There are two major fights heading to the Florida Legislature this week, and our community is stepping up. Thank you to Margaret Murray for the call scripts on the Schools of Hope takeover rules, and to Angela Weber for the critical information and resources on HB 133, the bill that would lower the firearm purchase age to 18.
Please read on to learn on what you can do to help today.
Repeal the Expansion of Schools of Hope
About Schools of Hope:
Florida’s “Schools of Hope” program, created in 2017 to support struggling schools, has evolved into a fast‑track system for charter chains to take over public facilities and redirect taxpayer dollars away from neighborhood schools. A new Board of Education rule, 6A‑1.0998271, now allows state‑approved charter operators to claim any “underused” district space (including gyms, libraries, and special‑education classrooms) while requiring districts to cover transportation, custodial, and food‑service costs for those charters rent‑free. Districts get only 20 days to object and appeals go to a state‑appointed magistrate instead of an elected school board, stripping communities of local control.
These takeovers don’t expand access or serve new students; they target successful public schools, drain enrollment, and weaken the programs families rely on. Meanwhile, large charter networks and investors profit from management fees and real‑estate deals, while students and teachers face disruption and instability.
Senator Erin Grall - Tallahassee (850) 487-5029
District (772) 595-1398
Website flsenate.gov
Suggested Scripts Schools of Hope: Full call/email script
Hello, my name is [your name] and I am a resident and taxpayer in Indian River County.
I am calling [Senator Erin Grall or Representative Robbie Brackett] because the Florida Legislature is in session and I strenuously oppose the expansion of Schools of Hope into public schools and ask that the 2025 expansion be repealed. The original intent of Schools of Hope was to address underperforming schools. That has now changed and the 2025 bill allows any public school to be taken over at taxpayer expense—even those performing well. This is unacceptable! Indian River County has all high performing schools, all earning A’s and B’s. Our public
schools successfully serve children and families, yet the Schools of Hope legislation allows for takeover. This is unnecessary, disruptive, and undermines local control and community trust! As taxpayers, parents, and community members, we do not want Schools of Hope in our public schools. We urgently ask [Senator Grall or Robbie Brackett] to repeal the 2025 changes to Schools of Hope legislation!
Short Version
Hello, this is [your name] of Indian River County. I am contacting [Sen. Grall or Rep. Brackett] because we want a repeal of the 2025 legislation that expanded Schools of Hope. We have no underperforming schools in our county--all are rated A’s or B’s. We demand a repeal of last year’s Schools of Hope expansion for all Florida counties!
You can also email Grall and Brackett using the button below. We suggest doing both or prioritizing calling due to the time constraints.
HB 133: Minimum Age for Firearm Purchase or Transfer
About HB 133:
Florida raised the firearm purchase age to 21 in 2018 after the Parkland shooting, when lawmakers from both parties (including then‑Governor Rick Scott) recognized that access to lethal weapons carries serious responsibility. HB 133 would undo that safeguard by lowering the age to 18, allowing high school students to legally buy assault‑style rifles and openly carry them without a permit, putting Indian River County communities at greater risk. Medical and public‑safety experts agree that higher age limits save lives, and federal data shows many mass shooters legally obtained their guns.
The House is likely to vote on this bill tomorrow, so please reach out Rep. Brackett today
Click for Video by Angela Weber Explaining HB 133
CALL TO ACTION: CALL REP BRACKET AND URGE HIM TO VOTE NO ON HB 133
Rep Brackett has already voted to pass this bill in the subcommittee, but he can still change his vote on the house floor. Now is the time to apply as much pressure as possible.
Call him today and urge him to change his vote:
Representative Robbie Brackett
Tallahassee (850) 717-5034
District (772) 365-9230
Suggested Script HB133
Hi, my name is (your name) and I live in Indian River County. I’m calling because I’m deeply concerned about HB 133, and I’m asking Representative Brackett to change his vote to oppose it.
As a resident here, I do not want 18‑year‑olds openly carrying firearms in our streets. That’s not the kind of community any of us want to live in. After Parkland, Florida raised the purchase age to 21 for a reason, lawmakers from both parties understood that handing high‑powered weapons to teenagers creates real risks for our neighborhoods, our schools, and our public spaces.
HB 133 would undo that safeguard and allow high school seniors to legally buy assault‑style rifles and openly carry them without a permit. And it would directly affect the safety and peace of mind of families right here in Indian River County.
As a constituent, I’m asking Representative Brackett to keep our community safe and vote against HB 133. We do not want armed teenagers openly carrying rifles in our streets.
You can also email him using the button below. We suggest doing both or prioritizing calling due to the time constraints.
