October 11, 2026 - National Manufacturing Month

The Mayfield Minute - October 11, 2026

Good Morning!

National Manufacturing Week

National Manufacturing Week highlights the vital role American industry plays in driving innovation, creating high-quality jobs, strengthening national security, and maintaining global economic competitiveness. Launched by the Manufacturing Institute in 2011, National Manufacturing Week aims to showcase modern, high-tech manufacturing careers, challenge outdated stereotypes of the industry, and inspire the next generation of workers.

In 2019, President Trump highlighted the importance of domestic manufacturing, stating “We want to build, create, and grow more products in our country using American labor, American goods, and American grit. When we purchase products made in the USA, the profits stay here, the revenue stays here, and the jobs — maybe most importantly of all — they stay right here in the USA.”

During his current term, President Trump has worked to make that vision a reality by prioritizing domestic manufacturing through tariffs, tax incentives, and investment. His administration has implemented reciprocal and sector-specific tariffs to counter unfair trade practices and protect domestic production.

The manufacturing sector provides an unparallelled opportunity for young adults who want high-paying jobs without the debt burden of attending a 4-year university. I am committed to supporting programs which prepare our local students for the skilled manufacturing roles in critical demand on the Space Coast. Over the past several years, I have worked to strengthen this talent pipeline in partnership with the Space Coast Economic Development Commission, Brevard Public Schools, Eastern Florida State College, and industry stakeholders.

I would also like to commend Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida Commissioner of Education Henry Mack on the recently announced Workforce Pell Grant Program. This program allows eligible students to access need based federal funding for short-term workforce training programs that lead directly to employment in high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand occupations.

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!

Floridian Making an Impact

Jared W. Perdue

This week, I’m proud to highlight Jared W. Perdue, Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM).

Secretary Perdue grew up in Bay County, Florida and graduated from Mosley High School in Lynn Haven. In 2003, he earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from The Citadel, before beginning his career with FDOT through the Professional Engineer Training Program.

Throughout his career, Secretary Perdue has served in various roles including Geotechnical Engineer, Interim District Maintenance Engineer, District Traffic Operations Engineer, and Director of Transportation Development for District 3.

Secretary Perdue became the Secretary of FDOT District 5 in 2020. In this role, he oversaw operations throughout central Florida including the expansion of SunRail, the I-4 Ultimate Project, and the Wekiva Parkway project.

In 2022, Governor DeSantis appointed Secretary Perdue as the head of FDOT, where he oversees one of the most expansive and dynamic transportation networks in the nation. During his tenure, he has prioritized workforce development and innovation, as well as the major Moving Florida Forward initiative, which has accelerated critical projects by 10 to 15 years.

In addition to his service as Secretary, he serves on many boards, including Space Florida, the Intelligent Transportation Society of America, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, and the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Program.

In August of 2026, Governor DeSantis announced that Secretary Perdue would take on the additional responsibility of leading the Florida Department of Emergency Management. In this role, he oversees the planning and response to both natural and man-made disasters. This past week, Florida experienced the first landfall of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season. I would like to thank Secretary Perdue for his leadership in keeping Floridians safe during this emergency.

Secretary Perdue is married to his wife, Brandis, and they have five daughters.

Thank you, Secretary Perdue, for your decades of service to the state of Florida. Your work continues to strengthen our roads, railways, and emergency response systems that keep our communities moving, connected, and prepared. Florida is better because of your commitment to our state.

Statewide Update

Operation Senior Shield Offers Tips to Protect Yourself During Medicare Open Enrollment

Operation Senior Shield, an initiative launched by Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins and Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Michelle Branham, is reminding Floridians to take precautions during the annual Medicare Open Enrollment period, which begins October 15th and ends December 7th.

Medicare participants can expect an increase in advertisements, phone calls, mailings, and online messages about Medicare health and prescription drug plans. While many of these communications come from legitimate Medicare plans and licensed insurance agents, fraudsters and deceptive marketers often take advantage of enrollment season to target older adults.

