| The Mayfield Minute - September 27, 2026 |
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Today, our nation observes Gold Star Mother’s and Family's Day in support of grieving mothers and families whose loved ones were lost while serving in the military. We honor the memory of sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, and all relatives who courageously gave their lives to defend our nation.
In 1928, Grace Darling Seibold, whose son George died in WWI, founded American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. to support grieving mothers and honor fallen service members. In 1936, the United States Congress passed Senate Joint Resolution 115, which designated the last Sunday in September as “Gold Star Mother’s Day.”
In 2009, the observance was expanded to include Gold Star Families as well in recognition of the enduring impact such losses have on spouses, siblings, and children.
Last year in recognition of our Gold Star Families, President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation, stating, “The supreme sacrifice of our fallen heroes is neither solitary nor finite. Instead, it is shared by bereaved families who bury the fallen and wage an unending battle of unfathomable heartache that is not erased by the passage of time. Gold Star Families know better than anyone the tremendous cost of our freedom, paid for by the blood of their beloved husbands, wives, sons, daughters, fathers, and mothers who forfeited their hopes and dreams so that others may live with peace, safety, and liberty in the greatest country on the face of the Earth. We are eternally grateful for their heroic sacrifice.”
To all Gold Star Families, I extend my deepest condolences for the unbearable loss of your loved ones while serving our country. I hope you may find solace in knowing your family member will always be remembered with honor and dignity.
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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United States Senator Ashley Moody
This week, in recognition of her ongoing advocacy for Florida’s Space Coast, I’m proud to highlight United States Senator Ashley Moody.
Senator Moody was born and raised in Plant City, Florida, where she attended Plant City High School, before receiving her bachelor’s and master’s degree in accounting from the University of Florida. She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Florida School of Law and her Master of Laws in International Law from Stetson University College of Law.
Senator Moody began her legal career interning for Martha Barnett, the president of the American Bar Association. In 2001, she joined the Tampa based law firm Holland & Knight, as a commercial litigation associate. In 2004, Senator Moody was appointed to serve as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida.
In 2006, Senator Moody left the U.S. Attorney’s Office to run for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida in Hillsborough County. Upon her election, she became the youngest judge in Florida at age 31.
In 2018, Senator Moody was elected Florida’s 38th Attorney General. In this role, she was recognized as a national leader in combating human trafficking, serving as Chair of Florida’s Statewide Council on Human Trafficking. Additionally, Senator Moody supported law enforcement and worked to defend children against invasive and addictive Big Tech policies.
In 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Senator Moody to serve in the U.S. Senate, filling the vacancy created by Senator Marco Rubio's appointment by President Trump to serve as the 72nd Secretary of State. In the U.S. Senate, she has filed pivotal legislation to support Florida’s dominance in the space industry, including:
- The STARS Act, which would bring the U.S. Space Academy to Florida;
- The Cape Canaveral Act, which would relocate NASA’s headquarters to Florida’s Space Coast; and
- The Space Ready 2.0 Act which would allow voluntary private investments to upgrade NASA’s aging infrastructure.
Senator Moody resides in Tampa with her husband, Justin, a career law enforcement officer, and their two sons, Brandon and Connor.
I commend Senator Moody for her unwavering leadership as a U.S. Senator, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside her to bring NASA and the U.S. Space Academy to Florida’s Space Coast. |
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New Florida Laws Take Effect on October 1st
Twelve of the new laws passed by the State Legislature and signed by Governor DeSantis during the 2026 legislative session are set to take effect on Thursday, October 1st.
Some of these new laws are listed below, along with links to their respective bill:
SB 246 – Specialty License Plates
HB 397 – Violations of Pretrial Release Conditions for Violent Crimes
HB 429 – Criteria for Determining Criminal Gang Membership
SB 432 – Intoxicating Substances
SB 488 – Transportation
SB 490 – Public Records/E-mail Addresses Collected by the Department of Highway Safety for Providing Renewal Notices
HB 1293 – Fraudulent Entry of Residential Dwellings
HB 559 – Animal Welfare
SB 1332 – Career Offender Registration
HB 1525 – Lewd or Lascivious Acts
To view the full list and read more about each new law, click here.
