| The Mayfield Minute - September 7, 2025 |
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Remembering September 11, 2001
This week our nation will remember the deadliest terrorist attacks in American history. The horror unleashed on our nation within just a few hours on the morning of September 11, 2001 took the lives of 2,997 unsuspecting, innocent American civilians in New York City, Washington, DC. and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
That same evening, President George W. Bush addressed the atrocities in televised remarks to the American people stating in part:
"Great people have been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve. America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining. Today, our nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature. And we responded with the best of America -- with the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help in any way they could."
On the 24th anniversary of 9/11, may we never forget the tragic events of September 11, 2001 and always remember and honor the lives lost. May we also never forget the brave first responders who risked their lives to save so many others on our nation’s darkest day.
In response to the attack on our nation, countless young men and women enlisted in the United States military to protect and defend our homeland. Many of these patriots made the ultimate sacrifice, and I extend my deepest sympathy and gratitude to Florida’s Gold Star families who lost their sons and daughters in acts of terror and war.
This week, several organizations in our community are hosting memorial ceremonies in remembrance of the September 11th attacks. For additional information on these events, please click here to view last week’s edition of the Mayfield Minute.
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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Florida's SAFE Program Delivers Record Seizures of Fentanyl
Last week, Governor DeSantis joined state and local law enforcement leaders to provide an update on the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (SAFE) grant program. The SAFE grant program was established by the legislature in 2023 to provide funding for law enforcement investigations into illegal Fentanyl activity.
“Two years in, the impact is clear: SAFE is boosting law enforcement resources, helping take down cartel operations, and driving record-breaking seizures of Fentanyl and other deadly drugs,” said Governor DeSantis.
Since 2023, funding from the SAFE program has supported 200 investigations resulting in 2,127 arrests and the seizure of more than 63,000 Fentanyl pills—enough to kill more than 100 million people.
In addition to deadly Fentanyl, investigations supported by SAFE grant funding have also seized:
· 545 pounds of cocaine
· More than 300 pounds of methamphetamine
· $4.6 million in cash
· More than 730 firearms
· More than 76 drug vehicles
To learn more about SAFE Grant Program success stories, click here.
Florida Insurance Commissioner Penalizes Companies Over $2 Million for Misconduct during Past Hurricanes
Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) Commissioner Mike Yaworsky has ordered penalties against eight insurers for certain claims handling practices that were identified after completing market conduct examinations for Hurricanes Ian and Idalia. The penalties amount to $2,075,000. Two additional examinations are still pending and may result in additional fines.
Fines assessed by OIR do not negatively affect policyholder insurance rates.
Commissioner Yaworsky said, “With the most active part of hurricane season approaching, I am fully prepared to deploy OIR examiners to make sure claims management practices are efficient and handled appropriately. We will be paying particularly close attention to any company who has had concerning performance behavior in the past.”
The market conduct examinations resulted in the following fines being levied against insurance companies:
· American Coastal Insurance Company- $400,000;
· American Mobile Insurance Exchange- $400,000;
· Centauri Specialty Insurance Company- $100,000;
· Clear Blue Insurance Company- $400,000;
· Monarch National Insurance Company- $325,000;
· Sutton National Insurance Company- $50,000;
· Tower Hill Prime Insurance Company- $250,000; and
· TypTap Insurance Company- $150,000.
To view the individual market conduct examination reports, click here.
Governor DeSantis Signs Proclamation Declaring September "Workforce Development Month"
Last week, Governor DeSantis signed a proclamation designating September as "Workforce Development Month" in Florida. The proclamation
The state's national rankings noted in the proclamation include:
· #1 economy in the nation for three consecutive years by CNBC
· #1 for economic growth and #1 in higher education for nine consecutive years by U.S. News and World Report
· #2 in education overall and #1 in talent development for two consecutive years by Lightcast
Since 2019, Florida has invested over $10 billion in workforce education programs and prioritized policies that focus on workforce training, creating high-skill and high-wage job opportunities.
"Workforce Development Month" in Florida is a time to show our gratitude to all workforce professionals, agencies, and organizations who assist Floridians and promote the continuous prosperity of our economy,
To read the proclamation in full, click here. |
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Eisen Witcher, Chief of Brevard County Ocean Rescue
Our Constituent of the Week is Eisen Witcher, Chief of Brevard County Ocean Rescue (BCOR). Chief Witcher is a highly experienced public safety leader with over two decades of service in ocean rescue and emergency response. His department has conducted over 400 ocean rescues throughout the summer of 2025.
