| The Mayfield Minute - March 29, 2026 |
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Palm Sunday and Passover
Today, Christians around the world celebrate Palm Sunday in commemoration of Jesus Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, the final week of Lent leading up to Easter Sunday. Traditionally, Palm Sunday is celebrated with the blessing and procession of palm branches symbolizing the palms that the crowd scattered before Jesus.
"They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting 'Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" --John 12:13
The Jewish Passover holiday will also begin this week at sundown on Wednesday, April 1st. Passover commemorates the Exodus, where God led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. It is a time for families to gather, revisit the Exodus story, and reflect on themes of freedom and redemption.
"You shall keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread. As I commanded you, you shall eat unleavened bread for seven days at the appointed time in the month of Abib, for in it you came out of Egypt. None shall appear before me empty-handed." --Exodus 23:15
I wish you and your family peace, joy, and many blessings as we celebrate Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Passover.
While the 2026 Legislative Session has concluded, we are waiting for details on the pending special session to finalize the budget. In the meantime, I will continue to 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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FLHSMV Issues Alert Warning Motorists of New Scam
Last week, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) released a warning to drivers regarding an ongoing fraudulent scheme involving counterfeit court notices that falsely claim to originate from Florida county courts and related judicial offices.
These documents closely resemble official government correspondence and state that recipients have outstanding traffic or toll violations and demand immediate payment. The fraudulent notices may include:
· References to Florida Statutes and fabricated case numbers
· Threats of license suspension, registration holds, or default judgment
· QR codes directing recipients to unauthorized payment portals
· Unsolicited “hearing dates” or instructions to remit funds immediately
These communications are not issued by any Florida court, clerk’s office, or state agency. Residents are reminded that official government entities do not request payment through QR codes, third‑party links, or unverified online platforms. FLHSMV will never contact you via text message demanding payment or threatening suspension or arrest.
If you receive a suspicious message:
· Do not click any links.
· Do not share personal or financial information.
· Report it to the Federal Trade Commission and local law enforcement immediately.
To view a copy of the fraudulent form, click here.
Impact of NASA's Artemis Program on Florida's Economy
The annual economic impact on the State of Florida from NASA’s Artemis program has been estimated at over $3 billion, including the generation of more than 13,000 jobs across the state. The program’s supply chain includes manufacturing, engineering, and testing work in Clearwater, Tampa, Orlando, Merritt Island, Melbourne, Palm Bay, and West Palm Beach.
NASA’s economic impact analysis shows the average salary for an Artemis‑related job is $84,000 per year, with the program generating a total of more than $94 million annually in state and local tax revenue.
Florida is positioned for continued growth with both SpaceX and Blue Origin investing nearly $5 billion to expand their factory facilities in Merritt Island. Florida's reputation as a top destination for commercial space manufacturing can be credited to the state's pro‑space environment and a robust industrial workforce.
Florida Air National Guard Recognized for Highest Recruiting and Retention in the Nation
The Florida Air National Guard (FLANG) ranked first in the nation for both recruiting and retention in 2025. Last year, the FLANG surpassed its personnel targets by more than 100 percent, exceeding the goals set by the National Guard Bureau and the State of Florida. This year, FLANG has already exceeded its recruiting goals ahead of schedule.
“We were the number one wing for the nation last year due to this high performance across the entirety of the Air National Guard,” said Senior Master Sgt. Jeremy Newsome. As we move forward, we have also been evolving recruiting efforts, so we are not just focused on gaining troops, but also putting the right people in the right positions in order to raise readiness levels across the force.”
These exceptional numbers reflect a broader national trend with the United States Military reaching their highest recruiting numbers in more than 15 years, according to the Department of War.
To read the press release in full, click here. |
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| Bill Action by Governor DeSantis |
Bill Action by Governor DeSantis
As of Sunday, March 29th, Governor DeSantis has received a total of 11 bills for his consideration, of which two remain pending. 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 Pending Governor's Action:
CS/SB 844 - Sickle Cell Disease Care Management and Treatment Continuing Education
SB 386 – Farm Equipment
Bills Signed this Week:
CS/CS/CS/SB 290: Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
CS/HB 697 – Drug Prices and Coverage
CS/CS/CS/HB 399 – Land Use and Development Regulations
HB 7011 – A Review under the Open Government Sunset Review Act
HB 569 – Forensic Client Services
CS/CS/CS/HB 1443 - Parkinson's Disease Registry
CS/HB 1445 – Public Records
If you have an interest or concern regarding any of the above bills, you can contact the Governor's office directly here. |
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Kim Cone, Co-Founder and Executive Director of AVET Project, Inc.