Scammers may claim to represent Medicare, use official-looking logos, promise benefits that seem too good to be true, or pressure individuals to provide their Medicare number, Social Security number, banking information, or other personal data.

It is important to know that Medicare plan representatives generally cannot contact beneficiaries without permission, visit homes uninvited, or require immediate enrollment decisions. They also cannot demand payment over the phone or online for enrollment.

Medicare beneficiaries should avoid sharing sensitive information with unexpected callers, verify Medicare claim providers by contacting Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE, ignore unfamiliar online advertisements, and carefully compare plan options before making decisions. For trusted assistance, Florida's SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling.

To read the announcement, click here, and to sign up for Operation Senior Shield alerts, click here.

AG Uthmeier Shuts Down Illegal Commercial Fishing Operation

Last week, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, in coordination with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Franklin County law enforcement, announced charges against 10 people accused of running an illegal commercial fishing operation. This announcement stems from a multi-year undercover investigation by FWC and the Office of Statewide Prosecution.

“We plan to leave Florida better to God than how we found it, and poachers abusing our natural resources will be prosecuted to the fullest extent,” said AG Uthmeier. “Those who abuse our waters and wildlife will find out how tough our laws are. The Office of Statewide Prosecution, FWC, and our local law enforcement officers will ensure criminals are caught and punished.”

The report originated from complaints that had been filed about reef fish poaching in the Gulf. During the investigation, one of the suspects approached undercover investigators about purchasing illegally caught fish.

Evidence suggests that these poachers routinely caught far more red snapper and gag grouper than allowed, and dodged reporting requirements by selling fish dockside at night, out of their homes, or through on-the-water handoffs. In total, the suspects are accused of poaching approximately 23,000 pounds of fish and selling more than $150,000 worth of fish, shrimp, and turtles illegally.

Thank you to Attorney General Uthmeier and FWC for your dedicated work in protecting our state’s fisheries. It is crucial that we protect our natural resources by holding those who cheat the system accountable.

To read the announcement, click here.

Carnegie Melon University to Establish New Campus in Miami

Last week, Mr. Ken Griffin, Founder and CEO of Citadel, announced a private gift of $3 billion to Carnegie Mellon University. Mr. Griffin’s donation is the single largest private investment in higher education in U.S. history.

Approximately $2 billion of this contribution will go toward the construction of a new 35-acre campus in the Wynwood neighborhood of Miami. This location is expected to begin enrollment in 2028. Farnam Jahanian, Carnegie Mellon’s President, stated that the Miami campus will be organized into the following four specialties:

Human health and biological discovery
National security and economic competitiveness
Energy and climate resiliency
Manufacturing and industry

The remaining $1 billion will support the university’s main campus is in Pittsburgh, which traditionally specializes in computer science, robotics, engineering, and fine arts.

Thank you to Mr. Griffin for this outstanding investment in higher education in Florida. This new campus will provide incredible workforce development for growing industries throughout the state.

Constituent of the Week

Kayleigh Mollycheck

Our Constituent of the Week is Kayleigh Mollycheck, Miss Brevard County Florida 2026.

Originally from South Carolina and raised in Tampa, Miss Mollycheck earned her bachelor’s degree in theatre performance from the University of South Florida in 2009.

She spent the next 15 years working in the Orlando area, building a career that included performing professionally and sales and marketing roles within Central Florida’s theme park and entertainment industry.

From 2022 to 2024, she was employed as a Sales Marketing Manager at ASM Global, a worldwide venue management company and producer of live events. In 2024, she joined A. Duda & Sons, Inc. as the Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager for Duda Sod. In this role, she leads sales and marketing efforts to supply high-quality, Florida-friendly turf to homeowners, contractors, and municipalities across the state.

Her career path from theater and entertainment to Florida agriculture is as unconventional as it is intentional. She has brought her background in performance, sales, and marketing into an industry she has grown passionate about. She uses her skills in communication and relationship-building while becoming a strong advocate for Florida agriculture and the people who sustain it.

