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Rep. Gallop Franklin: FEMA Tornado Recovery Aid is Available Now

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CONTACT

Ryan Banfill

District Aide

Office of Rep. Gallop Franklin

[email protected]

850-717-5008

Rep. Gallop Franklin: FEMA Tornado Recovery Aid is Available Now

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – State Representative Gallop Franklin (D-Tallahassee) today announced that President Joe Biden has declared a Major Disaster in North Florida as a result of May 10th severe weather and string of tornadoes that hit the area last month.

Representative Franklin expressed his gratitude to President Biden and his administration for acting to bring badly needed assistance to North Florida residents impacted by May 10th tornadoes.

“I am sincerely thankful to President Biden for answering our community’s call for help. FEMA recovery aid is available now to help people in our area get back on their feet following last month’s severe weather,” said Representative Franklin. “Since May 10th’s devastating tornadoes, many families in our community have been living in severely damaged homes with holes in their roofs. People have had little-to-no money to pay for repairs or to replace food lost when the electricity and have with holes in their roofs. Thankfully, help from FEMA has arrived.”

Representative Franklin said that beginning today, Individual Assistance and Public Assistance Programs are up and running to serve people recovering in our area.

Assistance is available to individuals and households in need of financial and direct services who have uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs. Individual Assistance is available in Leon County. Individuals can apply in multiple ways, including:

Through the Public Assistance Grant Program, FEMA provides supplemental federal disaster grant assistance to State, Territorial, Tribal, and Local governments, and certain types of private nonprofit organizations for the repair, replacement or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities. Public Assistance is available in Baker, Gadsden, Hamilton, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor, and Wakulla Counties.

For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from the May 2024 storms, visit FloridaDisaster.org/MayStorm and fema.gov/disaster/4794.

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Florida Democrats Launch Seniors For Biden-Harris in Gadsden County with Postcard Writing Blitz

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 18, 2024

Florida Democrats Launch Seniors For Biden-Harris in Gadsden County with Postcard Writing Blitz

Quincy – Yesterday, local senior Democrats, Representative Gallop Franklin, Commissioner Brenda Holt, and first Vice Chair of the Florida Democratic Party Judy Mount held a press conference and postcard writing voter engagement event to mark the launch of Seniors for Biden-Harris in Florida — a national organizing coalition to mobilize key communities around what’s at stake for American seniors in the 2024 election.

More than 50 area seniors attended the kick-off event and rolled up their sleeves to write over one hundred postcards to Florida voters. The speakers highlighted the contrast between the Biden-Harris administration’s work to protect American seniors — including reducing the cost of prescription drugs, capping the price of insulin at $35 for seniors and strengthening Social Security and Medicare — and Donald Trump’s plans to raise costs for seniors.

Trump recently said he’d cut Social Security and Medicare, floated cutting retirement benefits, would repeal President Biden’s caps on the price of prescription drugs, and wants to terminate the ACA, which would raise costs for Florida seniors. In Florida, over 4 million seniors rely on Medicare and Social Security for their health and financial security. Following Trump’s lead, recent state-level Republican initiatives have sought to weaken health care coverage and promote junk insurance plans, further endangering the wellbeing of Floridians.

For pictures of the event click here.

“Joe Biden has a proven record on issues important to seniors, like lowering the cost of health care and prescription drugs, and he continues to work to bring down costs and help ensure older folks can afford to stay in the homes where they built their lives. It’s amazing to see this launch of Seniors for Biden in Gadsden because he gets it — seniors are a powerhouse at the polls, and are crucial to winning Florida,” said Tallahassee area state Representative Gallop Franklin. “The choice before us is as clear as day: We either reelect President Joe Biden, who will fight for Florida’s seniors, or let Donald Trump wreak havoc on the benefits and health care that millions rely on.”

“President Joe Biden is out there battling Big Pharma, lowering health care costs for seniors. And what’s Trump doing? He’s cozying up to his ultra-wealthy buddies, as usual. In Trump’s America, corporations win while seniors and their families lose. His plans would leave millions of seniors with fewer benefits and higher barriers to the care they need. We can’t let that happen. As a Black woman, I have serious concerns about what another Trump term means for me, my community, and our seniors,” added Gadsden County Commissioner Brenda Holt.

“This year, we have the choice: President Biden, who has proven he’s willing to fight for us, and delivers results, or Donald Trump, the dangerous, reckless man who wants to attack the programs seniors depend on to survive. Florida seniors could lose what they’ve fought their whole lives to build, and we simply cannot let that happen. We cannot afford another term for Donald Trump,” said Judy Mount, first vice chair of the Florida Democratic Party.

