2023 Sydney Eastman Courage Award: Julio Rodriguez

Hello fellow Stogie readers,

I am honored to present my 2023 Sydney Eastman Courage Award to Julio Rodriguez!

At first, when I offered to present Julio with the award, he said “no!” … However, I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving. Julio is the founder of the Ybor City Stogie, a committed activist on behalf of marginalized groups such as Tampa’s homeless community, which he memorializes with his photography.

I met Julio during (per memory) a bus trip to a Fight for 15 rally, in Orlando (again, per memory). This man fights for what he believes in, whether that is an important issue that affects those with less, or advocating on behalf of candidates who are dedicated to empowering the people like Pat Kemp & Max Frost.

Additionally, Julio’s courageous acts led him to helping me drive a 20-foot U-Haul, towing my old Chevy, with myself, two cats, and a hedgehog ALL THE WAY up from Tampa, FL to Bennington, VT. If that isn’t the act of a friend, the act of a courageous individual who CONSISTENTLY puts others before himself, I don’t know what is… Julio embodies the courageous spirit that I saw in Syd Eastman when I met with her all those years ago back at Nikos Diner in East Tampa. I hope you will join me in congratulating Julio, as well as the Tampa Five and Rep. AOC, while remembering Syd Eastman as the symbol for courage in activism, and beyond.

Stay groovy,

Asher

2023 Sydney Eastman Courage Award: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

I'd like to give the 2023 Sydney Eastman Courage Award to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Rarely do you find a Representative in Congress who thinks beyond the bounds of their own district and beyond the count of votes they need to win re-election. Rarely do you find a Representative who is aware that what is good for the whole country is good for each individual in their constituency. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is one of those rare individuals. She is a shining example of a public servant with the sound moral, unwavering principles our country so sorely needs right now. While our government teeters on the edge of authoritarianism, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez stands with the wisdom and a sense of purpose to advocate for the ideals of freedom and justice our democracy truly represents.

2022 Sydney Eastman Courage Award Winners

Our Thoughts Here

2022 Sydney Eastman Courage Award: Maxwell Alejandro Frost

I would like my Sydney Eastman Courage Award to go to Maxwell Alejandro Frost, the U.S. Representative for Florida'a 10th congressional district. His staunch advocacy for the progressive ideals we all share is what this country desperately needs right now.

2022 Sydney Eastman Courage Award: Andrew Warren

Hello my fellow Ybor Stogie Readers, 

My 2022 Sydney Eastman Award winner is Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren. It takes courage to stand up for the innocent against an onslaught of Reckless Republican bigotry 

and hatred.

State Attorney Warren was suspended for signing a statement that he would not prosecute women who are seeking a safe Abortion and those medical providers. He also extended that to protect those who are seeking transgender medical treatment. 

Governor DeSantis suspended Warren because he had the courage to stand against him and an immoral government that plans to force their Ultra-Conservative policies on all Floridians regardless of the overwhelming support to protect Abortion and Transgender Rights. 

State Attorney Andrew Warren is presenting suing Governor DeSantis in Federal District Court for this unlawful act of removing an elected officer, and have the court reverse DeSantis unconstitutional attempt to overthrow the voters choice for State Attorney. This Court decision will also set precedent for any future attempts by DeSantis to remove elected officials who disagree with him.

2022 Sydney Eastman Courage Award: Rebekah Jones

I would like to start this New Year by awarding my Sydney Eastman Courage Award for 2022 to Rebekah Jones. Rebekah Jones has been an example of bravery and the desire to report the truth by taking on Ron DeSantis and his suppression of reporting the true numbers of people who were casualties here in Florida of Covid in her position as Florida Health Data Manager. She was fired for not hiding the true numbers of those who had died and were infected, and was even arrested at her home at gunpoint by agents of DeSantis.

In 2022, she ran for Congress in the 1st Congressional District in the Florida Panhandle against Trump apologists and alleged teenage sex offender Republican Matt Gaetz. She ran a valiant campaign in that normally dominant Republican District and forced Gaetz to address the allegations of possible involvement in the January 6th Insurrection attempt and his constant denial of President Biden's victory.

She was also arrested on charges of illegally accessing Florida emergency messaging system to encourage state employee's to tell the truth about Covid numbers here in Florida. She has recently settled that case.

Ms. Jones was the inspiration for this tribute to Syd. 

2022 Sydney Eastman Courage Award: Deanna Hardy-Joseph

This year I would like to give the SECA to Deanna Hardy-Joseph For never giving up on justice for her beloved child!

2022 Sydney Eastman Courage Award: Tyler Barrett

Hello Stogie readers,

This year, I would like my Sydney Eastman Award to go to Tyler Barrett. He is a progressive running for Tampa City Council who embodies the leftist dream. Self made, good on values, and true to his word, I am honored to mention Ty for this award!

Stay strong, Asher E

2022 Sydney Eastman Courage Award: Connie Burton

Connie deserves the Courage Award for her fearless truth telling. Her exposure of corruption in City Hall and among our CRA’s is vital to our community. She has long been a freedom fighter that the working people of Tampa need.

Chris Cano