August 16, 2026 - National Nonprofit Day: 8/17/2026

e Mayfield Minute - August 16, 2026

     

Good Morning!

   

National Nonprofit Day   Tomorrow, we celebrate National Nonprofit Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the valuable contributions of nonprofit organizations in our communities and across the nation. Observed annually on August 17th, National Nonprofit Day commemorates the Tariff Act of 1894, which first exempted nonprofits from federal income taxes.   Nonprofits are the backbone of our communities, providing critical services, advocacy, and support to those in need. Brevard County is fortunate to have dedicated organizations working every day to make a meaningful impact.   Our nonprofits play a vital role in supporting a wide range of causes, including providing shelter to individuals experiencing homelessness, promoting education and environmental efforts, and protecting children and seniors.   Additionally, many nonprofits offer specific opportunities for high school students working to meet the service hours requirements for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship, which assists families with in-state college tuition or career and technical education programs.   While it would be impossible to recognize all the great organizations in our community, click here for a list of local nonprofits we have interacted with recently. I encourage everyone to consider volunteering with, or supporting, one of our local nonprofits.   We extend our thanks to all the nonprofits in District 19 that work tirelessly to make our community a better place. Your work does not go unnoticed!   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!

 

Floridians Making an Impact

 

Wilton Simpson   This week, I’m proud to highlight Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson.   A fifth-generation Floridian, Commissioner Simpson was born and raised in Lakeland. He attended Pasco-Hernando State College, where he earned an Associate of Arts degree in 1997. He went on to work in his family’s businesses, Simpson Environmental Services and Simpson Family Farms. For more than four decades, he owned and managed a large-scale egg-laying operation that supplied eggs to families across Florida.   Commissioner Simpson began his public service career in 2012, when he was elected to the Florida Senate. While in the Legislature, he served as Senate Majority Leader from 2016 to 2018 and as President of the Senate from 2020 to 2022.   During his time in the Senate, Commissioner Simpson championed legislation supporting Florida’s agricultural industry and protecting the state’s natural resources. He helped advance the Right to Farm Act and played a key role in the passage of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act in 2021, which expanded efforts to protect critical wildlife habitats and preserve working agricultural lands from development.   In 2022, Commissioner Simpson was elected Florida’s 13th Commissioner of Agriculture. Since taking office, he has continued to support Florida’s farmers and ranchers, protect working lands, conserve natural resources, and strengthen the state’s agricultural industry. Under his leadership, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has invested in farmland preservation, wildfire prevention, and the Floridia Wildlife Corridor. In 2026, the Legislature approved a historic $425 million investment in the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. This program has permanently preserved more than 234,000 acres of working agricultural land statewide, including more than 168,000 during Commissioner Simpson’s tenure.   Commissioner Simpson lives in Pasco County with his wife, Kathy. They have two grown children and two granddaughters.   I want to commend Commissioner Simpson for his hard work and dedication to the people of Florida. I am proud to have worked alongside him during his time in the Senate and to have the opportunity to continue working with him. His commitment to protecting our environment, preserving working farmland, and supporting our agricultural community continues to make a meaningful difference for Floridians.

 

Statewide Update

 

