May 17, 2026 - 15 Days Until 2026 Hurricane Season Begins!

The Mayfield Minute - May 17, 2026

Good Morning!

2026 Hurricane Season Begins in 15 Days

Two weeks remain until the beginning of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season which runs annually from June 1st to November 30th. Last month, Colorado State University (CSU) released their outlook for this year’s hurricane season forecasting slightly below normal activity due to developing El Niño conditions.

CSU has produced data‑driven seasonal hurricane forecasts for 43 years and is an academically respected authority on hurricane outlook.

The forecast predicts a total of 13 named storms, of which CSU anticipates six to become hurricanes and two to become major hurricanes. These numbers are slightly below the long-term seasonal average of fourteen, seven, and three, respectively.

Florida remains the most vulnerable state, with a 74% chance of a named storm and a 21% chance of a major hurricane passing within 50 miles of the coastline.

The Florida Department of Emergency Management urges Floridians to avoid complacency, despite zero named storms making landfall in the state in 2025. In 2024, Florida experienced two major hurricanes, including Category 4 Helene which struck the panhandle, and Category 3 Milton, striking near Sarasota. Combined, these storms caused 15 deaths and more than $113 billion in damage.

Please see the Statewide Update section below for hurricane preparedness information recommendations from the Florida Department of Emergency Management.

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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!

Floridians Making an Impact

Brian Hughes Appointed Director of Kennedy Space Center

NASA recently announced that Brian Hughes was appointed as the Director of Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and Senior Director of Launch Operations. In these position, Mr. Hughes will provide enterprise‑level leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for NASA’s launch infrastructure at both KSC and the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.

Mr. Hughes' responsibilities will include working with various government agencies, aerospace industries, and local partners to strengthen coordination among spaceport stakeholders, increase launch cadence, and support execution of President Trump’s National Space Policy.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman praised Mr. Hughes as a leader with a rare blend of operational expertise, strategic vision, and high‑level public service experience, noting that his background in managing complex organizations and high‑stakes missions makes him exceptionally well suited to guide NASA’s launch operations.

Mr. Hughes previously served as NASA’s Chief of Staff and as White House Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications. Beyond federal service, he was the City of Jacksonville’s Chief Administrative Officer overseeing more than 7,000 employees and a multibillion‑dollar municipal portfolio, and the former CEO of the Downtown Investment Authority.

Mr. Hughes is a Veteran of the U.S. Air Force, where he was a member of the KC‑135 aircrew during Gulf War operations.

Statewide Update

Florida Division of Emergency Management Releases Hurricane Preparedness Tips

The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) is reminding residents to prepare now for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season which begins June 1st and ends November 30th, with peak activity in mid-August through mid-October.

FDEM recommends the following preparedness steps:

“Know Your Zone”: Residents should know if they live in an evacuation zone and how well their home can withstand wind and flooding.
Household Emergency Plan: Your plan should account for children, seniors, pets, evacuation routes, shelter options, communication strategies, and emergency documents and contacts. Remember to register special needs family members in advance.
Emergency Alerts: Sign up for emergency alerts and maintain access to weather radios in case of power or cellular outages.
Disaster Supply Kit: Your kit should include food, water, medications, batteries, important documents, and any special‑needs items.
Vehicle Preparation: Keep vehicle fuel tanks at least halfway full throughout hurricane season to avoid pre- and post-storm shortages; EV owners should maintain 50 to 80% battery charge. Evacuate only “tens of miles” when ordered; it is not necessary to travel hundreds of miles away from home.

For more information on how to prepare and recover after storms, click here.

St. Johns River Water Management District Adopts New Strategic Plan for the Indian River Lagoon Basin

This past Tuesday, the Governing Board of the St. Johns River Water Management District voted to adopt the Indian River Lagoon and Upper St. Johns River Basin Strategic Basin Plan, formalizing a long-term framework to guide restoration and water quality initiatives across the region.

Developed in coordination with local governments, environmental stakeholders, agricultural partners and state agencies, the plan establishes a regional framework for reducing nutrient pollution and supporting ecosystem restoration through targeted projects, infrastructure improvements, nutrient management, and ongoing scientific monitoring.

Prior to approval by the Governing Board, the plan underwent a public comment period and several revisions to incorporate stakeholder feedback and strengthen the final document.

The plan’s approval comes as recent monitoring data shows continued expansion of seagrass coverage within the Indian River Lagoon, reflecting ongoing progress in regional restoration and water quality improvement efforts.

