Dedication emphasizes Thompson’s civil rights legacy
By Teresa Sargeant
Reporter
A state lawmaker has introduced a bill to rename roadways to mark prominent community leaders’ contributions, including those of Florida Sen. Geraldine Thompson for District 15.
State Sen. Kristen Aston Arrington, D-District 25, introduced Senate Bill 274, according to the March 31 newsletter from the Office of Senate District 15. The bill would devote a section of West South Street between South Division Avenue and U.S. 441 as “Geraldine Thompson Way.”
The bill would also dedicate a part of International Drive between State Road 428 and Sand Lake Road as “Harris Rosen Way,” after the founder of Rosen Hotels and Resorts who died on Nov. 25, 2024.
The bill directs the Florida Department of Transportation to set up markers for the roadways.
The bill takes effect July 1.
“As we enter the fourth week of Session, the pace continues to quicken with important bills taking shape and crucial discussions underway,” the March 31 newsletter said. “From advancing legislative priorities to addressing key issues impacting our communities, the focus is sharpening on areas that will define the rest of the session.”
Thompson died on Feb. 13 due to complications from knee replacement surgery. She had been in Florida politics for almost 20 years, including her most recent and last position as state senator for District 15, which includes Apopka and much of west Orange County.
Known as a civil rights advocate, Thompson championed for voters’ rights and the preservation of local African American history.
The Senate District 15 newsletter highlighted other bills that were front and center during the previous week. Such legislation was Senate Bill 130, which the Senate passed and which would change different sections of state law pertaining to compensating the wrongfully imprisoned; the introduction of Senate Bill 158, which would strengthen access to important breast health services; and the postponement of Senate Bill 234, called the Officer Jason Raynor Act, which would better protect police officers and increase penalties for crimes against them.
The Legislative Session began on March 4 and will last 60 days until May 2.
The Apopka Chief is an award-winning weekly newspaper serving the greater Apopka area in Central Florida since 1923.
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