Latest news with #GeraldineThompson
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Grayson joins race to fill Geraldine Thompson's Florida Senate seat
The Brief A special election is set to fill Florida Senate District 15 after the death of Sen. Geraldine Thompson. Democrats LaVon Bracy Davis, Randolph Bracy, Alan Grayson, and Coretta Anthony-Smith will compete in the June 24 primary. Republican Willie Montague will advance unopposed to the Sept. 2 general election. ORLANDO, Fla. - A special election is set to fill Florida Senate District 15 after the death of Sen. Geraldine Thompson. What we know A special election is scheduled to fill the Florida Senate District 15 seat left vacant following the death of longtime Democratic lawmaker Geraldine Thompson in February. The Democratic primary will take place on June 24, with the special general election set for September 2. Candidates who qualified for the race include prominent names like former Congressman Alan Grayson, State Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis, and former State Sen. Randolph Bracy. Coretta Anthony-Smith, a lawyer from Ocoee, is also on the Democratic primary ballot. Republican Willie Montague, the only GOP candidate to qualify, will advance automatically to the general election. The backstory Senator Geraldine Thompson, a respected and longstanding Democratic voice in Florida politics, passed away earlier this year, triggering the need for a special election in District 15, which includes parts of Orange County. Her death opened a competitive field, drawing familiar political figures, particularly from the Bracy family, who have deep roots in the district and state politics. Big picture view District 15 is considered a Democratic stronghold, making the primary contest particularly important in determining who is likely to take the seat. The race is notable for its concentration of high-profile Democratic candidates, including a former U.S. Congressman and two members of the politically active Bracy family. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by the News Service of Florida.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Geraldine Thompson remembered for her ‘perfect blend of grace and strength'
Sens. Jason Pizzo and Jim Boyd present Geraldine Thompson's family with a resolution honoring the late senator during a memorial service on March 13, 2025. (Photo by Jay Waagmeester/Florida Phoenix) Sen. Geraldine Thompson was remembered by her colleagues Thursday as an advocate for equality, justice, Black history, and, as Senate President Ben Albritton put it, as a 'perfect blend of grace and strength.' Senators sat together during the second week of session to remember Thompson, who died in office a month ago at the age of 76 following complications from knee surgery. State Sen. Geraldine Thompson dead at 76 Thompson was widely known for her commitment to African American history, serving as chair of the Florida Museum of Black History Task Force, campaigning to preserve the Wells'Built Hotel in Orlando as a museum, and writing 'Black America: Orlando, Florida,' a history of Orlando's Black community. Sen. Darryl Rouson recalled Thompson for her drive for equity. 'Sen. Thompson epitomized Black history,' Rouson said. 'Throughout her life, she worked to make things easier, more equitable for all. While she was teaching our past and helping preserve the stories of Black history, she was brightening our future. … It is not lost on me or others that God called her home untimely during Black History month.' Thompson's family, including her husband Emerson, were in the chamber for the service. Albritton noted he wore a purple tie Thursday to emphasize the blend between red and blue. 'She was the perfect blend of grace and strength, perfect blend, and knew how to use each of those to make better the lives of other people,' Albritton said. Sen. Don Gaetz recalled the attire Thompson would wear in the chamber, taking on the personalities of notable people in history. 'When she donned a uniform and she took on the personality of a heroic African American historical figure, you believed that that's who it was,' Gaetz said. 'You believed it. And I remember one time she took on the persona of an African American aviatress who made history, and who's one of the solo flyers. And I didn't know the story. I didn't know until she told it in the first person, I can tell you that I believe that Geraldine Thompson could fly, and I still do,' Gaetz said. Rouson offered the idea of her meeting those figures she portrayed in the afterlife. 'I'm confident in knowing that she's at peace with our God and has received her crown of glory,' Rouson said. 'I imagine her communing with the spirits of those she studied so fervently and taught us about so passionately.' Former President Barack Obama wrote a letter to the Thompson family. 'Geraldine was a model of the best kind of public service, the kind that's driven by a heart for justice that builds up communities, and that isn't swayed by flattery or the pursuit of power,' Sen. Tracie Davis said, reading the letter. 'I have no doubt that Geraldine's trailblazing legacy will live on through all those she impacted during her time on this earth. While there are no words that can ease your grief, I hope that the support of your friends and loved ones and the outpouring from your community brings you some comfort as you navigate the days ahead.' Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith served with Thompson in the House and Senate. He recalled the late senator supporting diversity and inclusion. 'Personally, to me, like for so many of you, she was a friend, a friend who was there with her daughter Elizabeth for Jerick and my wedding; she was an ally who rode shotgun in a convertible with us in colorful attire during a recent Orlando Pride parade to show her support for diversity and inclusion,' Smith said. Sen. Jason Pizzo, whose desk in the chamber is next to Thompson's, recalled her ability to earn the respect of all people and the way she drew people's attention. 'I remember talking to your wife,' Pizzo said, addressing Emerson Thompson. 'We were halfway through a conversation about something. I said, 'Geraldine you could me the nutritional facts off the side of a Cheerios box, and it just has that gravitas.'' The Orlando lawmaker's first legislative term was nearly 20 years ago, when she was elected to the House in 2006. Six years later, she was elected to the Senate. Following an unsuccessful congressional run in 2016, she returned to the House in 2018 and to the Senate in 2022. Thompson attended Miami-Dade Community College, the University of Miami, and Florida State University. She was a teacher in Orange County before starting a 24-year career as an administrator at Valencia Community College. Gov. Ron DeSantis directed flags to fly at half staff at the Capitol and in Orange County on Thursday. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
DeSantis orders flags to half-staff Thursday for Sen. Geraldine Thompson
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has ordered flags to fly at half-staff on Thursday in honor of Sen. Geraldine Thompson, who died last month. "Senator Thompson spent her career committed to public service," DeSantis said in a press release Tuesday. "She will be remembered for her dedication to improving her community." Flags of the United States and the state of Florida are to be lowered at the State Capitol in Tallahassee and all local and state buildings, installations and grounds throughout Orange County, from sunrise to sunset on Thursday, March 13, 2025. Civil rights leader, educator and longtime Florida Democrat legislator Geraldine Thompson, who died at 76 after complications from knee surgery, was first elected to the Florida House in 2006. She served until 2012, was elected to the Senate and served from 2012 to 2016, and returned to the House from 2018 to 2022. In 2022, Thompson was elected to Orange County's Senate District 15 and was re-elected last year after fending off a challenge by former Sen. Randolph Bracy. Thompson established the Wells'Built Museum of African American History and Culture in Orlando and was a member of a task force that worked last year on selecting a site for a state Black history museum. Thompson was 'a giant here in Florida' and 'was so much more than a dedicated public servant and visionary leader,' her family said in a statement. 'Her tireless work in education, health care, and civil rights, including her leadership to establish the Wells'Built Museum of African American History and Culture in Orlando, reflected her unwavering commitment to creating a better world for future generations. ... The world is a better place because of her.' Among many other accomplishments, Thompson worked to champion voting rights, preserve the historic town of Eatonville, successfully challenged DeSantis' appointment of Renatha Francis to the Florida Supreme Court in 2020, and spoke out against a controversial law championed by DeSantis that restricted the way Black history can be taught in Florida schools. Lowering the flag is a sign of respect, mourning or distress. In the U.S., lowering the flag traditionally signals that the country or a state is in mourning. There are certain commemorative days when it is customary to lower the flag to half-staff: Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day) Memorial Day (last Monday in May, from sunrise to noon) Patriot Day (Sept. 11) National Firefighters Memorial Day (typically a Sunday during Fire Prevention Week) Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (Dec. 7). The flag is also lowered for the death of principal figures of the U.S. government and the government of a state, territory or possession, and for tragic events. Customs call for flags to be shown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset, unless the flag can be illuminated overnight. Federal half-staff proclamations apply only to federal buildings and grounds, to U.S. naval vessels, and to United States embassies. State proclamations apply only to government buildings and holdings. Citizens are welcome to also observe half-staff days and proclamations with their own flags but any mandate to do so would be in violation of the First Amendment. As private citizens, you also may choose to fly your flags at half-staff to honor local political or religious leaders, honored teachers or sports coaches or a local hero. There is no authorization needed for private observations. On ships and at naval stations ashore, flags are flown at half-mast. On shore, flags are flown at half-staff. The News Service of Florida contributed to this story. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: DeSantis orders flags flown at half-staff for Florida Democrat senator
CBS News
04-03-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Gov. Ron DeSantis delivers state-of-state from the Florida Capitol
