Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Breaking News - Senator Smith launches "Stand Your Ground" site

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                               CONTACT:   MICHELLE DeMARCO
July 31, 2013                                                                                      850.487.5833

SENATE DEMOCRATIC LEADER CHRIS SMITH LAUNCHES STAND YOUR GROUND WEBSITE
FloridaStandYourGround.org designed to inform and engage public to press for changes

TALLAHASSEE – As inquiries continue to pour in from throughout the nation for better, more comprehensive answers to questions on Florida’s controversial “Stand Your Ground” law, Senate Democratic Leader Chris Smith (D-Ft. Lauderdale) on Wednesday announced the launch of a new website designed to inform and enlist the public’s engagement.

“This is how we begin the discussion, by informing the people,” said Senator Smith. “The website is a one-stop information center for anyone who wants to know more about the law, what it does, how it’s being misused, and the proposed changes to fix its dangerous flaws.”

Senator Smith, who earlier this month began a Twitter campaign called #HearTheBills, sponsored legislation this year that would have ended automatic immunity from arrest and taking oneself to a fight – two of the most controversial provisions of the Stand Your Ground law. The bill was never heard and Senator Smith is re-filing his legislation for the 2014 legislative session.

FloridaStandYourGround.org not only outlines proposed changes, but contains answers to some of the basic questions about the law, its history, and how the public can impact its future, including links to key lawmakers and model local legislation.

###

Link to the new website:



Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Wakulla Democratic Women Attend "Women Can Run" Event


"Wakulla Residents attend 'Women Can Run!' Event"

Crawfordville - Three Wakulla Democrats attended the "Women Can Run" Event" in Tallahassee on Monday, July 29.  Pictured below are Shirley Howard, Verna Brock, and Rachel Pienta.


Created by The Oasis Center for Women & Girls and presented in partnership with Leadership Tallahassee and the League of Women Voters of Florida Education Fund, Women Can Run! is a non-partisan program designed to encourage women to run for elective office or work on political campaigns in the future. Women from Leon, Gadsden, Wakulla and Jefferson counties are encouraged to participate.

This year, the Women Can Run! program will include a series of workshops that will be open to the public and a more intensive cohort program for a selected group of women. Throughout the year, we will explore topics related to preparing to run, managing a campaign and more. You will have an opportunity to get to know campaign experts and currently and formerly elected women right here in our community!


Location and topics to be announced for the following workshops. Registration will be required. All workshops below scheduled for 5:30-7:00 pm.
Workshop Day Monday, July 29, 2013
Workshop Day Monday, September 30, 2013
Workshop Day Monday, November 25, 2013
Workshop Day Monday, January 27, 2014
Workshop Day Monday, March 31, 2014
Workshop Day Monday, May 26, 2014
Full-Day Training Institute Saturday (Date TBD) in June, 2014

Interested in learning more or getting involved? Please call (850) 222-2747


Monday, July 29, 2013

North Florida Legislator Rep. Alan Williams At The White House Today To Discuss Voting Rights in America

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2013

CONTACT:  Office of Representative Williams
(850) 717-5008

Rep. Alan Williams At The White House Today
To Discuss Voting Rights in America


WASHINGTON – This afternoon, state Representative Alan Williams (D-Tallahassee) is attending a meeting at The White House at which President Barack Obama, Attorney General Eric Holder and Labor Secretary Tom Perez are holding talks with civil rights leaders and state and local elected officials to discuss strengthening the Voting Rights Act and safeguarding every eligible American’s right to vote.

The meeting was scheduled to convene at 2:45 p.m. today.

In preparation for the meeting, Representative Williams, who serves as chairman of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus, issued the following statement pertaining to voting rights.

“I am extremely pleased to personally witness President Obama and the Department of Justice taking bold action to protect American’s voting rights, which is of extraordinary importance to the people of Florida. Today’s talks between the administration, state officials and civil rights leaders are just the beginning of a renewed commitment to ending voter disenfranchisement in this country.

“In Florida, we hold particular concerns about voter rights, especially given the efforts of Governor Rick Scott to direct state elections officials to conduct a voter purge. Florida’s actions are worrisome given this state’s egregious history of voter discrimination and suppression. Therefore, I am pleased to echo the calls of other Florida elected officials, including U.S. Reps. Alcee Hastings and Ted Deutch, and state Senator Arthenia Joyner, who have publicly requested that Governor Scott not renew his latest attempt at a voter purge.

“Urgent and careful action is needed to ensure that we have a voting process that is fair and free of discrimination. Congress must enact a new formula for conducting preclearance under the Voting Rights Act to prevent discrimination, and in Florida, it is essential that Governor Scott not renew the voter purge.”

