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News Release: 5/11/2026

CommunityGeneral News ArticlePress Release

The Mayfield Minute - May 10, 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Good Morning!
 
 
 
 
 
Happy Mother's Day!
 
In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a measure officially declaring the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day. On this important day, we recognize all Moms -- mothers, grandmothers, stepmoms, mothers-in-law, and all mother figures. Moms provide us with their unconditional love, unwavering support, and their selfless compassionate guidance each and every day.
 
"There is no love like a mother's - she who carries the child that God knits in the womb, she who nourishes and guides, she who teaches and inspires, she who gives of her heart, soul, and self for the good and the happiness of her children and her family."
--President Ronald Reagan
 
I wish everyone a wonderful and peaceful Mother's Day and hope each of you have very special and memorable moments with your families and loved ones.
 
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!
 
 
 
Floridians Making an Impact
 
 
Secretary of State Marco Rubio Visits Italy and the Vatican
 
Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently completed a diplomatic visit to Italy and the Vatican to advance bilateral relations.
 
Secretary Rubio met with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to discuss the situation in the Middle East and topics of mutual interest in the Western Hemisphere. The meeting underscored the strong relationship between the United States and the Holy See and their shared commitment to promoting peace and human dignity.
 
While in the Vatican, Secretary Rubio also met with his counterpart, Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See. Secretary Rubio used the opportunity to welcome the recent arrival of Archbishop Caccia as the new Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. They reviewed ongoing humanitarian efforts in the Western Hemisphere and efforts to achieve a durable peace in the Middle East. 
 
Secretary Rubio also met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome to reinforce the enduring U.S.-Italy strategic partnership and to emphasize the United States’ commitment to close coordination on shared priorities. They discussed regional security challenges, including the Middle East and Ukraine, and the importance of continued transatlantic collaboration to address global threats.
 
Prior to his appointment by President Trump as Secretary of State, Secretary Rubio served as a U.S. Senator from Florida from 2011 to 2025 and as a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 2000 to 2008 and served as the Speaker of the Florida House from 2006-2008.
 
 
Statewide Update
 
 
 
Rockledge High School’s School Resource Officer Chris Hattaway Wins Statewide Honor
 
Rockledge High School's School Resource Officer, Chris Hattaway, was selected as the 2026 Florida School‑Related Employee of the Year by the Florida Department of Education, representing an unprecedented honor for Brevard Public Schools.
 
The award is presented annually to only one school‑related employee across Florida and represents the highest level of recognition in the state. After being selected as Brevard Public Schools’ School‑Related Employee of the Year, Officer Hattaway advanced through a rigorous state evaluation process which recognizes exceptional service, leadership, and positive impact on students.
 
This recognition reflects Officer Hattaway’s dedication to building trust, supporting student well‑being, and fostering an uplifting campus culture at Rockledge High School.
 
Congratulations Officer Hattaway for this well-earned statewide recognition! We are grateful for your service and your leadership at Rockledge High School campus and throughout the community.
 
 
FWC Expands Atlantic Red Snapper Season
 
Last week, Governor DeSantis announced that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) Fisheries issued exempted fishing permits to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to manage and expand the Atlantic Red Snapper season from two days to 39 days. The change is effective Friday, May 22nd.
 
“State management and expansion of Gulf snapper season have been a major boon for our Gulf of America communities, allowing so many Floridians and visitors to enjoy the Red Snapper our waters have to offer," said Governor DeSantis. "Just as it has on the Gulf coast, Florida’s management of Atlantic Red Snapper fishing will boost local economies along our Atlantic coast, supporting tackle and bait shops, hotels, restaurants, and the entire recreational fishing community.”
 
The 2026 Atlantic Red Snapper season will take place from May 22nd to June 20th, and October 2nd to 4th, October 9th to 11th, and October 16th to 18th.
 
To read the announcement in full, click here. 
 
 
Florida Recognized as a National Leader in Clean Air Quality
 
Last week, Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced that Florida continues to lead the nation in clean air, according to the American Lung Association’s 2026 State of the Air report.
 
The report identified 21 Florida counties as some of the cleanest in the nation for ozone pollution and found that no Florida counties were included on the American Lung Association’s list of the 25 most polluted places to live.
  