Her commitment to leadership extends throughout Brevard and beyond. Kayleigh serves on the Space Coast Chamber Board of Directors as well as the ChamberWorks 501(c)(3) Board, the Chamber’s nonprofit arm. She also represents the Space Coast Builders Association on the Florida Home Builders Association Board of Directors and is a graduate of Leadership Brevard.

Her involvement in Florida agriculture will expand this November when she begins Class 16 of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association’s Emerging Leader Development Program (ELDP). Only 13 individuals statewide are selected for each class of the year-long program, which develops emerging leaders within Florida’s specialty crop industry.

In 2026, Kayleigh became the inaugural Miss Brevard County Florida. She has approached the title not simply as a crown to wear, but as a platform to serve. Through her initiative, A Stronger Brevard, she works to connect and shine a light on the businesses, nonprofits, community leaders and causes already doing extraordinary work throughout the county.

That commitment to connection and service led to a partnership with St. Francis Hospice Foundation and the launch of Stars, Stripes & Service: 1,000 Flags for Veterans. The initiative calls on the Brevard community to come together in support of St. Francis Hospice and the incredible work it does for Veterans in their care.

SD 19 commends Kayleigh Mollycheck for dedicating her time, talents, and platform to mobilize our community to honor and celebrate Veterans in Hospice care. She is a rising star in Brevard County and her heart for service and commitment to our community will continue to lead her to success in each of her endeavors.

District Highlights

Announcement of Federal Railroad Grant Funding

This week, I was proud to join Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue, Congressman Mike Haridopolos, Federal Railroad Administrator David Fink, and Brightline Florida CEO Patrick Goddard for a press conference in Cocoa.

The press conference celebrated two important grants awarded to the Florida Department of Transportation through the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program.

A $57.5 million federal grant was awarded to support the Cocoa Brightline Station. This grant, combined with local and state funding, will bring passenger rail service to the Space Coast for the first time.

I was proud to support this project by securing a state appropriation to construct an access road to improve connectivity to the planned station for residents, businesses, and visitors.

The station is expected to open by 2030, and Brightline anticipates the station could generate up to $350 million in economic impact.

Additionally, a $356 million grant was awarded for rail crossing safety improvements throughout the state. Together with Florida’s $100 million investment, FDOT will use this total investment of $456 million to install safety improvements on over 900 commuter rail crossings statewide.

Thank you to Secretary Perdue for your leadership in ensuring Florida receives this critical funding.

St. Francis Hospice Launches "Stars, Stripes, & Service" Campaign to Honor Local Veterans

Our Constituent of the Week, Miss Brevard County Florida 2026 Kayleigh Mollycheck, is partnering with St. Francis Hospice Foundation to launch "Stars, Stripes, & Service: 1,000 Flags for Veterans," a county-wide fundraising initiative to provide 1,000 U.S. flags to Veterans served by St. Francis Hospice.

Through the campaign, community members, businesses, and organizations can sponsor a flag with a $20 donation. Each flag will be presented to a Veteran served by St. Francis Hospice and their family as a symbol of gratitude, dignity, and respect for their military service.

“With more than 70,000 veterans living in Brevard County, this initiative is more than a fundraiser. It is a commitment to honoring those who have given so much in service to our country,” Mollycheck said. “A flag may seem simple, but to a Veteran and their family, it represents sacrifice, pride and the enduring spirit of the nation they served to defend.”

To participate in the “Stars, Stripes & Service” campaign, click here.

Port Canaveral Approves Lease for $200 Million Bowen Aquarium

Port Canaveral's Board of Commissioners recently voted to approve the lease for the Bowen Aquarium. A 14-acre plot of Port Canaveral land facing the Indian River Lagoon will be developed for the aquarium.The official address for the aquarium will be 650 George King Boulevard, Cape Canaveral.

Additionally, Port Canaveral has conditionally approved the aquarium site plan, and the Bowen Aquarium has received final approval for tax-exempt bond financing, both critical steps to move the project forward.

