October 26, 2026 - National First Responders' Day

The Mayfield Minute - October 26, 2026

Good Morning!

National First Responders Day

This year, National First Responders Day is Wednesday, October 28th. On this day, we pause to recognize and thank the courageous men and women who answer the call to serve and protect our communities every day. Whether responding to emergencies, safeguarding public safety, providing lifesaving medical care, or assisting families during times of crisis, first responders demonstrate extraordinary dedication, professionalism, and selflessness.

The movement to establish National First Responders Day began after the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. In the days following the attack, Massachusetts Institute of Technology police officer Sean Collier encountered the terrorists on campus and was killed in the line of duty. His brother, Andrew Collier, began advocating for a national day to honor all first responders.

In 2017, the United States Senate passed a resolution designating October 28th as National First Responders Day. This day recognizes the heroic service and dedication of firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and other public safety professionals. The first official observance of National First Responders Day took place on October 28, 2018.

This year, our gratitude is especially profound as Brevard County continues to mourn the loss of Brevard County Sheriff's Office Homicide Agent Kevin Morris, who recently died in the line of duty. His service and sacrifice are a solemn reminder of the risks first responders willingly accept to keep others safe. Agent Morris dedicated his career to seeking justice, protecting our community, and serving with honor. His loss is felt deeply by his family, colleagues, friends, and all who call Brevard County home.

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

Melania Trump

This week, I’m proud to highlight the First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump.

Mrs. Trump was born in Yugoslavia which became the Republic of Slovenia in 1991. As a child, she developed an interest in fashion and began designing and sewing her own clothes. During her schooling, she studied English, Italian, French, and German in addition to her native Slovene.

In 1996, Mrs. Trump moved to New York City to pursue a career in modeling. In 1998, she met future President Donald Trump, and they married in 2005 in Palm Beach, Florida.

When President Trump was elected to his first term in 2016, Mrs. Trump became the first naturalized citizen to become First Lady and the second Roman Catholic First Lady, after Jacqueline Kennedy. During President Trump’s first term, Mrs. Trump was a strong advocate for gender equality, child welfare, anti-cyberbullying, and the prevention of opioid abuse.

During President Trump’s second term, Mrs. Trump has launched multiple initiatives relating to child welfare, including Fostering the Future Together, which focuses on helping children learn, grow, and thrive through the safe and innovative use of advanced technology, including Artificial Intelligence. Through Fostering the Future Together, she also supports new educational and employment pathways to assist youth transitioning out of foster care.

Additionally, in 2025, Mrs. Trump personally wrote a note appealing to Russian President Vladimiar Putin to reunify children separated from their families during the Russia-Ukraine War. As of August 2026, the First Lady's steadfast and compassionate leadership has resulted in the reunification of 34 Ukrainian and Russian children with their families.

Last week, led by Mrs. Trump, President Trump signed an Executive Order focused on advancing women’s health through research, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care at every stage of life. This order establishes a White House Women’s Health Task Force and a Women’s Health Division within the National Institutes of Health to address gaps in medical research and help translate scientific discoveries into improved patient care.

The initiative focuses on a wide range of women’s health concerns, including heart disease, cancer, maternal health, infertility, menopause, osteoporosis, and autoimmune conditions. By strengthening research and improving access to evidence-based care, the initiative aims to address longstanding gaps in women’s health and improve health outcomes for women and girls across America.

When not living in the White House, Mrs. Trump lives at Mar-a-Lago in West Palm Beach, becoming the first First Lady to call Florida home.

I want to thank First Lady Melania Trump, along with President Trump, for their leadership in advancing women’s health research and awareness. Their efforts highlight the importance of continued investment in women’s health and ensure that future generations benefit from greater awareness, research, and innovation.

