| The Mayfield Minute - July 19, 2026 |
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57th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Mission's History Landing
On July 20, 1969, the world watched Apollo 11 astronauts, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, become the first humans to walk on the Moon. The Apollo 11 mission was a technological feat and a moment that united the nation and propelled America into a new era of space exploration.
Apollo 11 took the first giant step for mankind demonstrating American superiority in the global Space Race. Fifty‑seven years later, building on the foundation of the Apollo program, NASA is preparing to return humans to the lunar surface with the Artemis program and an even broader mission. Artemis is designed not just to revisit the Moon, but to build a sustainable presence there and pave the way for human missions to Mars.
In November 2022, Artemis I successfully tested NASA’s powerful new Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft on a 25-day journey around the Moon. In April 2026, the Artemis II crewed mission conducted a lunar flyby bringing humans to the furthest part of the moon from Earth ever, in preparation for the Artemis III mission.
The Artemis III mission planned for mid- to late 2027 will test docking operations with two commercial Human Landing Systems, SpaceX Starship and Blue Origin Blue Moon, in low Earth orbit. The Artemis IV mission will be the first crewed lunar landing since Apollo 11 and is expected to launch in 2028.
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 |
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Ambassador Mike Waltz
This week, I am proud to highlight the impact of Ambassador Mike Waltz, the 32nd United States Representative to the United Nations.
Ambassador Waltz was born in Boynton Beach and grew up in Jacksonville. In 1996, he graduated from the Virginia Military Institute as a Distinguished Military Graduate with Honors. Following his graduation, he was selected to serve as a Special Forces Officer in the Green Berets. His military service included multiple combat tours in Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Africa. For his actions in combat he was awarded four Bronze Stars, including two for Valor.
In 2018, Ambassador Waltz had the distinction of being the first Green Beret elected to Congress, representing Florida’s 6th Congressional District. In this role, he chaired the Readiness Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee and was a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. In 2024, Ambassador Waltz resigned from Congress and retired from the National Guard at the rank of Colonel to serve as President Trump’s National Security Advisor.
In May of 2025, President Trump appointed Ambassador Waltz as the United States Representative to the United Nations, where he leads the President’s effort to return the UN to its core mission of diplomacy, burden sharing, peace, security, and lifesaving assistance. He has spearheaded major reforms to reduce wasteful spending and streamline peacekeeping missions, including the UN’s first major budget cut in its existence.
Thank you to Ambassador Waltz for the critical work you have done to enhance the United States’ relationships abroad and protect our nation’s interests. |
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2026 Florida Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday
In 2025, the Florida Legislature passed House Bill 7031, which established a permanent month-long back-to-school sales tax holiday each August. This year, to give families more time to shop before the start of the school year, the legislature shifted the tax-free period to begin 11 days earlier.
As a result, the 2026 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday will begin tomorrow, Monday, July 20th and end on Thursday, August 20th. During this period, there will be no sales tax on the following eligible purchases:
· Personal computers or personal computer-related accessories purchased for noncommercial home or personal use priced at $1,500 or less.
· Personal computer-related accessories.
· Wallets and bags priced at $100 or less.
· School supplies priced at $50 or less.
· Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles priced at $30 or less.
· Clothing, footwear, and accessories priced at $100 or less.
To review the full list of eligible items, click here.
Florida Receives $40 Million to Expand Apprenticeship Opportunities in Targeted Industries
Recently, FloridaCommerce announced that the U.S. Department of Labor has awarded the state $40 million to expand apprenticeship opportunities in the defense industrial base, shipbuilding, and maritime manufacturing industries. This funding is part of a broader initiative to support the Trump administration’s America’s Talent Strategy and their objective to create more than one million active apprenticeships across the country.
“Home to 16 deepwater seaports and 21 major military installations, and ranked the #1 state in the nation for workforce development, maritime industrial base jobs, and ship and boat-building establishments, Florida is uniquely positioned to support our nation’s efforts to develop the high-skill talent across these critical industries – bolstering job growth while supporting our national defense,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly.
