Welcome to the New America

GOP presidential contenders are on a collision course with the American electorate.

“There is simply no way that Republicans can seem like a modern political party with widespread appeal in the New America unless they adjust to the new reality on at least a few of their long-standing policy positions. . . . Foremost in this area are gay rights,” Dana Milbank

Sydney Smoot, a fourth grader at Brooksville Elementary

Seven Democrats sold us out in the Florida House

They voted against healthcare expansion

Bruce Antone

 Randolph Bracy

 Daphne Campbell

 Alan Williams

 Darryl Rouson

 Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda 

and Dwayne Taylor

here

Hollywood, Florida Kicks Out Their Homeless

Like ragged refugees seeking a promised land, a mass exodus of Hollywood's homeless hit the road. They will be staying at a Haines City motel.

 here

Big Sugar supporters hire actors to protest

Screen grab of a Broward Acting Group’s Facebook post offering to pay for pretend protesters to back Big Sugar’s attempt to get out of the land deal they made with the State of Florida. 

The Facebook post has since been taken down.

Who exactly is paying the fake protesters? Inquiring Floridians want to know.

here

Dear Tallahassee Politician

You, Tallahassee Politician, are going to lose your moral authority in about 30 days.

When we put medical marijuana on the ballot in 2014 - so many of you objected, saying legislature was the best place for this to get done.We all know what happened next:  A billionaire put in $6 million, funded an outrageous set of lies and exaggerations about the amendment, and then we came just short of the 60% we needed, despite our 3.4 million votes cast in favor of medical marijuana.

Maybe some of you think we're bluffing.  Maybe you don't believe our expert pollster - who said that if we ran the exact same race in 2016 as we did in 2014, we'd win.  (We're going to run a better race, regardless.)

United for Care
http://www.unitedforcare.org

Florida GOP

here

Rushia Brown At C4G Tampa

Stop by C4G today at 4pm to meet WNBA Legend, Rushia Brown!  All are welcome for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!  This will be a great time to get pictures and autographs!

105 W. Sligh Ave. Tampa

fNFO

Marco Rubio's Sugar Daddy

Norman Braman is not your typical GOP megadonor—and he may single-handely keep Rubio in the race. here

Florida Inc.

HUGE MILITARY EXERCISE IN FORT LAUDERDALE

Florida Charter School accused of grade tampering

Newpoint High, one of Escambia County’s high-performing charter schools, has been accused of fixing grades to earn an “A” grade from the state. here

C4G: First Friday Seminole Heights Art Walk

Friday, April 3 at 7:00pm

105 W Sligh Ave, Tampa

info

Shine a Light to Prevent Political Corruption - Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach - Pier 60 

 4/2/2015 - 7:30 PM info

Arrogant. Deceitful. Insulting Florida GOP

These would be a few words (among others) to describe how the Florida Legislature is implementing Amendment 1. This measure to purchase sensitive land for conservation and recreation was approved by 75% of Florida voters last November, receiving more votes than any other item on the ballot. So what is the legislature doing? The exact opposite of what voters just told them. here

The ducking, dodging Florida governor

Local Great Darden Rice: Wage Theft Ordinance

The average wage theft claim in Pinellas County is estimated at about $500. Some 15,000 employees were affected over a year and a half and that’s just those who reported it. here

USF students against U.S. intervention in Venezuela, Iraq, Syria and Ukraine

Over a dozen students at the University of South Florida (USF) gathered outside of Russell M. Cooper Hall on campus, March 30, to condemn recent interventions by the U.S. in Venezuela, Iraq, Syria and Ukraine here

John Morgan ready to kick some ass

As legislature sits on their ass, 
I'm ready to kick some ass.

If it wasn't for medical marijuana, my brother Tim wouldn't be here today.  The legislature can solve this problem for patients throughout the state right now - but they're not.

So we are going to gear up and get ready to do what we did in 2014 - put medical marijuana back on the ballot.

Will you help us?  We have to raise even more money than before to make sure we are ready for any kind of opposition. Even one funded by an out of state billionaire.

Contribute here tonight and help me send a signal to Tallahassee: Medical marijuana is coming to FL despite your obstruction!

In the meantime... BELIEVE!

I do want to thank the few, brave Republican legislators who tried and failed to bring compassion to Florida. Unfortunately, the power of the pharmaceutical industry is proving more powerful than the people.

- John Morgan

GOP: The Grand OLD Party

2016 Republican hopefuls rush to defense of Indiana anti gay law here

***********************************************************

GOP pollster: Candidates seen as antigay will never win voters under 30 here

Also check this out

Can the GOP Avoid Demographic Doom?

