While it was far from spooky, the Florida Democrats' annual fete at the Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resort was less than magical for many of the delegates in attendance.

Party faithful from across the state snapped selfies beside Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, but standing next to life-sized cardboard figures of the candidates, who didn't show up at this weekend's party convention, left some feeling flat.

"Ain't nothing but a family thing," the fictional White House chief of staff Leo McGarry once said in an episode of "The West Wing." And while he was talking about his battle with alcoholism, he might as well have been discussing the past week in Tallahassee.

The state Senate redistricting battle descended into a personal and political quagmire that involved no fewer than three of the Legislature's almost dynastic families. The fight has also ripped apart the Republican caucus in the upper chamber, which has started to resemble a dysfunctional family.

Black voters overwhelmingly support parental choice and a mix of education options that include traditional public, public charter and opportunity scholarships to attend private schools.