| The Mayfield Minute - June 29, 2025 |
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Happy Independence Day!
This week, we celebrate the Fourth of July and honor the vision of our Founding Fathers and the legacy of the Declaration of Independence. As we enjoy the festivities with family and friends, let us take a moment to reflect on the importance of Independence Day.
The Fourth of July commemorates the approval of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted for independence from Great Britain and two days later the Declaration of Independence was formally adopted. The Declaration of Independence marked the birth of the United States of America, breaking away from British rule and becoming a new nation.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal." These iconic words from the Declaration of Independence have resonated throughout centuries, reminding us of the foundational principles of freedom and equality that define our nation.
This Independence Day we recognize our nation's 249th birthday and look forward to 2026, when we will celebrate the United States of America's 250th birthday.
Many of the cities within Brevard County are hosting special celebrations for Independence Day. For a list of events, click here to view last week's June 22nd Mayfield Minute Upcoming Events section.
From my family to yours, I wish everyone a very safe and blessed Independence Day surrounded by friends and loved ones!
I consider it a great honor to represent Senate District 19. Please share this link with your friends and family so they too, can subscribe to 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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| Bill Action by Governor DeSantis |
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Of the bills passed during the 2025 Legislative Session, Governor DeSantis has signed 228 into law, 29 remain pending his consideration, and five have been vetoed.
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.
Some of the bills signed by Governor DeSantis last week include:
CS/CS/SB 1730 – Affordable Housing
CS/CS/SB 1156 – Home Health Aide for Medically Fragile Children Program
SB 118 – Regulation of Presidential Libraries
CS/CS/HB 913 – Condominium and Cooperative Associations
CS/CS/HB 393 – My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program
CS/CS/CS/HB 1371 – Law Enforcement Officers and Other Personnel
CS/CS/HB 669 – Israeli Bonds
CS/SB 1622 -- Beaches
CS/SB 1080 -- Local Government Land Regulation
CS/CS/SB 180 -- Emergencies
CS/SB 108 -- Administrative Procedures
CS/CS/SB 492 -- Mitigation Banks
CS/CS/SB 1678 -- Entities that Boycott Israel
HB 1143 -- Permits for Drilling, Exploration, and Extraction of Oil and Gas Resources
The bills vetoed last week include:
HB 0181 -- Parole
HB 0295 -- Comprehensive Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan
HB 0827 -- Statewide Study on Automation and Workforce Impact
SB 1574 -- Energy Infrastructure Investment |
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Sixty Missing Children Rescued in Central Florida
“Operation Dragon Eye” was spearheaded by the U.S. Marshall’s office with assistance from Florida’s Office of Statewide Prosecution and 20 law enforcement agencies. The mission resulted in the rescue of 60 missing children, ages nine to 17 and the arrest of eight adult suspects. The suspects are facing multiple charges including human trafficking, child endangerment, drug trafficking, and drug possession.
"The real heroes behind this operation are the law enforcement who built and executed this mission. As your Attorney General and a father of three young kids, protecting children is my top priority," said James Uthmeier, Florida Attorney General. "If you victimize children, you're going to prison, end of story."
“Sixty kids saved. That number sends the message that Florida will never be a safe place for traffickers," said FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass. "At FDLE, we will continue to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. And to any family still missing their child, we will never stop searching until we make sure they are brought home safely."
All of the rescued children are receiving physical and psychological care.
“Operation Safe Summer” Removes 11,000 Hemp Products for Violations of Child-Protection Standards in First Week
Last week, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced results from the first week of “Operation Safe Summer," a statewide inspection of hemp retailers and manufacturers marketing to children.
“We have drawn a hard line in Florida when it comes to protecting our children from dangerous and deceptive hemp products. 'Operation Safe Summer' is our latest effort to crack down on bad actors who think they can skirt the law, ignore public safety, and profit off high-potency, intoxicating hemp products that endanger our children,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. “We will not tire in our commitment to cleaning up this industry, holding violators accountable, and sending a clear message: if you refuse to follow the law, you won’t be doing business in Florida.”
The statewide inspection sweeps specifically targeted the sale of hemp products that are attractive and/or marketed to children, which is prohibited by Florida law. The sweep included inspections of more than 700 businesses in all 67 Florida counties and uncovered over 83,000 packages of hemp-extract products, including euphoric, high-
potency THC products, targeting children.
