| The Mayfield Minute - March 1, 2026 |
|
National Women's History Month!
National Women’s History Month began in 1980, when President Jimmy Carter issued a presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8th as National Women’s History Week. In 1987, Congress officially designated March as Women’s History Month, passing Public Law 100-9, Since 1995, each President has issued an annual proclamation honoring the designation.
The 2026 theme for Women’s History Month is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.” This theme celebrates the contributions of women who are leading sustainability efforts across environmental, economic, educational, and political movements.
Today in the Florida Legislature, 60 women hold nearly 40% of the 160 seats in the 40-member Senate and the 120-member House of Representatives. This historic number reflects a growing representation of women across our state whose professional and personal experiences continue to shape public policy in Florida. I'm honored to serve with these accomplished women who lead with wisdom, integrity, and compassion.
Last week, the Florida Legislature completed the seventh week of the 2026 Legislative Session. The Legislature advanced bills addressing property tax restructuring, elections, education, and agricultural and conservation lands. Additionally, negotiations continue on the 2026-2027 proposed budgets. The Senate's proposed budget is $115 billion while the House's proposed budget is $113.58.
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! |
|
Domestic Travel Drives Record Tourism in Florida
Florida welcomed a record 143.3 million visitors in 2025, a 0.2% increase from 2024. The preliminary estimate is bolstered by 131 million domestic visitors, which is approximately 91.5% of all travelers.
International travel also grew with nearly 9.3 million overseas visitors, a 4% increase from 2024. The largest gains came from Brazil (10.4% increase), the United Kingdom (6% increase), and Columbia (6% increase).
“Through strategic investments in infrastructure, public safety, and environmental stewardship, we are ensuring that Florida remains a place where families can vacation with confidence and where our tourism industry can continue to thrive," said Governor DeSantis.
To review the full announcement, click here.
Florida Forever Commemorates 25 Years with Largest Conservation Easement in Program History
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has secured the largest conservation easement in the 25-year history of the Florida Forever program. This easement permanently protects 61,525 acres of working forestland within the Ocala-to-Osceola Wildlife Corridor in Baker and Union counties.
This conservation easement preserves a vast, intact landscape that connects Camp Blanding Military Reservation, the Raiford Wildlife Management Area, and Osceola National Forest, closing the final major gap in a nearly 100-mile, 1.6-million-acre network of public and private conservation lands.
"Conserving this single-owner tract in perpetuity strengthens landscape-scale connectivity while allowing the land to remain in active forest management that supports the local economy," said DEP Secretary Alexis Lambert.
Throughout the Florida Forever program, the state conserves land that provides environmental, recreational and preservation benefits, including water quality and quantity safeguards.
For more information about the Florida Forever Program, click here.
Crypto Criminal Sentenced to 21 Years in Prison for
Targeting Seniors
Last week, Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that the Office of Statewide Prosecution's Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit (CFEU) secured a 21.6-year prison sentence for Otiz Swinton, Jr., marking the longest sentence for a cyber fraud case since the CFEU was founded in 2023.
The investigation in collaboration with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, began after a complaint from one of Swinton’s victims, a 95-year-old man. For nearly three years, Swinton repeatedly contacted the victim, falsely claiming that the victim’s Fidelity account had been compromised. Swinton convinced the victim to transfer funds to a Wells Fargo account and to mail him a flash drive and a cell phone to access the victim’s computer remotely.
“This fraudster preyed on some of our most vulnerable citizens without remorse,” said Attorney General Uthmeier. “Florida will not tolerate criminals who exploit our seniors, and I am grateful to Assistant Statewide Prosecutors Sarah Keith and Patrick Gilday for their work in securing a sentence that reflects the severity of these crimes.”
Swinton additionally targeted a second victim, a 97-year-old woman, with more false identifications to gain access to various financial accounts.
To learn more about this case, and how to identify fraudulent activity, click here. |
|
Senate Passes Strong Consumer Protections for Data Centers
SB 484 – Data Centers unanimously passed the Senate Floor.
This bill addresses the negative impacts of large-scale data processing centers. Specifically, the bill creates guardrails to protect Floridians from increased utility costs associated with the high electricity consumption of these facilities. This bill also prohibits public electric utilities from knowingly providing service to large load facilities owned or controlled by foreign countries of concern.
Senate Bill 484 was sent to the House in Messages for their consideration.
