| The Mayfield Minute - April 5, 2026 |
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Christ Has Risen; He Has Risen Indeed
Alongside the birth of Jesus Christ, Easter is the most important holiday in the Christian faith. We celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the tomb on the third day after his crucifixion. Remembering the resurrection of Jesus is a way to renew daily hope that we have victory over sin. It is a time to remember the sacrifices made for us through Jesus' life and death.
“Do not be afraid…for He is risen” (Matthew 28:5-6). Jesus is with us and gives us his ability to overcome any defeat. The true Christian realizes that he, with Christ, rises above every setback, every obstacle and enters into the true meaning of living.
Easter reminds us of the message of hope, the meaning of life, and the importance of faith. I wish all who celebrate, a blessed Easter surrounded by family and friends.
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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Florida Department of Elder Affairs Seeking Recipes for ‘Florida Flavors’ Cookbook in Celebration of America’s 250th Birthday
Last week, Florida Department of Elder Affairs Secretary (DOEA) Michelle Branham announced the launch of “Florida Flavors,” a community cookbook celebrating Florida’s culinary heritage in honor of America’s 250th birthday.
The cookbook will feature recipes submitted by Florida seniors (age 60 and older), highlighting dishes that reflect the state’s unique cultures, traditions, and agricultural roots. Particularly the DOEA is encouraging seniors to submit family recipes that have been passed down through generations and incorporate fresh, locally sourced Florida ingredients.
Recipe submissions will be divided into five state regions: the Panhandle, Big Bend, Northeast, Central, and South to ensure the cookbook reflects Florida’s diverse culinary traditions.
To learn more about the "Florida Flavors" cookbook and to submit your recipe, click here.
Florida Sets New Record for Export Sales in 2025
FloridaCommerce and SelectFlorida recently announced that the state set a new record for export sales in 2025, with businesses exporting $78.9 billion in goods—an 8.9% increase over 2024 and a 37.8% jump since 2018. The agencies highlighted Florida’s strongest export performance in history, driven largely by manufacturing. Manufactured products accounted for 92% of all Florida exports, totaling $72.2 billion, up 9.5% from the previous year.
The increased export growth is credited to Florida’s expanding economy, strategic investments in workforce development, and improvements in transportation and logistics infrastructure. Florida has been ranked the #1 economy in the nation for three consecutive years and has the fastest‑growing manufacturing sector in the country.
Florida’s bilateral trade through seaports and airports also reached a record $205 billion in 2025. Top export markets included Brazil, Mexico, Canada, Germany, and Colombia, with leading export categories such as aircraft parts, telephones, pharmaceuticals, turbines, and cars.
To read the announcement in full, click here.
New Gulf Lane Snapper Regulations Now in Effect
Last November, the FWC updated fishing regulations for Lane Snapper in the Gulf of America to reduce the risk of overfishing and to align with current and pending federal regulations.
Last week, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) provided a reminder of new regulations for Gulf Lane Snapper fishing effective April 1st.
The new regulations include:
· Increasing the commercial and recreational minimum size limit from 8 inches to 10 inches total length.
· Establishing a recreational bag limit of 20 fish per person.
For current Lane snapper regulations, click here. |
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| Bill Action by Governor DeSantis |
Bill Action by Governor DeSantis
As of Sunday, April 5th, Governor DeSantis has received a total of 35 bills for his consideration, of which nine remain pending, and 26 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:
CS/CS/HB 679 – Registration of Trademarks
CS/CS/HB 1471 – Systems of Law and Terrorist Organizations
CS/CS/HB 1473 – Public Records
CS/HB 4005 – City of Naples Airport Authority, Collier County
HB 4019 – Compensation for Health Care Services for Inmates in Lake County
HB 4041 – Compensation for Health Care Services for Inmates in Indian River County
HB 4059 – Compensation for Health Care Services for Inmates in Polk County
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/SB 844 - Sickle Cell Disease Care Management and Treatment Continuing Education
SB 386 - Farm Equipment
SB 100 - Florida Statutes
SB 102 - Florida Statutes
SB 104 - Florida Statutes
CS/CS/HB 919 - Commercial Service Airports
CS/HB 1113 – Public Records
CS/CS/CS/SB 212 – Sexual Offenders and Sexual Predators
CS/HB 245 – Child Pornography Terminology
CS/CS/HB 445 – Dangerous Crimes
CS/CS/HB 1159 – Sexual Offenses
CS/CS/HB 1153 – Juvenile Justice
CS/CS/HB 991 – Elections
SB 288 – Rural Electric Cooperatives
CS/HB 91 – Candidate Qualification
CS/SB 572 – Ethics for Public Officers and Employees
SB 7006 – A Review under the Open Government Sunset Review Act
SB 7016 – A Review under the Open Government Sunset Review Act
HB 249 – Designation of Official State Flagship
Governor Signs Bill Renaming Palm Beach International Airport to President Donald J. Trump International Airport
I am pleased to share that House Bill 919 – Commercial Service Airports, the companion to my Senate Bill 706, has been signed into law by Governor DeSantis.
