| The Mayfield Minute - May 24, 2026 |
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Honoring the Fallen on Memorial Day
As we enjoy sunrises, sunsets, barbecues, and activities with our friends and family on this long weekend, please take a moment to remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
Looking back in history, the first Memorial Day observance was held on May 5, 1866, in Waterloo, New York, to honor local Veterans who had fought in the Civil War. Businesses closed and flags flew at half-staff.
The U.S. Army and U.S. Navy were the first Armed Services to adopt regulations for proper observance of the holiday at their facilities. After World War I, the day was expanded to honor all members of the Armed Services who perished in any American war.
In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress and the official federal holiday recognition became the last Monday in the month of May.
Memorial Day continues to serve as a remembrance of the lives lost and the courageous fight of service members to protect our freedom.
As President Reagan famously stated, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”
Tommorow, a special Memorial Day Observance will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery (5225 US Highway 1) in Mims. If you are planning to attend, please bring a lawn chair as seating is limited.
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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| Floridians Making an Impact |
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles Presented with Independent Women’s Forum "Woman of Valor" Award
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles was presented with the Barbara K. Olson "Woman of Valor" Award at the 2026 Independent Women’s Gala in recognition of her decades of steadfast commitment to advancing principled leadership at the highest levels of government.
The award is named in honor of Barbara Olson, a distinguished attorney, television political analyst, and co-founder of the Independent Women’s Forum, who tragically lost her life on September 11, 2001, as a passenger on American Airlines Flight 77.
President Donald Trump praised Ms. Wiles, stating “Not only is Susie the first female Chief of Staff in American history, she’s also one of the best White House Chiefs of Staff ever in history. I’d say the best actually. I’m tremendously grateful for her friendship, loyalty, and support every single day, everything we have done here in the White House has been with her help and her leadership. She’s respected by everybody. We owe her tremendous debt and what she’s done is just incredible for our country.”
“It’s not about me,” Ms. Wiles said. “I’m not on the ballot. I just have a team, and the team is incredible. If you make it about you, you’re taking away from what the cause is really about.”
Prior to her appointment as White House Chief of Staff, Ms. Wiles was a prominent member of the Northeast Florida community since 1992. Throughout her career, Ms. Wiles has led local, statewide, and national political campaigns. Additionally, she has proven herself as a dedicated public servant, including serving as District Director for Florida’s 4th Congressional District and as the first female Chief of Staff for the City of Jacksonville. |
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Governor DeSantis Signs 2026 Memorial Day Proclamation Honoring Fallen Service Members
Last week, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Florida’s 2026 Memorial Day Proclamation, in honor of the brave service members who gave their lives in defense of our nation. The proclamation reaffirms Florida's commitment to remembering their sacrifice and supporting the families and Veterans who carry their legacy forward.
The proclamation asks Florida residents to pause for a moment of silence on Monday, May 25th at 3:00 p.m. and for all national and state flags in Florida to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until 12:00 p.m.
To read the proclamation in full, click here.
Blue Origin Announces Expansion of Manufacturing Facility on Florida's Space Coast
Governor Ron DeSantis recently announced "Project Horizon", a $600 million investment by Blue Origin to construct an 830,000-square-foot upper stage manufacturing facility at Rocket Park at the Cape Canaveral Spaceport.
"Project Horizon is the latest and most ambitious chapter in Blue Origin's decade-long commitment to Florida," said Dave Limp, CEO of Blue Origin. “Since 2015, we’ve scaled to nearly 4,000 employees, invested more than $2.3 billion across 500 Florida suppliers, and expanded to 11 sites across Brevard and Orange Counties. And we’re just getting started.”
The investment demonstrates Blue Origin's continued commitment to creating jobs for Floridians. The new facility is expected to support 500 aerospace jobs with an average salary of more than $98,000.
Blue Origin is currently the only company to manufacture and launch rockets from Florida's Space Coast.