Florida lawmakers return to Tallahassee Tuesday for the annual 60-day legislative session. The House and Senate officially went into session around 10 a.m., with House Speaker Daniel Perez marking the passing of two members of the Legislature, Geraldine Thompson and Lincoln Diaz-Balart. The first order of business, after legislative leaders deliver opening remarks to their members, is Gov. Ron DeSantis' State of the State address.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘Trailblazer' Geraldine Thompson remembered in Orlando memorial service
Friends, family and public servants from across the state gathered Friday in Orlando to celebrate the life of state Sen. Geraldine Thompson, remembered as a 'giant' in Florida politics, Black history and civil rights. 'She was tenacious,' said former state Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa. 'She always did what she believed to be right, regardless of what others said. She never backed down. She was a difference maker, a motivator, an agitator, a negotiator, a woman with a calm demeanor.' Thompson, 76, died Feb. 13 following complications from knee replacement surgery, after having represented western Orange County for more than 16 years as a Democrat in the Florida Legislature in both the state House and Senate. She was reelected to the state Senate in November. Her memorial service at Orlando's Majestic Life Church drew many state and local politicians, including Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost, and state Senate President Ben Albritton and featured touching remembrances from lifelong friends and tearful goodbyes from her children and grandchildren. 'She believed in us so hard, breathed life into us and made us believe in ourselves so strongly that I think each of us sit here knowing there's nothing that we can't do,' said her daughter Elizabeth Grace. Charlean Gatlin, a former staff member, asked everyone who ever worked for Thompson to stand. 'Ladies and gentlemen, the individuals standing before you are representations of Sen. Thompson's essence of influence,' Gatlin said. 'They are educators, community advocates, lobbyists and public servants whose round of expertise has reached from the State House to the White House.' Thompson's granddaughter, Symone Thompson, said Thompson's 'work ethic, her voracious reading, her passion for her community, her determination and her strength were all things that I admire about her. But I think that her love for the preservation of Black history and the importance of sharing Black stories is something that I will never forget.' State Sen. Geraldine Thompson — veteran educator, lawmaker and civil rights champion — dies at 76 after complications from knee surgery Thompson, a former Orange County school teacher and Valencia College administrator, turned the historic Orlando hotel for African Americans during Jim Crow into the Wells' Built Museum of African American History and Culture. She also fervently defended the teaching of Black history from the floor of the House and Senate. 'African American history is Florida history. It's American history,' Thompson said in a speech in the Senate, played in a video during the ceremony. 'In order to know who you are, you have to know where you come from, and how those who came before you have sacrificed and struggled to give you the opportunities that you have,' Symone Thompson said. 'I'm proud to be a legacy of Geraldine Thompson, and I will continue to work to preserve her story.' Dr. LaVon Bracy, Thompson's friend of more than 50 years and the maid of honor in Thompson's wedding to her husband, Emerson, said it was not a coincidence that Thompson died during Black History Month. 'I feel that it is divinely ordained,' Bracy said. 'A reminder to always honor her legacy and say her name during the month that we celebrate Black trailblazers who have made significant contributions to our culture and to this country.' Bracy also tied Thompson's efforts at the University of Miami — where as one of the few Black students she fought for faculty representation and the establishment of a Black Student Union — to the concept of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, which is currently being struck from government contracts and agencies in the state and federal governments and dropped by many corporations. 'Geraldine played an integral role in securing DEI victories 55 years ago,' Bracy said. 'DEI is still, unfortunately, under attack. I realize that the fight continues, and I'm grateful that there are people in this room, especially lawmakers here in this room, that have and will continue to embrace the spirit of resistance that she helped shape.' Bracy's speech was all the more notable as her son, former state Sen. Randolph Bracy, ran against Thompson in a bitterly personal Democratic primary battle last year. Thompson drew the endorsements of most of her Democratic colleagues in Central Florida, including state Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis, Bracy's daughter and Randolph Bracy's sister, and won handily to secure what would be her final term in office. LaVon Bracy said she was at Thompson's bedside when she died, 'to witness the passing of the giant and the falling of a great tree.' 'God called his own special session,' Bracy said. 'I believe that my friend of over a half a century stood up and said, 'This is Geraldine. I am present.'' Thompson is also survived by her son Emerson Thompson III, daughter Laurise Thomas, six other grandchildren and a great-grandson.
