FLORIDA FOCUS: Blogs, Obama, Christine Jennings, Joe Garcia, Voter Registration, Groups and Events

BLOGGING FLORIDA: FLA Politics covers the Florida Netroots and Florida politics.

The Florida Progressive Coalition coverse progressive politics in Florida.


Here are some Obama events in Florida:

Clearwater Celebrate America (Thur) (Voter Registration Drive)

Join volunteers at Coachman Park downtown Clearwater as we "Celebrate America" Thursday, July 3rd from 3pm till 7 pm. We will be canvassing the sidewalks registering people to vote --empowering people! That's right - registering to vote, or voting by mail is empowering - the change we've been waiting rests with us! We will have supplies, water, and light snacks. See you Thursday! BE PART OF THE CHANGE WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR! Contact Loretta at lmitchell103@hotmail.com or call 727.488.9298 with questions. Sign up online today!Gates open Thursday, July 3rd at 4PM Admission is FREE. THURSDAY, July 3rd: BK Jackson 6:15PM, Paul Brown 7:30PM, Eric Darius 9:15PM.

Time: Thursday, July 3 at 3:00 PM
Location:
Coachman Park (Clearwater, FL)
301 Drew St.
Clearwater, FL 33755

Thursday, July 3 - Democratic Club of SouthWest Volusia Meeting (Meeting)

Hello Obama Friends, The Democratic Club of Southwest Volusia County will meet on Thursday, July 3 at 7:00pm. We need ALL DEMOCRATS in the Deltona, DeBary, Osteen, and Enterprise to attend this meeting. Our guest speaker for this meeting will be Lisa Walker, Delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Denver, CO in August. Lisa will do a presentation on the Florida Democratic Delegate Situation - How This Happened and What Will Happen. Our meeting will be at the Community Center in Deltona at 980 Lakeshore Drive, Deltona, FL 32725 Directions: Take I-4 Exit 108 East on DeBary Ave. / Doyle Road to Providence Blvd. (1.75 miles) Turn Right on Providence Blvd. and follow to end at Lakeshore Drive – you will see Lake Monroe. Turn Left on Lakeshore Drive and follow for 0.25 miles. The Community Center will be on your left.

For more information about this meeting contact: Ed Gable at gable_edward@yahoo.com (386) 789-5656 OR Lisa Walker at lisa@paraproductions.com (386) 956-6926 Also visit our website at www.swvcdemocrat.org to find out more details about our club. We need you to spread the word about this meeting through emails and phone calls to friends. Thank you for helping the club with this! Also we are looking for inexpensive office space to open up a Democratic Headquarters in Deltona. We will only need this space until just after the November 4 election. If you have space that we can use or share, please contact Ed Gable at gable_edward@yahoo.com (386) 789-5656 See you at the meeting on July 3! Lisa Walker Democratic Club of SouthWest Volusia County Corresponding Secretary http://www.swvcdemocrat.org ParaProductions Database & Website Design Owner, President, and Database Guru lisa@paraproductions.com http://www.paraproductions.com (407) 401-7296 – Orlando (386) 956-6926 – Cell

Time: Thursday, July 3 at 7:00 PM
Contact Phone: 386-956-6926
Location:
Community Center in Deltona (Deltona, FL)
980 Lakeshore Drive
Deltona, FL 32725

March for Obama on July 4 (Community Service)

Supporters are gathering to march in the city of Lynn Haven's 4th of July parade. We need a big showing to march behind the banner that reads, "Bay County Supports Obama!" Come out and celebrate your country by marching in behalf of the man who can make our country great again!