Space Florida President and CEO Rob Long stated, “When a company can design, build, and launch from the same state, it creates efficiencies that are hard to replicate anywhere else. Blue Origin continues to choose the state that has spent more than a decade systematically building the conditions for them to scale here.”
To read the Governor's full press release, click here.
Beware of Unpaid Ticket and Toll Scams
As the travel season ramps up, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is warning drivers to beware of ticket and toll scams.
Scammers are sending fraudulent text messages claiming you have an unpaid traffic ticket or outstanding toll balance and threatening to suspend your driver’s license or vehicle registration unless you pay immediately.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles warns that these messages are fake, and that the agency never contacts consumers by text to demand payment, threaten penalties, or request personal information. Similar scams involve imposters posing as legitimate toll agencies, using spoofed numbers and phishing links that mimic official websites.
FDACS advises consumers to be aware of the following:
- Generic greetings such as “Dear Customer” or “Dear E‑ZPass user”
- International or unusual phone numbers
- Multiple recipients listed in the same text
- Threatening language urging immediate action
- Requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or other nonstandard methods
If you receive one of these texts, do not reply, do not click links, and do not share personal or financial information. Instead, independently verify your account by calling the customer service number on your official toll or ticket account. Block the sender and report the scam to law enforcement, the Federal Trade Commission or the Federal Communications Commission.
To read the announcement in full, click here. |
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| 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
Freedom 250 National Memorial Day Parade Streaming Live
The annual National Memorial Day Parade returns to Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C. on Monday, May 25th. In honor of our nation’s Semiquincentennial, this year’s theme is Freedom250.
Special opening ceremonies and performances will begin at 9:00 a.m., and the parade will begin at 10:00 a.m.
"America's 250th anniversary is the anchor, but this parade carries more," said American Veterans Center President Tim Holbert. "It is now 85 years since America entered World War II, 75 years since the Korean War, and more than 50 years since Vietnam. This year also marks 35 years since Desert Storm, and 25 years since September 11. From the Greatest Generation, military chaplains, Gulf War veterans, 9/11 survivors, and first responders, thousands will join along Constitution Avenue. And each one carries a story, in memory of those we have lost."
To view the list of musical performances, special guests, and parade highlights, click here.
To watch the parade live on the American Veterans Center's YouTube page, click here.
You can also watch the parade's television special nationwide live on local ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and CW stations. |
| Bill Action by Governor DeSantis |
As of Sunday, May 24th, Governor DeSantis has received a total of 113 bills for his consideration, of which 28 remain pending and 85 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:
SB 584 – Commercial Driving Schools
CS/SB 590 – Statute of Limitations Period for Violations Involving Required Reports Concerning Children
CS/SB 656 – Internet Crimes Against Children Programs
CS/SB 772 – Limited Licenses for Portable Electronics or Eyewear Insurance
CS/CS/SB 984 – Firefighter Cancer Benefits
SB 1022 – Children’s Initiatives
CS/SB 1246 – Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund
CS/CS/SB 1404 – Memory Care
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/HB 131 – Curators of Estates
HB 167 – Former Phosphate Mining Lands
CS/CS/SB 178 – Athletics in Public K-12 Schools
SB 192 – Patient Funds Held in Trust by Chiropractic Physicians
CS/CS/HB 277 – Domestic Violence and Protective Injunctions
CS/SB 296 – Victims of Domestic Violence and Dating Violence
HB 327 – Uterine Fibroid Research Database
CS/SB 340 – Human Trafficking Education for Nurse Licensure
CS/HB 355 – Health Care Patient Protection
CS/SB 474 – Military Affairs
CS/CS/CS/SB 538 – Extracurricular Activities
CS/HB 561 – Educator Preparation and Certification
CS/CS/HB 425 – Historic Cemeteries Program
CS/SB 578 – Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Initiative
CS/CS/HB 753 – School Counselors
CS/CS/SB 800 – Engineering
CS/HB 809 – Temporary Certificates for Practice in Areas of Critical Need
CS/HB 851 – Professional Learning for Instructional and School Administrative Personnel
CS/HB 867 – Dry Needling by Occupational Therapists
CS/CS/CS/HB 913 – Inmate Services
CS/HB 915 – Medical Assistance Eligibility for Working Individuals with Disabilities
CS/HB 925 – Clerks of Court
HB 1031 – Customer Service Callback Queues
CS/CS/HB 1069 – Background Screenings
CS/CS/HB 1085 – Local Government Cyber Security
CS/HB 1175 – Safety Design Standards for Office Surgery Suites
HB 1407 – Commencement of Civil Actions
CS/CS/SB 1434 – Infill Redevelopment |
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Ms. Cindy Van Bibber
Our Constituent of the Week is Ms. Cindy Van Bibber, Director of the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims.
