The Anna for Florida Blog

Contact: Legislative Delegation LD@ocfl.net or 407-836-5110 Media Inquiries: PIO@ocfl.net Orange County, FL – Representative Anna V. Eskamani, Delegation Chair, has released the following information concerning the Delegation’s public meeting: Date:   Wednesday,...

Dear Friend,  Happy Halloween! We hope as you plan your spooky activities tonight that you prioritize community safety too. Here are some safety tips for you and your loved ones to consider. Here's an Eskamani Family photo from Halloween in 1999 to help get folks in...

Dear Friend,  I am excited to share with you that this Sunday I'll be in St. Petersburg for the Truth and Justice Dinner hosted by the Pinellas Democratic Party! This will be an awesome opportunity to connect, and to support your local Democratic Party too. Click here...

Dear Friend,  I am excited to share with you that this Sunday I'll be in Boca Raton for the 16th Annual Democratic Club of Boca Raton and Delray Beach Luncheon! This will be an awesome opportunity to connect, and to support your local Democratic Party too. Click here...

This week the Florida Education Association (FEA), the largest association of professional employees and educators in the state of Florida, awarded Representative Anna V. Eskamani with their Champion of Public Education Award. Here is Representative Eskamani's...

In partnership with Diane Summers and Bryant Almeida of Orange County Animal Services Orlando, FL - This month is Adopt-A-Dog month, which encourages pet ownership and reduces the overpopulation problem in shelters. On October 26th at 12:00 PM, Representative Anna V....

Dear Friend,  Our legislative office hears almost every day from Floridians who are seeing their home insurance rates skyrocket to completely unaffordable levels – and, in some cases, losing their home insurance altogether. With that said, I wanted to make sure you...

Dear Friend, We just wrapped up our second week of committee meetings ahead of the 2024 Legislative Session, and I wanted to get you a quick update about.  Remember: The 2024 Legislative Session begins Jan. 9 – that’s less than three months away! More than 200 bills...

Dear Friend, The Samaritan Resource Center is a 96% volunteer operated resource center that serves our housing insecure community in East Orlando. They've asked for volunteer help, and we are excited to host a morning of service at their East Orlando hub next week. We...

The Bill to Transition Florida to 100% Renewable Energy Is Critical to Florida’s Environmental Health and Economic Success Orlando, FL –  Senator Lori Berman (D- Boynton Beach) and Representative Anna V. Eskamani (D-Orlando) have both refiled legislation to transition...

Orlando, FL: The Florida Board of Governors is currently considering the attached draft regulation for enforcing the DEI funding ban included in SB266/HB999. We anticipate that some version of this draft will appear on the Board of Governors meeting agenda for...

Dear Friend, I am proud to announce that Orlando Magazine has recognized us as the 4th Most Powerful Person in Orlando within the realm of politics and government. Even typing that feels weird to say, because it's not me that's powerful -- it's us. Our movement, our...

World Mental Health Day serves as a global reminder of the importance of mental health and well-being in our lives. Mental health is not a topic to be confined to one day, but this special day allows us to come together as a community, raise awareness, and emphasize...

This is an Important Opportunity for Community Members to Connect with Their Elected Officials Orlando, FL: Today Chair of the Orange County Legislative Delegation and State House Representative Anna V. Eskamani is excited to announce that a date has been set for the...

Those who end their own pregnancy should not be criminalized for it Orlando, FL: This week Representative Anna V. Eskamani teamed up with Senator Lauren Book to file legislation that would forbid Florida from criminalizing those who end their own pregnancy via...

October marks the annual observance of National Bullying Prevention Month, a time when communities nationwide unite to make a powerful statement against bullying. By fostering a culture of respect and empathy in our homes, schools, workplaces, and communities, we can...

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a critical time when communities across the nation join forces to combat domestic violence. It's a month dedicated to honoring survivors and standing united as their advocates. Originating in October 1989, this...

By now, it is no surprise that the LGBTQIA+ community in Florida as a whole continues to be attacked by cruel policies designed by the GOP in the Florida Legislature, and by Governor Ron DeSantis. Because of this, we feel that now, it is more important than ever to...

Dear Friend, By now you've heard the news that the Florida Legislature -- after gerrymandering Congressional seats -- is attempting to gerrymander our Judicial Circuits, too. In June the Speaker of the House wrote a letter to Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Carlos...

This was first published by WMFE. As the one year anniversary of Hurricane Ian approaches, Orange County is asking for the public’s advice on how to spend nearly $220 million in federal funds for disaster recovery and mitigation. The county will create an action plan...

