For Immediate Release:

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Contact:

Lyndsey Cruley, (850) 487-5632

Ryan Duffy, (850) 487-8148

Deadline to Submit Redistricting Maps is Approaching

Florida House & Senate Will Accept Maps Until 5 p.m. Today for Consideration By the Committee

Tallahassee, Fla. – Tuesday, November 1, 2011, at 5 p.m. EDT, marks the deadline for the public to submit maps for consideration to the Florida Senate and House Redistricting Committees.  As Lawmakers previously have announced, the House and Senate Redistricting Committees will take maps submitted by this deadline into consideration as they prepare committee bills in order to meet an expedited timeline. 

“To date we have received more than 130 publically submitted redistricting plans, and today marks the deadline for Floridians to submit their proposed redistricting maps to the Florida House and Senate Redistricting Committees,” said Senate Reapportionment Committee Chairman Don Gaetz (R-Niceville).  “From the hours of public testimony collected during our statewide redistricting tour this summer, as well as the maps submitted by so many Floridians, we will continue the task of drawing new political boundary lines.  I encourage the public to stay engaged in this important process and continue to send us comments and ideas throughout the process.”   

“The response from Floridians to be part of the Legislature’s redistricting process has been overwhelming. I look forward to hearing more ideas as we begin considering proposals from members,” said House Redistricting Committee Chairman Will Weatherford (R-Wesley Chapel).  “I urge Floridians to send in their questions and comments on maps when they are released and our redistricting process moves forward.”   

During the recent committee weeks, House and Senate redistricting committees and subcommittees have been discussing a host of options as they move closer to formally introducing maps in preparation of the 2012 Legislative Session, which begins January 10.  Floridians who have not submitted their ideas for maps are encouraged to do so before Tuesday, November 1, 2011, at 5 p.m. EDT, via the Florida House's MyDistrictBuilderTM application or the Florida Senate’s District Builder application available at www.floridaredistricting.org and www.flsenate.gov/Redistricting. Floridians may also submit their comments and suggestions directly to mydistrictbuilder@myfloridahouse.gov or RedistrictFlorida@flsenate.gov.

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