| The Mayfield Minute - July 26, 2026 |
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Americans with Disabilities Act Became Law 36 Years Ago Today
On July 26, 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law, marking one of the most significant civil rights achievements in modern U.S. history.
The ADA established comprehensive protections for individuals with disabilities by prohibiting discrimination in employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications, and access to government services. Passage of the ADA represented a bipartisan commitment to ensuring that millions of Americans could fully participate in civic life without facing barriers rooted in exclusion or inequality.
During the signing ceremony President Bush declared, “Let the shameful wall of exclusion finally come tumbling down.” His words reflected decades of advocacy by disability‑rights leaders who fought for equal opportunity, independence, and dignity. The ADA built on earlier reforms and expanded protections nationwide, across both public and private sectors.
The law required businesses, schools, and public facilities to provide reasonable accommodations, accessible entrances, communication support, and inclusive policies. It also established standards for accessible transit systems and workplace practices, transforming how communities design infrastructure and deliver services.
More than three decades later, the ADA remains a cornerstone of American civil rights.
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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Keith Sonderling
This week, I am proud to highlight the impact of Acting Secretary of the Department of Labor Keith Sonderling, who has been nominated by President Trump to serve as Secretary of Labor.
Born in New York City in 1982, Acting Secretary Sonderling moved to Florida as a child. He attended high school in Boca Raton before earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Florida and a Juris Doctor from Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law in 2008.
After law school, he joined Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart as an associate in West Palm Beach. In 2012, Governor Rick Scott appointed Acting Secretary Sonderling to Florida’s Fourth District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission, where he later served as chairman.
In 2019, President Trump nominated Secretary Sonderling to serve on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, where he served until January 2021. During this time, he also taught employment law as an adjunct professor at George Washington University Law School.
In 2025, President Trump nominated Sonderling to serve as Deputy Secretary of Labor under Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer. Following Secretary Chavez-DeRemer’s resignation this year, President Trump nominated Sonderling to serve as Secretary of Labor, while he continues to lead the department as Acting Secretary. His nomination now awaits confirmation by the United States Senate.
We are especially thankful to Acting Secretary Sonderling and President Trump for awarding the State of Florida $40 million to expand apprenticeship opportunities in the defense industrial base, shipbuilding, and maritime manufacturing industries. This investment will have a tremendous effect on Brevard County and Florida. |
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Florida Wildlife Corridor Act Marks Five-Year Anniversary
Five years ago, the Florida Legislature passed the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act, marking a major milestone in the state’s conservation efforts and reinforcement of Florida’s commitment to protecting its natural landscapes. These investments help conserve critical wildlife habitats, protect working agricultural lands, and preserve the connected landscapes that support Florida’s unique ecosystems.
The Florida Wildlife Corridor is a vast network of protected lands across that state. Since 2021, Florida has protected over 430,000 acres, with more than 100 properties being approved for protection. Additionally, Florida has invested roughly $2.5 billion in corridor conservation across 33 counties.
Earlier this year, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection secured the largest conservation easement in the department’s history, permanently protecting 61,525 acres of working forestland within the Ocala-to-Osceola Wildlife Corridor. The easement closed a major gap in a nearly 100-mile, 1.6-million-acre network of public and private conservation lands.
I was honored to support the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act in 2021. Additionally, this year, I was proud to sponsor SB 546 – Conservation Lands, which increased transparency and strengthened public notice requirements for the proposed sale or exchange of state-owned conservation lands.
State of Florida and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sign Historic Agreement to Ensure Everglades Restoration Federal Funding
Throughout my time in the Legislature, I have been proud to champion efforts to restore Florida’s impaired waterbodies such as the Indian River Lagoon and the Everglades. These ecosystems are critical to our state’s future, which is why I am pleased to share that the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have signed a first-of-its-kind agreement to advance construction of key Everglades restoration projects.
This latest agreement ensures federal funding will be provided to Florida for critical projects that support completion of the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2029, which is five years ahead of the original schedule.
These projects include construction of the EAA Reservoir's final component (a leakage pump management station) and the Blue Shanty Flow Way Project, which unlocks a vital system to deliver more clean water south across Tamiami Trail and Florida Bay.
The signing marks another major milestone in Everglades Restoration, building on the landmark agreement reached in June 2025 between Governor DeSantis and the U.S. Department of the Army to accelerate Everglades restoration, including completion of the EAA Reservoir, widely regarded as the "crown jewel" of the restoration effort.
Since 2019, the Florida Legislature has appropriated nearly $9.5 billion for Everglades Restoration.
To learn more about the Project Partnership Agreement, click here.
Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs Celebrates 37 Years
Following World War II, the State of Florida recognized the need to provide services to returning service members. In 1945, a division was established within the state government to help Veterans access the benefits they had earned through their service.
By the 1980s, Florida's growing Veterans population had outpaced the state's ability to meet the need. In response, Florida voters in 1988 overwhelmingly approved a Constitutional Amendment to create a Cabinet agency to “Honor Those Who Served the U.S.”
The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) was officially established on July 1, 1989, with executive offices in Largo, Tallahassee, and Bay Pines. In addition to connecting Veterans with earned services, benefits, and support, Florida opened the first of nine State Veterans’ Homes in 1990.
Today, the FDVA serves 1.4 million Veterans throughout Florida, including more than 65,000 in Brevard County. It is a privilege to work with FDVA Executive Director Major General James Hartsell to ensure all Florida Veterans receive the care, resources, and recognition they have earned.
To learn more about the services offered by the FDVA, click here. |
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| America's 250th Anniversary |
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Florida Becomes a United States Territory
Last Tuesday marked 205 years since Spain formally transferred Florida to the United States, on July 21, 1821. The change in sovereignty followed decades of diplomatic negotiations, border disputes, and shifting global power dynamics. Under the terms of the Adams–Onís Treaty of 1819, Spain ceded East and West Florida to the United States, solidifying the boundary between the U.S. and the Spanish territory in the West.
When the transfer became official, General Andrew Jackson was appointed Florida’s first military governor. General Jackson arrived determined to establish American authority, reorganize local governance, and stabilize a region long marked by conflict, smuggling, and competing colonial interests.
For the United States, acquiring Florida strengthened national security, expanded trade opportunities, and opened new lands for settlement. For Floridians, the transition ushered in new laws, new leadership, and a gradual shift from Spanish colonial traditions to American political and economic systems. The territory quickly became a strategic hub for agriculture, maritime commerce, and military operations.
Florida’s designation as a U.S. Territory in 1821 set the stage for rapid population growth and political development. Twenty-four years later, on March 3, 1845, Florida became the 27th state admitted to the Union. |
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Lt. Colonel Doug Rothenbush, United States Army, (Retired), Founder and Director of the Brevard Special Needs Ministry Network
Our Constituent of the Week is LTC Doug Rothenbush (Ret.), Director of the Brevard Special Needs Ministry Network, a collaborative initiative that equips and connects local churches to strengthen their ministries for individuals with disabilities and their families.
A native of Owensboro, Kentucky, LTC Rothenbush graduated from high school in 1986 and enlisted in the U.S. Army. After completing his initial four-year enlistment, he used his GI Bill to enroll at Jackson State University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in physics in 1995. Following his graduation from JSU, he returned to active-duty service as a Commissioned Officer. Over the next 21 years, he served as a nuclear weapon maintenance technician, explosive ordnance disposal technician, UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot, and nuclear and counterproliferation officer.
In 2016, LTC Rothenbush retired from the Army and moved to Brevard County, where he continued his service as an Air Force civilian at the Air Force Technical Applications Center on Patrick Space Force Base until his medical retirement in 2023.
Inspired by his 21-year-old daughter, Jenna, who has Down syndrome, LTC Rothenbush founded the Brevard Special Needs Ministry Network in 2024. His vision is to help churches create welcoming environments where people of all abilities and ages can grow in worship, fellowship, discipleship, and service.
His ministry network began as an effort to establish a Bible study class for adults with special needs at First Baptist Church of Merritt Island. It has since grown into a county-wide ministry that encourages churches to learn from one another, share resources, and expand opportunities for individuals with disabilities to fully participate in the life of the church.
LTC Rothenbush’s passion for disability ministry has continued to expand beyond local churches. In 2025, his work inspired a statewide disability ministry motion at the Florida Baptist Convention, calling for a task force to study how churches can better serve the 2.8 million Floridians with disabilities. The task force now coordinates with the Southern Baptist Convention’s National Disability Ministry Task Force.
From 2022-2024, LTC Rothenbush also served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Down Syndrome Association of Brevard where he assisted in supporting more than 200 families. As a board member, he advocated for disability-related bills at both the state and federal level.
LTC Rothenbush lives in Brevard County and enjoys time with his family, fly fishing, tying flies, and encouraging churches to faithfully serve families affected by disability.
SD 19 commends LTC Rothenbush for his life of service in the U.S. Army, as an advocate for Floridians with disabilities, founder of the Brevard Special Needs Ministry Network, and most importantly, as a dedicated Father inspired by his beautiful daughter. |
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Temporary Closure of Portion North Riverside Drive in Indialantic
Last week, Brevard County announced that recent rainfall has affected ongoing wastewater infrastructure improvements, requiring the temporary closure of a portion of North Riverside Drive (North of Alamanda Court in Indialantic) beginning Monday, July 27th.
