| The Mayfield Minute - December 7, 2025 |
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Remembering Pearl Harbor
On Sunday, December 7th, 1941, at approximately 8:00 a.m., the nation of Japan launched an unexpected and devastating air attack on the United States' Pearl Harbor Naval Base at Oahu, Hawaii. More than 2,300 Americans were killed in the attack, including 49 civilians. Over 300 American aircraft and 20 naval vessels were either damaged or destroyed.
The following day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war on Japan in a memorable six-hour speech to a joint session of the United States Senate and the House of Representatives.
“Yesterday, December 7th, 1941, a date which will live in infamy, the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan,” declared President Roosevelt.
Congress approved the request, and Japan’s unprovoked attack on Pearl Harbor launched the United States into a global conflict. U.S. forces fought directly in WWII for three years, eight months, and seven days, from the bombing of Pearl Harbor to the signing of Japan’s surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay.
Today marks the 84th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, a moment that changed our nation forever. It is important that we take time each year to remember and honor those we lost.
For more information regarding the attack on Pearl Harbor, click here.
Next week, the Florida Legislature will hold its final interim committee week in Tallahassee. The 2026 Legislative Session is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, January 13th and end on Friday, March 13th.
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 Tourism Sets All-Time Record
Last week, Visit Florida announced that Florida’s tourism reached an all-time high in 2024. Out-of-state visitors to Florida spent $134.9 billion last year, a 3.0% increase over 2023. Americans accounted for $120.1 billion of that total, and international visitors contributed $14.8 billion.
Tourism continued to support Florida’s workforce and tax base in monumental ways. The industry backed 1.8 million jobs in 2024 and generated $79.9 billion in wages. Tourism-related activity produced $33.6 billion in federal, state, and local taxes.
“These results really show off Florida’s unique appeal and the smart marketing efforts that keep drawing people in from around the globe,” said Dana Young, the President and CEO of Visit Florida.
To view the Visit Florida announcement in full, click here.
Governor Ron DeSantis Proposes Legislation to Create an Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights
Last week, Governor Ron DeSantis released a proposal for legislation to establish a comprehensive Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights to protect Floridians from AI abuse, exploitation, and data theft.
“Our AI proposal will establish an Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights to define and safeguard Floridians’ rights—including data privacy, parental controls, consumer protections, and restrictions on AI use of an individual’s name, image or likeness without consent,” said Governor DeSantis.
AI Bill of Rights protections:
· Prohibits AI from using an individual’s name, image, or likeness without consent.
· Reenacts laws against explicit deepfake material, including depictions of minors.
· Bans state/local agencies from using Chinese-created AI tools like DeepSeek.
· Prohibits AI from providing licensed therapy or counseling, including imitating professionals.
· Allows parents to monitor and set parameters for minors’ AI use, with alerts for concerning behavior.
· Prevents insurers from using AI as the sole factor in claim decisions; requires disclosure and oversight of AI models.
Hyperscale AI Data Center protections:
· Utilities cannot charge Floridians extra to support data center development.
· No subsidies for Big Tech data centers.
· Empowers local governments to reject data center construction.
· Protects water resources, agricultural lands, and requires noise abatement reviews.
· Prevents foreign principals from building/operating data centers on sensitive lands.
To view the announcement in full, click here. |
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Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources heard presentations on the unique roles of various state agencies in Florida’s land management practices.
· Bryan Bradner, Deputy Secretary for Land and Recreation at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), provided an overview of the Florida Park Service’s land management including wildfire prevention, cultural and historic site maintenance, and invasive species management.
· Melissa Tucker, Director of Habitat and Species Conservation at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), highlighted state Wildlife Management Areas.
· Rick Dolan, Director of the Florida Forest Service, presented an economic forecast for their land management services. Mr. Dolan also highlighted major projects the 2025-26 fiscal year, including road and facility enhancements, recreation area upgrades, invasive species eradication, and habitat restoration.
To watch the full committee meeting, click here.
Senate Appropriations Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security
The Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security received presentations from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). These agencies outlined their roles and current efforts to combat criminal activity.
· David Binder, Deputy Commissioner and Homeland Security Advisor for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) provided an overview of their Domestic Security Strategic Plan, including regional security task forces and intelligence fusion centers. A current focus of FDLE is enhancing drone detection systems to mitigate malicious uses of advanced drone technology.
· Dave Kerner, Executive Director of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), discussed the agency’s Criminal Interdiction Unit, Border Integrity Trafficking Enforcement, and the Bureau of Criminal Investigations and Intelligence. Mr. Kerner also highlighted how FHP leverages manned and unmanned aerial assets to keep Floridian’s safe.
