The Mayfield Minute - September 20, 2026 | | |
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
During the late 1960s, suicide rates in the United States were increasing at a tragic rate, prompting an increased emphasis on suicide prevention. These efforts included research, public awareness campaigns, and increased access to resources for those struggling with their mental health. In 1968, the American Association of Suicidology was established as a nonprofit to advance the understanding and prevention of suicide through research, education, and advocacy.
Throughout the following decades, suicide continued to be recognized as a growing public health concern. By the 1990s, advocates were calling for a more coordinated national approach to suicide prevention. These efforts contributed to the U.S. Surgeon General’s 1999 “Call to Action to Prevent Suicide.” In 2008, September was officially designated as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to raise awareness, reduce stigma, encourage conversations about mental health, and connect people with support.
In 2020, President Trump signed the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, establishing 988 as the nationwide three-digit number for people experiencing a mental health or suicide crisis. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline officially launched in July 2022, providing a simpler way to connect with trained crisis counselors by phone, text, or online chat.
Despite decades of progress, suicide remains a significant public health issue in the United States. According to the CDC, 48,824 people died by suicide in 2024, making it the 10th leading cause of death overall. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among young people in the United States.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or suicide crisis, call or text 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Reaching out can be the first step toward getting the support someone needs, and no one has to face a crisis alone.
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 | | |
Houston Lee Moffitt, Founder of Moffitt Cancer Center
This week, in honor of the Moffitt Cancer Center's 40th anniversary, I’m proud to highlight H. Lee Moffitt, former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.
Speaker Moffitt was born in Tampa in 1941. He earned his bachelor’s of arts degree from the University of South Florida in 1964 and his Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of Law in 1967. Upon graduation, he returned to Tampa to practice law.
At age 29, Speaker Moffitt was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in his left knee and underwent resection surgery. His personal experience, combined with the deaths of close friends who left Florida for advanced cancer treatment, inspired a lifelong mission of improving access to quality cancer treatment within the Tampa Bay region.
He was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1974 and quickly advanced to leadership roles, serving as Chair of the Commerce Committee and the Chair of the House Reapportionment Committee. In 1982, he became Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.
During his tenure, Speaker Moffitt relentlessly advocated for a specialized cancer center in Tampa. He partnered with the University of South Florida College of Medicine, secured funding, a Certificate of Need, and critical support from his colleagues in the legislature. Additionally, he spearheaded legislation that dedicated a portion of cigarette tax revenue to the future cancer center.
He retired from the Florida Legislature in 1984, returned to practicing law, and continued his lifelong mission. His vision became a reality in 1986, when the 162-bed Moffitt Cancer Center (formerly H. Lee Moffitt Cancer & Research Institute) opened to patients in Tampa.
In 1998, Moffit Cancer Center was designated a Clinical Cancer Center and achieved Comprehensive status in 2001, making the center one of the nation’s leading cancer treatment institutions.
Moffitt Cancer Center provides treatment to more than 800,000 patients annually from Florida’s 67 counties, all 50 states, and more than 130 countries. The center has approximately 10,000 employees throughout Florida and generates an economic impact of nearly $3 billion.
The Moffitt Cancer Center currently conducts more than 350 clinical trials providing innovative lifesaving treatment and life-extending care to patients experiencing all types of cancer. Moffitt routinely treats patients with breast cancer, melanoma, lung cancers, prostate cancers, and non-Hodgkins Lymphoma with severities ranging from aggressive to precancerous stages.
I commend Speaker H. Lee Moffitt for his dedicated service and commitment as he continues, at age 84, to make an extraordinary impact in providing hope through advanced cancer treatment and research for countless families in Florida and beyond.
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Governor DeSantis Announces Workforce Pell Grant Eligibility
Last week, I was proud to join Governor DeSantis and Commissioner of Education Dr. Henry Mack III at Eastern Florida State College for the announcement of Florida’s new Workforce Pell Grant Program.
