Over 1500 Democrats came together in South Florida over the weekend for campaign trainings, organizing sessions, and strategy meetings at the Florida Democratic Party’s Annual Leadership Blue weekend. The sold-out event brought democrats from every corner of Florida together to focus on winning in 2018.

“Leaving here this weekend, I am more encouraged and confident than ever before that Florida Democrats are on the path to victory in 2018,” said FDP Chair Terrie Rizzo. “Our Democrats heard from all of our exceptional candidates running across the state, from our Gubernatorial candidates, to our CFO, Agriculture, Attorney General and state legislative candidates, we have an amazing group of people who have stepped up to run and help move Florida in the right direction.”

Thought the weekend, candidates and activists were offered free trainings though ActBlue, Hustle, Organizer and the National Democratic Training Committee. On Saturday night, the Florida Democratic Party held its annual Leadership Blue Gala where Democrats heard from all five of the Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates, U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, U.S. House Assistant Leader Jim Clyburn, and keynote speaker, Chair of the Democratic Governors Association, Washington Governor Jay Inslee.

“This is the most diverse Florida Democratic Party in our history and we are working to reach every community in every part of Florida,” said Vice Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Caucus Karen Green.

Florida lawmakers and Democrats participated in a Keeping Families Together rally that was held outside of the conference Saturday, planned by the Progressive caucus to protest the separation of children on our nation’s borders.

“We need to stand up and demand that these children be unified with their parents,” said Rep. Carlos Smith.

On Saturday, U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, Congressman Darren Soto, Senator Victor Torres, Rep. Robert Asencio, Rep. Amy Mercado, and Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith called on the Trump Administration and Rick Scott to take action to prevent hundreds of Puerto Rican families from being evicted from their homes, as FEMA benefits expired.

“The clock is running out on Donald Trump’s handpicked candidate Rick Scott to stand up for the people of Puerto Rico,” said Rep. Amy Mercado. “Time and time again, Scott has refused to advocate on behalf of Puerto Ricans and call on Trump to extend assistance for these families, instead choosing to further his own political interests by cozying up to his close ally Trump. Now, the consequences are dire.”

The weekend concluded on Sunday afternoon, after the Democratic State Executive Committee.