Danny McAuliffe
Catching you up to speed while you were — hopefully — away from the Twittersphere over the holiday.
During the three-day weekend, almost every pol had a message honoring the fallen. But Memorial Day also was met with the first real threat of the 2018 hurricane season, and state leaders like Gov. Rick Scott, who’s vying for a U.S. Senate slot, made steady use of social media throughout the weekend, giving Floridians a constant stream of updates and cautionary advice.
Scott’s campaign account would retweet each moment from the Governor’s ticker. But between all of the storm stuff, the veteran’s campaign tweeted out this digital Memorial Day ad:
Today we’re honoring those who have served our country. We thank them for their service. pic.twitter.com/d1HFXGj5X1
— Rick Scott (@ScottforFlorida) May 28, 2018
Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, who Scott will challenge, actually spent time Saturday working the phone lines.
Here in Orlando working the phones with a bunch of fantastic volunteers, including 10-year-old William. We're getting the word out about what's at stake this election, and why it's so important to make your voice heard this November. #NelsonsNeighbors pic.twitter.com/nxfJDrxKJN
— Bill Nelson (@NelsonForSenate) May 26, 2018
Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, a Republican running for the open Governor’s post, likely spent more time this weekend in his capacity as a state officer than a candidate as Alberto approached the Sunshine State.
.@FLGovScott has issued a state of emergency in all 67 counties to ensure FL has the resources necessary to prepare for Subtropical Storm #Alberto. Florida families should be prepared for emergencies like flooding. Visit https://t.co/0nSLoGCvfD to get a plan.
— Adam Putnam (@adamputnam) May 26, 2018
U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis, also in the Republican gubernatorial primary as well as a veteran, messaged on Memorial Day.
We will not forget our fallen soldiers—those who gave their lives to defend our liberties. We must always remember their acts of valor. #MemorialDay pic.twitter.com/GX3rV81JMp
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantisFL) May 28, 2018
On the Democratic side of the quest for the Governor’s Mansion, former Congresswoman Gwen Graham tweeted snippets remembering fallen Florida soldiers:
.@usAirForce Master Sgt. Tara R. Brown, of Deltona, died serving in Afghanistan, where she trained Afghan airmen on computer and networking skills. Her family said she touched the lives of many and her smile would brighten anyone's day. #MemorialDay https://t.co/EjKhT6pivj
— Gwen Graham (@GwenGraham) May 27, 2018
Philip Levine returned home to his old stomping grounds:
https://twitter.com/MayorLevine/status/1001203985527771137
Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum joined Orlando state Senator Randolph Bracy and state Rep. Kamia Brown for a few Sunday church sessions:
We shared a word this morning at churches across Orlando & Orange County with @rbracy30 & @kamiabrownfl45! Thank you to all of the pastors & congregations that welcomed us today. pic.twitter.com/ImwgRtIOkz
— Andrew Gillum (@AndrewGillum) May 27, 2018
Orlando businessman Chris King spent the holiday remembering service members closer to home:
Kristen and I remember her grandfather, Tom Ivey, a veteran of World War Two and Korea. My father David served in the Marines in Vietnam, and her father Tom served there in the Army. And we both pray for my cousin Tommy McDaniel, who serves in the Marines today. pic.twitter.com/NL99k8XMjS
— Chris King (@ChrisKingFL) May 28, 2018
Now onto other statewide elections.
In the race to replace term-limited Attorney General Pam Bondi, Democrat Sean Shaw messaged on price gouging during hurricanes:
The AG has only issued 1 fine????…Miami hotel settles with state for price gouging during Irma | Miami Herald https://t.co/4skkwm22Sa
— Sean Shaw (@SShawFL) May 27, 2018
Former state lawmaker and Agriculture Commissioner candidate Baxter Troutman shared a sweet anecdote of him and Sen. Rubio.
Proud to have known @marcorubio since we served together in the #FloridaHouse. As Speaker, he graciously allowed me to propose to @Becky_Troutman on the House floor. He's a good friend and I wish him a happy birthday! pic.twitter.com/e5iemcv9n1
— Baxter Troutman (@baxter_troutman) May 29, 2018
Members of the U.S. House kept apace on Twitter this weekend.
Retiring U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen wished well to George H.W. Bush as he fell ill:
Wishing a speedy recovery to @GeorgeHWBush! This patriot is in our prayers @JebBush https://t.co/kJKNTxADXM
— Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (@RosLehtinen) May 27, 2018
Congressman Brian Mast, a combat-injured veteran, had a message on Memorial Day worth reading:
🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 Some people have asked why I think it's important that Members of Congress have the ability to open offices in their local VA facilities. Here are my thoughts…. https://t.co/kHJS5FfQQG
— Rep. Brian Mast (@RepBrianMast) May 27, 2018
South Florida Congressman Carlos Curbelo paid a visit to a grave he helped correct:
Paying my respects to some of #SoFla’s fallen today, including #Homestead resident PFC John Little, who was killed in action in #WWII but whose grave remained unmarked for decades. Honored my office was able to play a small part in correcting that mistake last year. #MemorialDay pic.twitter.com/XQOe9HgBm9
— Carlos Curbelo (@carloslcurbelo) May 28, 2018
Officeholders of state seats as well were busy.
State Sen. Rob Bradley on Saturday messaged on a controversial decision by the NCAA:
Sometimes, it seems as though our country has lost its mind when it comes to crafting reasonable cannabis policy. Who in the @NCAA reviewed this situation and concluded, yeah, let’s go ahead and ruin this kid’s life? Where is the @NCAA president? https://t.co/PbCjGUCs7n
— Rob Bradley (@Rob_Bradley) May 26, 2018
Orlando state Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith attended an event honoring a soldier killed at the Pulse shooting:
Powerful + emotional Memorial Day video of a uniformed service member paying respects to Cpt. Antonio D. Brown, who was a member of the @USArmyReserve when he was killed along with 48 others during the attack at @pulseorlando on June 12th, 2016. #MemorialDay pic.twitter.com/0mFxTUvsij
— Rep. Carlos G Smith (@CarlosGSmith) May 28, 2018
State Rep. Dane Eagle told Twitter how he is linked to a somber but intriguing event in U.S. history:
On this Memorial Day I remember my Uncle Harry Madigan who gave his life on the Indianapolis after delivering the A-bomb that lead to the end of WWII. I remember my friend Jonathon Cote who gave his life in Iraq. We honor the fallen & celebrate the freedom they have defended 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/X7akfSk9ru
— Dane Eagle (@DaneEagle) May 28, 2018
Rep. Jared Moskowitz, of Broward, looked up some WWII data on his home county:
Today, we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Thank you for your service.
Pictured below: @USNatArchives official list of #WW2 casualties from @BrowardCounty #BrowardCounty #MemorialDay #Sayfie #FlaPol pic.twitter.com/TvVfB6wZaa
— Jared MASKowitz 😷 (@JaredEMoskowitz) May 28, 2018
And Rep. Shevrin Jones, who looks to be on vacation, found the lone black winery in Napa Valley:
Visiting the only black owned winery in Napa, @brownestate . #napavalley #ForTheCulture pic.twitter.com/TTxpjqVk8B
— Shevrin “Shev” Jones (@ShevrinJones) May 27, 2018
