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Push Back - February 3, 2025

Writer's picture: beachesactivistmovbeachesactivistmov

Push Back I: Oppose Decision to Drop Charges in Attack at Beaches Polling Site


Last week, the State Attorney's office dropped all charges in the attack on Harris supporters at the Beaches Library early voting site. Witnessed by several BAM members, the altercation involved a group of eight young men, one wielding a machete. The initial response by both police and the judicial system reflected the seriousness of the attack. Now, three months later, it is being swept under the rug. This sends a dangerous message that this type of behavior is acceptable and will be tolerated at polling sites. The decision was lambasted by major voting rights groups in the state. We need to push back. Please sign and share this petition opposing action by the State Attorney's Office to drop charges in this attack. We are asking the office to reconsider its decision, and urging area legislators to explore legal remedies to protect supporters' safety and First Amendment rights at polling sites in the future. We plan to gather signatures over the next week and deliver the petition to the State Attorney and Duval delegation. Speak out against voter intimidation and lend your voice to this effort by signing and sharing the online petition!


Push Back II: Legislature Rebuffs DeSantis

Could legislative action rebuffing immigration proposals by Governor Ron DeSantis at last week's special session offer hope for the 2025 session? Join us and find out tomorrow (Tuesday, February 4) at 7 p.m. as Rep. Angie Nixon offers a virtual preview of the upcoming session. Register here for a ZOOM link and bring your questions about the issues likely to get attention and how we can be effective advocates in the face of a GOP super-majority. 




The Special Legislative Session called by the Governor last week lasted less than ten minutes, as leaders opened and quickly gaveled the meeting closed, defying the directive of the state's chief executive. Instead, lawmakers held their own proceedings and adopted the Tackling and Reforming Unlawful Migration Policy (TRUMP) Act. While only marginally different than his proposal to support federal crack-downs on immigration, the bill earned a veto threat from DeSantis. Additionally, the Legislature refused to take up changes to the process for citizen-initiated amendments and condo fees which were on the agenda for the Governor's special session. Both of these issues are likely to come up in the regular session which starts March 1st. In addition to tomorrow's preview, there are two more opportunities to prepare for the upcoming session:

  • Virtual Legislative Workshop with Rep. Anna Eskamani on Monday, February 17 at 6 p.m. Click here for more info and to register.

  • Legislative Update with Sen. Tracie Davis on Friday, February 21 at 11 a.m. Mark your calendar and join this virtual meeting using this ZOOM link.


Push Back III: Tell FL Senators to Nix the Noms

Keep up the pressure on FL Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody through Nix the Noms. RFK, Jr., Kash Patel, and Tulsi Gabbard, administration nominees for Secretary of Health & Human Services, FBI Director and Director of National Security, had a rough time during hearings last week. Tell Scott and Moody to oppose these unfit nominees! They are counting emails and calls. And if you are looking for a great primer on contacting your elected officials --- and why you should even though they are GOP loyalists --- check out these pro-tips from our friends at Indivisible Mandarin!


Mayor Deegan Holds Town Hall at Beaches Library

Jax Mayor Donna Deegan will hold a town hall on the city budget and her priorities on Wednesday, February 5th at the Beaches Watch meeting at the Beaches Library. The event starts at 7 p.m. and does not require registration. The town hall is one of six being held by the mayor around the city. Check out the new COJ 2024-2025 Budget Transparency Dashboard.


Celebrate! February is Black History Month


Despite the efforts of federal agencies to erase Black History Month and other special observances, there are many opportunities to celebrate locally and in Northeast Florida. A few additions to this list:

  • MLK Day Parade (rescheduled!) - Monday, February 17th 9 a.m. Everbank Field to Prime Osborne Convention Center. Join Duval DEMS, Moms Demand Action, Jax NOW, and other groups! Register with Duval DEMS here, or email Nancy Staats to join Jax NOW at the event.

  • Twilight Movies in the Park - Bring the family and enjoy Soul  Saturday, February 15th at 6 p.m. Bring your chairs & blankets to Jordan Park, 1671 Francis Avenue, Atlantic Beach. The event is free! Sponsored by the City of Atlantic Beach Recreation Department.

  • Great Places to Visit! - Find out more about Black History in Jacksonville and the Beaches by visiting the Kingsley Plantation, taking a tour of the Black Heritage Trail, the Rhonda L. Martin Cultural Heritage Center in Jax Beach, and the A.L. Lewis Museum in American Beach (Amelia Island).


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