The Anna for Florida Blog

Dear Friend, My UCF story started long before I stepped onto campus as an undergraduate student in 2008. In fact, my dad, while raising three kids with my mom and working full-time, went to UCF in the 1990s. I remember playing on campus, rolling down Reflecting Pond,...

Dear Friend, The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is closely monitoring Potential Tropical Cyclone Four, formerly known as Invest 97L, which has a strong chance of becoming a tropical depression and potentially Tropical Storm Debby this weekend near Florida. It’s time...

Volunteers Will be Helping the Nonprofit with Daily Needs and Supply Organizing Orlando, FL - Representative Anna V. Eskamani and the Samaritan Resource Center (SRC) are back with a Community Volunteer Day event! Join us on Wednesday, August 28th, 2024, from 9:30 a.m....

August is Black Business Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the dedication and achievements of Black business owners. This month, make an effort to support and discover Black-owned businesses by shopping with them and spreading the word about their contributions...

It is officially National Back to School Month! Since the 1960s, August has been a time when students, families, and teachers celebrate and prepare for the new school year. This season brings the excitement of shopping for supplies and finalizing lesson plans, but...

World Drowning Prevention Day is held annually on July 25th. This day was declared through the April 2021 UN General Assembly Resolution, “Global drowning prevention.” This resolution acknowledges the importance of drowning prevention and calls for coordinated action...

Orlando, FL: Today, President Joe Biden issued a letter saying he will end his re-election bid. Below is Representative Eskamani’s statement in response: This is the right decision for the American people and the Democratic Party. I thank President Joe Biden for...

It’s been 248 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed. On this day, we reflect on our nation’s origin and recommit to building a better nation for all.  Along with usual traditions like parties, fireworks, and barbeques, make sure to keep up the fight...

This month, we are celebrating Plastic Free July. Plastic is one of the most used materials in the world because it is so easy to use, cheap, and very versatile. But have you ever thought about the effects of this material? The UN Environment Program states that about...

Orlando, FL: As reported by The Washington Post, today the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a ban on homeless camping does not violate Constitution. In a 6-3 ruling, the court said homelessness is not a status protected by the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition on cruel and...

Dear Friend, I just watched the Presidential debate, and as I process what took place on that debate stage, I feel an even deeper sense of urgency to get out the vote this August and November for myself and other down-ballot races. Here's why. Data repeatedly tells us...

Orlando, FL: Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court erroneously — and briefly — posted an opinion on the court’s website that seems to indicate that the court will temporarily allow abortions in medical emergencies in Idaho. Today, an official decision was released that...

Orlando, FL: Governor Ron DeSantis has vetoed three criminal justice bills. Each was bipartisan and supported by organizations of diverse political backgrounds. They include: Senate Bill 62 / Final Bill Analysis The bill would have helped formerly incarcerated...

Dear Friend, I wanted to make sure you heard this news. Earlier today, the U.S. Supreme Court erroneously — and briefly — posted an opinion on the court’s website that seems to indicate that the court will temporarily allow abortions in medical emergencies in Idaho....

Estimado amigo, Gracias por visitar nuestra Guía de Recursos Comunitarios de la Florida Central. Comenzamos esta página como un recurso para problemas de COVID19 en 2020, pero a lo largo de los años la hemos ampliado para cubrir múltiples necesidades de la comunidad....

Read this guide in Spanish here/Lea esta guía en Español aquí Dear Friend, Thank you for visiting our Central Florida Community Resource Guide. We first started this page as a resource for COVID19 issues back in 2020, but over the years have expanded it to cover...

Orlando, FL: The June 24, 2022 ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization sparked legislative action, protest, and numerous lawsuits — placing the issue of abortion access at the center of politics across the country. Abortion is now banned at all stages...

The soaring cost of property insurance is an absolute crisis in Florida. I get asked all the time for my perspective on the problem and what I would do to help Floridians struggling to stay in their homes. So I wanted to lay out some thoughts in one place. Here it is:...