Dear Friend, Our legislative office hears almost every day from Floridians who are seeing their home insurance rates skyrocket to completely unaffordable levels – and, in some cases, losing their home insurance altogether. With that said, I wanted to flag some recent...

Dear Friend, As you may remember from last legislative session, Florida’s higher education institutions are under attack via HB999/SB266. This is sweeping legislation that not only bans diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs within our colleges and...

Dear Friend, I'm not sure if you heard the news but the Florida Legislature -- after gerrymandering Congressional seats -- is now on a path to gerrymander our Judicial Circuits. That's right. In June the Speaker of the House wrote a letter to Florida Supreme Court...

Dear Friend,  The Center for Multicultural Wellness Prevention is hosting its 20th Annual Caribbean Health Summit this Saturday, September 23rd, which allows guests to access FREE health screenings, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, eye and dental exams and mental...

Dear Friend,  Well, the Tallahassee grind has begun again.  I just got home from the first week of interim committee hearings, which are being held in advance of the 2024 Legislative Session.  Session itself is only 60 days long and doesn’t begin until Jan. 9. But a...

Dear Friend,  We're sharing this email on behalf of Foundation For Environmental Protection. In case you did not know, Shingle Creek is a small waterway in central Florida that is generally considered to be the northernmost headwaters of the Everglades watershed. It's...

People Power For Florida Hosting Voter Registration Events Across the State Orlando, FL: Tomorrow is National Voter Registration Day, and Representative Anna V. Eskamani under the banner of People Power for Florida will be hosting with her team six voter registration...

Dear Friend, In case you missed this update: the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) recently released a new rule that will move us as close to universal background checks as possible without additional legislation. Currently, only licensed gun...

Fear Friend,  Today marks the one year anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death at the hands of Iran's so-called morality police. She was accused of not wearing her mandatory headscarf correctly, which resulted in her beating, detainment, and tragic death. Protests erupted...

Today starts Hispanic Heritage Month! To celebrate this month, make sure to drop by some events in the Central Florida area. Here's a review of some local events from Team Anna. Hispanic Heritage Celebration Latin Dance Location: Orlando Elks Lodge 12 N. Primrose Dr....

Our mission is to engage South Florida students and empower them to organize in their area Today, Rep. Anna V. Eskamani announced that People Power For Florida (PPFF)  and Mi Vecino will host a joint organizing bootcamp – a workshop to train students how to build...

Dear Friend,  As the sun sets and the world celebrates Rosh Hashanah, I wanted to take a moment to extend my warmest wishes to all those observing this special occasion. May your New Year be filled with sweetness, peace, and fulfillment for you and your loved ones....

Dear Friend,  Today marks twenty-two years since 9/11. We promised to never forget, and I still grieve for every life lost on that terrible morning, and for every person who lost loved ones too. Orlando knows how to find power in pain, and though 9/11 marks difficult...

Orlando, FL: Today the Florida State Supreme Court heard oral arguments challenging Florida’s 15 week abortion ban. Here is Representative Eskamani’s statement in response. "Governor Ron DeSantis has stacked the court against us with appointees that have a history of...

Event to be Hosted in Partnership with the Central Florida Diaper Bank Orlando, FL – Representative Anna V. Eskamani is proud to announce the 4th Annual Diaper Supply Drive, a community-driven initiative in partnership with the Central Florida Diaper Bank. The drive...

Joined by Tammy Ginader, SMART Recovery Orlando, FL - With the rise of overdoses in our state and across the country, it is important to support those affected by addiction and those in recovery. On Thursday, September 14th at 1:00 PM, Representative Anna V. Eskamani...

Dear Friend, Words cannot explain my deep gratitude to the nearly 300 people who came out last night at The Abbey to support our final re-election campaign to the State House. From our incredible speakers to the wonderful company and sponsors -- the event was a true...

Dear Friend, I’m the daughter of working-class immigrants, of parents who had to work multiple minimum-wage jobs just to make ends meet. Before my Mom passed away to cancer in 2004, my twin sister, Ida, and I would sometimes join her when she was working shifts at...

Orlando, FL: A state judge struck down North Florida’s congressional districts Saturday, rebuffing Gov. Ron DeSantis’ open defiance of anti-gerrymandering protections, finding the governor’s map illegally reduced Black voters’ electoral power. Here is Representative...

