Blog

This past Sunday forty of Equality Florida's strongest supporters from the Suncoast gathered at the home of Rita Ferrandino for an afternoon of fun and fellowship. During a brief program, Rita shared her vision for Sarasota County and the country and recommitted herself and the resources she helps guide as Chair of the Sarasota Democratic Party to the pursuit of equality. Joe Saunders, Equality Florida's Field Director, briefed the crowd on our recent victories and the challenges that still lie ahead.

Over the summer the Florida legislature will hold a series of meetings aimed at getting public input on the redistricting process. Redistricting happens once every 10 years and hold tremendous importance over the way the state will be governed for the next decade. Often districts are drawn to favor the party in power, which were Republicans 10 years ago, and are Republicans today. By making our districts drawn fairly, elections will be more competitive- which is a good thing.

We’re in a competition to win $3,000 from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSFL), and we need your vote!

Join us Saturday, June 11th from 8pm - midnight in St Pete for the Stayin' Alive Red Ribbon Dance in support of AIDS Service Association of Pinellas (ASAP).

Our good friend, Scott Maxwell, over at the Orlando Sentinel recently talked to new Department of Children and Families chief, David Wilkins, about his decision to cut 500 jobs from the Department. Maxwell also took the opportunity to ask Wilkins if he had plans to try and resurrect Florida's ban on LGBT adoption. From Maxwell's article:

THE WHITE HOUSEOffice of the Press SecretaryFor Immediate Release May 31, 2011LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER PRIDE MONTH, 2011 - - - - - - -BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICAA PROCLAMATION The story of America's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, andTransgender (LGBT) community is the story of our fathers andsons, our mothers and daughters, and our friends and neighbors

Interesting article from TheLedger.com about implementation of the controversial election law that passed this legislative session. Apparently, several Supervisor of Elections are not going to be implementing any of the changes required by the law until review by the federal government.

In 2008, Steve Schale led Obama's successful bid to win Florida's prized electoral votes. It was one of the largest campaigns in Florida's political history and redefined the way many of us think about both financial and field organizing limitations in Florida.

Last Thursday, the Volusia County Council voted 6 to 1 to expand their anti-discrimination policy to include sexual orientation and gender identity. Volusia is home to Daytona Beach, Nascar's Daytona 500 and the world famous Bike Week.

The results of yesterday's runoff elections in Jacksonville could signal a new day in Florida politics. Because Jacksonville is the largest city in North Florida, conservative candidates running for statewide or federal office usually count on Jacksonville for lopsided support. Earlier this week we sent an email that took aim at two extremists running in yesterday's election - Mike Hogan (R) for mayor and Kimberly Daniels (D) for at large commission.

From the Huffington Post: The State Senate's Independent Democratic Conference has released a report showing that marriage equality in New York state would generate $391 million in economic activity, revenue, and savings during the three years after it is made into law.

We were told in the last election we should vote for GOP candidates so they could cut corporate taxes and magically create thousands of jobs. I'm all about jobs, I love mine and want everyone to have one too. So that's why it really bothers me when law makers are wasting time on things that have already happened or things that are already law.

Join us on May 21st from 8pm - midnight as we kick off St. Pete Pride with Pride and Passion!

Recently, The Florida Independent did an article about the planned increased spending and activity by anti-gay groups for the 2012 elections. These groups have targeted 15 states to do their dirty work, and surprise, Florida is one of them. The article had this to say about spending in Florida:

Tell legislators not to play politics with your right to vote!