| The Mayfield Minute - August 3, 2025 |
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Commemorating Historic Milestones in Space Exploration
Recently, the Space Coast celebrated the anniversaries of two historic milestones in Space Exploration along with the success of the 11th Commercial Crew launch from Cape Canaveral.
First Launch from Florida Space Coast Celebrate 75th Anniversary
On July 24, 1950, Bumper 8 became the first rocket to successfully lift off from Cape Canaveral. The rocket was launched from Launch Complex 3, which was known then as the Long-Range Proving Ground.
Despite just a two-minute, 200-mile downrange flight, Bumper 8 earned its rightful place in the history of Space flight. The Bumper 8 flight is also notable for successfully utilizing rocket staging technology, which is critical to launch operations. A special display at the Sands History Museum commemorates the first cape launch 75 years ago.
NASA Celebrates 67th Anniversary
On July 29, 1958, President Eisenhower signed into law the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, after the legislation passed Congress with bi-partisan support.
The new civilian agency was created in response to the launch of Sputnik, the world’s first artificial satellite, by the Soviet Union in October 1957. Over the past 67 years, NASA has led the world in Space Exploration and the advancement of human spaceflight.
Successful Launch of NASA’s Crew-11 Mission
On Friday, August 1, 2025, NASA celebrated the successful launch of the Crew-11 mission to the International Space Station. Crew-11 is the 11th crew rotation mission of SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft through NASA's Commercial Crew Program.
The mission transported NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov.
“Thanks to the bold leadership of President Donald J. Trump, NASA is back! The agency’s SpaceX Crew-11 mission to the space station is the first step toward our permanent presence on the Moon.” said acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy. “The Commercial Crew Program and Artemis missions prove what American ingenuity, and cutting-edge American manufacturing can achieve. We’re going to the Moon…to stay! After that, we go to Mars! Welcome to the Golden Age of exploration!”
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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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Attorney General Brings Charges Against Bank Fraud Ring That Targeted Senior Citizens
The Florida Attorney General's Office of Statewide Prosecution has brought criminal charges against eight members of a massive $8.8 million bank fraud ring. The illegal operation began with three bank employees sharing and selling bank account information of senior customers through an encrypted mobile messaging app.
“Today, we announced the takedown of eight criminals who targeted seniors and stole $8.8 million from over 230 victims. They’re facing charges such as RICO, criminal use of personal information, and other serious felonies,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “I’m grateful for the hard work of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in hunting these fraudsters down. Our Office of Statewide Prosecution will now get to work and hold them accountable.”
According to the law enforcement investigation, the suspects used victims’ names, dates of birth, Social Security Numbers and bank account information to transfer money into accounts the defendants opened. The suspects then either disbursed the stolen funds amongst themselves or made purchases such as buying a new car.
To view the news release in full, click here.
Florida Office of Insurance Regulation Announces Lower Auto Insurance Rates
Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky announced a decline in auto insurance rates for Florida. For 2025, the state's five largest writers of auto insurance policies have reported an average rate decrease of 6.5%. For comparison, in 2024 the same companies reported an average policy rate increased by 4.3%, and in 2023 the average rate increased by a staggering 31.7%.
Combined, Florida's five largest writers of auto insurance policies account for 78% of the state's auto insurance market.
“The continued reduction in auto insurance rates is yet another sign that Florida's reforms are working," said Governor DeSantis. "We will protect our reforms from those who seek to undo them and continue to fight for Floridians.”
Commissioner Yaworsky has approved 46 filings from over 30 companies for a rate decrease so far this year. Factors driving the lower auto insurance rates include insurers loosening underwriting requirements, improved loss ratios, and Florida’s historic law changes.
For highlights on Florida’s insurance market, click here.
Atlantic Red Snapper Exempted Fishing Permits Project Opened August 1st
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has been awarded three Exempted Fishing Permits (EFPs) by NOAA Fisheries to conduct three unique studies. EFPs are permits that allow harvesting for specific purposes that are otherwise prohibited under current federal regulations. In these studies, selected participants will be able to catch (and keep) red snapper during a time that works for them.
“Year 1 of the project was a success with over 1,600 anglers selected to participate and provide better data on Atlantic red snapper and other reef fish species to improve management in the south Atlantic. We need your help to keep the momentum going and make Year 2 even more of a success,” said Jessica McCawley, Director of FWC’s Division of Marine Fisheries Management.