###
 

Friday, July 26, 2013

No Swimming at Shell Point - Advisory Issued

 I received the following press release from the Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners today. Reports like this not only underscore the need for a central, modernized sewer system in Wakulla County but also help to make the case for maintaining the strong Wetlands Ordinance in Wakulla County.

CORRECTED PRESS RELEASE FOR SHELL POINT BEACH: (beach name corrected)

Press Release

Date 7/25/2013

Wakulla County Saltwater Beach Monitoring Results

The Florida Department of Health in Wakulla County has been conducting marine beach water quality monitoring at Shell Point Beach once every two weeks, through the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program.  The water samples are being analyzed for enteric bacteria (enterococci), that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals, and which may indicate increased risk of human disease, infections, or rashes.  The presence of enteric bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage. 

Name
City
Water Quality
Enterococci
Water
Quality
Shell Point
Crawfordville 
Poor
180
Poor

Water quality classifications are based upon the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) recommended standard for enterococci:

Good = 0-35 enterococci Colony Forming Units (CFU) per 100 milliliters of marine water
Moderate = 36-104 CFU/100mL of marine water
Poor = Greater than 104 CFU/100mL of marine water

A No-Swimming Advisory has been issued for Shell Point Beach based on the marine water bacterial indicator that has been recommended by the EPA. This should be considered a potential health risk to the bathing public.  If you should have any questions, please contact the Wakulla County Health Department at (850)926-0410, or visit the Department of Health’s Internet Beach Water Quality website (www.floridashealth.com/beachwater).

 

Press Release

Date 7/25/2013
Wakulla County Saltwater Beach Monitoring Results

The Florida Department of Health in Wakulla County has been conducting marine beach water quality monitoring at Shell Point Beach once every two weeks, through the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program.  The water samples are being analyzed for enteric bacteria (enterococci), that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals, and which may indicate increased risk of human disease, infections, or rashes.  The presence of enteric bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage.

Name
City
Water Quality
Enterococci
Water
Quality
Shell Point
Crawfordville 
Poor
180
Poor







Water quality classifications are based upon the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) recommended standard for enterococci:

Good = 0-35 enterococci Colony Forming Units (CFU) per 100 milliliters of marine water
Moderate = 36-104 CFU/100mL of marine water
Poor = Greater than 104 CFU/100mL of marine water

A No-Swimming Advisory has been issued for Heavy Load Beach based on the marine water bacterial indicator that has been recommended by the EPA. This should be considered a potential health risk to the bathing public.   If you should have any questions, please contact the Wakulla County Health Department at (850)926-0410, or visit the Department of Health’s Internet Beach Water Quality website (www.floridashealth.com/beachwater).

