| The Mayfield Minute - April 26, 2026 |
|
Autism Awareness Month
In 1971, Dr. Bernard Rimland founded the Autism Society of America (ASA), which has since grown into one of the world’s largest autism advocacy organizations. As a scientist, and the father of a son with autism, Dr. Rimland was frustrated by the lack of information and services available for people with this neurodevelopmental condition.
The ASA organized the first National Autism Awareness Week in 1972, with local events in San Diego to raise awareness of the needs of individuals with autism and their families.
In 1988, President Ronald Reagan issued a presidential proclamation designating the entire month of April as National Autism Awareness Month. The month has been officially recognized by every subsequent United States President.
As part of Autism Awareness Month, April 27th was marked as “Autism Super Mom Day” in 2019 to celebrate the strength, courage, and determination of mothers of children with autism. The day of recognition serves to educate others about the challenges and rewards of raising a child with autism.
In 2022, the CDC found 1 in 31 children were diagnosed with autism by the age of eight in the U.S., a stark increase from 1 in 150 children in 2000. Autism remains over three times more common in boys than girls. In 2025, the prevalence of diagnosed autism among boys was 49 in 1,000, and among girls was 14 in 1,000.
Local Autism resources include the Brevard Autism Coalition, Parker Foundation, and Brevard P.A.L.S.
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! |
|
Special Session Announced to Finalize State Budget
Earlier this week, Senate President Ben Albritton announced, through a joint proclamation with House Speaker Danny Perez, that a Special Session will occur from May 12th through May 29th, to finalize and pass the state budget. The only constitutionally required task of the legislature is to pass a balanced budget by July 1st each year.
“As with the budget passed off the Senate Floor, our final budget will be lower than Florida’s state budget for the current fiscal year, facilitating long-term financial stability and continuing our focus on keeping taxes low, paying down debt and saving for the future,” said President Albritton.
As a reminder, Governor DeSantis has also called for the convening of the Legislature in Special Session from Tuesday, April 28th, through Friday, May 1st. The purpose of this Special Session is specifically to consider legislation related to the drawing of congressional districts, creating strong consumer protections for artificial intelligence, and expanding medical freedom in our state.
During the upcoming Special Sessions, my Tallahassee office can be reached at (850) 487-5019.
Attorney General Opens Criminal Investigation into OpenAI and ChatGPT
Last week, Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that Florida’s Office of Statewide Prosecution has opened a criminal investigation into OpenAI and its artificial intelligence product, ChatGPT. The investigation follows reviews of chat logs between the system and the individual accused of committing last year's mass shooting on the campus of Florida State University.
The investigation will examine whether OpenAI could bear criminal responsibility under Florida’s “aiding and abetting” statute, which holds anyone who counsels or assists in a crime equally liable.
“Florida is leading the way in cracking down on AI’s use in criminal behavior, and if ChatGPT were a person, it would be facing charges for murder,” said Attorney General Uthmeier.
This investigation highlights Florida’s broader efforts to combat AI‑related crimes, including the recent enactment of HB 1159, which increases penalties for AI‑generated child sexual abuse material.
To read the announcement in full, click here.
Commissioner Simpson Urges Floridians to be Wildfire Ready
Last week, Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson urged Florida residents to be prepared for the height of wildfire season which typically occurs between April and June each year. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, the state is expected to face an “above normal significant wildfire potential” this year.
“Florida is experiencing widespread drought conditions like we have not seen in years, and forecasts show the next few months could be extremely active for wildfires,” said Commissioner Simpson.
To reduce the risk of major wildfires, Floridians are being asked to:
· Adhere to any local advisories and burn restrictions;
· Prepare your homes and yards to be wildfire ready;
· Stay alert to weather conditions;
· Take responsible precautions if you must burn any yard debris; and
· Report any suspected arson.
Florida continues to be a national leader in prescribed burning, one of the most effective techniques in preventing the severity of wildfires. Approximately two million acres of public and private land statewide is treated annually to prevent and minimize danger and destruction caused by wildfires.
To read the announcement in full, click here. |
|
| America's 250th Anniversary |
This year, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary since the United States of America was founded on July 4, 1776.
Over the next 11 weeks, leading up to July 4, 2026, I will share updates on how the 250th anniversary is being recognized across the State of Florida as well as information on our nation’s history, government, and more.
Be sure to visit my Facebook and X (Twitter) pages for more weekly historical recognitions on the people and events that shaped our nation over the past 250 years.
· Facebook: Senator Debbie Mayfield
· X (Twitter): @debbie_mayfield
“Our American Story” Initiatives
The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission was established by Congress in 2016 to plan and orchestrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The Commission's latest initiative, “Our American Story,” is a storytelling project established for the purpose of collecting and preserving our nation’s unique stories in the largest archive of American stories ever created. There are currently two ways to participate, you can either share your own personal story or nominate someone else.
