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Florida Senators Book, Thompson, Jones, Osgood, Powell React to New Black History Standards

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Tallahassee, Fla. – This week, the Florida Board of Education approved new Black history standards that will now include instruction on “how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit.”

Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book (D-Davie) – ‘These new African-American history standards approved by the Board of Education unacceptably skew the darkest points of the history of our nation and state — forcing schools to misinform students about horrific realities of slavery. What’s next? Suggesting some Jews benefitted from the Holocaust by learning perseverance from their trauma? We cannot spin these atrocities and must instead name them for what they are: black spots in history which we must learn from and must never repeat.

    This implementation of the misguided so-called ‘Stop WOKE Act’ runs at odds with actual history. I was proud to stand with my colleagues in the Black Caucus to sponsor a bill ensuring the truth about the Ocoee massacre is taught in Florida schools — but this new rule denies those victims of segregation and racism in the Jim Crow South any justice or recognition. We have unacceptably taken several steps back in history.’

    Senator Geraldine Thompson (D-Orlando) offered her own testimony during the Board of Education’s public comment at the meeting, saying, “If I were still a professor…I would give this a grade of ‘I’ for ‘Incomplete’. It recognizes that we have made an effort, we have taken a step, however, this history needs to be comprehensive, it needs to be authentic, and it needs additional work.

    In 2020 the Legislature passed a bill championed by former Senator Randolph Bracy, Leader Book and Senator Geraldine Thompson to begin the process to add the Ocoee Election Day massacre to Florida’s K-12 education curriculum. On the impact of these new standards to the teaching of the Ocoee Massacre, Thompson said, “When you look at the history currently it suggests that the [Ocoee] massacre was sparked by violence from African Americans. That’s blaming the victim, when in fact it was other individuals who came into the Black Community and killed individuals, and burned homes, schools, lodges, etc. So we want to tell the whole story.”

    After releasing a statement on the Florida Department of Education “whitewashing African American history and chipping away at LGBTQ+ youth safety in schools”, Senator Shevrin Jones (D-Miami Gardens) was featured on MSNBC’s Katy Tur Reports, saying, “The Florida Department of Education has set our state back years with the passage of these new education guidelines…Slavery was NOT a benefit to the enslaved. If we want to teach accurate African-American studies, don’t start our history at slavery. Talk about the land we were taken from – where we were kings and queens and owned land. I was a teacher for nearly a decade and I can tell you, teachers are not indoctrinating students. Teachers are teaching what the truth is, which we should be teaching children when they come into the classroom. That’s not ‘woke-ism’. That’s called history and that’s called facts.”

    Other responses by members of the Senate Democratic Caucus include an appearance by Senator Rosalind Osgood (D-Tamarac) on CBS News Miami to share her thoughts on what Black history education in Florida should include and Senator Bobby Powell (D-West Palm Beach) joining elected officials in a town hall this weekend in Haverhill to discuss, in part, the new education standards.

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    Florida

    Rick Scott Wins Second Senate Term, Eyes Leadership Role as Potential Senate Majority Leader

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    BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. (FNN) – Senator Rick Scott celebrated a resounding victory on Election Night over former Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, securing his second term in the U.S. Senate with a decisive near 13-point lead. Hundreds of supporters joined Scott at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort in Bonita Springs, where he laid out a vision not just for Florida but for the nation, hinting at his aspirations for a major leadership role in the Senate.

    “We have a great Republican Party all across this country,” he stated. “We need a Republican Party in DC. We need problems solved. Florida is the center of the Republican Party of this country.”

    Key Highlights and Statements:

    • Strong Florida Win Marks Path to Senate Leadership: Senator Scott’s victory reinforced his commitment to addressing issues critical to Floridians, including inflation, border security, and crime prevention. The commanding margin this year stands in stark contrast to his razor-thin win in 2018, when he won by a mere 10,000 votes.
    • Push for Senate Majority Leadership: Following the GOP’s Senate majority win, Scott announced his ambition to challenge Sen. Mitch McConnell for the Senate Majority Leader position. A vote is scheduled for next week, and Scott expressed his eagerness to lead the party on a national level.
    • Comment on Florida’s Republican Influence: Scott emphasized Florida’s growing role as a Republican stronghold and the state’s potential to drive the national agenda. “Florida is now the center of the Republican Party, and should be representing the nation,” he said confidently.
    • Election Night Victory Speech: Coming out to celebrate just two hours after polls closed, Scott vowed to continue his commitment to his constituents, stressing, “We will tackle the challenges our nation faces head-on – from making life more affordable to securing our borders and keeping our communities safe.”