I look forward to the meaningful impact this funding will have for Senate District 19 and Brevard County. Home to Port Canaveral, Kennedy Space Center, Patrick Space Force Base, airports, and spaceports, the Space Coast is well positioned to take advantage of expanded apprenticeship and workforce training opportunities in these high demand industries.
To read the full press release, click here.
U.S. House of Representatives Passes Sunshine Protection Act for Permanent Daylight Saving Time
Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 308-117 to approve the Sunshine Protection Act, sponsored by Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-16), making Daylight Saving Time (DST) permanent nationwide. The legislation will now go to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
“The House took an important step toward ending the outdated practice of changing our clocks twice a year,” said Congressman Buchanan. “This commonsense legislation reflects what Americans have been saying for years: it’s time to lock the clock and make daylight saving time permanent."
Over the past several years, Florida’s congressional delegation has led the charge to end time changes at the federal level, but no legislation has successfully passed both chambers. Previous attempts to lock the clock were championed by former U.S Senator Marco Rubio, U.S. Senator Rick Scott, and Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17).
In 2018, I was proud to co-introduce SB 858 by former Florida Senator Greg Steube to declare the Florida Legislature’s intent to observe Daylight Saving Time year-round throughout the State of Florida if federal law is amended to permit states to take such action. On March 23, 2018, the House companion bill was signed into law by former Governor Rick Scott. |
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| America's 250th Anniversary |
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Governor DeSantis Unveils Statue of Juan Ponce de León as Part of Florida’s America 250 Celebration
Last week, Governor DeSantis unveiled a statue commemorating Ponce de León, the Spanish explorer and adventurer who led the first notable European expeditions to Florida in the early sixteenth century. The statue is located in the Florida Capitol Plaza and serves as a lasting monument to Florida’s heritage and spirit of independence, courage, and resolve.
“Today, we unveiled a new statue of Juan Ponce de Leon at Florida's Capitol, honoring the explorer whose arrival in 1513 marked the beginning of Florida's written history and gave our state its name,” said Governor DeSantis. “Florida's story began long before statehood or even at America's founding—it stretches back more than five centuries and helped shape the nation we know today. As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Florida is leading the way by preserving and celebrating our history.”
The unveiling of the Ponce de León statue is part of Governor DeSantis' broader America250FL statewide initiative to honor historical figures and their Florida connections including statues of the Liberty Bell, America’s Founding Fathers, Frederick Douglass, Presidents George Washington, James Madison, Ronald Reagan, Calvin Coolidge, and Abraham Lincoln, among others.
To view a video from the Governor commemorating the new state in the state capitol, click here.
America 250: A Portrait of Florida
The complete seven-episode docuseries of “America 250: A Portrait of Florida,” highlighting key locations and moments that have shaped both the state, and the nation, is now available. The docuseries was produced by Visit Florida, the state’s tourism development agency, and can be viewed on Visit Florida’s YouTube Channel.
The seven episodes include:
· Pensacola
· St. Augustine
· Tampa
· Cape Canaveral
· Tallahassee
· Key West and the Everglades
· Miami
In celebration of the "America 250: A Portrait of Florida" initiative, Bryan Griffin, President and CEO of Visit Florida stated, “Florida has a long history of exploration, innovation, and courage. We designed these episodes to tell that story—and to encourage people from all over to visit Florida’s historic sites, museums, and landmarks.” |
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Jessica Cline, Research and Lagoon Watch Coordinator, Marine Resources Council
Our Constituent of the Week is Jessica Cline, Research and LagoonWatch Coordinator at the Marine Resources Council (MRC).
In 2022, Ms. Cline graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with her bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in environmental science. While in school, Ms. Cline worked on eDNA metabarcoding projects with regional river systems.