He was born in Germany at the USAG Heidelberg Army Base while his father was serving in the U.S. Army. Throughout his childhood, he lived in Washington, Ohio, Michigan, and Georgia before his family permanently relocated to Florida in 2001. In 2005, he graduated from Merritt Island High School and began his full-time career at the BCOR as an Ocean Rescue Lifeguard.
While working full-time with BCOR, he earned his Emergency Medical Technician certification. In addition, he attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Technical Management with a Minor in Aviation Safety in 2010 and a Master of Science degree in Management in 2012.
In 2013, he was serving as BCOR’s Assistant Chief when the department was awarded the Florida Beach Patrol Chiefs Association "Beach Patrol of the Year" for their innovative improvements in safety and professionalism. In 2016, he was named Chief of Brevard County Ocean Rescue. In this position he oversees lifesaving operations, staff development, and public safety initiatives along Brevard County’s beaches.
Under Chief Witcher’s leadership the department has expanded from a seasonal program to operating year-round and employing 90 part-time lifeguards, 25 full-time lifeguards, and four full-time supervisors. Chief Witcher has developed department standard operating procedures and training related to aquatic technical rescue, submerged victims, preplanning and search and rescue drone operations.
Chief Witcher prides himself on collaborating with local, state, and federal government entities to coordinate operations in response to marine emergencies. From 2014 to 2020, he served as a delegate on the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) Southeast Region. Chief Witcher has been successful in obtaining grants to expand facilities, lifesaving devices, and innovative technology including a new fleet of aerial drones through the state sponsored FDLE Drone Replacement program.
Chief Witcher resides in Rockledge with his wife, Jessica, and his nine-year old son, Izaak.
SD 19 is grateful for Chief Witcher’s leadership and dedication in guiding his department with vision, professionalism, and exceeding the highest readiness and rescue standards for the safety of our communities. |
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Loggerhead Turtle, "June Cleaver," Released at Sea
Last week, a 230-pound loggerhead sea turtle, affectionately named “June Cleaver” by the staff at the Brevard Zoo Sea Turtle Healing Center, was released back into the ocean after two months of rehabilitative care.
On June 27th, June was observed having difficulty laying eggs for about two hours in Melbourne Beach. The Sea Turtle Preservation Society was notified and transported her to the Sea Turtle Healing Center. The healing center staff conducted several CT before determining that June would survive, but that she would require additional medical treatment.
During her rehabilitation and recovery, June laid more than 113 eggs. The zoo's biologists safely relocated the eggs to the beach for incubation.
Since the Sea Turtle Healing Center opened in 2014, the facility has treated and rehabilitated an average of 100 sea turtle patients each year. If you find nesting sea turtles or hatchlings in distress in Brevard County, you can report the incident to the Sea Turtle Preservation Society hotline at 321-206-0646.
To follow the Brevard Zoo’s animal stories blog, click here.
Space Coast Honor Flight Returns from Successful Visit to Washington, DC
Last night, the 83rd Space Coast Honor Flight (SCHF) safely returned home from Washington, DC with 50 Veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War on board. Notably, this was the first Space Coast Honor Flight to depart from the Melbourne Olando International Airport (MLB) rather than the Orlando International Airport (MCO) since the inception of the program in 2010.
The Veterans kicked off their journey with a "Heroes Send Off" at 4:30 a.m. Saturday morning before departing for Washington, DC. They spent the day touring the nation’s Capital, visiting war memorials and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Upon their return to MLB, they were greeted with a “Welcome Home” ceremony with family, friends, and community members grateful for their service.
To date, Space Coast Honor Flight has arranged for 2,208 patriots to visit Washington, DC. The organization continually seeks Veterans interested in joining future flights, in addition to volunteers, donations, and sponsorships to expand flight opportunities for local heroes.
Thank you to the Melbourne Airport Authority and Allegiant Airlines for your support of our Veteran community and commitment to the success of the Space Coast Honor Flight program.
For more information on how you can become involved in Space Coast Honor Flight, click here.
SpaceX Receives Environmental Review Approval to Double Falcon 9 Launches
U.S. regulators have completed a key environmental review that permits SpaceX to launch more than double the number (50 flights currently to 120 flights) of Falcon 9 rockets from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also approved a new on-site landing zone that could accommodate up to 34 booster landings per year. These boosters are the reusable first-stage portions of Falcon 9 rockets that SpaceX lands and refurbishes for future flights.