Each of the three studies take place in the Atlantic Ocean off Florida’s east coast. The FWC Study Fleet and the FWC Hot Spot Fleet, are being conducted from the Florida/Georgia line south to the NASA vehicle assembly building in Cape Canaveral. The third study, the FWC Southeast Florida Snapper Grouper Fleet, is being conducted from the NASA vehicle assembly building south to the Dry Tortugas.
All three studies will focus on testing an aggregate snapper-grouper bag limit to reduce discards, improving the reporting of catch and discard information via an FWC app, and evaluating angler satisfaction of EFP participants relative to those who must abide by current federal regulations.
Florida’s recreational saltwater anglers and for-hire operators are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications are currently open for the first quarter of Year 2 and will remain open until August 10th.
For more information, including specific application information for each of the three studies, click here or call 850-487-0554. |
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Mr. Mike Schwarz, Co-Owner and General Manager of Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill
Our Constituent of the Week is Mike Schwarz, Co-Owner and General Manager of Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill.
Mr. Schwarz is native to Fort Lauderdale and began his 49-year career in the restaurant industry at the age of 17 when he took his first job as a busboy at a local restaurant named Frankies Reef. His next career step brought him to TGI Fridays which he referred to as an "awesome career" that lasted over 22 years. Mr. Schwarz is grateful for the many lessons he learned about the restaurant industry during his time with TGI Fridays. He is also grateful for his time there because it is where he met Susan, his wife of 36 years.
After retiring from TGI Fridays, Mr. Schwarz relocated to Brevard County and partnered with Donna Mazzarelli and Rich Hensel to open Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill in 2004. He is often asked how they came up with the name and he stated, “We sat around a table with a nice bottle of Patron and finally chose the name Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill. We all agreed that you can’t say the name without smiling and then we couldn’t get it out of our heads.”
Fishlips initially opened on September 1, 2004, but was forced to close four days later when a fire broke out in the restaurant due to damage caused by Hurricane Frances. Exactly 21 days later Hurricane Jeanne made landfall at approximately the same location as Hurricane Frances, worsening the damage to the restaurant before repairs could even begin.
While many entrepreneurs would be deterred by the circumstances, Mr. Shwarz was determined to persevere. He worked with his team to rebuild Fishlips “bigger and better”. The restaurant re-opened with great fanfare and community support on February 2, 2005.
“For the next 20 years, Fishlips has rocked from the early days of late-night Happy Hours and Ladies Nights to now being one of the best dinner restaurants in Brevard serving hot burgers and cold beers with fresh fish and fine wine,” Mr. Schwarz said.
To the Brevard community, Fishlips is far more than just a famous restaurant. Under Mr. Schwarz leadership, Fishlips partnered with brevardnightlife.com to create the Brewmasters’ Invitational, Port Canaveral’s first beer festival. Fishlips management team is also a key sponsor of the nationally recognized Thunder on Cocoa Beach offshore boat racing event, now in its 16th year. Fishlips also partnered with Rusty’s Sea Food and Oyster Bar to create the first “Fireworks in Port Canaveral” event.
Mr. Schwarz believes in the importance of giving back to his community, and he has chosen to make philanthropy a key priority in his life. He has been a strong supporter of the Cove Merchant' Association/s Pink Ribbon Walk which has contributed more than $300,000 to Space Coast Cancer foundations. Additionally, Mr. Shwarz contributes to local high schools, colleges, fishing tournaments, pet causes, and the arts.
Mr. Schwarz has served on the board of directors for both the Cove Merchants’ Association and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.
While he is looking forward to retirement, you will still find him at Fishlips as a regular customer rather than general manager. His wife, Susan, is retiring as well from her role as Fishlips’ chef. Two of his three daughters will remain on staff at Fishlips.
In retirement he intends to spend more time with his six grandchildren while pursuing his favorite activities such as entering triathlons, paddleboarding, and having more time to drive his jeep rather than spending his little free time repairing it.
SD 19 congratulates Mike Schwarz on his successful career, and we wish him a relaxing and adventurous retirement. We are grateful for his contributions to the community and for establishing one of the county’s most popular restaurants. |
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We Welcome New Employee Christian Chesnut
This past week, Christian Chesnut joined Senator Mayfield's district office as a Legislative Aide. In his role, Christian will accompany Senator Mayfield to Tallahassee during interim committee weeks and the regular legislative session, which begins on January 13, 2026, and lasts through March 13, 2026.
Christian is a recent graduate of the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s in political science. During the 2025 Legislative Session, he interned in the office of Senator Tom Wright as part of the UCF Legislative Scholars Program. Through this experience, Christian gained firsthand knowledge of the legislative process.