To watch the full committee, click here. |
| Remembering Sergeant Terri Sweeting-Mashkow |
Sergeant Terri Sweeting-Mashkow, a 25-year veteran of the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office (IRSCO), tragically lost her life in the line of duty on November 21st while conducting an eviction at a home in Vero Beach. She was 47 years old.
Sergeant Mashkow began her career with the IRCSO as a dispatcher before advancing in rank to serve as a highly respected deputy. She was posthumously promoted to Sergeant by Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers to ensure that her legacy of noble service endures for generations to come.
Her funeral service was held on December 2nd and was attended by more than 3,000 individuals, including countless law enforcement officers representing hundreds of agencies. At Sergeant Mashkow’s service, special guests described her as a nurturing spirit, sweet, genuine, truthful, tough but fair, and courageous.
"I’m absolutely heartbroken. I’ve worked my entire career with Terri," said Sheriff Flowers. “Having to call her mom, having to let her husband know, is absolutely the worst part of being a law enforcement leader.”
For those wishing to support the Mashkow family during this difficult time, please donate to the Bleeding Blue organization. Bleeding Blue has organized the sale of a memorial coin to raise funds for the Mashkow family. The coins serve as a symbol of gratitude and remembrance of Sergeant Mashkow’s extraordinary dedication and unwavering bravery.
Sergeant Terri Sweeting-Mashkow is survived by her husband K.C., daughter Haylee, stepson Jordan, and her extended Indian River County Sheriff's Office family.
May we always remember Sergeant Mashkow’s fearless and compassionate service while also extending our gratitude to law enforcement officers and first responders who selflessly sacrifice for our safety. |
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Dorothy R. Walsh, President and Founder of Their Voice of Hope
Our Constituent of the Week is Ms. Dorothy Walsh, President of Their Voice of Hope, a non-profit organization supporting women Veterans.
Ms. Walsh was born in Brooklyn, New York. She earned her bachelor’s degree in human services and master’s degree in psychology from Southern New Hampshire University. One of her proudest moments is when she and her daughter crossed the stage together earning their master's degrees.
In 1986, she began an 18-year career as the Director of Grievances and Appeals with Elderplan, a health care insurance company based in New York. In 2005, Ms. Walsh moved to Brevard County, where she became involved with several local Veteran support organizations.
In 2008, Ms. Walsh began volunteering as a Veteran Advocate and Board Member with National Veterans Homeless Support where she was mentored by the organization’s founder, George Taylor, Sr. During this time, she also began volunteering with Their Voice of Hope, the only non-profit in Brevard County solely dedicated to assisting and supporting women Veterans.
Additionally, Ms. Walsh worked as a Victim Advocate for the Women’s Center of Brevard. She has served as a Guardian Ad Litem, support aide for Volunteers of America, and a Board Member for the Brevard County Veterans Memorial Center. She is also the only non-Veteran to serve as a mentor with the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Veterans Treatment Court.
Ms. Walsh founded Their Voice of Hope to uplift women who have selflessly sacrificed for their country. As President, Ms. Walsh has created programs, resources, and support systems to help women navigate their unique challenges.
“As a mentor, I have worked with many women Veterans. As I got to know each one of these warriors, I learned that there had been abuse in their past and even more, victim-blaming. I have made it my mission to assist as many of these warriors as I possibly can,” Ms. Walsh said.
Of the 70,000 Veterans residing in Brevard County, approximately 5,800 are women. The National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder estimates that 15 to 20% of Veterans experience PTSD with women being more prone to develop the disorder than men.
Ms. Walsh also leads events that foster socialization and camaraderie with other women Veterans which helps to combat fear, loneliness, and isolation. She hosts monthly luncheons, day trips to local attractions, fishing outings, and art expression events.
If you are a female Veteran or know of one who may benefit from the Their Voice of Hope organization, please contact Ms. Walsh directly at (321) 426-6736 or by email at dorothy@theirvoiceofhope.com.
Ms. Walsh resides in Melbourne and has two adult children, Dawn and Jack, who live and work in New York.
SD 19 is truly grateful for Ms. Dorothy Walsh's tireless efforts to ensure that women Veterans are not invisible, cared for, and continually appreciated for their service and sacrifice. |
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Port Canaveral Tops PortMiami as World’s Busiest Cruise Port
Port Canaveral has officially surpassed PortMiami as the world’s busiest cruise port. With more than 8.6 million passengers in 2025, the highest number in Port Canaveral’s history, the port has overtaken PortMiami by 100,000 passengers.
