As we mourn the Pulse 49 on this date, we also demand both action and recognition from our elected officials in memory of the victims.

Governor Rick Scott proclaimed today as “Pulse Remembrance Day” and while that symbolic gesture is appreciated, more concrete action is required.  His staff has stated that an executive order protecting LGBT state workers has been in the works for a year now.

We urge our members, supporters and friends across the state to call him at 850-888-7146 and demand that he protect LGBT state workers from discrimination!

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Republican candidate for governor Adam Putnam did not use the words Latino or LGBT in his statement about the Pulse massacre today.  Contact him and demand that he acknowledge us!

Orlando – The Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus joins with LGBTA Floridians from Pensacola to Key West this morning as we remember the victims of the Pulse tragedy one year later.  We thank all those who have come together these past few days leading up to June 12 to remember the Pulse 49, to comfort one another and help each other heal.  We are all Orlando today – we are One Pulse today.

We stand by the friends & families of the Pulse 49 still mourning their friends and loved ones today and always.

Terry Fleming, President of the Caucus, said, “We thank the first responders and leaders of Orlando who sprang into quick action that fateful night to stop the shooter, treat the survivors and help the community start to heal.  We especially thank Caucus members Dr Elizabeth McCarthy who was called in to assist with some of the emergency surgeries that night and continues to provide medical services and Marissa Salas, a bilingual counselor in Orlando who has been providing her services to those who are traumatized by the shootings.  We also thank those in Orlando and all of Florida who stood in long lines in the sun to donate critically needed blood.

When Florida voters go to the polls next year, we urge them to vote for Democrats who believe in commonsense gun safety to keep weapons out of the hands of people who shouldn’t have them.