Time: Friday, July 4 at 8:30 AM
Location:
Lynn Haven (Lynn Haven, FL)

4th of July Parade in Historic Downtown Melbourne, FL (Meeting)

Join Obama supporters to walk in the Historic Downtown Melbourne 4th of July Parade! We'll meet at 9am sharp at the staging area between the railroad overpass & Melbourne Court near Melbourne Ave. & Manatee Park. For the parade route and info. on other 4th of July events taking place later in the day, see www.melbourneflorida.org/fourth/
Time: Friday, July 4 at 9:00 AM
Location:
Downtown Melbourne (Melbourne, FL)

Clearwater Celebrate America (FRI) (Voter Registration Drive)

Join volunteers at Coachman Park downtown Clearwater as we "Celebrate America" Friday,July 4th from 1pm till 6pm. We will be canvassing the sidewalks registering people to vote --empowering people! That's right - registering to vote, or voting by mail is empowering - the change we've been waiting rests with us! We will have supplies, water, and light snacks. See you Friday! BE PART OF THE CHANGE WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR! Contact Loretta at lmitchell103@hotmail.com or call 727.488.9298 with questions. Sign up on line today!Admission is FREE. FRIDAY, July 4th: Mostly Pops Orchestra w/ John & Mary K Wilson 7:30PM, Fireworks 9:30PM.

Time: Friday, July 4 at 12:00 PM
Location:
Coachman Park (Clearwater, FL)
301 Drew St.
Clearwater, FL 33755

United We Stand Obama Outdoor BBQ (Women for Obama House Party)

Outdoor Event: Groups may set up tents for fundraising etc: Bring Your best dish/BYOB fishing,rods,shrimp,sunblock,insect spray coolers,tables,outdoor games. Host will not be responsible for any injuries or lawsuits at this location. Just have a wonderful time. Host will provide music. If anyone have a boat or jet skis Please contact me before this event: Email RSVP nclark00733_at_yahoo.com.

Time: Friday, July 4 at 1:00 PM
Location:
Peaceful Palms My Home (Jacksonville, FL)
Directions: 295 south to New Kings Rd,which the AM Trac Train Station is located. Gilchrist RD will be 2 streets before 295 coming from Amtrack make Right. From 295 make left.

Inter-Dependence Day (Voter Registration Drive)

VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE. We've met some wonderful people at other Obama events. Sign up for this event, and have the same kind of experience we've had. We'd love to meet and work with you. Tel. 954-345-8977 e-mail: alcon9_at_gmail.com

Time: Saturday, July 5 at 8:00 AM
Location:
Deerfield Beach (Deerfield Beach, FL)
Ocean Way & E.Hillsboro Blvd
Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Grassroots Get Out The Vote (Voter Registration Drive)

Grassroots Get Out The Vote Calling ALL hardworkers willing to register voters for the upcoming Presidential Election and beyond... A grassroots effort is underway to energize the community to vote and we need YOU to help. Join us in a STRATEGY MEETING to discuss, plan and implement a Grassroots GET OUT THE VOTE campaign on: Saturday, July 5, 2008 Pompey Park (561) 243-7356 1101 N. W. 2nd Street Delray Beach, FL 33444 10:00 am to 12 noon For more information contact: Andrea Bowdry, (561) 637-9672 or Greta Britt, (561) 495-1614.

Time: Saturday, July 5 at 10:00 AM
Contact Phone: 561-637-9672
Location:
Pompey Park Recreational Center (Delray Beach, FL)
1101 NW 2nd St.
Delray Beach, FL 33444

July East Hillsborough Democratic Club Meeting (Meeting)

Giordanos Pizza (Brandon, FL) 11310 Causeway Blvd Brandon, FL 33511 All Democrats east of 301 are encouraged to attend. We will have a town hall debate between Kevin Beckner and Dee Layne both running county wide for the County Commission looking to replace Brian Blair. Also, come to find out how you can help Obama and other Democratic candidates win in November.

Time: Tuesday, July 8 at 6:30 PM
Location:
Giordanos Pizza (Brandon, FL)
11310 Causeway Blvd
Brandon, FL 33511

Women for Obama House Party (Women for Obama House Party)

Get some women together for happy hour to discuss why we believe Sen Obama is the best candidate for president.

