Over the weekend of October 27th – 29th, nearly 1,000 Florida Democrats converged on Orlando’s Rosen Hotel for the FDP Convention. The weekend featured a series of training sessions, committee and caucus meetings, as well as receptions, a fundraising dinner and a prayer breakfast.

The Democratic Veterans Caucus of Florida fielded a delegation of 23 activists who support veteran interests at the General Session of the Convention on Saturday morning. We provided each delegate with a DVCF t-shirt and button for a unified appearance on the convention floor. We were treated to an inspiring array of speakers, including FDP Chair Nikki Fried, discussing how we are going to Take Back Florida in 2024!

The General Session was followed by an afternoon of trainings and caucus meetings, including the DVCF quarterly meeting at 1 PM. President Elena McCullough opened the meeting and turned it over to Vice President Danny Fuqua. He asked Lt. Col. Jeffrey Wilkinson (US Army, ret.) to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. After a brief business meeting, the audience was stirred up by a speech by FDP Chair Nikki Fried as well as an introduction to two candidates in the Florida Democratic Primary for the US Senate, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell and Rod Joseph. Several other candidates were given the opportunity to speak. Should YOU be interested in running for office, go to floridadems.org/run-for-office/ and register for assistance.

The DVCF further supported the FDP by purchasing a table at the “Mission: Take Back Florida” Dinner on Saturday night, where Democrats enjoyed a stirring speech by US Congressman Maxwell Frost (FL-D10).

On Sunday, the State Executive Committee and Central Committee met and voted to approve the certification and recertification of clubs and caucuses throughout the state. The State DVCF caucus was recertified along with county caucuses in: Brevard County (reorganized under Ken McDonald, President); Hernando County (Ocey Holland, President); Lake County (Richard Lockette, President); Osceola County (Dr. R. LeWayne Johnson, President); Palm Beach County (Carlton Cartwright, President); Pinellas County (James Grayshaw, President); Seminole County (Marian Williams, President); Volusia County (Phil Giorno, President); and a new caucus in Broward County (Keith Abel, President). The Alachua County caucus recertification is pending.

We thank all those who represented the DVCF at this Convention and all who attended.

DVCF Delegates on the Floor of the FDP Convention General Session

At the DVCF Meeting (r-l) DVCF President Elena McCullough, DVCF Treasurer Marian Williams, FDP Chair Nikki Fried, FL House D89 Candidate Debra Tendrich
DVCF President Elena McCullough and husband Ray head the DVCF table at the FDP Dinner