| The Mayfield Minute - September 13, 2026 |
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Child Cancer Awareness Month
In 1990, President George H.W. Bush officially proclaimed the month of September as Childhood Cancer Awareness month to highlight the need for support and research for innovative treatment and ultimately a cure. Cancer is the second most common cause of death among children ages 1 to 14 following only accidents. About 9,550 children in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer in 2026, which is approximately 185 children per week.
Increased child participation in clinical trials, along with innovative new treatment methods, have led to promising increases in survival rates for childhood cancer patients. Today, the percentage of children who survive more than five years after their initial cancer diagnosis is 85%, an extraordinary improvement from the mid-1970’s when the five-year survival rate was less than 58%.
In a recent statement from the White House, President Trump said, “This National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, my Administration stands with the countless children facing the devastating effects of cancer. We recognize the love, strength, and care of the families who walk beside them through every step of their journeys. Above all, we commit to advancing lifesaving innovation and accelerating cures, giving every child the chance to live a long, health, and happy life.”
We in the Florida Legislature share the goal of eliminating childhood cancer and have recently allocated additional funding for pediatric cancer research. Since 2024, I have had the honor of serving as a member of the Florida Cancer Connect Collaborative, which supports cancer research with funding provided over a five-year period. This work reflects Florida’s continued commitment to advancing innovative approaches to cancer research, prevention, and treatment.
In Brevard County, we are fortunate to have organizations in our community, such as Candlelighters of Brevard and the American Cancer Society, working tirelessly to support childhood cancer victims and survivors, their families, and caregivers. Additionally, these organizations raise funds for cancer treatment research and look forward to the day when the medical community finds a cure.
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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| Floridian Making an Impact |
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Major General James S. “Hammer” Hartsell
This week, I’m proud to highlight the Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA), Major General James S. “Hammer” Hartsell.
Originally from Florida, Major General Hartsell began his Marine Corps career in 1981 as an Enlisted Marine with the 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company in Mobile, Alabama. He graduated from the University of South Alabama in 1983 and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. From 1984-1987, he served with the 2nd Battalion 3rd Marines in Hawaii in several leadership roles.
After transitioning to the Marine Corps Reserve in 1994, Major General Hartsell held numerous command and leadership positions, including Commanding Officer of 4th Reconnaissance Battalion. He was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan to support Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. He was promoted to Brigadier General in 2010, later serving as Commanding General of the 4th Marine Division and holding senior leadership positions in the U.S. Pacific Command. He retired in 2018 with 37 years of service.
Major General Hartsell was appointed Executive Director of FDVA in 2019, where he leads efforts to connect Florida’s Veterans with benefits, services, and support they have earned. FDVA also operates nine State Veterans’ Homes across Florida.
As FDVA Executive Director, Major General Hartsell oversees nearly 1,500 employees responsible for serving more than 1.4 million Veterans, the second largest Veteran population in the United States. Last year, FDVA assisted more than 260,000 Veterans with support services, and processed more than 44,000 new claims for Florida Veterans seeking benefits.
I commend Major General Hartsell for his decades of service in the United States Marine Corps and his continued dedication to serving Florida’s Veterans. Brevard County is home to more than 65,000 Veterans, and I have always appreciated his excellent partnership in ensuring that those who served our nation have access to the resources they need to thrive. |
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AG Uthmeier Proposes Criminal Penalties for AI Companies
Last week, Attorney General James Uthmeier proposed legislation to hold companies that own, operate, or distribute artificial intelligence chatbots accountable when those systems are involved in criminal conduct. The proposal was prompted by the revelation that artificial intelligence platforms have been utilized in the planning of major crimes, including last year’s tragic mass-shooting on the campus of Florida State University.
“AI is not a silent tool. It answers the questions, picks the hours, chooses the place, and walks someone through the plan,” said AG Uthmeier. “When a product participates in a crime like that, the company that built it is not a bystander. A chatbot cannot be charged, but the corporation that designed it, trained it, and collected the subscription can.”
This legislation would:
- Hold corporations responsible. A business entity that owns, controls, or distributes an AI system is liable if that system participates in a crime.
- Judge AI by its words and actions. An AI system is not a person, but its responsibility falls on those who own it, control it, distribute it, and profit from it.
- Cover any company with practical control over design, training, deployment, or safety settings, including making the system available to Florida users.
- Impose consequences that mean something. A convicted business would face heavy fines, payment to victims, and court-ordered monitorship.
As Artificial Intelligence platforms continue to grow, it is critical that we establish common sense guardrails to keep Floridians safe and hold bad actors accountable. Thank you to Attorney General Uthmeier for your leadership on this issue, I look forward to supporting this commonsense policy during the upcoming legislative session.
To read the press release, click here.
United States Space Academy
Recently, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order, creating the United States Space Academy. The proposed academy will be a NASA-led Federal academy dedicated to combining rigorous technical education with leadership development, discipline, and a durable commitment to public service.
“Given the rapid growth of the U.S. Space Force and commercial space industry, and the expansion of our ambitions to the Moon and far beyond the Moon, it’s clear we will need to educate and train an entire generation of skilled service members, engineers, and civil operators,” said President Trump. “That’s why I will sign an Executive Order to begin the process of creating a new national academy called the U.S. Space Academy.”
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman will serve as Chair of the new Presidential Commission on the United States Space Academy, and NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson will serve as the Executive Director. This commission will oversee the process of recommending a location for the new academy.
Brevard County has been America’s gateway to the stars for more than 60 years and is home to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Patrick Space Force Base, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, and commercial space partners such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, and United Launch Alliance. I firmly believe that there is no better place in the world for the proposed space academy than right here on the Space Coast.
Last week, I sent a letter to Administrator Isaacman, urging the commission to select Florida’s Space Coast as the home of the United States Space Academy. To read my letter, click here. Additionally, I am actively looking at potential legislation to file during the upcoming session to demonstrate to the Commission that Florida is the right choice for the proposed academy.
To read President Trump’s order, click here.
Governor DeSantis Announces Completion of the C-23 Canal Estuary Project to Reduce Harmful Discharges into the Indian River Lagoon
Last week, Governor DeSantis and the South Florida Water Management District celebrated the successful completion of the C-23 Canal Estuary Discharge Diversion Project.
This $50 million infrastructure project is designed to reduce harmful freshwater and nutrient discharges into the St. Lucie Estuary and improve conditions throughout the Indian River Lagoon by redirecting excess water from the C-23 Canal to the C-44 Reservoir and Stormwater Treatment Area.
The project includes a new 7-mile canal and a pump station capable of moving 112,000 gallons of water per minute. Since testing began, the system has already diverted approximately 4.8 billion gallons of water away from the estuary, helping improve water quality and restore more natural salinity conditions.
The C-23 Canal project is the latest example of the State’s ongoing commitment to restoring water quality in the IRL. Since 2019, the Legislature has allocated more than $450 million to IRL restoration efforts. This state funding is in addition to the more than $500 million Brevard County has collected through the Save Our IRL half-cent sales tax which was approved by the voters in 2016.
“Since I became governor, we’ve made record-breaking investments in projects to improve water quality by addressing underlying issues, and those investments are delivering real results," said Governor DeSantis. "Florida gets things done, and we’re proud of our infrastructure improvements that preserve and improve the quality of life in our state.”
To read the press release, click here. |
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Ms. Laura Gambino, MPA, CEcD, SHRM-CP
Our Constituent of the Week is Ms. Laura Gambino, CEO of the Early Learning Coalition of Brevard County (ELC Brevard), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing children with exceptional early learning environments.
Ms. Gambino is originally from Miami. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science at Florida International University in 1989 and her master’s degree in public administration at Nova Southeastern University in 2000.
Early in her career, she established herself as a prominent leader in various organizations throughout South Florida. From 1995 to 2009, Ms. Gambino served as the President and CEO of the Miramar-Pembroke Pines Chamber of Commerce, Chief Operating Officer of the North Palm Beach County Chamber, and as Executive Director of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.
From 2011 to 2018, Ms. Gambino worked with municipalities to advance their business and economic development initiatives. She served as Business Development Administrator and Citywide Fundraiser for the City of Fort Lauderdale, and as Economic Development Director for the City of St. Cloud.
In 2010, Governor Rick Scott appointed her to a six-year term on the Board of Directors of the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County. Through her service on the board, Ms. Gambino began to develop a passion for preparing children for school and providing them with the tools they need to be successful.
Building on this experience, Ms. Gambino committed herself to serving in the early childhood education field full-time. In 2019, she moved to Brevard County to serve as CEO of ELC Brevard, whose mission centers on helping families prepare children for lifelong success by improving early education and child care opportunities across the county. Working with over 200 provider partners, ELC Brevard provides young children learning experiences that support their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.
Ms. Gambino oversees vital programs including the School Readiness, Voluntary Prekindergarten, Childcare Resource and Referral, Training and Quality Improvement, Developmental Screening and Family Support, and Community Outreach and Parent Education.
ELC Brevard serves more than 12,000 families annually. The School Readiness program directly assists over 4,600 eligible low-income families each year by connecting parents with affordable, high-quality child care in a learning environment. Ms. Gambino believes this critical support eliminates barriers and allows parents to pursue employment or education, empowering them toward financial self-sufficiency.
The Free Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program provides children with a strong foundation for kindergarten and beyond. Under Ms. Gambino’s leadership, Brevard County has earned statewide recognition for its kindergarten readiness outcomes, ranking No. 4 out of 67 Florida counties in the 2025–2026 Florida Chamber Foundation report. This achievement exemplifies her personal belief that preparing children for enduring educational success begins well before their first day of kindergarten.
Ms. Gambino’s vision also places early literacy at the heart of our community. Through initiatives such as Soar By Four, community literacy programming, and efforts to bring books and early learning resources directly to families, Ms. Gambino is creating opportunities for children to develop a love of reading long before they enter kindergarten.
In addition to her work at ELC Brevard, Ms. Gambino serves as an Adjunct Professor at Florida State University’s John Scott Daily Florida Institute of Government.
Ms. Gambino resides in Brevard County. She considers her family, particularly her son, Hayden, her greatest treasures. She enjoys reading, and is an avid runner, having completed two half marathons.
SD 19 is grateful to Ms. Gambino as she continues to strengthen the Early Learning Coalition of Brevard County, ensuring that families across Brevard have access to high‑quality early learning opportunities that enrich children’s lives and support their future success. |
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United Soccer League Secures Land in Melbourne for New Stadium
Last week, the Melbourne Airport Authority announced a $9 million land sale, paving the way for a United Soccer League (USL) stadium and additional mixed-use development. The property is located on the south side of NASA Boulevard.
Announced earlier this year, a new professional men’s soccer team is planning to launch on the Space Coast under the same leadership group of the Orlando City Soccer Club founders. This development would include an 8,000-seat stadium to accommodate the new USL team, along with other youth sports and concert events. The project also calls for 55,000 square feet of retail and dining space, and opportunities for weekend farmers' markets and other entertainment events.
“We are excited about the new owners’ vision for the property and the potential for a professional soccer stadium and mixed-use development to bring new activity to the area,” said Greg Donovan, Melbourne Airport Executive Director.
The Melbourne City Council will vote on the development of the complex at a future date.
Blue Origin Breaks Ground on New Processing Facility
Recently, Blue Origin broke ground on a new processing facility at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This facility will be used to support NASA launches, commercial launches, and national security efforts.
The 120,000 square foot facility will hold four payload bays and two encapsulation bays. Blue Origin is developing the project in partnership with the United States Space Force. This facility is expected to bring dozens of jobs to the Space Coast, to support the growing number of launches.
“The national space transportation policy just called out for us to be prepared to launch over 1,000 times by 2030 here in the United States. None of that happens without payload processing,” said Col. Brian Chatman, Commander of Space Launch Delta 45. “This is the critical chokepoint that we need to get after to be able to support that launch manifest – that launch cadence to get what we need from a national security space launch perspective and to continue space dominance here in the United States.”
The new facility is expected to be completed by December 2027.
