FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 5, 2019

CONTACT: Phil Perry, Communications Director
954.298.5515

FLORIDA LGBTA DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS CALLS ON VERO BEACH-BASED PIPER AIRCRAFT TO DENOUNCE BRUNEI’S BARBARIC POLICY TO STONE LGBT PEOPLE TO DEATH

VERO BEACH FL – The Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus represents lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Floridians to the Florida Democratic Party (FDP). Since the world learned that Brunei made homosexuality punishable by death from stoning, global outrage has ranged from diplomatic pressure to boycotts of Brunei-owned businesses. One company that has so far escaped scrutiny is Vero Beach-based Piper Aircraft, which is owned by the Government of Brunei.

Caucus President Stephen Gaskill issued the following statement calling on Piper Aircraft CEO Simon Caldecott to break the company’s silence:

“News of Brunei’s new policy to stone LGBT people to death has been met by an unfortunate silence from Piper Aircraft, which is based in Vero Beach. There’s no question that this law is barbaric, and it’s past time for Piper Aircraft to speak out publicly against what Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has called a ‘great achievement.’ Remaining silent on these vile human rights violations is a tacit endorsement. Piper’s LGBT customers, employees and partners need to hear from CEO Simon Caldecott. Now.”

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The Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus is an arm of the Florida Democratic Party representing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Democrats. The Caucus has 18 chapters across Florida, from Miami to Jacksonville to the Panhandle. More information is on our website, www.floridalgbtademocrats.org.

Gala dinner tickets are $180 each. Purchase your ticket(s) today to sit at the Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus table.

Hotel rooms can booked online be booked by calling Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club at (407) 939-4686.

Leadership Blue 2019 convenes over 2,000 grassroots activists, elected officials, and major donors. The weekend is packed with trainings, meetings, and a highly anticipated Gala.

The conference and trainings are free and cover a range of important topics such as field operations, campaign finance law, and more. The gala dinner is $190 per person if you purchase your tickets  before April 15th, and $270 if you purchase your tickets after April 15th. With such a broad and talented field of Democratic candidates for the Presidential nomination, this year’s Leadership Blue program is sure to be one of the most exciting in years!

This year’s event will be held at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club in Orlando, FL from Friday, June 7th to Sunday, June 9th.

The Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus, representing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Floridians to the Florida Democratic Party (FDP), elected new leadership at its Winter Conference in Jacksonville, Moving Forward Together, this past weekend.

Stephen Gaskill of Delray Beach is the new Caucus President. A veteran of Florida and national politics, Gaskill is an independent communications and political consultant counseling corporations, advocacy groups, nonprofits, and trade associations in Florida and across the country. A longtime resident of South Florida and Washington DC, he was one of the Caucus’ founding members when it was re-formed in 2004-5. Gaskill has served for many years as the organization’s Communications Director.

“Our goal is simple: to elect Democrats who support the LGBTQ community and who will enact policies that advance equality,” Gaskill said. “The Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus has demonstrated that we’ll do the work, and we’ll keep preaching that inclusion, diversity and equality are what will grow Florida.”

Nik Harris of Fort Lauderdale was elected Vice President. Since 2009 she has been Assistant General Counsel with the State of Florida Department of Transportation. She has also worked for the State of Florida Department of Health and State of Florida Public Defender’s Office. Harris is also Vice President of the Dolphin Democrats, the Caucus’ Broward chapter.

Adam N. Sabin of Fort Lauderdale is the new Treasurer. Sabin is a certified public accountant who is currently a Tax Manager for Citrix Systems, Inc., where he is chiefly responsible for the company’s income tax compliance, audit management, and ad hoc special projects. Sabin is also Treasurer of the Dolphin Democrats, the Caucus’ Broward County chapter.

Dave Cutler of Tampa was reelected to a second term as Secretary. Cutler has worked in lab billing at Quest Diagnostics/Optum360 since 2015 after more than a decade in a similar role at LabCorp. Cutler is president of the Hillsborough County LGBTA Democratic Caucus, the Hillsborough County chapter of the Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus.

In addition to the elected Officers, the Caucus has a robust structure of elected Regional Directors as well as several appointed At-Large Directors charged with specific responsibilities. Leadership of the Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus serves for two-year terms. The election was held February 23 at the Caucus’ Winter Conference, Moving Forward Together, in Jacksonville, which featured presentations by openly gay State Reps. Carlos Guillermo Smith, Jennifer Webb, and Shevrin Jones; State Rep. Anna Eskamani; FDP Chair Terrie Rizzo; and FDP Executive Director Juan Penalosa, among others.

Caucus Lobby Days are coming — and we want you!

Join the Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus for our 2019 Lobby Days in Tallahassee. There is much on the agenda, and as always equality is at stake. With new leadership in Tallahassee it’s imperative that we make our voices heard.