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Paid for by Biden for President

Representative Susan Valdés Opens Doors for Puerto Rican Citizens to Access Vital Documents in the Tampa Bay Area

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June 17, 2024

 

CONTACT

Sarah Foster

District Aide to Representative Susan L. Valdés

[email protected]

(813) 673-4673

Representative Susan Valdés Opens Doors for Puerto Rican Citizens to Access Vital Documents in the Tampa Bay Area

 

TAMPA, Fla. – Representative Susan L. Valdés (D- Tampa) is continuing an initiative aimed at easing access to essential government documents for Puerto Rican citizens residing in the Tampa Bay area. On June 24th, Representative Valdés will host the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA) at her district office, continuing a temporary setup to provide constituent services to the Puerto Rican community in Tampa.

This marks the sixth event of a concerted effort between Representative Valdés and PRFAA. The PRFAA temporary office will offer assistance in obtaining vital documents, including birth, marriage, death, and Administration for Child Support (ASUME) certificates, as well as drivers records, and apostille services, streamlining the process for those in need. The Government of Puerto Rico invalidated all Puerto Rican birth certificates issued prior to July 1, 2010, and is replacing them with more secure versions.

Building on PRFAA’s commitment to serving Puerto Ricans across the United States, this collaboration echoes the recent establishment of their full-time office in Kissimmee, Florida. The initiative represents a significant step in extending these vital services to the Tampa Bay area.

The event is scheduled to be held at Representative Valdés‘ district office, located at 2221 N Himes Ave, Suite B, Tampa, FL 33607, on June 24th, 2024, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. for placing orders. The orders will be processed and the official documents will be ready for pick up on June 28th. For more information regarding the services offered and to book an appointment please go the PRFAA’s website: https://prfaafl.simplybook.me/v2/ or by calling the district office at 813-673-4673.

 

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Team Biden-Harris Takes Aim at Convicted Felon Donald Trump as Part of $50M June Ad Campaign

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2024

Team Biden-Harris Takes Aim at Convicted Felon Donald Trump as Part of $50M June Ad Campaign

Ahead of June Debate, “Character Matters” Highlights Central Dynamic of the Race: Joe Biden Fighting for the American People, While Trump Only Cares About Himself

Broader $50 Million Campaign for the Month of June Includes Historic Investments into African American, Hispanic, and AAPI Media

Today, Team Biden-Harris is announcing a historic $50 million paid media campaign targeting voters in battleground states for the month of June alone, as part of its aggressive and comprehensive efforts to engage and activate the voters who will decide this election. The campaign includes historic, seven-figure investments into reaching Black, Latino, and AANHPI voters – the largest investments to date.

Just over a week before the first presidential debate, the campaign is releasing a new ad that lays out the choice Americans will see on the debate stage on June 27 between President Biden, who is fighting for the American people every day, and convicted felon Donald Trump who is fighting for himself.

“Character Matters,” reminds voters who Donald Trump is: a criminal convicted on 34 felony counts and found liable for sexual assault and financial fraud. The ad makes clear that Trump’s status as a convicted felon isn’t just a label – it’s a reflection of a spiraling and unhinged man who will do anything for power, revenge, and retribution. “Character Matters” draws a sharp and startling contrast to President Biden who is focused on improving the lives of hardworking Americans, lowering costs, and taking on corporate greed, forcing big corporations to pay their fair share.

As a part of the June $50 million paid media campaign, “Character Matters” will run on general market television and Connected TV in all battleground states and on national cable.

“Trump approaches the first debate as a convicted felon who continues to prove that he will do anything and harm anyone if it means more power and vengeance for Donald Trump,” said Biden-Harris 2024 Communications Director Michael Tyler. “That’s why he was convicted, that’s why he encouraged a violent mob to storm the Capitol on January 6, and it’s why his entire campaign is an exercise in revenge and retribution; because that man is blind to the people a president should be serving and will do absolutely anything for his own personal gain and for his own power.

“Character matters, and the President of the United States should be someone who understands that the highest office in the land is about you and your family – not a vehicle to enrich yourself. That is the ethos Joe Biden puts into the job every day: to fight for safer communities, for the middle class, and to ensure that corporations are paying their fair share. It’s a stark contrast, and it’s one that matters deeply to the American people. And it’s why we will make sure that every single day we are reminding voters about how Joe Biden is fighting for them, while Donald Trump runs a campaign focused on one man and one man only: himself.”

