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What to know about Vice President Kamala Harris’ Sunday Tallahassee visit

NewsWhat to know about Vice President Kamala Harris' Sunday Tallahassee visit

TALLAHASSEE — Vice President Kamala Harris is coming to Tallahassee Sunday to give a speech commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Roe V. Wade. 

While the White House is being tight-lipped about the event, not saying much beyond that it’s happening Sunday, here’s what the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida was able to glean on Friday. But don’t be surprised if some details change over the weekend.

“When you’re coordinating lots of folks with national advance staff involving security credentials, inclement weather, and other factors, it’s always a moving target,” said Leon County Democratic Party Chair Ryan Ray. “We’re excited for an impactful event regardless.”

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The venue

Danielle Thomas with the Northwest Florida Federation of Labor sent out an email blast Thursday afternoon telling Florida AFL-CIO members they could meet Harris at the Moon, a popular concert and nightclub venue.

Scott Carswell, owner of The Moon, is no stranger to having public officials at his venue, but he says Harris has to be the highest-profile one.

“We’ve had US senators and governors over here for many, many events, hundreds,” Carswell said.  “But this is a different level with a national, currently elected vice president. We’ve not had that before.”

His club’s previous events put him on the radar of White House officials when they were looking for a venue, he says. The Moon also has the perk of being indoors, an important feature considering Sunday’s forecast of storms.

The time

Ray, the Leon Democratic Executive Committee chair, said doors are expected to open at about 10 a.m.

The event could last as long as 1 p.m., according to some organizers.

How to attend

The event is free, but Ray says those who attend should sign up on the Plspannned Pspanrenthood website at https://www.weareplannedparenthood.org/a/tally-rally-roe. The event application doesn’t include much information itself, saying, “More details to come!”

Why Florida and Tallahassee were picked

When asked during a press briefing Thursday about the speech, a White House senior administration official said  Florida was picked because it’s “at the forefront of the fight against these efforts to further restrict reproductive freedom.”

“They recently enacted a ban, again, without exceptions,” the official said. “They have threatened to go after providers for simply doing their jobs.”

Last year, Florida’s Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis passed a ban on abortion after 15 weeks. A legal challenge to it is being considered by the state Supreme Court.

While DeSantis has been tight-lipped about any further abortion legislation that might be in the works, Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo has said she would support span 12-week spanbortion ban once the state Supreme Court weighs in on the latest law.

A spokesperson for DeSantis did not respond to a media request.

Tallahassee road closures

Like other information about the event, officials are being tight-lipped about security measures and possible road closures.

A spokesperson for the Tallahassee Police Department said in a statement that it was working with local, state and federal agencies to “ensure a safe experience for everyone this weekend.”

“Due to security reasons, road closure information will not be available for release at this time,” the spokesperson said.

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