July 5, 2026 -

The Mayfield Minute - July 5, 2026

250th Anniversary of the United States

I hope your 4th of July celebration yesterday was spent surrounded by friends and family. This past year provided an opportunity for us to celebrate the freedom we hold dear and to reflect on our unique history. In particular, I have been reflecting on the enduring values of patriotism, faith, and prayer which are as important today as when our nation was founded.

At Valley Forge in 1778, General George Washington ordered that religious services be held every Sunday at 11:00 a.m., noting that "While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian."

In Iowa on July 3, 2025, President Donald Trump delivered a speech announcing a year of celebration leading up to the nation's 250th anniversary and called on Americans to dedicate themselves to the principles that gave birth to this land of liberty.

In the same speech, President Trump invited America’s great religious communities to pray for our nation and for our people, stating that "From the beginning, this has always been a country sustained and strengthened by prayer. So important, if we bring religion back stronger, you’re going to see everything get better... So, as we chart our course for the next 250 years, let us rededicate ourselves to one nation under God."

Following this important milestone, we must continue reflecting on the lessons, traditions, and principles that make this nation great.

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!

Supreme Court Ruling Update

SCOTUS Upholds Ban on Transgender Athletes Participating in Women and Girls’ Sports

This week, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruled that states are allowed to bar transgender athletes from competing in women and girls’ sports. The SCOTUS ruled that Title IX allows athletic teams to be limited in team players depending on their sex at birth.

As of today, 27 states have barred transgender women and girls from participating in girls’ sports, including Florida. In 2021, Governor DeSantis signed the “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act”, which preserved fair opportunities for female athletes to demonstrate their strength, skills, and abilities in athletic competition.

This bill specified that an athletic team or sport that is designated for females, women, or girls may not be open to student of the male sex, based on the student’s biological sex listed on the student’s official birth certificate.

To read the full opinion, click here.king an Impact

Floridians Making an Impact

Rafe Maccarone

On November 30, 2007, Rafe Maccarone was warming up for soccer practice at Cocoa Beach High School when he experienced Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). No Automated External Defibrillator (AED) was accessible to the team for immediate treatment, so Rafe was rushed to the hospital where he passed away the following day.

Following this tragedy, Rafe's father, Ralph Maccarone, started the Play For Rafe Foundation to raise money to purchase AEDs for schools and parks throughout Brevard County. The foundation also raised awareness of the threat that SCA poses to young athletes and provided scholarships to students in Rafe's name.

In 2012, Play For Rafe evolved into Who We Play For (WWPF) when a group of Rafe's former teammates, including WWPF Executive Director Evan Ernst, set out on a mission of eliminating preventable sudden cardiac death in the young through affordable heart screenings, AED placements, and working with communities to honor every kid who never had the chance.

WWPF provides free and low-cost mobile electrocardiogram (ECG) screenings across Florida to proactively alert parents and their children of abnormalities. According to WWPF, an ECG can identify previously unnoticed heart conditions and could have potentially saved Rafe’s life.

Rafe’s legacy continues to make a profound nationwide impact. WWPF has grown to become the largest heart-screening non-profit in the nation and has screened more than 300,000 student athletes and identified more than 300 kids with life-threatening conditions.

With support from WWPF, the Florida Legislature passed SB 1070, The Second Chance Act, during the 2025 Legislative Session. Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, the law requires all students to complete an ECG screening before participating in any interscholastic athletic competition.

Statewide Update

Governor DeSantis Signs 2026-2027 State Budget

On Monday, June 29th, Governor DeSantis signed into law the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 State Budget and tax package. This year’s budget totals $117.6 billion, which is a reduction in overall state spending for the fourth consecutive year, while providing substantial funding for the following programs of critical importance to our state:

Building the State’s Reserve Funds:

$18 billion in total state reserves, providing one of the strongest fiscal positions in the nation.
Maxed-Out Rainy-Day fund, to its constitutional limit of $5.0 billion.

Conservation and Environmental Restoration:

$425 million for conservation easements through the Rural and Family Lands Program.
$301 million for local water projects to construct, upgrade, or expand wastewater facilities, including septic to sewer, stormwater management, and agricultural nutrient reduction
$25 million for Indian River Lagoon Water Quality projects
$64.1 million for beach projects.
$2.5 million for the Working Waterfronts Program.

