Politics
Florida Judge Finally Rejects Governor DeSantis’ Congressional Map as Unconstitutional After House Floor Sit-In
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — On Saturday, a Florida judge ruled that a congressional map put forward by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) was unconstitutional and ordered the state legislature to redraw the boundaries.
Circuit Judge J. Lee Marsh found that the redrawn districts authorized by DeSantis in northern Florida violated the state constitution’s Fair Districts Amendments by “dismantling a congressional district that enabled Black voters to elect their candidates of choice under the previous plan.” See florida-ruling.
The district, which stretches across much of Florida’s northern border with Georgia, was previously held by Rep. Al Lawson, a Black Democrat who lost in the 2022 midterm election after the redistricting process.
In the previous district, 46.5 percent of the voting age population was Black. Under the new map, the four districts in the area are 23.1 percent, 15.9 percent, 31.7 percent and 12.8 percent Black.
The map approved in the 2020 redistricting cycle was submitted to the Florida legislature by DeSantis’s office, after the governor rejected two earlier maps passed by state lawmakers.
Lawyers for both the Florida House and Senate conceded in court that the map did not satisfy the non-diminishment requirement in the state constitution. Only the Florida secretary of state argued otherwise, according to Saturday’s ruling.
In 2022, NBC News also covered the sit-in, reporting that Florida Democratic state lawmakers shut down the state’s special legislative session for more than an hour with a pray-in and a sit-in at the center of the House floor chamber.
The surprising act of defiance began a little before noon, when Rep. Yvonne Hinson went over her allotted speaking time and had her microphone cut off, prompting other Black legislators to stand without being recognized and gather in the center of the chamber, showing off shirts that read “Stop the Black Attack” and sitting on the state seal on the blue carpet.
In all, four Black legislators and a Hispanic representative — Hinson, Angie Nixon, Travaris McCurdy, Felicia Robinson and Daisy Morales — occupied the center of the chamber as bewildered Republicans looked on.
Rep. Daisy Morales, an Orlando Democrat, held a sign that read: “Legislators serve the people. Not your party.”
The decision marks the latest blow to new congressional maps in Southern states.
In June, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a Republican-drawn map in Alabama, ruling that it violated the Voting Rights Act. In a 5-4 decision, the court affirmed a lower ruling that ordered the GOP-led state to create a new map with an additional majority-Black district.
This is an ongoing story. Bookmark and follow Florida National News for more updates.
TAMPA, Fla. (FNN) – The King family held a pregame press conference during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints game in Tampa to announce a new community service initiative.
https://www.facebook.com/FloridaNationalNews/videos/575373672080951
Florida National News reporter J. Willie David III asked Martin Luther King III for his thoughts on President-Elect Donald J. Trump’s inauguration coinciding with Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
King emphasized the importance of unity, stating, “The President has expressed his desire to bring America together. To achieve this, he must actively reach out to those who did not support him.”
Tampa Bay, Florida, USA, January 5, 2025, New Orleans Saints face Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. (Photo Credit: Marty Jean-Louis)
The King family shared its community service initiative the media.
Realize the Dream is a collaboration between the Martin Luther King III Foundation and NGOs across the country to reach the ambitious goal of 100 million hours of service by 2029, the 100th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday.
Florida National News was unsuccessful in obtaining a comment after reaching out to the Trump-Vance Transition team
Politics
Puerto Rican Heritage Network Pays Tribute to Jimmy Carter’s Legacy, Latino Inclusion and Humanitarian Impact
ORLANDO, Fla. – Former Florida State Representative Daisy Morales, President and CEO of the Puerto Rican Heritage Network, expressed her sorrow at the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. In a heartfelt statement, Morales celebrated Carter’s unwavering dedication to justice, human dignity, and inclusion, highlighting his historic contributions to the Hispanic community.
“We are profoundly heartbroken by the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter,” said Morales. “He was a transformative leader whose steadfast commitment to justice, human dignity, and compassion reshaped the moral fabric of our nation. President Carter’s unwavering principles defined his legacy—integrity, decency, and humility guided every moment of his extraordinary public service. His bold vision and relentless pursuit of equality and human rights will forever inspire generations to build a more just and compassionate world.”
Carter’s legacy as a champion of Hispanic inclusion was particularly noteworthy. During his presidency, he appointed a significant number of Latinos to key positions in his administration, a groundbreaking move at the time:
- Graciela Olivarez: Director of the Community Services Administration and the highest-ranking Hispanic woman in the Carter administration.
- Arabella Martinez: Headed the Office of Human Development Services within the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.
- Alex Mercure: Served in the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- Esteban Torres: U.S. Representative to UNESCO and later head of the first White House Office of Hispanic Affairs.
Carter also solidified his commitment to the Hispanic community through Proclamation 4516 in 1977, officially designating National Hispanic Heritage Week. This act reinforced the nation’s recognition of Hispanic contributions and heritage.
Morales further stated:
“President Carter’s legacy is one of inclusion, compassion, and humanity. His groundbreaking work for the Hispanic community and his tireless efforts to uplift others inspire us to continue the work of equity and justice. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the countless individuals touched by his leadership.”
Key Takeaways
- Jimmy Carter was a champion of justice, integrity, and human dignity.
- His administration set historic milestones in Hispanic representation.
- Appointed Graciela Olivarez, the highest-ranking Hispanic woman in his administration.
- Created the first-ever White House Office of Hispanic Affairs under Esteban Torres.
- Issued Proclamation 4516 in 1977, establishing National Hispanic Heritage Week.
- Carter’s post-presidential humanitarian efforts remain iconic.
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