| The Mayfield Minute - June 14, 2026 |
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| Flag Day and 251st Birthday of the U.S. Army |
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Happy Flag Day and Happy Birthday to the United States Army!
On June 14, 1777, approximately one year after Betsy Ross created the nation’s first flag at the request of General George Washington, the Second Continental Congress passed the Flag Resolution.
The Flag Resolution officially adopted the design of the Betsy Ross Flag, stating that “the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation”
During the late 18th century, schoolteachers began to informally commemorate June 14th as Flag Day by holding patriotic ceremonies and teaching lessons on American history. Soon after, patriotic groups such as the Colonial Dames and the Sons of the American Revolution began petitioning Congress to officially recognize Flag Day.
The first national observance of Flag Day was held on June 14, 1877, 100 years after the flag resolution was adopted by the Continental Congress. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation designating June 14th as National Flag Day, and in 1949, the designation was made official by an Act of Congress.
Additionally, today marks the 251st birthday of the United States Army. In 1775, more than a year before the Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress passed a resolution to create a single continental army, representing all 13 colonies. The initial army was composed of companies from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia.
That same week, June 19, 1775, George Washington was selected as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, a role he held until the end of the Revolutionary War in 1783.
Thank you to all those who served in the Army, and all branches of the United States Military.
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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| Floridians Making an Impact |
Last week, two Floridians were nominated by President Donald J. Trump to serve as United States Ambassadors.
Former Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll - Trinidad and Tobago
Former Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll was nominated to serve as ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago. Born in Port of Spain, Lt. Governor Carroll was the first Trinidadian-American elected to the office of Lieutenant Governor, serving under Governor Rick Scott from 2011-2013. Previously, she served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2003-2010, and was a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy, serving from 1979-1999.
Former Representative Doug Holder – Bulgaria
Former Florida Representative Doug Holder was nominated to serve as ambassador to Bulgaria. Representative Holder was born in Georgia, and attended Middle Tennessee State University, before moving to Florida in 1997. He served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2006 to 2014, representing much of Sarasota County.
The responsibilities of U.S. Ambassadors include representing U.S. interests, coordinating embassy operations, strengthening bilateral ties in diplomacy, economic and trade promotion, environmental and technology cooperation, interagency leadership and consular services.
All Ambassadorship nominations are subject to confirmation by the United States Senate.
Congratulations to Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll and Representative Doug Holder for their nominations. |
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Governor DeSantis Signs Proclamation Declaring June Faith and Family Month in Florida
Last week, Governor DeSantis signed a proclamation designating June as Faith and Family Month in Florida, highlighting three pillars: religious faith, traditional family structures, and fatherhood as pillars of strong communities.
The proclamation encourages all residents, churches, organizations, and businesses to honor and celebrate these foundational pillars, express appreciation for fathers and father figures, support family unity, and participate in activities that strengthen and enrich our families.
2026 Hurricane Season Downgraded Due to Strong El Niño
Last week, Colorado State University (CSU) researchers on Wednesday downgraded their projections for the hurricane season.
Already anticipating a “somewhat below-normal” Atlantic hurricane season when the first forecast came out April 9th, the research team now expects strong “El Niño” weather, which produces vertical wind shear conditions that weaken or disrupt storms.
CSU’s forecast now predicts 11 named storms, down from 13. Five storms are forecast to reach hurricane strength, with winds at or above 74 mph, instead of the six predicted earlier. The number of storms reaching Category 3 with sustained winds of 111-mph or greater, remains at two.
An average hurricane season has 14 to 15 named storms, with seven reaching hurricane strength.
From 2022 to 2024, Florida took direct hits from six hurricanes, including four that were Category 3 or stronger. No storms in 2025 made a direct landfall in Florida or the United States.
Despite the improved outlook, it remains important to prepare responsibly for hurricane season. To review the Florida Department of Emergency Management hurricane preparedness and recovery tips, click here.
E-Bike Safety Legislation
This past year, Health First’s medical helicopter unit responded to more than 50 electric bicycle (E-bike) accidents in Brevard County. Nearly half of those accidents involved children under the age of 16 who required transportation to a pediatric trauma center.
As E-bikes become increasingly popular, it is important for parents to understand the risks involved and to ensure their children are riding safely and responsibly. Please click here to view an informational pamphlet from the Florida Department of Transportation regarding safe and responsible E-bike operation.