This bill centralizes the naming of large commercial service airports under state authority. Additionally, the bill codifies the existing names for each airport considered by the Federal Aviation Authority to be a medium or large transportation hub, except the Palm Beach International Airport, which the bill designates as the President Donald J. Trump International Airport.
The redesignation to President Donald J. Trump International Airport is subject to both approval by the Federal Aviation Administration, and execution of an agreement between Palm Beach County and the trademark holder, authorizing the commercial use of the name.
It is important to note that the use of President Trump’s name is entirely royalty-free, and the President will not receive financial consideration of any kind for the use of his name. Palm Beach County will be allowed perpetual and unrestricted use of the trademark, at no cost.
President Trump is the first Florida resident to be elected President of the United States, and he will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest presidents in our nation’s history. It was my privilege to rename the President’s hometown airport in his honor.
For additional detail on HB 919, click here.
Governor Signs the Florida SAVE Act
I am excited to share that House Bill 991 – Elections, also known as the Florida SAVE Act, was signed into law by Governor DeSantis this week. This comprehensive election integrity and candidate qualifying package strengthens Florida’s elections.
HB 991 included the entire substance of my Senate Bill 620 – Candidate Qualifying to increase accountability for candidates and transparency for Florida’s voters.
Increasing Accountability for Candidates:
· Requires candidates to affirm they meet all legal qualifications for office.
· Mandates disclosure of dual citizenship.
· Requires federal candidates to disclose stock trading activity while in office.
· Prevents last-minute name changes intended to mislead voters.
· Establishes a legal process to challenge candidate eligibility.
Additionally, HB 991 strengthens Florida’s election integrity by:
Fortifying voter registration and verification
· Requires verification of U.S. citizenship using REAL ID data for new and updated voter registrations.
· Establishes a clear process to identify and remove potentially ineligible noncitizens from voter rolls.
· Allows individuals to provide documentation to confirm eligibility.
· Adds explicit notice that submitting false voter registration information is a felony.
Ensuring accurate and up-to-date voter rolls
· Enhances coordination between state and local agencies to identify potentially ineligible voters.
· Requires supervisors of elections to investigate and take appropriate action.
Enhancing election security
· Requires voting to be conducted using paper ballots, ensuring a verifiable record of every vote.
· Updates identification requirements to ensure only secure, government-issued IDs are accepted.
Strengthening enforcement of election laws
· Establishes a five-year statute of limitations for felony election offenses.
· Cracks down on election fraud and petition-related misconduct.
· Prohibits candidates, political committees, and parties from knowingly accepting foreign contributions.
For additional detail on HB 991, click here. |
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Colleen Middlebrooks, President and CEO, Astronaut Scholarship Foundation
Our Constituent of the Week is Colleen Middlebrooks, President and CEO of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. Ms. Middlebrooks was born and raised in Brevard County. She graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Education in 1998. She also completed Master’s level Applied Behavior Analysis coursework at the Florida Institute of Technology.
In 2010, Ms. Middlebrooks began working at the Scott Center for Autism Treatment as the Director of External Relations where she oversaw fundraising, community outreach, program development, and marketing. In 2015, she accepted the Assistant Administrator position at Clear Choice Health Care where her responsibilities included facility oversight, patient and family engagement, and compliance.
