Florida
Honoring the Legacy of Senator Geraldine Thompson: A Champion of Voting Rights, Education, and African American History
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – On Thursday, February 13, 2025, Florida lost one of its most formidable political figures, State Senator Geraldine Thompson, who passed away at the age of 76 following complications from knee replacement surgery. A trailblazer and fierce advocate for African American history and civil rights, Senator Thompson’s impact stretched far beyond the legislative halls and her work as an educator. She dedicated her life to uplifting marginalized communities, preserving African American culture, and educating Floridians through her tireless advocacy, legislative work, and creative projects.
Her passing marks the end of an era for Orlando-area politics, but her legacy continues to inspire and guide future generations of leaders and activists. As U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Orlando) said in a statement, “Senator Geraldine Thompson was a force—a trailblazer, a historian, a fierce advocate, and a devoted mother and grandmother who worked every day to uplift all Floridians, ensuring that no one was left behind.”
Preserving African American History: The Wells’ Built Museum
Beyond her political career, Senator Thompson was deeply committed to preserving the history and legacy of African Americans in Central Florida. She founded the Wells’ Built Museum of African American History and Culture in Parramore, a vital institution that houses stories, artifacts, and memorabilia from the Civil Rights movement, as well as a rich collection of African art. Through this museum, Thompson ensured that the voices of local African Americans who fought for civil rights in the region would never be forgotten.
The Wells’ Built Museum is more than just a space to store historical items; it serves as a living testament to the resilience and courage of those who stood for justice, equality, and the right to vote. Senator Thompson’s work in preserving African American history was deeply intertwined with her advocacy for voting rights, as she understood the critical role that informed, engaged citizens play in shaping society. Her efforts to educate the public about the sacrifices made for voting equality helped to inspire action and create a more informed electorate.
A Vote: A Voice – Educating Through Performance
One of the most significant aspects of Senator Thompson’s legacy was her ability to use the arts to educate and inspire. In 2015, she wrote and performed in A Vote: A Voice, a powerful play that brought the voices of local African Americans who fought for civil rights in Central Florida to life. The play was performed at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, where it captivated audiences and sparked important conversations about the history of voting rights and the ongoing fight for equality.
A Vote: A Voice was not just a play; it was a vital tool for education, designed to inform the public about the struggles faced by African Americans in Florida and the broader American South. Through the performance, Senator Thompson used the stage to highlight the pivotal moments of resistance and activism that shaped Florida’s history. The play allowed audiences to step into the past and witness firsthand the challenges faced by those who fought for the right to vote, while also underscoring the continued need for vigilance in protecting those rights today.
The play was a testament to Senator Thompson’s belief in the power of storytelling and the arts as vehicles for social change. By combining history with performance, she ensured that the voices of the Civil Rights movement were not lost to time, but instead lived on to inspire new generations to engage in the democratic process and fight for justice.
A Champion for Voting Rights and Equality
Throughout her political career, Senator Thompson was a steadfast advocate for voting rights, particularly for marginalized communities. She fought tirelessly to protect and expand access to the ballot for all Floridians, especially those who had historically been disenfranchised. Her work focused on ensuring that everyone, regardless of race or socioeconomic status, had the opportunity to participate fully in the democratic process.
Her advocacy for voting rights took on even greater significance in the wake of the 2000 Florida recount and the subsequent struggles for electoral justice. Senator Thompson was a key figure in legislative efforts to ensure that voter suppression tactics were combated and that every vote counted. She understood that voting was not just a right, but a vital tool for achieving equality and justice. Her political work, however, was not confined to legislation alone. Through her art, her writing, and her public speaking, she was able to reach and educate communities on the importance of protecting their right to vote.
A Lasting Legacy
Senator Thompson’s legacy will continue to shape Florida’s political, cultural, and educational landscapes for years to come. Her contributions to preserving African American history, advocating for voting rights, and using the arts to educate the public are only part of her remarkable legacy. Her work as a legislator, a historian, and an artist serves as a model for future generations of leaders who believe in the power of civic engagement and the transformative potential of storytelling.
Her work, particularly in creating A Vote: A Voice, serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the history of those who fought for civil rights, and the need to continue that fight today. The themes explored in her play are as relevant now as they were when she first wrote them, reminding us that the struggle for equality and justice is ongoing.
While Senator Geraldine Thompson is no longer with us, her influence will continue to resonate through the institutions she built, the stories she preserved, and the education she provided. Her work has left an indelible mark on the history of Florida, and her example will continue to inspire future leaders, activists, and educators to stand up for justice, protect voting rights, and honor the contributions of African Americans to the state and the nation.
Photo by Florida National News / Harry Cartiblanco
Remembering a Trailblazer
As we reflect on the life and work of Senator Geraldine Thompson, we celebrate a woman who not only made history, but who also ensured that future generations would have the knowledge and tools to build a better, more inclusive future. Her legacy is one of service, advocacy, and an unwavering belief in the power of education, both on stage and in the political arena.
Her life reminds us that every vote matters, every voice counts, and every individual can make a difference. Rest in peace, Senator Geraldine Thompson. Your contributions to Florida, the fight for voting rights, and the education of future generations will never be forgotten.
