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Florida’s Jewish Legislative Caucus on Antisemitic Attacks in Broward County

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Florida’s Jewish Lawmakers Show United Front Over Israel’s Right to Defend Itself
Area Representatives Randy Fine and Jennifer "Rita" Harris are members of the Florida Legislative Jewish Caucus

DAVIE, Fla. – In response to recent events effecting the Jewish community of South Florida, Chair of Florida’s Jewish Legislative Caucus, Representative Michael Gottlieb (D- Davie) issued the following statement:

“The South Florida Jewish community is once again the victim of deliberate and cowardly attacks. In recent days, an arsonist set fire to a vehicle at the Las Olas Chabad in Fort Lauderdale, and a violent protest erupted at the Jewish Community Center in Davie. We are deeply saddened and angered by these attacks.

These are just a few of the many examples of the rampant antisemitism that Jews face daily. This is why the Jewish caucus remains vigilant in helping to pass legislation defining antisemitism and creating criminal penalties for antisemitic and racist activities. We condemn this and all hate crimes and remain committed to fighting for Jews in the diaspora to be able to live and worship freely.”

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The Florida Legislative Jewish Caucus

Representative Michael Gottlieb, Chair

Senators

  • Senator Lori Berman
  • Senator Lauren Book
  • Senator Tina Polsky

Representatives

  • Representative Hillary Cassel
  • Representative Randy Fine
  • Representative Peggy Gossett-Seidman
  • Representative Rita Harris
  • Representative David Silvers
  • Representative Kelly Skidmore
  • Representative Allison Tant

Politics

Darren Soto Secures Fifth Term as Florida’s First Puerto Rican Congressman, Defeats GOP Challenger Thomas Chalifoux

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File - Florida Congressman Darren Soto. Photo By Willie David/Florida National News

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) – Democratic Rep. Darren Soto has once again been reelected to represent Florida’s 9th Congressional District, marking his fifth term in the U.S. House.

“It’s an honor to continue representing our community and fighting for issues that matter to Floridians, from affordable healthcare to protecting our environment,” said Congressman Soto.

Key Takeaways:

  • Historic Win for Puerto Rican Representation: Soto, the first Puerto Rican elected to Congress from Florida, has maintained strong support within his predominantly Hispanic and Democratic district, which stretches from eastern Orlando to Kissimmee.
  • Defeated GOP Challenger with Heavy Funding: Soto overcame Republican challenger Thomas Chalifoux, a former Osceola School Board member backed by the National Republican Congressional Committee. Chalifoux heavily self-funded his campaign, spending nearly $1.5 million by October 16 and loaning $2.5 million to his campaign.
  • Background and Experience: Prior to Congress, Soto served as a Florida State Representative and Senator, strengthening his ties to local issues that resonate with his diverse constituency.
  • Additional Opponent: Independent Marcus Carter also ran in the race, though Soto’s name recognition and district familiarity proved crucial to his success.

Impact of Soto’s Victory:

  • Reinforces the growing influence of Puerto Rican leaders in Florida.
  • Demonstrates the district’s continued preference for Democratic representation.
  • Sets the stage for Soto’s ongoing advocacy on issues impacting Florida’s Hispanic communities.

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

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Politics

Paula Stark Defeats Puerto Rican Challenger Maria Revelles in HD 47 Race

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Republican incumbent Paula Stark secured a win in Florida’s House District 47, defeating Democratic challenger and union leader Maria Revelles with 50.86% of the vote, even as Stark faced financial controversies and a tough registration disadvantage.

Key Takeaways:

  • Stark’s victory margin expanded from her narrow 2022 win, showing a strengthened Republican foothold in HD 47, despite Democratic voter registration dominance in the district.
  • Revelles’ campaign drew significant support from Puerto Rican and Latino communities, who rallied around her message of restoring “honest representation” and reversing Stark’s “divisive” agenda.
  • Financial controversies haunted Stark’s campaign, including fines and incomplete filings from her campaign finance committee. Stark’s committee was fined over $11,000, and her campaign account faced suspension for delayed reporting.
  • Revelles’ campaign attacked Stark’s integrity and representation, criticizing her “fiscal mismanagement” and alleging stereotyping in negative ads. “Stark’s relentless pursuit of a personal agenda has kept her from serving our community with integrity,” Revelles stated.
  • Stark highlighted her legislative achievements in response, noting her successful bills and $7 million in appropriations for HD 47. “It’s been an honor to be a voice for our community,” Stark said, emphasizing her work on veterans’ services, mental health, and disability advocacy.

Impact:

This race signals challenges for Puerto Rican candidates in gaining Latino state house seats against established incumbents, despite mobilization efforts and demographic advantages. Republican victories in Latino districts reveal a shifting political landscape, where historical voter registration edges no longer guarantee wins.

 

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Senator Stewart Criticizes New Law on Public Camping, Warns of Negative Impact on Local Governments and Unhoused Persons

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Senator Linda Stewart (D-Orlando) voiced serious concerns over the implementation of a new mandate prohibiting public camping or sleeping on public property, which went into effect today. The law, which was enacted as part of HB 1365, gives counties and municipalities limited authority to designate public property for such purposes under strict conditions.

“I am worried about the real-world effects and application of this new law. I voted in opposition to HB 1365 as it is dehumanizing and only punishes those who are unhoused,” said Stewart. “There is nothing in this law addressing the root causes of homelessness or our affordable housing crisis.”

Key Points:

  • The law requires counties and municipalities to certify designated public properties for camping or sleeping through the Department of Children and Families.
  • Designated areas must meet specific standards and cannot be used for longer than a year.
  • Senator Stewart highlights the burden placed on local governments, calling it a “poorly thought-out unfunded mandate” that shifts responsibility without addressing core issues like housing and services for unhoused persons.
  • The law also allows local residents or business owners to file civil suits against municipalities if anti-camping provisions are violated.

“Forcing counties to shoulder the full financial responsibility of reshuffling, and not actually assisting, our most at-need citizens to locations that are out of sight… is cruel and an irresponsible use of taxpayer money,” Stewart added. She emphasized the potential damage of housing unhoused individuals in makeshift encampments or jails, where they could receive criminal records that prevent them from securing jobs or housing.

“This new law will allow citizens to punish our county and municipalities through legal action should they find someone violating the no public sleeping statutes,” Stewart concluded.

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