“Florida’s natural resources are central to our economy, our quality of life and the communities we call home,” said DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “The findings in this report reinforce the progress Florida continues to make through a long-term commitment to sound science and strong environmental standards.” 
 
At a time when nearly half of Americans live in areas receiving failing grades for ozone or particle pollution, Florida communities again ranked among the cleanest nationwide across multiple air‑quality measures.
 
Regions receiving national recognition for low ozone pollution levels include:
 
·     Palm Bay–Melbourne–Titusville
·     Crestview–Fort Walton Beach–Destin
·     Gainesville–Lake City
·     Tallahassee–Bainbridge
 
The Palm Bay–Melbourne–Titusville region was also ranked among the cleanest year-round for particle pollution.
 
To read the announcements in full, click here. 
 
 
 
America's 250th Anniversary
 
 
As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America leading up to July 4, 2026, I will continue to share updates on the 250th anniversary and how it 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
 
 
Governor DeSantis Visits Washington County for the Unveiling of President George Washington Statue
 
In the April 19th edition of the Mayfield Minute, we mentioned that Governor DeSantis and Secretary of State Cord Byrd are commemorating America250 by honoring past Presidents, the Founding Fathers, and American Statesmen.
 
As part of the initiative, Governor DeSantis visited Washington County in the panhandle where he unveiled a statue honoring the “Father of our Country” President George Washington.
 
“Nobody was more consequential in establishing our nation than George Washington,” said Governor DeSantis. “I was proud to unveil a new statue of Washington in the Florida county that bears his name. We honor Washington as the embodiment of civic virtue, and we will continue working to ensure that future generations embrace America’s founding principles.”
 
General George Washington, often referred to as the “Father of Our Country,” led American forces to victory during the Revolutionary War and later set enduring precedents for the presidency, including the peaceful transfer of power. The statue serves as a tribute to his leadership as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army and as the nation’s first president.
 
Prior visits and statue unveilings occurred in Monroe, Hamilton, Leon, Jefferson, St. Johns, Polk, and Franklin counties. The visits throughout Florida serve to celebrate America’s 250th by connecting Florida counties with the legacy of our nation.
 
 
America250 Golf Trail
 
Florida has unveiled the America250FL Golf Trail, a statewide initiative featuring participating courses in every corner of Florida. Each course displays a white America250FL logo on the flag of its 14th green, a reference to the state’s informal status as the "14th colony." The Golf Trail experience spotlights the legacy of tourism, outdoor recreation, and the game of golf.
 
In Brevard County, two courses are part of the trail:
 
·     Crane Creek Reserve (475 W New Haven Ave) in Melbourne
·     Rockledge Country Club (1591 S Fiske Blvd) in Rockledge
 
Be sure to spot the America250FL logo on the 14th green flag when you visit.
 
To view the participating golf courses statewide, click here.
 
 
Bill Action by Governor DeSantis
 
 
As of Sunday, May 10th, Governor DeSantis has received a total of 90 bills for his consideration, of which 20 remain pending and 70 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 453 – Requirements for a Standard High School Diploma
HB 491 – Faith-based Content in Batterers’ Intervention Programs
HB 883 – Protected Cell Captive Insurance Companies
HB 1073 – School Districts
HB 1121 – Aging and Disability Services
HB 1201 – Student Health and Safety
SB 124 – Florida Virtual School
SB 1074 – One-cent Piece
SB 7022 – Public Records/Examination and Assessment Instruments
CS/SB 340 – Human Trafficking Education for Nurse Licensure
CS/SB 578 – Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Initiative
CS/CS/SB 1434 – Infill Redevelopment
SB 192 – Patient Funds Held in Trust by Chiropractic Physicians
CS/HB 915 – Medical Assistance Eligibility for Working Individuals with Disabilities
CS/HB 1175 – Safety Design Standards for Office Surgery Suites
CS/HB 131 – Curators of Estates
CS/CS/HB 425 – Historic Cemeteries Program
                  
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:
 
HB 1-D – Establishing the Congressional Districts of the State
HB 271 – Foreign and Alien Bail Bond Insurers
HB 589 – Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal System Permits
HB 927 – Local Land Planning and Development
HB 803 – Building Permits and Inspections
SB 848 – Stormwater Treatment
CS/CS/SB 484 – Data Centers
CS/CS/CS/HB 905 – Foreign Influence
 
 
Constituent of the Week
 
 
 
Todd Pokrywa, Chief Operating Officer – Real Estate Group at A. Duda & Sons, Inc.
 