SB 800 Successfully Pass Through Committee
SB 800 – Engineering unanimously passed the Senate Committee on Fiscal Policy.
Current law outlines the penalties for individuals that practice engineering without a license. SB 800 imposes progressively higher fines for subsequent offenses of unlicensed engineering practice.
The next stop for SB 800 is the Senate Floor.
SB 546, 678, and 1014 Pass Senate Floor
SB 546 – Conservation Lands successfully passed the Senate Floor.
The bill strengthens transparency in decisions involving the sale or exchange of state conservation lands.
SB 546 ensures the public is informed in advance about which conservation lands are proposed for sale or exchange, the reasons they are deemed surplus, and the criteria used to evaluate those decisions. The bill establishes clearer processes to safeguard public interests before conservation lands leave public ownership.
Now that the legislation has passed both chambers, House Bill 441, the companion to SB 546, will be presented to Governor DeSantis for his signature.
SB 678 – Deductions for Certain Losses of Alcoholic Beverages successfully passed the Senate Floor.
SB 678 allows alcoholic beverage distributors to deduct certain losses of unsalable products from the excise taxes they owe. Under the bill, distributors may deduct losses caused by warehouse breakage, spoilage, evaporation, expiration, or products becoming unfit for consumption.
Now that the legislation has passed both chambers, House Bill 1137, the companion to SB 678, will be presented to Governor DeSantis for his signature.
SB 1014 – Provision of Municipal Utility Service to Owners Outside the Municipal Limits successfully passed the Senate Floor.
The bill requires a municipal water or sewer utility to allow a property owner outside their municipal limits to connect, so long as certain requirements are met. Specifically, the utility must have sufficient capacity, the existing service lines must be within a mile of the property, and the property owner must pay for the connection costs and any applicable fees.
Senate Bill 1014 was sent to the House in Messages for their consideration. |
|
Mr. Robert Rose, President & CEO of Bansbach Easylift of North America, and a U.S. Army Veteran
Our Constituent of the Week is Mr. Robert T. Rose, President and CEO of Bansbach Easylift of North America, Inc. and United States Army Veteran.
Mr. Rose was born in Massachusetts to a family of military Veterans. His grandfather was a U.S. Army Sergeant during World War I and his father was a Platoon Sergeant in World War II. His brother was a Marine and served in Korea and Vietnam.
Upon graduation from high school, Mr. Rose continued in his family’s footsteps by enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1982. While in the military he served as a Nuclear Weapons Missile Instructor. In 1988, he returned to Massachusetts and began a career as a police officer in the Town of Berkley. In 2000, he moved to Florida where he also served as a police officer in Hardee County.
In 2003, he became President and CEO of Bansbach Easylift of North America, a worldwide leading manufacturer of motion control devices and systems. Bansbach Easylift produces gas springs, dampers, linear actuators, and hydraulic lift systems which are critical to many industries including medical, transportation, construction, marine, and aerospace.
Under Mr. Rose’s leadership, Bansbach Easylift in Melbourne exceeded over $30 million in sales and distribution globally.
Over 10 years ago, Mr. Rose said, “I highly recommend that if Brevard companies haven't, they should implement a program to fast-track Veterans to their board. Bansbach Easylift is successful because of the skills we get by hiring Veterans.”
That sentiment remains true today as Bansbach Easylift has 70 local employees of which approximately half are Veterans.
Mr. Rose’s commitment to our community extends well beyond his noble service to our nation and his professional success. He is highly respected for his philanthropy and volunteerism throughout Brevard County, particularly within the Veteran and law enforcement communities.
Mr. Rose is the Founder and President of the U.S. Veterans Response Team, an organization that provides PTSD and traumatic brain injury support for Veterans. Additionally, he was the first president of the Brevard County Safety Charity and has served as the Director of FBI National Academy Associates Charitable Foundation since 2020.
Mr. Rose is the recipient of countless awards, including “Veterans Advocate of the Year” from the National Veterans Homeless Support organization and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office “Partnership Award.”
He has served as an adjunct instructor at the Eastern Florida State College Law Enforcement Academy and is a member of the Brevard Association of Chiefs of Police. He also has contributed over 1,200 hours as a Sergeant in the Brevard Sheriff’s Office Reserve Unit.
Mr. Rose and his wife of 30 years, Cristina, reside in Merritt Island.
