| The Mayfield Minute - May 31, 2026 |
|
2026-2027 Budget Passed by Florida Legislature
This past Friday, the Florida Legislature officially passed the State Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
This year’s total budget of $114.5 billion is slightly lower than last year’s final budget of $114.77 billion. This year marks the second consecutive year that the state budget has been reduced from one fiscal year to the next.
The bill has been transmitted to the Governor who has line-item veto authority over funds appropriated by the legislature. If you have an interest or concern regarding items in the budget, you should contact the Governor's office directly here. The Governor must sign the budget prior to the fiscal year, starting on July 1, 2026.
More details regarding the state’s budget, tax package, and local funding projects are available below in the Budget Update.
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! |
|
|
Blue Origin’s New Glenn Rocket Test Anomaly
At approximately 9:00 p.m. last Thursday, an anomaly occurred during a static fire test of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket at Launch Complex 36, in Cape Canaveral. The test involved a dry fire of the seven engines in the rocket’s booster stage while keeping the rocket on the launchpad. During the test, for a currently unknown reason, the rocket exploded on the launchpad.
Shortly after the incident, Jeff Bezos, founder and owner of Blue Origin stated “All personnel are accounted for and safe. It’s too early to know the root cause but we’re already working to find it. Very rough day, but we’ll rebuild whatever needs rebuilding and get back to flying. It’s worth it.”
“Spaceflight is unforgiving, and developing new heavy-lift launch capability is extraordinarily difficult,” NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman wrote. “We will work with our partners to support a thorough investigation of this anomaly, assess near-term mission impacts, and get back to launching rockets.”
The Brevard Emergency Operations Center and Blue Origin are requesting that residents do not call 911 to report suspected debris. Instead, please report the debris directly to Blue Origin’s mission recovery department by phone at (321) 222-4355 or by email at missionrecovery@blueorigin.com. |
|
Governor DeSantis Releases Property Tax Relief Proposal, Calls for Special Session
Last week, Governor DeSantis announced a special legislative session on property tax relief in Tallahassee beginning Monday, June 1st through Wednesday, June 3rd.
Governor DeSantis released his “Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes” proposal which provides for an immediate increase in the homestead exemption and calls for a schedule for full elimination through general law.
The proposal includes the following:
· Exempt homestead properties from taxation. Exempts the first $250,000 of a homestead's value from taxation and requiring, through law, a schedule for full elimination.
· Ensuring for core services. Requires local governments to use remaining property taxes solely for core public needs including public safety, education, infrastructure, natural resources, and our constitutional offices.
· Protect small businesses. Limits future property tax assessments on businesses and creates a more stable tax environment for local businesses.
· Ensure fairness for Florida residents. Requires any person who establishes Florida residency after January 1, 2027, to maintain Florida residency for up to five years prior to receiving the increased homestead exemption.
· Create a state trust fund to assist with core local services. Establishes a trust fund to provide grants to local governments to assist with the continuation of core local services.
On Monday, June 1st, the Senate will be in session at 1:00 p.m. and the Senate Appropriations Committee will be meeting at 3:00 p.m. For live coverage on the Florida Channel, click here.
To read Governor DeSantis' announcement in full, click here.
20 Insurance Companies Have Entered the Market Since Historic Legislative Reforms
Florida Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky recently announced that three new property and casualty insurers, Builder Reciprocal Insurance Exchange, Frontline Insurance Reciprocal Exchange, and Wingsail Insurance Company, have been approved to enter Florida’s market. These companies collectively represent more than $850 million in new capital, strengthening Florida’s property insurance landscape and supporting continued growth.
With these latest additions, a total of 20 insurers have entered Florida’s property insurance market. Commissioner Yaworsky and Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia credited this success to recent legislative reforms which support a healthier insurance market by reducing the size and frequency of legal claims, attracting new capital, and boosting competition.
Additionally, recent legislative reforms have revitalized the condo association ‘wind‑only’ market. As a result, available wind-only writers have increased from one to five in key coastal counties, reaching the highest participation level in 15 years.
To read the announcement in full, click here.
2026 Florida Python Challenge Registration is Open
Last week, Governor DeSantis and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced that the 2026 Florida Python Challenge will begin on Friday, July 10th at 12:01 a.m. and will end on Sunday, July 19th at 5:00p.m.
Participants will compete for a share of $25,000 in prizes while removing invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades and raising awareness about nonnative species. The winner of the 2025 competition captured 60 Burmese pythons and was awarded the ultimate $10,000 prize.
To qualify, interested participants must take the 2026 version of the Required Online Training; training from a previous year is not valid for the 2026 registration. The fee to register is $25.