NOAA Lowers Hurricane Forecast   The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently lowered its forecast for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, citing a strengthening El Nino. The agency now anticipates 7 to 13 named storms in 2026, down slightly from their May forecast of 8 to 14. NOAA also expects between 2 to 6 hurricanes, down from its previous forecast of 3 to 7. So far, three named storms have formed, however none have reached hurricane strength.   That said, 106 days remain in the 2026 hurricane season, and according to NOAA, 93 percent of U.S. hurricane landfalls have occurred between August and October.   NOAA breaks down August through October activity as follows:  ·     August: activity level high; storm activity ramps up sharply as warm Atlantic waters fuel development ·     September: activity level very high (peak of season); historically the most active month on record; strongest hurricanes form in September ·     October: activity decreases slightly but remains elevated; late-season storms often form in the Caribbean   As a reminder, the 2026-2027 tax package included the permanent, year-round, elimination of sales tax on the retail purchase of certain disaster preparedness items. For a list of eligible items, click here.   The view the Florida Department of Emergency Management regular updates on statewide disasters, click here.   To sign up to receive local alerts from the Brevard Emergency Operations Center, click here.     Florida AG Announces Legislative Proposal to Charge Wildlife Poachers with Felony Offenses   Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier recently announced a major legislative proposal aimed at strengthening penalties for dangerous poaching incidents occurring near homes and populated areas.   The proposal would create a new standalone felony offense, 'aggravated illegal taking of wildlife,' for individuals who illegally take or attempt to take wildlife while knowingly discharging a firearm near people, occupied structures, or critical infrastructure.   The offense would carry second‑degree felony charges, permanent revocation of all hunting licenses, and forfeiture of firearms, vehicles, or vessels used in the crime. The proposal also includes a new third‑degree felony for poaching committed while trespassing.    Florida's wildlife belongs to all of us, and there is a right way to enjoy the outdoors. Hunting should never put families, neighbors, or communities at risk.   To report suspected violations to the Wildlife Alert Reward Program call (888) 404-FWCC, dial #FWC from a cell phone, or submit a tip here.   To read the announcement in full, click here.     Space Florida Announces Partnership with South Australia   Recently, Space Florida announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), establishing a formal partnership with the South Australia Space Industry Centre (SASIC).   Under the MOU, Space Florida and SASIC will work together on:   ·     Spaceport Development – sharing expertise in spaceport development, including Space Florida’s financing and infrastructure development toolkit and SASIC’s experience establishing reentry corridors in South Australia, while pursuing joint spaceport development projects. ·     Space Trade – jointly assessing the feasibility, business case, and infrastructure needs for through-space transportation of goods and services between Florida and South Australia, including exploring a potential demonstration mission. ·     Economic Opportunity – establishing channels to share business development leads and identify opportunities for companies in each location to leverage the other’s capabilities and market access. ·     Research and Development – connecting research networks in both regions, including Florida’s University Space Research Consortium and South Australia’s space research networks. ·     Inspiring the Next Generation – facilitating relationships between educational institutions in Florida and South Australia to build the next generation of space talent.   “Florida’s role in the global space economy has always depended on the strength of our partnerships, not just our launch capabilities,” said Rob Long, President and CEO, Space Florida. “South Australia is emerging as a serious force in spaceport development and space trade, and this MOU lays the groundwork for a long-term relationship that will benefit both regions as that growth continues.”   I commend Space Florida for their continued leadership and efforts to position Florida as a global leader in space industry development.   To read the full release, click here.

 

In Remembrance     Tom Jenkins   I was saddened to learn that Tom Jenkins, former Brevard County Manager, passed away after a courageous battle with kidney cancer on July 31, 2026, at the age of 81.   Tom was born on November 1, 1944, in Louisville, Kentucky. In 1954, his family relocated to Fort Lauderdale where he developed a lifelong passion for public service.   He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Florida Atlantic University and a master’s degree in public administration from Nova University.   Tom began his career in public administration with the City of Surfside before becoming Town Administrator for the Town of Davie in the mid-1970s. He later served as the Assistant Broward County Administrator.    In 1986, he accepted the position of Assistant County Manager for Brevard County. He was subsequently appointed Brevard County Manager, a role he proudly held for 17 years. Tom retired from public service before returning as Chief Administrative Officer for the Brevard County Sheriff's Office, where he faithfully served another five years before permanently retiring.   He was widely respected for his ability to bring people together, and his unwavering commitment to improving the community.   Beyond his career, Tom was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, mentor, and a loyal friend whose quiet strength, generosity, and wonderful sense of humor touched everyone who knew him.   Tom’s legacy is one of leadership, humility, service, and most importantly, enduring love for his family. He believed that true success was measured not by titles, but by the lives you touched and the difference you made.       Constituent of the Week

 

