| The Mayfield Minute - February 1, 2026 |
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American Heart Month
In February of 1964, President Lyndon Johnson issued the first official proclamation designating February as American Heart Month. Sixty-two years later, extraordinary progress has been made in early detection screenings, medical interventions, and advance blood pressure treatments.
Sadly, heart disease still impacts about 1,000,000 Americans each year, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).
According to the Centers for Disease Control:
- Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups.
- One person dies every 34 seconds from cardiovascular disease.
- In 2023, approximately 919,032 people lost their lives due to heart disease.
On Friday, February 6th, the AHA will recognize "Wear Red Day" to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease. For those wishing to support the AHA's efforts to combat the disease, please click here.
Last week, the Florida Legislature completed the third week of the 2026 Legislative Session evaluating a series of bills regarding agriculture and land use, school voucher funding, immigration, E-Verify, public smoking restrictions, and hurricane-related insurance, among other topics.
I'm looking forward to week four to celebrate our community during Space Days and Brevard Days. On Tuesday, February 3rd and Wednesday, February 4th, representatives from the chambers of commerce, business leaders, and the space industry will visit Tallahassee to advocate for policies and appropriations that directly benefit Space Coast families, businesses, and organizations.
If you will be visiting the State Capitol during 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 Announces Statewide Initiative to Support Crime Victims’ Children
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that Walmart has pledged $100,000 in financial support for young children impacted by crime. These funds will be used for the purchase and expansion of Bexley Boxes, which are comfort kits filled with essential items for young children that have been impacted by crime.
Bexley Boxes began when Kirsten Bridegan’s young daughter, Bexley, spent hours at a police station after she witnessed the traumatic murder of her father, Jared Bridegan. Officers tried their best to comfort Bexley, but they had limited supplies on hand. This incident inspired Kirsten to form the Bridegan Foundation, whose mission is to ensure that every law enforcement agency has access to these kits so that no child faces a crisis without immediate comfort.
“In Florida, protecting our kids is the number one priority,” said Attorney General Uthmeier. “I am proud to support children who experience violent crime and grateful to Walmart for stepping up to ensure Bexley Boxes will be available statewide.”
Bexley Boxes have been provided to sheriff's offices throughout Florida and contain resources such as diapers, formula, sippy cups, toys, and stuffed animals to care for children traumatized by a criminal act.
To read the announcement in full, click here.
Commission Simpson Warns Against Illegal Door-to-Door Pest Control Sales
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced that the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has shut down two illegal door-to-door pest control sales operations targeting Florida residents. A $36,000 fine was imposed on Mira Home, LLC, and Grit Marketing, LLC was banned from all pest control activities and sales after illegally soliciting more than 600 pest control contracts.
“One of my top responsibilities as Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture is protecting Florida’s consumers, and that includes cracking down on illegal door-to-door sales operations and those operating outside the law,” said Commissioner Simpson. “I encourage all Floridians to be wary of high-pressure, door-to-door sales tactics, to verify that a pest control company and its employees are properly licensed before signing any contract, and to report any suspicious activity to FDACS.”
Florida law prohibits pest control companies from using independent contractors to perform pest control activities. This ensures that pest control work is carried out only by companies with adequate training, supervision, equipment, products, and insurance. Florida law also requires anyone soliciting pest control services door-to-door or performing pest control services to possess a valid Pest Control Identification Card issued by FDACS to confirm that they are properly trained to solicit, inspect, or perform pest control.
To learn more about warning signs of illegal pest control solicitation and how to report it, click here.
Catch a Florida Memory Celebrates 10 Years of Reeling in Memories
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) saltwater angler recognition program, Catch a Florida Memory, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. Since the initiative launched in 2016, the program has grown to include more than 45,000 submitted catches.
“As we reflect on the last decade, we want to thank our passionate anglers and generous partners who make Catch a Florida Memory possible,” said FWC Division of Marine Fisheries Management Director Jessica McCawley. “We appreciate you sharing your fishing journeys and look forward to another decade of reeling in memories on the water.”
To celebrate the 10-year anniversary and thank participants, Catch a Florida Memory is launching new challenges, program updates, and enhanced prizing throughout 2026.
These challenges include:
- Secret Fish Challenge
- Veterans Challenge
- Photo of the Year Challenge
- Triple Threat Throwdown Challenge
To learn more about the different challenges and prizes in celebration of the 10-year anniversary, click here. |
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SB 620, SB 680, and SB 706 Successfully Pass Through Committee
I’m pleased to report that three of the bills that I have sponsored advanced through their committee assignments during the third week of the 2026 legislative session.
SB 620 – Candidate Qualifying unanimously passed the Judiciary Committee.