     

     

    Impact of Scott’s Win:

    • Reinforces Florida’s influence within the Republican Party.
    • Potentially reshapes GOP leadership dynamics in Washington.
    • Highlights Scott’s rising prominence as a GOP figure on issues impacting voters nationwide.

    With a successful Senate reelection and a powerful endorsement from Florida Republicans, Scott’s path to Senate leadership could shape the national conversation on the economy, immigration, and public safety.

    __________________________________________________
    J Willie David, III contributed to this report.
    news@FloridaNationalNews.com

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    Florida

    Debbie Mucarsel-Powell Concedes Florida U.S. Senate Race, Vows to Continue Fighting for Floridians

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    MIAMI, Fla. (FNN) – Former U.S. Representative Debbie Mucarsel-Powell issued a heartfelt statement following her unsuccessful bid to unseat incumbent Senator Rick Scott in Florida’s U.S. Senate race. Though the outcome wasn’t in her favor, Mucarsel-Powell expressed deep gratitude to her supporters and made clear her commitment to continue advocating for the people of Florida.


    “The results tonight were not what we had hoped for.”
    Mucarsel-Powell opened her statement by acknowledging the loss but underscored her gratitude to the team and family who supported her throughout the campaign. “To anyone who thinks this Latina is giving up on Florida, you haven’t been paying attention.” She affirmed that, despite the setback, her dedication to fighting for Florida’s future remains unshaken.

     

    Key Takeaways:

    • Loss Due to Strong GOP Base: Despite significant support, Mucarsel-Powell faced challenges in a predominantly conservative state with a powerful GOP turnout. Senator Scott’s established voter base and recognition contributed to the result.
    • Massive Volunteer Effort Recognized: Mucarsel-Powell expressed profound appreciation for the thousands of volunteers who canvassed, called, texted, and staffed polling sites across Florida.
    • Focus on Future Efforts: While the Senate race did not yield the result she hoped for, Mucarsel-Powell emphasized that “our fight is just getting started.” She highlighted her commitment to tackling key issues for Floridians, including fair wages, affordable healthcare, and comprehensive immigration reform.

      “I want to thank my family who have always been my biggest supporters, and who I couldn’t have done this without.” “Today, millions of Floridians came out to say no más to Rick Scott.”

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    J Willie David, III contributed to this report.
    news@FloridaNationalNews.com

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    Florida

    The Home Depot Opens New Store in Florida, Commits $3 Million for Hurricanes Helene & Milton Relief Efforts

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    Source: The Home Depot Opens New Store in Rockledge, Florida, October 17, 2024

    ROCKLEDGE, Fla. (FNN) – The Home Depot is set to open a brand-new store in Rockledge, Florida on Thursday, October 17, located at 2075 Viera Blvd. This new location is hiring and plans to bring 155 local jobs to the area.

    Source: The Home Depot

    Key Details:

    • Store Size:
      • 107,000 square-foot indoor space
      • 28,000 square-foot outdoor garden center
    • Special Features:
      • Tool rental center
      • Appliance showroom with event space
      • Expanded self-checkout options
    • Grand Opening: October 17, with food trucks, prizes, and giveaways for the local community and media.

    Why It Matters:

    The Home Depot’s new store is more than just a retailer—it will support local job creation and the growth of professional businesses in the area. Notably, The Home Depot Foundation has committed $3 million to support immediate disaster relief in communities impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

    “Each job at The Home Depot supports more than four additional jobs across the U.S., which is more than twice the retail average,” noted a company spokesperson. This store will play a critical role in strengthening the local economy and providing essential services to the community.

    Job Opportunities:

    Jobseekers are encouraged to apply online at careers.homedepot.com, with The Home Depot as an equal opportunity employer.

    __________________________________
    J Willie David, III contributed to this report.
    news@FloridaNationalNews.com

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