Darryl Ervin Rouson — The speaker says Leader Berman is trying to add guardrails through the amendment.
Darryl Ervin Rouson — Was addressed by Senator Pizzo in debate.
Darryl Ervin Rouson — Expressed support for Leader Berman's amendment and said he wished it had passed.
Darryl Ervin Rouson — Senator Darryl Ervin Rouson delivered an extended floor speech in strong support of Senate Bill 308, describing it as historic Black History Month legislation to establish the Florida Black History Museum. He emphasized that Black history is inseparable from American history, highlighted the cultural, spiritual, and civic contributions of Black Americans, and argued that preserving this history is essential for context, empathy, democracy, and education. He closed by underscoring the richness, resilience, and indispensability of Florida’s Black history and introduced a Maya Angelou quotation to conclude his remarks. A later senator briefly referenced Rouson’s debate comments in praise of his contribution.
Tracie Davis — Recognized for an introduction and welcomed the Florida College System Student Government Association Executive Board.
Tracie Davis — Recognized again for an introduction after Senator Bracy Davis.
Tracie Davis — The chair asked whether Senator Davis had voted.
Gayle Harrell — Introduced her daughter and son-in-law and invited members to a reception for Adam Johnson's new book.
Alexis Calatayud — Recognized the Home Care Association of Florida and its visiting professionals.
Nicola DiCeglie — Referenced in a light remark about which side of the aisle the visitors are on.
Rosalind Osgood — Introduced the Pace Center for Girls and recognized its Broward County participants.
Rosalind Osgood — Recognized in debate and begins speaking in support of continued emergency relief while criticizing the circular nature of the discussion.
Rosalind Osgood — Rosalind Osgood spoke in debate in support of the museum bill, thanking Senator Leek and recognizing Senator Geraldine Thompson’s strong advocacy. She explained that the bill is important to the St. Augustine community and tied it to broader themes of Black history, including Black sororities, the Links, and Mary McLeod Bethune. She urged colleagues not to miss the moment and to support the bill.
LaVon Bracy Davis — LaVon Bracy Davis was introduced and recognized for bringing forward guests, including the Pace Center for Girls and Faith in Florida. The introduction prompted a lighthearted follow-up remark about having to speak after her introduction, and she was referenced again shortly afterward in connection with that same introduction.
LaVon Bracy Davis — Senator LaVon Bracy Davis delivers a series of floor remarks that begin with announcements related to Black History Month and Senator Geraldine F. Thompson, then note the Black History Celebration at 6 p.m. in City Hall featuring descendants of the Groveland Four, and finally transition into support for the surgical smoke evacuation systems bill, explaining that the measure has been carried by multiple senators over time and is now her bill.
Don Gaetz — Don Gaetz was recognized to give an introduction, during which he welcomed Donate Life Florida, highlighted its mission to save lives across the state, and proclaimed that the upcoming Saturday would be National Donor Day in Florida.
Don Gaetz — Senator Don Gaetz was recognized to explain CS/SB 52, outlined the need for the bill by citing security concerns at houses of worship, and then moved the bill to third reading.
Don Gaetz — Used in an analogy about lending and repayment.
Tina Scott Polsky — Senator Tina Scott Polsky delivered a remembrance for the victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, honoring those killed and injured, recognizing the community’s advocacy that led to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act, and announcing that she would read the victims’ names followed by a moment of silence.
Tina Scott Polsky — Senator Tina Scott Polsky speaks in support of the amendment, arguing that if the state is spending significant money scrutinizing local government budgets, similar scrutiny and guardrails should apply to state spending as well. She emphasizes the need for transparency and oversight.
Tina Scott Polsky — Mentioned as part of the prior Senate discussion/vote.
Tina Scott Polsky — Senator Tina Scott Polsky asks about the procedure and path forward for the fund/bill in the House, expressing concern about where it is going and noting that the House has not yet heard it in committee before the Monday expiration deadline.
Tina Scott Polsky — Senator Polsky begins debate after the prior speaker urges a no vote.