The Bowen Aquarium will represent the second campus for the East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF), which established the Brevard Zoo in 1994. ECZF officials describe the future Bowen Aquarium as a transformational project for our community that will replicate the Brevard Zoo’s success in wildlife conservation and natural resource preservation while inspiring the next generation to become environmental stewards.

ECZF has committed to support lagoon restoration by dedicating $1 from every ticket purchase to fund habitat restoration, species recovery, and scientific research. The future Bowen Aquarium is projected to have a total regional economic impact of $128.3 million a year and to support more than 1,248 jobs.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Bowen Aquarium is scheduled for December 2, 2026.

Roadway Improvement Project Set to Begin Near Viera Elementary School

Brevard County Public Works will begin roadway improvements, near Viera Elementary School, at the intersection of Stadium Parkway and Cuddington Drive on Monday, October 19th.

The first phase involves constructing new northbound and southbound left-turn lanes within the existing medians along Stadium Parkway. The southbound left-turn lane on the north side of the intersection will be completed first, followed by the northbound left-turn lane on the south side.

During construction, the crosswalk near the active work area will be closed. Pedestrians will be directed to use the opposite crosswalk at the intersection. No vehicle lane closures, additional sidewalk closures, or pedestrian detours are anticipated at this time. Milling and resurfacing will take place at night. This phase is expected to be completed in December 2026.

Once the initial phase is completed, the intersection will continue operating as a four-way stop. The second phase of the project, which includes installing traffic signals at the intersection, is expected to begin in April 2027 and finish before the 2027-2028 school year.

For more information, click here.

Upcoming Events

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk

The 2026 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk presented by Health First will be held on Saturday, October 24th from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Avenue Viera (2261 Town Center Avenue).

The event begins with check-in at 7:00 a.m., followed by opening festivities at 7:30 a.m., and the 3-mile walk at 9:00 a.m.

There is no cost to participate in the walk, however, donations are appreciated. Proceeds benefit breast cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers through every step of their journey.

To sign up to walk or volunteer for the event, click here.

2026 World Dignity Day Breakfast

Providence Connects will host their 2026 World Dignity Day Breakfast on Thursday, October 22nd from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Hilton Rialto (200 Rialto Place) in Melbourne. The cost for the breakfast is $50.

Providence Connects was established in December 2025 through the merger of the Daily Bread and the South Brevard Sharing Center. Attendees will learn more about Providence Connects as the organization continues their efforts to assist those experiencing food insecurity and homelessness as they transition to stable housing.

To purchase tickets or learn more about sponsorships, click here.

Fall Festival Horse Show

Relentless Equestrian Stables will host a Fall Festival Horse Show on Saturday, October 24th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the stables (4150 Lake Washington Road) in Melbourne.

The event is open to the public and free to attend. Organizers encourage attendees to register in advance here, although it is not required. Activities include a "spooktacular" horse show, pumpkin patch, food trucks, and local vendors.

The registration fee for riders interested in participating in the horse show is $35 prior to October 14th and $50 until the day of the event. Riders can register online in advance here.

National Veterans Homeless Support 8th Annual Homestretch 5K

The National Veterans Homeless Support (NVHS) 8th Annual Homestretch 5K will host a 5K race on Sunday, November 8th. The race will begin at 8:00 a.m., with a route beginning and ending at Eau Gallie Square Park (1452 Highland Avenue) in Melbourne.

The advance registration fee is $30 for an adult runner and $25 for runners under age 17, active military, and Veterans. The fee will increase by $5 on race day. All proceeds benefit the National Veterans Homeless Support organization.

Registration and Packet Pickup will be held on Friday, November 6th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and on Saturday, November 7th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Running Zone (3696 N Wickham Road) in Melbourne. Late Registration and Packet Pickup will be available the morning of the race from 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m., at the Eau Gallie Square Park.

An awards ceremony will begin immediately following the race. For more information and to register, click here.