| The Mayfield Minute - November 16, 2025 |
|
The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims began in 1993, when churches in the United Kingdom held services in memory of loved ones who had lost their lives in traffic accidents. The movement quickly spread across the globe, and by the late 1990s many nations had dedicated their own days of remembrance.
On November 16, 2000, during his weekly Angelus Address, Pope John Paul II offered a prayer and observance for all those killed in traffic accidents and their families. His remarks helped establish the observance on the third Sunday of November each year. In 2005, the United Nations adopted a resolution recognizing the World Day of Remembrance, leading the United States to begin formally participating in the observance.
Here in Brevard County, 478 people have been killed in traffic accidents and more than 2,000 individuals have sustained serious injuries since 2020. These tragedies leave lasting impacts on families, friends, and entire communities.
This morning, the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization (SCTPO) held a gathering to honor those who have been killed or injured on our roadways. The SCTPO has also created an online memory wall where individuals can commemorate loved ones lost to traffic accidents. To view the memory wall and read their stories, click here.
This week, the Florida Legislature will hold its fourth interim committee week in Tallahassee, in preperation for the 2026 Legislative Session. The remaining 2025 interim committee meetings are scheduled for the weeks of December 1st and December 8th.
If you will be visiting the State Capitol during the committee weeks or the legislative session and need assistance or an appointment, please call my Tallahassee office at (850) 487-5019.
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! |
|
November is Manatee Awareness Month
November is Manatee Awareness Month, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding Floridians and visitors to be extra cautious as manatees begin their seasonal movements toward warmer waters.
“Manatees are highly dependent on safe and reliable warm-water sites to survive the winter,” said Michelle Pasawicz, FWC Manatee Management Program Coordinator. “As water temperatures drop below 68 degrees Fahrenheit, Florida’s manatees seek refuge at springs, power plant discharge areas, and other warm water sites where they’ll spend the winter until temperatures rise again in spring.”
As manatees may be difficult to see in certain waterways, FWC advises boaters to wear polarized glasses, slow down, and adhere to all manatee protection zones. Manatee protection zones are noticeably marked by waterway signs to prevent boat and manatee encounters.
FWC also advises spectators to avoid disturbing manatees as they hover in groups to stay warm. Doing so may cause them to swim out of protected areas into colder water which can be life-threatening.
If you see an injured, distressed, sick, or deceased manatee, report it to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at (888) 404-FWCC (3922) so that trained responders can assist.
To identify manatee protection zones, click here.
State and Federal Law Enforcement Partners Announce Arrest of 230 Criminal Illegal Aliens, Including 150 Sexual Predators
Last week, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the arrests of more than 150 illegal alien sex offenders during a major enforcement action across the state of Florida. Operation Criminal Return was conducted with state and local 287(g) law enforcement partners.
The purpose of the operation was to apprehend child predators, rapists, and violent criminal illegal aliens with convictions including sexual assault of minors, rape, lewd and lascivious conduct, child exploitation, battery, and attempted homicide. In total, more than 230 criminal illegal aliens were arrested statewide.
“Our kids will be safer. This partnership with Governor DeSantis and the state of Florida is a model we want to replicate across the country,” said Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem.
"Operation Criminal Return exemplifies a new era of law and order: removing the most violent criminal illegal aliens and keeping our children safe."
Florida’s ‘Stuff the Charger’ Campaign Returns to Help Neighbors in Need
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) have announced their annual “Stuff the Charger” food drive. For the next two weeks residents are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items to help stock local food banks for families facing hardship this holiday season.
“Floridians have always shown resilience and generosity, especially in times of need,” said FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner. “By loading our Chargers with food donations, we are delivering hope into Florida homes and helping families embrace the holiday season with dignity and joy.”
“Join us in making a meaningful impact this holiday season by supporting our annual Stuff the Charger food drive,” said FHP Colonel Gary Howze. “Your donations are essential in helping to provide food to families in need, and together we can ensure that no Floridian goes without during this special time of year."
The FHP Headquarters for Brevard County is located at 3775 W. King Street in Cocoa. This location will be accepting donations through Sunday, November 30th. For more information, call (321) 690-3900. |
|
|
Rear Admiral Wayne Justice, Chairman of the Canaveral Port Authority
I was saddened to learn that last Saturday, November 8th, Rear Admiral Wayne Justice passed away at the age of 70. At the time of his passing, Admiral Justice was the Chairman of the Canaveral Port Authority and a highly respected community leader.
Admiral Justice was a Coast Guard Academy and Naval War College graduate. He served in the United States Coast Guard for 37 years, including 15 years in Florida. His experience includes 12 years on Coast Guard cutters and eight years in command, specializing in counterdrug interdiction, illegal migrant apprehensions, and search and rescue patrols. Admiral Justice also spent three years as a Military Aide to President George H.W. Bush and President Bill Clinton where his responsibilities included potential execution of the nuclear codes.
