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Buccaneers’ Mike Evans and Gerald McCoy Named to 2017 Pro Bowl

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TAMPA BAY: Buccaneers WR Mike Evans and DT Gerald McCoy are selected for the 2017 Pro Bowl. Image: NFL.

TAMPA BAY, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — by Tampa Bay Buccaneers // The National Football League (NFL) recently announced that Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy have been named to the 2017 Pro Bowl.

A first-round selection in the 2014 NFL Draft (seventh overall), Evans has caught 84 passes for 1,159 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. His 10 touchdown receptions are tied for the third-most in the league, while his 84 receptions and 1,159 receiving yards both rank fifth in the NFL. His 84 receptions are tied for the fourth-most in a single season in team history, while his 10 touchdown receptions are the third-most in a season in team history.

“I am honored and grateful to be selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time – it’s a dream come true,” said Evans. “My teammates and I have worked very hard and it is truly humbling to be recognized by my peers and the fans for the results that came from that dedication. I would like to express my appreciation for my coaches, my teammates, everyone in the Buccaneers organization, and our fans, that share in this achievement.”

This season marks Evans’ third consecutive year with at least 1,000 receiving yards. He is one of only five players in league history to begin their career with three consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons (also Odell Beckham Jr., A.J. Green, John Jefferson and Randy Moss).

Since entering the league in 2014, Evans ranks eighth in receiving yards (3,416) and tied for fourth in receiving touchdowns (25). His 3,416 receiving yards are the eighth-most through a players’ first three seasons in NFL history.

This is Evans’ first career Pro Bowl selection. He is the first Buccaneers wide receiver to be selected to the game since Vincent Jackson in 2012. He is one of only five wide receivers in team history to be selected to the Pro Bowl, joining Jackson, Mark Carrier (1989), Keyshawn Johnson (2001) and Keenan McCardell (2003).

This is McCoy’s fifth career Pro Bowl selection and the fifth consecutive. McCoy’s five selections are tied for the fifth-most in team history, alongside Ronde Barber (2001, 2004-06, 2008), John Lynch (1997, 1999-2002) and Hardy Nickerson (1993, 1996-99). Only Pro Football Hall of Famers Derrick Brooks (10 consecutive, 1997-2006), Warren Sapp (seven, 1997-2003) and Lee Roy Selmon (six 1979-84), along with Mike Alstott (six, 1997-2002), have more consecutive selections in team history.

“I would just like to say how honored I am to be selected to my fifth straight Pro Bowl,” said McCoy. “This is an honor that can never get old or be taken for granted. I have to commend and thank all of my teammates for all their hard work and dedication to this team and this game. Without them none of this would be possible. I would also like to thank the fans for all their support all season long especially when keeping Raymond James Stadium rocking. We’re nothing without you guys and are going to need your support as we continue on this playoff push. Once again, this is such an honor and it is only because of God that this has been possible. Go Bucs!”

McCoy, the former third overall pick of the 2010 Draft, leads the Buccaneers in sacks this season, with 7.0, tied for the second-most by a defensive tackle in the NFL this year. Since his first Pro Bowl season in 2012, McCoy has the second-most sacks by a defensive tackle (38.5) and the fifth-most tackles for loss (50).

The NFL also announced that four other Buccaneers players have been selected as alternates to the Pro Bowl: linebacker Kwon Alexander, punter Bryan Anger, linebacker Lavonte David and cornerback Brent Grimes.

This season, Alexander ranks fourth in the NFL in tackles (125) and leads the league in solo tackles (97). He is one of only three players this season with 100+ tackles, 3+ sacks and 1+ interception (Zach Brown, Landon Collins). If invited, it would be Alexander’s first career Pro Bowl selection

Anger is in his first season with Tampa Bay, after spending his first four seasons (2012-15) with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Anger ranks fifth in the NFL in punts inside the 20 (29) while tying for the fifth-best net punting average (42.0). Anger has helped the Buccaneers punt coverage unit to allow only 5.6 yards per punt return, the fourth-lowest mark in the NFL. If invited, it would be Anger’s first career Pro Bowl selection and only the second ever selection for a Buccaneers punter (also Josh Bidwell, 2005).

David, who was selected to his first Pro Bowl last season, leads the Buccaneers in tackles for loss, with 13, which is tied for the eighth-most in the NFL this season. David is also leading the team in forced fumbles, with four, which is tied for the sixth-most in the league this year. Since entering the league as a second-round pick (58th overall) in the 2012 NFL Draft, David ranks second in the league in solo tackles (460), second in total tackles (650), second in tackles for loss (81), tied for second in interceptions by a linebacker (10) and third in passes defensed by a linebacker (35).

Grimes joined Tampa Bay this offseason after spending three seasons with the Miami Dolphins (2013-15). The 10-year veteran has been voted to four previous Pro Bowls (2010, 2013-15) and, if selected, would be the first Buccaneers cornerback to be chosen since 2013 (Darrell Revis). This year, Grimes leads the team in interceptions (three) and passes defensed (19), with his 19 passes defensed tying for the league lead.