Happy Cesar Chavez Day

 Today on the 3rd floor of our state's capitol, we set up tables on behalf of the central Florida farm worker community, to celebrate the legacy of Cesar Chavez. At noon, we were joined by Senators Soto & Bullard, as well as Representatives Torres, Pafford, Cortes, & Cruz to speak up on the importance of our resolution that will one day designate March 31st as Cesar Chavez Day here in Florida. here

Call Your Legislators: Vote No On SB 724

SB 724 would force women in Florida to unnecessarily postpone access to an abortion for 24 hours. 

This preposterous bill has nothing to do with health benefits. Instead, SB 724 will result in increased expenses, travel difficulties, and medical risks. In some parts of Florida, this could mean as much as 400 miles and eight hours of travel to get access to care.

Call key members of the Florida Senate's Health Policy Committee by filling out your information here. Please report the results of your call so we can keep track and plan our next steps. Thanks!

 Sen. Bill Galvano: (850) 487-5026

Sen. Rene Garcia: (850) 487-5038

 Sen. Denise Grimsley: (850) 487-5021

CopBlocker Michael Burns Cited by Florida Highway Patrol for License Plate Violation…Again

What Stogie Had For Lunch

Sushi

Shrimp Avocado Roll

Spicy Crab Roll 

Shrimp Tempura Roll

Avocado Roll

At Rice Bowl Asian House Restaurant, Bradenton

Awesome stuff!         

Big Sugar to privatize Florida's water supply

For Big Sugar, the exploitation of Florida taxpayers is a ceaseless enterprise. Its success is measured in hundreds of millions of dollars. However much money Big Sugar earns for shareholders -- dominating Florida -- it is never enough.With profits virtually guaranteed by federal farm bill policy, Big Sugar freely seeds Florida with disinformation campaigns through skilled and well-paid message machinery. here, more here

Liberals leading us toward end times

Acording to Rev. Franklin Graham

“One of the greatest threats to America is the progressives (a new name for liberals) led by President Obama and his Attorney General Eric Holder who are trying to impose a new morality – which is really no morality at aall – jamming it down the throats of the American people,”

here

Tallahassee making "disastrous choice"

The editorial board of Florida's largest newspaper, the Tampa Bay Times, just said what we already know: 
"The Florida Legislature is making a serious mistake by refusing to take up legislation that 
would legalize medical marijuana."

Tallahassee politicians are "conveniently forgetting" the 58% of Floridians for medical marijuana and instead "dodging the issue", ultimately coming to the same conclusion we have "no recourse" but to go back in the ballot.

But we can't do it without you. 

Please donate again today to put medical marijuana back on the ballot. 

Florida's Culture Of Corruption: Erik Fresen

Without a word of debate Friday, the Florida House approved a controversial proposal that could require school districts to share tens of millions of dollars in construction funds with rival charter schools.

Erik Fresen sponsored the amendment,his architectural firm has helped build several charter schools, and his brother-in-law runs Academica, the state’s largest charter school management company. here

Senator Bill Nelson Tells Rick Scott GTFOH With Your Gag Order

Jacksonville sheriff's office shoots another unarmed black man

Devanta DeJuan Jones called the police for help early on the morning of March 29, he didn't expect them to come and shoot at him. He is currently in the hospital, and his condition is reportedly stable.

Organizers with the Jacksonville Progressive Coalition and community members are organizing a rally on March 30 (Today) at the corner store across from Cleveland Arms apartment complex at 6:00 p.m. The address for the starting location is 5105 Cleveland Arms Road. here

Jeb the right-wing hardliner

As governor, Jeb was a right-wing hardliner — a doctrinaire supply-sider who slashed at least $14 billion in revenue to the state government by cutting taxes, mostly on the wealthy, and killing programs for the middle class and services for the poor. It was Jeb who signed Florida’s infamous “Stand 

Your Ground Law” here

The Centre for Girls has STAR supporters!

Championship Weekend comes alive to support 

The Centre for Girls! 

On Friday, April 3rd, The Center Circle Luncheon will feature several WNBA legends, including Champion Rushia Brown, and proceeds will support C4G.  It is not too late to get in on the action! There are a limited number of tickets available, 
so register today!

Also, on Saturday, April 4th, the WPBA will host a FREE Basketball Clinic for 150 local middle- and high-school students. Registration is still open for this as well, so act fast! 

More information on both events

2015 Global Marijuana March - Tallahassee

May 2, 11am

400 S Monroe St, Tallahassee

info

Stacy White Chose Not To Sign

The proclamation that Kevin Beckner handed over to Tampa Pride organizer Carrie West at the beginning of Saturday’s activities in Ybor City. here

Florida State Trooper Harassment

Miami Rally to End Marijuana Prohibition

This is a free rally to end prohibition of marijuana. The State of Florida is wasting tax dollars by incarcerating non violent offenders with a little bit of pot. Free up our jails, make tax money and put an end to this war! How many have been killed by smoking God's plant? NONE!