SB 620 requires that a candidate who is qualifying for election to a federal, state, county, district, school board, or judicial office, must file a statement disclosing any additional citizenship. This bill improves election transparency by ensuring that Florida voters are fully informed about candidates who hold dual or additional citizenship.
The next stop for SB 620 is the Senate Rules Committee.
SB 680 – Electric Vehicle Charging Taxation unanimously passed the Senate Regulated Industries Committee. This bill addresses an issue under current law where sales tax is charged twice on the same electricity when it is sold at an electric vehicle charging station.
The next stop for SB 680 is the Senate Finance and Tax Committee.
SB 706 – Commercial Service Airports unanimously passed the Senate Transportation Committee.
SB 706 centralizes the naming of large commercial service airports under state authority. The bill codifies the existing names for each airport considered by the Federal Aviation Authority to be a medium or large transportation hub, except the Palm Beach International Airport, which the bill designates the “Donald J. Trump International Airport." The new name recognizes and honors President Trump, who is the first Florida resident to be elected President of the United States.
The next stop for SB 706 is the Senate Community Affairs Committee.
Bill to Protect Police Officers from Threatening Citizens Passes
Senate Bill 156 – Criminal Offenses Against Law Enforcement Officers and Other Personnel passed the Senate Floor with strong support.
The bill aims to ensure the toughest penalties on perpetrators who commit crimes against police officers and other law enforcement.
On June 23, 2021, Officer Jason Raynor of Daytona Beach was attacked and shot while in the line of duty. He tragically died 55 days later. The criminal was charged with first degree murder but was found guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter due to a legal technicality.
The “Jason Raynor Act” expands protections for law enforcement and punishment for criminals, ensuring this will never happen again. Florida supports our law enforcement; if you kill a police officer in the performance of their duties, you should go to jail for life.
SB 156’s companion bill, House Bill 17, is heading to the House Floor after passing its final committee stop last week. |
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Major James G. Cusic, III United States Air Force (RET)
Our Constituent of the Week is United States Air Force Major James G. Cusic, III (RET). Major Cusic graduated high school in Clinton, Connecticut before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1980.
From 1981 to 1986, he served as a Pararescueman (PJ) with assignments in Iceland and Idaho, followed by duty as a Pararescue Instructor from 1986 to 1989 in New Mexico. In 1990, he received his commission as a Combat Control Office and served as a Flight Commander from 1992 to 1997 in Washington, the United Kingdom, and Germany. From 1997 to 2001, he was the Special Operations Liaison to Air Mobility Command in Illinois.
From 2001 to 2002, he was based at the Pentagon as an Operations Officer. On September 11, 2001, Major Cusic’s training and bravery were put to the ultimate test in the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attack on the Pentagon. After evacuating the building, he rendered lifesaving aid to those who were injured. He then led a team to reenter the building in search of survivors.
In recognition of his actions that day, he received the American Red Cross Certificate of Merit, and the Boy Scouts Honor Medal with crossed palms, the highest honor awarded for saving lives from both organizations. He was honored by U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello on the floor of the House of Representatives. Congressman Costello’s remarks were entered into the Congressional Record on October 7, 2002. Major Cusic is also the recipient of the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Services Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal.
In 2002, he retired from active military duty and continued to serve as a counter terrorism analyst for TRANSCOM. In 2007, he returned to New Mexico as a civilian Instructor and created the Combat Rescue Officer Course. Major Cusic also taught Combat Medicine to service members on United Nations Peacekeeping mission.
From 2016 to 2020, he managed a startup Security company growing its earnings to over $1 million dollars by the time he retired. In 2020, he moved to Brevard County and continued to work as a Contractor until 2023.
Over his extraordinary 22-year military career, Major Cusic has trained future leaders, saved countless lives, and led critical missions providing humanitarian relief and rescues. He continues to serve as a distinguished member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 32.
Major Cusic and his wife of 44 years, Terri, reside in Melbourne. They have four children and eight grandchildren.
SD 19 is grateful for Major Cusic’s courageous service to our nation, for the lives he saved on 9/11, and his enduring commitment to supporting Veterans in our community. |
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Highland Mint of Indian Harbour Beach Produces Official Super Bowl LX Coin
Highland Mint, located in Indian Harbour Beach, will produce the official Super Bowl LX coin for National Football League Championship game between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks, taking place on Sunday, February 8th at 6:30 p.m. in Santa Clara, California.
The Highland Mint has produced the official coin for 32 years, beginning with the 1993 Super Bowl XXVIII when the Dallas Cowboys defeated the Buffalo Bills 30 to 13.
“The Super Bowl flip coin is really something special because it’s actually used to start a game...and we like to say here, the game doesn’t start without us, so there’s a lot of pride when you see that coin,” said Michael Kott, President of the Highland Mint.