In recognition of the 100th anniversary of A. Duda & Sons, Inc (DUDA), our Constituent of the Week is Todd J. Pokrywa, Chief Operating Officer Real Estate Group at A. Duda & Sons, Inc.. Additional information on the history of the DUDA company and their 100th anniversary celebration can be found below in the District Highlights section.
 
Mr. Pokrywa graduated with honors from the University of Waterloo, Canada, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning. His Senior Honours Essay was “New Towns as an Alternative to Urban Sprawl Development: Viera, FL Case Study.” He also earned a master’s degree in administration with a specialization in organizational leadership from the University of South Dakota.
 
In October 2014, Mr. Pokrywa joined The Viera Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of DUDA, as Senior Vice President of Land Use Planning and Development. In September 2018, he became President of The Viera Company, and in December 2022, he assumed the additional role as President of Viera Builders, Inc.
 
In September 2025, Mr. Pokrywa was appointed Chief Operating Officer Real Estate Group at A. Duda & Sons, Inc. In this role, Mr. Pokrywa is responsible for oversight of the company’s real estate/land operations, including The Viera Company, Viera Builders, Inc., Viera Pools & Outdoor Living, Viera Commercial Properties, Duran Golf Club, Addison Village Club, Duda Sod, and Duda Ranches.
 
Prior to joining The Viera Company, Mr. Pokrywa served as vice president of strategic affairs and planning for Schroeder‐Manatee Ranch, Inc., a land management and agribusiness company and developer of the Lakewood Ranch in Manatee and Sarasota counties. Previously, he was responsible for planning and construction at the Sunterra Corporation, one of the world’s largest vacation ownership companies, and was a senior planning manager for the professional consulting firm Ivey, Harris & Walls (now Miller Legg).
 
Mr. Pokrywa is actively involved in the community and the real estate development industry at the local, state, and national levels as a member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI), ULI Community & Housing Development Florida Product Council, American Planning Association, Brevard County Civilian Military Council, and as Chair-Elect of the Space Coast EDC Executive Committee, and Past Chair of the Space Coast Chamber among many others.
 
Originally from Toronto, Canada, Mr. Pokrywa relocated to Florida in 1995. He is an avid ice hockey enthusiast participating in various charity fundraising tournaments both in his native Toronto and on Florida’s Space Coast.
 
Mr. Pokrywa and his wife, Cyndi, reside in Brevard County.
 
District 19 is grateful for Mr. Pokrywa's leadership and contributions in ensuring the Viera community's growth is well-planned to benefit families, businesses, and the environment, and for charitable service throughout our community.
 
 
 
District Highlights
 
 
 
A. Duda & Sons, Inc. Celebrates 100th Anniversary
 
Last month, the Real Estate Group of A. Duda & Sons, Inc. (DUDA) gathered at the Brevard Zoo with approximately 300 team members to celebrate a century of the company’s operations. The event was led by DUDA CEO Sammy Duda, Chief Legal & Administrative Officer Tracy Duda-Chapman, and Todd Pokrywa..
 
DUDA is a family-owned business established by Andrew Duda, who emigrated from Slovakia to the United States in 1909 to pursue his American dream. In 1926, Andrew and his three sons, John, Andrew Jr., and Ferdinand, harvested their first cash crop from their 40-acre celery farm in Oviedo.
 
The business expanded rapidly and, in the 1980s, a vision emerged for a master-planned community on their Cocoa ranch. As a result, the Viera community was founded in 1989 alongside Viera Builder, Viera Pool and Outdoor Living, Duran Golf Club, Viera Commercial Properties, and Addison Village Club were formed.
 
To everyone at DUDA, congratulations on this exciting milestone. To read more about the company’s history, click here.
 
 
FDOT Seeks Public Input on Sebastian Inlet Bridge Replacement Project
 
Next month, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will begin the “S.R. A1A/Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway Over Sebastian Inlet Bridge Replacement Project” in Brevard County. The estimated completion date is Fall 2031.
 
FDOT representatives will hold two Open Houses for participants to learn about the bridge replacement project, register comments, and ask questions. 
 
