| The Mayfield Minute - September 14, 2025 |
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Honoring the Life and Legacy of Charlie Kirk
This week’s issue of the Mayfield Minute is dedicated to the extraordinary life and legacy of Charlie Kirk, who was killed on September 10th, 2025. At just 31 years old, Charlie left an enduring mark on the American civic and cultural landscape.
In 2012, at the age of 18, Charlie Kirk founded Turning Point USA, a movement dedicated to protecting and promoting free speech. He believed that college campuses should be places where ideas can be tested, challenged, and refined, but he became increasingly concerned by what he described as “the rapid movement away from tolerating opposing ideas and respectful debate to the deployment of obscene bully tactics.”
In response, Charlie traveled to campuses throughout the nation and sat at a table with a sign that read 'prove me wrong', encouraging those who disagreed with his position to engage with him in debate on the merits of an issue.
As Charlie's social media presence grew, the Turning Point USA movement rapidly gained traction. Within a few years, he had inspired millions of young Americans to engage in civic life and to challenge themselves on what they had been told to believe.
Despite being a man with strong convictions, he welcomed civil conversation with individuals with different viewpoints. These interactions were rarely antagonistic; instead, they demonstrated an increasingly rare example of friendly and civil disagreement.
Charlie dedicated his life to the Turning Point USA movement. He dropped out of college to commit to the fulfillment of his vision for America's youth. In 2019, Liberty University awarded Charlie with an honorary Doctorate in recognition of his contributions to society.
Throughout his life, Charlie was always proud to share his faith in Christianity and his belief that faith and freedom were inseparable. In 2021, he founded Turning Point USA Faith to encourage American Christians to engage in civic, social, and cultural discussions.
Tragically, on Wednesday, September 10th, 2025, Charlie Kirk was murdered on the campus of Utah Valley University while doing what he loved: engaging in free and open debate with students. His death is not only a personal tragedy for his family, friends, and colleagues but also a great loss for our country. This is the latest reminder of the hatred and political violence that have become far too common.
In this dark time, we must remember that violence can never replace dialogue, and intimidation can never replace debate. In Charlie’s own words, “We record all of this and put it on the internet so that people can see these ideas collide. When people stop talking, that’s when you get violence. That’s when civil war happens.”
Over the years, I had several opportunities to meet Charlie. I always found inspiration in his enthusiasm, intelligence, and commitment to sharing his ideals with the world. He truly was a unique voice that spoke directly to the younger generation. In the words of President Trump, "No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie."
Charlie Kirk leaves behind his wife, Erika, and two young children. We can honor his memory by continuing to defend free speech, engage in civic life, and hold fast to the faith that guides us. Though he is no longer with us, Charlie’s impact will be felt for generations, and his legacy will never fade.
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. My staff and I are here to serve you! |
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Commissioner Simpson Announces Over 17,000 Dangerous
7-OH Packages Removed from Florida Stores
Last week, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced that the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) removed 17,311 packages of isolated and/or concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) from retail locations in more than 20 Florida counties.
Attorney General James Uthmeier recently issued an emergency rule classifying 7-OH as a Schedule I controlled substance. Other Schedule I controlled substances include LSD, heroin, and Fentanyl-related drugs, among others.
“Since the emergency rule took effect, FDACS inspectors have been on the front lines working every day to get these dangerous, illegal products off the shelves. Over 17,000 packages containing 7-OH have already been pulled from stores across 23 counties, and our work is far from over,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “These ‘wellness’ products are nothing more than vape shop morphine, and we will continue using every tool at our disposal to educate and protect families.”
In addition to removing dangerous 7-OH products, FDACS has also removed 197,303 packages of illegal hemp products in all 67 counties as part of “Operation Safe Summer.”
To view the news release in full, click here.
Florida Marks Fifth Consecutive Year of Meeting Federal Air Quality Standards
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Alexis Lambert recently announced that Florida has met all federal air quality standards for the fifth consecutive year. Florida is the most populous state in the nation to achieve this distinction.
“Florida’s continued success in meeting federal air quality standards shows that protecting our environment goes hand-in-hand with supporting a strong economy,” said DEP Secretary Lambert. “By working with communities, businesses and partners across the state, we’re keeping our air clean, our residents healthy and our economy thriving."
Florida’s industrial emissions have declined 78% since 2000 and ozone levels have decreased by nearly half over the past 20 years. The Federal Clean Air Act, enacted in 1970, requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to set ambient air quality for six criteria air pollutants that can harm human health and the environment: carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, particle pollution and sulfur dioxide.
To view air quality conditions in your area, click here.
2025 Hispanic Heritage Art and Writing Contest
The Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida are inviting Florida students to participate in the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month contests, offering scholarships and prizes for art and essay entries.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich heritage of Hispanic Floridians,” said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas.
Art Contest:
To compete, students in grades K-3 may submit an original two-dimensional artwork on the theme of ‘Celebrating Florida’s Hispanic Heritage.’
Four statewide winners will be chosen for the art contest. Art contest winners will receive a one-year pass to Florida State Parks and a $100 gift card.
Essay Contest:
To compete, students in grades 4-12 may submit an essay about a Hispanic Floridian who has made a significant impact on the state. The essay should be written in English and not exceed 500 words.