Statewide Update

Florida Fentanyl-Caused Deaths Down by 60% Since 2023

Last week, Governor Ron DeSantis held a press conference in Orlando alongside Office of National Drug Control Policy Director Sara Carter and Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Larry Keefe to announce a sharp decline in fentanyl-related deaths. Since 2023, deaths caused by the drug have dropped by nearly 60%, according to the Florida Medical Examiners Commission’s 2025 Annual Drug Report.

The State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (S.A.F.E.) grant program, established in 2023 to support law enforcement efforts against drug trafficking statewide, is largely credited for the decrease.

“So far, S.A.F.E. has resulted in almost 3,000 arrests of drug traffickers and dealers, as well as significant seizures of dangerous narcotics. We will continue supporting law enforcement and remain committed to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of Floridians," said Governor DeSantis.

Since the S.A.F.E. program's launch, annual fentanyl-caused deaths have fallen from nearly 5,000 in 2023 to about 2,000 in 2025, representing roughly 3,000 fewer deaths each year. Officials also reported a 37% decline in fentanyl-related deaths between 2024 and 2025, with fatalities involving fentanyl-modified opiods decreasing by more than 50%.

Additionally, S.A.F.E.-supported investigations have resulted in the seizure of more than 600 pounds of fentanyl, over 65,000 fentanyl pills, nearly 800 pounds of cocaine, 2,600 pounds of marijuana, and more than 520 pounds of methamphetamine. Authorities also confiscated nearly $6.6 million in cash, approximately 1,000 firearms, and 90 vehicles.

To read the announcement in full, click here.

Space Florida, UK Space Agency Launch Call for Space Innovation Projects

Recently, Space Florida and the UK Space Agency (UKSA) launched a joint call for aerospace research and development project proposals, offering up to $200,000 from Space Florida and €150,000 from UKSA. This is the first funding opportunity with the recently announced Space Florida-UK Partnership under the Florida International Aerospace Innovation Fund.

“Florida and the UK both share a strong commitment to advancing space innovation and supporting the companies driving this industry forward,” said Rob Long, president and CEO of Space Florida. “This call is an important next step in putting our partnership into action, creating a pathway for companies to bring their complementary capabilities together, advance promising technologies and develop new commercial opportunities.”

Proposals across the space sector are welcome, with particular interest in:

In-orbit servicing and manufacturing
Space transportation
Satellite systems
In-Space research
Advanced exploration technologies

Eligible applicants must form a partnership consisting of at least one for-profit Florida company and one for-profit UK company. Research institutions and universities may also participate in projects in accordance with each jurisdiction’s funding regulations.

Applicants must submit one joint and identical proposal to both Space Florida and UKSA by January 11, 2027. Following an evaluation period from January through March 2027, selected projects are due to begin receiving grant funding by May 2027.

This partnership is another example of the aerospace industry coming together to foster an ecosystem that enhances innovation, strengthens international collaboration, and accelerates the development of next-generation space technologies.

To learn more about project and submission guidelines, click here.

Attorney General Uthmeier Files Lawsuit Against Discord

Last week, Attorney General James Uthmeier filed a lawsuit against the popular online chat platform Discord. This lawsuit alleges that Discord marketed itself to Florida families as safe, but failed to verify users’ ages, shield minors from strangers, or keep predators off the app.

“We’ve arrested more than 2,100 child predators in this state since I took office,” said Attorney General Uthmeier. “Again and again, their trail to our kids leads back to Discord. Discord told parents that safety is at the core of everything they do. That was false. It’s time for this app to get serious about protecting our children or face serious consequences.”

There have been multiple cases in Florida where Discord failed to protect young users. In one case, a 60-year-old St. Cloud man posed as a 14-year-old boy and contacted nearly 300 minors on Discord. He is now serving life in prison. A 19-year-old Highlands County man lured an 11-year-old Miami-Dade County girl from Roblox to Discord, then sexually assaulted and kidnapped her.

The lawsuit alleges that Discord has violated the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act and Florida’s law protecting children in online spaces. It also brings claims for negligence, negligent misrepresentation, and public nuisance.

Thank you, Attorney General Uthmeier, for your continued work in holding social media platforms accountable for failing to protect our children.

