Monday, February 16, 2015

Former Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp to Advocate for Florida Medical Marijuana Legislation

Former Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp is now advocating on behalf of Florida for Care, the organization pushing for comprehensive medical marijuana legislation.

A separate effort from the new ballot petition introduced last week, Florida for Care's work is purely centered on legislature, and working with both parties to secure access for patients with debilitating medical conditions. 

"Former Lt. Governor Kottkamp's vast understanding of legislative politics and his experience leading the Governor's Office of Drug Control will, without question, be a huge boost to our efforts," said Daniel Rogers, Florida for Care's Director of Legislative Affairs.

"I'm proud to work with Florida for Care on this very important mission.  We have a unique opportunity to bring something compassionate to the table - and respond to the majority of Floridians - 58% who supported medical marijuana in the last election," said Jeff Kottkamp.

Kottkamp's efforts on behalf of Florida for Care are also personal to him:  

"Like so many other Floridians who back medical marijuana, I have my own story. I watched my mother suffer with cancer for 10 years. I think when we have loved ones and think there is any way to alleviate their suffering, how can we not do whatever it takes?" Kottkamp said.

Over 3.3 million people - 58% of voters supported medical marijuana in the 2014 election, garnering roughly 500,000 more voted than Gov. Rick Scott and more than 900,000 than the opposition. voted in favor of medical marijuana in 2014.
Florida for Care will spearhead legislation in March of 2015 in Tallahassee, setting the standard for what the state’s medical cannabis system should look like and how it can function most effectively. Such a system must balance three core principles: first, safe, affordable patient access; second, a tightly controlled state regulatory structure; and third, a robust, free market commercial enterprise.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Bianca Garza via email at press@floridaforcare.org

Sunday, February 15, 2015

In your fat FACE Pam Bondi!

This One Picture Will REALLY Piss Off Florida Winguts

First gay couple in Florida to legally wed.   A Sheriff's deputy (in uniform) to a former Marine.
On this blessed day, allow me to be the first to say:  In your fat FACE Pam Bondi! here

Jeb Bush Was A Weird Stoner Bully In College

Ybor's Slam Dunk Scavenger Hunt

Lace up and join the huddle! Tampa Bay’s first free standing comprehensive clinic serving high risk youth is about to host its second annual fundraising event!

Ybor’s Slam Dunk Scavenger Hunt is a scavenger hunt playing off the NCAA’s championship tournament, March Madness. The interactive dash takes place March 21, 2015 and is open to the general public. Teams will advance through historic sites in Ybor using a series of clues and completing exciting challenges as they race toward the finish for the championship title. Included in scavenger hunt ticket is entry to the laid-back after party and awards reception immediately following the hunt. The scavenger hunt start whistle blows at 2 PM. Registration begins at 1 pm at the Ybor Youth Clinic at 1315 E 7th Ave, Suite 104. Don’t be a bench warmer - get your tickets in advance 

by visiting our website! info

2nd Annual Localtopia in St. Pete

Help shape the future of transportation in Hillsborough County

Question - Required - Which event(s) are you planning to attend?
 
Let us know you're coming by entering your information here

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Florida One-Term Wonders

David Jolly, FL-13. 

Tag Team says Whoomp! (There It Is), and they may be back again, but David Jolly won’t be in 2016. In 2012, President Obama carried this district with more than 50 percent of the vote. Jolly has already tried to deceive Florida voters, claiming he wasn’t a lobbyist when his own paperwork clearly said he was. We’re sure he’ll try to deceive them again when voters hold him accountable for being willing to risk Social Security in the stock market. more

Carlos Curbelo, FL-26

Carlos Curbelo – “Hey Mikey” might blow Floridians’ minds, but Carlos Curbelo will surely be a disappointment. We will make sure voters know that Curbelo has a long record of voting to approve contracts for his campaign donors, while supporting a budget that slashed hundreds of good-paying jobs for middle class families in his district. Curbelo even recently endorsed Republicans suing President Obama to stop immigration reform action. more

Get Ready to Fight for Civil Liberties in Tallahassee

The time is upon us once again. Monday, March 2 marks the start of the Florida legislature’s 2015 session and the ACLU of Florida will be at our state’s Capitol defending against bills that aim to limit your civil rights and civil liberties. We’ll also be fighting for new laws that look to expand freedoms for all Floridians. We’re excited about the work we’ll be doing and want to share just a glimpse of what’s to come. here
  • The practice of charging kids with adult crimes.
  • Ending Florida’s infamous and shameful practice of sending people to death row on a simple majority vote of a jury.
  • Reforming Florida’s prison system.

Florida Controversial Technique for DUI Checkpoints

Florida Joins The Pitbull Party

The enduring hunt for Republican celebrities has its newest viable target: Pitbull. Latino Republicans in Florida GOP has made overtures to the Cuban-American star to join the party and support its candidates. Rick Scott and Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado recently showered him with gifts and praise, giving him the key to the city and declaring his birthday, Jan. 15, “Pitbull Day.” Scott also bestowed the title of Ambassador of the Arts on him. here
“I’m not here to be part of any political party,” Pitbull said in a statement. “I’m here to bring political parties to my party because they can’t, they won’t they never will, stop the Pitbull party

Friday, February 13, 2015

C4G Tampa

Tampa Rally For Transit & Safe Streets

Tuesday, February 17 at 7:00pm - 8:30pm

The MadMug Tarot - a Major Arcana Project

The MadMug Tarot is mixed media Major Arcana 22 card Tarot deck featuring whimsically urbane, Sci-fi/ fantasy characters and symbols by local artist Dante Hadley. here 

Culture Vultures: The Palladium

Hosted by Linda Saul-Sena, 
"Culture Vultures" is a weekly series featuring local and visiting artists in music, theatre, dance and visual ars.