Over the last several years, the Legislature has taken several steps to improve E-bike safety. During the 2026 Legislative Session, the Legislature passed SB 382 – Micromobility Devices (2026). This bill is pending presentation to the Governor and includes the following provisions:
· A person operating an E-bike on certain shared pathways must yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian.
· A person operating an E-bike on a sidewalk or other designated pedestrian areas may not operate the E-bike at a speed greater than 10 miles per hour if a pedestrian is within 50 feet. Failure to comply will result in a nonmoving violation.
· Creates a statewide taskforce to study E-Bike safety and submit a report to the Governor and Legislature with recommended improvements to state law and regulations governing micromobility devices.
· Creates a micromobility crash data collection and reporting process for law enforcement agencies to collect and submit crash related information to the DHSMV, who will then provide a summary report to the Legislature and the Governor.
Additionally, last year’s transportation package, SB 462 – Transportation (2025), was signed into law and includes authorizations for local governments to adopt ordinances regarding age and identification requirements, and to provide training to operate an E-bike, motorized scooter, or micromobility device.
For additional safety tips, and a list of local E-bike ordinances in Brevard County, click here to view the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization's website. |
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| America's 250th Anniversary |
As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America leading up to July 4, 2026, I will continue to share updates on the 250th anniversary and how it 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
The Founding of the City of Tallahassee
In June 1823, shortly after the United States purchased the Florida Territory from Spain, Florida’s Territorial Legislative Council authorized Governor William P. DuVal to appoint two commissioners to select the site for a new territorial capital somewhere between the Ochlockonee and Suwanee rivers. The Governor appointed Dr. William Hayne Simmons and Mr. John Lee Williams.
Dr. Simmons, an educator who would later become Florida's first public school superintendent, left St. Augustine on September 26th by an overland route. Mr. Williams, a lawyer and author, left Pensacola on September 24th by sea. In late October, the two met at St. Marks, a settlement at the confluence of the St. Marks and Wakulla rivers.
The two commissioners travelled approximately 20 miles north to a Native American settlement under the leadership of Neamathla, known as “The Old Fields of Tallahassee.” Neamathla, a principal chief of the Seminole tribe, and other Native leaders had recently signed the Treaty of Moultrie Creek, which exchanged lands near Tallahassee for reservations elsewhere in the Florida Territory. Mr. Williams and Dr. Simmons later recommended Tallahassee as the location for the capital. Governor DuVal directed the legislative council to meet at the new capital in November 1824.
Later that year, a log cabin was built to serve as Florida’s first capitol building. On December 11th, the legislative council adopted the name "Tallahassee" from the Muscogee language which translates to "old towns" or "old fields."
Melbourne Square Mall America250 Mural Ribbon Cutting
The Melbourne Square Mall will hold an unveiling and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new America250 Mural on Thursday July 2nd at 12:00 p.m. at the mall (1700 North New Haven Avenue) near Macy's.
The community is invited to celebrate "America's past, present, and future" with representatives from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, American Legion Post 420, the Daughters of the American Revolution of Brevard, and the mural artist, Lance Behringer.
Guests are invited to bring worn or tattered American flags for proper retirement in the official American Legion Post 420 Flag Retirement Box.
For more information and to RSVP, email alisha.kish@cbre.com. |
| Bill Action by Governor DeSantis |
As of Sunday, June 14th, Governor DeSantis has received a total of 191 bills for his consideration, of which 171 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:
CS/SB 156 – Criminal Offenses Against Law Enforcement Officers and Other Personnel
SB 168 – Public Nuisances
CS/CS/HB 177 – Offices of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel
CS/CS/HB 199 – Veterans Affairs
CS/CS/HB 397 – Violations of Pretrial Release Conditions for Violent Crimes
CS/HB 429 – Criteria for Determining Criminal Gang Membership
CS/SB 432 – Intoxicating Substances
CS/CS/SB 436 – Felony Battery
CS/HB 477 – Drug Paraphernalia
CS/CS/HB 565 – Agency for Persons with Disabilities
CS/CS/HB 1087 – Public Records/Office of Financial Regulation
CS/HB 1115 – Grants for Genetic Counseling Education
CS/CS/HB 1311 – Legal Tender
CS/SB 1332 – Career Offender Registration
CS/HB 1343 – Insurance Customer Representative Licensing Qualifications
HB 1347 – Clinical Laboratory Personnel
CS/CS/HB 1451 – Utility Services
HB 1515 – Public Records/Uterine Fibroid Research Database