The 2025 passenger numbers are a significant 13% increase from 2024, when Port Canaveral welcomed 7.6 million passengers. In comparison, PortMiami grew only by 4.02% from 2024 to 2025.
Port Canaveral is currently homeporting 18 ships across seven cruise lines, with more than 1,000 sailings scheduled annually. The port's five-year development plan includes a $912 million investment in expansions of two existing terminals, a seventh cruise terminal, and technology advancements to ensure smooth processing for guest departures and arrivals.
“Earning this distinction is a direct reflection of our ongoing commitment and focused efforts to be the best port possible, providing a high-quality experience for all cruise guests sailing from our Port,” said Port Canaveral CEO, Captain John Murray.
To view the announcement in full, click here.
Florida Tech Ranked #1 Online College in State and 10th in Nation by Newsweek Magazine
Last month, Newsweek magazine named Florida Tech the top online college in Florida and 10th best in the nation. Twenty-one Florida colleges were among the 250 institutions on Newsweek’s Best Online Colleges 2026 list. University of South Florida was the second highest Florida college at No. 35. The University of California, Davis was No. 1.
For the 2026 rankings, Newsweek conducted a survey of more than 10,000 students enrolled in online courses to earn an academic degree or gain knowledge for jobs or hobbies. The schools were ranked based on organization, support, price, reputation, success, and practical relevance.
“I am so proud to hear that thousands of independent voices in the Newsweek survey elevated Florida Tech Online to best in the Sunshine State and 10th in the nation,”
said Florida Tech President John Nicklow. “Their vote of confidence inspires us to work even harder to bring the power of higher education to those who seek it.”
Florida Tech offers 36 degree programs for undergraduate and graduate students which students can complete at their own pace.
For more information about Florida Tech, click here.
Air Force Approves SpaceX Starship’s New Launch Pad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
The U.S. Department of the Air Force gave SpaceX approval to build a launch and landing pad for its Starship spacecraft at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 37.
After months of input from the community, the Air Force’s decision is the official "green light" SpaceX needed to bring its Starship to Brevard County from Texas. To address community concerns, the Department of the Air Force says it will implement mitigation measures, including habitat restoration, to account for environmental impacts.
SpaceX has confirmed that construction for the launch pad is already underway for Starship, which will conduct national security missions and return humans to the moon for NASA’s Artemis missions. Once construction that work is complete, the plan is for SpaceX to have three launch pads on the Space Coast.
Pending a final analysis of the impact that Starship could have on general aviation in Florida, the spacecraft could launch up to 76 missions annually. |
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Christmas in the Park
The City of Melbourne Parks, Recreation, and Golf Department's Christmas in the Park event will take place on Friday, December 12th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Eddie Lee Taylor, Sr. Community Center (3316 Monroe Street) in Melbourne.
The event is free of charge, suitable for all ages, and features holiday decorations, special performances, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a tree lighting ceremony.
For more information, call (321) 608-7450.
30th Annual Reindeer Run
The 30th Annual Reindeer Run will take place on Saturday, December 13th at 8:00 a.m. at Cherie Down Park (8330 Ridgewood Avenue) in Cape Canaveral. Participants are encouraged to wear holiday costumes.
The registration fee is $40 from Monday, December 9th through Friday, December 12th. Race day registration will not be available.
Packet Pickup will be held on Friday, December 12th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Cape Canaveral Community Center (7920 Orange Avenue). The first 450 registrants will receive a T-shirt and finisher medal. Awards will be announced following the race.
For more information and to register, click here.
Merritt Island Christmas Boat Parade
The Merritt Island Christmas Boat Parade will take place on Saturday, December 13th beginning at 5:45 p.m. Boats will line up near the Ulumay Bridge on Sykes Creek Parkway at 5:00 p.m.
The best locations for viewing the parade are the Ulumay Bridge, Watts Park (695 Needle Park Boulevard), and the Sykes Creek Causeway Bridge.
Surfing Santas
The Surfing Santas of Cocoa Beach Main Event will be held on Wednesday, December 24th from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Cocoa Beach at 3 Minutemen Causeway in front of the Coconuts Restaurant.
The annual tradition draws hundreds of surfers of all ages and thousands of spectators dressed as Santa, elves, snowmen and other holiday figures. The event is free of charge and features live entertainment by the Mighty Flea Circus Band, costume contests, Hawaiian dancers, and photo opportunities.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Florida Surf Museum, Grind for Life, and local charities. For more information, call (321) 223-6400 or 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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