SD 19 commends Mr. Rose for his decades of service as a decorated Veteran, law enforcement officer, business leader, and his enduring support of Veterans and public safety organizations throughout Brevard County. |
|
MLB Airport Receives $2.5 Million from State Job Growth
Grant Fund
The Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) was recently awarded $2.5 million through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, a statewide economic development program that provides competitive grants. The grants support the workforce and infrastructure needs of Florida’s aerospace and aviation, military and defense, cybersecurity, and financial services industries.
MLB will utilize the funding to expand their current Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) apron. The MRO apron at MLB is a large, specialized aircraft operations area which is essential in providing the ground space needed for multiple aircraft to undergo maintenance simultaneously. Expanding this apron will create 500 new jobs with an average salary of $75,000 to $85,000 annually.
To read the announcement in full, click here.
US Coast Guard Conducts "Operation Clear Channel" to Warn Boaters in Port Canaveral Area
Last weekend, members of the United States Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Port Canaveral (MSU Canaveral) distributed flyers at boat ramps near Port Canaveral to raise awareness for "Operation Clear Channel."
"Operation Clear Channel" is a U.S. Coast Guard safety and enforcement initiative designed to keep navigational channels clear for commercial vessels such as cargo ships, tankers, and cruise ships. The operation is based on 33 U.S. Code § 2072, which states that vessels under 65 feet and fishing and sailing vessels must not impede the passage of a vessel that can only safely navigate within a channel. Violations can result in civil penalties up to $5,000 and possible vessel confiscation.
MSU Canaveral emphasizes the following:
- Stay out of marked shipping channels unless crossing safely.
- Maintain situational awareness of approaching ships.
- Leave plenty of room for large vessels to maneuver as they cannot stop quickly or deviate from the channel.
For more information contact MSU Canaveral, call (321) 784-6780.
NASA Announces Update on Artemis II Launch Date
After discovering an issue with the flow of helium to the rocket's upper stage during the February 20th wet dress rehearsal for Artemis II, the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft was rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at Kennedy Space Center.
Teams are reviewing potential causes of the issue, as well as data from Artemis I in which teams had to troubleshoot helium-related pressurization of the upper stage before launch.
The rollback also means NASA will not launch Artemis II in March and instead will plan for an April launch window pending the outcome of data findings and repair efforts.
To monitor updates of the status of Artemis II, click here. |
|
Public Meeting on Playalinda District of Canaveral National Seashore Stormwater Management
The National Park Service (NPS) will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, March 4th from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Titusville Public Library (2121 South Hopkins Avenue) in Titusville.
The purpose of the meeting is to obtain public input on preliminary planning concepts to address storm related issues affecting access, operations, and management in the Playalinda District of Canaveral National Seashore.Through the planning process, the NPS will analyze alternative storm-resilient strategies for the future of the Playalinda District.
For more information, contact 386-428-3384.
59th Annual Grant Seafood Festival
The 59th Annual Grant Seafood Festival will be held on Saturday, March 7th from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 8th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Festival Grounds (4580 First Street) in Grant.
Free parking is available at the Valkaria Airport and shuttles will run in a continuous loop to the festival on Saturday, March 7th from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 8th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Admission for the family- friendly event is free and tickets for food and beverage purchases are sold in batches of 10 for $10. The event features over 200 crafters' exhibits, live entertainment, and a vast menu of seafood favorites.
For more information, click here.
8th Annual Strawberry Festival
The 8th Annual Strawberry Festival will take place on Saturday, March 14th and Sunday, March 15th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Fred Poppe Regional Park (1951 Malabar Road NW) in Palm Bay.
Admission is $7 and only cash is accepted; children under age two are free to attend. Event activities include arts and crafts, bounce houses, axe throwing, pie eating, and 'berry cute baby' contests, monster truck rides, pony rides, and much more.
For more information, click here.
2nd Annual Cocoa Beach Art Wave Festival
The 2nd Annual Cocoa Beach Art Wave Festival will be held on Saturday, March 21st and Sunday, March 22nd from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Downtown Cocoa Beach (505 North Orlando Avenue) at the Minuteman Causeway.
The event is free of charge and features live artists competing in painting surfboards, barrels, mirrors, and other objects on site which attendees can then vote for their favorites. The festival includes live music, food trucks, kid-friendly activities, and local coastal-themed art for purchase
Artists and crafters wishing to showcase and sell their art must apply in advance here.
For more Art Wave Festival information, 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
Staff
Yvette Campbell
Christian Chesnut
William Gooden
Kelli Lane
|
|
|