In 2017, Ms. Middlebrooks became the Director of Advancement for Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy where she excelled in team building, donor and board member relations, and capital campaign management. During her tenure, she led a team that successfully raised more than $17 million in six years to support major campus developments including the sports complex.
In 2024, she began working at the Astronaut Memorial Foundation as the Vice President of Development. In 2025, she was named President and CEO of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) which is the first nonprofit in the United States to be founded by astronauts themselves. The Mercury 7 astronauts, who were chosen to participate in America’s first human spaceflight program in 1959, personally established the ASF in 1984. From the beginning, they had a specific goal of investing in the next generation of American space scholars, innovators, and scientific leaders.
As President and CEO of ASF, Ms. Middlebrooks oversees national college scholarship and outreach programs dedicated to advancing students in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Her role also includes preserving the legacy of America’s pioneering astronauts and aiding the United States in retaining world leadership in STEM. ASF partners with 55 universities across the nation and currently awards nearly 80 merit-based scholarships to United States citizens in the amount of $15,000 each year.
One of the most notable ASF Astronaut Scholars is Christine Koch, Mission Specialist for the 2026 Artemis II crewed mission. Specialist Koch holds the record for the longest spaceflight by a woman with 328 days in space and she is the first woman to travel around the moon.
In addition to Ms. MIddlebrooks' successful career, she is a dedicated volunteer at the Marcus Maye Foundation and was a member of the Brevard PALS (Providing Autism Links and Support) organization for 16 years. Ms. Middlebrooks has also served as the Running Club Coordinator for the Scott Center for Autism Treatment, a member of the Brevard Zoo “Safari Under Stars” Subcommittee, Co-Chair for the Bridges golf tournament, and Co-Chair for Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy’s “Evening of Elegance.”
Ms. Middlebrooks and her husband, Eulan, reside in Suntree and they have two children, Ava and Jake. In their free time they enjoy traveling.
As we celebrate the Artemis II crewed mission around the moon, SD 19 is grateful for Colleen Middlebrooks’ leadership in helping America’s students seeking scholarships to pursue their dreams of careers in the STEM fields. |
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Visit to Pineapple Cove and Meeting with Student Winner of Statewide Art Contest Morgan Potts
Last week, I visited Pineapple Cove Classical Academy’s Palm Bay campus to discuss the school’s classical education model which emphasizes the principles of virtuous living, traditional learning, and civic responsibility. Additionally, at Pineapple Cove Classical Academy, parental rights are valued and prioritized as a critical component for student success.
While on campus, I had an opportunity to meet with Morgan Potts, a seventh grader, whose artwork was selected for display in Tallahassee during the 2026 Legislative Session as part of the “Art in the Capitol” program.
“Art in the Capitol” is a statewide visual arts competition for Florida students in grades 6th through 8th, created by state law and jointly administered by the Florida Department of Education and the Department of Management Services.
Morgan's art depicts the Florida and American flags surrounded by symbols of our state including Walt Disney World, pink flamingos, oranges, palm trees, the space shuttle, and a seashore.
Congratulations Morgan! I'm always impressed when visiting Pineapple Cove Classical Academy, proud teachers and students make this school truly exceptional.
Artemis II Mission Successfully Launches from NASA Kennedy Space Center
At 6:35 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, April 1st, the NASA Artemis II Mission successfully launched from Kennedy Space Center.
The Artemis II Mission is a 10-day roundtrip journey to the moon and serves as a test flight for future U.S. lunar landing missions. This mission is the first manned mission outside of Low Earth Orbit since 1972 and will be the furthest humans have ever traveled from Earth.
The crew of the Artemis II Mission includes NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, as well as CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen.
Today, the crew is approaching the moon and tomorrow they will conduct tests as they orbit the lunar surface before beginning the return journey home.
Congratulations on a successful launch to the countless NASA employees and industry partners who worked to make this mission a reality. Good luck to the crew as they continue their voyage, we look forward to welcoming you back home when the spacecraft returns to Earth on Friday, April 10th.
For an overview of the daily mission agenda for the Artemis II Mission, click here. To track the Artemis II Mission live, click here.
86th Space Coast Honor Flight
On Saturday, April 11th, the Space Coast Honor Flight (SCHF) will embark on its 86th flight to Washington, DC with 50 Veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War on board.