Friday, July 19, 2013

Saturday July 20 - National Day of Action

  1. Anniston, AL
    Group of concerned Parents
    1129 noble Street
    10:00 AM
    832-499-8731
    Callelegantevents@yahoo.com
  2. Birmingham, ALHugo Black Federal Courthouse
    1729 5th Avenue North
    Birmingham AL 35203
    Meeting at Kelly Ingram Park (5th Avenue North And 16th Street) at 11am
    Contacts:
    Sheila Tyson: 205-249-8559
    Shirley Floyd: 205-552-3035
    Hezekiah Jackson: 205-516-9806
    Marcella Lee: sking10@bham.rr.com
  3. Madison, AL
    Madison Mission SDA Church
    183 Shelton Road
    7:00 pm
    256-698-8911
    princesstutorial@aol.com
  4. Montgomery / Mobile, AL
    403 West Powell st.
    Contact: The Ordinary People Society
    334-791-2433
    topssociety@yahoo.com
  5. Mobile, AL
    U.S. Federal Court House, Southern District of Alabama
    113 Saint Joseph St.
    12 Noon.
    Contact: Robert Battles
    (252) 518-1262
    Email: rbattlesafricatown@att.net
  6. Montgomery, AL
    U.S. Federal Court House, Middle District of Alabama @
    One Court Street Center
    11:00 a.m–2:00p.m.
    Contact: Minister Earl S. Wagner
    (334) 322-8837
    Email: topscoord@yahoo.com
    Dr. Sharon Richards
    (334) 819-0307
  7. Little Rock, AR
    Federal Building, 700 West Capitol
    11AM
    Contact: Rev. Tyrone Broomfield
    870-305-6520
    tbroomfield@phoenixyouth.com
  8. Phoenix, AZ
    401 W. Washington St.
    12 noon
    Contact: Black Women of Faith
    480.414.9725
    Kathryn.McKinney@ymail.com
  9. Lodi, CA
    950 S. Garfield St. #27
    Pacific Standard Time
    1-209-368-5986
    eladia95240@yahoo.com
  10. Los Angeles, CA
    Berendo Middle School
    Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
    Contact: Sofia Francis
    213-984-8308
    krazy.friends123@gmail.com
  11. Los Angeles, CA (2)
    312 N. Spring Street
    Los Angeles, CA 90012
    Date: 7/2013
    Time: 9:00 am
    Tel: (323) 546-8173
  12. Oakland, CA
    Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building
    1301 Clay St.
    Oakland, CA 94612
    12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    (510) 691-5089
    inaug1995@yahoo.com
  13. Oakland, CA (2)
    From City Center BART to 1301 Clay Street
    Signmaking at 11; vigil at noon
    Contact: Oakland Families for Justice
    510-332-9483
    ssteffens@cwa-union.org
  14. Riverside, CA
    Federal Building and United States Courthouse
    3470 12th Street
    Riverside, CA 92501
    Time: 9AM – 12PM
    Contact: Carolyn Huyck
    951-236-9372
    carolynhuyck@facebook.com
    https://www.facebook.com/events/372538802868211/
  15. Sacramento, CA
    Sacramento Federal Courthouse
    501 ” I ” Street
    Sacramento, CA 95814
    1:00pm
    Contact: Occupy Sacramento & The Talking Drums Newsletter
    916 484-5025
    fayek@springmail.com
  16. San Bernardino, CA
    351 N. Arrowhead
    Time: 9AM
    Contact: Daughters of Nefertiti
    909-910-3603
    daughter_moss@yahoo.com
  17. San Francisco, CA
    90 7th St
    9:00 am
    (209) 918-5298
    jbell5@student.yosemite.edu
  18. Seaside, CA
    Broadway (ObamaWay) Post Office
    9:00 am
    Contact: First Baptist Church of pacific grove/ Monterey NAACP
    831-373-0741
    Rev.rfmont@gmail.com
  19. Denver, CO
    Friendship Baptist Church 880 Fairfax Street
    5 pm
    Contact: Brother Jeff’s Cultural Center
    303.297.0823
    brotherjeff1@earthlink.net
  20. Fort Collins, CO
    Time for Change
    200 West Oak Street
    12:00
    970-481-6963
    quepassow@gmail.com
  21. Hartford, CT
    450 Main St.
    12PM
    Contact: Parents That Care
    860-478-8211
    ngocbslade@gmail.com
  22. Washington, D.C.
    The E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse
    333 Constitution Avenue N.W.
    Washington D.C. 20001
  23. Fort Myers, FL
    Martin Luther King Blvd.
    6:00PM
    Contact: ANF
    239-785-5560
    jonestw27@yahoo.com
  24. Fort Myers, FL (2)
    2662 St. Charles St.
    6:00pm
    (239) 245-1094
    crystalannjohnson31@yahoo.com
  25. Fort Pierce, FL
    Federal Courthouse
    101 S. U.S Hwy 1
    772-801-1965
    lashonda1975@aol.com