First Responders and Veterans:

$19 million in pay increases for sworn state law enforcement officers.
$20 million for the Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program
$6 million for the Florida Defense Support Commission

Education:

$1.56 billion set aside for teacher salary increases in the Florida Education Finance Program
$290 million for the Safe Schools Allocation
$20 million for public school hardening grants and $6.5 million for the Coach Aaron Feis, Chris Hixon, & Coach Scott Beigel Guardian Program.
$473 million for school district workforce development programs

Affordable Housing:

$50 million for the Hometown Heroes Housing Program
$70.77 million for the State Apartment Incentive Loan Program
$165.7 million for the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program

Health and Human Services:

An additional $7.5 million, for a total of $131 million to increase services through the Community Care for the Elderly Program and the Home Care for the Elderly Program.
$90.3 million to support Florida’s mothers, their children, and the children in the child welfare system.
$30 million to support the Cancer Connect Collaborative Research Incubator

To read the full press release, click here.

Local Project Funding Update

Our Brevard delegation secured a total of $42,522,836 in appropriations to benefit our community. Of these appropriations, Governor DeSantis exercised his line-item veto authority to eliminate $9,835,400 from the budget.

The final budget included $32,687,436 for the following local projects:

Who We Play For: Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevent - $975,000
Brevard County Animal Care Center - $5,000,000
Brevard County Indialantic Stormwater Drainage Design – Phase 7 - $105,000
Brevard County Newfound Harbor Drive Drainage Improvements – Pelican Creek (Phase 1A) and Fowler Drive - $630,612
Brevard County – Improve IRL Circulation by Bridging Sections of the Hwy 528 Causeway - $175,000
Brevard County – Indian River Lagoon, Septic Upgrades to Advanced Treatment Units - $1,500,000
Brevard County – North Banana River Drive South Bridge Replacement - $1,798,585
Brevard Public Schools – Firefighting Program at Cocoa High School - $640,000
Circles of Care – Behavioral Health Facilities Renovation and Safety - $750,000
Circles of Care – Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) - $250,000
Circles of Care – Brevard - $1,256,239
Cocoa – Baffle Box Installation - $4,715,000
Cocoa – Multi-modal Station Access Road - $2,000,000
Cocoa – Provost Park Redevelopment Project - $375,000
Cocoa Beach Fire Station #50 - $4,000,000
Cocoa Beach Gravity Sewer Rehabilitation - $500,000
Eastern Florida State College – Dental Program Relocation & Expansion - $3,300,000
Indian Harbour Beach Fire Station Annex Project - $437,000
Lifetime Counseling Center: Thrive Within Program - $400,000
Manufacturing Talent Asset Pipeline (TAP) - $400,000
Melbourne Fire Station Alerting System - $300,000
Melbourne Pineapple Pier Restoration - $150,000
Palm Bay – Malabar Road SE and Emerson Drive Improvements Project - $600,000
Rockledge WWTP Nutrient Uptake (AWT Phase II) - $1,600,000
Satellite Beach – Law Enforcement / Fire Rescue Boat - $175,000
West Melbourne Industrial Injection Well - $500,000
West Melbourne – Henry Ave Box Culvert - $155,000

Below are the projects that were vetoed from the final budget:

Brevard County – Maemir/Martin/Fiske Area Drainage Improvements - $250,000
Brevard County – Stadium and Cuddington Signal and Intersection Safety Improvements - $250,000
Brevard Zoo Indian River Lagoon Innovative Wastewater System and Education Hub - $2,500,000
Florida Institute of Technology Advanced Composite Equipment - $1,350,000
Indialantic Riverside Park Fishing Pier - $450,000
Melbourne Fire Department Training Center Replacement - $400,000
Palm Bay – Police Department Sgt. Frank Tobar Regional Tactical Training Building - $450,000
Palm Bay Fire Station 8 (St. John’s Preserve) - $500,000
Palm Bay – Babcock Street Phase One Widening Improvement Project - $500,000
Palm Bay – Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Traffic Enhancement Project - $750,000
Palm Bay – Protecting Utilities Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Network - $1,685,400
Satellite Beach – Law Enforcement In-Car Cameras, Body Worn Cameras, and Electronic Control Devices - $750,000

FHP Seeking Votes for Best Looking Cruiser in the Nation for 4th Consecutive Year

Last week, Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle (FLHSMV) announced that the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is seeking their fourth consecutive national title in the 2026 American Association of State Troopers (AAST) “America’s Best-Looking Cruiser” competition. The cruiser featured in Florida’s submission is an iconic black‑and‑tan Mustang 5.0 GT, assigned to Trooper David Kitchen, who was recognized as FHP’s 2025 Trooper of the Year.

