Dolphin Democrats

Politics in the LGBTQ+ Community

News

Monthly Meeting, Wednesday, June 14th, 2023

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Celebrate Pride Month at our regular Monthly Meeting! Doors Open at 6:30pm. Pizza and Refreshments. Note: this isn’t a dress up theme party (unless you want to) it’s just our regular meeting with a twist.
The 1969 Stonewall Riots were a seminal event, and the Dolphins will be marching in the June 17th Stonewall Pride Parade. Purchase your t-shirt today and pick it up at this meeting!
T-SHIRTS: get your all-new Dolphins T-Shirts to wear for the parade. Visit https://www.dolphindems.org/dolphin-democrats-t-shirt/ to pre-order by June 7th. You will be able to pick up your shirts at this meeting, or at Pride from the Dolphins booth.
GUEST SPEAKER: Maxx Fenning will give a History Presentation based on research he has done about Gay Liberation, Queer History and the Civil Rights Movement sparked by Stonewall that is intersectional, community-based and still most capable of inspiring young people to get involved, speak up and to VOTE!
VOLUNTEER: we will also have an opportunity to learn more about ways you can volunteer, join a volunteer team, and help us build our infrastructure for having maximum impact on the 2024 election cycle.
BRING A FRIEND: help grow not just our membership, but our impact.
Wednesday, June 14th, 2023
Check-in: 6:30pm
Meeting: 7:00pm
Location: Pride Center – Wilton Manors
Agenda Items:
Monthly Meeting Business
Pizza and Refreshments

LGBTQ+ HISTORY PRESENTATION

VOLUNTEER SIGN-UPS

PRIDE MONTH CELEBRATION

This Meeting is open to Members and Guests. There is no cost to attend. Pizza will be served (first come, first served), and we look forward to seeing you there!

Monthly Meeting, Wednesday, May 10th, 2023

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We have put together an exciting panel discussion that will briefly recap the legislative session – and then shift focus to “what’s next?”. You will have an opportunity to Listen, to Speak Out and to Take Action as we move forward.

Bring a Guest!

Wednesday, May 10th, 2023
Check-in: 6:30pm
Meeting: 7:00pm
Location: Pride Center – Wilton Manors
Agenda Items:
Monthly Meeting Business
Panel Discussion and Q&A
Announcements and Calendar of Events.
This Meeting is open to Members and Guests. There is no cost to attend. Pizza will be served (first come, first served), and we look forward to seeing you there!

Monthly Meeting, Wednesday, April 12th, 2023

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To be truly successful, we must do some of our most critical work in coalition with other organizations. On April 12th we will host several other organizations so that you will have an opportunity to meet them. We are inviting them as our guests to understand their work and find common cause.

Bring a Guest!

Wednesday, April 12th, 2023
Check-in: 6:30pm
Meeting: 7:00pm
Location: Pride Center – Wilton Manors
Agenda Items:
Guest Organizations sharing their work.
Announcements and Calendar of Events.
This Meeting is open to Members and Guests. There is no cost to attend. Pizza will be served (first come, first served), and we look forward to seeing you there!

Monthly Meeting, Wednesday, March 8th

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Please join us as we welcome the new Board of Directors and begin laying the foundation of our work for the next two years.

Wednesday, March 8th, 2023
Check-in: 6:30pm
Meeting: 7:00pm
Location: Pride Center – Wilton Manors
Agenda Items:
Remarks by our new President, Todd Delmay and an interactive activity lead by the new Board of Directors. The Board is seeking input on ways in which the Dolphin Democrats can TAKE ACTION to Educate, Advocate, Support and Elect more pro-LGBTQ+ candidates.
Announcements and Calendar of Events:
This Meeting is open to Members and Guests. There is no cost to attend. Pizza will be served (first come, first served), and we look forward to seeing you there!

Congratulations to the Newly Elected Board of Directors

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On Wednesday February 8, 2023, at their Annual Membership Meeting, the Dolphin Democrats members elected Todd Delmay to President, Sabrina Javellana to Vice-President, Zachary Eakins-Durand to Secretary, Jason Gad to Treasurer, James Oaksun to Director, Charles Baran-Bookman to Director and Bud Beehler to Director.  All these elected board members will serve until February, 2025.

The above mentioned board member will be joined by current Directors Adrianna Tender, Jose Cedeno, Mark McKenzie & Marc Martorana whose terms will end in February, 2024

We wish the new board the best, and we look forward to seeing their work in the community.  In addition, we would like to express our gratitude to outgoing Directors Nic Zantop, Emma Collum, Lorenzo Robertson, Kyle Turner & Nicky Vasquez as well as outgoing Secretary Tina Jaramillo, outgoing Treasurer Hillary Dougherty, and outgoing President Alfredo Olvera for all of their time, talent and treasure they dedicated to the betterment of the  Dolphin Democrats in the last few years.

