The Anna for Florida Blog

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...

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...

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...

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...