| The Mayfield Minute - May 3, 2026 |
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Military Appreciation Month!
In 1999, the United States Senate unanimously passed Senate Resolution 33, introduced by Senator John McCain, designating May as Military Appreciation Month. The resolution called on Americans to recognize and honor the dedication and commitment of the members of the United States Armed Forces, and to observe the month with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
Florida has the third largest Veteran population in the nation with more than 1.6 million Veterans statewide, including approximately 67,000 in Brevard County. During the 2026 Legislative Session, the Legislature passed the following bills to support Veterans:
· CS/HB 253 – Veterans Dental Care Grant Program which provides oral health care to Florida Veterans.
· CS/CS/HB 199 – Veterans Affairs strengthens and expands Florida’s Veterans Treatment Court system giving Veterans more opportunities to receive treatment rather than traditional criminal penalties.
· CS/CS/SB 1602 – Housing for Veterans creates the "Homes for Veterans Property Management Incentive Pilot Program" within the Florida Housing Corporation for Broward, Escambia, Hillsborough, and Santa Rosa Counties.
Thank you to all Veterans who served our great nation and the active-duty service members continuing to serve. May God bless you and your families and keep you safe as you protect the United States of America.
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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Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Cautions Floridians of Medicare Fraud Scams
Last month, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services released information urging Floridians to be cautious regarding an increase in Medicare Fraud scams. Medicare fraud remains a rapidly growing national problem, and recent Florida cases highlight the scale and seriousness of the issue.
In September 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice indicted two Florida men in a $34.8 million Medicare scheme. This was followed by a December conviction of two health‑care executives who exploited elderly Medicare Advantage beneficiaries in a $34 million scam. In January 2026, a Lake Worth laboratory owner was convicted for orchestrating a $52 million genetic‑testing fraud scheme targeting Medicare recipients.
Combined these cases represent more than $120 million in losses in Florida alone. Nationwide, Medicare fraud is costing taxpayers more than $60 billion each year. Beyond financial loss, fraudulent billing can harm beneficiaries by inserting false medical information into their records, potentially leading to improper care or denial of needed services.
To protect themselves from fraud, Medicare enrollees and caregivers should speak with their doctor about billed services, maintain detailed treatment records, and regularly review their Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) and Explanation of Benefits (EOBs).
Beneficiaries should verify that all listed providers, equipment, and services are legitimate, avoid sharing their Medicare number except with trusted medical providers, and refuse offers of “free” services in exchange for their Medicare information.
Suspected fraud should be reported immediately to 1‑800‑MEDICARE or through the official online reporting portal, here.
To read the announcement in full, click here.
2026 FWC Lionfish Challenge Begins May 22nd
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) 2026 Lionfish Challenge begins May 22nd and ends September 14th. Lionfish are an invasive species, and adult females can release 30,000 eggs every four days. FWC encourages divers, anglers, and commercial harvesters to remove lionfish in Florida waters to limit negative impacts to native marine life and ecosystems.
The 2026 Lionfish Challenge features the following competition categories:
· Lionfish King and Lionfish Queen: Top male and female participants in the recreational division.
· Commercial Champion: Top participant in the commercial division.
· Junior Harvester: Top recreational participant under age 18.
· Veteran Champion: Top active-duty service member or military Veteran in the recreational division.
The Brevard County checkpoints are Hatt’s Dive Center (2006 Front Street) in Melbourne and Space Coast Dive Center (4561 Babcock Street NE) in Palm Bay. The Indian River County checkpoint is the Sebastian Saltwater Marina (1730 Indian River Drive).
For more information on the 2026 FWC Lionfish Challenge, click here.
Florida Launches New Public Assistance Fraud Task Force
Attorney General James Uthmeier recently announced the creation of the Public Assistance Fraud Task Force and named Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Scott Strauss as Special Prosecutor. The Task Force is intended to offer legal guidance and to assist in the coordination of criminal prosecutions for state agencies and law enforcement in an effort to build solid cases against individuals committing fraud.
