-term stability. Providence Place will provide wraparound services including addiction recovery, mental health support, workforce development, and health care.
Also under Dr. Njus’ leadership, the Daily Bread has recently merged with the South Brevard Sharing Center, creating the largest and most customer-focused food distribution network in the region. The combined organization has rebranded as Providence Connects to reflect its expanded mission and growing scope of services.
Dr. Njus’ philosophy emphasizes that homelessness cannot be solved by meals alone, people need “four walls and a roof” plus supportive services to rebuild their lives. To tackle hunger, homelessness, and housing insecurity in our community, his leadership is compassionate and collaborative. He works with the City of Melbourne, Brevard Homeless Coalition, and a broad range of local non-profits to coordinate needed services.
In just seven years, Dr. Njus’ vision and actions have helped transform the organization into a regional model with practical and pragmatic solutions, focusing on personal dignity, hope, and long-term stability.
His work for the county's most vulnerable is commendable and inspiring. However, he will tell you that he is the one who is honored to serve an organization that continues to grow in impact, innovation, and compassion.
Dr. Njus and his wife, Edel, reside in Melbourne with their three children.
SD 19 is grateful for Mr. Njus's dedication and for emphasizing the importance of helping those experiencing the difficult challenge of food insecurity and housing instability during the holiday season, and year-round. |
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Innovation Games 2025: Brevard’s Ultimate STEM Showdown
Last week, Brevard Public Schools (BPS), in partnership with Northrop Grumman, hosted Innovation Games 2025 at Satellite High School.
The event featured a coding competition, drone races, SeaPerch underwater robotics, Solar Sprint car racing, and Shark Tank-style invention pitches. Brevard County students from grades 4–12 showcased their skills in challenges that mirrored real-world engineering and technology scenarios, preparing them for high-demand STEM careers.
“Supporting the community in which we not only work, but where our families live, and children receive their education, is important to us,” said Janice Zilch, Vice President of Multi-Domain Command and Control Programs and Melbourne Site Leader for Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems. “It’s an honor to inspire the next generation of STEM pioneers through events like Brevard Public Schools’ Innovation Games.”
The Brevard Schools Foundation emphasized the power of partnerships in advancing education.
“The Innovation Games highlight what is possible when educators, industry partners, and volunteers work together to invest in young minds,” said Janice Kershaw, President & CEO. “Northrop Grumman’s support helps expand hands-on STEM challenges that inspire students to imagine, design, and solve.”
Family Adoption Celebration
Last week, the Family Partnership of Central Florida hosted their annual public celebration of adoption finalization ceremonies. The event honored Brevard County families who have opened their homes and hearts to children through adoption.
The ceremony is part of a regional effort marking National Adoption Month. Ceremonies are held simultaneously across Brevard, Seminole, Orange, and Osceola counties.
In Brevard County, the event featured official adoption hearings followed by a public celebration for newly formed families. Judge Charles Crawford, Eighteenth Circuit Court, presided over adoption finalizations and shared messages of support, the importance of adoption, and the positive impact that adoption on children’s lives.
For more information about the Family Partnership of Central Florida adoption services, click here or call (321) 482-0680.
Local Dragon Boat Racing Team Qualifies for World Championships in Taiwan
The Heart and Soul Dragon Boat Club is a nonprofit dragon boat racing club founded in Melbourne by breast cancer survivors, their families, and friends. Dragon boat racing is a team paddling sport that originated in ancient China. Crews of up to 20 paddlers power a dragon-decorated long, narrow boat to the finish line.
The Heart and Soul Dragon Boat Club's Senior Women’s Team recently earned a silver medal at the U.S. National Dragon Boat championships in Sarasota. Their second-place finish resulted in an invitation to the prestigious 2026 World Club Crew Championships in Taiwan.
“As we prepare for Taiwan in 2026, Melbourne’s own Heart and Soul Women carry not just paddles, but the pride of a community that believes in them,” said Carol Berry, a member of the Heart and Soul club.
To learn more about the Heart and Soul Dragon Boat Club, click here. |
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Portion of Riverside Drive in Unincorporated Indialantic Closing for Drainage Improvements
A portion of Riverside Drive in unincorporated Indialantic will close on Wednesday, December 3rd, for the Brevard County Public Works Department to make drainage improvements. The project is expected to take approximately five months with an estimated reopening date in mid-April 2026.
The closure on Riverside Drive will extend from Sand Dollar Road to Falcon Drive. While the road remains closed, the following detour routes will be available:
· Southbound Traffic: Eau Gallie Boulevard to Highway A1A to Paradise Boulevard
· Northbound Traffic: Paradise Boulevard to Highway A1A to Eau Gallie Boulevard
Access to residential driveways will be maintained at all times. Brevard County is working with Brevard Public Schools, the City of Melbourne, and public safety partners to minimize commuting impacts.
The improvement project is critical to strengthening drainage and roadway infrastructure along the high-traffic stretch of Riverside Drive. For more information, contact the Brevard County Public Works Department at (321) 633-2000.
Light Up Rockledge
The City of Rockledge will hold their annual Light Up Rockledge event on Saturday, December 6th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Rockledge Civic Hub (530 Barton Boulevard).
The event is free of charge, family-friendly, and features food and gift vendors, live music, arts and crafts, reindeer games, and a meet-and-greet with Santa.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a canned food or non-perishable food item for the City's holiday food drive.
For more information, call (321) 221-7540.
Downtown Melbourne "Cookie Crawl"
The annual Candlelight Shopping in Downtown Melbourne event featuring the "Cookie Crawl" will take place on Saturday, December 13th, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 and include a keepsake cookie tin (while supplies last) and a map of stores participating in the "Cookie Crawl."
To purchase your ticket in advance, click here. Participants can pick up their cookie tins at the Melbourne Main Street office (2004 Vernon Place) at 3:45 p.m. on December 13th.
For more information on Candlelight Shopping Events in Downtown Melbourne this holiday season, click here.
Wreaths Across America Events
Wreaths Across America will host wreath-laying ceremonies at the following cemeteries and memorials throughout Brevard County:
Saturday, December 13th
· Melbourne Cemetery (710 East Hibiscus Boulevard) in Melbourne at 9:00 a.m.
· St. Luke Cemetery (5555 North Tropical Trail) in Merritt Island at 9:00 a.m.
· Cape Canaveral Cemetery (5525 US-1) in Mims at 11:00 a.m.
· Florida Memorial Gardens (5950 US-1) in Rockledge at 11:00 a.m.
· Fountainhead Memorial Park (7303 Babcock Street) in Palm Bay at 12:00 p.m.
· Brevard Memorial Park (5475 US-1) in Cocoa at 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 14th
· Pine Crest Cemetery (815 Clearlake Road) in Cocoa at 2:00 p.m.
For additional information on wreath-laying ceremonies being held throughout the country, click here.
Holiday Illumination 5K Walk/Run
The Inaugural Holiday Illumination 5K Run/Walk will take place on Saturday, December 13th, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center Park (400 South Sykes Creek Parkway) in Merritt Island. The race begins promptly at 8:00 a.m.
The registration fee is $30 in advance for adults and $35 on race day. The registration fee is $25 in advance for children ages 12 and under and $30 on race day.
Registration and Packet Pickup will be held on Thursday, December 11th, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Running Zone (3696 North Wickham Road in Melbourne, and on Friday, December 12th, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Trinity Fitness (695 South Plumosa Street) in Merritt Island.
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
Staff
Yvette Campbell
Christian Chesnut
William Gooden
Kelli Lane |
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