Traditionally, Pell Grants have only been available to students pursuing undergraduate degrees. The new Workforce Pell Grants provide need-based federal funding to students pursuing short-term, career-focused training. This ensures that students who choose trade schools and other career-focused training programs have access to the same financial support as those pursuing traditional higher education.
Florida’s Department of Education has developed an approved list of eligible programs which prepare students for occupations that demonstrate strong labor market demand or fulfill critical workforce needs within Florida’s economy and communities.
I share Governor DeSantis and Commissioner Mack’s commitment to ensuring the accessibility of workforce education programs. Here on the Space Coast, we have a rapidly expanding manufacturing sector which provides an unparallelled opportunity for young adults who want high-paying jobs without the debt burden of attending a four-year degree.
For more information about the eligible programs, click here.
State and Local Officials Warn Against Scammers Impersonating Law Enforcement Officers
In recent public appearances, Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey has warned residents of an ongoing scam in which a caller falsely identifies themselves as a Brevard County Sheriff’s Deputy. The scammer will claim that the recipient has a warrant out for their arrest and provide detailed instructions on how to submit a payment to avoid legal consequences. The scammer will often demand the payment be made through cryptocurrency, which can be difficult for law enforcement to trace.
These scams are highly sophisticated and realistic, often using the name of real employees of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Ivey assures residents that his office will never call to inform a suspect that they have an active warrant. Residents who receive such a call are advised to hang up immediately.
Variations of this scam have become increasingly common statewide, prompting Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier to propose the Florida Anti-Spam Communications Act. This legislation would classify deceptive practices, such as impersonating government officials, using undisclosed AI-generated voices to obtain money, and sending fake warrants by text or email, as serious criminal offenses. High-volume and high-loss fraud cases would face enhanced felony penalties and mandatory prison sentences.
Scammers are always working on new ways to target our communities, and I appreciate Sheriff Ivey and Attorney General Uthmeier’s dedication to protecting our residents from the latest scam tactics. I look forward to supporting the Attorney General’s common-sense policy during the upcoming legislative session.
Florida Awards Recruitment Bonuses to More Than 1,500 New Law Enforcement Officers
Last week, Florida awarded more than $10 million in recruitment bonuses to 1,506 newly hired law enforcement officers across Florida through the state's Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program. Since the program began in 2022, nearly 12,500 officers statewide have received recruitment bonuses totaling more than $83 million.
The program provides eligible newly hired officers with a one-time $5,000 bonus after taxes as an incentive to begin or continue their careers in Florida law enforcement. The bonuses are part of broader efforts aimed at attracting officers to the state and supporting public safety agencies.
“In 2022, while some cities were reaping the disastrous results of “defund the police” experiments, I signed landmark legislation to strengthen law enforcement recruitment and retention in Florida,” said Governor DeSantis. “We have also made record-breaking investments in officer pay, benefits, training, and protections for the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect the people of our state.”
In the Florida Legislature, we recognize the hard work and sacrifice of the law enforcement officers and first responders who keep our communities safe. In Fiscal Year 2026-27, the legislature appropriated $20 million for the recruitment bonus program, $19.8 million for pay increases for sworn state law enforcement officers, and $2.5 million for firefighter pay raises.
For the past four years, I have been honored to support legislation and funding to ensure that Florida remains the most pro-law enforcement and safest state in the nation through programs such as the Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program.
To read the press release, click here.
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Mrs. Kelly Haskins
In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, it is an honor to highlight Kelly Haskins as my Constituent of the Week. Mrs. Haskins is the Founder and President of Do It For Hunter, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives by providing life-saving suicide awareness and prevention resources.
Mrs. Haskins grew up in Merritt Island and graduated from Merritt Island High School. She earned her associate degree from Eastern Florida State College in 1989 and bachelor’s degree in radio and television broadcasting from the University of Central Florida in 1991.
