The Anna for Florida Blog

Last Tuesday was one of our favorite events in Tallahassee, Equality Florida’s Pride at the Capitol. Advocates from around the State of Florida gathered in the Capitol to meet with lawmakers to push for a more equal and fair Florida for LGBTQ+ people. We not only had...

It has been a year and a half since Roe v. Wade, a landmark Supreme Court decision that protected women’s rights to abortion and reproductive health, was overturned. In the following months, these rights have come under attack in nearly every state in the U.S.,...

Dear Friend,  Today marks what would have been the 51st anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion at the federal level. It’s still hard to believe that in states across America we have regressed dramatically when it comes to...

Dear Friend, The second week of Florida’s 2024 Legislative Session is in the books. It was a week of highs and lows and somewhere-in-the-middles.  We saw the election and swearing-in of state Rep. Tom Keen (D-Orlando), the new representative for House District 35,...

​Orlando, FL: Today Governor Ron DeSantis announced the suspension of his Presidential campaign. Here is Rep. Eskamani's response: "Governor Ron DeSantis, a man who built his entire campaign on attacking and demonizing already marginalized communities, has finally...

Dear Friend, I'm not sure if you heard the news -- but Tom Keen flipped his seat in House District 35 and is going to the Florida House! This is a historic win in a special election over in East Orlando and Osceola County and it was close too, check out the results...

Dear Friend, The 2024 Legislative Session has begun.  The House and Senate gaveled open the session on Tuesday morning – even as tornado warnings literally blared on our phones while a storm front moved through Tallahassee. The session will run for the next 60 days....

Dear Friend,  Today is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Day, a time to honor Dr. King’s incredible service and leadership -- and a time to recommit ourselves to the fight for equality. This weekend, we were proud to walk in both the City of Orlando's and Town Of Eatonville's...

Ratification Day is in commemoration of the ratification of the Treaty of Paris. The document was drafted in Paris with negotiators from the United States, Great Britain, and France present. Founding fathers John Jay, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin represented the...

In partnership with the Town of Eatonville and Eatonville Chamber of Commerce Eatonville, FL -- In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Representative Anna V. Eskamani is teaming up with the Town of Eatonville and the Eatonville Chamber of Commerce to host a...

The back-to-back trainings at two Florida universities aim to engage students and empower them to organize for change within their communities Tallahassee, FL: Today, Rep. Anna V. Eskamani announced that People Power For Florida (PPFF) will host its first two...

The GUARD VA Benefits Act would punish entities that charge veterans illegal fees for assistance in filing disability benefit claims.  Tallahassee, FL: Representative Anna V. Eskamani and Senator Victor Torres have filed legislation to crack down on entities that are...

The important legislation would ensure Florida schools are ready to respond immediately and effectively if a child with special needs goes missing – and help prevent unthinkable tragedies. Tallahassee, FL: Representative Anna V. Eskamani and Senator Victor Torres have...

Friend, In case you missed this incredible news: Floridians Protecting Freedom, the campaign to put abortion access on the 2024 ballot in Florida, has now exceeded the total number of valid petitions required to put the question of abortion access in Florida to the...

Dear Friend, It's 2024, and we've got big challenges ahead of us. Another legislative session with the FL GOP's Super Majority in the House, an election year, and a Governor that continues to prioritize his Presidential ambitions rather than focus on solving the every...

Dear Friend,  One of the committees I serve on is the House State Affairs Committee – and it took a really dangerous step before 2023 came to an end. The committee passed a pair of resolutions requesting what’s known as an “Article V Convention” – a national...

Dear Friend, 2023 has been another challenging year. But we have been humbled to be by your side every step of the way, and we hope that wherever you are, holiday cheer finds you with peace, love, and joy. Growing up in a working class immigrant family here in Orlando...

The sweeping “Keep Floridians Housed Act” is one the most comprehensive housing reform packages ever proposed in Florida – a package focused squarely on the needs of renters and tenants rather than landlords and developers. Orlando, FL – Representative Anna V....