Featuring Tessa Petit, Executive Director, and Renata Bozzetto, Deputy Director, of FLIC Orlando, FL - Representative Anna V. Eskamani will host a virtual event in partnership with FLIC on Tuesday, June 25th from 3:15PM - 3:45PM in honor of Immigrant Heritage Month,...

This week, Representative Anna V. Eskamani received recognition for her leadership in championing policy that benefits everyday people and in challenging corporate special interests in the State Legislature. This recognition took take shape in two ways. First, the...

Dear Friend, I wanted to wish all Dads out there a Happy Father's Day! Each day, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for my Dad, who raised a family of three kids on his own after our Mom passed away from cancer in 2004. He worked multiple jobs to make ends meet, and his...

Caribbean American Heritage Month is an important celebration that recognizes the achievements and rich culture of the millions of Caribbean Americans who have come to the United States to continue their lives. The annual commemoration of this month serves as a way to...

Orlando, FL: In March, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine et al v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration et al., a case that threatened access to mifepristone, a safe, effective medication. Mifepristone has been FDA-approved for...

Orlando, FL: Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Florida’s 2024-25 budget and, in doing so, issued line-item vetos. His veto included eliminating Florida’s Cultural and Museum Grants and Cultural Facilities Grants, totaling $32,000,000 that would have gone to...

Whether you call it Emancipation Day, Freedom Day or the country’s second Independence Day, Juneteenth is one of the most important anniversaries in our nation’s history. Last year, Congress and President Joe Biden deemed Juneteenth a federal holiday. We know in...

On June 12, 2016, a gunman opened fire at Pulse nightclub, a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ people in Orlando. This tragic mass shooting left 49 people dead, more than 50 wounded, and an entire community in trauma and grief. It remains one of the deadliest mass...

Orlando, FL - The Office of Representative Anna V. Eskamani is hosting a Summer Supply Drive in partnership with Pineapple Healthcare, Abrigando Corazones, and Covenant House Florida! We are accepting donations to our office from June 3rd to June 24th, 2024, that will...

Orlando, FL -- Representative Anna V. Eskamani is hosting a community cleanup event for the Conway Community alongside Keep Orlando Beautiful! Scheduled for Saturday, June 22nd, 2024 from 9 AM to 11 AM, participants will be provided with the supplies they need to help...

We’re bringing back our Why I'm #TeamAnna series, an effort to showcase all of the remarkable people who are a part of our work! Whether you are a Team Anna volunteer or intern, or are just tipping your toe into politics, we want to hear from you and put you --our...

Since the Stonewall Uprising in 1969, June has been a month of protest, celebration, and reflection for LGBTQIA+ Americans. While there have been numerous victories in achieving LGBTQIA+ equality since Stonewall, such as Obergefell v. Hodges or the Respect for...

June marks Immigrant Heritage Month. This month we come together to honor the great contributions of immigrants to our country and celebrate their diverse backgrounds and profound impact. According to the American Immigration Council, a substantial population of...

Dear Friend, Today, we express our gratitude to our fallen heroes and send love and support to their families. Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. This day...

F grade from the Florida Chamber means an A+ for everyday working people and small businesses. Proud to operate a campaign and legislative office free of corporate influence and to have a voting record focused on constituents and community. See how your state lawmaker...

Orlando, FL - The Office of Representative Anna V. Eskamani is hosting a Summer Supply Drive in partnership with Pineapple Healthcare, Abrigando Corazones, and Covenant House Florida! We are accepting donations to our office from June 3rd to June 24th, 2024, that will...

Orlando, FL - Representative Anna V. Eskamani, representing parts of Orlando, Winter Park, Belle Isle, Edgewood, Eatonville and Maitland in the Florida House, is once again taking her constituent services mobile throughout District 42. Throughout June and July, staff...

Orlando, FL - Representative Anna V. Eskamani is hosting a Foster Care Awareness Month Virtual Event with Florida Youth SHINE & Florida's Children First. May is National Foster Care Month, spreading the word about the needs of the more than 391,000 children and...

Dear Friend, Happy Mother's Day from my family to yours. I am not going to lie, this can be a hard day for me -- my Mom passed away after a long fight with cancer back in 2004. I was just 13 years old. I miss her terribly, every single day. Here's a photo of my Mom...