Congratulations to all!

Board of Directors Election

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The Dolphin Democrats will be holding a Board of Directors election at the Annual Membership Meeting on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 7:00pm 

Seats Up For Election (2 year term):
Executive Officers (Current officers are termed-out):

  • President & Vice-President (Must run as a ticket)
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer

3 Directors

Who Can Run For Office? 
Any registered Democrat living in Broward County who has renewed or joined the Dolphin Dems as a voting member no later than December 30, 2022

How Can I Participate? 
Please email our Nominating Committee:  Adrianna Tender, Mark McKenzie & Jose Cedeno at [email protected] to submit your nomination. Please attach a brief bio with a headshot photo.

Any qualified member interested in running for any of the open seats and would like to be on the ballot, must submit their nomination no later than Friday, January 27, 2023.  Floor nominations (write-ins) will be accepted from the floor the day of the meeting.

DUTIES OF OFFICERS: 

PRESIDENT
– Shall preside at all meetings of the organization and Board of Directors.
– Shall be a member ex officio of all committees (except the Nominating and Elections Committee and the Audit Committee).
– Shall appoint the Chairs and members of all standing and special committees (except as provided in these bylaws).
– The President, or the President’s designee from among the Board members, shall represent the organization at county, district, state, and national meetings and functions and shall act as spokesperson for the organization.
– The President shall serve as chief executive and administrative officer and shall provide guidance to the committee Chairs.

VICE-PRESIDENT
– The Vice President shall assist the President in the discharge of the President’s duties and shall assume that office in the absence, or inability to serve, of the President.
– The Vice President shall serve as Co-chair of the Strategic Planning Committee.

SECRETARY
– Is the recording officer of the Board and general membership meetings and is custodian of all records of the organization like the minutes of all meetings, committee reports, the official membership roll, lists of committees and their members, bylaws, special rules of order, and standing rules.
– Shall issue the call of meetings, prepare an order of business for the presiding officer, and in the absence of the President or Vice President shall call a meeting to order, until a Chair pro temp is elected.

TREASURER
– Shall be the custodian of all funds of the organization
– Shall keep an accurate record of receipts and expenditures
– Shall present a statement of all income, expenditures, accounts payable, and income receivable, in a format acceptable to the Board, at each meeting, occurring since the previous meeting
– Shall make such interim reports as directed by the Board or organization, and shall prepare and present an annual statement of expenses and receipts.
– Shall present a written summary financial report, including cash balance on hand less outstanding obligations, at each regular general membership meeting, and shall have the detail available for member review.
– The Treasurer shall chair the Finance Committee.

DIRECTORS
– Directors shall provide top level oversight and strategic direction to the organization. They also serve to advise and consult with the President.
– Every member of the Board of Directors shall actively serve on a committee.

To renew or join please follow this LINK 

Join the Board of Directors and help us make a difference in our community!

2022 General Election Endorsements & Recommendations Card

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The Dolphin Democrats Campaign & Election Committee, the Board or Directors and members have endorsed and recommended the following candidates for the Tuesday, November 8, 2022 General Election.

IMPORTANT DATES: 

  • Last day to register to vote: Tuesday, October 11, 2022
  • Verify your voter registration, voting location and check your sample ballot by clicking HERE
  • Vote-By-Mail:
    • Last day to request a ballot is Saturday, October 29, 2022
    • Make sure to mail your ballot at least 10 days before election day
  • Early Voting:
    • From Monday, October 24th thru Sunday, November 6th
    • You can drop you Vote-By-Mail ballot at any early voting locations
    • Click HERE for early voting locations
    • Early voting locations will be open from 7:00am – 7:00pm
    • Some early voting locations might not be the same, or open on election day
  • Election Day
    • Tuesday, November 8, 2022
    • Polls will open from 7:00am – 7:00pm
    • Click HERE to find your voting location on election day

ENDORSEMENTS

FEDERAL CANDIDATE

  • U.S. Senate
    • Val Demings
  • U.S. Congress
    • Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick – D-20
    • Jared Moskowitz – D-23
    • Frederica Wilson – D-24
    • Debbie Wasserman Schultz – D-24

STATE CANDIDATES: 

