Memorial Day Free Florida State Parks 4h35v

Photo: Silver Springs State Park, Silver Springs, Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – This Memorial Day, May 26, Florida State Parks invites residents and visitors to kick off summer with a day of adventure, relaxation and exploration — all with free ission to our award-winning state parks across the state.

From beaches and springs to scenic trails and historic sites, Florida’s 175 state parks and trails offer countless ways to enjoy the long weekend. Whether you’re soaking up the sun, discovering native wildlife or sharing a picnic with family and friends, there is no better place to welcome summer.

“Florida State Parks are where unforgettable summer memories are made,” said Chuck Hatcher, Director of Florida State Parks. “Free ission on Memorial Day is a perfect opportunity to discover a new park, revisit a favorite and enjoy everything our award-winning parks have to offer.”

As visitors enjoy the sunshine, Memorial Day also offers a moment to pause and those who gave their lives in service to our country. Several state parks preserve important military and cultural history, offering visitors meaningful ways to reflect while enjoying the outdoors.

Florida State Parks is proud to be a four-time Gold Medal winner and is currently a finalist for an unprecedented fifth Gold Medal, recognizing the nation’s top state park system.

Please note: Free ission applies to day-use entry only and excludes Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Skyway Fishing Pier State Park, Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park and Wekiwa Springs State Park. The Monroe County surcharge and all other applicable fees, such as overnight stays, concessions and rentals, still apply.

Find your park and plan your visit at FloridaStateParks.org.

Saying 'No' To Intimidation 30146p

Saying no to intimidation is about asserting your boundaries with clarity, strength, and self-respect — even in the face of pressure or fear. Here’s how to do that effectively, depending on the situation:

Use calm, assertive language — not aggressive, not submissive. Here are some example phrases:

“No. I’m not okay with that.”
“I don’t respond to threats.”
“That’s not how I operate. Let’s keep this respectful.”
“I’m happy to talk, but not if I’m being intimidated.”
“You’re trying to pressure me, and that won’t work.”
“You’re crossing a line — I need you to stop.”
“I see what you’re trying to do, and I won’t be pushed.”
“If this continues, I’ll remove myself from the conversation.”
“This doesn’t scare me. It just shows me who you are.”

Psychological Strategies -

Stay Centered. Take a breath before responding. A calm voice is more powerful than a reactive one.

Recognize the Tactic. Name it to yourself: “This is intimidation.” That mental label helps you detach emotionally.

Don’t Justify or Over-Explain. You don’t owe long explanations. The more you explain, the more power you give away.

Physical & Situational Strategies

Stand your ground: Match body posture — shoulders back, eye , feet firm. Exit if needed: Physically remove yourself from unsafe or escalating situations.

Saying no to intimidation isn’t just about rejecting pressure — it’s about reclaiming your inner authority. Strength doesn’t always have to be loud — but it must be unshakably clear.

Political intimidation is the use of fear, coercion, or threats to influence someone’s political beliefs, votes, activism, or participation. It can happen through language, physical presence, legal threats, or social pressure — and it's often designed to silence, shame, or control.

Here’s how to recognize, respond to, and say no to political intimidation — effectively and safely.

What is Political Intimidation?

-Verbal coercion “If you don’t vote for X, you’re part of the problem.”
-Threats to safety: Implying or stating harm for political action/opinions
-Public shaming: Publishing personal info to silence or punish someone
Workplace pressure: Threats to jobs based on political expression
State-led intimidation: Arrests, censorship, surveillance of dissenters
Social ostracism: Cutting off relationships over political disagreement

How to Say No to Political Intimidation

“You have every right to your views — and I have every right to mine.”
“You’re trying to intimidate me. That’s not okay.”
“Threats don’t change my mind — they just prove your weakness.”
“If you want a conversation, we can have one. But not like this.”

Avoid reactive anger. Stay composed — it disarms the tactic and shows strength. Don’t engage online trolls trying to bait you into fear or submission. Stand tall and calm in person — physical composure conveys mental strength. Walk away when conversations turn toxic or threatening.

When someone tries to scare you out of your beliefs, the most powerful response is not to flinch. Here’s how to reinforce that mindset:

“My beliefs are not up for intimidation. They’re grounded in thought, values, and conscience — not fear.”

Political intimidation thrives on silence. Saying “no” can be verbal, but it can also be your vote, your presence, your activism, or your calm refusal to back down.

Obituaries - Jeffrey B. Edwards, John P. Smelcer 5s5iw

Jeffrey B. Edwards ed away at the age of 70 on May 17, 2025. Jeff was born in Richmond, Virginia on March 23, 1955 to Earle Eugene Edwards Jr. and Harriet Livingston Browne.

He married the love of his life Cindy Dyess on December 21, 1979. They were married for 45 years. They have 3 kids, Jessica(Henry), Jade(Miguel), and Justin. They have 7 grandchildren, Olivia, Alex, Kaison, Health, Nicolas, Adrain and Benjamin. Jeff had 3 loving brothers, sister-in-law's, brother-in-law's, mother-in-law, father-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

Jeff loved Hunting, Fishing, and spending time with his family, his grandchildren and his friends. Jeff loved being a Clewiston Fireman and dedicated 30 years of honorable service to the fire department.

