In Tampa, Gwen Graham Pledges to Work for Florida's Future, Environment, and Amendment 1 Funding

She may only be three days into her gubernatorial campaign, but Gwen Graham is quickly showing she’s not afraid to get her hands dirty -- literally -- in her bid for Florida governor.

On Thursday, Graham headed to Tampa for a “workday” full of planting marsh grass and learning about water preservation in the Tampa Bay area. 

It was her second workday since declaring she’d throw her name in the running to become Florida’s next governor, but the concept of the “workday” isn’t new. In fact, it’s a Graham tradition. 

Graham’s father, Bob Graham, first thought of the hands-on workdays when he was running for office. Some told her to ditch the idea, saying workdays would remind voters too much of her father. Abandoning the idea, they said, would set her apart.

Graham said no. 

The workdays, she told them, were too important -- and were the best way to really see what was important to the average Floridian. 

“I know how valuable the workdays are because I learn so much and I get to build friendships and relationships with people across Florida that are dealing with issues I’m going to need to make very significant decisions on,” she told Sunshine State News.

Gwen Graham planting marsh grass

She plans to continue the workday tradition, lending a helping hand to local businesses and causes as her campaign gets off the ground. 

Each workday is centered around a theme of Graham’s campaign: on Monday, it was education. On Wednesday, it was solar energy. 

On Thursday, Graham honed in on the environment. 

The former U.S. Rep. spent the morning digging and planting at the Ulele Waterfront Park, a hidden gem nestled near the downtown Tampa waterfront. 

Earlier this week, Graham declared her candidacy for governor, putting an end to the speculation she’d make a bid for the state’s highest political office.

Graham, a lifelong Florida resident, said she was compelled to jump in the governor’s race because she is worried about the future of Florida. 

The state, from her perspective, is headed off in a “misguided” direction -- especially when it comes to the environment. 

“I am devastated by what I have seen in the last seven years when the state of Florida has been making such poor decisions for the environmental treasures that we see all around us,” she said. 

Graham trashed state lawmakers for “mishandling” a 2014 constitutional amendment which set aside money for the state to buy and improve land and water resources.

This year, legislators skipped out on a proposed $25 million to convert septic tanks to sewer systems, which environmentalists believe would help eliminate algae blooms and reduce water pollution. State lawmakers set aside $57 million for Florida Forever through 2035 to conserve state land, but Graham says that's not enough. 

“The Legislature is just ignoring the voters’ desires [on Amendment 1],” she explained. “People across Florida should be up in arms and be appalled at what is going on and the failure to take the steps they have been directed to take [by voters.]”

If elected governor, Graham has big goals -- she plans to end high-stakes testing in Florida, a cause which conservatives in particular have rallied around in recent years. 

“We need to get kids excited about learning in Florida,” she told SSN.

Campaign finance, Graham says, is a big issue she hopes to tackle if elected governor so that the average Floridian isn’t shut out of seeking political office.

“I want people to be able to serve their communities without this daunting reality of how much money they have to raise,” she explained. 

Graham joins a growing field of Democratic contenders in the gubernatorial race. Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum and Orlando businessman Chris King have both already officially declared their candidacies for governor, and it’s rumored Miami Beach mayor Philip Levine and Orlando super attorney John Morgan might not be far behind.

Some of Graham’s competitors have deep pockets. Both King and Levine are multimillionaires who have the capabilities to largely self-finance their bids for governor. 

Yet still, Graham says she isn’t scared. It’s her message, she believes, which is the one that will resonate with Floridians -- because it comes from the heart.

“I have such a deep love for this state and a commitment as governor to making the decisions that would be in the best interest for all of Florida,” she said. “I’m not intimidated by anyone.”