To read the full complaint, click here.

In Remembrance

Colonel Fred D. Galey

I was saddened to learn of the passing of Colonel Fred D. Galey, former Brevard County Supervisor of Elections, on October 2nd at the age of 87.

Col. Galey attended the University of Miami before joining the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a pilot during the Vietnam War. Over a distinguished military career, he flew multiple aircrafts, rose to the rank of Colonel, and served as commander of Patrick Air Force Base, helping support operations at Cape Canaveral and NASA.

Following his military service, he earned a master’s degree in business from Auburn University. For 16 years, Col. Galey served as Brevard County Supervisor of Elections, guiding the office through significant events, including the historic “hanging chad” punch card ballots of the 2000 election.

Col. Galey was also known for his love of golf, his commitment to Veterans, and his unwavering support of family and community. Even after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and spending two decades in a wheelchair, he faced the disease with remarkable courage and determination, repeatedly exceeding medical expectations.

Col. Galey will forever be remembered as a devoted family man, decorated Air Force officer, public servant, and community leader whose life was marked by service, perseverance, and patriotism.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Fran, their children, grandchildren, and extended family, all of whom were the center of his life.

Constituent of the Week

Dr. Catherine Grey Kasper

As National Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close , I’m pleased to highlight Dr. Catherine Grey Kasper, Breast Radiologist at Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital.

Originally from Youngstown, Ohio, Dr. Kasper graduated from Youngstown State University in Ohio, earning a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1992 and a master's degree in biology in 2009.

After graduating with her first degree, she worked in business management for 10 years for Lynde Hydraulics. From 1995 to 2011, Dr. Kasper worked as a 911 dispatcher for the towns of Canfield and North Lima, Ohio.

In 2013, Dr. Kasper continued her education by earning her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University. Following medical school, she completed her radiology residency at St. Barnabas Medical Center in New Jersey in 2018, and advanced specialty training through a prestigious Breast Imaging Fellowship at the Arizona Mayo Clinic in Arizona in 2019.

From 2019 to 2022, Dr. Kasper worked at Self Regional Medical Center in South Carolina where she developed a Breast Center of Excellence and helped to implement contrast-enhanced mammography, becoming one of the first physicians in South Carolina to use the technology. Her responsibilities included interpreting nearly 800 mammograms per month and performing diagnostic ultrasound and stereotactic biopsies.

From 2022 to 2026, Dr. Kasper worked as a breast imaging physician and medical director at Halo Medical Group’s Precision Imaging Centers in Jacksonville.

Earlier this year, she relocated to Brevard County and joined Orlando Health as a fellowship-trained breast imaging specialist. She holds the distinction of being the first dedicated breast radiologist serving Orlando Health's Brevard County region. She has extensive experience in interpreting diagnostic mammograms and performing image-guided breast biopsies.

Throughout her career, Dr. Kasper has observed that many women diagnosed with breast cancer have no symptoms or family history of the disease. On average, Dr. Kasper reviews approximately 60 breast imaging exams each day, identifying abnormalities that are often invisible to patients themselves, yet could lead to an early breast cancer diagnosis.

She recently stated, “Behind every mammogram is a woman, a family and a future that matters. Advances in breast imaging allow us to detect cancer earlier and with greater precision, giving patients more options and peace of mind. My hope is to continue expanding access to innovative technologies throughout our region, so more women can benefit from earlier detection, more personalized care and, ultimately, better outcomes.”

Additionally, she hopes to establish a Breast Center of Excellence in the Orlando Health East Region similar to the center she developed at Self Regional Medical Center in South Carolina.

Dr. Kasper is board certified in diagnostic radiology by the American Board of Radiology and is a member of many professional organizations, including the American College of Radiology, American College of Physicians, and the Society of Breast Imaging.

Dr. Kasper resides in Indialantic and enjoys spending time with family, running, and meeting new people while exploring Central Florida.