For more information and to register online, 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
America250 Pledge to “Give 4th on July 4th"
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 invites Americans to pledge to “Give 4th on July 4th” with the goal of transforming Independence Day 2026 into the largest single day of charitable giving in U.S. history. Additionally, the commission aims to make July 4th a permanent fixture on the American giving calendar, a tradition that starts this milestone year, and grows stronger every July 4th that follows.
Giving back to our neighbors and communities has been part of American culture since its founding. However, charitable giving has long been concentrated in the last weeks of December, leaving nonprofits under-resourced for most of the year.
Participants are asked to help build this new tradition by pledging to make a gift to any charitable organization of their choice on July 4, 2026.
To join the America250 Pledge to “Give 4th” on July 4th, click here. |
| 2026-2027 Florida Budget Update |
2026-2027 Florida Budget
The Florida Legislature passed the 2026-2027 state budget of $114.5 billion for consideration by Governor DeSantis. The overall budget is slightly lower than last year’s final budget of $114.77 billion.
Below are some highlights from this year’s budget. To view a more detailed summary of this year’s budget, click here.
Building the State’s Reserve Funds:
· $14 billion in total funding for our state reserves, including $5.7 billion for the budget stabilization fund.
· $150 million for the Debt Reduction Program
Conservation and Environmental Restoration:
· $425 million for conservation easements through the Rural and Family Lands Program.
· $584.4 million in Water Quality Improvements projects, including $25 million for the Indian River Lagoon Protection Program and $25 million for Areas of Critical State Concern.
· $64.1 million for beach projects.
· $2.5 million for the Working Waterfronts Program.
First Responders and Veterans:
· 4% in pay increases for State Law Enforcement Officers, State Firefighters, and Park Rangers, as well as salary increases for State Correctional Officers.
· $240.8 million for the Department of Veterans Affairs, including critical health care services, dental care programs, and nursing home support.
· $5 million for the Law Enforcement Apprenticeship Program
Education:
· $1.56 billion set aside for teacher salary increases in the Florida Education Finance Program
· $1.2 billion for the School Readiness Program
· $20 million for public school hardening grants and $6.5 million for the Coach Aaron Feis, Chris Hixon, & Coach Scott Beigel Guardian Program.
· $473 million for school district workforce development programs
Affordable Housing:
· $50 million for the Hometown Heroes Housing Program
· $70.77 million for the State Apartment Incentive Loan Program
· State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program
Health and Human Services:
· Fully funded Florida’s Medicaid and KidCare Programs
· $69 million for child welfare services
· $20.2 million for cancer care and research
As a reminder, the Governor has line-item veto authority over any funds appropriated by the Legislature. If you have an interest or concern regarding any item in the budget, you should contact the Governor's office directly here.
Local Funding Projects
Additionally, I am proud to have helped secure a total of $42,522,836 in appropriations for the following local projects within Brevard County:
· Who We Play For: Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevent - $975,000
· Brevard County Animal Care Center - $5,000,000
· Brevard County Indialantic Stormwater Drainage Design – Phase 7 - $105,000
· Brevard County Newfound Harbor Drive Drainage Improvements – Pelican Creek (Phase 1A) and Fowler Drive - $630,612
· Brevard County – Improve IRL Circulation by Bridging Sections of the Hwy 528 Causeway - $175,000
· Brevard County – Indian River Lagoon, Septic Upgrades to Advanced Treatment Units - $1,500,000
· Brevard County – Maemir/Martin/Fiske Area Drainage Improvements - $250,000
· Brevard County – North Banana River Drive South Bridge Replacement - $1,798,585
· Brevard County – Stadium and Cuddington Signal and Intersection Safety Improvements - $250,000
· Brevard Public Schools – Firefighting Program at Cocoa High School - $640,000
· Brevard Zoo Indian River Lagoon Innovative Wastewater System and Education Hub - $2,500,000
· Circles of Care – Behavioral Health Facilities Renovation and Safety - $750,000
· Circles of Care – Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) - $250,000
· Circles of Care – Brevard - $1,256,239
· Cocoa – Baffle Box Installation - $4,715,000
· Cocoa – Multi-modal Station Access Road - $2,000,000
· Cocoa – Provost Park Redevelopment Project - $375,000
· Cocoa Beach Fire Station #50 - $4,000,000
· Cocoa Beach Gravity Sewer Rehabilitation - $500,000
· Eastern Florida State College – Dental Program Relocation & Expansion - $3,300,000
· Florida Institute of Technology Advanced Composite Equipment - $1,350,000
· Indian Harbour Beach Fire Station Annex Project - $437,000
· Indialantic Riverside Park Fishing Pier - $450,000
· Lifetime Counseling Center: Thrive Within Program - $400,000
· Manufacturing Talent Asset Pipeline (TAP) - $400,000
· Melbourne Fire Department Training Center Replacement - $400,000