Christian spent much of his childhood in Brevard County, and he is honored for the opportunity to return and serve the constituents of Senate District 19. Outside of the office, Christian enjoys sports, traveling, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.
Mother Dolphin and Calf Rescued After Entanglement in Crab Trap Lines
Last week a volunteer with the Hubbs Sea World Research Institute, Leo Cross, discovered that a distressed dolphin and her calf had become entangled in the lines of a crab trap just south of the A. Max Brewer Causeway.
Mr. Cross reported the situation to the Brevard County Sheriff's Office (BCSO), who quickly dispatched Deputy Primmer from BCSO's Agriculture and Marine Unit. When Deputy Primmer arrived to the scene by boat, Mr. Cross and a team from the Hubbs Sea World Research Institute were attempting to untangle the dolphins.
The responders were able to free the dolphin from the rope which was wrapped around her tail. After a short period of monitoring her breathing, she was able to swim away with her calf. The crab traps and ropes were removed from the water.
Sheriff Wayne Ivey praised the collaborative effort, saying, "It takes a community to protect a community, and this rescue is a perfect example of that truth."
New Equestrian Trail at Kings Park Opens in Merritt Island
The Brevard County Parks and Recreation Department announced that a new equestrian trail at Kings Park (995 Chase Hammock Road) in Merritt Island has opened for public use.
The equestrian trail is a loop which begins with a paved section along the Island Pioneer Trail and continues on a natural trail through the 240-acre park.
Parking for the equestrian trail is located at the Island Pioneer Trail Trailhead, at the intersection of the Island Pioneer Trail and Hall Road, Merritt Island. The park is open from dawn until dusk.
For more information, contact the Central Area Parks Operations Office at (321) 633-1874.
National Stop on Red Week
The Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization (SCTPO), the National Coalition for Safer Roads (NCSR), the Florida Department of Transportation District Five, and the West Melbourne Police Department are partnering to target red-light runners and promote safe driving habits during National Stop on Red Week.
National Stop on Red Week is held annually on the first full week of August and is intended to educate drivers about the dangers of red-light running. To raise awareness, the sponsors will hold a sign-waving pop-up event on Friday, August 8th, targeting rush hour traffic from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Evans Rd. & Hollywood Blvd. & US 192 intersection in West Melbourne.
“In recent years, crashes caused by red light running have taken a heartbreaking toll on our communities. Behind every statistic is a life lost, a family shattered, and a reminder that these tragedies are preventable,” said Georganna Gillette, Executive Director of the Space Coast TPO.
For more information on National Stop on Red Week, click here. To volunteer, email Leah Nepo at leah.nepo@sctpo.com. |
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Space Coast Wing Battle
The 6th Annual Space Coast Wing Battle will be hosted on Saturday, August 16th from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Wickham Park (2500 Parkway Drive) in Melbourne.
The price of a general admission ticket is $55 for this "all you can eat" and "all you can drink" vendor competition featuring unlimited wing tastings, unlimited beverages, live music, and free games.
For an additional $25 per ticket, VIP tickets are available which include exclusive early entry at 6:00 p.m. and premium drink selections of local craft beer, liquor, and cocktails.
The event is 21+ and a valid photo ID will be required for entry. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Children's Hunger Project.
For more information, click here.
2025 Small Business Conference: A Day of Growth and Connection
The City of Cocoa, Historic Cocoa Village Main Street, and weVenture WBC are partnering to host the 2025 Small Business Conference on Monday, August 25th from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Coca Civic Center (430 Delannoy Avenue) in Cocoa.
The event is specifically geared to business owners and their teams. Attendees will learn how to navigate the challenges of scaling your business, managing finances, develop or enhance your networking skills, and identify new opportunities to grow your business.
This year's keynote speakers are Peter Cranis, the Executive Director of the Space Coast Office of Tourism and Trudy McArthur, the Executive Vice President of the Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast.
The cost of admission is $40, which includes a catered lunch and a post-event happy hour from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
For more information and to register, click here.
7th Annual Tuskegee Airmen Annual Charity Golf Tournament
The Tuskegee Airmen's 7th Annual Charity Golf Tournament will take place on Friday, September 12th at the Indian River Colony Golf Club (1936 Freedom Drive) in Viera. This event serves as an annual celebration of the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen while raising funds to benefit local youth outreach programs.
Participants in the tournament will play 18 holes, with a 4-person shotgun start scheduled for 8:30 a.m., followed by a luncheon at the end of the tournament.
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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