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Governor Ron DeSantis Meets Florida’s Youngest Elected Official

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Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor and Board Vice Chair Nate Douglas (left) talks with Governor Ron DeSantis at the Governor's Mansion during the State of the State Dinner Reception Tuesday, March 2, 2021. Photo: State Representative Daisy Morales.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – Governor Ron DeSantis had an eventful Tuesday, not only delivering a controversial 2021 State of the State address in the Florida House of Representatives Chambers at the State Capitol, but also meeting Florida’s youngest elected official in the 2020 election, Supervisor Nate Douglas.

Supervisor Douglas beamed in his written statement to Florida National News about the experience. “The trip was great! There were a lot of lawmakers that I met in person for the first time, far too many to name, and they were all kind.”

Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor and Board Vice Chair Nate Douglas (center) poses for a photo with Florida Lawmakers at the State Capitol during the 2021 Legislative Session, Tuesday, March 2, 2021. Photo: State Representative Daisy Morales.

A Bridge to Tallahassee

The Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor and Board Vice Chair traveled to Tallahassee as State Representative Daisy Morales‘s special guest and witnessed the governor’s address. Rep. Morales, bridging the Orange Soil & Water Conservation District and the State Legislature, also introduced him to State Representatives Webster Barnaby (R-Volusia), Marie Paul Woodson (D-Broward), Dr. James Paul Bush III (D-Miami-Dade), Felicia Simone Robinson (D-Broward and Miami-Dade), Travaris McCurdy (D-Orlando), Fred Hawkins (R-Osceola and Polk), and Kristen Arrington (D-Osceola).

“I really learned a lot about the day of a Florida lawmaker and it was exciting,” said Douglas in his written statement. “Sitting through a committee also gave me a fresh perspective…it gave me great confidence that our legislature is working on great things. They looked like they were actually working together to get things done.”

Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor and Board Vice Chair Nate Douglas (left) talks with Governor Ron DeSantis at the Governor’s Mansion during the State of the State Dinner Reception Tuesday, March 2, 2021. Photo: State Representative Daisy Morales.

Meeting Governor DeSantis

Supervisor Douglas also joined Rep. Morales for the State of the State Dinner Reception at the Governor’s Mansion Tuesday evening, where he met Governor DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis. Supervisor Douglas got to speak with the governor one-on-one during Tuesday’s reception, even snapping photos with him. The two men, though differing in political ideologies, share a common concern for environmental conservation.

“We talked about young leadership and getting as many Floridians vaccinated as possible,” Douglas told Florida National News in a phone interview. “The Governor…had a lot of things to say. We spoke to the family as well. They were all very kind.”

“It was exciting to help Supervisor Douglas have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Rep. Morales told Florida National News. “Connecting one of Florida’s youngest elected governors with its youngest elected official from the 2020 election was an honor–and was quite a sight to behold.”

For Rep. Morales, who sits on the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee, the meeting was meant for more than just connecting history makers. “I wanted to be a voice for our state’s fifty-eight Soil & Water Conservation Districts and bring them to the governor’s attention,” said Morales. “And I want the districts to know they have a friend in Tallahassee.”

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Mellissa Thomas is Editor for Florida National News. | mellissa.thomas@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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