Attend local redistricting meeting

This week, the Florida House and Senate begin the first four of more than two dozen public input meetings on redistricting, and Historic City News readers will have the opportunity to participate — locally.

Everyone is welcome at the public redistricting hearings being held in Saint Augustine on Tuesday, July 12th, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Flagler College Auditorium located at 14 Granada Street.

The meetings will allow the public to begin the redistricting conversation, allowing Floridians to share their perspectives on how to draw the lines for Florida’s new state legislative and congressional districts.

You can use the occasion to speak directly to the Senators and Representatives about redistricting.

“Our sole purpose is listening to learn how you want the standards governing redistricting to be implemented and how you think districts in your area can work best for all voters and constituents,” said St. Augustine Senator John Thrasher; who is serving on the Senate Committee on Reapportionment. “We will carefully budget time to hear as much public testimony as possible, and citizens are welcome to supplement the record with written materials.”

The committee has asked the public to let them know if you plan to attend and if you wish to speak at the meeting, so that enough seating and time can be arranged.

You can RSVP online and you can visit http://www.floridaredistricting.org/ for additional information about the redistricting process. You can follow the discussion on twitter and interact on the Florida Redistricting facebook.

The local meeting will convene promptly at 8:00 a.m. and will adjourn upon the completion of business or 11:00 a.m., whichever occurs first.

If a special accommodation is needed (such as sign language, translation services or other accommodations) to participate in the meetings, please notify the Senate Committee on Reapportionment at (850) 487-5855 at least five (5) business days before the meeting so that accommodations may be made.