For more information on "Operation Safe Summer" and the efforts of FDACS' crackdown on hemp related products and marketing targeted toward children, click here.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Searches for the Next Florida Future Chef Champion
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is accepting entries for Florida Future Chef 2025, a statewide student cooking competition that celebrates Florida agriculture, culinary creativity, and nutritional awareness of the National School Lunch Program. Winning contestants may be selected to receive up $5,000 in the form of a 529 College Savings Plan and may have their recipe adapted for a school meal.
Contest Details:
- Open to Florida students ages 7-13
- Must enter by July 11th for a chance to compete in the final event
- Contestants will need to submit a short, two-to-five-minute video preparing an elevated school meal using at least one Florida-grown ingredients
“Empowering Florida’s students with hands-on culinary experience is key to cultivating nutritious eating habits and a deeper appreciation for our state’s rich agricultural roots,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. “Through the Florida Future Chef competition, we’re not only encouraging creativity in the kitchen, but also helping students understand the value of using fresh, Florida-grown ingredients.”
Each year, FDACS’ Division of Food, Nutrition and Wellness reviews hundreds of submissions to select the top three finalists for a three-day finale competition in Tampa.
Click here to learn more about the competition, including official rules and how to enter. |
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Raúl Ortega, U.S. Navy Veteran and Business Owner
Our Constituent of the Week is Raúl Ortega, a proud U.S. Navy Vietnam Veteran who honorably served from 1968 to 1972. He completed two tours in Vietnam aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) and USS Waddell (DDG-24).
His commitment to Veterans continues today as the 2nd Jr. Vice Commander of DAV Chapter 32 in Melbourne. He is also an active member of several Veteran organizations including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), and the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA), among others.
Following his military service, Mr. Ortega earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at El Paso, and an MBA from the University of La Verne in California. Leveraging his technical expertise and leadership skills, he held senior management roles at renowned companies such as Westinghouse, General Electric, and Harris Corporation. His focus was on expanding these organizations’ presence in the global marketplace.
In 2016, Mr. Ortega founded Nuvosource International (NSI), where he serves as President and CEO. NSI specializes in providing national and international electric utilities and other key industries with high-quality products essential for maintaining efficient and effective operations.
Fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, and proficient in French and Italian, Mr. Ortega brings a global perspective to his business endeavors and veteran advocacy. His career reflects a lifelong dedication to service, leadership, and bridging international markets.
Mr. Ortega resides in Melbourne with his Delores.
SD 19 is grateful for his service during the Vietnam War, his continued support for Veterans, and leadership in our community. |
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Fireworks Safety and Festivities
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is urging residents to prioritize safety, legality, and awareness of local restrictions as they celebrate July 4th.
“We want people to enjoy the holiday, but we also want them to be smart about it,” said
Retired BCSO Commander and current Public Information Officer (PIO) Tod Goodyear.
In Florida, consumer fireworks including Roman candles and bottle rockets are legal to use only on three designated holidays:
• July 4 (Independence Day)
• Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve)
• Jan. 1 (New Year’s Day)
Launching fireworks outside of these approved dates may result in a violation of state law.
City ordinances and community rules may further restrict fireworks usage in densely populated areas, near protected lands, and in neighborhoods with HOA rules.
Mr. Goodyear stated the most significant concerns related to fireworks are burns, fires, and explosions.
The following preparations can make the difference between a successful celebration and terrible tragedy:
• Keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby
• Maintain a safe distance between launch points, people, and property
• Always clean up debris afterward, especially around dry brush or grass
• Never relight a dud and always give used fireworks time to cool before discarding
• Most importantly: Do not let children handle fireworks
Mr. Goodyear added, “The goal of the Sheriff’s Office isn’t to shut down celebrations. It is to make sure they happen without injuries or fire calls.”
Sands Space History Center has Reopened
The Sands Space History Center has reopened to the public after significant renovations. Located outside the main gate of Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, the museum showcases more than 75 years of space and military history through a wide range of preserved hardware, archival photographs, and memorabilia.
Originally known as the Air Force Space and Missile Museum Annex, the facility was renamed in honor of Maj. Gen. Harry J. “Skip” Sands Jr., a career Air Force officer and advocate for preserving the military’s space legacy. According to the U.S. Space Force, the museum includes components from the Redstone, Atlas, and Titan missile programs, as well as artifacts from NASA’s Mercury, Gemini and Apollo missions.