The Highland Mint will produce a limited run of 10,000 commemorative Super Bowl LX Official 2-Tone Dueling Flip Coins licensed by the NFL. Coin #1 will be flipped to start the Super Bowl, and the remaining 9,999 coins will be available for purchase here for $99.99.
The 2026 official coin will be sent to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio following the game.
Florida's 2025 Sea Turtle Nesting Totals Announced, Brevard County Highest for Green Turtle Nests
With just a few weeks until the beginning of the 2026 Sea Turtle Nesting Season, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced the 2025 final statewide nesting numbers from 225 beaches covering 822 miles of coastline.
Loggerheads remain the most abundant nesting species, with 100,951 nests recorded. Green turtles were second with 66,476 nests, making 2025 their second-highest season on record. Leatherbacks set a new state record with 2,012 nests.
Of the 13 East Coast counties surveyed, Brevard County totals were as follows:
- 30,431 Green turtle nests (1st followed by Palm Beach County with 13,202)
- 22,716 Loggerhead nests (2nd behind Palm Beach County with 25,614)
- 129 Leatherback nests (4th behind St. Lucie County with 286; Palm Beach County with 493; and Martin County with 915)
In Brevard County, Leatherback nesting begins in late February and early March. Loggerhead and Green turtle nesting begins in late April and early May. The peak months for all species are June and July.
Sea turtles and their nests are protected under state and federal law. For more information on how you can help to safeguard nesting Florida sea turtles, click here.
Merritt Island Residents Express Concerns about Future LNG Facility
Last week, the Canaveral Port Authority (CPA) Board of Commissioners held their monthly meeting which was attended by several Merritt Island residents who expressed safety concerns regarding a proposed Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility near their homes. The 125-acre property is owned by Port Canaveral and located at 1350 Sea Ray Drive, just south of the Barge Canal and north of State Road 528.
Advocates for the LNG facility said it will create 50 to 100 jobs and is needed to supply cleaner-burning fuel for the cruise and space industries.
Approximately 20 Merritt Island residents spoke at the meeting citing safety, environmental, health, and infrastructure concerns. Specifically, speakers raised issues which included the potential for carcinogenic gas emissions into the air causing health problems, and inadequate infrastructure to evacuate the area in the event of a major accident. Many understood the need for LNG, but felt other locations, not adjacent to neighborhoods and schools, must be strongly considered.
Whether the land is sold to BHE GT&S and Chesapeake Utilities for the expressed use of a LNG facility will be decided by the CPA Commissioners.
Chesapeake Utilities will hold a community meeting on Wednesday, February 18th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Cape Canaveral Community Center (7920 Orange Avenue).
Public comments will also be accepted at the following:
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Lights in the Night Gala
The St. Francis Hospice Foundation Lights in the Night Gala will be held on Saturday, February 7th from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Kennedy Space Center (Space Commerce Parkway) in Merritt Island.
Tickets are $150 per person and include dinner, dancing, and musical entertainment by Astronaut Winston Scott and The Winston Scott Cosmic Jazz Ensemble. Proceeds support compassionate care at St. Francis Hospice.
To register for the event, click here.
Palm Bay Family Valentines Gala
The Palm Bay Valentines Gala will be held on Saturday, February 7th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Greater Palm Bay Senior Center (1275 Culver Drive NE).
Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children. The semi-formal, all-inclusive celebration is designed for grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and children of all ages. Activities include a DJ, dancing, a photo booth, Valentine-themed crafts, and refreshments.
For more information, click here or call (321) 726-2686.
5th Annual Lift Every Voice: Showcase of Youth Talent and Unity
The 5th Annual Lift Every Voice: Showcase of Youth Talent and Unity will be held on Sunday, February 15th from 1:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Rockledge Civic Hub Amphitheater (1600 Huntington Lane).
The showcase features performances by youth from area schools, churches, and community groups. The event is free of charge and food trucks will be available on site with refreshments for purchase. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets if they choose to.
For more information, contact Rockledge City Councilman Michael Cadore at mcadore21@gmail.com or Beverly Hamilton at bham264@yahoo.com.
Open Treasures Festival
The Ocean Treasure Festival, hosted by the Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands Program and Sea Turtle Conservancy at the Archie Carr Refuge, will be held on Saturday, February 21st from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Barrier Island Center (8385 South Highway A1A) in Melbourne Beach. The event is free of charge and open to the public.
The festival features a reading of Anatomy Under the Sea: The Adventures of Luna the Loggerhead by nine-year old author, Emiliana Fuger. Other activities include discussions with marine life experts, musical entertainment, a beachcombing competition, scavenger hunt, and food items, beverages, art, and jewelry for purchase.
Proceeds from the event benefit sea turtle conservation. For more information, call (321) 723‑3556. |
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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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