Our Constituent of the Week is Kim Cone, Co-Founder and Executive Director of AVET Project, Inc., a nonprofit which provides programs and services to meet the needs of Military Service Members, Veterans, and their families.
Mrs. Cone was born and raised in Los Angeles, California in the 1960’s. She later moved to Oregon where she raised her children while her husband, Garren Cone, a disabled Veteran, served in the United States Air Force, and later represented Veterans in securing the VA benefits they earned.
After their children became adults and moved on, she and Garren sold their property in Oregon, purchased a 40-foot motor coach, and traveled throughout the United States for three years accumulating 32,000 miles. Along their various stops, they frequently encountered Veterans having difficulty navigating Veterans Administration benefits and other resources.
After settling in Brevard County in 2008, and reflecting on their conversations with Veterans and their families during their travels, they established the AVET (American Veterans Empowerment Team) Project, Inc. in 2009.
Through Mrs. Cone leadership as AVET Project's Executive Director, the organization has grown into a trusted educational resource for VA benefits, reintegration support, and community outreach programs that strengthen the lives of service members across Brevard County and beyond.
Mrs. Cone takes a hands-on approach to leadership by coordinating events, personally answering calls from Veterans seeking guidance, conducting benefit consultations, and managing partnerships that expand access to essential services. Mrs. Cone’s passion for service was shaped by firsthand experience and a lifelong drive to address unmet needs within the military community. She has traveled extensively to promote AVET Project's mission and connect with supporters nationwide.
Under her direction, AVET Project has launched impactful programs such as PR&R Retreats, a recuperation and reintegration retreat that has supported more than 130 combat Veterans and their families through education, counseling access, outdoor communities, with stellar food and accommodations. The organization also provides year‑round support through food distributions, holiday programs, military family events, and more offered at no cost to participants.
Mrs. Cone is well known throughout the Veteran community for her gratitude‑centered leadership style, her commitment to empowering families with knowledge, and her belief in treating others with dignity and respect.
Kim and Garren reside near Patrick Space Force Base with their three chihuahuas.
SD 19 is grateful for the positive, and meaningful difference Mrs. Cone makes in the lives of countless Veterans and their families through AVET Project every day. |
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Canaveral Port Authority Rejects Proposed LNG Plant
The Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to end consideration of an unsolicited proposal to sell 125 acres of port-owned land along the Barge Canal in Merritt Island for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant. The decision came after strong public opposition and concerns about safety, odor, noise, land use, and proximity to neighborhoods and an elementary school.
The commissioners took the public opposition seriously; noting the proposed facility would be twice the size of Jacksonville’s LNG plant, and that the port’s waterfront property is valuable and necessary to support the growing space industry.
I commend the residents of Merritt Island and the surrounding communities for effectively mobilizing, attending the commission meetings, and communicating a unified message to the Canaveral Port Authority. Since the proposal was first announced I have addressed my concerns, and those of my constituents, directly with the Canaveral Port Authority leadership and representatives of the buyer. I am truly proud of your advocacy which certainly influenced the final decision.
To view the March 25th meeting, click here.
Brevard County Prepares for Artemis II Launch
Brevard County is preparing for the NASA Artemis II launch attempt next week. The launch window is tentatively set for 6:24 p.m. to 8:24 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1st.
To prepare for launch related road detours and increased bicycle, pedestrian, and boat traffic, Brevard County has provided the following reminders:
· Expect traffic delays and congestion before and after launch; plan for longer commutes.
· Use the Waze traffic app which is integrated with FDOT updates for real time traffic developments.
· Be mindful of increased bicycle and pedestrian traffic along US 1 and AIA.
· Many local parks will close overnight from dusk to dawn, plan accordingly.
· U-turns will not be permitted on SR 528 or George King Blvd. after the launch.
· Once the launch is completed, traffic will be funneled from East on SR 528 to A1A South and then to SR 520.
