| The Mayfield Minute - August 24, 2025 |
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Celebrating the 19th Amendment
This Monday, August 26th, we celebrate Women's Equality Day, commemorating the adoption of the 19th amendment to the United States Constitution, which prohibited states from denying citizens the right to vote based on gender.
On August 26th, 1920, Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby signed the proclamation certifying the amendment, marking a historic victory for the Suffragette movement. In 1972, President Richard Nixon became the first president to formally recognize Women's Equality Day, and every president since has continued the tradition.
In his 1986 Proclamation honoring Women's Equality Day, President Ronald Reagan stated, "Sixty-six years ago our Constitution was amended for the nineteenth time -- to grant women a cherished privilege of citizenship in a free Nation, the right to vote. Since then, women have not only availed themselves of their access to the voting booth, they have gone on to take part at every level of politics and government. We as a Nation are much the better for this fundamental enlargement of our public life."
He went on to say, "Women's growing participation in public life has been paralleled by their increasing importance in every field. All of us benefit from the accomplishments of women in commerce, law, science, medicine, the arts, and every other area of human activity. We are most grateful for all of these achievements, just as we are for women's special role at the heart of the family and for the freedom of opportunity women have to determine the vocations they wish to pursue."
As we reflect on this milestone, we honor the relentless efforts of those who fought tirelessly to secure this fundamental right for women across the nation.
I consider it a great honor to represent Senate District 19. Please share this link with your friends and family so they, too can subscribe to 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's ‘Hometown Heroes’ Mortgage Assistance Program Reopens
Last week, applications for the Florida Hometown Heroes Housing (HTH) program reopened. The HTH program provides down payment and closing cost assistance to first time homebuyers in eligible occupations. The program must be used to purchase a primary residence, and applicants must meet specific income requirements.
Eligible occupations include:
· Healthcare -- nursing, medical technicians, medical therapists, doctors, physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare positions.
· Education -- School staff workers, principals, teachers, librarians, school counselors, social workers, maintenance staff, and other education positions.
· Public Safety – First responders, certified EMT and paramedics, 911 operators, police officers, probations and corrections officers, and other public safety positions.
· Court System – State attorneys, public defenders, court clerk, and other court system positions.
· Childcare – Licensed or registered employees at childcare facilities or home daycares.
· Military – All full-time and part-time military service members as well as veterans who are employed full-time by a Florida based employer.
Due to limited funding for the program, it is important to apply as early as possible. For more information, click here.
Florida Law Enforcement Bonus Program for Recruits Surpasses 8,700 Recipients
Governor DeSantis recently announced that Florida has awarded more than 8,700 recruitment bonuses to new law enforcement officers through the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program.
“I had the honor of hand-delivering $5,000 recruitment bonuses to 40 new Hillsborough County sheriff’s deputies and thanking them for all they do to serve their communities,” said Governor DeSantis. “We continue our missions to give our law enforcement officers everything they need to do to keep our communities safe, such as recruitment bonuses, pay raises, resources to promote physical and mental wellbeing, and tough-on-crime policies that allow officers to do their jobs without fear of political retaliation.”
Under the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget, the State secured $49 million in pay increases for more than 16,200 state sworn law enforcement officers, raised the minimum base pay to $60,000 and provided significant raises for both entry-level and veteran officers. The state has also expanded wellness resources, enhanced penalties for crimes against officers, introduced law enforcement education programs in high schools, and launched the Florida Law Enforcement Academy Scholarship Program to cover training costs for new recruits.
For more information, click here.
2025 Python Challenge Removes Record 294 Invasive Snakes
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and partners announced the results of the 2025 Florida Python Challenge, which is intended to increase awareness about invasive species and the threats they pose to Florida’s ecology. During the 10-day competition, 934 participants from 30 states and Canada collectively removed a record 294 invasive Burmese pythons from south Florida.
"The 2025 Florida Python Challenge can go in the books as a success thanks to the hard work of staff, generous support from our partners, continued leadership of Governor DeSantis and involvement of the many competitors in this year’s event,” said Rodney Barreto, FWC Chairman.
Over 1,400 pythons have been removed during all Florida Python Challenge events to date and over 16,000 pythons have been removed by FWC and South Florida Water Management District contractors since 2017.
Taylor Stanberry, of Naples, is the $10,000 Ultimate Grand Prize winner having removed 60 invasive Burmese pythons from the Florida Everglades.
For more information on the python challenge and to view the full list of 2025 winners, click here. |
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Ernest Winterton, Chief Hospital Corpsman, U.S. Navy, Retired
Our Constituent of the week is Mr. Ernest Winterton, Chief Hospital Corpsman, U.S. Navy Retired. He is a distinguished veteran, public servant, and community leader whose unwavering dedication to service spans more than four decades across military, law enforcement, and veteran support organizations.