The Road to Atlanta

The launch of this ad campaign comes alongside Team Biden-Harris’ aggressive efforts to lay out the stakes to voters ahead of the Atlanta debate. Throughout June, the campaign has focused its efforts on the issues that Donald Trump has to answer for: his extreme agenda of ripping away Americans’ freedoms, undermining American democracy, and selling out the middle class. Throughout this month, we’ve taken that message to the voters that will decide this election:

  • Biden-Harris 2024 launched an organizing push around the two-year Dobbs decision anniversary to mobilize volunteers and to communicate to battleground voters about all that’s at stake in this election for reproductive freedom. Through battleground events, mobilizing storytellers that have been impacted by Trump’s cruel abortion bans, and an aggressive paid media campaign, the Biden-Harris campaign is reminding voters that Trump is the architect of the decision that overturned Roe v. Wade.
  • Led by Dr. Jill Biden, Team Biden-Harris has mobilized and energized seniors across the country in the fight for lower health care costs, lower drug costs, and highlighting Trump’s plans to cut Social Security and Medicare. Doug Emhoff has also traveled, and across every battleground, events from bingo to pickleball have brought the stakes of this election to seniors.
  • The brave officers who defended the Capitol on January 6 and risked death – all because of a violent mob inspired by Donald Trump – have been traveling to battleground states this month with a simple message: our democracy cannot afford Donald Trump.

June’s historic paid media campaign also continues Team Biden-Harris’ aggressive efforts to reach voters of color – the backbone of the Biden-Harris coalition. The investments announced today into Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI), Latino, and African American media are the largest to date for the campaign. These ads will also be placed in critical channels across television, radio, print, and online and focus on the issues that matter most to these communities. For example:

  • “Protect” and Thrive,” focus on the importance of the Affordable Care Act for AANHPI voters.
  • “No One,” featuring both English and Spanish, emphasizes President Biden’s relentless fight to lower costs and fight corporate greed – even when he’s going up against a billionaire like Donald Trump.
  • And on the heels of an eight-figure investment in outreach to Black voters with the launch of Black Voters for Biden-Harris, Team Biden-Harris also launched “Promises Kept,” a radio ad underscoring the promises made and kept by President Biden and Vice President Harris for Black communities.

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Paid for by Biden for President

Florida Democrats Condemn Convicted Felon’s Remarks About Venezuelans

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 10, 2024

CONTACT:

[email protected]

FLORIDA DEMOCRATS SLAM CONVICTED FELON’S COMMENTS ABOUT VENEZUELANS 

Tallahassee, FL — In his most recent attack against immigrants, Republican presidential candidate and convicted felon Donald Trump called Venezuelans “criminals”. In response, the Florida Democratic Party issued the a joint statement with Venezuelan-American advocate Adelys Ferro:

WATCH: Donald Trump calls Venezuelans ‘criminals’

 

“Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric towards Hispanics is dehumanizing and disgusting,” said FDP Chair Nikki Fried. “The man who was just convicted on 34 counts had the nerve to call an entire population of people “criminals.” The irony is not lost on us. While he doubles down on his racist attacks, Florida Democrats will always stand up for the Venezuelan community and every Latino community in Florida. Venezuelans came to this country fleeing from a dictatorship in search of better opportunities for themselves and their families, and the only party that will protect them is the Democratic Party.”

“Donald Trump’s comments calling all Venezuelans “criminals” hurts us, but it is not surprising, said Adelys Ferro, Venezuelan-American advocate. “The vast majority of Venezuelans are hardworking, decent people who came here to seek new opportunities, peace and freedom. Donald Trump has a long history of exploiting Latino voters for his personal gains, making fake promises and pretending to support our fight for democracy. But he’s a liar and a bigot. In 2024, he has shown his true colors and we will not forget it.”

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Florida Democrats Launch Hurricane Season Campaign

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FLORIDA DEMOCRATS LAUNCH HURRICANE SEASON CAMPAIGN 

 

FDP blasts Florida Republicans failure to address property insurance crisis as hurricane season begins 

 

Tallahassee, FL — Today, the Florida Democratic Party launched billboards in Tallahassee, Ft. Myers, Tampa and Palm Beach blasting Florida Republicans for failing to address the property insurance crisis as hurricane season begins.

