EDC Awards $1000 Scholarship to Lemon Bay Senior Eva Gressley, Essay Contest Winner

May 5, 2025: What role can young people play in shaping our democracy? Do local teenagers have any ideas about that? The Englewood Democratic Club posed these questions to graduating seniors at Lemon Bay High School and has given its third annual “Living Democracy Award” to Eva Gressley, an honor student and champion Mantas cheerleader for her essay on “The Responsibility of Young Americans.”

The non-partisan essay contest comes with a $1,000 scholarship to the winner’s chosen college, technical or vocational school. In Eva Gressley’s case that will be Florida State with the ambitious goal of a career in biomedical engineering.

“Blind loyalty to political parties is dangerous,” she argues. “Democracy thrives on debate, critical thinking, and accountability. Young people must reject the idea that their chosen party or leaders are infallible. Instead of being loyal to a party, we must be loyal to principles: justice, equality, transparency. When politicians fail, regardless of any affiliation, we must call them out and demand better.

“Young people have to power to shape the government we want, but only if we seize it. Run for office. Challenge corruption. Mobilize communities. Hold leaders accountable. Refuse to be silenced. The fate of democracy is not in the hands of politicians – it is ours. The question remains: will we keep it?”

Stirring words from a young woman on her way up. Click HERE to read her prize-winning essay.

2025 Florida Legislative Session Overview

The Florida Legislative Session of 2025 is notable for its extension beyond the scheduled May 2nd sine die, with an agreement to extend until June 6th. The extended session is focused on finalizing the budget, confirming bills, implementing the Rural Renaissance package, and other priorities. Key legislative actions this session include bills related to charter school conversions, education preparation, social media protections for minors, and potentially addressing issues like affordable housing and healthcare costs. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Extension and Budget:
  • The legislature was unable to finalize the budget by the original deadline, May 2nd, prompting an extension until June 6th.
  • The extension is for finalizing the budget, confirming and implementing bills, and addressing priorities like the Rural Renaissance package.
  • Disagreements between the House and Senate chambers over the type and extent of tax relief are a major factor in the extension. [1, 2]
Key Legislation and Issues:
  • Education:
    • The Senate passed legislation requiring a 50% vote of parents to trigger a charter school conversion. [1, 1]
    • House passed two education omnibus bills, including FFF priorities. [1, 1]
    • HB 875, aimed at overhauling teacher preparation programs, also passed the House. [1, 1]
  • Social Media: The Senate approved legislation regarding social media protections for minors. [1, 1]
  • Other Issues: The session also addressed bills related to social media, campaign finance, and campaign spending, among other topics. [3, 3, 4, 4, 5]
  • Constitutional Amendments: The session saw the introduction of various joint resolutions related to constitutional amendments, including those addressing property tax exemptions, homestead property assessments, and term limits. [6, 6]
Focus of the Session:
  • The session faced significant attention regarding its focus on potentially taking away freedoms, rather than addressing pressing issues like affordable housing, healthcare, and job opportunities.
  • The supermajority in the legislature faced criticism for prioritizing political agendas over addressing the needs of Floridians.
  • The ACLU of Florida reported that the session was marked by government overreach, a lack of transparency, and the potential undermining of the will of the people. [4]
AI responses may include mistakes.

Government Overreach and Transparency:

Some groups criticized the session for government overreach, lack of transparency, and attacks on the citizen-led amendment process. 

 
    • Freedom of Conscience:
      A bill titled “Freedom of Conscience in the Workplace Act” was a significant piece of legislation. 

Opinion – The Englewood Sun