The museum is located at 100 Spaceport Way, just off State Road 401, and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. No base access is required to visit, and admission is free.
Dr. Michael McLaughlin Named Chief Medical Officer for Orlando Health East Florida Region
Orlando Health recently appointed Dr. Michael McLaughlin, of Brevard County, as the Chief Medical Officer for the Orlando Health East Florida Region.
He will work with staff at Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital and Orlando Health Sebastian River Hospital, and with physicians practicing in both Brevard and Indian River Counties. Dr. McLaughlin’s responsibilities include providing leadership, collaboration, and coaching to medical staff in the Orlando Health East Florida region.
He has 35 years of experience as a practicing surgeon and physician. Dr. McLaughlin received his medical degree from the Louisiana State University School of Medicine and completed his residency at Orlando Health Regional Medical Center, where he served as chief resident.
Dr. McLaughlin was a former assistant professor of surgery for the University of Central Florida College of Medicine for 10 years. He has also served as the Chief Medical Officer of the hospital division of Health First and as a general and non-cardiac thoracic surgeon in Brevard County. |
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Cocoa Beach Centennial Celebration Weekend
The City of Cocoa Beach was founded 100 years ago in 1925. The city will be hosting a Celebration in honor of their Centennial on Saturday, July 5th and Sunday, July 6th. Multiple events are planned including an indoor pickleball tournament, golf tournament, and a “Street Party."
The two-day event schedule is as follows:
Saturday, July 5th
- Indoor Pickleball Tournament: Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. and the cost is $55 per co-ed team. The format is a “Round Robin Double” elimination and will take place at the Cocoa Beach Recreational Center (321 Ramp Road).
- Free Swim: From 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. visitors to the Cocoa Beach Aquatic Center (4800 Tom Warriner Boulevard) can enjoy the pool free of charge celebration of the city’s 100th year.
- Centennial Celebration Street Party: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in Downtown Cocoa Beach (Minutemen Causeway). The event is free of charge and will feature unique vendors, food trucks, local band Hot Pink and a drone show.
Sunday, July 6th
- Golf Tournament: Check-in is from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cocoa Beach Country Club (5000 Tom Warriner Boulevard). The fees for foursomes are $400, twosomes are $225, and single players are $110.
For more information on Cocoa Beach Centennial Celebration, click here.
Surfrider "Dirtiest Beach Day" Clean Up
The Surfrider Foundation's Space Coast Chapter will hold a "Dirtiest Beach Day" clean up in Brevard County at Pelican Beach (1525 Highway A1A) in Satellite Beach, on Saturday, July 5th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
This nationwide event is referred to as the "Dirtiest Beach Day" due to leftover debris from 4th of July activities and celebrations. Volunteers with the Surfrider Foundation work diligently to clean up beaches and prevent trash from being absorbed into the ocean.
They organization is seeking additional volunteers to assist in their efforts. If you are interested, please click here to support the Surfrider Foundation and to sign up for the July 5th clean up in Satellite Beach.
Cocoa Beach Air Show 2025
The 2025 Cocoa Beach Air Show will take place on Saturday, July 12th and Sunday, July 13th at Lori Wilson Park (1500 North Atlantic Avenue) in Cocoa Beach. Gates open at 9:00 a.m. each day with aerial performances scheduled twice daily beginning at 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The Air Dot Show Tour will feature a lineup of military and civilian aerial performances including:
- F-22 Raptor Demo Team
- E/A-18 Growler Team
- C-17 Globemaster III Demo Team
- KC-135 Stratotanker Demo
- 920th Rescue Wing
- RE/MAX Parachute Team
- Navy Legacy Flight
- John Black Aerobatics
Viewing Options and Ticket Prices:
- Flight Line Club VIP: Includes tented seating, catered lunch, all-day beverage bar, and VIP parking. (Advanced ticket pricing begins at $179 per person)
- Sand Boxes: Private 10′ x 12′ reserved beach areas for up to four people, with nearby dedicated restrooms and concessions. (Advanced ticket pricing begins at $42.25 per person)
- Drop Zone Beach: General admission area with access to restrooms, food and beverage stands, and professional narration. (Advance ticket pricing begins at $29.25 per person)
For more details and to purchase tickets, 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
William Gooden
Kelli Lane |
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