| The Mayfield Minute - March 22, 2026 |
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Spring Break 2026!
Over 90,000 students and more than 10,000 teachers from K-12 schools throughout Brevard County will be on Spring Break from Monday, March 23rd through Friday, March 27th. Eastern Florida State College and Florida Institute of Technology will also be on Spring Break this week.
Whether you and your family plan to travel or stay local next week, I wish you a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable Spring Break. I also want to take a moment to personally thank the teachers, staff, and administrators who support and guide our students every day towards a bright and successful future.
While the 2026 Legislative Session has concluded, we are still waiting for details on the pending special session to finalize the budget. In the meantime, I will provide updates on the status of bills passed by the Legislature this session in the "Bill Actions by Governor DeSantis" section below.
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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Over 10,000 Bonuses Awarded to New Law Enforcement Recruits
Last week, Governor DeSantis announced that Florida has surpassed 10,000 bonuses distributed through the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus program.
The program offers a one-time, after-tax payment of $5,000 to officers who relocate and begin employment in Florida, serving both as a reward and an incentive to join the state’s law enforcement workforce. So far, over $67.9 million has been distributed through the bonus program.
“This milestone of more than 10,000 recruitment bonuses is a tremendous achievement for our state and the dedicated men and women who choose to protect our communities,” said Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ leadership, these bonuses not only help our new officers and their families get settled, but they also strengthen our neighborhoods, improve public safety and support the long-term well-being of communities throughout Florida.”
Launched in 2022, this unique initiative highlights Florida’s ongoing support for our law enforcement personnel.
To read the announcement in full, click here.
Lower Down Payment Requirement Coming Soon for Prospective Condo Buyers in Florida
A long‑standing financing barrier that has made it harder and more expensive to buy a condo in Florida is changing, according to a recent press release from Congressman Byron Donalds.
For the last 17 years, Florida condo buyers using Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac for financing have been required to make a 25% down payment. The requirement did not apply in other states, and has now been eliminated in Florida.
“These 2008 policies are not only outdated and unfair to the Sunshine State, but they are an unnecessary barrier to condo financing and have limited the available housing options for Floridians,” said Congressman Donalds.
Florida condo buyers can soon qualify for down payments of 3% to 5%, the same as every other state. Lenders can return to traditional underwriting, which is simpler, faster, more predictable, and aligned with national standards. Additionally, the new rule may benefit sellers due to an increase in demand coupled with a decreased down-payment requirement.
Lenders must enact the new rules for loan applications dated on or after August 3, 2026.
To read the announcement in full, click here.
Florida Receives Donation of Silver Recovered from 1715 Spanish Shipwreck off Indian River and St. Lucie Counties
Last week, Secretary of State Cord Byrd announced that the Florida Division of Historical Resources has received a donation of 51 silver objects from the 1715 Fleet Society.
Discovered in 2021 by Captain Michael Perna and the crew of the Mighty Mo, the objects were recovered from the site of a shipwreck that was identified off the coast of Indian River and St. Lucie Counties. The ship was part of the Spanish Plate Fleet, carrying cargo to Europe from Spain's American colonies, when it sank during a hurricane that impacted Florida’s East Coast in 1715.
The donated artifacts were likely part of a single object that was to be reassembled upon arrival in Spain. These items are believed to be part of two never-before-seen plaques bearing a horseman, similar to depictions used during Spain’s Reconquista in the 15th century.
“On behalf of the Florida Department of State, I extend my sincere thanks to Mr. Richard Beleson and the 1715 Fleet Society for their generous donation,” said Secretary Byrd. These historic items have been added to the state’s public collections where they will be made available for exhibit, loan, and research for the benefit of all Floridians.” |
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| Bill Action by Governor DeSantis |
Legislative Bill History from 2001 to 2025
The 2026 regular legislative session concluded Sine Die on Friday March 13th. A total of 1,896 bills were filed with 237 bills approved by chambers. By comparison, last year 1,959 bills were filed, with 269 approved by both chambers.
Looking back over the past 25 years, 2022 stands out as the year with the highest legislative activity with 3,685 bills filed and 285 approved by both chambers. On the other end of the spectrum, 2015 recorded the fewest bills filed with 1,754, though 231 were still approved by both chambers.
When it comes to vetoes over the same period, Governor Jeb Bush issued the most in a single year, vetoing 37 bills in 2005. Governors Scott and DeSantis share the record for the fewest bills vetoed in a single year, each issuing just a single veto in 2014 and 2021, respectively.
Bill Action by Governor DeSantis
As of Sunday, March 22nd, Governor DeSantis has received 11 bills for his consideration.
Upon receipt of a bill, the Governor has seven days to sign, veto, or take no action at which point the bill will automatically become law.