EFSC Receives Major Gift for Workforce Training
Last month, Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) announced a $52,500 gift from local philanthropists, Guy and Delores Spearman.
The contribution will support three important initiatives: the Spearman Family Cocoa High Endowed Scholarship, the EFSC Tigers to Titans Welding program, and the Cocoa High School Cocoa Champions program.
The funds will provide a sustainable funding source dedicated to Cocoa High students to strengthen their pathway from high school to EFSC, helping students overcome financial barriers to reach their career goals.
“As a Cocoa High alum, class of 1968, supporting the Cocoa Champions program was an easy decision because I saw firsthand how it empowers students to believe in themselves and their potential,” said Mrs. Delores Spearman. “Investing in young people and helping them realize what they can achieve is something that truly touches my heart.”
I want to recognize and commend Mr. and Mrs. Spearman for their generosity and their continued commitment to supporting local students and educational opportunities through EFSC. |
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International Coastal Cleanup Day
Every year, International Coastal Cleanup Day encourages hundreds of thousands of volunteers worldwide to clean up debris in their local communities. This year, International Coastal Cleanup Day will take place on Saturday, September 19th. Events in Brevard County include:
Melbourne:
The City of Melbourne’s Environmental Community Outreach (ECO) Division, in collaboration with Keep Brevard Beautiful, Inc. (KCC) and the Ocean Conservancy, will host a cleanup from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Ballard Park (924 Thomas Barbour Drive) in Melbourne.
Volunteers will be cleaning along the bank, on the water, and around Ballard Park. Kayaks and other small vessels are welcome. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own water bottle (refills available), snacks, proper clothing for rough terrain, sunscreen, and a hat.
To register, click here. For more information, call the City of Melbourne’s ECO Division at (321) 608-5080.
GreenSpace Water Alliance Locations:
The GreenSpace Water Alliance will be hosting several cleaning events, covering 25 miles of shoreline, including:
- Turkey Creek Sanctuary (Palm Bay)
- US 192 Causeway (Melbourne)
- SR 518 Causeway (Eau Gallie)
- SR 404 Causeway (Pineda)
- SR 520 Causeway (Cocoa)
- A. Max Brewer Bridge (Titusville)
For registration and more details of these events, click here.
Parade of Homes Tour
The 2026 Brevard County Parade of Homes, presented by Space Coast Builders & Contractors Association (HBCA), will take place from Friday, September 25th thorough Sunday, October 4th.
The Parade of Homes features approximately 30 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 14th on the Parade Magazine website here.
2026 Space Coast Walk to End Alzheimer’s
The 2026 Space Coast Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held on Saturday, September 26th at Cocoa Riverfront Park (401 Riveredge Boulevard) in Cocoa. Registration opens at 8:00 a.m. and the ceremony begins at 9:00 a.m. The walk starts immediately following the ceremony.
All participants are required to register. The event is open to all ages, free of charge, and donations are encouraged. All funds raised through the Walk to End Alzheimer’s further the care, support, and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Approximately seven million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, including more than 580,000 in Florida, and 17,600 in Brevard County. The disease impacts entire families with an estimated 11 million family members and friends providing care for a loved one.
For more information and to volunteer, donate, or register online, click here.
Vietnam Veterans "Welcome Home" Event
The Vietnam Veterans "Welcome Home" event will be held on Saturday, September 26th from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Azan Shriners Center (1591 West Eau Gallie Blvd.) in Melbourne.
This special event honors Vietnam War heroes and their families and commemorates the disbanding of the Military Assistance Command and the last U.S. combat troops leaving Vietnam in 1973.
The event includes a complimentary dinner from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., guest speakers, entertainment, and a live auction. While the event is free of charge, donations are appreciated and can be made to the Vietnam War Exhibit and Education Center or the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1096.
To contact the Vietnam War Exhibit and Education Center, email thenamwar@yahoo.com and to contact the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1096, email vva1096@outlook.com.
For more information on the "Welcome Home" event, email manalex55@yahoo.com. |
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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
Staff
Yvette Campbell
Christian Chesnut
William Gooden
Kelli Lane
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