The Indian River Lagoon is one of the most biologically diverse estuaries in North America and supports seagrasses, fisheries, wildlife habitat, and local economies throughout east-central Florida. The Upper St. Johns River Basin also plays a critical role in regional flood protection, water storage, and ecosystem health.

To read the newly adopted plan, click here.

Florida Department of Education Unveils FACT U.S. History Course Framework

Last week, the Florida Department of Education announced the framework for the Florida Advanced Courses and Tests (FACT) U.S. History course, a state-created alternative to Advanced Placement courses. The FACT program was introduced through House Bill 1537, which Governor DeSantis signed into law in 2023, with the goal of offering students another option for accelerated learning.

“The FACT U.S. History framework underscores our commitment to instruction grounded in the full scope of our nation’s history, while ensuring materials are free from ideological bias or indoctrination.” said Commission of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas.

Earlier this year, the first FACT course, College Algebra, was tested in 32 public and charter schools, with plans to distribute statewide in the next academic year. The FACT U.S. History course is set to begin as a pilot program next school year, with school districts and charter programs across Florida currently being encouraged to take part.

To read the announcement in full, click here.

Florida State Parks Offer Free Admission for Memorial Day

Florida State Parks will offer free admission during Memorial Day weekend, from Saturday, May 23rd through Monday, May 25th.

“As visitors enjoy the holiday weekend, Memorial Day is also a time to pause and reflect on those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “Florida State Parks offer meaningful places to connect with the history and natural beauty that define our state.”

Across Florida, state parks protect the nation’s most iconic natural and historic places, including springs, beaches, trails, rivers, and historic landmarks that demonstrate Florida’s role in America’s history. Florida State Parks also preserve a wide range of cultural and historical resources, including forts, battlefields, archaeological sites, and historic landscapes that reflect chapters of Florida’s past.

Free admission applies to day-use parks only. To plan your Florida State Park visit, click here.

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

Governor DeSantis Visits Madison County for the Unveiling of President James Madison Statute

Last week, Governor DeSantis unveiled a new statue honoring President James Madison, the fourth President of the United States, in Madison County as part of Florida’s ongoing celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

“We honor President James Madison for his integral role in the founding of our nation and the American acquisition of Florida,” said Governor DeSantis. “As part of our commemoration of America’s semiquincentennial this year, we have unveiled statues of great Americans throughout our state. With this new statue in Madison County, we now have statues of our Founding Fathers in every Florida county that is named for a founder. These statues symbolize Florida’s commitment to celebrating our nation’s history and the great men who laid the foundation for the American experiment.”

Governor DeSantis emphasized President Madison’s pivotal role as the “Father of the Constitution," his historical leadership at the Constitutional Convention, his service as Secretary of State, and his role in the early American acquisition of Florida.

President Madison authorized the annexation of West Florida in 1810 and supported efforts to bring East Florida under American control, laying critical groundwork for Florida’s eventual acquisition and path to statehood. Madison County was named in his honor in 1827.

America250 Florida is a statewide initiative promoting civic pride through monuments, events, and heritage programming leading up to the nation’s 250th anniversary.

To read the announcement in full, click here.

America 250: A Portrait of Florida

Governor DeSantis recently unveiled “America 250: A Portrait of Florida,” a seven-episode docuseries highlighting key locations and moments that have shaped both the state and the nation.

The series is being produced by Visit Florida, the state’s tourism development agency. So far, the following four episodes have been released on the Visit Florida’s YouTube Channel:

In celebration of the new initiative, Bryan Griffin, President and CEO of Visit Florida stated, “Florida has a long history of exploration, innovation, and courage. We designed these episodes to tell that story—and to encourage people from all over to visit Florida’s historic sites, museums, and landmarks.”

Additional episodes featuring Tallahassee, Key West and the Everglades, and Miami are pending release. To view new episodes as they release, click here.

