ORLANDO | Voters called for a bluer state Nov. 6 as progressive candidates won several key races and many Democrats held onto their Central Florida Congressional and Legislative seats in the 2018 midterms. State representative races placed a big blue dot in the middle of Florida as Rep.-Elect Geraldine Thompson, Rep.-Elect Anna Eskamani, Rep. Amy Mercado and Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith all won in their districts.Thompson defeated Republican incumbent Robert Olszeski 51.3 percent to 48.7 percent in District 44. The district includes Orlando’s tourism hotspots and is home to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, International Drive and the Orange County Convention Center. Thompson previously represented the state as a member of the Florida Senate from 2012-2016. Eskamani defeated Republican opponent Stockton Reeves in the Florida House race for District 47. Eskamani won 57.3 percent of the vote compared to Reeves’ 42.7 percent. Eskamani’s win flips District 47 … [Read more...] about Voters elect a more liberal, progressive Central Florida
Jennifer Webb becomes first openly LGBTQ woman elected to Florida Legislature
ST. PETERSBURG | Democrat Rep.-Elect Jennifer Webb defeated Republican Ray Blacklidge in the race to represent Florida House District 69 (HD69) Nov. 6, becoming the first openly LGBTQ woman elected to the Florida Legislature in the process. Webb replaces Republican Kathleen Peters in representing HD69. The district includes Gulfport, Kenneth City, Madeira Beach, Pinellas Park, South Pasadena, St. Pete Beach, parts of St. Petersburg and Treasure Island. As of Nov. 12, the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections reports that 78,363 votes were cast in the race. Webb received 41,298 to best Blacklidge’s 37,065, or 52.70 percent to his 47.30 percent. Webb was endorsed by both statewide and national progressive organizations ahead of the election. She made access to mental health care and substance abuse programming a cornerstone of her campaign, something she advised Watermark ahead of the election can disproportionately affect the LGBTQ community due to societal rejection. The … [Read more...] about Jennifer Webb becomes first openly LGBTQ woman elected to Florida Legislature
EPIC Generations coalition forms to support aging LGBTQ community
ST. PETERSBURG | Empath Partners in Care (EPIC), a member of Empath Health, has formed EPIC Generations—a new coalition dedicated to serving LGBTQ elders throughout Pinellas County. EPIC Generations stems from the nonprofit’s partnership with the St. Petersburg-based Project Generations Coalition, an alliance of over a dozen elder care advocates. It was formed by area resident Chris Almvig, one of the founding members of SAGE, the country’s oldest and largest nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ elders.“Chris approached EPIC and asked if we had any interest in hosting their advisory committee,” EPIC Executive Director Joy Winheim recalls. “From the minute she walked in the door, her passion for this population and the need for services for LGBTQ elders was like nothing I’d ever seen. “They were looking into writing a grant to create this elder LGBTQ program since there’s really not been anything like it in this … [Read more...] about EPIC Generations coalition forms to support aging LGBTQ community
Ten Arts and Cultural Organizations to Support on Give Miami Day
Thanksgiving is next Thursday, but before Miamians give thanks at the dinner table, they've got a chance to give money to local nonprofits and charity organizations. The Miami Foundation's Give Miami Day returns this Thursday, November 15, and it's the best opportunity for locals to support the organizations doing hands-on work to improve daily life in our city.Nonprofits benefiting causes having to do with animals, affordable housing, education, and beyond are participating this year. In addition to accepting individual contributions, the Miami Foundation is awarding prizes to incentivize gift-giving during the 24-hour donation period. For example, the foundation will donate $1,000 to the organization that receives the most unique gifts during 12 to 1 a.m. on Thursday and $1,000 to the organization that receives the 31,821st gift, in celebration of surpassing last year’s 31,820 total donations.Last year, more than 20,000 people raised just over 10 million for 700 local … [Read more...] about Ten Arts and Cultural Organizations to Support on Give Miami Day
Thanksgiving 2018: Miami Restaurant Brunch Guide
Thanksgiving is really what you wish to make of it and if it's an early feast you are craving this year, you will be happy to know that many eateries across Miami are hosting tasty options of turkey brunch on November 22 and over the weekend. Here are the best spots serving up special holiday menus. Brunch specials fall on Thanksgiving day unless noted otherwise. Prices do not include tax or gratuity. Addikt at W Miami. Give thanks at this new Brickell eatery with chef Christian Quinone's three-course brunch menu. Traditional holiday items are served with a contemporary twist, including roasted fig and pecan Brie frisee salad, turkey breast, and pumpkin pie. For an additional $25 you get bottomless mimosas and for $35, all the Champagne you like. Brunch costs $55 and will be served from noon to 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving day. 485 Brickell Ave., Miami; 305-503-0373; wmiamihotel.com.Atton Brickell. Atton will host a Friendsgiving brunch buffet at its rooftop on Black Friday. Guests will … [Read more...] about Thanksgiving 2018: Miami Restaurant Brunch Guide