Ms. Van Bibber is originally from Grand Island, Nebraska and moved to Brevard County in 2024 to accept a position as the Director of the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.
Shortly after graduating high school, Ms. Van Bibber enlisted in the U.S. Army, where she served for 10 years with distinction. Her assignments included tours in Korea and Kansas as well as Belgium at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, which is the headquarters for NATO's Allied Command Operations.
Upon completing her military service, she served as a Cemetery Program Support Technician and Superintendent at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Amelia, Virginia. During her tenure, Ms. Bibber established a Veterans and auxiliary volunteer program to assist with operations during a statewide budget crisis.
In 2007, Ms. Van Bibber completed the National Cemetery Administration's comprehensive year-long Cemetery Director Intern Program. That same year, she joined the Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration. From 2008 to 2010, she served as Director of Fort Bliss National Cemetery in El Paso, Texas, and Fort Bayard National Cemetery in Grant County, New Mexico. She then moved to California, where she was the Director of Bakersfield National Cemetery and Assistant Director of Riverside National Cemetery.
In 2015, she became the first Director of the Omaha National Cemetery, where she oversaw the site development, construction, staffing, and initial operations in preparation for the new cemetery's first burials. In 2019, she served as Director of the Santa Fe National Cemetery in New Mexico, and in 2021, she returned to California as Director of the Bakersfield National Cemetery.
Since 2024, Ms. Van Bibber has served our community as the Director of the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, which serves as a final resting place for more than 17,000 Veterans. She has been instrumental in guiding the cemetery through a 30-acre expansion to add approximately 32,200 additional gravesites over the next decade.
As Director, Ms. Van Bibber also actively supports a formal group of volunteers that serve as the Support Committee at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery. The Support Committee honors the military service of those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces or are interred at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery. The group also supports the attainment of national shrine status for the cemetery through beautification endeavors.
She also supports the Cape Canaveral Ladies, a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring America’s fallen service members by ensuring that no Veteran is ever laid to rest alone at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.
Ms. Van Bibber resides in Brevard County, where she fully embraces the unique opportunities it offers. She particularly enjoys exploring the natural beauty, cultural events, and recreation activities that make Brevard County such a special place to live.
SD 19 extends our gratitude to Ms. Cindy Van Bibber for her distinguished service in the U.S. Army and her continued dedication to our nation’s heroes. Her leadership as Director of the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery ensures that every Veteran and family is honored with dignity, compassion, and unwavering respect. |
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Port Canaveral Cargo Improvement Grant
Last week, I had the honor of attending an event at Port Canaveral celebrating the awarding of more than $20 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation, through the Port Infrastructure Development Program. This funding will support expanded capacity at two of the busiest cargo berths, strengthening the Port’s role as a major economic driver for Brevard County and supporting continued growth in tourism, commerce, and job creation across the Space Coast.
The full dock bulkhead repair and improvement project totals $37 million and will extend the lifespan of these critical facilities by 20 to 30 years. The remaining $17 million will be funded by the Canaveral Port Authority and the Florida Department of Transportation.
Port Canaveral CEO, Capt. John Murray stated, “We as a port must provide the bulkhead facilities that will help them operate efficiently and reliably day after day, year after year, and as a seaport, a bulkhead is the most valuable asset that we have, the interface between the land and the water.”
