Drew Wilson
The new year is nearly upon us, and that means it’s time to start fundraising for 2020 and the slate of special elections lined up for the Florida Legislature.
Top Republican lawmakers plan to do just that.
According to an invitation obtained by Florida Politics, Senate President Bill Galvano and House Speaker Jose Oliva will continue the tradition of holding a pre-Legislative Session fundraiser at Universal Studios in Orlando.
The fundraiser is a joint venture of the GOP’s Senate Majority and House Majority funds, the main fundraising arms supporting Republican candidates in state legislative races.
Joining the two legislative leaders at the Feb. 9 event are the men in line to replace them – Sen. Wilton Simpson, who will take over for Galvano after the 2020 elections, and Reps. Chris Sprowls and Paul Renner, who are set to start their terms with the gavel in 2020 and 2022, respectively.
The all-day event coincides with the first day of Universal’s annual Mardi Gras celebration, which promises “springtime fun for everyone.” Festivities include a night parade, live music and plenty of Cajun food.
The fundraiser kicks off at 8 a.m. with a VIP tour of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, followed by an 11:30 a.m. lunch and a 5 p.m. dinner reception at City Walk. The fundraiser will conclude with a VIP viewing of Universal’s Mardi Gras Celebration Parade.
Prospective attendees can put send their information to the fundraiser organizers online or contact Kelly Schmidt at 407-415-2879 or Tony Cortese at 850-294-3382.
Those looking for a place to stay on either end of the trip can get a discounted rate at Universal’s Aventura Hotel.
The invitation is below.