“We are launching this task force to bring accountability and prosecute those who are stealing from Floridians,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Florida is not Minnesota or California, and we will safeguard the taxpayers’ investment in the services meant for the vulnerable.”
The Special Prosecutor will:
· Review and manage ongoing multi-circuit investigations.
· Advise agencies on advancing cases toward successful criminal prosecution.
· Assist in drafting warrants, affidavits, and other legal documents needed to secure evidence.
· Coordinate with local law enforcement when necessary, using constitutional and statutory authority to extend statewide jurisdiction to county and municipal officers.
To read announcement in full, click here.
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| America's 250th Anniversary |
This year, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary since the United States of America was founded on July 4, 1776.
Over the next 10 weeks, leading up to July 4, 2026, I will share updates on how the 250th anniversary is being recognized across the State of Florida as well as information on our nation’s history, government, and more.
Be sure to visit my Facebook and X (Twitter) pages for more weekly historical recognitions on the people and events that shaped our nation over the past 250 years.
· Facebook: Senator Debbie Mayfield
· X (Twitter): @debbie_mayfield
Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla Visit the United States Honoring 250 Years of Shared Heritage
Last week, King Charles III and Queen Camilla of Britain visited the United States which was the first visit by a British monarch since Queen Elizabeth II visited in May 2007. Their four‑day state visit recognized the significant revolutionary origins of the United States of America and the longstanding alliance that now defines U.S. and United Kingdom relations.
During the visit, King Charles presented President Trump with a 15.6-pound, custom‑made commemorative coin, crafted by The Royal Mint, intentionally designed to reflect the intertwined histories of the two nations. The coin’s 13‑sided shape represents the original colonies, while its portrait of King Charles is framed by leaves symbolizing every U.S. President and every British monarch since 1776.
The coin represented an historic moment in America underscoring how two nations once divided by revolution now stand among the world’s closest allies. The presentation of the coin coincided with King Charles’s rare address to a joint meeting of Congress, where he met with congressional leaders and highlighted the enduring strength of the transatlantic relationship.
Together, the visit and the commemorative gift mark Britain’s formal recognition of America250 and celebrate the shared values that have shaped 250 years of diplomatic, cultural, and historical connection.
To read more about the historic visit, click here. |
| Bill Action by Governor DeSantis |
As of Sunday, April 26th, Governor DeSantis has received a total of 80 bills for his consideration, of which 14 remain pending and 66 have been signed into law. Upon receipt of a bill, the Governor has seven days to sign, veto, or take no action at which point the bill will automatically become law.
Bills Pending Governor's Action:
HB 271 – Foreign and Alien Bail Bond Insurers
HB 453 – Requirements for a Standard High School Diploma
HB 491 – Faith-based Content in Batterers’ Intervention Programs
HB 589 – Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal System Permits
HB 803 – Building Permits and Inspections
HB 883 – Protected Cell Captive Insurance Companies
HB 927 – Local Land Planning and Development
HB 1073 – School Districts
HB 1121 – Aging and Disability Services
HB 1201 – Student Health and Safety
SB 124 – Florida Virtual School
SB 848 – Stormwater Treatment
SB 1074 – One-cent Piece
SB 7022 – Public Records/Examination and Assessment Instruments
If you have an interest or concern regarding any of the above bills, you can contact the Governor's office directly here.
Bills Signed this Week:
HB 895 – Trustee Settlement and Discharge
HB 929 – Local Government Regulation of Chickees
HB 961 – Salvage Certificates of Title and Certificates of Destruction
HB 1337 – Estates
SB 1296 – Public Employees Relations Commission
HB 1279 – Education |
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Mrs. LaRue Fleming, Chairwoman of the Cape Canaveral Ladies
Our Constituent of the Week is Mrs. LaRue Fleming, Chairwoman of the Cape Canaveral Ladies, a volunteer organization entrusted with providing a dignified presence at every military funeral held at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery. The organization was formed in 2016 and is celebrating their 10th year of service this month.