Mr. Winterton was born and raised in Lagrande, Oregon. He left his hometown as a young man to enlist in the United States Navy, where he served honorably for 22 years as a Navy Corpsman.
During his military career, he held roles such as Clinical Laboratory and Blood Bank Technician, Hospital Administrator, and Fleet Marine Force Corpsman. For over 10 years, he was embedded with United States Marine Corps units, providing lifesaving care during two combat tours in Vietnam and Lebanon. Mr. Winterton retired at the rank of Chief Hospital Corpsman (HMC).
Mr. Winterton attended the College at Clackamas Community College and Portland State University earning a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health and a Master’s degree in Computer Science, a testament to his lifelong pursuit of knowledge and excellence. He began his collegiate studies online while serving in the Navy, and completed his education full-time after retirement.
Following his retirement from the Navy, Mr. Winterton served another 22 years as a Deputy Sheriff Captain with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon, where he was widely respected for his professionalism, discipline, and commitment to public safety.
In July 2024, Mr. Winterton moved to Melbourne to live with his daughter.
Mr. Winterton has been a steadfast advocate for veterans, with long-standing involvement in organizations such as the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) for over 20 years and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) for more than 25 years. He is also an active Master Mason and Shriner, contributing to charitable and fraternal efforts in the community.
In April 2025, Mr. Winterton was appointed Sergeant at Arms and Officer of the Day for DAV Chapter 32 in Melbourne, Florida. As the chapter's Sergeant at Arms, Mr. Winterton is responsible for maintaining order, security, and decorum at chapter events, and ensuring the smooth functioning of chapter programs—all with the integrity and dedication that have defined his career.
SD 19 is grateful for Mr. Winterton’s life of dedicated service. He is a shining example of honor, leadership, and patriotism. His continued commitment to service enriches the lives of his fellow veterans and inspires all who have the privilege to serve alongside him. |
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Celebrating Opening of Aeronautics and Flight Exploration Academy
Last week, I had the opportunity to join Brevard Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell, Brevard School Board Chair Gene Trent, Florida Institute of Technology President Dr. John Nicklow, and Merritt Island High School Principal Debbie Lubbers to celebrate the ribbon cutting for the Aeronautics and Flight Exploration (AFEX) Academy at Merritt Island High School.
The AFEX Academy will provide hands-on experiences and rigorous academics to cultivate the Space Coast's next generation of leaders, engineers, pilots, and technicians. The academy will provide students with the opportunity to earn dual enrollment college credits to expedite their postsecondary education. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to earn technical certifications and credentials that will prepare them to join the workforce directly after high school.
Features of the AFEX Academy include:
· Flight Simulators and VR Space Simulators
· Drone Technology and High-Altitude Launch Balloons
· Mars Rover Robotics Projects
· Industry Guest Speakers and Field Trips to Leading Aerospace Organizations
The AFEX Academy is supported by industry partners including the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT), Structural Composites, Space Tec, Patton Consulting Firm, and the Aldrin Foundation. The partners are committed to mentoring students and supporting career readiness.
For more information, click here or call 321-454-1000.
2025 Brevard Legislative Delegation Meeting
The 2025 Brevard County Legislative Delegation Meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, September 30th, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Brevard County Commission Chambers, located at 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way in Melbourne.
Individuals and organizations that wish to be placed on the agenda to provide remarks to the delegation must complete an Appearance Request Form by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 19th. Please click here to access the form.
Please note that if you intend to provide any additional documents or materials for the delegation’s review, they must be submitted by email to gooden.william@flsenate.gov by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 19th. If you have any questions, or need assistance completing the Appearance Request Form, please contact my office by phone at (321) 409-2025.
Members of the public that wish to provide comments to the delegation, but do not submit an Appearance Request Form by the deadline, may complete a public comment card at the event. Public comments will be accommodated as time permits.
As a reminder, the following legislators serve on the Brevard County Legislative Delegation: Senator Debbie Mayfield (Chair), Senator Tom Wright, Representative Robert Brackett, Representative Brian Hodgers, Representative Monique Miller, Representative Tyler Sirois, and Representative Chase Tramont.
City of Melbourne Installing the World’s Largest Baffle Box to Decrease Pollution
Last week, the city of Melbourne began installation on the world’s largest baffle box at a site near the Melbourne Orlando International Airport. The new baffle box will treat stormwater running from an 850-foot drainage basin in the area.
