| The Mayfield Minute - March 15, 2026 |
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Happy St. Patrick's Day!
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated each year on March 17th in honor of St. Patrick, the patron Saint of Ireland. Born in Britain in the late 4th century, St. Patrick was kidnapped from his home at the age of 16 and taken to Ireland as a slave for six years until he was able to escape. As an adult, he returned to Ireland as a missionary to spread Christianity among the Irish people. By the time of his death on March 17, 461, he had established monasteries, churches, and schools throughout Ireland.
Many legends surround St. Patrick throughout history and one of the most well-known is his use of the shamrock, a three-leaf clover, to represent the Holy Trinity (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) to Christians.
Boston was the first American city to hold a St. Patrick’s Day event with a parade in 1737, New York followed with its own parade in 1762. Two centuries later, in 1962 after a St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Chicago, the holiday became widely known and celebrated throughout the United States.
For all those celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this week, I wish you a very safe and festive holiday.
Last week, the Florida Legislature completed the final week of the regular 2026 Legislative Session. Although the session concluded Sine Die, the Senate and House of Representatives did not reach an agreement on the 2026-2027 state budget.
Senate President Ben Albritton announced that negotiations will continue until the gap can be reconciled between the Senate's proposed budget of $115 billion and the House's proposed budget of $113.58 billion. The Legislature is expected to reconvene for a Special Session to finalize the budget in April, following the Easter and Passover holidays.
I would like to extend my gratitude to the residents, business owners, and community leaders in Senate District 19 for taking your time to travel to Tallahassee, call, write, or email my offices with your recommendations and concerns. The legislative process is collaborative, not just between the two chambers and the Governor's Cabinet, but most importantly, between legislators and their constituents.
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 at 321-409-2025. My staff and I are here to serve you! |
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FDACS Releases Guidance on Robocalls
Last week, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) released guidance and precautions regarding robocalls, which remain one of the most persistent consumer frustrations in Florida.
FDACS reminds residents that most pre-recorded sales calls are illegal unless you have given the solicitor permission to contact you. Scammers rely on robocalls because they are inexpensive, easy to launch from anywhere in the world, and can spoof legitimate caller ID information.
While informational calls and legitimate debt‑collection calls are allowed, many of the calls offering to “lower your debt” or claiming to represent agencies like the IRS, Medicare, or Social Security are fraudulent.
FDACS tips to handle robocalls:
· Hang up immediately if you hear a recorded sales message; do not press any numbers.
· Do not share any personal or financial information.
· Consider call‑blocking tools (services, apps, or device features that identify unwanted calls before they reach you).
· Register your number on the Do Not Call list here; if you continue to receive unsolicited sales calls or texts, file a complaint with FDACS here.
When filing a complaint at FDACS, include the number that received the call, the caller ID number, and the time of the call. Even spoofed numbers can be reported.
To read the FDACS guidance on robocalls, click here.
Over 500 Gambling Machines Seized in Large-Scale Illegal Gaming Crackdown
Attorney General James Uthmeier recently announced the results of a two-day sting operation targeting illegal gaming. The operation included Brevard, Volusia, Duval, and Flagler counties, resulting in the seizure of 525 illegal machines and $190,000 in illicit proceeds across 39 locations.
“The partnerships we have with the Attorney General, Florida Gaming Control Commission, and surrounding law enforcement agencies are what give us great results,” said Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey. “They help us keep our crime down in our communities and keep our citizens safe, because we don’t turn a blind eye to any crime!”
Machines were seized from restaurants, bars, gas stations, sham arcades, and standalone illegal casinos. Some facilities were unmarked while others falsely claimed to be businesses, such as nail salons and beauty supply stores. Law enforcement seizures included stand-up slot machines, PC slot machines, tabletop machines, coin-push machines, and fish table machines.
To read the announcement in full, click here.
FLHSMV and FHP Announce the Never Drive Impaired Campaign
Throughout March, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) will emphasize the dangers and consequences of impaired driving through the Never Drive Impaired campaign.