CS/CS/HB 1525 – Lewd or Lascivious Acts
HB 7031 – Internal Revenue Code
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:
CS/SB 298 – Public Records
SB 816 – Diabetes Research
CS/CS/HB 625 – Justice Administrative Commission
CS/CS/HB 655 – Public Records/Public Meetings
CS/SB 820 – Problem-solving Court Reports
CS/SB 824 – School District Unimproved Real Property
CS/CS/SB 1030 – Recovery Residences
CS/CS/SB 1092 – Podiatric Medicine
CS/HB 1293 – Fraudulent Entry of Residential Dwellings
CS/CS/SB 1602 – Housing for Veterans
CS/CS/CS/SB 1614 – Enforcement of the Florida Building Code
CS/CS/SB 1668 – Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association
CS/CS/CS/SB 1690 – Child Care and Early Learning Services
CS/SB 7002 – A Review under the Open Government Sunset Review Act
SB 7008 – A Review under the Open Government Sunset Review Act
CS/SB 7012 – A Review under the Open Government Sunset Review Act
SB 7024 – A Review under the Open Government Sunset Review Act |
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Colonel H.A. Sam Zeidan, United States Army (RET), Medical Doctor
Dr. Sam Zeidan was born in Jordan and immigrated with his family to upstate New York as one of nine children. He graduated from Yonkers High School in 1965 and enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1966. He was stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington State and deployed to Vietnam in 1969 to 1970, where he served as a chopper medic and evacuation medic out of Da Nang.
After returning home, he was accepted to the University of Washington, where he double majored in Zoology and Biomedical History, graduating in 1976. He then attended medical school at the University of Turin in Italy, graduating in 1981. He returned to Washington and served as an associate professor at the University of Washington and Harborview Medical Center.
Colonel Zeidan’s service as an enlisted airman strengthened his desire to continue serving. He commissioned into the United States Army as a medical officer, completing his training at Fort Sam Houston and entered a residency program at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He was deployed during the Gulf War and served with distinction during Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Desert Calm. In addition to his medical duties, he supported military operations as an interrogator, interpreter, and translator.
After his service in the Army, he was recruited to return to the United States Air Force as a medical officer. While serving at Moody Air Force Base, he earned recognition as Officer of the Quarter. He completed his Air Force service and retired in 2000 from Patrick Air Force Base.
Following retirement, Dr. Zeidan dedicated his medical practice to serving Veterans. He worked for the Veterans Health Administration and later continued to serve overseas with the U.S. Department of State and the United States Government after 9/11. He completed two additional tours in Iraq and four tours in Afghanistan before retiring again in 2014.
Dr. Zeidan is a longtime member of the DAV, serving as Chaplain for DAV Chapter 129 in Satellite Beach and, most recently, as Chaplain of DAV Chapter 32, where he continues to support Veterans and their families. He is also a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, a 32nd Degree Shriner, and an honorary member of the Retired Police Association 10/13 Club.
He resides in Viera with his wife, Toni. He has four grown children and enjoys gardening, shooting sports, cigars with friends, fishing with his dog, “Buddy,” and spending time with his grandchildren.
SD 19 extends our sincerest gratitude to Dr. Sam Zeidan for his courageous service and sacrifice while enlisted in the United States military and for the countless lives he saved on the battlefield and as a physician dedicated to serving Veterans. |
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Artemis III Mission Crew Announced
Last week, NASA announced the names of crew members selected for the Artemis III mission’s.
Randy Bresnick, NASA astronaut, will serve as commander. Commander Bresnick, a retired Marine colonel and test pilot who flew combat missions in Kuwait, was selected as a NASA astronaut in 2004. He brings extensive experience from previous space shuttle Atlantis, Soyuz, and International Space Station (ISS) missions, including 139 days at the ISS in 2009.
Luca Parmitano, European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut, will serve as pilot, marking the first time an ESA astronaut has been assigned to an Artemis mission. Mr. Parmitano is a veteran ISS commander and test pilot with more than 2,000 flight hours across 40 aircraft types.
Andre Douglas, NASA astronaut, will serve as mission specialist. The Artemis III mission will be Mr. Douglas’ first trip to space after serving as a backup crew member for Artemis II. He was selected as a NASA astronaut in 2021 having previously served in United States Coast Guard.
Frank Rubio, NASA astronaut, will also serve as mission specialist. Mr. Rubio is a U.S. Army Colonel and flight surgeon who previously broke the American record for the longest single-duration spaceflight (371 days) aboard the International Space Station in 2023. He was selected as a NASA astronaut in 2017.