Florida for Care Cautious to Support HB 683

While Florida for Care applauds the filing of House Bill 683 by Rep. Greg Steube (R-D373), there are serious reservations regarding its provisions, which are far more restrictive than its Senate companion bill SB528.  “We are encouraged to see this companion bill filed by Rep. Steube. However, the exclusion of qualifying symptoms - in addition to qualifying diseases - and the prohibition on a patient’s ability to consume their medicine as recommended by a doctor is alarming.", said Ben Pollara, Executive Director of Florida for Care. here

For more information or to schedule an interview with Ben Pollara or Dan Rogers, please contact Bianca Garza via email at Bianca@floridaforcare.org

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

ACTIVIST BBQ IN TAMPA

Tampa's Right Wing Infestation


Jackie Toledo- Rick Scott 
Dana Young - Pam Bondi Paul Erni -Tom Lee
Joe Citro
Jeff Brandes - Kent King here

Vote On Awake The State's Top Progressive Bills

It's time to Awake The State and fight for a Florida that works for every Floridian, not just the wealthy and well-connected.
Tell us what progressive bills you think Awake The State should prioritize using the form below. The five bills that receive the most votes will be featured at our Awake The State events on the first day of Florida's legislative session, 
Tuesday, March 4th. here

Downtown St. Pete Waterfront Master Plan

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Florida's Culture Of Corruption: Baileygate

Demand An Independent Investigation Into "Baileygate"

We’re just weeks into Gov. Rick Scott’s second term, and he’s already caught up in a major scandal. First it was reported that Scott lied about his firing of Florida’s top cop, longtime Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Commissioner Gerald Bailey. Now it appears that the firing was politically motivated and that Scott violated both state and federal law. here

Florida To Imprison Trans People for Using Public Bathrooms

Florida’s bigoted legislators are proposing one of the most viciously sadistic, hypocritical bills the legislature has ever considered. The basic purpose of the bill is quite simple: to forbid trans people from using the public bathroom that matches their true gender. According to the bill’s text, any trans person who enters a “single-sex public facility” that doesn’t match their “biological sex” is guilty of a first- degree misdemeanor. here

Aids Walk Orlando

Saturday, March 28, at 7:30am

What Stogie Had For Lunch

Pot Steak
With yellow rice 
At At Supersaver Supermarket, 2001 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa

Monday, February 9, 2015

Tampa Community Organizing

Tuesday, February 10 at 6:30pm
 Awake Tampa helps diverse grassroots organizers network, learn, and collaborate. Please bring an internet device as we leverage internet tools to get work done during the meeting.

Valentine's Day Immigration Panel: Stop the Heartbreak

Saturday, February 14 at 
12:00pm - 2:00pm
 First United Church of Tampa (UCC) 7308 E Fowler Ave, Tampa info

Sign the New Petition for Medical Marijuana

Thank you for helping us get medical marijuana back on the ballot for 2016.  We need everyone to sign the new petition.  

***YOU MUST SIGN THE NEW PETITION EVEN IF YOU FILLED OUT ONE IN 2013 or 2014.***
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE NEW PETITION HERE

We recommend Julie Jenkins for Tampa City Council

Here is what one of our long time favorite has to say:
After two 4-year terms on Tampa City Council, I am term limited from running this year, but I still care deeply about having an independent, forward-looking and inclusive Tampa City Council.
That's why I am letting you know who I support to take over my District 2 seat: Julie Jenkins!

"Julie shares what I believe are the most important values for a public servant and especially for a city-wide councilwoman - a commitment to listen and to respond equally to ALL citizens she serves. She has an outstanding record of community service and neighborhood activism as a volunteer, parent and neighborhood leader. Julie has the forward looking goals that will help Tampa take the steps we need to be a leader among 21st century cities.

Her varied work experience in Tampa - as marketing director in the tourism and travel industry and currently as development director for St. Peter Claver School - have given her a balanced perspective on the needs of all kinds of businesses, families and neighborhoods. She not only listens to people's concerns, she makes her own intelligent decisions and she gets things done.

I would be so pleased to see this smart, community-minded leader serve citywide on Tampa City Council!  Thanks for all of your support over the years and for considering a vote for Julie Jenkins!

Sincerely, Mary Mulhern
Check out Ms. Jenkins here

Citizenfour Official Trailer

Sunday, February 8, 2015

ACLU of Florida Annual Meeting In Tampa

Time
Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at 7:00 pm
Location
University Area Community Development Center
14013 North 22nd Street, Tampa, FL 33613 info

What Stogie Had For Lunch

Red Snapper
With Black Beans and Rice
At Supersaver Supermarket, 2001 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa

SHRIMP DOCKS KITTY RESCUE PROJECT

Houlihan, the kitty who was dumped at or near the shrimp docks, went to the vet today for her second shot to treat her rodent ulcer. While there, I asked the vet to check a lump behind her right ear. Turns out some evil person shot a pellet into her head! I can't even begin to say what I want to say so we will leave it at thank you as always to Doctor Waldy and staff at the Ruskin Animal Hospital! here