Dear Friend, I wanted to make sure you were one of the first people to see our new 2024 Re-Election Campaign Kick Off Video! You can watch it below. At Team Anna, we're not going to wait for things to get worse in Florida. We’re doing what we’ve always done – fight...

Jerrald Gallion planned to spend the weekend with his 4-year-old daughter but the devoted father was instead one of three Black people murdered Saturday afternoon at a Dollar General store in Jacksonville, Florida. Please donate to support his family by clicking here....

Please see email below from Orange County Government. ORANGE COUNTY GOVERNMENT | IDALIA UPDATE Watch the full conference on Vimeo. For emergency updates, visit ocfl.net/Idalia. This morning, Hurricane Idalia made landfall at 7:45 a.m. along the coast of Florida’s Big...

Working For You, Fighting For Us Florida is preparing for the impact of Hurricane Idalia. This page will be updated regularly by Representative Anna V. Eskamani with ways to seek support and get involved. Currently the following counties are in a declared state of...

Orange County Government's Office of Emergency Management is closely monitoring the path of Tropical Storm Idalia. Orange County is currently under a Tropical Storm Watch. Possible hazards to East Central Florida, during late Tuesday through early Wednesday, include:...

Dear Friend, Orange County Public Works is making sandbags available to residents preparing for potential impacts from Tropical Storm Idalia. So far, five sandbag locations have been opened. Remember, bags and sand are available on a self-serve basis. Residents will...

Dear Friend,  I am honored to share that Orlando Weekly readers have once again selected us as the Best Elected Official for their annual 2023 Best of Orlando competition! This is such an incredible recognition and is a reflection of our community-centered and values...

Dear Friend, Tropical Storm Idalia is expected to intensify early this week as the system barrels toward Florida's Gulf Coast. Here is the most recent analysis from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Weather Service. Hurricane...

Dear Friend, I am thrilled to share with you our incredible speaker lineup for our 2024 Re-Election Kick Off scheduled for next week. Set for September 5th from 6-8:00pm, this event will feature some of Central Florida’s best like Congressman Maxwell Frost and former...

Orlando, FL— Today, Representative Anna V. Eskamani released the following statement after three people were killed in a mass shooting at a Dollar General store in Jacksonville, Florida. Representative Anna V. Eskamani:  Tonight another community is forever scarred by...

Dear Friend, The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is hosting a public workshop at the Alachua County Headquarters Library (401 E University Ave) on August 28 at 11 a.m. The meeting is an opportunity to demand strong springs harm rules with real,...

Dear Friend,  Women's Equality Day is celebrated on August 26th and commemorates the significant milestone achieved in the fight for gender equality—the certification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1920. This amendment granted some women the...

Dear Friend,  We want to give a special thank you to our incredible staff, Democracy Fellows and volunteers who showed up this past weekend for our statewide Dorm Storms! An annual tradition of ours, dorm storms are where we host voter registration drives on college...

What is Judicial Consolidation and Why are We Talking About It? After Florida lawmakers in 2022 reorganized the state’s appeals courts, House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, is pushing to consolidate circuit courts. A committee appointed by Florida Supreme Court...

This editorial was originally published in the Orlando Sentinel on August 13, 2023 and can be found here. Gov. Ron DeSantis was recently asked about Florida’s property insurance crisis, where insurance companies are forcing Floridians to pay higher and higher prices...

Event will feature Representative Anna V. Eskamani, Representative Rita Harris, Representative Johanna López and Representative LaVon Bracy Davis. Orlando, FL - In honor of Women's Equality Day, also known as Women’s Suffrage Day, Representative Anna V. Eskamani will...

Our goal is to register students to vote and lead powerful conversations during move-ins [Orlando, FL - August 14th, 2023] Today, Rep. Anna V. Eskamani announced that People Power For Florida (PPFF) will host its third annual Dorm Storms – move-in week voter...

Dear Friend,  I am a little embarrassed to say this but I just updated my vote by mail ballot request. Like many Floridians, I like to receive my ballot in the mail so I can take my time filling it out, and then easily drop it off without waiting in line. But thanks...

Orlando, FL: This morning it was announced that Governor Ron DeSantis removed another duly elected official, this time State Attorney of the 9th Judicial Circuit Monique Worrell. Here is Representative Eskamani’s response. "This is absolutely shameful — State Attorney...

Dear Friend, I represent the Orlando area, but care deeply about Florida Springs which is why I am reaching out to our North Florida supporters about tonight's County Commission meeting. Why? Well, Southwest Georgia Oil Company applied for a comprehensive plan...