Trooper Kitchen earned this recognition following a multi‑county pursuit of a reckless driver traveling southbound on Interstate 75 on July 14, 2024. The pursuit concluded after the suspect struck multiple vehicles, resisted arrest, and gained control of a firearm from inside his vehicle, prompting Trooper Kitchen to use deadly force to stop the threat. Immediately afterward, Trooper Kitchen rendered aid to the injured suspect and ensured the safety of the public and the victims involved. His actions exemplify the commitment and professionalism of Florida’s troopers, making his cruiser a fitting choice for this year’s competition.

“Join me in celebrating 250 years of American strength and progress, while also celebrating the iconic black‑and‑tan cruiser and the heroes who drive them,” said Executive Director Dave Kerner. “While the contest is a fun opportunity to showcase the best of law enforcement across the country, it also supports a truly important cause, which is giving back to the men and women who wear the badge.”

For more information on how to vote, click here.

America's 250th Anniversary

Yesterday, the year-long celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America came to a close. It is my hope that we will continue to celebrate our nation throughout the rest of the year.

Below are two updates on how the State of Florida recognized the 250th anniversary during the final week leading up to July 4th.

Governor DeSantis Unveils Statue of President Lincoln and Historic Liberty Bell Replica

On Tuesday, June 30th, Governor DeSantis unveiled a new statue of President Abraham Lincoln in The Villages. The statue of Abraham Lincoln serves as a permanent tribute to one of the most consequential figures in American history, as we continue to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary.

“With America’s 250^th anniversary just a few days away, I was proud to unveil a new statue of President Abraham Lincoln,” said Governor DeSantis. “His statue will stand here in The Villages as a symbol of dedication to country and the sacrifice required to preserve this nation. President Lincoln was guided by the principles contained in the Declaration of Independence as he fought the Dred Scott decision and judicial supremacy, advocated for free labor, led the effort to abolish slavery, and worked to preserve the union.”

Additionally, on Wednesday, July 1st, Governor Desantis unveiled a new Liberty Bell replica in Liberty County. The Liberty Bell will serve as a lasting tribute to the enduring ideals of freedom, self-government, and individual liberty, while serving as a reminder that those principles must continue to be taught, cherished, and defended for generations to come.

Since last year, Florida has placed statues of America’s founding fathers in every Florida county bearing one of their names, including Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, James Monroe, Alexander Hamilton, and George Washington. The State has also unveiled statues of President Ronald Reagan at FIU, Frederick Douglass in St. Augustine, and President Calvin Coolidge at Bok Tower Gardens.

To read the announcement in full, click here.

Bill Action by Governor DeSantis

As of Sunday, July 5th, Governor DeSantis has received a total of 237 bills for his consideration, of which 200 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 145 – Claims Against the Government

CS/HB 755 – Areas of Critical State Concern

HB 893 – Trust Fund Interest for Purposes Approved by Supreme Court

CS/CS/HB 1245 – Biosolids Management

If you have an interest or concern regarding any bill, you can contact the Governor's office directly here.

Bills Signed this Week:

HB 5001E – General Appropriations Act

HB 7031E – Taxation

HB 5003E – Implementing the 2026-2027 General Appropriations Act

HB 5201E – Collective Bargaining

HB 5205E – Retirement

HB 5301E – Health Care

HB 5601E – Higher Education

HB 5701E – Petroleum Cleanup Programs

SB 2506E – Fuel Taxes

SB 2508E – State Agency Law Enforcement Radio System

Bills Vetoed:

HB 5403E – Correctional Facilities Financing and Capital Improvements

Constituent of the Week

Captain Carl W. Cramb, United States Navy, (RET)

Our Constituent of the Week is Captain Carl W. Cramb, United States Navy (RET) and President of the Cape Canaveral Council Navy League of the United States.

