Donna Deegan backed by group that discourages travel to Florida

Eric Daugherty contributed to this report.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (FLV) – Jacksonville Mayoral Candidate Donna Deegan, a Democrat, was endorsed by liberal advocacy organization Equality Florida who recently issued a “travel advisory” for Florida.

They warned that Florida “may not be a safe place to visit or take up residence.”

“I’m honored to be endorsed by @eqfl_actionPAC! Let’s keep up the work to make Jacksonville a welcoming and inclusive city where everyone can thrive no matter who they are or who they love,” Deegan said.

Equality Florida’s Twitter description says they secure “full equality for Florida’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community.”

Their website says “HELP FIGHT BACK AGAINST AGAINST DESANTIS’ “SLATE OF HATE”!

“Today, Equality Florida took the extraordinary step of issuing a travel advisory, warning of the risks posed to the health, safety, and freedom of those considering short or long term travel, or relocation to the state,” the organization announced.

Florida’s Voice reached out to Deegan’s campaign and asked if they stand by this endorsement, but did not receive an immediate response.

The group pointed to Gov. Ron DeSantis implementing “extremist policies” to benefit his “presidential campaign strategy.” DeSantis has not announced a run for president.

“[He] has weaponized state agencies to silence critics and impose sanctions on large and small  companies that dissent with his culture war agenda or disagree with his attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion,” they said.

Nadine Smith, the executive director for Equality Florida, warned of “lasting damage” if the conservative policy push continues.

“It is most heartbreaking to hear from parents who are selling their homes and moving because school censorship, book bans and health care restrictions have made their home state less safe for their children,” she said. “We understand everyone must weigh the risks and decide what is best for their safety, but whether you stay away, leave or remain we ask that you join us in countering these relentless attacks.”

“Help reimagine and build a Florida that is truly safe for and open to all, and where freedom is a reality, not a hollow campaign slogan.”

In their travel warning memorandum, the organization listed topics such as “assaults on medical freedom,” “assaults on academic freedom,” “censorship and erasure of the LGBTQ community,” “assaults on arts, entertainment, and sports participation,” “assaults on business,” “efforts to foment racial prejudice,” “repealing of gun safety laws,” and “attacks on immigrant communities.”

“Florida’s slate of laws and policies targeting basic freedoms and rights pose a serious risk to the health and safety of those traveling to the state,” they said. “We regret that these attacks have already led many to flee the state and are driving others to consider relocation.”

The travel warning from Equality Florida, paired prior rumblings of a potential NAACP travel advisory over some of DeSantis’ rhetoric and Republican policies, comes after 2022 tourism in the Sunshine State broke its all-time record.

DeSantis called the rumored NAACP travel advisory consideration a “stunt.”

VISIT FLORIDA estimated the state welcomed 137.6 million visitors in 2022.

The record marks a 5% increase from pre-pandemic 2019 and 12.9% increase from 2021.

“People continue to make Florida their vacation destination because they know that in the Free State of Florida, they can enjoy all that we have to offer without mandates or restrictions,” DeSantis said. “Despite the federal government’s attempts to keep our economy stagnant, Florida’s freedom first approach has created an environment that attracts new visitors, fosters new businesses and drives our economy forward.”

A recent survey found that a majority of “queer parents” are considering fleeing the state, citing some of the concerns mentioned by Equality Florida – namely as a result of the Parental Rights in Education Act.

However, for the first time in 60 years, Florida was found to be the fastest growing state, according to U.S. Census Bureau statistics.

DeSantis has taken pride in the number of people flocking to Florida, attributing it to “keeping Florida free” during the pandemic.

The governor stood against lockdowns, mask mandates and vaccine mandates while other states did the opposite, leading to a tidal wave of people relocating to the Sunshine State.

Deegan and Republican Mayoral Candidate Daniel Davis are heading to a runoff election May 16.