  • Governor & Lieutenant Governor
    • Charlie Crist & Karla Hernandez
  • Attorney General 
    • Aramis Ayala
  • Chief Financial Officer
    • Adam Hattersley
  • Commissioner of Agriculture
    • Naomi Esther Blemur (Not endorsed by Dolphin Dems or FL LGBTQ+ Dems, but part of unity ticket)
  • State Senate
    • Tina Polsky – District 30
  • State House
    • Linda Thompson Gonzalez – District 100
    • Hillary Cassel – District 101
    • Robin Bartleman – District 104
    • Marie Woodson – District 105

BROWARD COUNTY MUNICIPALITIES 

  • Cooper City
    • Jeremy Katzman – Commission D-1
  • Dania Beach
    • Luis Rimoli – Commission At-Large
  • Fort Lauderdale
    • Ken Keechl – D-1
    • Yvette Dubose – D-3
  • Hollywood
    • Kevin Biederman – Commission D-5
  • Margate
    • Joanne Simone – Commission Seat 5
  • Oakland Park (Vote for 2 candidates)
    • Tim Lonergan – Commission At-Large
    • Letitia Newbold – Commission At-Large
  • Plantation
    • Nick Sortal – Mayor
    • Denise Horland – Council Group 2
    • Louis Reinstein – Council Group 5
  • Pompano Beach
    • Barry Moss – Commission D-5
  • Sunrise
    • Jacqueline Guzman – Commission Seat D
  • Tamarac
    • Mile Gelin  – Mayor
    • Alexandra Alvarez – Commission D-2
    • Carol Mendelson – Commission D-4
  • Wilton Manors (Vote for 2 candidates to commission)
    • Scott Newton – Mayor
    • Paul Rolli – Commission At-Large

BROWARD COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD

  • Rodney Gabriel Velez – District 1
  • Ruth Carter Lynch – District 5
  • Steven Julian – District 6
  • Allen Zeman – District 8 At-Large

RECOMMENDATIONS

JUDICIAL RECOMMENDATIONS

  • COUNTY COURT
    • Suzette O. Hyde
  • CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICT 17
    • Gary M. Farmer – Group 23
    • Tamar Hamilton – Group 51
  • FLORIDA SUPREME COURT 
    • Justice Jorge Labarga – Vote YES to retain
    • Vote NO on other Justices
  • FOURTH DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL
    • Ed Artay – Vote NO
    • Vote YES to retain other Judges

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

  • Vote NO on all 3 amendments

BROWARD COUNTY CHARTER QUESTIONS 

  • Vote YES on both questions

Here is a printable version of all our endorsements and recommendations: 2022 General Election_ Endorsements Recommendations

Dolphin Democrats Membership Unanimously Passes Resolution Calling for the Immediate Reinstatement of Fort Lauderdale Police Department Chief Larry Scirotto

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Press Release:

WILTON MANORS, FL – MARCH 11, 2022 – The Dolphin Democrats, Florida’s oldest
LGBTQ+ political organization, unanimously passed a resolution at their Wednesday
membership meeting calling for Fort Lauderdale Police Department Chief Larry Scirotto
to be immediately reinstated, following his dismissal on March 3 by City Manager Chris
Lagerbloom.

“The City of Fort Lauderdale has a history of racism in the police department and it
needs to continue to address those issues to create a more inclusive department. The
firing of Police Chief Scirotto not only impacts the department but also the residents of
our city,” said Alfredo Olvera, President of The Dolphin Democrats.

Hired in mid-August of 2021, following a nationwide search, Chief Scirotto came to the
city with a stellar record culminating in serving as assistant chief of Pittsburgh with an
extensive background in patrol, investigative, and administrative assignments. As the
city’s first LGBTQ+ police chief, and only its second non-white chief, he joined the
Department at an important moment in law enforcement in the city as work was needed
to build community trust, bring accountability, and ensure fair treatment for everyone in
interactions with officers.

Prior to Chief Scirotto’s hiring as Chief of Police, the City of Fort Lauderdale struggled
with the issue of race and law enforcement for years, including the firing of three
officers for sending racist text messages and videos and most recently with the decision
to fire tear gas and rubber bullets during a Black Lives Matter protest over the George
Floyd killing in Minneapolis, the grievous injury of a peaceful participant in that protest,
an officer shoving another peaceful protester to the ground, and the prior police chief’s
public statements defending his officers’ actions that day.

The investigatory report that the city manager relied upon for his decision to remove
Chief Scirotto is of questionable value in that he retained attorney Gregg Rossman on
the advice of the city attorney even though Mr. Rossman is not an employment law
expert and has a history of right-wing statements.