Dear Friend, Last night it was announced that Florida will not allow public school students to take Advanced Placement psychology because the course includes lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity, topics banned by the state, but necessary and relevant when...

Orlando, FL: The the Florida Department of Education has effectively banned AP Psychology in the state. Here is Representative Eskamani’s statement in response: "This is a terrible decision that is 100% politically motivated and one that will rob our students of a...

Dear Friend, I know you're probably getting a LOT of fundraising emails right now, so instead of doing that I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for trusting me and our team to serve and deliver results for Florida.  I have to tell you that running for office was...

In one of the most grueling and polarizing legislative sessions in recent history, we voted to put people over special interests 100% of the time. Thank you to Progress Florida and Florida Watch for uplifting our impact and voting record. Our work is only made...

Virtual Event will be Alongside Paul Handerhan, President of Federal Association for Insurance Reform Orlando, FL - Florida is facing a property insurance crisis and despite a special legislative session focused on reforms, the problem has only gotten worse making...

Winter Park, FL: On August 22nd at 6:00pm Representative Anna V. Eskamani will be bringing local experts and community members together to talk about the status of education in Florida, with a focus on both K-12 and higher education.  There is a lot going on in the...

Middle school students in Florida will soon be taught that slavery gave Black people a “personal benefit” because they “developed skills.” High school students will be taught an equally distorted message: that a deadly white mob attack against Black residents of...

Dear Friend, Multiple insurance companies are pulling out of Florida while others are increasing their rates leaving homeowners with limited options for coverage. We know that Floridians need immediate support and long-term solutions to address this crisis. That's why...

Florida saw a significant increase in the number of individuals and families on Medicaid during the federal public health emergency (PHE) that was initiated during the beginning of the COVID19 pandemic. In March 2020, there were 3.8 million enrollees. In November...

Rep. Eskamani will be joined by Marsha Are, CEO of the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida Orlando, FL - Homelessness continues to grow in the Central Florida area and it’s important to stay informed on how best to support our community. On Monday, July 17th...

Orlando, FL: Last night a letter from the Board of Governors (BOG) to Florida Atlantic University (FAU) became public. In this letter, the BOG outlines bogus concerns with FAU’s presidential search and is attempting to freeze what has otherwise been a normal...

All residents and small businesses are invited to attend and volunteer Orlando, FL -- Representative Anna V. Eskamani is teaming up with O-Town Compost to host a community cleanup event! Scheduled for Wednesday, July 12th, 2023 from 5PM to 7PM, participants will be...

Dear Friend, Independence Day is meant to underscore our personal freedoms and serves as an opportunity to learn and reflect beyond annual cookouts and booming fireworks. Today we hold space for our country's history and acknowledge not only the liberties we have, but...

Orlando, FL: A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction targeting aspects of SB7050, an omnibus elections bill passed by the supermajority GOP Florida Legislature. Plaintiffs argued that the changes violated the Constitution by stopping third party voter...

Dear Friend, Hard to believe that six years ago today I made the decision to run for public office. Here are some photos from that day taken by my friend Ricardo who drove me to Tallahassee so that I could file the paperwork and make my first campaign official....

Thank you Orlando Weekly Readers for nominating us as one of your "Best Local Elected Officials!"   Now make it official and vote for all of our favorite Orlando people and places by visiting: vote.orlandoweekly.com How to vote for us is highlighted here and voting is...

Orlando, FL: The Florida Board of Medicine and Board of Osteopathic Medicine just approved via a virtual meeting emergency rules and consent forms for Gender Affirming Care (GAC). Here is Representative Eskamani’s statement in response: “It’s incredibly disappointing...

Orlando, FL: In a 6-3 decision, the court’s conservative majority rejected President Biden’s plan to cancel more than $400 billion in student loan debt for millions of borrowers. Below is Representative Eskamani’s statement in response. “This is an incredibly...

In the 247 years since the founding of our nation, we’ve come far in ensuring the rights and freedoms of every person who calls the United States their home. Unfortunately this past year in Florida, we’ve seen many of our freedoms be stripped away. Having to fight for...

Dear Friend, In case you missed the news, we had a big win for the First Amendment and the LGBTQ+ community last week. A Florida judge granted an injunction for drag show restaurant Hamburger Mary’s in Orlando against Florida’s “Protection of Children” law that...

Orlando, FL: Earlier this evening Governor Ron DeSantis signed several bills into law including three really bad ones: HB1417: Totally eliminates tenant protections put into place by local governments and preempts all of it to the State of Florida; HB1191: Opens up...

