Polk County Democratic Party Weekly Digest: May 24-30, 2021

Tampa Rep. Fentrice Driskell was unanimously elected to lead House Democrats for the 2024-2026 term. Driskell, a lawyer, will be the first Black woman to lead the Caucus.

House Democrats also voted Tallahassee Rep. Ramon Alexander to lead the Caucus in the absence of Rep. Ben Diamond, who was slated to lead the lower chamber Democrats for the 2022-2023 term, but is leaving his state position to run for a congressional seat vacated by Charlie Crist, who is running for Governor.

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The newly approved Winter Haven Public Safety Community Advisory Committee will consist of  nine community members and two alternates. The committee will have the power to look into closed investigations and ask questions about decisions that were made. Additionally, the committee can look into issues such as officer training or controversial proposals, such as mandating officers wear body cameras. Applications to join the committee closes May 31. Access applications via the Winter Haven Community tab on www.winterhavenpd.com,

A poll from a Democratic firm shows Republican voters aligned with former President Donald Trump and engaged in midterm politics. That finding is only intensified in battleground states, including Florida.

The Greenberg Research poll focused on voter intensity levels in the states and Congressional Districts that will likely decide who controls Congress after 2022. It found 68% of Republican voters report the highest level of interest in the midterms, compared to 57% of Democrats.

What should Florida kids learn about U.S. history? A rule is in the works.

A new rule proposed by education commissioner Richard Corcoran would require Florida teachers to align their civics lessons to a traditional view of American history.

The move won praise from Corcoran’s fellow Republicans, but was blasted by critics who say it would prevent students from studying critical truths about the nation’s past.

The rule would address a concern raised by Gov. Ron DeSantis, who wants to make sure “critical race theory” — an approach to teaching the role of racism in U.S. society — isn’t used in the state’s public schools. Lawmakers did not take up the issue in their spring session, leaving an opening for Corcoran to address it administratively.

The measure will head to the State Board of Education on June 10.

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Floridians urge Biden to pick former Congressman Wexler as U.S. ambassador to Israel

• With less than 50% of Floridians fully vaccinated, this report looks at why people are holding back on getting the shots.

• Covid-19 booster shot will likely be needed within a year of vaccination, Fauci says

• Health care facilities will be allowed to ask for 'vaccine passports.'