Bring your friends, signs, and peace. This is a peaceful rally that will start at 10:00 am! See you there!

April 11, 11am

Miami Beach City Hall

info

Daniel Tilson, Coming To Take You Away

here

We Want Alan Grayson

Progressives are clearly looking for a bold champion who will inspire and engage voters. 

We can’t afford to run former Republicans or corporate Democrats who consider themselves “centrists” but who are really “Republican lite.” If we do that, we lose.”

Neither Murphy nor Tallahassee area Rep. Gwen Graham fit the qualifications of what progressives are looking for in a candidate. here

Florida GOP running out the clock

I wouldn't trust a politician to be in control of my medical decisions - but that's exactly what's happening in Tallahassee.

Instead of giving physicians the right to do what they think is best for their patients, they're obstructing access to medical marijuana, making it impossible for doctors to truly fulfill their oath.

This obstruction, right now, is coming in the form of running out the clock.  And in 36 days, should legislature end without a bill, it means an automatic 2 year delay (minimum) before we can pass it at the ballot box and get legislature to implement. 

Over 3.4 million Florida voters said they wanted medical marijuana - and that 

will should not be denied by a couple of hundred legislators in Tallahassee.
I'm going to do what I can to get this done sooner, and if not,

I'm going to help get it passed in 2016.

In the meantime, can you make a small donation to United for Care, make this campaign stronger, and help us keep the pressure on Tallahassee?

Please make a donation today and support our end of month goals at http://www.unitedforcare.org/contribute.

We can, and will, get this done.  But so many people would benefit if it gets done sooner.

John Morgan

March in St. Pete demands farmworker rights

Over 3000 farmworkers and supporters from around the country gathered at Bartlett Park, March 21, then marched to demand workers’ rights. 

"As a member of the community and as an activist I believe that everyone deserves a fair pay," says Alicia Gazga of Raíces en Tampa. "Publix and Wendy's should be ashamed for not joining the fair food program. here

Tampa Bay Homeless

Meet Chris

He is a local, been homeless 8 years.

Support Mandatory GMO Labeling in Florida!

The Florida legislature is currently considering a vitally important GMO labeling bill, HB 351/SB 416. Please contact your state representatives immediately and ask them to vote YES on these momentous bills. here

Ronda Storms Day In Ybor City

Tampa's Pride used to hold the distinction of the state's largest LGBT pride event. From 2005 to 2013, Hillsborough County enforced a ban on acknowledging, participating or promoting anything to do with gay pride events. The ban was spearheaded by then-County Commissioner Ronda Storms and wasn't repealed until after citizens elected Kevin Beckner, Hillsborough County's first openly gay commissioner. here

This year's Tampa Pride Festival and parade is 10 a.m. 
to 5 p.m. Saturday in Ybor City. info 

Fort Myers Rally to Legalize Cannabis

March 28, 10am

 at Centennial Park in Downtown Fort Myers

We will be bringing call to end the prohibition against cannabis. info

Clean water and beer! in St. Pete

Join Progress Florida, Environment Florida, and fellow clean water supporters at 3 Daughters Brewing on Tuesday, March 31^st at 6:30pm, as we raise a glass for clean water! here 

Floridians Not Big On Bush, Rubio White House Bids

Floridians aren't very excited about the prospect of either Jeb Bush or Marco Rubio running for President, and Hillary Clinton leads the entire field of potential GOP candidates in the state. here
 Only 37% of Florida voters think Jeb Bush should run for President, to 52% who say they think he shouldn't. The numbers for Marco Rubio on that front are almost identical- 35% say he should run to 51% who believe he should sit it out. The lack of enthusiasm for either Bush or Rubio making a White House bid is at least partially a function of their not being terribly popular. 45% of voters approve of the job Rubio is doing as a Senator to 40% who disapprove. Bush's favorability numbers are similar with 45% giving him good marks to 42% with a negative opinion.

The Awesome City Of St. Petersburg, Florida

Racist Fort Lauderdale Cops Fired

Racist Texts from Florida Officers

After a five-month investigation, three Fort Lauderdale officers were fired and one resigned when it was determined that they regularly exchanged racist text messages and filmed a video promoting the KKK. here

The Lying "Americans for Prosperity": Florida

A group backed by the Koch brothers
(CAN YOU SEE THE EVIL IN THOSE TWO PEOPLES FACES?) 
is arguing a proposed constitutional amendment that would change Florida solar energy regulations will lead the Sunshine State down a dark path. here

Recent solar energy policies in Georgia "have resulted in rate hikes and did not result in solar becoming any more economically viable."

— Americans for Prosperity: Florida on Tuesday, March 10th, 2015 in a news release.

What Stogie Had For Lunch

Bacalao

With Rice and Yuca

At Tierra Latina Supermarket in Tampa

Miami Beach Sea Level Rise, Paradise Lost!