Time: Friday, July 11 at 5:00 PM
Location:
My Home (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
2810 NE 55 Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

GOTV for Obama @ Downtown Melbourne Friday Fest! (Voter Registration Drive)

Join us as we Get out the Vote for Obama at the Downtown Melbourne Friday Fest on July 11th. Please sign up to receive details. The festival is from 6-10pm, but we will probably only stay until about 9pm depending on crowds and how things are going. We will need volunteers to help work the crowd with campaign information, sign up sheets, and voter registration forms. We are also hoping to have local Obama t-shirts to sell by that date. One or 2 people are needed to help with set up from 5pm - 6pm, and then we will need anyone who is available to help work the table and pass out information. All levels of participation are highly welcome! Please sign up here only if you will be there for sure to help. If you plan on just stopping by that is great, but no need to sign up here unless you are working the table. Thanks!

Time: Friday, July 11 at 5:00 PM
Location:
Downtown Melbourne (Melbourne, FL)

A Call For Change (Phone Bank)

I would like to take a 3 hour period to make phone calls to people in Palm Beach County to get support for Senator Obama.

Time: Saturday, July 12 at 10:00 AM
Contact Phone: 561-351-8651
Location:
Canyon Springs (Lake Worth, FL)
8111 Emrald Winds Circle
Lake Worth, FL 33462

V.O.T.E. Voting, Outreaching, Through, Education (Voter Registration Drive)

A Voter registration drive. That will focus on our non-registered voters 18-30. There will be a gospel concert during the drive. We have some of our local elected officials on board to attend. It will be held on July 12, 2008 5-9pm. at Hope Academy 1100 Old Dixie hwy. Homestead,FL. 33033

Time: Saturday, July 12 at 5:00 PM
Contact Phone: 786-226-7339
Location:
Hope Academy (Homestead, FL)
1100 Old Dixie Hwy.
Homestead, FL 33032

Vote for Change Southside (Voter Registration Drive)

This will be the last big push to get voters registered before the deadline for the August primaries. We want a big enough group of volunteers in order to spread out into the community. We will be meeting at the Southside Shopping Center at 2526 S. Monroe Street at 9am on the Wendy's side. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. YES, WE CAN!

Time: Saturday, July 19 at 9:00 AM
Location:
Southside Shopping Center (Tallahassee, FL)
2526 S. Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32301

Our Children For Obama Summer Party (Organizing)

The Future is within our children. Let's teach them about unity and peace from now. Come Celebrate with each other a day of fun, A bounce house, clowns, rides, games and food will be included. Seeking everyone who wishes to help with this event. A great location will be Miramar Regional Park which includes a brand new Water Park. The park charges a small fee of $3.50 for each person for the water park and $1.00 per person to get in the park. If you will like to help organize this event. Please Send me your info at keppyparties@yahoo.com. Also each person brings food and drinks. Donations for a shelter will be great.

Time: Saturday, July 19 at 12:00 PM
Contact Phone: 954-826-5992
Location:
Miramar Regional Park (Miramar, FL)

Obama Victory in 2008 (Voter Registration Drive)

Democratic Rally to promote Activism among regional Democrats
Time: Saturday, July 19 at 6:00 PM
Location:
Our Democratic Home (Hobe Sound, FL)
8367 SE Pine Circle
Hobe Sound, FL 33455

Brevard County Young Democrats (Meeting)
Monthly Brevard Young Democrats Meeting
Time: Wednesday, July 23 at 7:00 PM
Location:
House of Joe (Melbourne, FL)
1220 W New Haven Ave # 150
Melbourne, FL 32901

"Pizza & Politics" in Sarasota (Meeting)

Join the Suncoast Stonewall Democrats and the Sarasota-Manatee Young Democrats for Pizza and Politics! Bring your Obama signs, generate excitement about the campaign and meet other local Democratic candidates to discuss our issues.