  26. Gainesville, FL
    220 South Main Street
    Gainesville, Florida, 32601
    10:00 AM
    Contact: Students for a Democratic Society
    727-804-7692
    michelam1992@gmail.com
  27. Jacksonville, FL
    Bryan Simpson U.S. Courthouse
    300 North Hogan Street
    Jacksonville, Florida 32202
    Pastor Perry Robinson 904-881-9961
    12PM
  28. Miami, FLWilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. United States Courthouse
    400 North Miami Avenue
    Miami, FL 33128
    Time: 10:00 AM
    786-362-5746
    nansouthflorida@gmail.com
  29. Miami, FL (2)21300 SW 114 Ave.
    305-300-4684
    nansouthflorida@gmail.com
  30. Orlando, FL
    80 N. Hughey Avenue
    407-900-9569
    bettyjdean47@gmail.com
  31. Tallahassee, FL
    United States Courthouse
    111 N. Adams St.
    Tallahassee, Florida 32301-7730
    Rev. Don Tolliver
    850-330-9311
    quartress@gmail.com
    12PM
  32. Tampa, FL
    Sam Gibbons Federal Courthouse
    12:00 PM
    Contact: PUSH – Persists Until Something Happens
    813-325-7715
    Jebony21@gmail.com
  33. Alpharetta, GA
    3000 Webb Bridge Rd
    12:30
    Contact: Young Leaders
    404-431-5209
    Joevan.Palmer@gmail.com
  34. Atlanta, GARichard B. Russell Federal Building
    75 Spring St. SW
    Atlanta, GA 30303
    12noon EST
  35. Atlanta, GA (2)
    3201 Summer Wood Circle
    Atlanta, GA
    678-362-3728
    stephens.savannah@gmail.com
  36. Atlanta, GA (3)
    250 Georgia Ave. SE, Suite 212
    Atlanta, GA 30312
    11:45 AM
    Contact: National Domestic Workers Alliance – Atlanta Chapter (NDWA-Atlanta)
    646-334-9503
    tamieka@domesticworkers.org
  37. Atlanta, GA (4)
    Graced Place
    2900 Athena Lane Apt. 27F
    4042875335
    gracedplace@Gmail.com
  38. Augusta, GA
    1850 Gordon Hwy.
    Contact: Reach One Teach One
    706-210-9142
    jenkinsandassociates@yahoo.com
  39. Augusta, GA (2)
    Stomping out Injustice: Rally for Trayvon
    Augusta Richmond County Judicial Center
    735 9th St
    Time: 3:00 PM
    (706) 869-2093
    heathergates222@yahoo.com
  40. Dawson, GA
    432 Crawford Street Northeast, Dawson, Georgia 39842-1279
    Contact: The Elite Dynasty
    9:00 AM
    678-543-6149
    Contact: A.T.L. (Aqua, Toschie, Lashiria)
    229-995-2541
    aq916ua@gmail.com
  41. Lafayette, GA
    5921 Hwy 151
    Contact: Let’s Make A Difference, Inc.
    Rev.Dr. Willie Womble
    lmadfaith@yahoo.com
  42. Savannah, GA
    125 Bull St.
    912-713-1132
    camanor1981@gmail.com
  43. Stone Mountain, GA
    12:00
    Georgia
    Contact: Restoring Dignity, Inc
    804-243-5106
    Restoringdignity@ymail.com
  44. Thomasville, GA
    Aqueelah
    417 W. Walcott
    229-236-8328
    keala_watson@yahoo.com
  45. Valdosta, GA
    1500 North Patterson Street
    12:00pm
    Contact: Valdosta State University
    267 307 5536
    shanaefarquharson@gmail.com
  46. Valdosta, GA (2)
    1505 Lankford Drive. PO P.O box 19
    7:00 PM
    Contact: Black Student League
    917-648-84444
    Mzhowell@valdosta.edu
  47. Davenport, IAMichael Parker
    Federal Courthouse
    131 E. 4th Street
    Contact: Michael Parker
    563-940-0888
    Successful340970@yahoo.com
  48. Des Moines, IA
    Iowa State Capitol
    7pm
    Contact: B.E.S.T. Man Community Group
    773-621-0030
    r.jamesjohnson@yahoo.com
  49. Chicago, ILDirksen Federal Building
    219 S. Dearborn, Chicago, IL
    Time: 12PM – 3PM
    Contact Information:
    Maureen Forte’, President – 708.653.6545
    Pastor Ira J. Acree – 773.378.3300
    Rev. Dr. Marshall Elijah Hatch Sr. – 773.909.5051
  50. Peoria, IL
    210 N. Richard Pryor Pl.
    Time: 10:00 AM
    Contact: Bethel United Methodist Church
    309-360-4370
    rmbookerj@aol.com
  51. Waukegan, IL
    18 North County Street
    12:00 pm
    Contact: The Agg`in Tribe
    224-237-0762
    rstewart@clcillinois.edu
  52. Indianapolis, IN
    3858 Red Mill Place
    Time: 1:00PM
    Contact: Terrell Harris
    317-656-1503
    deboi07@yahoo.com
  53. Wichita, KS
    17th and Hillside
    Time: 4:00PM
    316-351-1922
    alycia.trotter@yahoo.com
  54. Bowling Green, KY
    Warren County Justice Center
    1001 Center Street