During his service he earned multiple awards including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Coast Guard Commendation Medal. He retired as a Two Star Rear Admiral in 2010.
After retirement from the Coast Guard, Admiral Justice began a career as a maritime consultant and expert witness, providing counsel on maritime issues and expert testimony in maritime cases.
He was first elected to the Canaveral Port Authority Commission in 2014. He served the Port Canaveral community with distinction for more than a decade, including three terms as Chairman of the Board.
During his tenure, Admiral Justice championed numerous initiatives that strengthened Port Canaveral’s position as one of the nation’s leading gateways for commerce, tourism, and maritime operations. Today, Port Canaveral is the second largest cruise port in the world.
Admiral Justice will forever be remembered for his service to our nation, his commitment to the enduring success of Port Canaveral, and his love for his family. |
|
Lieutenant Channing L. Taylor, Florida Highway Patrol
Our Constituent of the Week is Lieutenant Channing L. Taylor of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). Lieutenant Taylor was born and raised in Melbourne. He earned an Associate of Arts degree from Eastern Florida State College and graduated from the college's Police Academy in 1990.
In 1994, Lieutenant Taylor graduated from the Florida Highway Patrol Academy and was hired by FHP. He was first assigned to Naples, where he specialized in DUI enforcement. In 1997, he returned to Brevard County as a highway patrolman and was recognized in both 1997 and 1998 with over 100 DUI arrests each year.
In 2003, Lieutenant Taylor was promoted to Sergeant over patrol operations, which included the traffic homicide unit. In 2007, he was promoted to Lieutenant, where he served as a Troop Shift Commander for the six counties within Troop D. In 2008, Lieutenant Taylor was appointed as the Troop Training Coordinator for Troop D with the responsibility of all recurring and specialized training for over 100 Troopers. In this role, he oversaw Troop D Public Affairs Office and the Recruiting, Background Investigations, and Criminal Interdiction Units.
Since 2009, Lieutenant Taylor has served in FHP's Brevard County office in Cocoa. His responsibilities include oversight of four Sergeants, four Homicide Investigators, and 19 Troopers throughout Brevard County’s 73 miles of I-95, as well as unincorporated roadways.
Lieutenant Taylor was awarded the FHP "Medal of Valor" and the FHP "Purple Heart" in 2015, following an incident in which he was shot by a passenger in a stolen vehicle. He was able to return fire, fatally wounding the assailant. The driver attempted to flee the scene and crashed the vehicle. She was apprehended and arrested, preventing her from endangering additional victims.
In 2016, Lieutenant Taylor was selected as the FHP Trooper of the Year and was named the Florida Attorney General’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Also in 2016, former Governor Rick Scott awarded him the prestigious "Governor's Medal of Heroism."
Lieutenant Taylor continues to share his decades of experience as FHP's DRE Coordinator and as a certified instructor. He teaches at the FHP Academy and as an adjunct instructor at the University of North Florida’s Institute of Police Technology and Management.
Lieutenant Taylor resides in Melbourne with his wife and two adult children.
SD 19 is grateful for his leadership and his 30 years of honorable and courageous service with the Florida Highway Patrol. |
|
Melbourne Fire Department Dedicates First Heavy Rescue Truck
After years of design, planning, and training, the Melbourne Fire Department’s heavy rescue truck was dedicated last month during a traditional “Push In” ceremony at Fire Station 76 (corner of Lake Washington Road and Croton Road).
The specialized heavy rescue truck is utilized for “technical rescues” which are catastrophic incidents that require specialized equipment and response training such as building collapses, large vehicle accidents, and rescues in confined spaces or trenches. Firefighters who complete the required training receive the title of “Rescue Specialist.”
Currently, 25 Melbourne firefighters have earned the Rescue Specialist certification, and 29 are certified at the Operations Level in structural collapses, which allows the department to have 18 qualified firefighters on each shift.
Additionally, five Melbourne firefighters were selected to serve on Florida's Task Force 4, Florida’s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team. The USAR team responds to man-made and natural disasters such as the Champlain Towers building collapse in Surfside and for hurricane search and rescue missions.
For more information about the City of Melbourne Fire Department and to apply to be a firefighter, click here.
Florida Purple Star Schools of Distinction Announced
The Florida Purple Star School of Distinction and the Florida Purple Star School District of Distinction are designations established by the Florida legislature in 2021 and 2024 respectively. Once awarded, schools and districts will maintain their designation for three school years.
The purpose of the Purple Star designation is to recognize schools that support the unique needs of military families, help military-connected students navigate critical challenges, and provide resources for military-connected students when transitioning to a new school environment.
As part of this achievement, five Brevard Public Schools (BPS) have been recognized for their dedication to military-friendly practices. Two schools have received new Purple Star designations, while three schools have successfully renewed their status for another three years.