Captain Cramb was born in Fort Worth, Texas and raised in Seminole, Florida. He earned bachelor’s degrees in finance and engineering from the United States Naval Academy in 1981, a master’s degree in finance from Marymount University in 1988, and completed joint professional military education at the Armed Forces Staff College and Navy War College in 1992 and 1995, respectively.

Captain Cramb’s nearly 30-year career with the U.S. Navy lasted from 1981 to 2009. Early in his naval service, he was an Engineer Officer on the USS Chandler and the Commanding Officer of the USS Reuben James.

In 2001, immediately following 9/11, he became the Deputy Operations Officer of the Sixth Fleet, Naval Forces Europe, where he led 40 officers and 60 non-commissioned in the Northern Atlantic, Mediterranean, and West Coast of Africa in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In 2003, Captain Cramb served as Comptroller of the Surface Warfare Directorate. In this role, his responsibilities included delivering forecasts and prioritizations for future funding requirements needed to enhance naval operations, manufacturing, and labor capabilities.

From 2004 to 2006, Captain Cramb was the Commander of the Destroyer Squadron where he directed 28 staff members and a five-ship group with 1,100 personnel. Under his leadership, all five ships completed assigned training within 66% of the allocated timeframe, and in the top 10% of the 150 ships assigned to the Atlantic Fleet.

From 2006 to 2008, Captain Cramb served as the Chief of Staff of the Second Fleet. In this position, he managed 78,000 team members, negotiated and managed private contractors, and oversaw a $450M budget in support of, aircraft and submarines.

In 2009, he was assigned as the Deputy Director, Office of Program and Process Appraisals reporting to the Secretary of the Navy. Captain Cramb also spearheaded the President-elect’s transition of civilian leadership throughout the Department of the Navy.

After his military career, Captain Cramb entered the private sector working as a Program Director and Business Development Manager for Alion Science and Technology and as Director of Program Development for BAE Systems from 2009 to 2012. He joined the VSE

Corporation as Director of Maritime Services in 2012.

From 2015 to 2019, Captain Cramb worked as the Director of Business Development at CDI Marine Corporation and at American Systems. In these roles, he was responsible for creating business development pipelines, bid proposals, and securing contracts to increase revenue.

Since 2019, Captain Cramb has served as President of Cramb Solutions, Inc., a company he founded to help small companies seeking Navy contracts with their business development and proposal management plans.

In 2024, Captain Cramb was named President of the Cape Canaveral Council Navy League of the United States, a nonprofit organization which supports the U.S. Coast Guard, Navy, Marines Corps, and Merchant Marines. The League’s mission is to serve as a voice for maritime strength and to engage the public and Congress on the vital role these sea services play in national security, economic prosperity, and global stability.

Captain Crumb resides in West Melbourne. He has one daughter and five grandchildren.

SD 19 extends our sincerest gratitude to Captain Cramb for his decades of noble service in defense of our nation and for his dedicated leadership in supporting the United States Navy and sea services since his retirement from the military.

District Highlights

Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope Arrives at KSC

The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope arrived at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on June 21st, after traveling hundreds of miles by barge from Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland. The 42‑foot observatory is approximately the length of a school bus and is now housed at the Vehicle Assembly Building.

On August 30th, the telescope will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy from Launch Complex 39A. Once launched, the telescope will travel about one million miles from Earth to begin its mission of studying dark energy, dark matter, and distant planets.

Named for Nancy Grace Roman, NASA’s first chief of space astronomy, the telescope carries two major instruments: the Wide Field Instrument, a 288‑megapixel near‑infrared camera offering Hubble‑quality images over a field of view 100 times larger, and a coronagraph designed to block starlight so scientists can directly image planets around distant stars.

The Roman Telescope is expected to open new windows into the structure and expansion of the universe while advancing techniques for future planet‑hunting missions.

New Pavilion and Playground at Jetty Park Now Open

Jetty Park (9035 Campground Circle) in Cape Canaveral recently celebrated the opening of the new beach pavilion and playground, part of the multi-million-dollar park renovation.

