LEGION REPORTS
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
Weekly Reports for June 19, 2025
Weekly Reports for May 22, 2025
Important Update: Convention Hotel Room Relocations
Dear Legionnaires,
This morning, I worked alongside Zahra, and Brandi and Patsey from the Auxiliary, to address the ongoing challenges with our Department Convention hotel accommodations.
The issue stems from another group occupying a significant portion of the hotel through Wednesday night, departing Thursday morning. This overlap has directly affected our reserved room block for Wednesday, resulting in several of our members receiving notices about being relocated to nearby hotels for that night.
The Hilton acknowledges the disruption and has committed to covering the full cost of any room moved to another property for Wednesday night. These reassignments began at the same time we were first notified of the situation—just yesterday.
Although the relocations for Wednesday night could not be reversed, Hilton has expressed sincere regret and is attempting to make amends. In addition to covering lodging expenses, they have offered a series of concessions to support our Department Convention—and potentially the National Convention as well—including hotel gift certificates that can be used as door prizes or raffles. Additional benefits have been extended to the Department, Detachment, and Auxiliary to help us continue delivering a meaningful convention experience.
If you were affected by the relocation notice, please rest assured that:
- All hotel costs for Wednesday night will be covered by the Hilton.
- Parking will be available at the Hilton starting Thursday morning.
- If you are expecting a scooter delivery, contact the Hilton directly—they will help coordinate proper delivery and location changes.
- Coffee service will be provided on Thursday morning in the vendor hall.
We appreciate your patience and flexibility. We are doing everything possible to ensure your experience remains positive, and we look forward to welcoming each of you next weekend.
Respectfully,
Bruce Comer
Department Adjutant
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Important Convention Hotel Update
Dear Legionnaires,
This morning, we were notified of an unexpected issue concerning accommodations at our Department Convention venue, the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista. The hotel has significantly overbooked rooms and some of the convention space for Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
If you received a phone call or email from the hotel regarding your Wednesday reservation, it is related to this overbooking. After the fact, hotel staff stated that The American Legion had reserved more rooms than the guaranteed minimum outlined in our contract. As a result, some members have been reassigned to nearby hotels for Wednesday night.
Please note that if the hotel rebooked you at another location, they will cover the cost of your Wednesday night stay as a result of this error.
We want to emphasize that this situation is due entirely to a hotel oversight. While it is currently unclear whether any reassignments can be reversed, I have scheduled a meeting with hotel management on Thursday morning to address the matter directly.
This is the same agreement we’ve successfully operated under for the past three years, and this is the first time we’ve encountered such an issue. My immediate focus is to recover as much meeting space and lodging as possible for this year and to ensure safeguards are in place to prevent a recurrence in 2026.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this situation.
Respectfully,
Bruce Comer
Department Adjutant
Urgent Action Needed: Help Us Secure Funding for Florida Legion Programs
Urgent Action Needed: Help Us Secure Funding for Florida Legion Programs
The Florida American Legion needs your support to ensure vital programs are fully funded in the 2025 state budget. With session extended for budget negotiations, now is the time to act.
We’re asking you to contact key legislators and voice your support for:
Boys State & Girls State
Request: $200,000 (Non-Recurring, Higher Education Budget)
✅ Funded in House | ❌ Not in Senate
-
Ask Senator Gayle Harrell (Senate Higher Ed Chair) to fully fund this life-changing youth program.
(772) 221-4019 or (850) 487-5031 -
Thank Rep. Demi Busatta (House Higher Ed Chair) for House support and urge protection during negotiations.
(305) 442-6808 or (850) 717-5114
National Convention Transportation – Tampa Bay 2025
Request: $250,000 (Non-Recurring)
✅ Funded at $125,000 in House | ❌ Not in Senate
-
Ask Senator Nick DiCeglie (Transportation Chair) to support full funding.
(727) 563-1910 or (850) 487-5018 -
Thank Rep. Jason Shoaf (House Transportation Chair) for current support and ask for full funding.
(850) 295-5680 or (850) 717-5007
Why It Matters
Boys State and Girls State shape future leaders. The 2025 National Convention in Tampa will unite thousands of veterans and community advocates, but transportation funding is essential for accessibility and success.
Make a Call. Make a Difference.
Your voice helps protect these impactful programs.
Weekly Reports for May 22, 2025
Weekly Reports for May 22, 2025
Governor DeSantis Signs 2025 Memorial Day Proclamation
Governor Ron DeSantis has signed Florida’s 2025 Memorial Day Proclamation, honoring the courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. In accordance with the proclamation, the United States and Florida flags will be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon on Monday, May 26.
This year marks the 157th Anniversary of Memorial Day, a time not only to remember our fallen heroes but also to honor Gold Star Families. The Honor and Remember Flag will be displayed to symbolize Florida’s deep respect and gratitude for those who have lost a loved one in military service.
Let us come together to reflect, remember, and give thanks.
Weekly Reports for May 15, 2025
Weekly Reports for May 8, 2025
Your Support Needed: Help Secure Florida Legion Budget Priorities
The 2025 Florida Legislative Session has been extended to finalize the state budget—and your voice is urgently needed to protect critical funding for two of our top American Legion programs.
