North Florida Democrats Gathered at Wakulla Springs Lodge Thursday Night

Wakulla Democrats gathered at Wakulla Springs Lodge on Thursday, November 7^th for the biannual gala that county Democrats plan as a springboard to launch 2014 electoral efforts.

More than one hundred Democrats from North Florida mingled with guests from all over the state.  Wakulla County Sheriff Charlie Creel welcomed guests to the county and encouraged everyone to return to fully enjoy the “beautiful gem” that is Wakulla County.

Democratic candidate for governor Nan Rich was a featured speaker as was CFO candidate William Rankin.  Attorney General candidate George Sheldon spoke as the capstone for the evening. Sheldon’s long and distinguished record of service in Tallahassee make him especially welcome in any gathering of North Florida Democrats.

Congressional District 2 candidate Gwen Graham was by far the 1000 mega watt star of the night. Her energy has been setting rooms on fire across North Florida district that spans 14 counties in the Big Bend and Panhandle and her performance Thursday night was no exception.

Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Allison Tant provided a crowd-pleasing recap of Tuesday night’s electoral victories across the state – each announced win drew thunderous applause from the audience.  Chairwoman Tant herself earned a standing ovation as she walked to the podium to begin her remarks.  North Florida is Tant territory, for sure.

The highlight for the local crowd was the memoriam for the late Mrs. Anita Townsend, the much loved rural health administrator and former Wakulla Democratic Party leader.  A contingent of family and friends regaled the crowd with stories of Mrs. Townsend’s trailblazing history.

Gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist was not in attendance on Thursday night. Wakulla County party leaders reported that an invitation was declined due to a prior engagement. 

Anti-Bullying Roundtable Discussion Nov. 6 Historic Old Capitol TLH

REMINDER SENT ON BEHALF OF REPRESENTATIVE MICHELLE REHWINKEL VASILINDA

Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda and Dr. Rachel Sutz Pienta co-founded the Big Bend Anti-Bullying Task force as an ad hoc response to community tragedies that occurred in 2010.  The task force, without any sustaining funding, has since organized panel discussions and events, written op-eds, participated in community events, and functioned as a speakers’ bureau of experts and dedicated community members affected by and interested in this critical issue.

Who:                Convened by Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, Co-Chair, Big Bend Anti-Bullying Task Force
Co-facilitated by Dr. Rachel Sutz Pienta, Co-Chair, Big Bend Anti-Bullying Task Force and Olivia James, a doctoral candidate who worked with Rep. Rehwinkel Vasilinda on formulating successful anti-bullying legislation during the 2012 legislative session
What:              Anti-Bullying Roundtable Discussion
When: Wednesday, November 6, 2013, 11:30am – 2:00pm
Where:            Historic Old Capitol, 400 South Monroe Street – a boxed lunch will be served downstairs in the lower level gallery after which the Roundtable will convene upstairs in the Old Senate Chamber
Why:                To have an open and informative discussion among all stakeholders, including elected officials, public administrators, and community leaders, to talk about where we currently are with regard to anti-bullying legislation and where we need to be heading.

We are trying to get a head count for the boxed lunches.  If you have not already done so, please RSVP to Teri Cariota at teri.cariota@myfloridahouse.gov<mailto:teri.cariota@myfloridahouse.gov>.  Please call if you have any questions.

Thank you,

Teri

Teri Cariota
District Assistant to
Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda
District 9

1001 The Capitol
402 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300

850.717.5009 (Office)
850.488.3336 (Fax)
teri.cariota@myfloridahouse.gov<mailto:teri.cariota@myfloridahouse.gov>