Her 35-year career in advertising and marketing began as a copywriter for Cumulus Radio WA1A in 1991, followed by positions as assistant marketing manager at Merritt Square Mall and marketing manager for BJ’s Wholesale.
In 2003, Mrs. Haskins joined the American Cancer Society as a special events and fundraising coordinator. Her responsibilities included management and marketing of the organization’s signature annual events, Relay for Life and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
In 2007, she was hired by Launch Credit Union as vice president of marketing where she led overall marketing and strategic planning programs, including a successful rebranding campaign, and worked directly with the President/CEO to develop short-term and long-range goals for the $750 million credit union.
Tragedy struck the Haskins family on September 29, 2021, when her son, Hunter Haskins, sadly died by suicide at the age of 18. Hunter was a graduate of Merritt Island High School where he played lacrosse and football. He was a student at the University of Central Florida studying mechanical engineering at the time of his death.
Hunter excelled academically and athletically, had many friends and a loving family, yet he struggled internally. Following his death, Mrs. Haskins channeled her grief into advocacy and founded the Do it For Hunter, Inc. organization in 2023. What began with simple efforts like a lemonade stand and offering free hugs, has since grown into a community-focused effort with a core message of “You Matter.”
The Do it For Hunter organization has distributed thousands of Stress Toolkits to high school seniors, placed suicide-awareness benches at schools and parks throughout the county, held countless “Mom Hugs Days” on college campuses, and actively promoted the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline with laptop stickers for students in grades 6-12.
Yesterday, Mrs. Haskins led the annual Do it for Hunter “You Matter Day” event attended by hundreds of community members at Merritt Island High School. The event connects a vast array of local mental health experts, resources, and care providers with individuals and families needing assistance.
Mrs. Haskins retired from Launch Credit Union in February 2026 after 19 years of exceptional service. She has stated that her work on behalf of Hunter’s memory is therapeutic and that she will have achieved her goal if she can save even one life by encouraging open conversations about mental health, anxiety, and seeking help.
On behalf of SD 19, I commend Kelly Haskins for her extraordinary efforts, her steadfast advocacy, and the lasting legacy she is building in Hunter’s name, which is sure to prevent other families from experiencing similar tragic losses of a loved one.
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Space Coast Innovation Park Groundbreaking Ceremony
Last week, I was honored to attend and provide remarks at the Space Coast Innovation Park Phase 1 Groundbreaking Ceremony in Titusville. This first phase of the project will provide more than 639,000 square feet of total building area across three different industrial buildings. The entire site will cover almost 50 acres at the Space Coast Regional Airport.
The Space Coast Innovation Park will provide industrial space for companies looking to grow, expand their operations, and invest in the Space Coast. Projects like this help create new opportunities for businesses, strengthen our local economy, and support the continued growth of the Space Coast.
Special thanks to Lynda Weatherman of EDC Space Coast, Rob Long of Space Florida, Captain John Murray of Port Canaveral, Mayor Andrew Connors of Titusville, and Kevin Daughtery from the Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority for their support. I also want to thank Kathleen Yonce of the KEY Group and Ryan Wood of Hines for their continued leadership and dedication to this project.
I look forward to seeing this project take shape and the opportunities it will bring to our community for years to come.
Brevard Public Schools Anti-Vaping Campaign
Brevard Public Schools (BPS) recently launched a districtwide vaping prevention campaign to empower students with age-appropriate information and to build healthy decision-making skills regarding vaping.
Throughout the year, students, families, and staff will have access to educational resources, prevention activities, and wellness-focused initiatives designed to promote healthy lifestyles and support student success.
Students can participate in a school wide “Be Vape Free” banner signing pledge and an anti-vape/healthy choices poster contest. Poster contest winners will have their artwork featured in the 2027 BPS calendar. Middle and high school students will have an opportunity to create district-wide anti-vaping public service announcements.