Dear Friend,  Our team is coming to a public library near you! That's right, starting in June our team will be hosting rotating library hours at locations throughout Orange County to assist our constituents. Do you or a loved one need help with food stamps, business...

Dear Friend, Last week Florida's six week abortion ban went into effect. This devastating ban means that abortion seekers in our state will have to travel hundreds of miles to access care, with North Carolina and Virginia being their closest options. I spoke about...

Dear Friend, We wanted to share a really important property insurance update with you as quickly as possible. Recently, our office has heard from constituents whose homeowner’s insurance may have been incorrectly dropped by Citizens Property Insurance Corporation,...

May marks the celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in the United States—a time to honor the myriad contributions of AAPI communities to various sectors of American society, including arts, sciences, medicine, politics, and more! In...

Throughout this month, mental health awareness comes to the forefront of the discussion and is a vital opportunity to break the stigma around mental health. As well as discussing what mental health awareness is, this month serves to raise awareness and educate about...

Orlando, FL: Today Florida Politics reported that a Special Legislative Session may be hosted following Memorial Day to add a "handful of constitutional amendments to the ballot in effort to muddy the November ballot." Here is Representative Eskamani's statement in...

From the citrus fields to the busy theme parks, Central Florida’s labor history has been shaped by the efforts of labor activists and organizations dedicated to improving the lives of workers. The region’s labor history is woven with the struggles and triumphs of...

Dear Friend, On May 1st Florida's 6 week abortion ban will go into effect. This is by far one of the most extreme abortion bans in the nation, and will impact not just Floridians but thousands of abortion seekers who have traveled to our state for care. Below is a...

As Earth Day 2024 draws near, it's a powerful reminder of the collective action we must take to ensure the sustainability and health of our planet for all. At Team Anna, we are deeply committed to environmental stewardship and understand that the well-being of the...

Dear Friend, I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the passing of a true titan in Florida politics and a dedicated public servant, Bob Graham. As a former United States Senator and Governor of Florida, Bob Graham dedicated his life to serving the people with...

As Central Florida grapples with soaring rental costs, the imperative for robust tenant advocacy and support has reached new heights. State Representative Anna V. Eskamani, in collaboration with Jamos “Jay” Mobley, General Litigation Director of the Legal Aid Society...

Dear Friend, On the last day of Florida's 2024 legislative session, House Bill 433 (Workplace heat preemption) was passed. This bill is anti-worker and anti-heat stress protection for Florida’s outdoor workers, and it was passed due to the influence of special...

As Orange County becomes first Florida county to utilize pandemic relief funds to cancel medical debt, community leaders rally to tackle rising costs of healthcare. ORLANDO, FL - With Orange County taking decisive action to utilize pandemic relief funds for...

As we celebrate Arab American Heritage Month, it's imperative to recognize the rich tapestry of Arab culture and heritage woven into the fabric of American society. While often overshadowed by other narratives, Arab Americans have significantly contributed to various...

This April, as we mark the 23rd anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), we're reminded of the collective journey toward creating safer communities. Our acknowledgment of SAAM's history—from the founding of the first rape crisis center to the nationwide...

Orlando, FL: Today the Florida Supreme Court issued three out of calendar opinions, including one pertaining to the Yes on Four Campaign and another impacting the 15 week abortion ban. The decision by the court to approve a 15 week ban means that in 30 days Florida...

Dear Friend, We did it. Floridians Protecting Freedom, also known as the Yes on 4 campaign, has beaten the odds and secured not just enough verified signatures but also State Supreme Court approval to get abortion on the ballot this year. This is a historic moment in...

Rep. Eskamani is Excited to Ensure our Community Has Access to Diverse Books Orlando, FL – On Thursday, April 11th, as a part of the Little Free Library Read in Color Program, State Representative Anna V. Eskamani, 904WARD, and Global Shapers Orlando will unveil a...

The seventh stop on the statewide tour takes People Power for Florida to the West Coast Today, Rep. Anna V. Eskamani is sharing that People Power For Florida (PPFF) will host its seventh Organizing Bootcamp – a youth organizing training for students –at the University...