· Melbourne Fire Station Alerting System - $300,000
· Melbourne Pineapple Pier Restoration - $150,000
· Palm Bay – Police Department Sgt. Frank Tobar Regional Tactical Training Building - $450,000
· Palm Bay Fire Station 8 (St. John’s Preserve) - $500,000
· Palm Bay – Babcock Street Phase One Widening Improvement Project - $500,000
· Palm Bay – Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Traffic Enhancement Project - $750,000
· Palm Bay – Malabar Road SE and Emerson Drive Improvements Project - $600,000
· Palm Bay – Protecting Utilities Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Network - $1,685,400
· Rockledge WWTP Nutrient Uptake (AWT Phase II) - $1,600,000
· Satellite Beach – Law Enforcement / Fire Rescue Boat - $175,000
· Satellite Beach – Law Enforcement In-Car Cameras, Body Worn Cameras, and Electronic Control Devices - $750,000
· West Melbourne Industrial Injection Well - $500,000
· West Melbourne – Henry Ave Box Culvert - $155,000
The bill has been transmitted to the Governor who has line-item veto authority over funds appropriated by the legislature. If you have an interest or concern regarding items in the budget, you should contact the Governor's office directly here. |
| Bill Action by Governor DeSantis |
As of Sunday, May 31st, Governor DeSantis has received a total of 140 bills for his consideration, of which 123 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:
No bills were signed this week. |
|
Pastor Scott Billue, Founder and CEO, Matthew's Hope Ministries, Inc.
Our Constituent of the Week is Pastor Scott Billue, Founder and CEO of Matthew’s Hope Ministries, Inc. (MHM), a faith-based, nonprofit homeless outreach organization.
Pastor Billue was born in Germany and grew up Fort Wayne, Indiana before moving to Clearwater. Following high school, he lived and worked in many Florida cities during his 20-year successful career in sales and marketing.
Nearing the end of his business career, he attended the Reformed Theological Seminary in Oviedo. In 2010, Pastor Billue switched professional paths and founded Matthew’s Hope Ministries, Inc. He says he was guided by the scripture, James 1: 22, which states, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
MHM began in response to inclement weather in 2010, when local temperatures dropped to 39 degrees. Pastor Billue and a few friends asked area churches to temporarily house the homeless who were suffering outside. Although many churches declined, the West Orange Church of Christ eagerly agreed to assist. Volunteers in the community stepped up to help with cleaning the church and feeding the homeless. As temperatures warmed, Pastor Billue knew he could not walk away from the overwhelming needs of the homeless community.
Over the past 16 years, MHM has expanded with campuses in Cocoa and Winter Garden, serving nearly 1,300 individuals weekly across 25 municipalities.
Pastor Billue is well-known for his compassionate, yet firm, approach to homelessness, which is an expectation of accountability and responsibility for one’s actions. The overall goal of MHM is helping those suffering to grow emotionally, mentally, spiritually, physically, and vocationally so they can move successfully toward a life of independence and self-sustainability.
In addition to providing hygiene needs, laundry services, and meal outreach, MHM assists individuals with obtaining a Florida ID, birth certificate, social security card, and VA and social security benefits. Those in need are able to receive assistance with dental, optical, and mental healthcare through the organization’s medical offices. Ministry advocates also provide support with legal, credit, and housing issues.
Additionally, MHM operates two Montessori Preschools and two wood shops where individuals learn to work in repairing, refinishing, and restoring furniture and creating home décor. Most recently, the ministry has added three Sleeper Buses in Brevard County providing a safe, climate-controlled environment for overnight stays.
Under Pastor Billue’s leadership, MHM has received many awards including the “Best Purpose Driven Mission” award by Horizon West Magazine, “Local Best of the Best” awards for the “Best Non-Profit” and "Best Podcast" of 2024, and Florida Today's Community Choice Awards for "Best Non-Profit" and "Best Preschool."
Pastor Billue believes that the homelessness crisis is best addressed when the entire community comes together in partnership and he offers this invitation to all, “Help Us, Help Them, Help Themselves.”
SD 19 is grateful to Paster Billue for his unwavering compassion, steadfast leadership, and life‑changing services he provides to the most in need throughout our communities. |
|
Melbourne High School Students Return to Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Liberty Bell Replica They Built in 1976
Last week, Melbourne High School marked a meaningful milestone as it celebrated the 50th anniversary of the student‑built Liberty Bell replica, originally created for the nation’s 1976 bicentennial celebration.
The project began when building‑trades instructor Mr. Tom Padgett challenged 15 students to design and construct a lasting "200th Anniversary of America" tribute for the school during the 1975–1976 academic year. The students spent the year crafting an exact duplicate of the Liberty Bell, including the iconic crack, using thousands of pounds of wood, concrete, and plastic.