Bills Received:
CS/CS/CS/SB 290 – Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
CS/SB 844 - Sickle Cell Disease Care Management and Treatment Continuing Education
SB 386 – Farm Equipment
HB 7011 – A Review under the Open Government Sunset Review Act
CS/HB 697 – Drug Prices and Coverage
HB 569 – Forensic Client Services
CS/CS/CS/HB 1443 - Parkinson's Disease Registry
CS/HB 1445 – Public Records
CS/CS/CS/HB 399 – Land Use and Development Regulations
Bills Signed:
CS/CS/SB 302 - Coastal Resiliency
CS/CS/CS/HB 1417 - Department of Environmental Protection
If you have an interest or concern regarding any of the above bills, you can contact the Governor's office directly here. |
| Honoring Freddie Woolfork |
I was deeply saddened to learn that, Freddie Woolfork, known throughout Indian River County as “Mr. GYAC,” passed away on March 11th at the age of 74.
Freddie served nearly 30 years as public relations director of the Gifford Youth Achievement Center (GYAC) and was the organization’s first employee. He is remembered as a beloved community leader, mentor, and lifelong advocate leaving behind an irreplaceable legacy. GYAC's leadership credits him with helping transform the center into a stabilizing force for local youth, raising Black student graduation rates from 25% in the late 1990s to more than 90% today.
Freddie was a graduate of Florida A&M University, deacon at St. Peter’s Missionary Baptist Church, and an active member of the NAACP and the Gifford Progressive Civic League. His civic work included helping develop the Gifford Neighborhood Plan, relocating the historic Macedonia Church to Gifford, organizing annual turkey drives, and supporting revitalization projects throughout the community.
Friends and colleagues recall him as humble, faith‑driven, and deeply committed to uplifting children and families. Freddie Woolfork will forever be remembered as a selfless man whose influence will continue shaping the community for generations, and as a loving husband to his wife, Faye, and a devoted father, grandfather, and friend.
Rest in Peace, my friend. |
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Chief Mariano Augello, City of Palm Bay Police Department
In recognition of his 25 years of service and his retirement on April 2nd, our Constituent of the Week is Chief Mariano Augello, City of Palm Bay Police Department (PBPD).
Chief Augello was born and raised in New York. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1993 and served as an Infantryman, Paratrooper, Air Assault Soldier, and M60 Machine Gunner. Chief Augello completed his military service at the rank of Specialist.
Chief Augello joined the Palm Bay Police Department in 2000 and served in several positions early in his career, such as Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Corporal, and Neighborhood Policing Unit Coordinator. In 2006, he was promoted to Sergeant where he supervised the Patrol, Neighborhood Policing Unit, Crime Suppression Unit, and Internal Affairs.
In 2011, he was promoted to Lieutenant and served in Patrol as a Watch Commander and in Special Operations and Criminal Investigations. In 2016, in recognition of his supervisory, investigative, and command leadership, Chief Augello received the City of Palm Bay City Manager’s "Award of Excellence."
While working as a full-time law enforcement officer, Chief Augello graduated from Barry University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration in 2016.
In 2017, Chief Augello was promoted to Commander, leading both the Special Operations and Uniform Services Divisions. He was appointed Deputy Chief of Police in 2019 and Chief of Police in 2022.
Throughout his career with PBPD, Chief Augello served as a member and Commander of the SWAT Team. He is also a graduate of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Leadership Academy, Senior Management Institute of Police, and Florida State University’s Center for Public Management.
During Chief Augello’s tenure, he spearheaded the creation of the Palm Bay Police Foundation, a comprehensive wellness program with a dedicated wellness coordinator, peer support team, and resources for all PBPD personnel, including their families and department retirees. The Foundation also focuses on mental health awareness and breaking the stigma within law enforcement. Additionally, he is actively involved with Survive First, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing suicide rates among first responders.
In retirement, Chief Augello looks forward to spending time with family.
SD 19 extends our sincere gratitude to Chief Mariano Augello for his decades of courageous leadership and his commitment to protect and serve our nation and our community. |
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Hell ‘n Blazes Brewing Company Voted #1 in Florida
For the second consecutive year, Hell ’n Blazes Brewing Company has secured its place as one of Florida’s top craft breweries after winning the Best Medium‑Sized Brewery award at the 2026 Professional Competition hosted by Best Florida Beer. In the competition, which included hundreds of breweries statewide, Hell 'n Blazes also earned six medals including two golds and four silvers.
The Best Florida Beer Professional competition is judged by certified beer experts and highlights the state’s top breweries across multiple categories. Hell 'n Blazes owner, Don DiFrisco, credited brewmaster Todd Furbeck for the wins, calling him the creative force behind their award‑winning lineup.