BPS is also hosting two community events featuring speakers from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office discussing the dangers of vaping. Representatives from Eckerd Connects will provide information for parents about vaping and e-cigarettes and a “Hidden Room” exhibit for families to see if they can spot the hidden vapes.
The community events will be held on:
- Thursday, September 24th at 6:00 p.m. at Viera Middle School (6093 Stadium Parkway) in Viera
- Tuesday, September 29th at 6:00 p.m. at Palm Bay Magnet High School (101 Pirate Lane) in Melbourne
Thank you to Brevard Public Schools and the Brevard County Sheriff's Office for your collaboration on this important effort to keep our students safe and healthy. For additional information, contact BPS at (321) 633-1000.
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Cocoa Beach Fire Station Check Presentation
This past week, I was proud to attend the City of Cocoa Beach Council Meeting to present a check for $4 Million in state funding for the city’s new Fire Station #50. Thank you to my colleagues in the legislature for supporting this important project in Florida’s budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
The new fire station will serve more than 11,000 residents and the 2.5 million tourists who visit Cocoa Beach each year. The planned facility will replace the existing Cocoa Beach Fire station #50, on the north end of Cocoa Beach.
This important public safety project will improve emergency response times, strengthen fire suppression and rescue operations, and provide quicker access to the beach for water rescues. This investment will help keep Cocoa Beach residents and visitors safe for years to come.
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Melbourne Square Mall Veteran Supply Drive
The Melbourne Square Mall is currently hosting a supply drive to benefit local Veterans organizations who provide comfort, care, and support to our hometown heroes. Donations will be accepted until Wednesday, September 30th.
Suggested items include toiletries, personal care products, socks and undergarments, nonperishable food, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and comfort items.
Items can be dropped off in a supply bin at the America250 mural near the Macy's at the Melbourne Square Mall (1700 West New Haven Avenue). The mall’s hours of operation are:
- Monday - Thursday: 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Friday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
For more information, call (321) 727-8062.
Green Gables Harvest Festival
The Green Gables Harvest Festival will be held on Saturday, September 26th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Green Gables Historic Riverview Village (1501 South Harbor City Blvd.) in Melbourne.
The Harvest Festival is open to the public and parking will be available next door at the Reflections building (1499 South Harbor City Blvd.). Event activities include local art and crafts vendors, live music, children's activities, food trucks, and a gemstone dig. Tours of the Green Gables historic home will be available for a donation of $10.
For more information, click here.
Arise Special Needs Ministry Conference
The Arise Special Needs Ministry Conference will be held on Saturday, October 3rd from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Indialantic (170 Washington Avenue) in Indialantic.
The Arise Special Needs Ministry Conference exists to equip church leaders and volunteers to build, strengthen, and grow thriving special needs ministries within their local churches. The conference features pastors, ministry leaders, volunteers, and advocates who are passionate about ensuring individuals and families impacted by disability are fully included in the life of the church. Participants will have the opportunity to join a variety of breakout sessions, panel discussions, and training workshops.
The cost to attend is $20 and lunch will be provided by Chik-fil-a. For more information and to register online, click here.
EFSC Bachelor’s Degrees Showcase
Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) will showcase their bachelor’s degree programs during a special event on Tuesday, October 13th from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Cocoa Campus Titan Hall (1519 Clearlake Road).
EFSC offers four-year degrees in business, health sciences, nursing, and computer information technology with more than 24 specialized tracks available. Courses are offered both on campus and online, with several programs available fully online.
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about admission requirements, internships, meet with faculty, academic advisors, and financial aid representatives.
The event is free and open to the public. Advanced registration is encouraged and can be completed online here.
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Contact Information
Melbourne Office
900 East Strawbridge Avenue,
Suite 408,
Melbourne, FL 32901r
321-409-2025
Tallahassee Office
400 South Monroe Street,
302 Senate Building,
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100
850-487-5019
Staff
Yvette Campbell
Christian Chesnut
William Gooden
Kelli Lane
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