· For more information on road detours and launch viewing sites click on the Visit Space Coast webpage here.
To stay informed leading up to launch day, sign up for text notifications by texting the word BREVARDEOC to the number 888777.
Brevard County Under Drought Conditions
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Brevard County remains under significant drought conditions. The majority of the county ranges from moderate to severe conditions, with a small portion reaching extreme conditions.
In response to these conditions, Brevard County is operating under the following Modified Phase II property watering restrictions through July 1st:
· Homeowners with odd‑numbered addresses may water on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
· Even‑numbered addresses may water on Thursdays and Sundays.
· Irrigation is limited to one of two windows: 12:01 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. or 6:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. for properties under one acre; larger properties may use both windows.
· Micro‑irrigation and hand watering of non‑lawn plants is allowed.
These restrictions aim to conserve water, protect the aquifer, and maintain water supply for fire suppression.
To monitor the current drought status in Brevard County, click here. |
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11th Annual Field Manor Founders' Day
The 11th annual Field Manor Founders’ Day will be held on Saturday, April 4th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Field Manor (750 Field Manor Drive) in Merritt Island. The annual event celebrates the Field family’s arrival on the shores of Merritt Island in 1868.
Admission is a $10 donation in advance and $20 donation on event day; children under age 12 are free. Drink tickets are $5 and ID is required.
Activities include live music by HOT PINK, local food trucks, brews by Bugnutty Brewing Co., a vendor market, museum tours, a silent auction, and a 50/50 cash raffle. No coolers or outside food/beverages are permitted.
For more information, click here.
Brevard Humane Society 14th Annual East Coast Dog Surfing Festival
The Brevard Humane Society's 14th Annual East Coast Dog Surfing Festival will be held on Sunday, April 5th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Lori Wilson Park (1500 N. Atlantic Avenue) in Cocoa Beach.
While Cocoa Beach typically restricts dogs, this event provides special beach access for dogs for a $5 donation. Proof of vaccinations is required.
Event Schedule:
9:00 a.m. - Bunny Paddle Out
10:00 a.m. - Doggy Easter Outfit Contest
12:00 p.m. - East Coast Dog Surfing Championship
1:30 p.m. - Doggy Bikini Contest
The festival also features dog surfing lessons, live music, local vendors, and over $500 in prize giveaways. Proceeds benefit the Brevard Humane Society.
For more information or to register your dog, click here.
New Life Mission Community Care & Share Fundraiser
The New Life Mission will hold their annual Spring fundraising luncheons at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto (200 Rialto Place). The first will be held on Thursday, April 9th and the second on Friday, April 10th. Both luncheons will begin at 11:30 a.m. and end at 1:00 p.m.
While there is no cost to attend the luncheons, attendees will be invited to make a financial contribution. All proceeds from the events will benefit New Life Mission's goal of supporting homeless women and children.
Sponsorships and table hosting opportunities are available, and those interested should email CCS@newlife-mission.org.
For more information, click here.
Propeller Club 2026 Shrimp Feast
The Propeller Club of Port Canaveral will hold their 2026 Shrimp Feast on Friday, April 10th from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Gator’s Portside (683 Dave Nisbet Drive) in Port Canaveral. Tickets are $60 and must be purchased in advance here.
The event features live and silent auctions, live music, dancing, door prizes, and a Hawaiian shirt contest. Proceeds benefit the Propeller Club of Port Canaveral's mission to support the Central Florida maritime community while promoting a healthy marine environment.
For more information, click here.
AVET-Project Heroes for Military Kids 5K
In celebration of Month of the Military Child in April, the AVET-Project inaugural “Heroes for Military Kids 5K” will be held on Saturday, April 11th from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 am. at the Avenue Viera (2261 Towne Center Avenue) in Viera.
The registration fee is $30 for adults and $25 for children through April 10th; the fee increases by $5 on race day.
Advance registration and packet pickup will take place on Friday, April 10th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Running Zone (3695 N. Wickham Road) in Melbourne. Late registration and packet pickup will be available on the morning of the race from 7:00 a.m. to 7:50 a.m. at the race site.
The 5K begins at 8:00 a.m. and the 50-yard free Kids Fun Run will begin at 9:15 a.m. The awards ceremony will immediately follow the Kids Fun Run.
To register and for more information, 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 |
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