We have two intensive days of meetings with elected officials and staff, including a training session on our issues and how to talk about them. We welcome everyone to participate!

Our draft schedule is below to help you plan. Please note there will be a $10 charge to cover printing and supplies, and lunch is sponsored for both days we’re in the Capitol.

One other note — Tallahassee is busy during session, so be sure to make your hotel reservations as soon as you can!

Sunday, March 24th

Travel to Tallahassee (on your own)

Monday, March 25th

Lobby Days Training/Lobbying 101
With Susan Smith, President, Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida
Check-In: 9:00am
Location: Minority Office Conference Room, Florida Capitol

Tuesday, March 26th

Appointments
Check-In: 9:00am
Location: Minority Office Conference Room, Florida Capitol

Wednesday, March 27th

Working Breakfast/Debrief

Registration

Registration for Lobby Days is required and a payment of $10 per attendee covers the cost of lunch for both days and all training materials. Agendas and additional information will be provided to registered attendees a few days before Lobby Days. Click this link to register for Lobby Days!

Parking

There is metered street parking all around the Capitol complex. There are also several parking garages, including Kleman Plaza parking garage, one block from the Capitol.

Attire

Business-appropriate attire should be worn while in the Capitol. This includes suits, slacks, button-up shirts, knee-length skirts, dresses and close-toed shoes. No jeans, sleeveless shirts, or open-toed shoes. Please wear comfortable (but business appropriate) shoes as there is a lot of walking involved in Lobby Days.

Hotels

In lieu of a host hotel, we encourage attendees to book their favorite lodging that fits their budget, such as through Orbitz, Travelocity, Priceline, or Airbnb.

There are several hotels nearby and within walking distance to the Capitol. Please see the list below to begin making arrangements.

Red Roof Inn Tallahassee
2930 Hospitality Street
850-385-7884

DoubleTree by Hilton Tallahassee
101 S. Adams Street
850-224-5000

Aloft Tallahassee Downtown
200 N. Monroe Street
850-513-0313

Four Points by Sheraton Tallahassee Downtown
316 W. Tennessee Street
850-422-0071

Residence Inn Tallahassee Universities at the Capitol
600 W. Gaines Street
850-329-9080

Wyndham Garden Tallahassee Capitol
1355 Apalachee Parkway
850-877-3171

The Affordable Care Act gave states the opportunity to expand Medicaid to low-income adults and families — with the federal government footing most of the cost. Today, 34 states have opted to take this deal and have covered over 17 million Americans. Unfortunately, Florida has not.

We’re joining the campaign to take the question directly to Florida voters and ask them to vote on a ballot measure to expand Medicaid in 2020. Ballot measures have recently expanded Medicaid in states across the country: Maine, Nebraska, Utah, and Idaho – and it can work in Florida, too.

Click this link to learn more about the campaign or to sign up as a volunteer. Additionally, you may sign up to attend one of five upcoming volunteer training webinars.

Moving Forward Together, the Winter Conference of the Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus, is just around the corner and we want to see YOU!

Join us in Jacksonville, February 22 through 24, for an exciting program that builds on the groundwork we laid in 2018 and looks ahead to 2020! You’ll hear inspiring speakers, learn from innovative training programs, and participate in our Caucus elections. Plus, our Leadership Dinner features Florida and National Keynote Speakers to fire you up!

We’re meeting at the Lexington Hotel, and we’ve secured an amazing rate. Plus, our $35 registration fee covers our Welcome Reception on Friday, February 22; and continental breakfast, lunch, and snacks throughout the conference day on Saturday, February 23. (What a deal!) Add in our separately-ticketed Leadership Dinner and our Farewell Brunch on Sunday and you’ve got a full weekend with LGBTA activists, officials and colleagues that will get you moving.

February 22-24, 2019
Lexington Hotel
1515 Prudential Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32207

Tentative Schedule
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22

Welcome Reception – 6:30pm – 8:30pm

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23

Registration and Continental Breakfast – 8am
Speakers and Presentations – 9am
Lunch Speaker – Noon
Speakers and Candidates – 1pm
Membership Meeting: Caucus Leadership Elections – 4pm
Cocktail Reception – 6:30pm
Leadership Dinner – 7:30pm

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24

Farewell Brunch – 10am

Conference Registration
Register for the conference by clicking this link.

Leadership Dinner Tickets
Purchase your individual or table tickets to the Leadership Dinner online.

Hotel Block
We have a block of rooms available at the host hotel, the Lexington Hotel, for $119 per night. Use this link to book your hotel room. The hotel is providing free parking.

We hope to see you! We’ll update the schedule shortly, and you won’t want to miss this energizing conference!