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Women’s History Month Spotlight: Women Dominate Orange County’s Top Boards

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – March is Women’s History Month, a time in which the nation celebrates the vital role of women in American history, especially when it comes to women and women of color shattering the glass ceiling on Orange County’s top boards.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, and with 2019 being dubbed “The Year of the Woman,” Florida National News highlights the women who recently made history in Orange County.

During the November 2018 general election, women dominated the political landscape, winning elected seats once held by men for years.

 

MAKING HISTORY IN ORANGE COUNTY

The Orange County Board of County Commissioners, Orange County School Board, and now the Orange Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors’ seats are held by women. This is certainly a historic first to have a female supermajority representation on all three county boards–18 elected women to two elected men, to be specific. The position of chairperson on the School Board and Soil & Water Board are held by women. The board of county commissioners is headed by the first African American mayor, who is surrounded by an all-woman county commission board. This is a new era for Orange County.

 

Board of County Commissioners

(l-r) Orange County Commissioners Betsy VanderLey (District 1), Christine Moore (District 2) and Mayra Uribe (District 3), Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, and Orange County Commissioners Maribel Gomez Cordero (District 4), Emily Bonilla (District 5) and Victoria Siplin (District 6). Photo: Willie David/Florida National News.

(l-r) Orange County Commissioners Betsy VanderLey (District 1), Christine Moore (District 2) and Mayra Uribe (District 3), Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, and Orange County Commissioners Maribel Gomez Cordero (District 4), Emily Bonilla (District 5) and Victoria Siplin (District 6). Photo: Orange County Government

The Orange County Board of County Commissioners, seated in December, includes newly elected Mayra Uribe, who faced Pete Crotty in the November 6th election, Christine Moore and Maribel Gomez Cordero; re-elected Commissioner Victoria Siplin, and incumbent Commissioners Betsy VanderLey and Emily Bonilla, whose terms end in 2020.

Website: Orange County Board of County Commissioners

School Board

(l-r): Orange County School Board Members Melissa Byrd, Karen Castor Dentel, Board Member and Vice Chair Kat Gordon, Board Chair Teresa Jacobs, and Board Members Pam Gould, Linda Kobert, Johanna Lopez and Angie Gallo. Photo: Willie David/Florida National News.

(l-r): Orange County School Board Members Melissa Byrd, Karen Castor Dentel, Board Member and Vice Chair Kat Gordon, Board Chair Teresa Jacobs, and Board Members Pam Gould, Linda Kobert, Johanna Lopez and Angie Gallo. Photo: Orange County Public Schools

The Orange County School Board is made up of newly elected School Board Chair Teresa Jacobs; incumbent School Board Members Pam Gould and Kat Gordon, whose terms run through 2020; re-elected School Board Member Linda Kobert; and newly elected School Board Members Angie Gallo, Karen Castor Dentel, Johanna Lopez and Melissa Byrd. Lopez and Byrd each faced men in the November 6 election.

Website: Orange County Public Schools

Soil and Water Board

The women on the Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors (l-r): Supervisor Board Vice Chair Dawn Curtis (Seat 4), Supervisor and Board Chair Daisy Morales (Seat 2), and Supervisor Tiffany Dziekan (Seat 5). The fourth woman (and third African American woman) on the Board is Supervisor Nicole McLaren (not pictured). Photo: Willie David/Florida National News.

The women on the Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors (l-r): Supervisor Board Vice Chair Dawn Curtis (Seat 4), Supervisor and Board Chair Daisy Morales (Seat 2), and Supervisor Tiffany Dziekan (Seat 5). The fourth woman (and third African American woman) on the Board is Supervisor Nicole McLaren (not pictured). Photo: Willie David/Florida National News.

In December 2018, incumbent Supervisor Daisy Morales became the first Puerto Rican woman to become chair of the Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors. Supervisors Nicole McLaren, Tiffany Dziekan, and after the November 2018 election, Dawn Curtis, made history in having three African American women to hold seats on the special district board. The five-member board now has a female supermajority and one male, Supervisor Michael Barber.

Website: Board of Supervisors of Orange Soil & Water Conservation District

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Florida National News Publisher Willie David and Editor Mellissa Thomas contributed to this report. | news@floridanationalnews.com

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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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