Mrs. Fleming was born in West Virginia and moved to Cocoa at the age of one when her father began working at Cape Canaveral. She graduated from Cocoa High School and attended Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri. Upon graduation from college in 1975, she moved to Denver, Colorado where her husband, a Vietnam Veteran, became the Associate Pastor of Denver Baptist Temple.
While in Colorado, Mrs. Fleming worked as a second-grade teacher before transitioning to a corporate career in administration and human resources at Northrup Grumman and Raytheon. Later in her career, she worked as a program coordinator for Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church.
In 2019, Mrs. Fleming and her husband retired and returned to Brevard County to be closer to family. At the time, her sister was actively involved in Cape Canaveral Ladies, and she immediately knew she wanted to join the organization.
The Cape Canaveral Ladies are dedicated to honoring America’s fallen service members by ensuring that no Veteran or active‑duty military member is ever laid to rest alone at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery. Formed 10 years ago when the cemetery opened, the group consists of trained volunteers who attend every military burial, standing in silent witness and offering dignity, respect, and gratitude on behalf of the community.
Mrs. Fleming quickly became a leader in the organization and currently serves as Chairwoman. She oversees coordination, scheduling, and training to ensure at least one of the Cape Canaveral Ladies is at every interment. Mrs. Fleming also attends many services at the cemetery each month and works diligently to expand the volunteer base. There are approximately 50 women currently volunteering and since 2019, they have attended more than 1,800 Veteran interments.
In 2024, Mrs. Fleming was honored with Florida Today’s “Volunteer of the Year” award. While accepting the award, she said, “To every Cape Canaveral Lady who has stood in the heat, in the rain, in the cold, and even in a time of a pandemic, to honor a vet being buried alone, and to the men and women who donned a uniform, including my husband, I say thank you.” She was also recognized with the Spectrum News' "Everyday Hero" award in May 2025.
Mrs. Fleming and her husband, Alan, reside in Brevard County and they have two grown children, and two grandchildren.
SD 19 is grateful for LaRue Fleming’s heartfelt dedication as she truly embodies the mission of the Cape Canaveral Ladies: to honor, remember, and stand in gratitude for those who served. |
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Brevard County Parks and Recreation
Summer Camp Registration Portal Opens May 4th
The Brevard County Parks and Recreation Department 2026 Summer Camp registration portal will open Monday, May 4th to provide a listing of available camps, calendars of events, locations, and fees for prospective campers. The Department offers traditional day camps, teen and specialty day camps, and adaptive recreation inclusion camps in the following regions:
· North Area: Mims, Titusville, Port St. John, and Sharpes
· Central Area: Cocoa, Rockledge, Merritt Island
· South Area: Viera, Melbourne, West Melbourne, Melbourne Beach, Micco
All new paperwork, including the youth program packet and other necessary forms, must be completed before attending. Space is limited and families are encouraged to register and complete all forms on the portal as soon as possible.
To register online, click here and for more information, contact Bethany Prasad at (321) 633-2046.
City of West Melbourne and City of Palm Bay Welcome New Police Chiefs
West Melbourne:
Michelle DiGiorgio, a 15‑year veteran of the West Melbourne Police Department, has been unanimously appointed as the city’s new Chief of Police. City leaders praised Chief DiGiorgio’s deep institutional knowledge, leadership experience, and commitment to community policing.
Chief DiGiorgio joined the West Melbourne Police Department in 2011. In 2016, she was recognized as the Department's Officer of the Year, and in 2023 she was promoted to Commander.
Chief DiGiorgio is a retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant and holds criminal justice degrees from Troy University and Keiser University. Chief DiGiorgio has successfully completed the FBI-LEEDA’s Supervisor Leadership Institute, Command Leadership Institute, Executive Leadership Institute, and has received the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award.
Palm Bay:
Deputy Chief Jeff Spears, a 16-year veteran of the Palm Bay Police Department, was recently named the city's new Chief of Police. Chief Spears has over 20 years of policing experience, extensive supervisory service, advanced leadership training, and a record of community engagement.