HB6517 — HB 6517, the House companion bill for relief of A. Sanchez-Mayen, was substituted for SB 16, read a third time, and then passed.
Joe Gruters — Senator Joe Gruters was recognized to explain SB 24, described it as an uncontested claim bill, then moved to substitute HB 6515 for SB 24 and advance the bill to third reading.
HB6515 — HB 6515, the House companion to SB 24, was substituted in, read a third time, debated as a bill for the relief of Loredes Lator and Edward Lator by Miami-Dade County, and then passed.
SB52 — The bill exempts volunteer armed security for places of worship from certain licensing requirements.
SB504 — The discussion notes that SB 506 creates a public records exemption for body camera footage associated with SB 504, and the two mentions are part of the same explanation tying the bills together.
Ed Hooper — Senator Hooper was recognized to explain SB 7040.
Ed Hooper — Senator Ed Hooper is called on during debate, clarifies that he cannot speak for the House and has not discussed the bill with his House counterpart, says he has no knowledge of House action but believes the House and appropriations committee may still act, and then moves that the bill be read a third time.
Ed Hooper — Speaker says they understood Senator Hooper's position.
Ed Hooper — Senator Hooper is recognized to close debate.
Ed Hooper — Senator Ed Hooper was announced as having a statement, then followed with a brief remark clarifying that his comments were not about emergency preparedness and introducing his announcement.
Lori Berman — Lori Berman’s amendment is called up and she is recognized to explain it. The amendment is then praised as a great amendment, and subsequent remarks continue supporting it, noting that it does not weaken the emergency response.
Lori Berman — Lori Berman’s amendment is discussed as a measure to add guardrails and oversight to emergency spending. Speakers praise it as a step toward stronger oversight, note that it would require LBC approval if the governor seeks to extend an emergency period, and acknowledge it as well-intended even while respectfully opposing it. Berman then closes on the amendment, arguing that it provides only minimal oversight over emergency spending.
Lori Berman — Referenced as having offered an amendment that sought guardrails.
Lori Berman — Was recognized for a recognition and acknowledged Palm Beach County visitors and student government leaders.
Kristen Aston Arrington — Supports the amendment and says it balances emergency spending with oversight.
Daniel Burgess — His bill is referenced as having previously passed unanimously and bipartisanly.
Jason W. B. Pizzo — Senator Pizzo questions how long an emergency can be repeatedly extended before it is no longer truly an emergency, and argues that the bill should include subrogation language so reimbursed funds are properly returned rather than spent again.
Jason W. B. Pizzo — Jason W. B. Pizzo is recognized for debate on the bill and then speaks, questioning whether spending should be allocated in a more disciplined, pie-chart-like manner similar to how well-run companies or family budgets are managed.
Jason W. B. Pizzo — The speaker twice praises Senator Jason W. B. Pizzo during the debate, first noting that he raised very interesting points and then saying he was eloquent on the issue of how money is distributed within the district, with the speaker agreeing with his position.
Jason W. B. Pizzo — Senator Pizzo's comments are referenced in Hooper's response.
Jason Brodeur — The speaker says Senator Brodeur was excused from session that day.
Ben Albritton — Ben Albritton was praised for being gracious and for coming to the speaker's district, including meeting with local officials in Hollywood during flooding concerns. He was also credited with helping secure major funding for water-related projects, increasing it from zero to $100 million and then to $500 million.
Ben Albritton — The speaker refers to 'President All Britain,' clearly meaning President Albritton, and says he treats everyone equally regardless of political affiliation.
Nick DiCeglie — Nick DiCeglie was credited multiple times for spearheading legislation and efforts that increased transparency around emergency spending and the trust fund, including requirements aimed at making such spending more transparent.
David Smith — Senator David Smith supports the governor’s authority to use emergency trust fund dollars for hurricanes, natural disasters, and other real emergencies, but criticizes the lack of guardrails on the fund and says spending has become excessive and off the rails.
Rosario Martinez-Cagnas — Recognized for lifelong commitment to arts, education, and student mentorship.
Emily Jimenez — Recognized as the student designer behind this year's Miami-Dade County Days tie and scarf.