“We’ve already seen extreme weather with unprecedented storms in Tallahassee and dangerous heat in Miami, recording its hottest May in history. But don’t forget to knock on wood — that’s the Republican plan for hurricane season. Floridians deserve better,” said FDP Chair Nikki Fried. “We are one bad hurricane away from bankrupting the state and it’s Floridians who will be on the hook to bail us out. A category 4 or 5 hurricane will wipe out Citizens funds and trigger the hurricane tax”.

At the end of last month, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation — the state-run property insurer reported that the company currently holds nearly 1.2 million policies and has a total exposure of more than 523.5 billion dollars.

Florida law gives the state the power to pass on a surcharge to Citizens customers known as “the hurricane tax” and all policyholders in the state of Florida.

Earlier this year, Rep. Hillary Cassel and Rep. Spencer Roach introduced a bipartisan bill, which would transform Citizens and provide almost immediate relief. As hurricane season begins, Florida Democrats are sounding the alarm on the worsening property insurance crisis and calling for solutions that stabilize the market, cap premiums and hold insurers accountable.

Find the billboard locations below:

Tallahassee: E/S Magnolia N/O Mahan Dr. F/SW

Ft. Myers: Cleveland N/O Linhart ES/SB

Tampa: I-275 SS 50ft W/O Grady Av F/E – 1

Palm Beach: I-95 ES 0.75mi N/O Boynton Beach Blvd

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Florida Democrats Outraged at Supreme Court Decision Upholding Suspension of State Attorney Monique Worrell

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 6, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT

[email protected]

 

FLORIDA DEMOCRATS OUTRAGED AT FLORIDA SUPREME COURT DECISION UPHOLDING SUSPENSION OF STATE ATTORNEY MONIQUE WORRELL

 

FDP Chair Nikki Fried calls the Republican Party “the party of crime and chaos”

Tallahassee, FL — Today, the Florida Supreme Court upheld the suspension of State Attorney Monique Worrell. In response, the Florida Democratic Party has issued the following statement:

“The Florida Supreme Court just upheld a baseless political hit job, and every Floridian should be outraged, “said FDP Chair Nikki Fried. “While a convicted felon is running for President with the full support of the Republican Party, Ron just got away with a totally unfounded attack on Monique Worrell, a duly-elected public official. Republicans have completely dropped the act — they’re the party of crime and chaos now, and democracy is threatened more and more every day.

“State Attorney Worrell showed up to work every day, ready to represent The People to the best of her ability, and her removal without cause was an unconstitutional abuse of power. I have every confidence that the people of Orange and Osceola counties will send her straight back to work in the November elections.”

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First Lady Casey DeSantis Unveils Hope Florida Resources for Law Enforcement 

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For Immediate Release: June 5, 2024
Contact: Governor’s Press Office, (850) 717-9282, [email protected]

First Lady Casey DeSantis Unveils Hope Florida Resources for Law Enforcement 

Florida law enforcement will be able to offer help and hope to Floridians through Hope Florida.

Hope Card 1 Hope Card 2

Click here to view additional Hope Florida resources.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, First Lady Casey DeSantis hosted a meeting with over 100 sheriffs, police chiefs, and other law enforcement officials from across the state to highlight new resources for officers to utilize to direct individuals to Hope Florida. This summer, law enforcement agencies, departments, and offices will also receive personnel training on connecting those in need with a Hope Florida Navigator through the Hope Line.

“Florida law enforcement work tirelessly to protect Floridians,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “Today, we are equipping them with resources to do even more good by referring those in need to Hope Florida.”

“A common denominator among many who answered the call to become a law enforcement officer is a strong desire to help people,” said Executive Director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Dave Kerner. “We at the Florida Highway Patrol are honored to work directly with First Lady Casey DeSantis, through Hope Florida, to amplify our community and faith institutions and uplift those in need. Through the distribution of the Hope Florida resource cards, law enforcement officers across the state will have the ability to bridge this gap by connecting those in need of hope to resources through the help of Hope Navigators.”

Hope Florida utilizes Hope Navigators to guide Floridians on an individualized path to prosperity and economic independence by focusing on community collaboration between the private sector, faith-based communities, nonprofits, and government entities. This first-of-its-kind program brings together different parts of the community to maximize support and uncover new opportunities for those going through difficult times. Hope Navigators help individuals identify their needs, develop long-term goals, map out a path forward, and work to ensure all sectors of the community have a ‘seat at the table’ to be part of a lasting solution.