Baffle boxes are underground stormwater treatment structures designed to remove sediment, debris, and pollutants from runoff before it reaches natural water bodies. The boxes contain multiple chambers separated by baffles (internal walls) to slow the flow of water. Trash, oils, leaves and other contaminates are then trapped in stainless steel baskets for disposal heavy particles such as sand and sediment settle to the bottom.
Baffle boxes filter nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous, which are the two major pollutants fueling algae blooms in the Indian River Lagoon. Once operational, the new nutrient separating baffle box will remove 3,300 lbs of nitrogen and around 500 lbs of phosphorus each year.
Water quality affects nearly every aspect of our lives including our health, the environment, recreation, and the economy. As Brevard County's population grows, we must continue to focus on water quality improvement projects like the new nutrient separating baffle boxes.
For the past 20 years, August has been designated as Water Quality Improvement Month, by the Environmental Protection Agency. The purpose of the month is to raise awareness about the importance of clean water and to encourage communities, environmental organizations, and government entities to proactively protect water resources. |
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International Association of Fire Fighters 9/11 Memorial 5K
The International Association of Fire Fighters will host a 9/11 Memorial 5K on Saturday, September 6th at Eau Gallie Square Park (1452 Highland Avenue) in Melbourne. The 5K start time is 7:30 a.m.
The registration fee is $40 for an individual runner, and $35 for each runner registering as part of a team. The fee will increase by $5 on Friday, September 5th.
Registration and Packet Pickup will be held on Friday, September 5th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Running Zone (3696 N Wickham Road) in Melbourne. Late Registration and Packet Pickup will be available on the morning of the race, from 6:45 a.m. to 7:15 a.m., at the race site.
An awards ceremony will begin immediately following the race. All proceeds benefit local firefighters and the community. For more information and to register, click here.
City of Rockledge Remembering 9/11 Ceremony
The City of Rockledge will hold a Remembering 9/11 Ceremony on Saturday, September 6th from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Civic Hub adjacent to Rockledge City Hall (1600 Huntington Lane).
The ceremony will feature a bagpipe performance, remarks from city officials, a presentation of Colors, performances by the Rockledge High School Strings Ensemble and the St. Mary Children's Choir, and the reading of the 9/11 Prayer.
The event will conclude with the wreath laying ceremony and the playing of Taps by the Rockledge Public Safety Department Honor Guard.
The ceremony is free to attend. For more information, call 321-221-7540.
September Job Fairs Announced
Brevard County Sheriff's Office
On Wednesday, September 10th, the Brevard County Sheriff's Office will be hosting a hiring event at the Brevard County Jail (860 Camp Road) in Cocoa. The event will be held in two sessions. The first session will be from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and the second will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The event is free of charge, open to the public, and attendees can arrive anytime during the two sessions. To speed up the time of being considered for a conditional offer of employment, submit an employment application in advance at www.brevardsheriff.com.
To register for the event, click here.
Become a Pilot Seminar
2FLY Airborne will be hosting a free seminar with information on their FAA First Officer pilot training program. The seminar will be held on Saturday, September 13th from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at 2FLY Airborne's facility (900 Airport Road) in Merritt Island
The event will last less than two hours and includes a detailed presentation on the economic outlook of the aviation industry, accelerated training, hiring outlook and employment options. All attendees must be at least 17 years of age.
To register for the event, click here.
Launch on Florida’s Space Coast
Launch on Florida's Space Coast, will hold a networking event on Tuesday, September 16th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Groundswell Startups (2412 Irwin Street) in Melbourne.
Launch on Florida’s Space Coast hosts monthly free networking events to help job seekers connect with employers, coaches, and mentors. Attire is business or business casual.
To register for the event, click here.
12th Annual "Lines in the Lagoon" Junior Fishing Tournament
The 12th Annual "Lines in the Lagoon" Junior Fishing Tournament will take place on Saturday, September 13th from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. All students in grades K-12 are invited to participate. All fishing takes place between the Sebastian Inlet and Fort Pierce Inlet in the Indian River Lagoon by boat, from a dock, seawall, or the shore. No inlet fishing is allowed.
The registration fee is currently $25 per angler. The registration fee will increase by $10 on Wednesday, September 1st. Registered anglers will receive a T-shirt, goody bag, and access to the family awards dinner after the tournament from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Walking Tree Brewery (3209 Dodger Road) in Vero Beach.
All participants are required to attend the mandatory Captain's Meeting on Friday, September 12th at 5:30 p.m. at White's Tackle (3006 Cardinal Drive) in Vero Beach.
For contest rules, tournament prizes, registration, and general information, click here or email info@linesinthelagoon.com. |
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