SD 19 commends Dr. Kasper for her expertise in state-of-the-art breast imaging and her dedication to compassionate patient care, which are vital to empowering women across the Space Coast to take charge of their breast health.

District Highlights

BPS Commercial Driver's License

Ribbon Cutting

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training facility at the Brevard Adult and Community Education Center in Cocoa. This facility will provide students with an opportunity to obtain their CDL through a blend of classroom instruction (144 hours) and hands-on training (2,000 hours).

Specifically, the program features standards such as: Basic Operation, Safe Operating Procedures, Advanced Operating Practices, Vehicle Systems and Reporting Malfunctions, Non-Driving Activity Instruction, Range Instruction, and Public Road Instruction.

This is just the latest example of increased workforce development training opportunities on the Space Coast. As the aerospace and manufacturing industries continue to rapidly grow in Brevard County, it is crucial to have a strong workforce of commercial drivers to support these industries.

Thank you to Brevard Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell, Director of Brevard Adult and Community Education Lorri Benjamin, and the Florida Department of Education Commissioner Dr. Henry Mack for their leadership on expanding workforce development on the Space Coast and in Florida.

Local Referendums on the Ballot

Early voting for the 2026 General Election is currently underway. On the ballot, Brevard County voters will have an opportunity to vote on three local referenda. Each of these ballot measures are to renew taxes which are currently in place.

School Board Millage Referendum

Renewal of a one mill ad valorem millage for a period of four years to sustain increased teacher and staff pay, fund technical training for students, and ensure student achievement. This millage was previously approved by Brevard County voters in 2022.

All expenditures shall be reviewed by an independent citizens’ oversight committee.

School Board Sales Tax Referendum

Renewal of a half-cent sales surtax for a period of ten years to fund critical school facility projects, school security improvements, and technology upgrades. This surtax was previously approved by Brevard County voters in 2014 and 2020.

All expenditures shall be reviewed by an independent citizens’ oversight committee.

Brevard County Sales Tax Referendum

Renewal of the Save our Indian River Lagoon half-cent sales surtax for a period of ten years to restore the Indian River Lagoon through infrastructure, capital improvements, capital maintenance projects, and programs designed to improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat, remove muck, and reduce pollution. This surtax was previously approved by Brevard County voters in 2016.

All revenue shall be deposited into a trust fund to be used solely for the designated purposes and will be subject to citizen committee oversight and annual independent audits.

The funds generated by the Save our Indian River Lagoon sales surtax provide the county with local matching funds which are critically important for securing state funding for water quality projects.

Blue Origin Expands Space Coast Launch Plans

Blue Origin recently announced plans to significantly expand its launch operations and manufacturing capabilities on the Space Coast. The company has requested federal approval to increase permitted launches from 12 to 50 per year and is adding a new launch pad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Launch Complex 36 to for the New Glenn rocket.

The company reports investing more than $3 billion in Florida facilities and infrastructure, employing over 5,000 workers, and working with more than 500 Florida suppliers. Blue Origin says its operations footprint has more than doubled in recent years and now spans more than 20 sites across Brevard and Orange counties. Their ultimate goal is to create the capacity to support multiple New Glenn launches per week by 2030.

To support this growth, Blue Origin is expanding its Rocket Park manufacturing campus near Kennedy Space Center through a $330 million project that will increase production of New Glenn upper stages. Additionally, Blue Origin is increasing expanding recovery and refurbishment operations with new sea-based landing platforms and booster-processing facilities.

The company says these investments reflect a long-term commitment to Florida and are intended to make access to space more frequent, reliable, and affordable while strengthening the region's growing aerospace economy.

To read Blue Origin's announcement, click here.