Time: Friday, July 25 at 7:00 PM
Contact Phone: 941-320-8643
Location:
Primo Ristorante (Sarasota, FL)
8076 North Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34243

Brooksville Voter Registration Drive (Voter Registration Drive)

We will be meeting at the Save-A-Lot on Broad Street (get mapquest directions) at noon. We will break into groups and canvas surrounding neighborhoods to encourage registration. I will provide all of the documents needed. The stand at the Save-A-Lot will be presented in a non-partisan manner, but feel free to wear whatever gear you want.

Time: Saturday, July 26 at 12:00 PM
Contact Phone: 352-327-3728
Location:
Save-A-Lot (Brooksville, FL)
676 S Broad St.
Brooksville, FL 34601

Register (Voter Registration Drive)

South St. Petersburg Florida needs to get people registered and excited about the process. Florida will be a crucial state in the general.

Time: Friday, August 15 at 6:00 PM
Location:
Coquina Key Shopping Plaza (Saint Petersburg, FL)
6th St South and 43rd Ave South
Saint Petersburg, FL 33705


Next I want to continue to present information on some good candidates in Florida. Here is the latest video from Christine Jennings campaign for Congress (13th District):



Volunteer for Christine Jennings here. I met her back in 2006 and was GREATLY impressed. Both Joy and I compared her with Ann Richards of Texas.

And from Joe Garcia's campaign for Congress (25th District) comes this statement on health care for Veterans:

Miami, FL - While Mario Diaz-Balart has voted twice against benefits for veterans and troops, Joe Garcia understands the limited access to care that veterans have in South Florida, and has proposed a plan to expand veteran care treatment. This includes creating new clinics in Kendall, improved detection and treatment for PTSD and the creation of full-service commissaries in Homestead and Doral.

Joe Garcia issued the following statement:

"Today, I have set forth a plan that honors our nation's veterans by calling for them when they return home. By creating a much needed clinic in Kendall and full-service commissaries in Homestead and Doral, we can better serve South Florida's veterans with the benefits they have earned with their service to our country."

Aqui es un video que Joe Garcia habla sobre la guerra en Iraq (Lo siento, mi Espanol es muy mal!):



Here is another video of Joe Garcia discussing our Troops:



If you can help out, please visit Joe Garcia's website.


Here are some Florida groups, events and chances to help out some good candidates:

Miami-Dade Democratic Black Caucus Regularly Scheduled Meeting
Second Saturday of every month at 10 AM
Event Location: El-Portal City Hall 500 NE 87 Street, The Village of El-Portal.

We welcome new membership, please join us, free continental breakfast served! Honorable Joyce A. Davis, President 305-754-0934

Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Miami-Dade
Fourth Wednesday of every month, 7:00PM
Hoja Nueva Restaurant at the Westin Colonade
Please attend the monthly meeting for the Miami Dade Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida. For more info: 305 632-0036

Miami Dade Cuban American Democratic Club
Miami Dade Cuban American Democratic Club Breakfast Meeting
Event Location: “Versailles” restaurant located at 3555 SW 8 ST Miami, FL 33135 Fourth Saturday of each month, 9:00 a.m. (If this is the same Versailles Cuban restaurant that I know in California, the food is fantastic! Particularly the roast chicken and rost pork).

The Miami Dade Cuban American Democratic Club invites you to its next breakfast meeting at “Versailles” restaurant located at 3555 SW 8 St
Cost: $15 per person.

For more info contact: Hector Caraballo (President, Miami Dade Cuban American Democratic Club) at hector_at_miamicubandems.org

MIAMI-DADE YOUNG DEMS MONTHLY MEETING
Fourth Tuesday of every month, 7pm
Location:
Gordon Biersch
1201 Biscayne Ave. Miami, FL 33131
For info: 786-425-1130

Peace Vigil West New Haven 5:00PM - 6:30PM
First Wednesday of the month at the "Peace Corner" 1700 West New Haven (just west of the Melbourne Square Mall). Signs provided or bring your own. Please bring nonperishable food items for "Food Not Bombs". Food is distributed to local families in need.