Dear Friend,  As 2023 comes to an end, we want to take a moment to reflect on our past challenges and triumphs. So here, in no particular order, are some of Team Anna's top moments from what was another impactful year of serving the Sunshine State. You'll notice a...

Dear Friend, I wanted to make sure you knew that last week, Florida Republicans pushed a bill weakening our state's child-labor laws through its first committee. House Bill 49 would let businesses make 16- and 17-year-olds work overnight on a school night and for more...

Orlando, FL: Today the Florida State Supreme Court issued an opinion on the Florida House’s proposal to consolidate Florida’s 20 judicial circuits. Their opinion was in clear opposition stating: "As explained below, we do not find that there is a need to consolidate...

Dear Friend, As 2024 approaches I wanted to make sure I invited you to join us for three community events, each hosted to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. These events include two parades on January 13th -- one in Orlando and the other in the Historic...

Dear Friend, Well, we just finished up our sixth and final week of committee meetings in Tallahassee. The next time we’re back in Tallahassee it will be for the start of the 2024 Legislative Session.  With the start of the 60-day session now only about three weeks...

December 15 is National Bill of Rights Day! This day celebrates the ratification of the Bill of Rights on December 15, 1791. The Bill of Rights was designed to protect the indispensable rights and liberties of Americans and ensure fundamental freedoms for all at the...

Tallahassee, FL: This morning it was announced that the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to review a lower court decision that would make mifepristone, the commonly used abortion pill, less accessible. The court's action sets up a collision between the Food and Drug...

Dear Friend, We just wrapped up the second-to-last week of committee hearings ahead of the 2024 Legislative Session.  The pace is picking up in Tallahassee now that the start of session is so close. Last week alone, we saw the governor reveal a recommended budget for...

Dear Friend, As the sun sets and the eight days of Hanukkah begin, I want to wish all who celebrate a holiday season surrounded by love and family. Hanukkah reminds us of the power of light and the resilience of the Jewish people in the face of the greatest...

Dear Friend, December is here, and we have been busy at Team Anna focused on both community events and constituent services. Earlier in the week we hosted our annual Virtual Legislative Session Preview which you can re-watch here. We also hosted Orange County's...

If Sustained, Meaningful Higher Education In the State May Not Survive Tallahassee, FL: On Wednesday, December 6, the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) will hold a press conference at the Florida Capitol on the release of its report: Political...

Every year, December 2nd is recognized as the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, a day to call for an end to modern-day slavery. While there is no definition, it is an umbrella term for exploitative practices such as forced labor, debt bondage, forced...

As the year draws to a close and we find ourselves wrapped in the warm embrace of the holiday season, it's a time to reflect on the moments that have shaped our journey and to embrace the spirit of joy and togetherness. It's a season where kindness reigns supreme,...

Dear Friend, We are incredibly close to collecting the petitions needed to bring abortion access to the Florida ballot in 2024. But this final push needs your help! As of right now, the coalition is focused on collecting volunteer petitions in the following districts:...

Dear Friend, Located about 25 miles southeast of Orlando, the Split Oak Forest Wildlife and Environmental Area was bought in 1994 by a coalition of Orange and Osceola counties and state agencies to protect the land from development. There are now plans for a toll road...

Dear Friend, Happy Thanksgiving from the Team Anna family to yours! Our team wishes you a restful holiday and a safe weekend ahead with special thanks to those who are working this holiday season and those organizations who are spending the day serving others. I also...

Florida's 2024 State Legislative Session is Quickly Approaching Orlando, FL: Representative Anna V. Eskamani will be hosting a virtual event focused on the 2024 Legislative Session. Set for Monday night, the virtual event will center on bills already filed and review...

Dear Friend,  As we approach Thanksgiving, I want to give a special shout out to the more than 1,300 constituents of House District 42 who helped us to qualify for the 2024 ballot via candidate petitions! I also want to thank the volunteers who went door-to-door with...