Following her graduation, Ms. Cline moved to Brevard County to pursue her master’s degree in biological oceanography from the Florida Institute of Technology. While completing her master’s degree, Ms. Cline worked part-time as a Teaching Assistant in Florida Tech’s Department of Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences and as a Restoration Specialist at the MRC.
In 2024, Ms. Cline joined the MRC full-time as the Research and LagoonWatch Coordinator. In this role, she oversees on-site research operations at the Lagoon House and manages off-site research efforts across coastal restoration areas. Her work centers on translating ecological data into actionable insights for restoration practitioners and resource managers.
Last month, the MRC celebrated the 35th year since the founding of LagoonWatch, the center’s signature citizen-scientist water quality monitoring program. For over three decades, they have trained and equipped volunteer monitors to regularly collect water quality data in the Indian River Lagoon from New Smyrna Beach to the Jupiter inlet.
In 2025, Ms. Cline led the update of the water quality monitoring program to include new digital devices for data collection. These changes brought collection methods up to acceptable scientific standards and enable the MRC to submit data directly to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection via the Water Information Network. As a result, MRC can efficiently and accurately share data for use in vital state-level decision making and basin management plans.
Under Ms. Cline’s leadership, the LagoonWatch program received two grants from the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program. In 2025, the program received a grant to purchase expanded nitrate and phosphate testing kits for the volunteer water quality monitoring program. In 2026, LagoonWatch received a grant for the reintroduction of dissolved oxygen testing with digital Ultrapen PTF devices further modernizing the program’s evaluation capabilities.
Ms. Cline is a rising professional whose accomplishments demonstrate that her contributions to the environment, water quality, and scientific research are only just beginning. Some of her publications include “Bethanic Infaunal Responses to Shoreline Restoration” and "The Effects of Dissolved and Suspended Solids on Freshwater Meiofauna." Additionally, she continues to be a sought-after speaker on the topics of hybrid living shorelines for coastal protection and ecological restoration.
Ms. Cline resides in Brevard County and enjoys reading, porch gardening, and beach combing.
SD 19 is grateful to Ms. Cline for her strong commitment to the Indian River Lagoon’s restoration and future vitality, and for the future impact she will have as an environmental leader in our community. |
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Brevard Public Schools Release 2026-2027 Academic Calendar
Last week, Brevard Public Schools released the 2026-2027 academic calendar in an effort to help families plan for important school dates, vacations, and childcare during scheduled school closures.
The calendar is as follows:
· Monday, August 8th: First Day of School
· Monday, September 7th: Labor Day Holiday
· Friday, September 25th: Teacher Work Day
· Monday, October 12th: Teacher Work Day
· Wednesday, November 11th: Veterans Day
· Monday, November 23rd - Friday, November 27th: Thanksgiving Break
· Monday, December 21st - Monday, January 4th: Winter Break
· Monday, January 18th: Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
· Monday, February 15th: Teacher Work Day
· Friday, March 19th - Friday, March 26th: Spring Break
· Wednesday, May 26th: Last Day of School
For more information, contact Brevard Public Schools at (321) 633-1000.
Jim Stables Confirmed as New Brevard County Fire Chief
Brevard County Board of County Commissioners unanimously confirmed Jim Stables as Brevard County’s new Fire Chief at the July 7th meeting.
Chief Stables has extensive service in fire and public administration, most recently serving as Town Manager of Mount Carmel, Tennessee. He previously served as Interim City Manager in Boynton Beach and as Fire Chief in Boynton Beach, John City, Tennessee, Palm Bay, and Ormond Beach. Chief Stables is a former District Chief at Brevard County Fire Rescue.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in professional studies and public administration from Barry University and is currently completing his master’s degree in public administration from Barry University.
Chief Stables will oversee Brevard County Fire Rescue’s operations, emergency response, fire prevention, emergency medical services, and administrative functions while leading the county’s largest public safety departments.
Congratulations to Chief Stables on his new position, and congratulations to departing Chief Patrick Voltaire on his retirement following 26-years of service with Brevard County Fire Rescue.