Dear Friend,  The Central Florida Pledge is a call to action for residents of Central Florida who are tired of hateful discourse and want to create a safe and inclusive community for all. The pledge asks residents to commit to treating all people with kindness and...

Orlando, FL: While in Legislative Session, Representative Anna V. Eskamani was recognized as a Favorite Local Politician by Watermark readers. See her statement in response here: "I am deeply honored and grateful to be recognized as the #1 Favorite Local Politician by...

First published by the Associated Press | Written By Mike Schneider | Photos by John Raoux ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — For the first time in 27 years, the U.S. government is changing how it categorizes people by race and ethnicity, an effort that federal officials believe...

Dear Friend,  If you're like me, you were madly refreshing the Florida Supreme Court website, waiting to see an opinion drop regarding efforts to get abortion access on the ballot in Florida. Then the Court announced at 11:00 am that there will be no opinion today,...

Orlando, FL: Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB3 into law. This bill is a dramatic ban on social media access for minors, setting restrictions that are likely unconstitutional. Here is Rep. Eskamani’s statement in response: HB3’s sweeping prohibition of youth from social...

Dear Friend, Team Anna is excited to be back at the Puerto Rican Day Parade, and we invite you to join us! Scheduled for April 27th from 10am- 12pm at Downtown Orlando, this annual Parade and Festival promotes the achievements made by Puerto Ricans in Business,...

Dear Friend, I wanted to make sure I personally invite you to join us for a 2024 Democratic Legislative Session review being hosted by the Orange County Democratic Party. The event will also feature Senator Torres and Representatives Antone, Bracy Davis, Harris, Keen,...

Dear Friend,  Florida House District 42 is proud to encompass the Historic Town of Eatonville! In 1887, Eatonville became the first town in America to be organized, governed, and incorporated by African-American citizens, serving as a nationwide pillar of progress....

Dear Friend,  From Monday, March 25th, to Thursday, April 11th, we are hosting our Little Free Diverse Library Book Drive in partnership with 904WARD and Global Shapers Community Orlando! We will be collecting items for 904WARD and our own Little Free Diverse Library,...

Orlando, FL: Today Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law HB1365 into law, legislation that makes it very difficult for local communities to solve the crisis of homelessness. Here is Representative Eskamani’s statement in response: "Property insurance rates in...

Dear Friend, I hope this email finds you well and in high spirits! As we embrace the arrival of spring, I wanted to take a moment to extend my warmest wishes to you and your loved ones for a very Happy Nowruz! For those who may not be familiar, Nowruz, which...

Dear Friend, I wanted to make sure you knew that today is a local Election Day for municipalities across Florida. If you're not sure if you have a local election, you can confirm at this link. It's important to note that regardless of your political affiliation --...

Dear Friend, The 2024 session is finally over.  I’m not going to lie to you: This was a tough session. The Florida Legislature ultimately did very little to help Florida families get by in our increasingly expensive state.  The Republican majority that controls the...

Tallahassee, FL: The 2024 Florida Legislative Session has come to an end. Here is Representative Eskamani’s statement in response: "This was a tough legislative session that saw very little relief for Florida families. In fact, no real reforms were made to address the...

The music festival held in Orlando and hosted by Congressman Maxwell Frost [Orlando, FL - March 05, 2024] Today, Rep. Anna V. Eskamani announced that People Power For Florida (PPFF) helped 538 Floridians become election ready at this past weekend’s Mad Soul Music...

Tallahassee, FL: The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against Governor DeSantis today in upholding a lower court decision to strike down portions of the Stop Woke Act, HB 7. Read more here. Below is Rep. Eskamani’s statement in response: “This is another win for...

In Partnership with O-Town Compost Orlando, FL - Earth Day has been celebrated globally since 1970 when Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin organized the first protests for the environment, and later that year helped to form the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)...

Dear Friend,  This is it.  We’re about to head into the ninth and final week of the 60-day legislative session. There are so many important issues up in the air right now – from attempts to roll back child-labor laws and reduce wages for working Floridians to...

March marks an important month for our community and the nation as a whole: Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. It's a time to increase public awareness about the needs and potential of Americans with developmental disabilities. Yet, it's more than just...