More info 321-720-3520 or vimpoco@cfl.rr.com
Organization: Patriots For Peace

Weekly Peace Vigil in Homosassa
Every Tuesday, 4:00 PM
Meet at Hardee's at Route 19 & Hall's River Road - Homosassa

Call Ed Murphy 382-0876 for more info

Weekly Peace Vigil in Inverness
Every Thursday, 5:00 PM
Old Citrus Courthouse

Call Beverly at 400-4174 for more info

Planned Parenthood Mixer
Join us at On Tapp Lounge for our monthly mixer with Planned Parenthood. On Tapp is located on New Haven Haven just before you go over the Melbourne Causeway on the left side.

We meet at 5:30 pm the 4th Tuesday of every month. Brevard NOW and Planned Parenthood will celebrate the 35th anniversary of Roe v Wade and discuss the 2008 plans for both our organization. For more info, please call Michele Paccione/President at 480-9295 or e-mail at shellymk1@aol.com
Organization: Brevard NOW
Event link: www.myspace.com/brevardnow

Sumter County Democratic Club
P.O. Box 1066 Wildwood, FL 34785
General Meeting at 7:00 p.m. on the 2nd Thursday of every month Sumterville Community Center

Tri-County Women's Democratic Club
General Meeting at 9:30 a.m. on the 1st Monday of every month at the Sumter County Sheriff's Annex on Highway 466 @ Morse Boulevard.

Charlotte County Democrats meeting
The Charlotte County Democratic Club meets on the second Saturday of every month. Please join us at 9:30 AM for coffee and snacks. The meeting starts at 10 AM. Location is the upstairs meeting room at the Public Library on Aaron Street in Port Charlotte. Call 743-5560 for directions or more info.


And for those interested in a more fun way to be liberal, here are Florida's Drinking Liberal groups:

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
* Every Thursday, 7:00 pm onward
* Island Jack's Patio Bar and Grille, 5425 W Atlantic Blvd, Margate (just East of 441)
* Hosted by Jacqueline Hope Derby and Dave Pfeffer, ftlauderdale (at) drinkingliberally.org

Orlando, Florida
* Every Wednesday, 6:00 pm onward
* Johnny's Fillin' Station, 2706 S Ferncreek Ave (NE corner of Michigan and Fern Creek)
* Hosted by Dan Hill, orlando (at) drinkingliberally.or

Pensacola, Florida
* Every Thursday, 7:00 pm onward
* Intermission, 214 S Palafox St
* Hosted by Terry Welch, pensacola (at) drinkingliberally.org

Tallahassee, Florida
* Third Thursday of each month, 6:00 pm onward
* Gill's Tavern, 2545 North Monroe Street
* Hosted by Sharon Collins, tallahassee (at) drinkingliberally.org

South Tampa
* First Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* MacDintons Irish Pub, 405 S Howard Ave, Tampa (map)
* Hosted by Shadia Alame and Kirk Sander, southtampa (at) drinkingliberally.org

St. Petersburg
* Last Thursday of each month, 8:30 pm onward
* Limey's Pub, 1492 4th St N
* Hosted by Connor Davis and Dave Lee, stpetersburg (at) drinkingliberally.org

Brandon
* Every Thursday, 7:00 pm onward
* Old Chicago, 2042 Badlands Dr (Outside patio)
* Hosted by Joe Litton and Shirley Litton, brandon (at) drinkingliberally.org

Land O Lakes
* Second Tuesday of each month, 7:00-9:00 pm
* Rapscallions, 4422 Land O Lakes Blvd (US-41)
* Hosted by Brian Reach and Michael Greenman, landolakes (at) drinkingliberally.org