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Even in the friendliest of election environments, Florida is an uphill battle for Democrats. But they believe 2026 will see everything come together. That was the vibe and the message at the Dolphin Democrats GOTV Center inside Tropics in Wilton Manors two days after a bruising primary season.

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Feature

General Election Season Kicks Off in Wilton Manors

By John Hayden

Even in the friendliest of election environments, Florida is an uphill battle for Democrats. But they believe 2026 will see everything come together. That was the vibe and the message at the Dolphin Democrats GOTV Center inside Tropics in Wilton Manors two days after a bruising primary season. 

Lt. Gov. candidate Gwen Graham was the headliner. The former congresswoman is the running mate of David Jolly, looking to take the governor’s mansion for the first time this millennium. 

“How do you possibly run on the continuation of today when so many people in Florida are really, really struggling,” she asked the crowd. 

Graham is the daughter of former senator and governor Bob Graham, and says that connection remains a core part of her experience. 

“I have grown up with a front row seat to the best in leadership. I have grown up caring passionately for the people of Florida.” 

Due to redistricting, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz is a candidate for FL-20, which is an open seat following Sheila Cherfluous-McCormick’s resignation. Schultz’s primary was tough, and she called on progressive Democrats to rally around the nominees. 

“Let’s be clear, we cannot [advance the Democratic agenda] by sitting at a keyboard. Tweeting shade at old opponents will get us nowhere. Facebook fights with fellow Democrats only help Republicans.” 

Others at the rally include State House candidates Todd Delmay, who is trying to flip state house district 101, and Michael Ferguson, trying to flip district 100, which is open due to Chip LaMarca being term-limited. 

“This open seat in coastal Broward County is the spear point of the fight to break the do-nothing republican super-majority in Tallahassee,” Ferguson told the crowd. 

Also in attendance was Nicole Locklin, congressional candidate for the newly redrawn district 26 as well as statewide candidates Jose Javier Rodriquez (attorney general) and Annette Taddeo (CFO). Democrats have only won a single statewide race since 2012 (Nikki Fried, Agriculture Commissioner, 2018). 

The general election is Nov. 3. Early voting runs Oct. 21 through Oct. 31. The last day to register is Oct. 5.

News

Voting Open for 'Your Choice Awards'

Out South Florida has opened its annual Your Choice Awards finalists – where our readers get to vote for their favorite local people, places, and things. Vote here.

The Venue Canceled an Event — We Should Understand Why

It is tempting, in an age of political outrage, to see every controversy as a morality play with heroes and villains. The cancellation of a political event at The Venue Fort Lauderdale is more complicated—and more instructive—than that.

ICYMI

Scott Newton Looks To Stay On Dais

He’s been sitting at the center of the Wilton Manors city commission dais for years. Now he wants to slide over a seat or two. Mayor Scott Newton is running for a seat on the city commission, saying he has a lot left to offer the city, specifically his institutional knowledge at a granular level.

Weekly Events

TODAY: Wine, Cheese & Arts

Wilton Art Works opens its gallery doors to the public exhibiting diverse art from 8 resident artists and a their current Guest Artist Martha Smith.


SAT: Puppy Brunch

Make your weekends better with Bottomless Brunch at La Mexicana Taco Bar, where bold Mexican flavors, refreshing cocktails, and a relaxed, dog-friendly atmosphere come together for the perfect afternoon plan.  


SUN: Comedy Show

A night of non-stop laughter at Revelry-diculous.

Job Opportunities

Housing Case Manager -- Fort Lauderdale

Advocate Program is hiring a Housing Case Manager to assist the participant in household budgeting and refer for additional credit counseling and financial management services, if needed, to other community resources, and more. $50,000 - $55,000 a year. 


Operations & Executive Assistant -- Fort Lauderdale

Gratitude 55 Holdings is seeking an Operations & Executive Assistant to manage the owner's calendar, communications, and daily priorities across all businesses, and more. $52,016.07 - $56,000.00 a year.

Friday's Furry Friend

My name is Bean (ID 626701) and I was adopted from the shelter when I was 2 years old. Now that I'm 6, my owner has no time for me. That's ok...I know there is another family that is willing to open up their heart and home to me, could it be you? The volunteers and staff say I'm a sweet fellow who is treat motivated and I know sit. I'm mild mannered, love to play fetch and appear to be potty trained. I might look big in my photo, but my legs are short like a Bassett hound, and I have the body of a Labrador retriever. Guaranteed I won't look like any other dogs on the block. Thanks to J.R. Dunn Jewelers, they have kindly paid my adoption fee. Can I add some sparkle to your life?

It's in the Stars

InTarotGate by Dooney 


FULL MOON IN PISCES: You are emerging from a period of exhaustion, conflict, and feeling trapped by circumstances you could not easily change. The struggle is not entirely over, but something has shifted: you no longer need to remain constantly on guard or fight every battle. In relationships and career, this creates space to reconsider the possibilities before you. Some choices may be genuine opportunities, while others are fantasies born from wanting an escape. The challenge now is not simply to break free, but to discern what you actually want once freedom becomes possible. Before choosing your next direction, allow yourself to imagine it—but distinguish the dream that can become real from the one that merely distracts you. 

(Key numbers: 2, 3, 7, 10, 20) 

Instagram: @ArtByDooney.Tarot 

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