The new beachside pavilion includes a large, covered structure with picnic-style seating, restrooms, and electrical connections to accommodate up to three rotating local food trucks daily. The new playground features multiple slides, climbing bars, accessible ADA elements, soft turf surfacing, and shade structures for year-round enjoyment.

These new amenities are part of a transformation of Jetty Park that began last summer with the opening of a new $2.7 million camp store.

Future improvements include enhanced guest cabins, a dog park, updated bathhouses, improved roadways and lighting, and newly paved RV and camping sites. Renovations to the Rodney S. Ketcham Boat Ramp are planned, as well.

Jetty Park, established in 1968 as part of Port Canaveral’s early public‑access and recreation development, draws more than 400,000 visitors annually.

Two Local Seniors Earn EFSC Scholarships through Wilson Scott Youth Golf Camp

Last month, two local high school seniors, Saniya Hunlen and Juan-Diego Jordan, received scholarships to Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) at the conclusion of the 32nd Annual PJ Wilson and Henry Scott Youth Golf Camp.

Juan-Diego, a recent graduate of Merritt Island High School, has been attending the youth golf camp since he was eight years old.

“This means a lot to me. I am technically the first person in my family to go to college, to pursue my dreams and go into aerospace welding,” said Juan-Diego.

For Saniya, a recent graduate of Viera High School, this was her first time attending the camp and she was surprised to have been chosen.

“I was just so nervous, and I am grateful to even be able to come here,” said Saniya. “It is a blessing.”

She plans to study humanistic therapy and eventually become a psychologist.

“These scholarships represent more than financial support,” said EFSC President Jim Richey. “They are an investment in the future of two remarkable students who have already shown determination and heart.”

The PJ Wilson and Henry Golf Camp began in 1992 under the guidance of former EFSC President Dr. Maxwell King, with assistance from Scott and Wilson, two African American golf professionals in Brevard County.

For more information about the camp, contact Dr. Michael Cadore at cadorem@easternflorida.edu.

Upcoming Events

Star-Spangled Afternoon High Tea at Yellow Dog Café

A Star-Spangled Afternoon High Tea will be held on Wednesday, July 8th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Yellow Dog Café (905 U.S. Highway 1) in Malabar.

The Taste of America menu includes scones, Manhattan clam chowder, watermelon and mint salad, cheeseburger sliders, caprese skewers, mini cucumber sandwiches, franks in a blanket, strawberry shortcake, apple pie, and much more.

The Star-Spangled Afternoon High Tea is $49 and valet parking is complementary. Reservations are required, call (321) 956-3334 to reserve your space.

Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital Student Athlete Physicals with Heart Screenings by Who We Play For

Orlando Health is hosting a free sports physicals event for student athletes on Saturday, July 11th from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute (5565 North Wickham Road) in Melbourne. Current and new high school students are eligible.

The free sports physicals will be provided by Orlando Health physicians. The physicals cover participation in all sports and are valid for one year.

Additionally, Who We Play For will be offering reduced cost ECGs (Echocardiogram), which measure electrical activity of the heart for $20.

Registration is required and can be completed here.

Brevard Summer Fly-Fishing Camp

The three-day Brevard Summer Fly Fishing Camp will be held on Tuesday, July 14th through July 16th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the UF/IFAS Extension-Brevard County (3695 Lake Drive) in Cocoa.

The Summer Fly Fishing Camp is open to youth ages 12 to 16 and is $56.00. Participants will learn how to fly fish, proper casting, fish identification, knot-tying, and Florida’s fishing rules through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on learning activities

All fishing gear and snacks will be provided. Campers should bring a packed lunch and water each day.

For more information and to register, click here.

Cape Canaveral Lighthouse "Christmas in July" Fundraiser

The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse's 4th Annual "Christmas in July" Fundraiser will be held on Tuesday, July 14th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Rising Tide Tap and Table (532 Glen Cheek Drive) in Port Canaveral.

The event features silent and live auctions, appetizers, cash bar, and Cape Canaveral Lighthouse memberships. Raffle ticket prices begin at $100 and include two tickets to the event. VIP tables and chances to win to up to $5,000 are also available.

For more information, contact (321) 351-5052 or click here.