Submissions will be recorded and archived, and a portion will be preserved at the Library of Congress, to cultivate a permanent record of the collective "Our American Story."
Share Your Story:
To share your personal story, you will use the America250 “Theirstory” tool to record a brief video message answering question prompts. Once you complete the questions, you can review and submit your message or re-record before submitting.
For more information and to share your story, click here.
Nominate History’s Unsung Champions:
Nominate a living person, a friend, family member, neighbor, or community leader, whose story you think needs to be shared and preserved.
The person could be someone in your life, widely known or unknown, whose story resonates with you, has inspired you, or has made a positive difference in your community.
For more information and to nominate one of history’s unsung champions, click here.
“The Founders Museum, Road to Liberty” Exhibit at the Florida Capitol
If you will be visiting Tallahassee this summer or during the Legislative Special Session, Secretary of State Cord Byrd invites you to visit “The Founders Museum, Road to Liberty” exhibit at the State Capitol.
In honor of America250, the display features portraits and short videos of those who signed the Declaration of Independence, revolutionary women and key events in the Revolution. The exhibit is a replica of one installed at the White House earlier this year with the addition of an informative Florida history timeline.
For more information, click here. |
| Bill Action by Governor DeSantis |
As of Sunday, April 26th, Governor DeSantis has received a total of 64 bills for his consideration, of which four remain pending and 59 have been signed into law. 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:
HB 895 – Trustee Settlement and Discharge
HB 929 – Local Government Regulation of Chickees
HB 961 – Salvage Certificates of Title and Certificates of Destruction
HB 1337 – Estates
If you have an interest or concern regarding any of the above bills, you can contact the Governor's office directly here.
Bills Signed this Week:
CS/CS/HB 1103 – Local Administration of Vessel Restrictions
CS/CS/CS/HB 1093 – Vertiports
CS/CS/SB 182 – School Teacher Training and Mentoring Program
CS/CS/CS/SB 686 – Agricultural Enclaves
CS/HB 1219 – Waterbody Designations
CS/HB 1137 -- Deductions for Certain Losses of Alcoholic Beverages
SD 428 – Drowning Prevention
CS/CS/SB 118 – Assessments Levied on Recreational Vehicle Parks
SB 490 – Public Records
SB 488 – Transportation
HB 441 – Conservation Lands
SB 1134 – Official Actions of Local Governments
HB 1217 – Prohibited Governmental Policies Regulating Greenhouse Gas Emissions
HB 35 – Habitual Traffic Offender Designation
SB 52 – Security Services at Places of Worship
SB 422 – Automatic Dependent Surveillance-broadcasts
SB 504 – Code Inspector Body Cameras
SB 506 – Public Records/Body Camera Recordings Recorded by a Code Inspector
SB 598 – Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services
HB 4037 – Pasco County Mosquito Control District, Pasco County
SB 7000 – OGSR/Persons Provided Public Emergency Shelter
SB 7026 – OGSR/Trade Secret Held by an Agency |
|
Ms. LaShaundra McGhee, Executive Director of Neighbor Up Brevard
Our Constituent of the Week is LaShaundra McGhee, Executive Director of Neighbor Up Brevard, a local nonprofit organization whose vision is to develop vibrant neighborhoods where the entire community can thrive spiritually, economically, and socially.
Ms. McGhee was born and raised in Brevard County. In 1997, she graduated from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Health Care Management.
Ms. McGhee served as a non-commissioned officer in the United States Army before spending nearly 30 years as a leader of nonprofit organizations. In 2011, she worked as the Director of Quality Assurance at the Early Coalition of Brevard County, and in 2017, she became the Director of Home and Community Based Services at Aging Matters in Brevard. Ms. McGhee also served as the Director of Campus Support and Outreach at Elevation Church.
In 2021, Ms. McGhee became the Operations Director for Neighbor Up Brevard and was selected in 2024 to serve as the organization’s Executive Director.
Since Neighbor Up Brevard was founded in 2001, they have successfully led revitalization efforts in the Booker T. Washington Park neighborhood and constructed the Greater Heights Apartments affordable housing project.
Today, under Ms. McGhee’s leadership, the organization is focused on the expansion of the Greater Heights Apartments and providing afterschool programs through the Dorcas Outreach Center for Kids (DOCK). The DOCK is a 3,800-square-foot teen center which serves approximately 100 children and teens throughout the year. Nearly 100% of students actively engaged with the DOCK program, graduate from high school.
Neighbor Up Brevard also partners with other local non-profit organizations to run the Gifts From The Heart Christmas Shop which helps families in need purchase affordable Christmas gifts for their children.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Neighbor Up Brevard. Thank you to Ms. McGhee, and all of Neighbor Up Brevard’s dedicated staff and volunteers, for what you do for our community. I wish you another 25 years of success.
Ms. McGhee resides on the Space Coast with her two beloved children, Talyah and Torey.