The membership of the Dolphin Democrats resolves that:
1. The Rossman Report be set aside as of questionable value.
2. Chief Scirotto be reinstated to office and the city manager consider imposing
less severe punishments for any missteps that he made, such as a 30- to 60-day
suspension without pay and a requirement to be retrained in equal employment
opportunity law.
3. The city look to the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for its
findings on the promotional decisions and take any necessary action to align the
promotions with the findings of the commission.
4. The city manager and City Commission recommit themselves to addressing the
need to improve diversity in the Police Department and the issues of use-of-force
and racial bias.

About The Dolphin Democrats: Founded in 1982, the Dolphin Democrats is the
oldest LGBTQ+ Political Organization in Florida. Our goal is to educate voters,
advocate for LGBTQ+ people, support our community, and elect pro-LGBTQ+
Democratic candidates.

Dolphin Democrats Media Contacts:
Alfredo Olvera, President of the Dolphin Democrats
[email protected]
Communications Committee: Emma Collum & Nic Zantop
[email protected]

Dolphin Dems_Scirotto Resolution
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Legislative Update as of February 21, 2022

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This has truly been a sad week for our Democracy. There have been continuous attacks from the GOP across the country and in Florida, our home.  After several packed days:

HB 1557 (Don’t Say “Gay” or “Trans” Bill) or “Parental Rights in Education” The Republican-backed bill, which would restrict teachers and school districts from openly discussing gender identity and topics surrounding sexuality in the classroom passed the House on Thursday in a 69-47 vote. This bill now moves to the Senate, where a similar piece of legislation is already being debated (SB 1834).

HB 7 (Stop W.O.K.E. Act) was rushed through both second and third committee readings this week and passed yesterday with a 74-41 vote (and yes, Chip LaMarca voted in favor). If signed into law, the bill would limit protected speech in workplaces with more than fifteen employees and classrooms by censoring honest dialogue about systemic racism, gender, and race discrimination. It would also change Florida’s employment discrimination statutes to give employees the ability to file discrimination claims against an employer engaging in trainings or discussions about Black history, LGBTQ+ issues, and other concepts of injustice and discrimination. its Senate companion, SB 148, is expected to be rushed also in the upcoming weeks.

SB 524, the Governor’s effort to extend voter suppression beyond last year’s SB 90, was amended to include protections against voter fraud after recent allegations of Miami-Dade Democratic Residents having their party statuses changed to Republican by Republican-led organizations misleading the public. The amended bill passed the Appropriations Committee with a 12-8 vote. Its companion, HB 7061, still waits for its hearing in its ONLY Appropriations Committee, but will most likely include such protections before its hearing.

All the bills that we supported in our Legislative Slate did not make the deadline to be scheduled for first committee hearings, and are ‘dead for the session’. But remember, the fight continues beyond a vote. It is the work that we continue to do in protecting our Democracy that allows us to implement change.

We encourage each of you to reach out to your local and state representatives, who voted in favor of these dangerous bills, and hold them accountable.

“Let’s not deny the impact that we have had and agree also that there is a whole lot more work to be done. And it is not easy to do, and we will not give up’’ ~ Madam Vice President Kamala Harris

Anthony Ginsberg & Matthew Eaton
Co-Chairs – Legislative Committee

 

Legislative Update as of February 21, 2022

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Dolphin Democrats Legislative Committee Update – February 21, 2022
The Republicans are forgoing sleep to ensure that their top priorities continue to deeply hurt our community.
On 2/17, HB 5 (15-week Abortion Restriction) passed 78-39 in the Florida House at 12:02 a.m., closing out a House session that began the previous day on Feb. 16. Its Senate companion, SB 146, still awaits action in the second of just two committees (Health Policy), Appropriations.
SB 1834 (“Don’t Say Gay or Trans Bill”) now waits for its second committee passing, as its House companion, HB 1557, was, on 2/17, ruled favorable in its second committee; the Bill is now referred to the House calendar.
HB 7 (Stop W.O.K.E. Act) had its first reading on 2/14/22 and is now added to a second reading calendar; its Senate companion, SB 148, still waits for its second committee.
SB 524, the Governor’s effort to extend voter suppression beyond last year’s SB 90, is in the second of just two committees. Its companion, HB 7061, had its first reading on 2/7 and is now in its ONLY committee, Appropriations.
The preemption bills are moving quickly through the full Senate: SB 280 (companion to HB 403) has passed two of three committees; SB 620 (companion to HB 569) has also passed two of three committees.
Just like the Republicans, we must not sleep: Democracy never sleeps; and we must continue to fight for it because it is our rights, our dreams, and our lives that are on the line.
“Democracy Is Not a State. It Is an Act.” – Congressman John Lewis
Please join us in the act of saving our democracy!

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