Chief Spears joined the Department in 2010 and quickly established himself as a leader among his peers and the administration. As Deputy Chief, he oversaw major operational divisions, coordinated department‑wide initiatives, and supported strategic planning, personnel development, and community‑policing programs.
Chief Spears has a bachelor’s degree from Barry University and a master’s degree from Florida Tech. He is a recipient of the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award and a graduate of the Senior Management Institute of Police and FBI National Academy.
Janet Petro, Director of NASA's Kennedy Space Center Announces Retirement
Janet Petro, Director of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC), announced her retirement after nearly two decades of service.
Director Petro joined NASA in 2007 after serving in military and aerospace industry roles. She advanced through the agency to become the 11th director of the Kennedy Space Center and served as Acting NASA Administrator in 2025.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman praised Director Petro and her distinguished tenure at NASA stating, “Director Petro has served as a profoundly influential leader, guiding both the agency and Kennedy Space Center through some of the most significant transitions in our shared history.”
Director Petro led Kennedy Space Center through the critical early phases of the Artemis campaign and played a central part in reshaping KSC entirely from a Shuttle‑era launch complex into the nation’s premier multi‑user spaceport, fundamentally expanding America’s ability to access space. Her leadership in establishing partnerships with commercial industry and strengthening coordination with federal agencies laid the groundwork for today's dynamic launch environment. Director Petro has also served as NASA’s Deputy Associate Administrator and Acting Administrator, further demonstrating her unwavering commitment to this agency and the mission.
Effectively immediately, Kelvin Manning will serve as Acting Director bringing 32 years of exceptional leadership and technical expertise to the Kennedy Space Center.
To read the announcement in full, click here. |
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Florida’s 38th Annual “All Veterans Reunion”
Florida’s 38th Annual “All Veterans Reunion” will be held on Thursday, May 7th through Sunday, May 10th at Wickham Park (2500 Parkway Drive) in Melbourne. The four-day event is centered around the arrival of the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall which will be on display at Wickham Park for the duration of the “All Veterans Reunion.”
The event is free of charge and features vendors, musical performances, reenactments, food trucks, beverage tents, displays, and more. Each day will have unique hours and planned single-day activities such as a job fair, flag raising ceremony, and Sunday church service.
For more information and to view the full schedule of events, click here.
Thunder on Cocoa Beach
The Thunder on Cocoa Beach powerboat race will be held on Thursday, May 14th through Sunday, May 17th. The three-day event showcases the greatest competitors in world-class powerboat racing, including meet-and-greet opportunities with race teams and all-day beachside entertainment.
The main spectator area is located at Lori Wilson Park (1500 North Atlantic Avenue) in Cocoa Beach. Spectators can view the competing powerboats up close at Race Village and the dry pit area located on Flounder Drive.
For the latest scheduling information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Space Coast Burger Battle Returns
The Space Coast Burger Battle will be held on Saturday, May 16th from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Wickham Park (2500 Parkway Drive) in Melbourne.
The Space Coast Burger Battle features ‘A La Carte’ tasting menus from the competitors and dessert vendors, locally crafted draft beers, and cocktails. In between tastings, attendees will enjoy live music, the craft fair marketplace featuring local artists, free axe throwing, and a free Kids Zone.
The price of a general admission ticket is $7 online and $10 at the door. Admission is free for children ages 10 and under. A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the Children’s Hunger Project.
For contestant and vendor information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Serene Harbor's "Chipping In to End Domestic Violence" Golf Tournament
The Serene Harbor "Chipping In to End Domestic Violence" Golf Tournament will be held on Friday, May 17th at 8:00 a.m. at the Viera East Golf Club (2300 Clubhouse Drive) in Rockledge. The shotgun start begins at 8:30 a.m.
The cost to register is $125 for individual players or $400 for a foursome. The registration fee includes a golf cart, golf balls, and lunch.
Some sponsorships are still available. All proceeds benefit Serene Harbor's mission to end the cycle of domestic violence in Brevard County.
For more information and to register, 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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