The Artemis III mission will launch aboard the SLS rocket from Kennedy Space Center in 2027 for a two-week journey.
To learn more about the Artemis III mission and crew, click here.
35th Anniversary of Marine Resources Council’s LagoonWatch
The Marine Resources Council’s (MRC) LagoonWatch is celebrating 35 years since the program began in 1991. LagoonWatch is a long‑standing citizen‑science water quality monitoring program that plays a central role in understanding and protecting the Indian River Lagoon.
Each week, trained volunteers collect weekly water samples and submit data to MRC scientists, creating one of the region’s most consistent long‑term environmental datasets. MRC emphasizes that monitoring water quality is the foundation that allows scientists and policymakers to measure ecosystem health, identify pollution sources, and evaluate whether restoration efforts are working.
In its 35th year, LagoonWatch has undergone major modernization to improve accuracy, efficiency, and scientific integration. MRC has replaced outdated wet‑chemistry kits with digital measuring probes and has utilized new grants to expand testing to include nitrogen, phosphorus, and dissolved oxygen.
Additionally, LagoonWatch now uses state‑approved equipment and methods allowing its data to be uploaded to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Watershed Information Network (WIN) for inclusion in statewide assessments, impaired‑waters listings, and Basin Management Action Plans.
For more information, click here.
Orlando Health Announces New Hospital and Medical Office Building in Brevard County
Orlando Health has unveiled plans for a state‑of‑the‑art hospital and medical office building on a new 40‑acre health and wellness campus in Viera, marking a major expansion of healthcare services on the Space Coast. The new Orlando Health Viera Hospital, will be located in Borrows West, between Lake Andrew Drive and I‑95, just south of Viera Boulevard.
The development includes a seven‑story regional hospital and a three‑story, 60,000‑square‑foot medical office building. The hospital will have 240 beds and provide comprehensive acute‑care services, including emergency, imaging, laboratory, pharmacy, surgical suites, and catheterization labs. The adjoining medical office building will feature specialty practices in cardiovascular health and neurosciences.
The project is expected to create more than 1,000 new jobs across Brevard and Indian River Counties. The Viera Company is expected to begin construction in June 2026, with the emergency department opening in fall 2027. |
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Space Coast Comic Con
The Space Coast Comic Con will be held on Saturday, June 20th and Sunday, June 21st from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Wickham Park Community Center (2815 Leisure Way) in Melbourne.
Space Coast Comic Con is a family-friendly comic book and pop culture convention that brings together comic creators, artists, vendors, toy collectors, filmmakers, and others.
Individual tickets start at $16.30 for Saturday admission and $11.20 for Sunday admission. Various family packages and discount tickets for Father's Day are also available.
For more information, event schedule, and to purchase tickets, click here.
Brevard Zoo Free Admission for Dads on Father’s Day
The Brevard Zoo is celebrating Father’s Day with free admission for Dads accompanied by a paying child of any age on Sunday, June 21st from 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at the zoo (8225 North Wickham Road) in Melbourne.
To purchase tickets in advance online, click here.
Helping Seniors Cars & Cuisine Event
The Helping Seniors Cars & Cuisine event will be held on Saturday, June 27th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Joe's Senior Resource Center (1344 South Apollo Blvd.) in Melbourne.
The event features a car show with classic, muscle, exotic, and mainstream favorites, a tour of the Senior Resource Center including the new podcast studio, and an afternoon of culinary tastings prepared by Chef Jillian Zebris.
While the event is free of charge, various donation amounts ranging from $10 to $60 are required for the culinary tastings.
To enter your vehicle in the car show, email bill333@cfl.rr.com and for more event information, click here.
Space Coast Idol Spotlight Auditions
The Space Coast Idol Spotlight audition will be held on Sunday, June 28th from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Gatherings at Southern Charm (1220 West New Haven Avenue) in Melbourne.
Space Coast Idols, Brevard County's premier vocal competition, provides an opportunity for local singers of all ages to audition before the selection committee and audience for one of 12 finalist spots. Contestants will prepare one cover song Karaoke-style to perform and be judged on talent, stage presence, and marketability.
The 12 finalists will then perform on August 8th from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the Cocoa Village Historic Playhouse (300 Brevard Avenue). Three performers will be selected to compete for the top three prizes
· 1st place: $2,000, a fully produced studio distributed track
· 2nd place: $1,000, 4 hours studio time
· 3rd place: $500, 2 hours studio time
Auditions are free. To reserve a priority placement spot at the audition on June 28th, contestants should pre-register 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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