    Time: 10:00 AM CDT
    Contact: Martin Luther King Jr. Planning Committee
    (270) 320-8432
    mccray20@insightbb.com
  55. Lexington, KY
    US District Court
    101 Barr St.
    Lexington, KY 40507
    Time 12-2
    Contact: Gina De Arth
    330-978-0884
    momsmostwanted411@gmail.com
  56. Baton Rouge, LA
    1201 N. Third Street, Ste. 7-210
    Baton Rouge, LA 70802
    Contact: Jermaine Hutchinson
    225-349-9360
    crazywrapstar@yahoo.com
  57. New Orleans, LA
    United Stated District Court Federal Bldg.
    500 Poydras Street
    New Orleans, La. 70130
    Contact: Kimberly Gibson
    (504) 388-2004
    Time: 11:00 – 1:00
  58. Shreveport, LA
    300 Fannin St.
    Contact: Dr. Artis Cash
    318-773-7947
    drartiscash@msn.com
  59. Springfield, MA
    U.S. Federal Courthouse, 300 State St.
    12 noon
    Contact: A.W.A.K.E., Inc.
    413-657-8716
    awakeincspringfield@gmail.com
  60. Detroit, MI
    US DOJ
    211 Fort Street Detroit, MI
    12PM
    Contact: Charles Williams II
    313.312.5287
    NANDetroit@gmail.com
  61. Flint, MI
    Site Federal Building 600 Church Street Downtown
    Contact: Brenda Purfoy
    810-869-2200
    12:00 EST
  62. Pontiac, MI154 Wall Street
    Pontiac, MI
    12PM-2PM
    Contact: Melvin Grigsby
    Meazy2010@gmail.com
    248-648-5432
  63. Pontiac, MI (2)10 Water St.
    Pontiac, MI 48342
    10AM
    Contact: MBM
    musicbymista@gmail.com
    502-330-0525
  64. Saginaw, MI
    100 S. Warren Ave
    Noon
    Contact: C.U.R.E
    989 233-7418
    tdwelch@svsu.edu
  65. Minneapolis, MN
    United States Federal Courthouse
    300 South 4th Street
    Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415
    Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
  66. Maryland Heights, MOP.O. Box 1801
    Maryland Heights, MO
    Contact: Louis Holmes
    314 341-5564
    EJSServicelh.@gmail.com
  67. St. Louis, MO
    Federal Court Building
    Downtown St. Louis
    shineonthecommunity@gmail.com
    636-385-2922
    https://www.facebook.com/events/582440218473615/?ref=2
  68. St. Louis, MO (2)
    United States Attorneys Office
    111S 10th St
    St. Louis, MO 63102
    Contact: Dr. James E. Coleman, Jr.
    1-434-426-2507
  69. St. Louis, MO (3)
    Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Courthouse
    111 South 10 Street
    St. Louis, MO 63102
    10:30AM-11:30AM
    trayvonstl@gmail.com
  70. Charlotte, NC
    401 W. Trade Street
    Contact: Charlotte for Peace & Justice
    704-458-1374
    CookieWilliams@live.com
  71. Charlotte, NC
    4556 Carriage Drive Circle
    Contact: KYOS Foundation
    704-493-4380
    undercoveralto@gmail.com
  72. Raleigh, NC
    Dominion Faith Christian Center
    316 Fayetteville St
    12:00PM
    888-563-0179 ext 102
    dominionfaithcc@gmail.com
  73. Albuquerque, NM
    Albuquerque Center for Social Justice
    505-603-4098
    jacklarson9@gmail.com
  74. Annapolis, MD
    1311 Colony Drive
    12 noon
    Contact: Cynthia Abney-Carter
    443 837-4282
    cabneycarter@comcast.net
  75. Capital Heights, MD
    Addison Road Metro Station (Corner of Addison Road and Central Avenue)
    9:00am-3:00pm
    Contact: Prince Georges Peoples Coalition
    757-289-4295
    jhutto77@yahoo.com
  76. Waldorf, MD
    St. Charles Town Center
    11110 Mall Cir Waldorf, MD 20603
    12pm
    Contact: Pastor Thirkel Freeman
    (301) 653-4404
    http://www.truegospel-churchministry.org/
  77. Billings, MT
    Federal Building
    12:00 Noon MDT
    Contact: Pamela Hill
    406-671-9295
    pamfrommontana@yahoo.com
  78. Fayetteville, NC
    117 Dick St. On the steps of Cumberland County Courthouse
    3:00pm – 7:00pm
    Contact: Kelechi Group 4 African American Youth Inc / Rogers Law Firm LLC
    803-743-2839 (Nikay J)
    910-433-0833 (Allen Rogers)
    kelechigroup@gmail.com
    allenrogers-law.com
  79. Fayetteville, NC (2)
    Hay Street Downtown
    6:00PM – 8:30PM
    910-339-5918
    alainaclark3.ac@gmail.com
    910-286-0112
    backdraft2383@aol.com
  80. Goldsboro, NC
    508 E. Walnut street Apt. 109b
    Contact: Carol Durante
    540-455-4394
    dbaby2659@gmail.com