Services will be Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 11:00 am at the Evangel Assembly of God.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to Cross Training Ministries or the Clewiston Fire Department.

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John P. "Porter" Smelcer, age 80, born on June 23, 1944, in Jefferson County, Tennessee, lived a life rich in kindness, loyalty, and generosity. He ed away on May 21, 2025, in Lehigh Acres, Florida.

Porter dedicated himself to his family and community, working as a Groundskeeper for Hendry County. This role reflected not only his love for nature but also his commitment to keeping the spaces he tended beautiful for those around him. Porter, known for his genuine concern for others, was always willing to lend a helping hand or share a warm smile.

An integral part of his life was his faith, which guided him in his daily actions and interactions. Porter loved going to church, where he found strength, inspiration, and a sense of belonging. His spiritual journey intertwined with his ions - fishing and playing his guitar. Whether casting a line in serene waters or strumming melodies on his guitar, Porter found joy in these simple pleasures, often sharing them with loved ones and friends.

Porter is survived by his beloved wife, Theresa A. Smelcer, his son John E. Smelcer, stepson Timothy W. Martin, and his cherished sisters, Erma and Dora Lee, along with many nieces, nephews and friends, including his dear friend Mike Mann. His legacy is one of love, comion, and unwavering for those fortunate enough to have crossed his path.

Always ed for his vibrant spirit and benevolent nature, Porter Smelcer leaves behind an inspiring legacy that will continue to resonate within the hearts of his family and community. He was not just a husband, father, and friend - he was a beacon of light who touched the lives of many, showing through his example that a life of kindness makes a world of difference.

Will You Take The Dignity Index Pledge? 586z10

What Is the Dignity Index?

It’s a numerical scale from 1 to 8 that rates the tone of political or public language.

Developed by the Dignity Movement, ed by organizations like the Utah-based nonprofit Unite, in collaboration with scholars, conflict mediators, and civic leaders. Inspired by research into conflict resolution, language psychology, and moral framing.

The Dignity Index Scale

Score       Description            Language Tone

1–2 Highly contemptuous Dehumanizing, hateful, demonizing
3–4 Polarizing, divisive “Us vs. Them,” labeling, sarcastic
5–6 Neutral to constructive Disagreement with respect
7–8 Highly dignified and respectful Acknowledges shared humanity, open-mindedness

Example:

Score 2: “They are evil and must be stopped at all costs.”

Score 6: “I strongly disagree with their views, but I understand their concerns.”

Score 8: “Even though we differ, I believe we can learn from each other. 

Goals of the Dignity Index

Highlight dignity in discourse, not just fact-checking or censorship.

Help voters, leaders, and media recognize how language escalates or heals division.

Encourage political and civic actors to speak in ways that unite rather than divide.

How It’s Used

The Dignity Index adds a moral and emotional dimension to political analysis:

Goes beyond “fact vs. lie” and looks at tone, intent, and social impact.

Encourages ability without censorship.

The Dignity Index is not about what you say — it’s about how you say it.

By making dignity measurable, it invites leaders and citizens to speak with respect, empathy, and humanity, even in deep disagreement.

The Dignity Index Card

https://www.dignity.us/index

Why Political Liberals Respond The Way They Do 6v5w2w

Core Psychological Values of Political Liberals/Progressives

Equality and Fairness - Liberals prioritize social and economic equality, often ing policies aimed at reducing systemic disparities. Includes for civil rights, progressive taxation, and inclusive institutions.

Psychological foundation: High valuation of procedural and distributive fairness.

Care and Comion - A central liberal value is minimizing harm and promoting well-being for marginalized or vulnerable groups. Drives for healthcare access, social safety nets, and environmental protection. Universal healthcare, poverty alleviation, animal rights. Climate policy innovation, education reform.

Moral Foundation Theory: Strong emphasis on the Care/Harm foundation.

Individual Freedom and Autonomy - Valuing personal liberties, especially in the realm of identity, expression, and lifestyle. s LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive freedom, freedom of speech, etc. Sometimes in tension with conservative preferences for group norms and moral order. Affirmative action, progressive taxation, voting access.

Openness to Change - Liberals generally embrace innovation, reform, and cultural evolution. More willing to challenge traditional structures, norms, or institutions if they seem unjust. Abortion rights, LGBTQ+ rights, drug decriminalization.

Psychological traits: High Openness to Experience, tolerance for ambiguity.

Inclusivity and Diversity - Strong emphasis on multiculturalism, pluralism, and recognition of historically oppressed groups. Tends to be more comfortable with complex, diverse social dynamics.

Both liberal and conservative psychological value systems address important human concerns:

Conservatives emphasize stability, identity, and moral order.Liberals emphasize empathy, fairness, and  inclusion.

Understanding these values helps foster more constructive political dialogue — not just debates over policies, but over what people deeply care about.