These initiatives are vital to the continued success of our mission, and with your help, we can ensure they receive the support they deserve.
Please review the flyers below for detailed program information and take just a few moments today to call or email the key decision-makers listed below. Your outreach could make all the difference in the final budget outcome.
Priority #1: Florida American Legion Boys State
Funding Request: $200,000 in Non-Recurring Funding (Higher Education Budget)
- House Request Form: 2132 – Rep. Michelle Salzman
- Senate Project: 1475 – Sen. Jay Collins
- Status: Fully funded in the House; not included in the Senate
Take Action:
-
Call Senator Gayle Harrell (Senate Higher Ed Chair)
(772) 221-4019 or (850) 487-5031
➤ Urge her to include full funding for Boys State. -
Call Representative Demi Busatta Cabrera (House Higher Ed Chair)
(305) 442-6808 or (850) 717-5114
➤ Thank her for the House support and encourage her to defend it in negotiations.
Priority #2: National Convention Transportation
Funding Request: $250,000 in Non-Recurring Funding
- House Request Form: 1794 – Rep. Michelle Salzman
- Senate Project: 1475 – Sen. Jay Collins
- Status: Partially funded ($125,000) in the House; not included in the Senate
Take Action:
-
Call Senator Nick DiCeglie (Transportation Budget Chair)
(727) 563-1910 or (850) 487-5018
➤ Urge full funding for convention transportation. -
Call Representative Jason Shoaf (House Transportation Budget Chair)
(850) 295-5680 or (850) 717-5007
➤ Thank him for the House funding and ask for full support in negotiations.
Tips for Your Outreach
- Introduce yourself and your connection to the Legion or local community.
- Clearly state the program and your request.
- Share why the program is meaningful to you.
- Be respectful, appreciative, and persistent.
Your calls and emails can tip the scale. This is our moment to ensure Florida’s veterans, youth, and Legion family are fully supported. Let’s make our voices heard!
Resources
Weekly Reports for May 1, 2025
Weekly Reports for April 24, 2025
Weekly Reports for April 17, 2025
Weekly Reports for April 10, 2025
Weekly Reports for April 3, 2025
Legion Members Prepare for Capitol Visit in Tallahassee – April 2, 2025
Members of the Legion will be heading to Tallahassee on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, for an important visit to the Capitol. This annual event provides a key opportunity for members to meet with lawmakers and advocate for legislative issues impacting Veterans and American Legion business.
If you plan on attending, please notify Stuart Scott as soon as possible. Team assignments will be coordinated in advance to ensure a smooth and effective visit.
Attire for the day is business dress.
In addition to the Capitol meetings, the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs (FDVA) is hosting a Meet-n-Greet with Military Legislators on the evening before:
- Tuesday, April 1, 2025
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
22nd Floor, Capitol Building
Business Casual Attire
We encourage all members attending the Capitol visit to also join this valuable networking opportunity.
Together, we can continue to be a strong voice for our Veterans and make this another successful and impactful visit.
For questions or to confirm your attendance, please contact Stuart Scott directly.
Support Needed for Florida Legion Budget Priorities
We’re asking for your help in securing critical funding for key Florida American Legion programs in the 2025 state budget. These initiatives are essential to our mission, and your support is vital in advocating for their continued funding.
Please refer to the attached flyers for more details on the two programs outlined below. We kindly ask you to take a few moments to email or call the elected officials listed and express your support for these important budget priorities:
- Florida American Legion Boys State
- Request: $200,000 in non-recurring funding within the Higher Education Budget
- House Request Form 2132 (Rep. Salzman)
- Senate Project 1475 (Sen. Collins)
- Current Status: Fully funded in the House budget, not included in the Senate budget.
- Action Needed:
- Contact Senator Gayle Harrell, Chair of the Senate Higher Education Budget Committee, at 850-487-5031, and urge full funding.
- Contact Representative Demi Busatta Cabrera, Chair of the House Higher Education Budget Committee, at 850-717-5114, to thank her for including this funding and ask her to protect it during negotiations.
- American Legion National Convention Transportation
- Request: $250,000 in non-recurring funding
- House Request Form 1794 (Rep. Salzman)
- Senate Project 1475 (Sen. Collins)
- Current Status: Funded at $125,000 in the House budget; not included in the Senate budget.
- Action Needed:
- Contact Senator Nick DiCeglie, Chair of the Transportation Budget Committee, at 850-487-5018, and urge full funding.
- Contact Representative Jason Shoaf, Chair of the House Transportation Budget Committee, at 850-717-5007, to thank him for the included funding and request that he advocate for full support during negotiations.
Why Your Calls Matter
Your voice can make a real difference. When contacting officials, be respectful and to the point. Introduce yourself and your connection to the American Legion or your local community. Clearly state which program you’re supporting and why it matters to you. End by thanking them for their service and consideration.
Advocacy works best when it’s personal, thoughtful, and persistent. Your engagement can help ensure these vital programs receive the funding they need.