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Florida House Democratic Leader-Designate Fentrice Driskell Announces Leadership Team

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida House Democratic Leader-Designate Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) today announced the appointment of the following Democratic Representatives to serve on the House Democratic Caucus leadership team for the 2022-24 legislative term:

  • Leader Pro Tempore: Representative Dotie Joseph (D-Miami);
  • Policy Chair: Representative Kelly Skidmore (D-Boca Raton);
  • Floor Leader: Representative Michael “Mike” Gottlieb (D-Davie); and
  • Whip: Representative Christine Hunschofsky (D-Parkland).

“The House Democratic Caucus is made up of some of the strongest, most fierce champions of the people in the entire state,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “It is an honor and great pleasure to work with these individuals in this new capacity, and all of them are prepared to lead the Caucus in the face of the challenges that lie ahead of us.”

As Leader Pro Tempore, Representative Joseph will assist the Democratic Leader in carrying out designated responsibilities and perform such Leadership responsibilities as are assigned, including stepping in for the Leader as needed.

“I have had the distinct pleasure of knowing Representative Joseph for over 20 years. From the time we were at Georgetown Law to now, she has always been a consistent champion for justice. The issues she advocates for on behalf of all Floridians makes Representative Joseph an invaluable asset in defending Floridians against extremist Republican policies,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “I look forward to Representative Joseph’s leadership as a key member of my team over the next two years.”

In her role as the Caucus Policy Chair, Representative Skidmore will be responsible for ensuring the Caucus continues to champion legislation that positively impacts all Floridians, and will lead discussions about bills before the House at Caucus meetings.

“As the previous Policy Chair for the Caucus, I know what is needed to do this job. Appointing Representative Skidmore as Policy Chair was an easy choice,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “She stood out as a prime member in understanding policy during the last legislative term. Representative Skidmore also brings with her a wealth of experience as both a former House and Senate staffer and House member. Applying her unique skillset to this new role will benefit the Caucus and all Floridians.”

In his role as Floor Leader, Representative Gottlieb will be responsible in interpreting the House Rules, ensuring the Caucus adheres to the agreed upon rules, and working with his Republican counterpart in advocating for fair amounts of time be allotted to the Caucus in debating different pieces of legislation.

“Two things I greatly appreciate about Representative Gottlieb are his refreshing candor and strong fortitude,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “As the minority party in the Legislature, we’re aware of the challenges that lie ahead of us. What we need right now is someone who is unwavering under extreme pressure to help guide our Caucus during difficult moments. Representative Gottlieb is perfectly suited for this role.”

As Whip, Representative Hunschofsky will be responsible for keeping all Democratic Caucus members apprised of Caucus policy on any bills or issues before the House.

Representative Hunschofsky has an amazing ability to get things done,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “Not only does Representative Hunschofsky possess a wealth of knowledge due to her experience as the former mayor of Parkland, Florida, she is also a champion of many initiatives close to Floridians’ hearts, such as expanding access to quality mental health care. I know Representative Hunschofsky’s knowledge and ability will help prepare our Caucus for the challenges of the next two year.”

The Florida House Democratic Caucus will convene during Organizational Session taking place Nov. 21-22, 2022 in advance of the 2023 Legislative Session scheduled to begin on March 7, 2023.

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VIDEO: State Rep. Dianne Hart elected chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – State Representative Dianne Hart (D-Tampa), incoming Chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus, talks briefly with Florida National News on the importance of the Florida Blue Florida Classic at Camping World Stadium in Orlando Saturday. The Florida Classic is an annual college football rivalry game between Bethune–Cookman University and Florida A&M University.

Hart’s Twitter Statement:

Hart’s statement: “I’m honored to have been elected as the Chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus.” “I’m grateful to my colleagues for their support and for trusting me to move this important caucus forward.”

During the 2021 and 2022 Legislative Sessions, Rep. Hart served on the following House committees, including Democratic Ranking Member of the Infrastructure and Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee, Judiciary Committee, Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight, Ways & Means Committee, Criminal Justice & Public Safety Subcommittee, State Legislative Redistricting Subcommittee and Select Subcommittee on Authorized Gaming Activity.

Hart was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2018. She is also the CEO of the East Tampa Business and Civic Association.

 

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Former State Rep. Bruce Antone Ready To Rejoin Florida House

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Former State Representative Bruce Antone respond to questions by CFABJ, NAACP, and the Florida Voters League panel during a candidates forum in Orange County, Thursday, October 19, 2022. (Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News)

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Former Florida State Representative Bruce Antone served 12 years (six terms) in the Florida House of Representatives and defeated incumbent Democratic Rep. Travaris McCurdy during the August primary election to represent Orange County in the newly draw District 41 House seat.

CFABJ, NAACP, and Florida Voters League held a candidates forum for candidates seeking county, state and Congressional seats in Orange County, Thursday, October 19, 2022. (Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News)

CFABJ, NAACP, and Florida Voters League held a candidates forum for candidates seeking county, state and Congressional seats in Orange County, Thursday, October 19, 2022. (Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News)

Antone was among eleven candidates seeking election to county, state and Congressional seats participating in a candidate forum hosted by CFABJ, NAACP and the Florida Voters League, Wednesday, October 19, 2022.

Green Party nominee Robin Denise Harris is the only potential road block in Antone’s return to Tallahassee and faces off with him in the November general election. The District 41 House seat has an overwhelmingly Democratic voter base.

During his time in the Florida House, Antone was elected by his colleagues to serve as the Chairman of the 29-member Florida Legislative Black Caucus.

The general election is Tuesday, November 8, 2022.

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