Message from RPOF Chairman Joe Gruters
The disappointing Georgia Senate election results cap an election season that has seen challenges, yet so many victories.
Republicans in Florida were victorious, expanding our Congressional delegation and majorities in the Legislature. Nationally, the GOP also saw dramatic and unexpected gains in the House, leaving Democrats with a very slim majority, while flipping two state legislatures and a governorship to add two more trifectas. The surprising depth of Republican victories should not be forgotten with the Presidential and Georgia outcomes, but should be built upon moving forward. That is what the Republican Party of Florida intends to do, build on our successes.
Again, as to the events in Washington, D.C, yesterday, we need to make clear that our cherished First Amendment guarantees the right to peaceably assemble and seek redress of grievances from our government, which is what most people went to Washington to do. However, political violence is not justified and should not be tolerated. I am confident that we can — and we will — fix our problems going forward, and we will do so without resorting to violence.
Legislative Update
In response to the violent mobs in Washington, D.C., the Florida House of Representatives and Senate issued a joint press release announcing that the House and Senate had filed identical bills to combat violence, disorder and looting in Florida. The measure was proposed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to protect peaceful protests and combat violent disorder. Bill sponsors are Representative Juan Fernandez-Barquin, sponsor of House Bill 1, and Senator Danny Burgess, sponsor of Senate Bill 484.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
“While as Americans we all have a right to peacefully assemble, violence or rioting of any kind is not acceptable and will not be tolerated in the state of Florida. In 2020, I proposed legislation to stop violent assemblies, combat rioting and protect law enforcement. In light of today’s events at our United States Capitol, we have no time to waste to uphold public safety. I look forward to working with House Speaker Sprowls and Senate President Simpson to swiftly pass this bill during the upcoming Legislative Session so that we may protect the rule of law in our great state.”
Successful Vaccine Rollout
Governor DeSantis continues his steadfast defense of the most vulnerable Floridians with the successful vaccine rollout by prioritizing seniors 65 and older while vaccinating frontline health care workers and long-term care facility residents.
His measures outlined this week include:
- Expanding access to vaccines with additional state-supported sites.
- Working with places of worship and deploying the vaccine into underserved communities.
- Bolstering vaccination efforts with additional staff including nurses and members of the Florida National Guard.
- Continuing to prioritize long-term care facility residents.
Governor DeSantis emphasized that now is “not the time to rest" and that the next two months are “crunch time,” which is why he is directing all state-run COVID19 vaccination sites to be open seven days a week to help protect Floridians.
On Wednesday, Governor DeSantis announced the launch of the first state-run COVID-19 vaccination site. The Hard Rock Stadium site will become fully operational on Friday with a goal of providing 1,000 vaccines per day.
Read more here:
Governor DeSantis announced that the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) and Florida Department of Health (FDOH) have partnered with Publix Supermarkets to establish COVID-19 vaccination sites. Publix is receiving 15,000 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to launch a new pilot program at 22 select Publix Supermarkets, beginning Friday, January 8. “As part of our ongoing efforts to increase vaccinations and put Florida’s seniors first, I’m pleased to announce this innovative partnership with Publix,” Governor DeSantis said. “At the end of the day, we are all in this together, and the state of Florida thanks Publix for their willingness to step up and lend their infrastructure to this critical cause.”
Upcoming RPOF Annual Meeting
The 2021 RPOF Annual Meeting will be held in Orlando January 15-16. Elections for RPOF officers and Congressional District Chairs who will serve on the RPOF Executive Board will be held then.