Brightline to Continue Operations Under New Financial Restructuring Plan
This past week, Brightline’s debt investors officially announced a restructuring agreement which will allow the rail system’s operating unit to avoid bankruptcy and continue operations. In the Legislature, I have always fought to ensure that Floridian taxpayers are protected from financial risk with Brightline.
“Brightline is a critical part of Florida’s transportation network that has changed the way people move around the state. Today’s agreement brings $490 million in new long-term capital to Brightline from the stakeholders who know this business, and it comes at a time of real momentum,” said Patrick Goddard, Chief Executive Officer of Brightline Florida. “This transaction will be a catalyst for further growth in ridership and revenue. We are grateful to our creditors, advisors, vendors, teammates, and guests for their confidence throughout this process, and we look forward to the bright future ahead.”
Ensuring the safety of our community continues to be my highest priority. Moving forward, I am committed to working with Brightline to ensure that necessary safety investments are made at rail crossings across our state.
For additional information on Brightline’s announcement, click here.
FL Department of Education Adopts New AI Rules
Last week, the Florida Department of Education adopted new rules regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and educational technology in Florida’s school districts, charter school boards, and Florida College System institutions. This first-in-the-nation rule adoption sets a national standard of one of the most comprehensive, parent-centered AI frameworks in the country.
Student use of AI in the classroom will only be allowed by a parental opt-in. If school’s do not receive informed consent from parents that they approve of their child using AI instructional tools in the classroom, that child will not be allowed to do so. If parents choose not to allow their child to use an AI tool, the school must provide an instructional alternative that does not use AI.
The new rule requires Florida’s school districts, charter school boards, and institutions within the Florida College System to:
- Adopt transparent policies governing AI and other educational policies.
- Notify parents when an AI instructional tool is approved, including the name of the tool, the courses involved, and how the students will interact with it.
- Prohibit AI designed to meet a student’s social or emotional needs, simulate companionship or an emotional relationship, or use anthropomorphic design to pull students into interaction with the machine
“An educated person can use a powerful tool without becoming dependent on it. That is the line Florida is drawing,” said Florida Commissioner of Education Henry Mack. “AI belongs in a classroom when it sharpens instruction, elevates or enhances the learning experience, protects privacy, and leaves the student’s own mind stronger than it found it. It does not belong in a classroom when it writes the essay, scores the child in secret, offers itself as a companion, or coopts the intellectual virtue of critical thinking. We are preparing Floridians for an AI economy. We are not raising a generation that outsources judgment or rationality.”
I commend Commissioner Mack for his leadership on this important issue. AI technology will be a major focus during this upcoming legislative session, and I look forward to working together with my colleagues on addressing these issues.
To read the announcement, click here.
Florida Office of Insurance Regulation Announces Property Insurance Rate Cuts
Last week, Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) Commissioner Mike Yaworsky announced the approval of rate cuts affecting more than 62,000 homeowners’ policies. The approved rate decreases include:
- One Alliance North America Insurance Company: 10.4% decrease affecting 17,148 policies.
- Safe Harbor Insurance Company: 4.1% decrease affecting 10,501 policies.
- Unique Insurance Company: 3.2% decrease affecting 8,266 policies.
- Vyrd Insurance Company: 10.4% decrease affecting 26,751 policies.
“This is the latest wave of significant rate decreases for Floridians, which continues to grow higher,” Yaworsky said. “I expect to see more aggressive rate cuts in the near future and going into 2027.”
According to the OIR, 48 companies have filed for rate decreases since January 2024, while another 53 companies have requested no change or a 0% increase. The OIR is currently reviewing additional rate filings requests, with decreases ranging from 0.3% to 19.7%.
In addition to the new rate cuts, I am excited to share the results of a recent analysis conducted by the OIR. The report indicates that the average property insurance policy premium could have been up to 72% higher than current rates, if not for the recent reforms passed by the Florida Legislature over the past several years.
I am proud to have taken part in this meaningful reform and look forward to continuing to make home ownership more affordable for Floridians during the upcoming session. |
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Sergeant Leonard D. Ross, United States Army (RET.)
This week, I am proud to highlight Sergeant Leonard D. Ross, United States Army (RET.) as my Constituent of the Week.
Sgt. Leonard Ross was born in Plains, Georgia in 1948, and enlisted in the Army at the age of 18. During his military career, he completed two combat tours in the Republic of South Vietnam.