March in Florida is not just about welcoming spring or enjoying the beautiful weather; it's also a time to celebrate and reflect on Women's History Month. This special month is dedicated to acknowledging and appreciating the vital role of women in American history...

Tallahassee, FL: It is being reported that SB476/HB651, titled "Civil Liability for the Wrongful Death of an Unborn Child” is no longer moving forward as it was just temporarily postponed in the Florida Senate in the Rules Committee. See more here. Below is...

Dear Friend, We just finished up week 7 of the 2024 legislative session. That means there are just two weeks left to go.  At this point, we’re pretty much done with committee hearings. We’ll be on the floor of the House almost full time now, passing bills over to the...

Tallahassee, FL: Today in returning messages, House Bill 1 came back to the House Floor via the Senate. The bill was amended to include HB3 but still did not include an option for parental consent. Here is Rep. Eskamani’s statement in response: “I cannot in good...

Panel will focus on the past, present and future of women’s history in Florida Orlando, FL - In honor of Women's History Month, Representative Anna V. Eskamani has invited elected officials from across Central Florida to convene on a virtual panel to commemorate the...

Last week there was an Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee meeting that dealt with a number of bills that could have a very negative effect on the State of Florida. This included HB 1071, a bill that among many things, would ban cultivated...

Dear Friend,  We’re about to enter the homestretch of the 2024 Legislative Session.  Last week was Week 6 of 9 – which means that session is now two-thirds of the way done. Most committees will hold their final meetings over the next few days. After that, the House...

Dear Friend, Property insurance reform is a priority issue for me, and our community. With that said, I wanted to make sure I shared with you a quick update from legislative session on what bills are moving -- and not moving.  Many insurance bills moved forward last...

Dear Friend, We’re halfway there.  We just wrapped up the fifth week of the 2024 Legislative Session, which runs for nine weeks in total.  This is one of the very busiest points of session: The House and Senate both passed versions of the state budget, while a bunch...

The bipartisan GUARD VA Benefits Act, sponsored by Reps Anna Eskamani and Michelle Salzman, receives unanimous support and moves closer to becoming law.  Tallahassee, FL: A bill to crack down on businesses defrauding U.S. military veterans cleared its first committee...

Dear Friend, We just wrapped up Week Four of the 2024 Legislative Session, which means we’re almost at the half-wak mark.  There are so many bills in play right now that it’s sometimes hard to keep up. This week alone, we saw bills move forward that would raise...

Dear Friend, Florida is one of just 10 states that has not yet expanded access to Medicaid. As a result, Florida ranks 47th in the nation for healthcare access and affordability, and has the 3rd highest number of uninsured people in the country. The good news is that...

Dear Friend, As you already know, a proposed ballot amendment to enshrine access to abortion in Florida’s constitution is one step closer to appearing on the November ballot after a coalition of reproductive rights advocates surpassed the required number of validated...

Dear Friend,  We had a committee session this week where a House Bill was approved that potentially makes it simpler to harm our cherished Florida black bears. House Bill 87 proposes granting Floridians the authority to kill black bears on their property if they...

Today marks the start of February, a month known for having love and passion in the air. It also marks National Optimist Day! National Optimist Day is the first Thursday of February every year which just so happens to be the first day of the month this year. Let’s use...

Every February, we celebrate the achievements, success and triumphs of Black Americans in Central Florida and beyond.  Starting in 1925, historian Carter G. Woodson and his Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) began celebrating Negro History...

Dear Friend, Week three of Florida’s 2024 Legislative Session is done, which means we’re now one-third of the way through the nine-week session.  We’re really in the thick of it now. Dozens of bills are quickly moving through the process – many that are quite good but...

Tallahassee, FL: The Florida Board of Governors Wednesday approved new rules that prohibit diversity, equity and inclusion spending and remove sociology from general education core course options at the state's public universities.The move, which would affect some of...

Child labor has a long history in the United States. In pre-industrial America, it was common for children to work on family farms, apprentice, or learn the family trade. The Industrial Revolution wildly changed what child labor looked like in the US. Instead of...