SD 19 is truly appreciative of Ms. McGhee’s leadership and longstanding commitment to reversing generational poverty and providing a safe path to stable housing, education, and self-sufficiency for individuals and families throughout Brevard County. |
|
Grand Opening of the Amphitheater at Veterans Memorial Park
Last Thursday, the community gathered for the grand opening of the new amphitheater at Veterans Memorial Park. The amphitheater features a state-of-the-art performance stage with lawn seating capacity for 2,350 visitors. The park also features onsite concession facilities, picnic seating, dedicated parking, and restrooms.
The facility will be operated by the Brevard County Parks and Recreation Department and will be available for a variety of performances and community events. Additionally, the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center will have convenient access to the facility.
The celebration included a ribbon cutting, remarks from local leaders, a presentation by the Veterans Memorial Center Color Guard and ceremonial raising of the American flag, followed by the POW/MIA flag and the America250 flag. The event culminated with an inaugural performance by the Space Coast Symphony’s Jazz Orchestra.
The opening of the amphitheater represents more than a decade of collaboration between the Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency, the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, Brevard County, and the State of Florida.
Major IRL Restoration Project Begins Near Eau Gallie Causeway
A $19.5 million Indian River Lagoon restoration project is underway near the Eau Gallie Causeway as crews recently began dredging decades of accumulated muck caused by more than 60 years of development. The dredging project, which is expected to continue through 2027, will improve water quality, increase oxygen levels, and help prevent harmful algae blooms by removing the nutrient‑laden sediment that fuels them.
Workers are removing the muck and pumping it through a seven‑mile pipeline to a management site in Palm Bay, where it will be dewatered, tested, and safely stored. The pipeline will run both above and below the water’s surface, requiring boaters to navigate carefully around the work zone.
The project is funded through Brevard County’s Save Our Lagoon program and Florida Department of Environmental Protection grants. Officials say that 128 restoration projects have been completed since voters passed the half‑cent sales tax in 2016.
For more information, click here.
Brevard Public Schools Revise Final Day of 2025-2026 School Year
Last week, the Brevard Public Schools School Board voted to adjust the 2025–2026 school calendar following a full academic year with no hurricane-related instructional day closures. All state-required instructional minutes will be fulfilled earlier than originally scheduled.
What this means for families:
· Friday, May 22nd is the final day of school for students.
· Students will not attend school on May 26th or May 27th.
· Teachers will report on those dates for required end-of-year planning and closeout activities.
· Childcare services will be available on May 26th and May 27th to accommodate families
For more information, contact Brevard Public Schools at (321) 633-1000. |
|
3rd Annual Neighbor Up Brevard Spring Soirée
The 3rd Annual Neighbor Up Brevard Spring Soirée will be held on Friday, May 1st at 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Bonita Ranch (4215 Lake Washington Road) in Melbourne. The event theme is “Latin Nights,” and attendees are encouraged to wear their best Latin attire.
Individual tickets are $125 and include dinner, drinks, dessert, musical entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Proceeds benefit Neighbor Up Brevard and their mission to provide essential services and programs that address critical needs such as education, housing, and community development in Brevard County.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
2026 Space Coast Derby Day Party
The Rockledge Rotary’s Space Coast Derby Day Party will be held on Saturday, May 2nd from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Oasis at Palm Shores (2950 Pineda Plaza Way) in Melbourne. Attendees are encouraged to wear Kentucky Derby attire.
General admission tickets are $50, individual drink tickets are $6, and 50/50 raffle tickets are $100 each.
Event highlights include buffet dinner, live and silent auctions, the “Hobbling Horse” race, a live stream of the Kentucky Derby, charitable wagers, and a derby hat contest.
Proceeds benefit the Salvation Army, The Children’s Hunger Project, and Harmony Farms.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Zonta Club’s Big Hats and Bow Ties Kentucky Derby Event
The Zonta Club of Melbourne's Big Hats and Bow Ties Kentucky Derby event will be held on Saturday, May 2nd from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Urban Prime (2435 Metfield Drive) in Melbourne. Attendees are encouraged to wear Kentucky Derby attire.
Tickets are $150.00 and include heavy hors d’oeuvres, entertainment, a best dressed contest, and raffle baskets. Proceeds benefit the Zonta Club of Melbourne and their mission to empower women and girls through hands-on assistance and advocacy locally and regionally.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
7th Annual First Responder Appreciation Day Hero Fest
The Back Brevard Heroes 7th Annual First Responder Day Hero Fest will be held on Sunday, May 3rd from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center (400 South Sykes Parkway) in Merritt Island.
The event is free of charge and includes a BBQ, “Jaws-of-Life” display, K-9 demonstration, “Touch-a-Truck” display, a Kids Zone, and musical entertainment.
The purpose of Hero Fest is to honor first responders and their families for their service and sacrifice on behalf of our community.
For more 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 |
|
|
|
|