Bill Action by Governor DeSantis

As of Sunday, May 17th, Governor DeSantis has received a total of 103 bills for his consideration, of which 18 remain pending and 85 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 296 – Victims of Domestic Violence and Dating Violence

CS/SB 474 – Military Affairs

CS/CS/SB 800 – Engineering

SB 1022 – Children’s Initiatives

CS/CS/HB 277 – Domestic Violence and Protective Injunctions

HB 327 – Uterine Fibroid Research Database

CS/HB 355 – Health Care Patient Protection

CS/CS/HB 753 – School Counselors

CS/SB 340 – Human Trafficking Education for Nurse Licensure

CS/SB 578 – Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Initiative

CS/CS/SB 1434 – Infill Redevelopment

SB 192 – Patient Funds Held in Trust by Chiropractic Physicians

CS/HB 915 – Medical Assistance Eligibility for Working Individuals with Disabilities

CS/HB 1175 – Safety Design Standards for Office Surgery Suites

CS/HB 131 – Curators of Estates

CS/CS/HB 425 – Historic Cemeteries Program

HB 167 – Former Phosphate Mining Lands

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:

SB 124 – Florida Virtual School

SB 1074 – One-cent Piece

SB 7022 – Public Records/Examination and Assessment Instruments

HB 453 – Requirements for a Standard High School Diploma

HB 491 – Faith-based Content in Batterers’ Intervention Programs

HB 883 – Protected Cell Captive Insurance Companies

HB 1073 – School Districts

HB 1121 – Aging and Disability Services

HB 1201 – Student Health and Safety

CS/HB 559 – Animal Welfare

CS/SB 1004 – Domestic Animals

CS/CS/HB 89 – Veterinary Prescription Disclosure

HB 1509 – Veterinarian Licensure by Endorsement

CS/CS/HB 757 – School Safety

Remembering Congressman Bill Posey

I was sad to learn of the tragic passing of retired United States Congressman Bill Posey last Saturday, May 9th, at the age of 78. Congressman Posey was a highly respected community leader known for a lifetime of principled leadership, steadfast public service, and unwavering dedication to the residents of Florida’s Space Coast.

From his early days on the Rockledge City Council to the Florida Legislature where he served in the House of Representatives from 1992 to 2000 and in the Senate from 2000 to 2008, Congressman Posey was a tireless advocate for responsible governance, economic opportunity, and the preservation of the values that define our community.

From 2008 to 2025, Congressman Posey served in the United States House of Representatives where he spearheaded legislation aimed at government transparency and accountability, insurance and financial regulatory reform, environmental and water quality protections, and advancing space exploration and commercial spaceflight.

At home in the district, he championed policies that protected families, supported small businesses, and safeguarded our coastline and the Indian River Lagoon. During Congressman Posey's tenure of public service, the Space Coast experienced periods of transition and growth and he always faced these opportunities and challenges with a mindset of securing a stronger future for the next generation.

As Brevard County reflects on his decades of service, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Congressman Posey. His legacy will continue to inspire all who work to strengthen and uplift Space Coast communities. Most importantly, he will forever be remembered for his enduring love for his beloved wife, Katie, their family, and friends.

Constituent of the Week

Colonel Brian L. Chatman

Our Constituent of the Week is Colonel Brian L. Chatman, Space Launch Delta 45 Installation Commander and the Director of the Eastern Range at Patrick Space Force Base and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Colonel Chatman graduated from Kent State University in 2003, earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration and receiving his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps. In 2003, he completed the U.S. Air Force Intelligence Officer Course, and in 2004, he completed the Aerospace Basic Course. Colonel Chatman also graduated from the Squadron Officer School in 2010. He continued his education earning three master’s degrees in strategic intelligence (2011), military operational art (2015), and in natural resource strategy (2023).

Throughout his career, his primary duties have included Special Operations intelligence, aircraft and space systems acquisition program management, space operations, and as an operational liaison between the Intelligence, Special Operations, and Acquisition communities.

Colonel Chatman’s acquisition experience includes assignments at the National Reconnaissance Office, Space Systems Center, and the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office (AFRCO). While at the AFRCO, he executed a $1.2B portfolio consisting of 15 top national priority classified programs, led a highly specialized division for rapid development, test, and fielding of advanced sensor and weapon system capabilities. He also directed activities for more than 500 government and contractor personnel responding directly to Secretary of the Air Force and Secretary of Defense requirements.

Additionally, he served as the Deputy Commander of the 30th Operations Group at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, where he led over 500 military personnel, civilian and contractors in support of spacelift operations, as well as missile and aeronautical testing on the Western Range.

In March 2024, he was selected to serve as the SLD 45 Commander where he manages the world’s busiest spaceport and is responsible for delivering infrastructure, operations, and support for all Eastern Range launch and test missions. As Director of the Eastern Range, Colonel Chatman is responsible for the safety of launch and test operations across a 15-million-square-mile area. In April 2026, he highlighted his team’s achievement of supporting five different orbital launch vehicles in a single month, breaking a 60-year record.