“Impaired driving is a choice that puts lives at risk, and the consequences are far too real for far too many Florida families. Every one of us has a responsibility to prevent these tragedies before they happen,” said FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner. “Through the Never Drive Impaired campaign, we are reminding drivers that safety begins long before they start the car. Plan ahead, make responsible decisions, and remember that you only have one life – protect it.”
Alcohol remains the leading factor in impaired-driving crashes, injuries, and fatalities in Florida. Over the last five years, alcohol alone accounted for:
· 84.4% of impaired-driving crashes
· 35.7% of impaired-driving fatalities
· 80.7% of impaired-driving injuries.
FHP also emphasizes other dangerous impairments such as drug-impaired driving and drowsy driving.
To learn more about the Never Drive Impaired campaign and how to recognize impaired drivers, click here. |
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Senate Honors President Albritton During Traditional Portrait Unveiling
This week, the official portrait of Senate President Ben Albritton was formally unveiled. As the 91st President of the Florida Senate, his portrait will remain displayed in the Senate Chamber for the next 100 years, under current tradition, before being moved to the Historic Capitol for preservation.
The portrait highlights President Albritton’s deep Florida roots in the citrus industry, featuring a citrus tree and a bowl of oranges as a tribute to his family’s legacy in citrus growing. It also depicts a Bible that was given to him by Florida House Speaker Danny Perez during their 2024 swearing-in ceremony. Additional elements include the American flag and a photograph of President Albritton alongside his wife and children at their family home.
President Albritton resides in Wauchula with his wife, Missy. The couple are longtime members of First Christian Church of Wauchula, where Senator Albritton serves as an elder. They have three adult children and four grandchildren.
Legislature Passes Strong Consumer Protections for Data Centers
SB 484 – Data Centers addresses the negative impacts of large-scale data processing centers. Specifically, the bill establishes guardrails to protect Floridians from increased utility costs associated with these facilities' high electricity consumption. This bill also prohibits public electric utilities from knowingly providing service to large load facilities owned or controlled by foreign countries of concern.
Now that the legislation has passed both chambers, Senate Bill 484 will be presented to Governor DeSantis for his signature.
Legislature Passes Bill to Improve Access, Accountability in Florida’s Medicaid Program
SB 1758 – Public Assistance advanced off the Senate Floor this week. This legislation adds safeguards to strengthen access and accountability within Florida’s Medicaid program. Additionally, the bill ensures compliance with federal standards intended to lower the payment error rate in Florida’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
This legislation expands access to healthcare services for the roughly four million Floridians enrolled in Medicaid by creating a new waiver program to offer community-based behavioral health services. The bill also adds measures to increase accountability in the Medicaid system. These measures include requiring certain able-bodied adults to meet work requirements, implementing strategies to help Medicaid secure more competitive pricing for prescription drugs and medical devices, and adding new reporting requirements to strengthen oversight, transparency, and financial accountability.
Now that the legislation has passed both chambers, Senate Bill 1758 will be presented to Governor DeSantis for his signature.
Legislature Passes Bill to Fund the Ryan White Part B AIDS Drug Assistance Program
HB 697 – Drug Prices and Coverage revises pharmacy benefits plan definitions and imposes new contract requirements and prohibitions on pharmacy benefit managers.
Additionally, the bill provides $30.9 million to the Department of Health for implementation of the Ryan White Part B AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) through June 30, 2026. The program will remain available to Floridians with an adjusted gross household income at or below 400% of the federal poverty level.
Now that the legislation has passed both chambers, House Bill 697 will be presented to Governor DeSantis for his signature. |
I was deeply saddened to learn that Tom Schuller passed away on Saturday, March 7th at the age of 66. As President of the Brevard County Farm Bureau, Tom has guided the organization through years of growth, advocacy, and service, ensuring that local agriculture remains strong, sustainable, and connected to the families who depend on the industry. His leadership reflects his values, hard work, stewardship, and a commitment to leaving things better than he found them.