Delta Air Lines Announces New Direct Flights from MLB to Laguardia, New York
The Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) recently announced new seasonal nonstop weekend service between New York-LaGuardia (LGA) and Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB). LaGuardia is MLB’s largest New York market, making this a natural addition to the airport’s route network.
The new service will operate Saturdays and Sundays from December 19, 2026, through May 2, 2027, providing convenient nonstop access between Florida’s Space Coast and one of the nation’s largest travel markets.
Delta reservations for the MLB to LGA flights are now open for the new seasonal service period. |
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Public Hearing for Florida City Gas Customers
On April 20, 2026, Florida City Gas (FCG) filed a request with the Florida Public Service Commission (PSCC) for a gas rate increase. FCG provides service to approximately 125,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in eight Florida counties including Brevard and Indian River counties.
As part of the evaluation process, PSCC will hold an in-person hearing and two virtual hearings to receive public feedback.
The in-person hearing will be held on Wednesday, July 29th at 9:30 a.m. at the Brevard County Government Center (2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way) in Melbourne. The virtual hearing will take place on Monday, August 17th at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Those wishing to speak at the in-person or virtual hearings must register by Monday, July 27th at 12:00 p.m. Upon registration, you will receive additional information about the public comment process.
To register:
· Complete the online form here.
· Call the PSC at (850) 413-7080.
· Email speakersignup@psc.state.fl.us.
If you are unable to participate in the hearings, you may register your comments by:
· Completing a comment card online here.
· Emailing clerk@psc.state.fl.us.
· Submitting via U.S. Mail to Office of the Commission Clerk, 2540 Shumard Oak Boulevard, Tallahassee, FL 32399.
To review the PSC hearing announcement in full, click here.
Sea Turtle Conservancy's Loggerhead Turtle Release
The Sea Turtle Conservancy plans to release two adult Loggerhead turtles back to sea on Sunday, August 2nd at 7:00 a.m. at the Barrier Island Center (8385 S. Highway A1A) in Melbourne Beach.
The released turtles will have attached satellite transmitters for the public to track their movements online as part of the Sea Turtle Conservancy's program, Tour de Turtles, migration marathon.
The event is free and open to the public. Parking will be available at the Barrier Island Center, Bonsteel Park, and along A1A. Guests should arrive at 7:00 a.m. for the prompt release of the turtles at 8:00 a.m.
After the turtles are released, the public will be able track them online here. For more information, contact sarah@conserveturtles.org.
Upcoming Free Tours of the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse
In celebration of National Lighthouse Day, Cape Canaveral Lighthouse is providing free tours on Friday, August 7th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the lighthouse (4001 Lighthouse Road) in Cape Canaveral.
Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the 158-year-old lighthouse and the Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum’s Hangar C Annex where restored missiles and rockets are located.
Additionally, in celebration of International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend, free tours will be provided on Saturday, August 15th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This tour also includes an opportunity to listen to the Kennedy Space Center Amateur Radio Club as they communicate with lighthouses and radio operators from around the world.
As the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse is located at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, a military installation, the grounds can be only accessed through scheduled tours. Reservations are required at least 10 days prior to the tours.
For more information and secure your spot, click here.
Marine Resources Council Youth Action Assembly 2026
The 2026 Marine Resources Council Youth Action Assembly will be held on Saturday, September 12th from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Environmental Learning Center (255 Live Oak Drive) in Vero Beach. Registration is required by Saturday, August 15th.
The free one-day event for students in grades 7 - 12 is designed to immerse youth in the challenges of the Indian River Lagoon and to teach them about ongoing efforts to improve water quality. A letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach, volunteering supervisor, or supervisor is required.
Attendees will participate in expert presentations with Q & A opportunities, small group workshops, and activities to develop and present their action plans. Throughout the assembly, participants will gain a network of peers and experts with a similar commitment to the Indian River Lagoon and learn about opportunities for future involvement.
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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