Dear Friend,  Florida is in a property insurance crisis right now. Average homeowners insurance premiums in have more than doubled under Gov. Ron DeSantis to more than $6,000 a year – nearly triple the national average. More than 1-in-10 homeowners in Florida are...

Dear Friend, We just wrapped up our fourth week of hearings in Tallahassee in preparation for the 2024 Legislative Session. There are now just two more weeks of committee meetings left before the start of Session, which begins January 9th. The past week saw a big win...

Orlando, FL: Today the U.S. State Supreme Court declined to overturn a lower court’s blocking of a Florida law that limits drag shows in the state, dealing a blow to a key initiative championed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. Below is Representative Eskamani’s...

Tallahassee, FL: Today Senator Erin Grall filed SB476 that could allow individuals to bring wrongful death lawsuits against health care providers who offer reproductive healthcare, including abortion. Below is Representative Eskamani’s statement in response. There is...

Dear Friend, I’m already back in Tallahassee for another week of committee hearings, but wanted to get you an update about the events last week, which included more committee meetings ahead of the 2024 session – and a politically motivated special session to prop up...

Dear Friend,  In case you did not know, the Board of Governors (BOG) is comprised of seventeen members, fourteen of whom are appointed by the Florida Governor and confirmed by the Florida Senate for a term of seven years. The remaining members include the Chair of the...

Dear Friend, Today is Veterans Day -- a moment to honor the contributions of our military service members, and recommit ourselves to ensuring the health and well-being of our veterans. There are close to 1.3 million veterans in the State of Florida and we are humbled...

Dear Friend,  This November, we're partnering again with Conway Community Market to serve as a drop-off location for their 7th Annual Basket Brigade, where Conway comes together to feed hundreds of local families for Thanksgiving. Monday, November 6th thru Friday,...

Dear Friend, It's time to VOTE, Orlando! In this local election, you will decide who holds the position of Mayor along with the City Commissioners for districts 2, 4, and 6. To find your local polling location make sure to visit ocfelections.com. ALSO: There are...

On the first day of this week’s legislative session, Eskamani filed a package of bills to address property insurance, housing security and public safety in Florida. Republican leaders in Tallahassee refused to hear any of them. But Eskamani says she’s not done...

Orlando, FL: Today, amid overwhelming opposition to judicial consolidation, a committee appointed by the Florida Supreme Court unanimously recommended against shrinking the number of judicial circuits in the state. Read more here and below is Representative Eskamani’s...

Dear Friend,  Earlier this year, Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB999/SB266, attacking diversity and freedom in higher education. Now the Board of Governors (BoG) is going above and beyond the implementation of this law with overly broad statewide rules that impose...

November is National Caregivers Awareness Month, a month of observance to honor and recognize caregivers nationwide. Caregivers not only give emotional support to our loved ones, but they also perform personal care, medical assistance, and other life management tasks...

Orlando, FL: Last night Attorney General Ashley Moody filed a 39-page brief claiming that the Floridians Protecting Freedom proposal should be kept off the 2024 ballot because the wording of the ballot summary would be misleading to voters. Here is Representative...

November marks World Vegan Month. This month we come together to recognize and celebrate veganism, and its positive impact on the earth, animals, and human health.  World Vegan Month is observed to begin on November 1st and was first established in 1994 by Louise...

Native American Heritage Month is an important celebration that recognizes the achievements and the rich culture, traditions, and history of Indigenous Americans. Considering the historical oppression of Indigenous people and their respective cultures, it is all the...

SB 462/HB 579 take action towards ending gun violence Orlando, FL— Senator Lori Berman (D-Boca Raton) and Representative Anna V. Eskamani (D-Orlando) have filed SB 462 / HB 579, legislation that would ban assault weapons and large-capacity magazines in Florida. Just...

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...