Thank you to all those who helped make the 2020 DVCF Retreat a success. In Lake Mary from February 21st to the 23rd, veterans, other caucus members, candidates and friends had a great weekend coming together to share ways to help and reach out to veterans in this campaign season.

The DVCF is very grateful to the sponsors of the Retreat, our Silver Sponsors, President Phil Giorno and Sally Garcia, as well as our Name Sponsors, Maureen Cleveland, Ernie Langdon, Calvin Posner, Anne Rawley, Mildred Smith and Reuben Sparks.

The DVCF owes a great debt of gratitude to our Event Chair, Marian Williams, for all her organizing work and for being a superior hostess, providing a private location for our Friday Reception. Everyone had a great time socializing with each other while enjoying wonderful food, great live music (Daniel “Saxman” Fuqua), and free-flowing drink. DVCF President Phil Giorno was the master chef of the event, providing the excellent authentic Italian cuisine. He was also surprised with a birthday cake to recognize his recent birthday.

The daytime Saturday session led by President Giorno was very productive and informative and all the speakers should be applauded. Our Vice President Elena McCullough started the day leading the Pledge of Allegiance. During our formal DVCF meeting, there was a good discussion about the DVCF Platform with several suggestions of additions. The final platform will be voted on at the March meeting that will be held at the DCCA Retreat in Jacksonville (Democratic County Chairs Association Retreat, March 27-29, 2020, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Riverfront). More information on the DVCF meeting at this event will be forthcoming.

Several of the DVCF county caucus leaders gave presentations that spurred good discussion. Thanks to DVCF Directors Dennis Plews and Frank Doglione, who discussed veteran courts, Richard Lockette,who gave an update on veteran benefits, and Carlton Cartwright, who presented his documentary on efforts  to assist Bay County in recovery from Hurricane Michael and also discussed the benefits of CBD oil. The DVCF presented all of its caucus speakers with a small award to mark their participation. Volusia County President Danny Fuqua  was also presented an award for community service for his help coordinating supplies for Bay County. A Lifetime Service Award was also presented to Event Chair and Treasurer Marian Williams.

Almost all of the DVCF county caucuses were represented by their presidents or other officers during our Saturday daytime session and Certification Chair Marian Williams and DVCF President Phil Giorno were honored to present them with their caucus charter certification. Those counties that received their charters at this time were Bay, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lake, Marion, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Sarasota, Seminole, and Volusia counties. The Pasco County charter was received by Pasco member and DVCF VP Elena McCullough. Many of the officers of these county caucuses spoke about the progress they were making in their counties. There was a healthy exchange of ideas and information.

A good number of candidates attended the Retreat to learn more about veteran issues for when they win their office. Among those candidates in attendance were Mamie Melvin (FL House D33), Tamika Lyles (FL House D43), Scott Hottenstein (FL House D57), Kristina Renteria (Seminole County Clerk of Court and Comptroller) and Pernell Bush (Seminole County Commission D5), who also brought his baby. All of them, except for the baby, gave brief talks about their campaigns.

The  Saturday night DVCF dinner was an elegant affair, hosted by President Giorno, accompanied by live music (Jeff Shepherd duo), and graced by two spectacular guest speakers, The Honorable Anna Eskamani and Dr. JJ Walcutt. Both of them gave interesting talks. State Rep. Eskamani discussed state legislation affecting veterans and both she and  Dr. Walcutt spoke about women’s issues in the military, military families and veterans. Both of them received a thank-you award from the DVCF. President Giorno and the DVCF thank the many officers and members of the Democratic Women’s Club of Florida who attended our dinner. They included President Patty Farley, First Vice President Monica Readus, Second Vice President Danielle Neetz, Region VII Chair Barbara Grimm, Region IX Chair Mary Greene, West Volusia DWC President Alyce Shelton and Volusia County DEC Chair Jewel Dickson.

In summary, the DVCF thanks everyone who attended, placed ads or in other ways contributed to the success of this event. Many of those who attended have expressed how much they enjoyed themselves and found the speakers informative. And the food was great too!

Here is the program for the Retreat, from cover to innermost pages, in two-page spreads:  2020 DVCF Retreat Program Final Proof

Please enjoy these pictures from the 2020 DVCF Retreat: