by Jaret Glenn, Central Florida Field Director

Fresh on the scene in Central Florida, Americans for Prosperity is already making an impact. On Thursday night, I spoke to the Orange County Campaign for Liberty (CFL) at the Crowne Plaza in Downtown Orlando. The topic was an introduction of AFP and AFPF to the Central Florida activists’ scene and an introduction to our organization's core values. The message was well-received as CFL shares our passion for free markets and free people. CFL State Director, Mark Cross, extended an invitation for AFP to host a table at their upcoming Florida Liberty Summit to be held in Orlando on the weekend of August 13-14. I gratefully accepted the invitation to the event, which will include guest speakers U.S. Congressman Ron Paul and NY Times Best-Selling Author Thomas E. Woods Jr., amongst others. On Friday morning, I attended the Center of Right group’s monthly meeting at Leu Gardens in Winter Park, where I listened to leaders and activists discuss important issues like Cap and Trade, healthcare, and the debt. I spoke about the importance of like-minded groups coming together to work toward our common goals, instead of allowing ourselves to be divided by trivialities. I stressed the importance of communication between groups and offered to partner up with leaders of other organizations in presenting educational events in the area in the near future. At both events, invitations were extended to participants and leaders of various local organizations to attend our upcoming “November Is Coming” rally at Orlando City Hall from 12pm to 2pm on Saturday, June 19th. This event marks the highly-anticipated kickoff for AFP and AFPF in the Central Florida area. It will be the first of many events hosted in Central Florida and the beginning of a coalition of local organizations committed to lowering taxes and spending and halting the ever-expanding encroachment of the federal government into our private lives and businesses. So far, I have been welcomed by all local activist groups and have received many comments from individuals who are pleased that AFP has found a home in Florida.