Six winners will be selected: two from elementary school, two from middle school, and two from high school. Each winner will receive a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship and a $100 gift card.
Submissions for both contests must be received by Wednesday, September 24th. For more information, click here. |
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Remembering the Tragic Events of 9/11
Last week, my staff and I attended many of the solemn events held throughout our community in recognition of our nation's darkest day.
These events provided an important opportunity to come together as a community in honor of the lives lost, the brave first responders, the men and women who were inspired to join the military, and those who continue to suffer from the horror of that day.
Thank you to the City of Rockledge, the City of Palm Bay, the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, and the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 32 for hosting these ceremonies to ensure that we never forget the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
Volunteers Create New Garden Project at Stone Magnet Middle School with Help of Federal Grant
The U.S. Department of Energy awarded a $900,000 grant to a Florida Tech faculty team for a new garden project at Stone Magnet Middle School. The project is designed to enhance the resilience of the community around Stone Magnet Middle School in response to excessive heat, extreme weather, and local flooding.
Thirty-three volunteers from Florida Tech and Little Growers, a Melbourne-based urban agriculture non-profit, spent three hours creating a native Florida prairie at Stone Middle. The prairie is filled with 200 plants to help reduce flooding and attract critical pollinators such as bees, moths, and butterflies.
Florida Tech installed a rain gauge and weather station at Stone Middle and 10 other locations in the neighborhood, with homeowners collecting the rain amounts and entering the information into a meteorology network.
“This involves the community in the planning and the decision making and identifies problem areas within the community in a more official, systematic way, rather than people just calling the city and complaining that the pipes are broken or not draining well,” said Steven Lazarus, Florida Tech faculty member.
For more information, click here.
Brevard Teachers Tentatively Agree to Multi-Year Contract
Brevard Public Schools and the teachers’ union have reached a tentative three-year agreement that includes salary increases and healthcare improvements. The agreement includes a 2% salary increase for teachers in each of the next three school years, starting with the 2025-2026 school year.
“This is a meaningful investment in our teachers,” said Dr. Mark Rendell, Superintendent of Brevard Public Schools. "By securing a multi-year contract we're reaffirming the deep value we place on educators and their lasting impact on student success."
In addition to salary increases, the contract includes significant changes to healthcare plans and benefits for educators with advanced degrees, ensuring they receive a supplement regardless of their certification area. School psychologists will receive an additional $6,200 supplement. |
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8th Annual Long Doggers Beach Bash
The 2025 8th Annual Long Doggers Beach Bash will be held on Saturday, September 20th from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Cocoa Riverfront Park (401 River Edge Blvd.) in Cocoa.
The Beach Bash is open to all ages and will feature food trucks, local vendors, inflatables, and much more. The event also features live performances from local reggae, country, and independent musicians performing in the following order:
· Jordan Fletcher from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
· Beach Fly from 6:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
· Evening Elephants from 7:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
· ROME from 9:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Individual tickets can be purchased for $42.31 and VIP tickets which include an open bar from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. are $65.98. Children ages 12 and under are free. To purchase online, click here.
Discounted tickets can also be purchased at a Long Doggers location for $60 for two tickets and includes a $20 Long Doggers gift certificate.
Parade of Homes September 26th through October 5th
The 2025 Brevard County Parade of Homes, presented by Space Coast Home Builders & Contractors Association (HBCA), will take place from Friday, September 26th through Sunday, October 5th. According to the HBCA, the Brevard County Parade of Homes has been a celebrated tradition for over 40 years.
The Parade of Homes features 32 entries spanning all of Brevard County. Each home showcases exceptional craftsmanship, innovative design, and the latest trends in homebuilding. From luxurious estates to family residences, there is something to inspire every style and budget.
Admission is free and attendees can plan their own route and tour the homes at their own pace. The official Parade of Homes list of homes and route map will be available during the week of September 15th on the Parade Magazine website here.
FDOT Announces Open House for Ellis Road Widening Project
The Florida Department of Transportation will hold an Open House regarding the Ellis Road Widening project on Wednesday, October 1st from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Serenity Venue (3980 Sarno Road, Suite 103) in Melbourne.
The purpose of the project is to increase capacity along Ellis Road from west of John Rodes Boulevard to west of Wickham Road in Brevard County. The proposed plan will widen Ellis Road from two lanes to four lanes, providing two travel lanes in each direction separated by a raised median.
Attendees will have the opportunity to view a presentation of the project, speak with team members, and submit comments or questions. To register to attend the meeting virtually, please click here.
Following the meeting on October 1st, FDOT will post the presentation on their website and will accept questions and comments online until October 13th. To access the online presentation during the comment period, please click here.
City of Cocoa's Citizens Academy
The City of Cocoa has opened applications for their 2025-2026. The 10-session program is designed to inform community stakeholders about city government operations, services provided by various departments, and prepare graduates to have a greater role in their neighborhoods and the city through government and citizen engagement.
Applicants must be 18 or older and will be subject to a background check. Before applying, review the list of class dates and times, as attendance is required. Only one absence will be excused. Enrollment priority will be given to City of Cocoa residents first.
For more information, click here and to apply, 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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