The whirlwind one-day itinerary begins at 4:00 a.m. when the Veterans arrive at the Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) Welcome Center for a “Send Off” ceremony. Upon landing in Washington D.C., the Veterans will spend the day touring the city, visiting war memorials, and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. They are expected to return to the MLB Airport between 8:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., where they will be greeted with a “Welcome Home” ceremony.
The public is highly encouraged to attend the “Send Off” or “Welcome Home” ceremonies to show appreciation for our war heroes. Ceremony attendees will receive a special event placard upon arrival at the airport for free parking.
Upon the completion of this flight, Space Coast Honor Flight will have arranged for 2,258 patriots to visit DC. The organization is always looking for volunteers, donations, and sponsorships.
For more information on these opportunities, click here.
City of Melbourne Changes Emergency Notification System to AlertBrevard Replacing CodeRED
The City of Melbourne is now using AlertBrevard, a countywide messaging platform, to deliver critical alerts to residents and businesses by phone call, text message, and email.
The new system replaces the city’s previous system, CodeRED, which has been discontinued. Subscriber information is not transferrable to the new system, so any residents who have previously signed up for CodeRED will need to register with Alert Brevard to continue recieving emergency updates.
The city is placing particular emphasis on reaching water customers with emergency alerts, as Melbourne’s water service area extends beyond the city and includes Indialantic, Indian Harbour Beach, Melbourne Beach, Melbourne Village, Palm Shores, Satellite Beach, and portions of unincorporated Brevard County south of the Pineda Causeway.
To enroll in AlertBrevard, click here or call (321) 608-5080 for assistance. |
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Countywide "Keep Brevard Beautiful" Trash Bash
The countywide "Keep Brevard Beautiful" (KBB) Trash Bash will be held on Saturday, April 11th from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at 30 locations throughout the Space Coast.
Participating cities include Cocoa, Titusville, Malabar, Melbourne, Merritt Island, Port Canaveral, Rockledge, Satellite Beach, and West Melbourne.
There is no fee to participate, and those wishing to volunteer can sign up as an individual or form a team. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes, hats, and sunscreen. Gloves, bags, and other necessary cleanup materials will be provided.
To view the locations within each city participating and to sign up, click here.
10th Annual Downtown Melbourne Botanical Fest
The 10th annual Downtown Melbourne Botanical Fest will be held on Saturday, April 11th from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Downtown Melbourne vacant event space near 1900 South Harbor City Blvd.
The event is free of charge and features 60 unique botanical vendors. Parking will be available at the city's public parking areas and in the city hall garage at 900 East Strawbridge Avenue. Attendees are encouraged to bring a wagon or cart to carry their purchases.
For more information, click here.
Lauren's Kids "Walk in My Shoes" Space Coast Event
The Space Coast leg of the 1,500-mile statewide Lauren's Kids "Walk in My Shoes" event will be held on Tuesday, April 14th the Church of Christ (104 NE 3rd Street) in Satellite Beach. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 9:30 a.m. The fee for the walk is $25 per individual.
The first leg of the Space Coast portion is five miles and begins at the Church of Christ to Millennium Beach Park (2155 Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway) in Indian Harbour Beach. The second leg continues on for four miles to James H. Nance Park (201 N Miramar Avenue) in Indialantic.
Participants will receive an UBER code to cover the cost of transportation back from the walk to the parking area at the Church of Christ.
Proceeds from the "Walk in My Shoes" event support the Lauren's Kids organization in their mission to prevent childhood sexual abuse and to support victims throughout their healing process.
For more information and to register in advance, click here.
30th Annual Stars and Stripes Patriotic Golf Classic
The 30th Annual Stars and Stripes Patriotic Golf Classic hosted by Accelerate Brevard's Military Affairs Council will be held on Friday, April 17th from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Cocoa Beach Country Club (5000 Tom Warriner Blvd.).
The fee per player is $200, $175 for military members, and $800 for a foursome. Lunch, the awards ceremony, Fairway vendors, silent auction, music, and networking opportunities are included in the fee to participate.
Proceeds from the event benefit local military members, Veterans, and their families.
For more information and to register, 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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