Throughout his distinguished career, Colonel Chatman has received numerous awards including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Office of the Secretary of Defense – David Packard Excellence in Acquisition Award, and the AFRCO Field Grade Officer of the Year Award.

SD 19 extends its gratitude to Colonel Brian L. Chatman for his steadfast leadership, exemplary service, and unwavering commitment to the safety and success of the Space Force programs in Brevard County and beyond.

District Highlights

Viera and Bayside High School Students Selected to Compete at National Junior Achievement Competition in Boston

Three teams of students from Junior Achievement (JA) of the Space Coast representing Viera and Bayside High Schools have been selected as finalists in the national competition taking place at Future Bound in Boston, Massachusetts from June 8th through June 11th.

Two student teams from Bayside High School will compete in the National JA Social Innovation Challenge, a competition to identify a social problem and develop a creative solution.

Team Forget-Me-Not, comprised of juniors Razz Marbell, Alina Marie Sosa, and Alana Humphries, developed a jewelry-style wearable device that allows caregivers to send real-time reminders, that help individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia live more independently, safely, and with dignity.

Team Manatee Monitors, comprised of juniors Nicole Garcia, Khloe Proctor, and Haley Jara, created a smart channel marker device that detects manatees and alerts boaters in real time with a flashing light, reducing strikes and saving lives.

Additionally, students from Viera High School will compete in the JA National Stock Market Challenge, a market simulation where students are given a hypothetical $1 million to invest and manage.

Team Sophrosyne Advisors, comprosed of Carson Lynch, Michael Maroz, and Richard Wright, will compete against students nationwide in a fast-paced competition which requires students to track their investments and strategize over one hour, with each minute representing a new day.

For more information about the event, click here.

Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital Designated Brevard’s First Primary Florida Resuscitation Center of Excellence

Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital has been designated as the first and only Primary Florida Resuscitation Center of Excellence in Brevard County. This distinction demonstrates the center's commitment to improving cardiac arrest outcomes, advancing evidence-based care, and fostering strong partnerships with local emergency medical services.

The criteria to earn the distinction includes a strong emphasis on community involvement, such as programs to train bystanders in CPR, enhanced rehabilitation for cardiac arrest patients, and support for victims' families and caregivers.

Each year, roughly 350,000 individuals die from cardiac arrest in the U.S., and it remains the third leading cause of death nationally, according to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation. The designation underscores the importance of coordinated response between providers in the field and those providing hospital care.

To read the announcement in full, click here.

Upcoming Events

Cape Canaveral National Cemetery Memorial Day Observance

The Cape Canaveral National Cemetery Memorial Day Observance will be held on Monday, May 25th from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery (5525 US Highway 1) in Mims.

The ceremony will take place at the Flag Assembly Area. The keynote speaker is Kayla Giuliano, a U.S. Marine Corps combat Veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan and Pastor Wintley Phipps will perform the National Anthem.

The observance is open to the public with limited seating. Water will be provided and attendees should bring lawn chairs if needed.

For more information, contact the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery at (321) 383-2638.

Liberty Bell Museum Memorial Day Event

The Liberty Bell Museum Memorial Day event will be held on Monday, May 25th at 11:00 a.m. at the Liberty Bell Museum (1601 Oak Street) in Melbourne.

The event honors the sacrifice of military Veterans and their families. Colonel Kenneth H. Bond, U.S. Army (RET), military intelligence officer in the Panama, Desert Shield and Desert Storm operations, will serve as guest speaker.

Guests and spectators are invited to line the plaza between Oak Street and Hickory Street for the patriotic program which includes music by the Melbourne Municipal Band, a presentation by the Melbourne Police Department Honor Guard, and refreshments from the Boy Scouts.

For more information, call (321) 373-2311 or email honoramericafl@gmail.com.

City of Cocoa 21st Annual Memorial Day Tribute and Parade

The City of Cocoa’s Memorial Day Tribute and Parade will be held on Monday, May 25th from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Cocoa Riverfront Park (401 River Edge Blvd.) in Cocoa.

The parade will begin at 4:00 p.m. at the traffic circle on Rosa L. Jones Drive and Oak Street and will end at Harrison Field. A ceremony to honor fallen Veterans will begin at 5:00 p.m. with remarks from Patrick Space Force SLD45 Commander Colonel Brian Chatman and U.S. Army Sergeant Jason Madrigale, Purple Heart recipient.

The event is free of charge. To participate in the parade, contact Wesley Park at (321) 376-1232 and for information about the event, contact Leisure Services at (321) 635-7702.