Newly Designated Purple Star Schools (2025–2028):
· Discovery Elementary School
· Lockmar Elementary School
Renewed Purple Star Schools (2025–2028):
· Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High School
· Holland Elementary School
· Quest Elementary School
With these additions, BPS now has 93 Purple Star schools across the district, reflecting a deep and ongoing commitment to military families.
For more information about the Purple Star School distinctions, please contact PurpleStarSchools@fldoe.org.
Annual "State of the Port" Address
Last week, Canaveral Port Authority CEO Captain John Murray delivered the annual “State of the Port” address, providing a review of the Port’s 2025 performance, and the business growth outlook over the next year. Revenues in Fiscal Year 2025 were $218 million with the Port’s cruise business accounting for $182 million, cargo $25 million, and non-ship operations at $11 million.
"Our business growth and solid financial performance is building value that will pay dividends for years to come,” Captain Murray said. “We’re a leader in our industry, but our continued success rests on the foundation of strategic planning, continuous improvement, and sound investments in our infrastructure.”
Port Canaveral hosted 1,038 cruise ship calls, serving a record 8.6 million multi-day passengers served. Captain Murray also announced a historic milestone of 100 million passengers since the Scandinavian Sea cruise ship began sailing from Port Canaveral in 1982.
Cargo business remained strong with a total of 6.1 million tons processed, including three million tons of petroleum products, two million tons of aggregates (bulk construction materials), and 850,000 tons of forest products. The Port now has three mobile harbor cranes allowing for triple the cargo capacity.
Port Canaveral remains an economic engine with 27 percent of cruise passengers overnighting in a local hotel. This equates to 2.3 million total Brevard County room nights annually, and a 200-percent increase in new hotel construction in the City of Cape Canaveral over the past decade.
Looking forward, the Port's cruise business is increasing from 16 to 18 homeported ships and an increase of 1,083 ship calls. New renovations and improvement projects include an additional 4,500 parking spaces, terminal expansions, completion of North Cargo Berth 4, enhancements to public boating, camping, and beach recreational facilities.
To view the 2025 State of the Port presentation, click here. |
|
Registration Open for Brevard County Holiday Parades
Brevard County Parks and Recreation is now taking registrations for participation in the Merritt Island and Cocoa/Rockledge Holiday Parades. The theme this year is "Rocking Around the Holidays." Mindy from Mindy & Company on Lite Rock 99.3 will be the emcee for both parades.
The Merritt Island parade will be held on Saturday, December 6th beginning at 10:00 a.m. The parade route will travel from Grove Boulevard at Merritt Island High School (100 Mustang Way), south on Courtenay Parkway, and ending at Edgewood Junior/Senior High (180 East Merritt Avenue).
The Cocoa/Rockledge parade will be held on Saturday, December 13th beginning at 10:00 a.m. The parade route will travel north on Florida Avenue at Rockledge High School (220 Rockledge Avenue) to Brevard Avenue, and ending at Lee Wenner Park (300 Riveredge Boulevard) in Cocoa.
To register to enter the parade, click here or call (321) 633-1874.
City of Melbourne Holiday Market and Snowfest Kidzone Events
The City of Melbourne is hosting two events, the Holiday Market and Snowfest Kidzone, at the Melbourne Auditorium (625 East Hibiscus Boulevard) in Melbourne.
The Holiday Market will be held on Friday, November 21st from 3:00 p.m. from 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday, November 22nd from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event is free of charge, and activities include local vendors offering holiday gifts and crafts, photos with Santa Claus, and live entertainment.
The Snowfest Kidzone event follows the Holiday Market on Friday, November 21st from 5:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. The cost of admission is $5 and features snow-themed play zones, holiday crafts, children's games and entertainment, and appearances by seasonal characters.
For more information, contact (321) 608-7420 or send an email to auditorium@mlbfl.org.
Jingle: The Big Band Holiday Spectacular
The Space Coast Symphony Jazz Orchestra, "Jingle: The Big Band Holiday Spectacular," will be held on Saturday, November 29th at 2:00 p.m. at Satellite High School (300 Scorpion Court) in Satellite Beach. The festive concert, led by well-known vocalist Kim Reteguiz, offers musical surprises for audiences of all ages and fresh takes on classic holiday favorites.
Tickets are $35 in advance for adults and $40 at the door. Children under age 18 and college students with a student ID are free of charge. Tickets can be purchased online here.
For more information, call (855) 252-7276.
Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Fall Fundraiser
The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation's Fall Fundraiser, "Race to Reclaim History," will be held on Saturday, November 29th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the American Muscle Care Museum (3500 Sarno Road) in Melbourne.
General tickets are two for $100 or $75 each and include gourmet hors d'oeurvres, premium beer, wine and champagne bar, and soft drinks. VIP tickets are two for $200 or $150 each and include early entry at 5:00 p.m. and an exclusive tour with Muscle Care Museum owner, Mark Pieloch.
All proceeds support the historic Light Station. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here. |
|
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 |
|
|
|
|