Under Tom’s direction, the Farm Bureau has strengthened its role as a vital resource for producers and educators alike. Programs such as Run Through the Ranch 5K and Ag in the Classroom have flourished, expanding public awareness of agriculture and supporting teachers who bring agricultural literacy into Brevard’s classrooms. Tom’s support for these initiatives demonstrates his belief that agriculture is not only an industry, but a legacy to be shared with the next generation.
Alongside Laurie, his wife of 40 years, Tom has helped build a Farm Bureau chapter that is envied statewide for its foundation in community service and genuine care for its members, His steady presence, thoughtful guidance, and unwavering dedication have made a lasting impact on Brevard County and the State of Florida.
Tom Schuller will forever be remembered for his years of compassionate service, his commitment to local farmers, ranchers and families, and most importantly, as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. |
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Sergeant First Class Melvin Morris, United States Army (RET) and Medal of Honor Recipient
Our Constituent of the Week is Sergeant Melvin Morris, U.S. Army (RET), Medal of Honor recipient, two-time Purple Heart recipient, and decorated Veteran of the United States Army Special Forces.
Sergeant Morris was born in Oklahoma in 1942. At age 17, he enlisted in the Oklahoma State National Guard before joining the U.S. Army. In 1961, he became one of the first soldiers to qualify for the Green Berets when President John F. Kennedy dramatically expanded and elevated the role of the U.S. Army Special Forces. Sergeant Morris was also a Commander of a Strike Force drawn from Company D, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces.
Sergeant Morris served two tours in Vietnam and was awarded the Medal of Honor, the United States' highest award for military valor and noble acts, above and beyond the call of duty, during combat operations.
On September 17, 1969, near Chi Lang, South Vietnam, during intense combat, Sergeant Morris led a small team across an enemy minefield to recover the body of a fallen commander. When his men were wounded, he carried them back to safety and then returned alone. Sergeant Morris charged through machine‑gun fire, destroyed enemy positions with grenades, and refused to abandon his comrade even after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.
After 23 years of noble service to our nation, Sergeant Morris retired in 1982. His post-military career included work in areas where he could apply the technical and logistical skills he developed in Special Forces such as the oil fields, construction, and as a heavy equipment operator.
In 1990, he moved to Brevard County and became deeply involved in youth outreach, speaking in schools, and mentoring youth. In these roles, Sergeant Morris shared his firsthand accounts of Vietnam, discussing the meaning of valor and patriotism, while helping to preserve the stories of soldiers who never returned.
In 2014, he was presented with the prestigious Medal of Honor at the White House by President Barack Obama for his “valor, perseverance, and dignity.” Sergeant Morris was also awarded two Purple Hearts for injuries sustained during his courageous service in the Vietnam War.
For decades, Sergeant Morris has been a tireless national advocate for Veterans, participating in Medal of Honor Society programs, public ceremonies, interviews, and educational initiatives. Even after surviving a stroke in 2024, he continues to serve his community. Together with his son, Maurice, he launched the Medal of Honor 5K Run & Walk, which takes place each March at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, to support homeless Veterans and fund local scholarships.
Sergeant Morris resides in Cocoa with his wife of nearly 63 years, Mary Virginia, and they have three children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
In advance of National Medal of Honor Day on March 25th, SD 19 is incredibly grateful for Sergeant Morris’ lifetime of service, sacrifice, courage, and leadership. |
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NASA Update on Artemis II
Last week, NASA announced two additional dates for the launch of Artemis II. The new launch opportunities are April 1st at 6:24 p.m. and April 2nd at 7:22 p.m.
NASA officials confirmed that repairs to the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion capsule were completed while the vehicle remains inside the Vehicle Assembly Building. The helium leak, traced to a faulty seal in the quick‑disconnect system, was identified after the second wet dress rehearsal. Engineers redesigned the seal and verified that no third wet dress rehearsal is needed.
Technicians also replaced and activated multiple flight batteries, including those for the termination system, upper stage, core stage, solid rocket boosters, and Orion’s launch abort system.
The SLS and Orion are scheduled to roll back to Launch Pad 39B on March 19th in preparation for the Artemis II crewed mission with four astronauts aboard for a 10-day lunar flyby.