  81. Greensboro, NC
    US Federal Court Building
    L. Richardson Preyer Building
    324 East Market Street
    Greensboro NC
    Contact: Monica Archie
    Mdarchie.ma@gmail.com
    (336)491-5181
  82. New Bern, NCUS Federal Courthouse
    413 Middle Street
    Contact: L.A. Jamison
    252-638-1518
    Jdillslove@peoplepc.com
  83. Wilkesboro, NC
    Old Courthouse
    6:30PM
    336-818-0215
    ladyjmillz69@aol.com
  84. Winston-Salem, NC
    1200 N. Trade Street
    Winston-Salem, NC
    Time: 11:00 AM
    Contact: Union Baptist Church
    336-283-1709
    charry@eleganteventz.net
  85. Camden, NJ
    Camden City Hall Plaza
    12:00 Noon
  86. Jersey City, NJ
    William T. Brennan Courthouse
    583 Newark Avenue
    Jersey City, NJ
    Contact: Florence Holmes
    201-333-1509
  87. Newark, NJ
    Federal Building
    On the corner of Broad & Walnut St.
    Time: 12PM
    Contact: Steffie Bartley
    (908) 296-6786
  88. Las Vegas, NV
    333 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
    Las Vegas, NV 89101
    Time: 8AM
    Contact: Unity in the Community
    702-609-4420
    chaneljackson83@ymail.com
  89. Albany, NY
    James T. Foley U.S. Courthouse
    445 Broadway
    Contact: Moms in Action
    12 noon
    518-377-1201
    cuthere518@yahoo.com
    518-935-7654
    RLDSR12@aol.com
  90. Buffalo, NY
    Downtown Niagara Square
    Buffalo, NY 14202
    Time: 6PM
    716-299-8299
    bflonan@gmail.com
  91. Hollis, NY191019 Jamaica Ave.
    Contact: True Worship Church of Christ
    347 279-7430
    truewc@aol.com
  92. Nassau County, NY
    Nassau County Criminal Court House
    99 Main St.
    Hempstead, NY
    12 Noon
    Contact Info:
    Nassau County Chapter of NAN
    516 543-7812
    Aedennis@nassaunan.org
  93. New York, NY
    1 Police Plaza
    New York, NY
  94. New York, NY (2)
    45 Central Park North HDFC
    New York, NY
    Time: 9PM
    917-721-1186
    deborah.sanders@rocketmail.com
  95. Staten Island, NY
    Borough Hall
    10 Richmond Terrace (Opposite the Staten Island Ferry)
    Contact: Cynthia Davis
    347-938-1769
  96. Syracuse, NY
    James M. Hanley Federal Building
    100 S. Clinton Street
    Syracuse, New York 13202
  97. Akron, OH
    2 So. Main St.
    Contact: Dr. Jerome Parker
    330-835-1982
    drartiscash@msn.com
  98. Canton, OH
    Time: 3:00PM
    Contact: Ellsey Project
    330-341-9571
    Tamaracrable9909@gmail.com
  99. Cincinnati, OHFederal Court House
    100 E. Fifth Street
    Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
    Bishop Bobby Hilton
    513-858-8131
  100. Columbus, OH
    4828 Wendler Blvd.
    Contact: Chantay Flowers
    614-269-7699
    Chanflowers@yahoo.com
  101. Greater Cleveland, OHCarl B. Stokes US District Federal Court
    801 W. Superior Ave.
    Cleveland, OH 4413
    Contact: Maria L. McCoy
    216-374-0913
  102. Toledo, OH
    795 Jackson Street
    5:30-7:00pm
    419-514-5260
    scorpianbosslady@yahoo.com
  103. Toledo, OH (2)
    Toledo (Lucas County) Common Pleas Court
    700 Adams St. Toledo, Ohio 43609
    5:30pm – 7pm
    Chris McBrayer
    419.419.1770
    oneday_betr@aol.com
  104. McAlester, OK
    Federal Bldg., 301 E. Carl Albert Pkwy
    12pm
    Contact: Concern Citizens of SE Oklahoma
    918-916-4430
    revaewilliams@yahoo.com
  105. Portland, OR
    1021 SW 4th ave Portland OR Multnomah county courthouse
    Noon
    503-333-3333
    Justice4ALL226@yahoo.com
  106. Allentown, PA
    Jalil Rasheed
    Federal Courthouse
    5th & Hamilton
    484-426-3280
  107. Harrisburg, PA
    Federal Building & Courthouse
    228 Walnut Street
    Harrisburg, PA 17108
    Contact:Rev. Micah C. T. Sims, organizer
    micahctsims@gmail.com
    267.629.9648 cell
  108. Philadelphia, PAJames A. Byrne U.S. Federal Court House
    601 Market Street
    Philadelphia, PA 19106
    Phone #: 215-765-6181
    Email: thepananoffice@yahoo.com
  109. Philadelphia, PA (2)
    9:00 AM
    Contact: Justice 4 All
    215-287-0400
    cliffy4469@gmail.com
  110. West Chester, PA
    High & Market Sts
    1:00pm
    Citizens Against Gun Violence
    484-321-1530
    jasminejones928@gmail.com