Hell ‘n Blazes is located at 1002 East New Haven Avenue in Historic Downtown Melbourne and offers a pub-style food, taproom, game room, and an outdoor dining and music area. For more information about the brewery, click here.
Melbourne Beach Renourishment Project Nearing Completion
A major beach renourishment project in the Melbourne Beach area will soon be completed after three years of work. The renourishment project was necessary following critical beach erosion caused by Hurricanes Ian (category 4) and Nicole (category 1) in 2022.
Crews used an ocean-faring “hopper” dredge that carried approximately one million cubic yards of sand to the beach via a temporary pipeline. Upon completion of the renourished area, the beach will be 60 feet wider and ensure better protection of the coastline into the future.
Tourism officials say the project was vital as the beaches are the number one attraction for visitors to the Space Coast, providing an annual economic impact of nearly $2 billion. The $50 million cost was covered by taxes collected from hotel stays and short-term rentals.
The project is expected to be complete in early April, well before turtle nesting season.
2026 weVENTURE "Women Who Rock" Winners Announced
Last week, weVENTURE Women’s Business Center at Florida Tech’s Nathan M. Bisk College of Business announced the recipients of the 2026 "Women Who Rock" awards. Over 60 nominations were submitted by community members, and the following outstanding local women won the top spot in each of their categories:
Small Business Owner of the Year
· Christi Adams, Owner, Director, and CEO, The Glass House Recovery
Executive of the Year
· Cheyana Fischer, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive, Health First
Excellence in Mentorship
· Nicole Hosey, Associate Attorney, Montas Turner, P.A
STEM Impact Leader Award
· Lauren-Ann Graham, Mechanical Test Engineer, Lockheed Martin;
Excellence in Caregiving
· Alexis Eppes, DNP, Founder and CEO, Eppes Psych
Zonta Yellow Rose Award for Excellence in Community Service
· Deborah Carson, Community Impact and Engagement Associate, Eightysecond Capital Partners
Congratulations to all of the nominees and top recipients of the 2026 "Women Who Rock" awards.
For more information about weVENTURE, click here. |
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1st Annual National Vietnam War Veterans Day “Welcome Home” Event
The Vietnam Veterans of America Space Coast Chapter #1096, Vietnam War Exhibit & Education Center, and the Vietnams Veterans of Brevard will hold an inaugural National Vietnam War Veterans Day "Welcome Home" event on Thursday, March 26th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Captains House (1300 Bianca Drive NE) in Palm Bay.
The event is free of charge and dinner will be served from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Barbara “Bobbie the Weather Girl” Keith from the Vietnam era and Brevard Veterans Memorial Center Vice President Sgt. Don Pearsall, U.S. Army and Purple Heart recipient, will serve as the guest speakers. The Marine Corps League will conduct the flag ceremony.
For more information, contact the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #1096 at (321) 367-9541 or by email at vva1096@outlook.com.
2nd Annual Horses & Bunny Hops Easter Egg Hunt
The 2nd annual Horses & Bunny Hops Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday, March 28th from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Relentless Equestrian Stables (4150 Lake Washington Road) in Melbourne. The Easter egg hunts will take place at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
Tickets are $15 per person and children ages two and under are free. Entry tickets are required for all guests, whether or not you are participating in the hunt. Participants should bring their own baskets.
Event highlights include over 10,000 Easter eggs to hunt, photos with the Easter Bunny, hay wagon rides, arts and crafts, a petting zoo, and bounce houses.
For more information, contact (508) 523-4919.
Brevard Symphony Orchestra Tropical Rock Concert
The Brevard Symphony Orchestra Tropical Rock Concert will be held on Saturday, March 28th from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the King Center for the Performing Arts (3865 North Wickham Road) in Melbourne.
The concert celebrates the legendary tropical songs of Jimmy Buffet, Bob Marley, Van Morrison, the Beach Boys, and others. Individual tickets are $45 and parking is $10, both can be purchased online here.
For more information, contact Laura Sayer at (321) 345-5052.
Underwater Eggsplosions!
Brevard County Parks and Recreation will hold two Underwater Eggsplosion Easter events:
· Friday, April 3rd from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the McLarty Aquatic Center (790 Barton Boulevard) in Rockledge
· Saturday, April 4th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Dr. Joe Lee Smith Aquatic Center (415 Stone Street) in Cocoa
The Eggsplosion events are for ages 4 to 15 and are $6 for participants and $2 for all other swimmers. Registration must be completed in advance; on site reservation will not be permitted. Children will be grouped together by age to ensure fun for all.
All collected eggs will be turned in for a goodie bag. Pictures will be available with the Easter Bunny or the Easter Chicken. Participants should bring a waterproof basket and a towel.
To register, contact Debbie Browning at (321) 633-1874. |
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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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