Now as the nation celebrates 250 years, nine of the original 15 student builders returned for the rededication ceremony honoring the bell’s enduring presence on campus. The students recalled the project as a transformative experience, crediting Mr. Padgett for guiding the team and inspiring their craftsmanship.
“For a school that’s more than a hundred years old, this particular monument has been here more than half the school’s history,” said Melbourne High Principal Dr. Chad Kirk. “It’s stood the test of time and been a focal point for the whole campus for the last half century.”
The returning students expressed pride in the legacy and encouraged others to reflect on the freedoms inscribed on the bell.
Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital Graduates First Nursing Residency Class
Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital recently announced the graduation of their first class of nursing residency graduates. On May 12th, nine nurses, seven in the Emergency Department, one in Orthopedics, and one in the Operating Room, were honored for completing a rigorous year of training that paired hands-on experience with preceptor mentorship.
This program is designed for Orlando Health employees that have passed the national board exam and are current registered nurses seeking a graduate residency program in a specialty area.
The graduates reflect Orlando Health’s commitment to developing local skilled healthcare professionals and strengthening the pipeline of talent dedicated to serving the community.
88th Space Coast Honor Flight
On Saturday, June 16th, the Space Coast Honor Flight (SCHF) will embark on its 88th 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 2,350 patriots to visit DC.
The organization is always looking for volunteers, donations, and sponsorships. For more information on these opportunities, click here. |
|
Senior Safety Event with Sheriff Ivey
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey will hold a Senior Safety event on Thursday, June 4th at 6:00 p.m. at Bowe Gardens Catholic Church (2700 Sarno Road) in Melbourne.
Some of the topics Sheriff Ivey will cover include identity theft, fraud and scams targeting seniors, and neighborhood security.
The event is open to the community and free of charge. For more information, contact Bowe Gardens Catholic Church at (321) 254-5562.
Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization "Open House: Funding the Future!" Event
The Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization (SCTPO) will hold their annual "Open House: Funding the Future!" on Tuesday, June 9th from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Center for Collaboration in Rockledge (1100 Rockledge Blvd) in Rockledge.
The interactive event gives residents a behind-the-scenes look at how transportation projects are prioritized and funded, featuring hands-on activities focused on safety, project life cycles, and future planning. The program will include discussions about the "2028 List of Project Priorities" and the "Proposed 2027–2031 Transportation Improvement Program."
The event is open to the public and free of charge; registration is required. For more information and to register online, click here.
AVET Project “Celebrate Our Heroes: The Military Women”
AVET Project’s “Celebrate Our Heroes: The Military Women” will be held on Friday, June 12th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Viera (8298 North Wickham Road) in Melbourne.
The cost for the luncheon is $50 and military women are free with military I.D. The event is dedicated to honoring the courage, sacrifice, and contributions of women who have served, or will serve, in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Distinguished speakers include Dr. Kodey Bogart, former U.S. Army combat helicopter pilot and author of “Helo Girls;” Sarah Brennan, retired U.S. Coast Guard Commander; Leah Bulcholz, retired U.S. Army Commander and CEO of Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting; Yolayndria Dixon Carter, U.S. Army Veteran Chief Warrant Officer; Lindsay Eatman, U.S. Navy Veteran and Psychologist, and many others.
For more information, click here.
Star Spangled Singer Showcase
The City of Melbourne’s Star Spangled Singer Showcase will be held on Saturday, June 13th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Melbourne Auditorium (625 East Hibiscus Blvd.) in Melbourne.
Semifinalists selected from auditions held January 1st through May 22nd will perform a song of their choice before the audience and judges. The winner will be selected to perform the National Anthem at the America250 "MelBOOM 2026" July 4th fireworks celebration at Front Street Park (2205 Front Street) in Melbourne.
There is no fee to attend the showcase and sponsorships are available. For more information, contact Gina Petreins at gina.petreins@mlbfl.org or (321) 417-1342.
Melbourne Liberty Bell Museum Flag Day Ceremony
A Flag Day Ceremony in honor of the 250th Anniversary of America’s Declaration of Independence will be held on Sunday, June 14th from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Melbourne Liberty Bell Museum (1601 Oak Street) in Melbourne.
The Pledge of Allegiance will be recited at 7:00 p.m. followed by a reading of Johnny Cash’s “Ragged Old Flag.” Museum volunteers will properly retire American flags that are no longer suitable for public display. The museum’s extensive collection of military, cultural, and technological artifacts will be open for viewing before and after the program.
For more information, call (321) 373-2311 or email Honor America at honoramericafl@gmail.com. |
|
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 |
|
|
|
|