  111. Chattanooga, TN
    Joel Solomon Federal Building (Corner of MLK and Georgia)
    5:00 PM
    Contact: Concerned Citizens for Justice
    423-401-8893
    ccjstreetteam@gmail.com
  112. Memphis, TN
    191 Beale St.
    Time: 6pm
    Contact: James Richardson
    901-674-5598
    jamesfrich@gmail.com
  113. Memphis, TN (2)
    Lorraine Motel (National Civil Rights Museum)
    11:00 AM
    Contact: Charlise Clark
    901-210-0143
    charlise.clark@gmail.com
  114. Columbia ,SC
    South Carolina State Court House on Gervais St
    Time: 10:00 AM
    803-206-4687
    Buildingcommunitiesandfamilies@gmail.com
  115. Nashville, TN
    United States District Court – Middle District of Tennessee
    Contact: Magaela Bethune
    615-332-2757
    J4tnashville@gmail.com
  116. Austin, TX
    1100 Congress Avenue
    12 Noon
    Contact: Chas Moore
    713-459-2333
    chas.d.moore@gmail.com
  117. Bastrop, TX
    PO. Box 144
    655 E. Durango Blvd
    Contact: Yolanda Miller
    210-227-5800
    ymkgentertainment@gmail.com
  118. Dallas, TX
    1100 Commerce Street
    Dallas, TX
    877-998-4623
    cwcentgroup@gmail.com
  119. Dallas, TX (2)
    1100 S. Commerce Street
    Contact: Kingdom W.A.R. Church
    214-845-1313
    info@thekingdomwar.org
  120. Dallas, TX (3)
    8717 Jennie Lee Ln.
    Contact: Brandon Horlsey-Thompson
    757-768-5591
    horsley.thompsonb@gmail.com
  121. Houston, TXMickey Leland Federal Building
    1919 Smith Street
    Houston, TX
    713-822-6372
  122. Houston, TX (2)City Hall 901 BABGY
    Contact: The Community Of Faith Church King’s Dome
    1023 Pinemont Drive
    Houston, TX 77018
    Telephone: (713) 688-2900, extension 224
    Fax: (713) 688-3682
    Bishop James W.E. Dixon, II – Senior Pastor
    www.cofempowers.org
  123. Jasper, TX
    1013 Helen Street
    Time: 7:00PM
    Contact: Walter G. Diggles Foundation
    409-489-2540
    wdiggles1@gmail.com
  124. San Antonio, TX
    Federal Courthouse
    655 E. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd.
    Time: 11:00 AM
    Contact: Community of Churches for Social Action
    210-227-5800
    ccsasatx@yahoo.com
  125. Wichita Falls, TX
    2003 Collins Ave
    2pm
    Contact: North Texas Cultural Diversity Society
    615-210-5810
    crystal.washington@wds.co
  126. Salt Lake City, UT
    Utah’s Justice for Trayvon Coalition
    “Wallace F. Bennett Federal Building” 125 South State Street
    12:00
    801-574-0992
    deOliveira.ian@gmail.com
  127. Alexandria, VA
    Albert V. Bryan U.S. Courthouse
    401 Courthouse Square
    Alexandria, VA 22314
    12:00 – 2:00
    Contact: NOVA Dream Keepers
    703-200-2092
    antonio.harrison@afkapsi.com
  128. Harrisonburg, VA
    Harrisonburg District Court, Court Square
    Contact: Communities for Solutions
    540-432-5555
    Communitiesforsolutions@gmail.com
  129. Lynchburg, VAFederal Court Building
    11th and Main Street
    Lynchburg, VA
    Dr. Carl B. Hutcherson, Jr.
    1-434-665-4339
  130. Newport News, VA
    2400 West Avenue
    Contact: Fatimah Walton
    757-597-3274
    ffewalton@Gmail.com
  131. Newport News, VA (2)
    25th St & West Ave
    Time: 9:00 AM
    Contact: Citizens of Newport News
    757-768-6459
    sjeffersn@yahoo.com
  132. Norfolk, VA
    600 Granby Street, Federal Court
    12PM
    Contact: United Council for Equality
    757-402-9245 (Tomeka M. Winborne)
    unitedcouncilforequality@gmail.com
  133. Richmond,VA
    Oxnard Rd
    6:00pm
    Contact: Candlewax And Wine RVA
    804-357-8011
    CandlewaxAndWineRVA@Gmail.com
  134. Roanoke, VA
    Martin Luther King, Jr. Bridge
    Roanoke, VA
    Time: 6:00 PM
    Contact: One Accord for Justice
    540-793-0520
    samariapope@gmail.com
  135. Milwaukee, WI
    517 E. Wisconsin Ave.
    Contact: Milwaukee Matters
    414-202-7606
    kbailey@milwaukeematters.com
  136. Racine, WI
    1250 Lathrop Avenue
    Racine, WI
    Contact: Pastor Mark Freeman & Second Missionary Baptist Church
    262-995-4863
    mark.freeman47@aol.com
  137. Martinsburg, WV
    Martinsburg Square at the intersection of Queen St and King St
    Noon
    304-283-8147
    jcorbin02@gmail.com

