The Anna for Florida Blog

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,...

In 1973, June 5th was officially declared World Environment Day— a day of action dedicated to addressing challenges posed by the climate crisis. This year’s theme is #BeatPlasticPollution, which calls for “a surge of public and political pressure to scale up and speed...

Every year, the month of June is recognized as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, a time to highlight the contributions of the community, shed light on the current struggles that are faced today, and reflect upon the history of LGBTQIA+ existence and persistence.  From the recent...

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

Featuring Lexie Beach and Stacey Gallagher from the Sea Turtle Conservancy Orlando, FL -- Representative Anna V. Eskamani is teaming up with the Sea Turtle Conservancy to mark World Oceans Day and raise awareness about the impact humans of on our oceans and sea turtle...

Orlando, FL: Today immigrant rights organizations across the State of Florida are calling for businesses to close, workers to stay home, and everyday people not to purchase items in the Sunshine State as a means to demonstrate solidarity with immigrant families. This...

Dear Friend, Today marks the beginning of Pride Month, and now it is more important than ever for us to honor Pride and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. Let me tell you why.  In case you missed it, this has been a disastrous year for equality in Florida. In one day...

The Sierra Club has released their Legislative Scorecard and Representative Anna V. Eskamani has been named a Legislative Hero for her actions this past session in support of Florida's environment. Read the full scorecard here. Here is a statement from The Sierra...

Orlando, FL - Representative Anna V. Eskamani will host a mental health awareness discussion with Dr. Cristi Salinas, PsyD on Thursday, May 25th at 11:00AM. The program will address key policy developments in Florida, share relevant community resources, and explore...

Orlando, FL: Today Governor Ron DeSantis announced his bid for presidency. Here is Representative Anna V. Eskamani's statement in response. "Governor Ron DeSantis is an extremist who preaches about freedom while he strips away our freedoms as Floridians. Whether it's...

Orlando, FL - Join Representative Anna V. Eskamani on Wednesday, May 24th at 12pm alongside professionals from Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health to host a virtual event that brings awareness to National Foster Care Month. A live program will be streamed at...

This event will take place in partnership with community advocates and policy experts Eatonville, FL - In February, State House Representative Anna V. Eskamani joined community advocate Chasman Barnes to host an in-person “Policy to the People” town hall that set the...

Orlando, FL: Today Governor Ron DeSantis signed four anti-LGBTQ+ bills into law at a Christian Private School in Tampa. That includes the gender affirming care ban, the bathroom ban, restrictions on drag shows and the expansion of Don’t Say LGBTQ. He also signed a...

Led by Dr. Thomas Hall, Director or Orange County’s Coalition for a Drug-Free Community Orlando, FL - Join Representative Anna V. Eskamani (D-42) this afternoon Tuesday, May 16th from 2:00pm - 3:00pm ET for a virtual discussion to address regional opioid trends and...

The Florida Legislative Session formally ended Friday, May 5th Orlando, FL - The 2023 Legislative Session has finally come to an end in Tallahassee. In recent months, Florida State Representatives and State Senators have passed new laws, developed a statewide budget,...

During the 2023 Legislative Session sweeping changes were made to the Florida elections systems via SB7050. Here is a breakdown of what was included in that bill. You can also click here for a PDF version and see the bill text here. Changes an existing requirement for...

Dear Friend, Happy Mother's Day from my family to yours! I'm 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...

Orlando, FL: Yesterday Floridians Protecting Freedom officially announced and launched a statewide campaign to codify abortion rights in Florida's State Constitution via a citizen-led ballot initiative. Today that petition officially went live and this evening...

Dear Friend, It’s finally over. This was the session from hell when it comes to the personal freedoms that Floridians hold so dear – like access to abortion, LGBTQ+ equality, immigrant rights and collective bargaining.  We did see success with Florida’s state budget,...

Somewhere On I-10, Florida: Governor Ron DeSantis was sent SB1604, legislation that was once focused primarily on land use issues but was amended to also include language to nullify the Disney and Reedy Creek agreement. About 30 minutes later, he signed this bill into...

Tallahassee, FL: Today marks the end of Florida’s 2023 Legislative Session. Here is Representative Eskamani’s statement. “This has been a session from hell when it comes to the personal freedoms that Floridians hold so dear, like access to abortion, LGBTQ+ equality,...

The Gender Affirming Care Ban has passed the Florida Legislature and now goes to the Governor's Desk. This is a breakdown of the amended version, provided by civl rights attorney Simone Chriss. Click here for a PDF version. (1) Custody provision: Big Picture Take...

Tallahassee, FL: Today the Florida House passed SB254, legislation that -- among many things -- will ban gender affirming care of new minor patients, requires that only MDs and DOs provide gender affirming care, prohibit public funding from going to gender affirming...

Tallahaseee, FL: Today the Florida House just passed HB999/SB266 from the House Floor. Here is Representative Eskamani’s statement in response. “This is a destructive bill that targets diverse students like me and our ability to thrive in higher...

May is dedicated to celebrating and supporting the professionals, families, and care-givers in their critical role of taking care of children in the foster care system. The theme of 2023’s Foster Care Month sponsored by the Children’s Bureau, emphasizes “the need to...

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is an important celebration that recognizes the achievements and the rich culture of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in various fields being brought to the forefront of society. The annual celebration of this...

The month of May is dedicated to raising awareness for mental health. The theme of 2023’s Mental Health Awareness Month focuses on how our surroundings and financial security impact mental health. Topics within this theme include that of “Safe and Stable Housing”, as...

Dear Friend, Well, this is it.  We’re headed into the last week of the 2023 legislative session. The final day of the 60-day session – known as Sine Die – is Friday. Before we start the final sprint, I wanted to get you a recap of Week 8. Unfortunately, we saw some...

Tallahassee, FL: Today the Florida Legislature passed HB1417, legislation that will preempt local governments and their ability to put into place local ordinances that support renters. Below is Representative Eskamani’s statement in response. “Today is another slap in...