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Florida
DeSantis’ New Florida Congressional Map Could Spark Lawsuits, Legislative Showdown, and Statewide Protests
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled a proposed congressional redistricting map that could significantly reshape Florida’s representation in the U.S. House ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The proposal, released Monday, outlines districts that could favor Republicans in 24 seats, compared to four Democratic-leaning districts. Currently, Florida’s congressional delegation includes 20 Republicans and seven Democrats, with one vacant seat.
REDISTRICTING PROPOSAL & POLITICAL IMPACT
The governor said the new map reflects Florida’s population changes and fulfills his commitment to mid-decade redistricting. Lawmakers have been called into a special legislative session to consider the proposal.
The map appears to eliminate four Democratic-held seats, including a Tampa-area district represented by U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, an Osceola County district held by U.S. Rep. Darren Soto—the first Puerto Rican elected to Congress from Florida—and a Palm Beach-Broward district that could displace U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz.
The proposal also affects a majority-Black voting district spanning Palm Beach and Broward counties, previously represented by former U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, raising concerns about the future of minority representation.
Supporters, including Evan Power, say the map could better align districts with voter distribution. Critics, including Nikki Fried, have called the proposal unconstitutional gerrymandering. Florida law prohibits partisan gerrymandering, setting up potential legal challenges.
Rep. Tray McCurdy, D-Orlando and Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville sit on the Florida Seal in protest as debate stops on Senate Bill 2-C: Establishing the Congressional Districts of the State in the House of Representatives Thursday, April 21, 2022 at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla. Rep. Daisy Morales, D-Orlando, joins the protest, holding a sign. The session was halted on the protest. (AP Photo/Phil Sears)
LOOKING BACK: 2022 PROTESTS OVER REDISTRICTING
The current debate mirrors tensions from 2022, when Democratic lawmakers staged a sit-in protest on the Florida House floor in opposition to a previous congressional map backed by DeSantis.
Lawmakers including Yvonne Hinson, Angie Nixon, Travaris McCurdy, Felicia Robinson, and Daisy Morales participated in the protest, temporarily halting legislative proceedings.
Morales, a member of the Congressional Redistricting Subcommittee and the only Hispanic lawmaker involved in the sit-in, strongly criticized the map at the time.
“Our democracy is being attacked. The governor eliminating two Black congressional seats is a power grab and it’s wrong,” Morales said in a written statement. “Stripping seats from Black representation is the same as saying the Black voice—the Black vote—doesn’t matter.”
She also warned about potential impacts on Hispanic representation:
“With this map passing, I’m deeply concerned it could target the only Puerto Rican representing Florida in Congress, Darren Soto, to benefit partisan interests. We don’t want to disenfranchise the 1.2 million Puerto Ricans in Florida.”
WHAT COMES NEXT IN 2026
As lawmakers prepare to debate the new proposal, Democrats are expected to push back through legal challenges, legislative opposition, and public advocacy.
The outcome of Florida’s redistricting battle could play a pivotal role in shaping control of the U.S. House and influence the national political landscape heading into the 2026 midterm elections.
Entertainment
160+ Bands, 5 Stages: Welcome To Rockville Returns to Daytona International Speedway May 7–10 with Expanded Fan Experience
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (FNN) — Music set times have been released for the 15th anniversary of Welcome To Rockville, Florida’s largest rock, metal and punk festival, set for May 7–10, 2026 at Daytona International Speedway.
Produced by Danny Wimmer Presents, the four-day event will feature more than 160 bands performing across five stages, marking the festival’s largest lineup to date.
HEADLINERS AND DAILY LINEUP
This year’s festival will be headlined by Foo Fighters, My Chemical Romance, Guns N’ Roses and Bring Me The Horizon.
- Thursday, May 7: Guns N’ Roses, Five Finger Death Punch, Godsmack, Staind
- Friday, May 8: Foo Fighters, Turnstile, The Offspring, Parkway Drive
- Saturday, May 9: Bring Me The Horizon, Breaking Benjamin, Motionless in White, Lamb of God
- Sunday, May 10: My Chemical Romance, A Day To Remember, Rise Against, Yellowcard
FESTIVAL EXPANSION AND NEW FEATURES
Organizers announced several enhancements for 2026 aimed at improving the fan experience. A new “Pit Stop” fan zone near the Apex Stage will feature artist interviews, special performances and interactive experiences.
In addition, the Garage Stage will be fully tented for the first time, offering expanded shade coverage and upgraded production for attendees.
SPECIAL EVENTS AND EXPERIENCES
Festivalgoers can kick off the week with a pre-party on May 6 featuring performances by Fuel, Local H and others.
A new crossover event, “Blood4Blood,” will also take place at the Ocean Center, combining live music with bare-knuckle fighting, including a headline bout featuring Alex Terrible of Slaughter to Prevail.
TICKETS, ACCESS AND ATTENDANCE
Festival gates will open daily at 11:30 a.m. Organizers are offering a range of ticket options, including single-day, weekend, VIP and camping packages. A new Camp to Coast shuttle will provide transportation between the speedway and nearby beaches.
With expanded attractions, including rides, themed bars and interactive zones, Welcome To Rockville 2026 is expected to draw tens of thousands of fans to Daytona Beach, reinforcing its role as a major driver of Florida’s tourism and live entertainment economy.