Throughout his service, Sgt. Ross received numerous decorations and commendations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Purple Heart for his injuries sustained in ground combat with hostile enemy forces, and the Bronze Star Medal for heroic achievement under combat conditions. Additionally, in recognition of his leadership as an instructor, Sgt. Ross was selected as the 1968 Drill Instructor of the Year at Fort Benning, Georgia and earned the Exceptional Method of Instructors award from the 3rd Armored Division N.C.O. Academy in Germany.
In 1988, Sgt. Ross retired from the U.S. Army and moved to Brevard County where he began a second 22-year career with the U.S. Postal Service. Utilizing his military and leadership experience, he became active in community engagement and Veterans organizations.
Recognizing the influx of illegal drugs in Melbourne and South Brevard communities in the early 1990’s, Sgt. Ross organized Melbourne Against Illegal Drugs (MAID), a grassroots community anti-drug coalition. He mobilized government officials, law enforcement, school and church leaders, and neighborhood advocates to conduct education and awareness campaigns. The MAID organization held community marches to combat illegal drug use, protect children, and encourage residents to help identify local drug dealers. Sgt. Ross also served seven years as President of the Melbourne Police Community Relations Council and was the Chairperson for the first Crime Conference held in the City of Melbourne.
Additionally, Sgt. Ross's served as a longtime member and past-President of the Dr. Martin Luther King Coalition, Inc., a nonprofit which organizes and sponsors events that honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In the late 1990’s, he joined Melbourne and Brevard County leaders to secure funding for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Public Library which opened in South Melbourne in 1999.
Sgt. Ross remains steadfast in his commitment to supporting and honoring local Veterans organizations. He is an active member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Loyal Order of the Moose. Sgt. Ross is the former Provost Officer for the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery Support Committee.
Yesterday, Sgt. Ross was honored for his decades of extraordinary military and community service at the 2026 Vietnam Veterans “Welcome Home” event before nearly 500 Veterans and their families from across Florida. At the ceremony, Sgt. Ross was presented with a certificate of appreciation on behalf of Senate District 19, recognizing his 22 years of faithful and honorable service to our nation.
Sgt. Ross resides in Satellite Beach. He was married to Pat, his beloved wife of 51 years, who sadly passed away in January 2026.
SD 19 is grateful to Sgt. Leonard Ross for his legacy of courage, sacrifice, leadership, and unwavering military and public service. He has protected our nation in uniform, made our communities safer, and continues to pay tribute and support his fellow Veterans and their families. |
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Brevard Zoo Welcomes Birth of First Giraffe in Six Years
The Brevard Zoo recently announced the birth of “Gail,” a nearly 6-foot-tall, 119- pound female giraffe calf, born to 12-year-old mother, Kumi, and 6-year-old father, Mapenzi. Zoo supporters Mark and Nancy Tomassone named the newborn Gail, in honor of Nancy's mother.
Born on May 14th, the baby giraffe stood for the first time at 9:32 a.m., just 30 minutes after her birth. Gail is the first giraffe born at Brevard Zoo since Mapenzi’s birth in 2020.
The Zoo’s veterinary team continues to monitor Gail and Kumi as they remain in the behind-the-scenes Africa Barn for their comfort and the necessary time to bond. In the coming weeks, Brevard Zoo officials will announce when Gail and Kumi can be observed by the visitors in their public-facing habitat.
Gail is a member of the Masai subspecies of giraffe, which is an endangered population actively threatened by poaching, habitat loss, disease, and other factors in their natural habitats of Tanzania and Kenya.
For additional updates, click here to follow the Brevard Zoo’s animal blog.
Brevard County Sheriff's Office Destroys 150 Seized Illegal Slot Machines
This past week, I was proud to join Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey and the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) for the destruction of more than 150 illegal slot machines that had been seized in recent law enforcement operations.
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) used an industrial car crushing machine to destroy the slot machines. Following the demolition, BCSO committed to donating the crushing machine to the FGCC for future use statewide.