The review resulted in a “Mitigated Finding of No Significant Impact,” meaning the proposed changes “would not significantly impact the quality of the human environment” under federal law, with reduced impacts by specific protective measures.
Measures include obtaining additional environmental permits before construction of the new facilities, using sea turtle-friendly lighting at night, and conducting pre-construction surveys of Florida scrub-jay and eastern indigo snake populations to ensure wildlife protection.
The review concluded that it is highly unlikely for industrial wastewater — specifically the huge volumes of water discharged by the deluge system during launch — to discharge into nearby waters.
Wednesday’s environmental approval is just one step in the process. Additionally, the FAA needs to officially modify SpaceX's launch license for the increased frequency, and the Department of the Air Force must also approve the changes since the launch pad sits on Space Force property. |
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International Coastal Cleanup Day Events
Every year, International Coastal Cleanup Day encourages hundreds of thousands of volunteers worldwide to clean up debris in their local communities. This year several local governments and environmental organizations in Brevard County will be participating by hosting the following events on the morning of Saturday, September 20th:
Melbourne:
The City of Melbourne's Environmental Community Outreach (ECO) Division, in collaboration with Keep Brevard Beautiful, Inc. (KBB) and the Ocean Conservancy, will host a cleanup from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Ballard Park (924 Thommas 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.
Palm Bay:
The Marine Resources Council will host a cleanup event from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Ted Moorhead Lagoon House (3275 Dixie Highway NE) in Palm Bay.
Volunteers will be supplied with trash bags and grabbers to clean up the shoreline along the Lagoon House and Ais Lookout Point campus. The cleanup is expected to take approximately two hours and can be subject to change depending on number of participants. Volunteers should bring a water bottle and wear a hat, sunscreen, and closed-toe shoes, including water shoes.
Refreshments will be available after the cleanup. For more information, contact Laura Wilson at 321-725-7775.
Melbourne Beach:
The Brevard County Barrier Island Center International Coast Cleanup will host a cleanup from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Barrier Island Center (8385 South Florida A1A) in Melbourne Beach.
Volunteers will be provided cleanup supplies if needed. Participants should bring their own grabber, sunscreen, bug spray, hat, and water and check in at the Barrier Island Center.
To register online, click here or call 321-723-3556.
8th Annual Green Gables Harvest Festival
The Green Gables Historic Village will host their 8th Harvest Festival on Saturday, September 20th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Green Gables Mansion (1501 South Harbor City Blvd.).
The event features arts and craft vendors, live music, food trucks, and children's activities. The festival is free of charge and tours of Green Gables are available for a suggested donation of $10 per person.
Parking is available at the Reflections Office Building (1499 S. Harbor City Blvd.) in Melbourne. For more information, call 321-306-8635 or click here.
Girls in Aviation Day 2025
Sheltair will host a Girls in Aviation Day event on Saturday, September 20th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Sheltair Aviation (140 South Apollo Blvd.) at the Melbourne Orlando International Airport.
Event highlights include opportunities to explore static displays, experience hands-on activities, and learn from inspiring guest speakers. Girls of all ages are invited to attend whether they have aspirations of becoming a pilot or an interest in airplanes and aviation.
Admission and parking are free of charge. For more information, call Sheltair Aviation at 321-956-8695 or email broberts@sheltairaviation.com. To RSVP by QR Code, click here.
Opening Night for Cocoa Village Haunted History Tours
Beginning Saturday, September 20th, Cocoa Village Haunted History Tours will offer tours on select Friday and Saturday nights. Each tour will begin at the Antilles Trading Company Maritime Pirate Museum and Store (641 Brevard Avenue) in Cocoa.
The Family Friendly Ghost tour for all ages begins at 6:00 p.m. and the adults-only Haunted History Tour follows at 8:00 p.m. Each tour lasts between 90 minutes and two hours and is guided by an expert historian with decades of acting and storytelling experience.
Cocoa Village's Haunted History Tour is $25 per adult, and the Family Ghost Tour are $25 per adult and $20 for children age 12 and under. Attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes and weather appropriate clothing, and to bring a water bottle. If rain is expected, bringing a poncho or umbrella is recommended.
For more information and to purchase tickets in advance, 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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