The current exemption was set to end June 30, 2023, but will now become permanent and include incontinence products. Orlando, FL -  During the recent legislative session, Representative Anna V. Eskamani sponsored and passed legislation in partnership with Senate...

Event to be Hosted in Partnership with A Gift for Teaching Orlando, FL--  With the first day of school right around the corner, Representative Eskamani is excited to announce our annual back to school supply drive hosted alongside A Gift for Teaching!  House District...

All residents and small businesses are invited to attend and volunteer Orlando, FL -- Representative Anna V. Eskamani and Lee Road Safe Neighborhoods are hosting an upcoming community cleanup event! On Sunday, August 6th, 2023 from 11am-1pm, participants will be...

Orlando, FL: Today marks one year since the fall of Roe v. Wade, and since then we have seen a wave of anti-abortion laws sweep the nation. Most abortions are now banned in 14 states with Georgia banning abortion at about six weeks of pregnancy, before many women know...

This event will take place with Reps. LaVon Bracy Davis, Johanna López, and Rita Harris Orlando, FL - Representative Anna V. Eskamani will join Representatives LaVon Bracy Davis, Johanna López, and Rita Harris with moderator Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet to host an...

Orlando, FL: Last June, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, eliminating the right to have an abortion for millions of Americans and further fracturing the nation’s reproductive health landscape. In the midst of this all-out assault against bodily autonomy and...

Orlando, FL: On June 24th, 2022, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, taking away our constitutional right to an abortion. One year later, this has been devastating across the nation, as extremist GOP majorities pass cruel restrictions including the 6-week ban...

Dear Friend,  We know across the United States that the fight for equality, especially against racial discrimination has progressed, but is far from realized. In 1865 on June 19th, Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger led a force of soldiers to Galveston, Texas to deliver...

Dear Friend, I just wanted to send a quick note to wish all Dads out there (including dog and cat dads) 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 to cancer in...

Orlando, FL: Today Governor Ron DeSantis signed the 2023 State Budget and vetoed upwards of $500 million in budget projects. Here is Representative Eskamani’s statement in response.    "We are proud to have secured upwards of $5 million in Florida’s State Budget for...

Joined by Chief Lauraleigh A. Avery, Emergency Manager, Orange County Emergency Management Orlando, FL - Hurricanes form fast and our communities have to respond even quicker during the ongoing storm season. On Monday, June 26th at 3:00 PM, Representative Anna V....

Orlando, FL: The Powerful IDEA (Impact on Democracy, Elections, Advocacy) Awards are GAIN POWER’s new progressive political communications & leadership awards. The Powerful IDEA Awards are designed to recognize the most impactful people, organizations, technology,...

Orlando, FL: On June 24th, 2022, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, taking away our constitutional right to an abortion. One year later, this has been devastating across the nation, as extremist GOP majorities pass cruel restrictions including the 6-week ban...

Dear Friend, The 2023 Legislative Session officially ended on Friday, May 5th and we've hit the ground running back home, working on constituent services and hosting community town halls. That's why I am excited to invite you to join us for a joint town hall we are...

Dear Friend, Ready to strike back against the onslaught of terrible policies coming from Florida’s state government? Then join us at the doors this summer as we help three phenomenal candidates get on the 2024 ballot: Rep. Anna V. Eskamani for House District 42,...

Dear Friend, Today marks the seven year remembrance of the Pulse Nightclub shooting, where we lost 49 angels to gun violence. The majority of those directly impacted identified as LGBTQ+ and young people of color. Fathers. Mothers. Brothers. Sisters. Daughters. Sons....

Orlando, FL: In a win for voters, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Allen v. Milligan blocking Alabama's congressional map. The Court rules that the map violates the Voting Rights Act by diluting the voting strength of Black voters. Here is Representative...

Dear Friend, On June 24th, 2022, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, taking away our constitutional right to an abortion. One year later, this has been devastating across the nation, as extremist GOP majorities pass cruel restrictions including the 6-week ban...

Eatonville, FL - Representative Anna V. Eskamani and her team will be attending the Juneteenth community parade in Eatonville, hosted by the Historic Town of Eatonville in partnership with eSTEAMed Learning Inc. Set for June 17th from 9:00AM-12:00PM, this event will...

All residents and small businesses are invited to attend and volunteer! Orlando, FL -- To mark World Environment Day, Representative Anna V. Eskamani is teaming up with Mills50 to host a community cleanup event! Scheduled for Saturday, June 10th from 10:00AM-12:00PM,...