In Florida, Governor Rick Scott has called for a statewide day of prayer on Sunday.  A day of prayer, reflection, and remembrance is never a bad idea.

Across the nation, a number of citizens seem more inclined to organize and engage in some sort of social action to remember Trayvon Martin.

However you may choose to express your First Amendment rights this weekend, please be peaceful and respectful, and stay safe. 

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Special "Timely" News from the Wakulla County Board of Commissioners

 This new time (see below) was announced after an experiment which had the BOCC alternating start times between 2 pm and 5 pm. The new 6 pm start time heralds an unprecedented acknowledgment of the importance of citizen participation in local government. In Wakulla, with a large percentage of the county's workforce heading to Tallahassee every day, a 6 pm start time says, "we get it". 

Kudos on this "timely" decision.

That said, I'm not about to link arms and start singing peace songs with our BOCC. While they are, for the most part, nice guys to catch up with during a social occasion there is still much about our county's governance about which we fundamentally disagree. 

- Rachel Pienta, Wakulla DEC Chair




NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                July 16, 2013

Contact: 
Jessica Welch
Office of Communications & Public Services


Wakulla County Announces New Start Time for Board of County Commissioners Meetings

Crawfordville, Florida – The Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners announces the new start time of their regular scheduled meetings will now start at 6:00p.m.  The new time change will take effect on August 5, 2013.
The Board continues to look at ways to increase community involvement.  Changing the time to later in the day will allow citizens who have full-time day jobs the opportunity to participate and is anticipated to increase transparency of our local government.  The Board of County Commissioners meetings are typically held on the first and third Mondays of each month excluding July and December; the Board holds one meeting in the months of July and December.  For a complete list of Board Meeting dates, visit our website at www.mywakulla.com.  The Commissioners would also like to remind any citizen who is not able to attend the meeting, to watch it live on Comcast Channel 16. 
If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Welch, Communications & Public Services Director at (850) 926-0919 ext. 706 or jwelch@mywakulla.com

Monday, July 15, 2013

#ActOnClimate bus tour to stop in Tallahassee on Wednesday July 17!

This Wednesday the #ActOnClimate bus tour will be making a stop in Tallahassee:

What:      I Will #ActOnClimate Bus Tour
    
Where:      Railroad Square Art Park (next to The Other Side Vintage)
     567 Industrial Drive
    
When: Wednesday, July 17th
     3:00 pm - 4:00 pm


The President announced his plan to combat climate change, and it's critical we show the country that he has our support.

Speakers:

Representative Alan Williams
The League of Women Voters
Ursula Ible 

This event is to express our support for the executive actions the President's taken on climate change in recent weeks.

Please spread the word.

Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida calls on state officials to take action in wake of Zimmerman verdict


  
Statement of the Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida in response to the Zimmerman verdict


The Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida (DPCF) extends its sympathy to the family of Trayvon Martin and calls on Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature to address Florida's self-defense laws, including Stand Your Ground, also referred to as the Shoot First Law.

"We hold Trayvon's family in our hearts at this time," said Caucus President Susan Smith. "The disappointing verdict has surely added to the grief they have suffered since the loss of their precious child."

In calling on the governor and the legislature to act, Smith said, "The caucus supports the rights to self defense. The implementation of the extreme Shoot First Law in 2005, however, extended the concept beyond reasonable limits."

Shoot First legislation was written by the National Rifle Association (NRA) and promoted by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). Similar laws have been passed in 24 states. Under traditional self defense laws, people have the right to defend themselves in their homes and under other conditions if they are in fear of bodily harm.

"Shoot First perverts the spirit of self defense laws by extending the conditions under which deadly force is considered legal." said Smith. "People have always had a right to defend themselves, but they also traditionally had a responsibility to try to resolve confrontations by negotiating or walking away. Shoot First removed the duty to retreat. Now people can just feel free to shoot first and ask questions later. This is wrong and, as the death of Trayvon Martin has tragically proven, leads to the unjust taking of innocent life."

The Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida urges Governor Scott and the Legislature to repeal the controversial and ambiguous Shoot First law and return to the time-honored definition of self defense.

The DPCF is a chartered caucus of the Florida Democratic Party. The caucus recently released a report comparing the gun records of potential Democratic gubernatorial candidates former State Senator Nan Rich, former Governor Charlie Crist and former Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink. The report can be found on the caucus website.

###

Susan Smith
President
Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida
813-390-3616
stsmith222@aol.com