Since Hope Florida’s launch, nearly 30,000 Floridians have reduced or are no longer reliant on government assistance, which is estimated to save the State of Florida nearly $800 million over 10 years. Hope Florida serves families, foster youth, veterans, individuals with unique abilities, vulnerable women, those facing crisis, and other Floridians in need.

“Law enforcement officers encounter individuals and families in some of their most challenging moments,” said Department of Children and Families Secretary Shevaun Harris. “Under the leadership of First Lady Casey DeSantis, we are thrilled to be able to provide officers with additional resources that they can use to help connect individuals to the Hope Florida program. Our Hope Navigators stand ready to assist and provide support as individuals and families work to overcome barriers to success.”

Floridians who need support can connect with Hope Florida by visiting www.HopeFlorida.com or calling the Hope Line (850-300-HOPE).

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BREAKING: Rick Scott Votes Against Protecting Access to Contraception

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 5, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT

[email protected]

BREAKING: Rick Scott Votes Against Protecting Access to Contraception

Tallahassee, FL — Today, Rick Scott voted against the Right to Contraception Act — bipartisan legislation to codify Americans’ right to access contraception under federal law, making clear that he will continue his dangerous push to rip away women’s rights to make their own personal medical decisions.

“Rick Scott’s extreme anti-choice agenda is clear: he wants to restrict access to birth control and ban abortion nationwide. Floridians will remember Scott’s attacks on reproductive freedom and hold him accountable at the ballot box, said Florida Democratic Party spokesperson Alex Wood.

Scott has a long record attacking contraception including supporting employers’ immunity in denying coverage for contraception and endorsing anti-choice extremists who want to restrict birth control access. Last week, Scott received an A+ rating from an extreme anti-choice group which opposes IVF and contraception and wants to ban abortion at conception.

Here’s what to know about Scott’s “100% pro-life” record:

 

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Upcoming Public Meeting for Silver Springs Boulevard (S.R. 40)

Posted on

For Immediate Release
June 5, 2024

Contact: Public Information Office
386-943-5593

[email protected]

 

Upcoming Public Meeting for Silver Springs Boulevard (S.R. 40)

Maintenance Resurfacing
Meeting will be offered in person and online

 

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will hold a public meeting regarding project plans to resurface Silver Springs Boulevard (State Road (S.R.) 40) from Pine Avenue (U.S. 441/U.S. 301) to NE 25thh Avenue (FPID No. 450952-1) and from NE 25th Avenue to NE 64th Avenue (FPID No. 4509521-1) in Ocala on Thursday, June 13, at 5:30 p.m.

 

The purpose of these projects is to maintain the pavement and extend the life of the existing roadway and upgrade curb ramps to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

The Department is offering multiple ways for the community to participate in the meeting. All participants, regardless of platform they choose, will participate in the same live meeting.

FDOT encourages community involvement and is offering this public meeting in a hybrid format to provide more ways to participate. All attendees, regardless of which platform they choose, will receive the same information.

In-Person Open House Option: Participants may attend in person by going to the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave., Ocala, FL 34475 anytime between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to view a looping presentation and project displays, speak with project team members, and submit comments or questions. If attending in person, please remember to follow all safety and sanitation guidelines. If you are feeling unwell, please consider attending the meeting virtually.

Virtual Option: Interested persons may join over the Internet from a computer, tablet or mobile device at 5:30 p.m. For this option, advance registration is required by visiting bit.ly/3xtfSok. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting online. If using a mobile device, use the GoToWebinar app to be able to view the presentation and submit comments. If joining online, please allow adequate time to log in to view the presentation in its entirety.

Those who cannot attend the meeting may view all meeting materials, including the presentation, and provide comment through the projects’ websites at www.cflroads.com/project/450952-1 or www.cflroads.com/project/450951-1. You may also contact FDOT Project Manager Randy Turner (450952-1) directly by phone at 386-943-5207 or email at [email protected], or FDOT Project Manager Ty Garner (450951-1) directly by phone at 386-943-5299 or email at [email protected].

 

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. Persons wishing to express their concerns relative to FDOT compliance with Title VI may do so by contacting Melissa McKinney, FDOT District Five Title VI Coordinator, at [email protected].

Persons who require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Carolyn Fitzwilliam at 386-943-5215 or [email protected] at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact us by using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice).

Media inquiries should be directed to the FDOT District Five Public Information Office at [email protected] or by phone at 386-943-5593.

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