Kelly Slater   Our Constituent of the Week is Kelly Slater, 11-Time World Surf League Champion, Founder of the Kelly Slater Foundation, entrepreneur, and conservationist.   Kelly Slater was born in Cocoa Beach in 1972. He discovered surfing at an early age and quickly emerged as one of the sport’s brightest young talents. By the age of 10, he was competing in, and winning, surfing events, and by age 12, he captured his first age-division United States Championship. While attending Cocoa Beach High School, he also finished third in the junior division at the World Amateur Championships in England and won the Pacific Cup Junior Championship in Australia.   After turning professional in 1990, Mr. Slater quickly established himself as one of the world’s premier surfers. Following his first title in 1992, Mr. Slater won five consecutive titles from 1994 to 1998, cementing his place among the greatest athletes in the history of the sport.   Over the course of his career, he earned 11 World Surf League Championships and 56 Championship Tour victories, accomplishments that remain unmatched today.   In 2010, the United States House of Representatives honored Mr. Slater through H.R. 792, a resolution sponsored by the late Congressman Bill Posey, in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the sport of surfing. Additionally, in 2010, the City of Cocoa Beach unveiled a 9 1/2-foot bronze statue of Mr. Slater in Triangle Park.   Beyond his success in competition, Mr. Slater is a dedicated environmental advocate who has worked to protect coastlines, preserve coral reefs, and promote ocean conservation around the world. In 2007, he founded the Kelly Slater Foundation to raise awareness and financial support for social and environmentally-focused charities. The foundation has supported causes such as Surfers Not Street Children and Wildlife Warriors, among others.   In 2015, he co-founded Outerknown, a clothing brand that emphasizes environmentally responsible materials and supply chain transparency as an alternative to commercially produced fashion. A portion of the proceeds from Outerknown support communities recovering from natural disasters around the world.   To this day, Mr. Slater continues to compete at the highest level, most recently participating in the Outerknown Tahiti Pro competition. Competing at the age of 54 as an event wildcard, and returning from a hip replacement, he won his opening-round in powerful, wind-affected waves reaching six-to-eight feet. In the second round, he defeated three-time world champion, 32-year-old Gabriel Medina of Brazil. The competition continues through August 18th.   While Mr. Slater has houses in Hawaii and Australia, he considers Cocoa Beach his home.   SD 19 is proud of Kelly Slater for his extraordinary accomplishments in competitive surfing and for his continued commitment to environmental conservation at home and around the world.

 

District Highlights

 

Closure Update: Riverside Drive in Indialantic    A portion of Riverside Drive in unincorporated Indialantic, between Coral Way and Sand Dollar Road, will close on Monday, August 25th for approximately three months. This is the second phase of Brevard County Public Work’s multi-year, multi-phase drainage improvement project on Riverside Drive.    Once Riverside Drive reopens in December, construction will continue with traffic reduced to a single lane controlled by flaggers which is expected to last approximately six months. This phase of the project will improve stormwater infrastructure beneath Riverside Drive and connect to the new dual 8-foot by 3-foot concrete box culverts installed during the first phase.   Residential driveway access will be maintained throughout construction. Drivers should also be aware that separate construction is taking place on Riverside Drive south of Paradise Boulevard, which may also result in additional temporary impacts to drivers and pedestrians using the sidewalks.​   For more information, click here.     Funding Secured for Future Brightline Station in Cocoa   Last week, the City of Cocoa announced that $57.48 million in federal grant funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation has been secured for a future Brightline station in the city. This could not have been possible without the collaboration and support of the Space Coast Transportation and Planning Organization (SCTPO), Brevard County, and Brightline.   The new Brightline station will connect Cocoa to Orlando International Airport and to Miami completing a corridor that has been in the works for more than 10 years. While most of the rail is already in place, the funding is necessary to build the Brightline station.   The Florida Legislature, City of Cocoa, SCTPO, and Brevard County Tourism Development Council have also contributed funding to build the station infrastructure, add four additional miles of double track rail, and for station construction and operations.   In a statement, the City of Cocoa said, “This achievement reflects years of collaboration among local, regional, state, and federal partners who share a common vision for the future of transportation on the Space Coast."   I was proud to secure $2 million in state appropriations this past legislative session to improve the surrounding infrastructure to make this project a reality.   The projected completion date for the Cocoa Brightline station is 2030.       Port Canaveral to Expand Cruise Terminal 10   The Canaveral Port Authority recently announced a major expansion of Cruise Terminal 10, a project that will increase the facility’s size by 30% and position the port to host some of the largest cruise ships in the world. Terminal 10 will increase in size to more than 145,000 square feet as part of a $95 million modernization effort.   Planned upgrades include expanded security and screening areas, new elevators and escalators, and interior improvements designed to bring in more natural light. The expansion is expected to significantly benefit nearby businesses that rely on cruise passenger traffic.   Port Canaveral currently hosts seven cruise lines and 18 home‑ported ships, with plans for additional growth as part of its broader $1 billion improvement plan. Construction on the Cruise Terminal 10 expansion is scheduled for completion in November 2027.