The virtual meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 19th from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
 
·     To join online, click here.
·     To join by phone, dial 1 (562) 247-8422 and enter access code 414-375-878.
 
The in-person meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 19th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Environmental Learning Center (255 Live Oak Drive) in Vero Beach.
 
The purpose of the project is to replace the 60-year-old Sebastian Inlet Bridge with a modern and more functional structure. The new bridge features:
 
·     Two 12-foot travel lanes and 12-foot shared use paths for pedestrians and bicyclists.
·     Two new fishing piers and observation areas.
·     New crosswalks to link the north and south portions of the state park.
 
Traffic across the inlet will remain open 24/7 with intermittent lane closures during nonpeak travel hours. 
 
To view the announcement in full, click here. 
 
 
87th Space Coast Honor Flight
 
On Saturday, May 16th, the Space Coast Honor Flight (SCHF) will embark on its 87th 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 more than 2,300 patriots to visit DC.
 
The organization is always looking for volunteers, donations, and sponsorships. For more information on these opportunities, click here.
 
 
North Riverside Drive and Eau Gallie Boat Ramps Reopen
 
North Riverside Drive reopened on May 1st following the completion of a five-month long drainage, safety, and resilience improvement project. Additional North Riverside Drive improvement projects will take place over the next eight months. Access to residential driveways will be maintained at all times.
 
The first project, which began on April 27th, will be along Shore View Drive and includes the extension of an existing gravity sewer main, asphalt resurfacing, and site restoration. The second project will focus on converting existing septic systems to a centralized gravity sewer system along North Riverside Drive at Rose Marie Lane and Alamanda Court.
 
Additionally, the Eau Gallie Causeway boat ramps and docks fully reopened on May 5th following the completion of the demolition and reconstruction of the docks caused by Hurricane Milton.
 
To sign up for Brevard County alerts and news releases including transportation projects, click here. 
 
 
 
Upcoming Events
 
 
 
"America: 250 Years of Freedom" Concert in Suntree
 
The "America: 250 Years of Freedom" concert will be held on Sunday, May 17th at 3:00 p.m. at the Suntree United Methodist Church (7400 North Wickham Road) in Melbourne.
 
The 50+ member Central Florida Winds orchestra will perform the music of our nation’s finest composers in a celebratory salute to America’s 250th anniversary. The concert features American classics including “America the Beautiful,” “Stars and Stripes Forever,” “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” and many others.
 
The purpose of the event is to celebrate America250 through the work of American composers who helped create our shared national identity, and whose music continues to lift our spirits and unite us as Americans.
 
While the event is free of charge, $10 donations are appreciated. Attendees are encouraged to dress in red, white, and blue in show of patriotic solidarity.
 
For more information, call (321) 405-2359. 
 
 
Turkey Creek 5K Trail Run
 
The Turkey Creek 5K Trail Run will be held on Saturday, May 23rd from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the Turkey Creek Sanctuary (1518 Port Malabar Blvd. NE) in Palm Bay.
 
The registration fee is $35 for adults and $30 for children through May 22nd; the fee increases by $5 on race day.

Advance registration and packet pickup will take place on Friday, May 22nd 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 the morning of the race from 6:00 a.m. to 6:45 a.m. at the race site. The 5K begins at 7:00 a.m.
 
Early registrants will receive a race day shirt and custom finisher medals while supplies last. Food and refreshments will be available at the finish line, and the awards ceremony will take place immediately following the race.
 
For more information and to register, click here. 
 
 
2026 Florida Ride for Freedom Thunder Alley
 
The 2026 Florida Ride for Freedom Thunder Alley event, hosted by Rolling Thunder Florida Chapter 1, will be held on Saturday, May 23rd from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center (BVMC) Park and Amphitheater (400 South Sykes Parkway) in Merritt Island.
 
Thunder Alley is an all‑day festival which includes a special flag‑raising ceremony, music, vendors, food trucks, family‑friendly activities and an evening concert featuring performances by Vintage, The Band, and Sheepdogs.
 
The purpose of the 2026 Ride for Freedom Thunder Valley event is to raise awareness to the plight of current Prisoners of War and those who are still missing from previous wars and conflicts.
 
For more information, click here or contact the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center at (321) 453-1776.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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
 
 

News Release: 5/11/2026
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