Sheriff Ivey Shares Halloween Safety Tips

This year, Halloween falls on Saturday, October 31st and activities are taking place throughout the county during daytime and nigh time hours. Brevard County Sheriff Ivey has provided the following tips to ensure Halloween festivities remain safe for all

Know where your children are, who they are with, and how to contact them.
Make sure children know their address and telephone number and how to call 911.
Set clear limits on where your children can trick-or-treat and what time they should check in or return home.
Always travel in groups on well-lit streets. Children should have flashlights or glow sticks and walk on sidewalks and crosswalks when possible.
Ensure costumes are non-toxic, have reflective material, and that vision is not impaired by a mask or hat.
Never enter the home or vehicle of strangers.
Be very cautious of malicious attempts to disguise the deadly Fentanyl drug as common candies like Skittles, Nerds, or Whoppers.
Inspect all candy before eating.

To everyone celebrating Halloween next weekend, I wish you a safe and exciting evening!

To read Sheriff Ivey's full list of safety tips for children and parents, click here.

Upcoming Events

NASA MAX POWER Aerospace Expo & Air Show

The MAX POWER Aerospace Expo & Air Show will be held on Saturday, November 7th and Sunday, November 8th at Kennedy Space Center (Space Commerce Way) in Merritt Island.

MAX POWER is a family-friendly, two-day event celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. The celebration features air shows, military demonstrations, meet-and-greets with Apollo and Artemis astronauts, interactive exhibits showcasing next-generation aircraft and spacecraft, and behind-the-gates bus tours of iconic sites like the Vehicle Assembly Building.

MAX POWER event details:

Air Dot Show

The Air Dot Show will take place at the historic Shuttle Landing Facility and features two days of air shows featuring military aircraft and flyovers by NASA Freedom 250 Aerial Team, the Department of War, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, and more.

Doors open at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Ticket prices vary and must be purchased online in advanced here.

UP.Summit

The UP.Summit will feature the latest innovations in transportation including autonomous vehicles, cutting-edge drones, and new space exploration technologies.

Doors open at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Visitors can park at the Kennedy Space Center Complex, and shuttles to the hangar and ramp site will depart every 15 minutes.

Admission prices are $53.50 for ages 6 and up and children 5 and under free. Tickets can be purchased online here.

MAX POWER at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

In celebration of the MAX POWER events, tickets to the Kennedy Space Center will be discounted to $59.24 for ages 12 and up and $49.24 for ages 3 to 11 on Friday, November 6th through Sunday, November 8th. MAX POWER special ticket pricing includes an all-access pass to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex exhibits and attractions and behind-the-gates tours of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Tickets can be purchased online here.

Aging Matters Champions Circle Breakfast Fundraiser

The Aging Matters in Brevard Champions Circle Breakfast Fundraiser will be held on Thursday, October 30th at 7:30 a.m. at The Oasis at Space Coast Association of Realtors (2950 Pineda Plaza Way) in Palm Shores.

The Champions Circle Breakfast is an annual fundraiser to support Aging Matters in Brevard's mission to ensure that the vital health, safety, and quality of life needs of local seniors are met, while maintaining their independence and dignity.

There is no cost to attend but an RSVP is required. To reserve your spot, email eharvey@agingmattersbrevard.org or call (321) 639-8770.

Green Gables "Treasures at Foggy Bluff" Halloween Event

The Green Gables "Treasure at Foggy Bluff" Halloween event will be held on Friday, October 30th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Green Gables Historic Riverview Village at (1501 S. Harbor City Blvd) in Melbourne.

The family friendly, pirate-themed event features fortune telling, Swashbucklng games, Siren's Curios Collection, and Buccaneer candy, tricks, and treats. Attendees are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes.

The entry fee is $5 per person, and parking is available next door at the Reflections building (1499 South Harbor City Blvd.).

For more information and to purchase tickets online, click here.

2026 Palm Bay Fall Festival

The Palm Bay Fall Festival will be held on Saturday, October 31st from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Fred Poppe Regional Park (1954 Malabar Road NW) in Palm Bay.

The family friendly event is free to attend and features a costume contest, Trunk-or-Treat, local arts and craft vendors, food trucks, musical entertainment, and a haunted hayride.

For more information, call (321) 952-3443.