 

Upcoming Events

 

Annual Sergeant Frank Tobar Memorial Ceremony   The Palm Bay Police Department will hold their annual Sergeant Frank Tobar Memorial Ceremony on Thursday, August 20th at 9:00 a.m. at Sacrifice Park (120 Malabar Road SE) in Palm Bay. The ceremony marks the fifth anniversary of his death which occured on August 20, 2021.   The annual ceremony honors Sergeant Tobar’s life, service, and lasting legacy. Sergeant Tobar served the City of Palm Bay with dedication, integrity, and compassion for 17 years. He was especially known for his leadership of the Palm Bay Police Explorers Program, where he mentored and inspired countless students considering careers in law enforcement.   His commitment to service continues to guide those who knew him and those who follow in his footsteps.   For more information, contact the Palm Bay Police Department at (321) 952-3456.   Purple Porch Party to End Alzheimer's   The Purple Porch Party to End Alzheimer's fundraising event will be held on Thursday, August 20th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Runway Rooftop Bar & Grill at the Hyatt Place (747 Air Terminal Parkway) in Melbourne.   The Purple Porch Party features a purple-themed 'Front Porch' setting overlooking the Melbourne International Airport runways, food, drinks, music, and raffles. Participants are encouraged to wear purple for an evening of creating new memories while raising funds to help preserve memories for those affected by Alzheimer's.   Portions of the proceeds will benefit the 2026 Space Coast Alzheimer's Walk which will take place on Saturday, September 26th at Cocoa Riverfront Park (401 Riveredge Blvd.) in Cocoa.     Second Harvest Food Bank 'Food for Thought' Tour   The Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida will host a "Food for Thought" tour on Wednesday, August 26th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Brevard County distribution center (3125 Skyway Circle) in Melbourne.   The purpose of the event is to help residents better understand food insecurity needs within in our community. During the tour, attendees will visit Second Harvest to observe how food is collected, sorted, and distributed. Additionally, participants will learn about the food bank’s programs, community partnerships, and the critical role of volunteers, donors and other supporters in providing nutritious food to neighbors experiencing hunger.     The tour is free to attend but advanced registration is required. To reserve a spot, click here.     Lakeside Social at Viera Town Center Grand Opening   A four-day event celebrating the grand opening of Lakeside Social at Viera Town Center will be held September 4th through September 7th at the Viera Town Center (1221 Town Center Avenue) in Melbourne.   The new waterfront food, beverage, and entertainment destination features a performance pavilion, lawn event space, and waterfront dining. Highlights of the grand opening celebration include live entertainment by local and regional bands, DJs, a dedicated Family and Kids Zone, lawn games, interactive photo spots, and six culinary experiences featuring local and regional chefs.   Lakeside Social will be open regularly from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday.   For more information, click here.

         

Contact Information   Melbourne Office  900 East Strawbridge Avenue, Suite 408, Melbourne, FL 32901r 321-409-2025    Tallahassee Office 400 South Monroe Street, 302 Senate Building, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100 850-487-5019