To follow the status of the Artemis II mission, click here.
St. Francis Hospice Earns 5-Star Quality Rating
St. Francis Hospice was recently recognized with a 5-Star Quality Rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the highest rating awarded through the CMS Hospice Care Compare program. St. Francis Hospice is currently the only hospice in Florida to hold a 5-Star rating.
Hospices statewide were evaluated for caregiver-reported experiences across key areas, including communication, responsiveness, pain and symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, and overall quality of care. The goal of the program is to provide transparent, data-informed insight to help families and healthcare partners make informed care decisions.
Florida, with approximately 155,000 hospice patients, is one of the highest‑utilization hospice states in the country due to the state's large senior population and high rate of Medicare enrollment.
To learn more about St. Francis Hospice, click here.
Brevard Public Schools and Space Launch Delta 45 Formalize Partnership to Support Military-Dependent Students
Brevard Public Schools (BPS) and Space Launch Delta 45 (SLD 45) recently celebrated a significant milestone as Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell and SLD 45 Commander Colonel Chatman officially signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) focused on enhancing support for military-dependent students transferring into BPS.
As a designated Florida Purple Star School District, BPS is committed to supporting military-connected students through specialized resources, streamlined processes, and strong community partnerships.
Key elements of the updated agreement include:
· Streamlined registration using military orders.
· Timely and efficient transfer of student records.
· Full utilization of the Military Interstate Compact to support students moving between states.
· Enhanced access to academic support, extracurricular opportunities, and mental health resources.
The updated MOU marks an important step in aligning shared efforts with current district policies and Florida legislation to strengthen protections for military families.
For more information on military family and support at Brevard Public Schools, contact Susan Clark, School Liaison Program Manager at Susan.clark.8@spaceforce.mil. |
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5th Annual "Poocharella Fest Fur the Dogs"
Touch of Grey Rescue’s 5th annual "Poocharella Fest Fur the Dogs" will be held on Saturday, March 21st from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Wickham Park (2500 Parkway Drive) in Melbourne.
The family and pet-friendly event is free of charge. The Poocharella event includes pet specialty vendors with customized collars, dog frisbees, pet apparel, handcrafted feeders, and crate covers available for purchase. Other activities include pet caricatures, pet paw print paintings, the Swift Paws lure course, a Photo Zone, and a “Best in Rescue Competition.”
For more information, click here.
Space Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival
The Space Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival will be held on Friday, March 20th and Saturday, March 21st from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. each evening at the Space Coast Daily Park (5775 Stadium Parkway) in Viera.
Ticket prices for tethered balloon rides range from $10 to $45. Organizers encourage attendees to purchase tickets online in advance as space is limited. Other festival activities include a nightly Balloon Glow and Laser Show, live music, a Kids Zone, food and beverages, local craft vendors, and more.
For more information and to purchase tickets online, click here.
2nd Annual Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day Celebration
In recognition of the Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day, the General Daniel "Chappie" James, Jr. Chapter, representing Melbourne and the surrounding areas, will hold a luncheon on Saturday, March 28th, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Hilton Melbourne Beach Oceanfront (3003 North Highway A1A).
The celebration luncheon honors the heroic legacy and enduring impact of the Tuskegee Airmen. Melanie Holt of WFTV will serve as the program host, and Cheryl Thompson, award-winning NPR reporter and author of Forgotten Souls, will serve as the keynote speaker.
The luncheon fee is $50, and participants can register here.
Providence Connects 3rd Annual Chili Cookoff
Providence Connects (formerly Daily Bread) will hold their 3rd annual Chili Cookoff on Sunday, March 29th from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Front Street Park (2205 Front Street) in Melbourne.
Tickets are $50 per adult and includes food and drinks. Children under age 18 are free with paid adult. Proceeds benefit Providence Connects and their mission to help individuals and families with food, housing, and other support resources.
Space is limited and those interested in competing should register by emailing Brandy@providenceconnects.org or call 321) 723.1060 as soon as possible.
For more information or to sponsor 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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