The project is currently in the design phase, with construction expected to begin in early 2027.
IRL Half-Cent Sales Tax to be Placed on the November Ballot
Last week, the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve placing the renewal of the Save Our Indian River Lagoon (SOIRL) half-cent sales tax on the November 2026 ballot. This decision allows voters to decide whether to continue the half‑cent sales tax that funds lagoon restoration, which expires in 2026.
The SOIRL program, which is funded by the half-cent tax, has completed more than 111 community restoration projects since 2016, including septic‑to‑sewer conversions, stormwater upgrades, muck removal, and filtration improvements.
County leaders emphasized that while the tax has generated about $560 million over 10 years, significantly more, potentially $5 billion, is needed to fully restore the lagoon.
Brevard Public Schools "Class of 2026" Graduates Earn More than a Diploma
Brevard Public Schools achieved their strongest College and Career Acceleration (CCA) results to date in the 2024–2025 school year, with 75% of graduating seniors earning a CCA designation. CCA is a key component of the Florida Department of Education's accountability system and measures how effectively high schools prepare students for postsecondary success through advanced coursework, college credit, industry certifications, or military‑readiness benchmarks.
District leaders credit the historic gains to a targeted, student‑centered strategy that focuses on helping juniors and seniors complete credentials already within reach, removing barriers, and tracking progress student‑by‑student.
Several schools posted notable year‑over‑year improvements, including the Brevard Virtual School, Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High, Merritt Island High, Rockledge High, Space Coast Jr./Sr. High, and Titusville High, each increasing CCA rates by more than three percentage points. West Shore Jr./Sr. High and Edgewood Jr./Sr. High remained top performers, both exceeding 98% CCA attainment.
To read the announcement in full, click here. |
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Matthew’s Hope Run & Rev 2-Miler and Car Show
Matthew’s Hope, a nonprofit homeless outreach ministry in Cocoa, will be hosting their Run & Rev 2-Miler and Car Show on Saturday, May 30th from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Matthew’s Hope Brevard (825 Forrest Avenue) in Cocoa.
The registration fee is $35 for adults and $25 for children through May 29th; the fee increases by $5 on race day.
Advance registration and packet pickup will take place on Friday, May 28th 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 7:00 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. at the race site. The race begins at 8:00 a.m.
To register for the Run & Rev 2-Miler, click here.
In addition to the race, a car show will take place featuring classic, muscle, and modern cars. Vehicle registration for the car show is free, and participants can register in advance online here.
To learn more about Mathew's Hope, click here.
Rockledge "Schools Out for Summer" Event
The Schools Out for Summer event will be held on Friday, June 6th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at North Salerno Park (5335 Tavistock Drive) in Rockledge.
The event is free of charge and activities include inflatables, a craft market, foam party, food trucks, a DJ, games, and more.
For more information, click here.
Merritt Island Fest
The Merritt Island Fest will be held on Saturday, June 6th and Sunday, June 7th from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center Amphitheater (400 South Sykes Parkway) in Merritt Island.
The event features concerts by nationally renowned recording artist Landon McNamara and the legendary Jamaican band, Inner Circle. Other activities include onsite fishing contests, local artists and vendors, a surf expo with professional board shapers, and much more.
Ticket prices for the two-day family-friendly event vary and can be purchased online here. For more information and the schedule of events, click here.
6th Annual Space Coast Women's Day
Touch of Magic Events will be hosting their 6th Annual Space Coast Women's Day event will be held on Sunday, June 7th, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Melbourne Auditorium (625 East Hibiscus Blvd) in Melbourne.
The event is free of charge and features exclusive products and services, wellness experts, complimentary pampering activities including chair massages, make-up demos, and hair styling tips, interactive fitness exhibits, and health screenings.
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
Staff
Yvette Campbell
Christian Chesnut
William Gooden
Kelli Lane |
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