The roadway is expected to remain fully closed for approximately one week to allow for necessary repairs before school begins on August 8th. Following this closure, motorists should expect intermittent single-lane closures through September.
Detour Routes:
- Northbound: U.S. 192/5th Avenue to State Road A1A to Paradise Boulevard
- Southbound: Paradise Boulevard to State Road A1A to U.S. 192/5th Avenue
Construction is anticipated to be completed in October 2026, but may be adjusted due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.
Relativity Space Expands on Florida's Space Coast
Last week, during the first day of Florida’s Business Development Leadership Mission in Farnborough, United Kingdom, Governor DeSantis announced that Relativity Space has selected Florida’s Space Coast as the site for their upcoming expansion. The expansion is expected to bring substantial capital investments and thousands of high-skill, high-wage jobs.
Relativity Space develops orbital rockets using advanced manufacturing technologies, including large‑scale 3D printing, with the goal of making access to space faster, more efficient, and more scalable.
“Today’s announcement by Relativity to invest in Florida’s Space Coast reinforces the strength of our community’s unparalleled aerospace ecosystem,” said Lynda Weatherman, President and CEO of the Space Coast Economic Development Commission. “The EDC worked closely with the company’s leadership, while ensuring our competitive proposal demonstrated the strength of our world-class workforce, supply chain, and culture of innovation. This investment is another testament to how companies from around the world are choosing Florida’s Space Coast."
To view the Space Coast EDC’s announcement, click here.
Harmony Farms Receives Grant from the Doug Flutie Foundation
Harmony Farms has received a $10,000 signature grant from the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism for their therapeutic horseback riding program which supports individuals with autism.
The grant will enable Harmony Farms to offer two scholarships to riders, fulfilling an increasing need for therapeutic horseback riding which improves movement, muscle tone, verbalization, and attention span.
“The Flutie Foundation signature grants help our partner agencies address a variety of significant needs in the autism community,” said Nick Savarese, Executive Director of the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. “Programs like those at Harmony Farms are helping people on the autism spectrum live life to the fullest and we are proud to support their efforts.”
To learn more about Harmony Farms, click here, and for more information about the Doug Flutie Foundation for Autism, click here. |
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Kids Back-to-School Bash
Brevard County Parks and Recreation will hold a “Kids Back-to School Bash” on Saturday, August 1st from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Mclarty Park Community Center (790 Barton Blvd.) in Rockledge.
The event is free of charge and participants are encouraged to wear their favorite superhero costume. Activities include school supply give-aways, food trucks, bounce houses, games, and prizes.
For more information, contact (321) 633-1874.
Brevard Public Libraries Celebrate End Summer
Brevard County Libraries will hold an End of Summer Celebration on Saturday, August 1st from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Franklin T. DeGroodt Memorial Library (6475 Minton Road SE) in Palm Bay.
The theme of the event is “Dinosaurs in Space” and activities include a silent disco, dinosaur-themed arts and crafts projects, and raffle prizes.
Grand prizes will be available for readers who participated in the Summer Reading Challenge. Readers age 17 and under have the chance to win a $50 Walmart gift card, while readers 18 and over have the chance to win a $50 Publix gift card.
For more information about the End of Summer Celebration and the Summer Reading Program, click here.
U.S. Coast Guard 236th Birthday Celebration
The Cape Canaveral Council - Navy League of the United States will hold a U.S. Coast Guard 236th Birthday Celebration Dinner on Saturday, August 8th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Indian River Colony Club (1936 Freedom Drive) in Melbourne.
Captain Jason Aleksak, USCG, Commander of Sector Jacksonville, will serve as the keynote speaker.
General admission tickets are $60 and discounted tickets are available for service members and their guest. A plated dinner and non-alcoholic beverages are included, and a cash bar will be available.
To RSVP, email nlccc@live.com or call (757) 390-7033.
7th Annual Space Coast Wing Battle
The 7th Annual Space Coast Wing Battle will be held on Saturday, August 15th from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Wickham Park (2500 Parkway Drive) in Melbourne.
The price of a general admission ticket is $55 and includes "all you can eat" and "all you can drink" featuring unlimited wing tastings, unlimited domestic beer and hard seltzer beverages, live music, and free games.
For an additional $25 per ticket, VIP tickets are available which include exclusive early entry at 6:00 p.m. and premium drink selections.
The event is 21+ and a valid photo ID will be required for entry. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Children's Hunger Project.
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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