In Florida, slot machines are heavily regulated by FGCC and are legal only in eight pari-mutuel facilities in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties and at certain Indian tribal facilities. It is against the law to offer slot machine gaming at any unlicensed facility, including, but not limited to, bars, restaurants, gas stations, and adult arcades. Machines which are located outside of licensed facilities are unregulated and may be rigged to reduce payouts or used to fund criminal activities.
I am grateful to have excellent partners in the BCSO and the FGCC ensuring that the laws we pass in Tallahassee are enforced.
If you suspect an illegal gambling operation, please call 321-264-5100 to file a report with the BCSO, and click here to file a report with the FGCC Gaming Control Commission.
Brevard County Fully Funds Ocean Lifeguards
The Brevard County Board of County Commissioners recently voted to use $889,949 in revenue from the tourism development tax to fully fund their ocean lifeguard program. At the county commission meeting on September 15th, county staff highlighted that using revenues from the tourism development tax to fund the lifeguard program would alleviate pressure on the county’s general revenue fund.
This funding will ensure the continued operation of Brevard County Ocean Rescue Division, which provides year-round protection to all Brevard County residents, visitors and tourists on designated beaches in unincorporated Brevard County. The department employs 26 full-time lifeguards, 90 part-time lifeguards, and 3 full-time supervisors.
For more information on Brevard’s lifeguard program, click here. For information on the tourism development tax, click here. |
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19th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Ride
Bob's Bicycle Shop will host their 19th annual Breast Cancer Awareness Ride on Saturday, October 3rd at 8:00 a.m. at Bob’s Bicycle Shop (510 East Eau Gallie Blvd) in Indian Harbour Beach.
The schedule is as follows:
- Registration begins at 6:30 a.m.
- Ride meeting begins at 8:00 a.m.
- Rides begin at 8:15 a.m.
Participants can choose a 10-mile ride for $39.61, 35-mile ride for $50.36, or a 60-mile ride for $61.10. All race routes begin and end at Bob's Bicycle Shop. Upon completion, a celebration with food, beverages, and entertainment will begin.
For more information and to view race routes, click here or call (321) 773-2093.
Marine Resources Council "Lagoon at Noon" Seminar
The Marine Resources Council's October "Lagoon at Noon" seminar will be held on Tuesday, October 6th at 12:00 p.m. at the Ted Moorhead Lagoon House (3275 Dixie Highway) in Palm Bay.
Virginia Barker, Director of Brevard County Natural Resources Management, will serve as the guest speaker. Ms. Barker will discuss the "Save Our Indian River Lagoon" program including a review of the last decade of projects and progress toward pollution reduction in the lagoon.
The cost of attendance is $5 and participants may bring their own lunch. Coffee and cookies will be provided. If you are unable to attend in person, you can join virtually. All participants, virtual and in-person, should register in advance here. Virtual participants will receive a Zoom link upon registration.
For more information, click here.
2nd Annual Brevard County Sheriff's Office "K9 Saint Francis Kids Day" Event
The Brevard County Sheriff's Office 2nd Annual "K9 Saint Francis' Kids Day" will be held on Saturday, October 10th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Viera High School (6103 Stadium Parkway).
The event honors Saint Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Animals. A 'Blessing of the Animals' ceremony will take place and free adoption opportunities featuring dogs from the Brevard County Sheriff's Office Animal Care Center will be available. Other activities include a "Touch-A-Truck" kid's area, police and fire vehicles on display, bounce houses, food, music, and a meet-and-greet with Sheriff Ivey and his loyal companion, K9 Saint.
The event is open to the public and free of charge. For more information, contact (321) 264-5100.
Melvin Morris Veteran Assistance Program to Host a Fall Festival
The Melvin Morris Veteran Assistance Program (MMVAP) will hold a Fall Festival on Saturday, October 10th from 10:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center's Amphitheater (400 South Sykes Parkway) in Merritt Island.
The event will include a car show, an arts and crafts fair, food trucks, pumpkin decorating, and live music by the John McDonald & Mango Men Band and the Seacoast Symphony Orchestra.
The Fall Festival is held in honor of Medal of Honor recipient, Sgt. Melvin Morris, to raise awareness of the MMVAP which offers a comprehensive range of programs from crisis support to career building for Veterans and their families.
The event is open to the public and free of charge. For more information, about the Fall Festival, contact amanda.saul@melvinmorrisvap.org, and for more information about the MMVAP, click here. |
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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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