2026 FCDI Day at the Capitol

On February 17, more than 100 speech and debate student leaders, coaches and parents from around the state gathered in Tallahassee for the fourth annual FCDI Day at the Capitol to experience state government firsthand during the 2026 legislative session. The energy was undeniable!

The day opened on the Florida Capitol’s House Chamber floor, where the students participated in a mock session. From introducing a bill to debating and voting on it, they got a hands-on look at how Florida's laws are made. 

Following the mock session, students gathered on the steps of the Historic Capitol for a group photo before the day's events continued.

The group then moved to the Senate Chamber of the Historic Capitol, where FCDI Director John Duebel and Florida Education Foundation (FEF) Executive Director Lindsey Zander welcomed the group and introduced the upcoming speakers.

The first speaker of the day, Senator Jonathan Martin, gave the students a candid look at the life as a legislator. He discussed what responsibilities fill his schedule, challenges he navigates and what keeps him motivated to serve. 

Senator Erin Grall followed, sharing her career journey and the valuable lessons she has gathered along the way. Drawing from her own experiences in public service, she offered the group a piece of advice that has guided her own path, urging them to “find that thing that you feel is serving your highest and best purpose.”

After hearing from Senator Grall, the students set off to the Florida Supreme Court for a tour. There, they received an insightful overview from Emilie Rietow, Education and Information Administrator, who walked them through the inner workings of the Court, breaking down its processes, role in the judicial system and how cases make their way through the chambers. Students were invited to take photos and sit in the seats of the justices and then explore the Supreme Court further. 

The day continued with lunch in the Historic Capitol and opportunities to hear from additional distinguished guests. Darrick McGhee, Sr., COO of Johnson & Blanton and FEF Board Member, stopped by while the group was eating to share his insights on being a lobbyist during legislative session. 

Senate President Pro Tempore Jason Brodeur joined the students after lunch to share his experience serving in the Senate, offering a firsthand perspective on what it means to represent his constituents, the realities of the legislative process and the journey that brought him to where he is today.

The students were also joined by former House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, the FEF Board Chair, and a lobbyist and business consultant, currently serving organizations across the health care, insurance and agriculture sectors in Florida and the nation. Drawing from his experience in both the public and private sectors, Crisafulli offered the students words of encouragement and perspective. He made clear that their presence alone said something about their character, telling the group, “You sitting in this room speaks volumes as to your initiative and what you make of yourself and what opportunities you want to bring to yourself.” He also expressed optimism about the future of civic engagement, noting that “to see the [Florida] Civics and Debate Initiative growing around the state is very promising.”

Heather Turnbull, an FEF Board Member, prominent Florida lobbyist and partner at Rubin, Turnbull and Associates, connected her career success back to her roots in debate. She shared how her experience in competitive debate helped shape her communication skills and her confidence. Turnbull emphasized just how far-reaching the influence of debate truly is, telling the students, “You look around and realize that almost everybody you meet, whether they are an elected officer, lawyer, lobbyist, policy director, chief of staff, anyone that is working in this space, probably has some sort of training in debate. It is a building block for so many successful careers.” Her story and words served as a powerful reminder to the students that the skills they are developing today can open doors far beyond what they might imagine. 

Mark Harrison, the 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year, closed out the day’s speakers with an exciting and interactive debate activity. Harrison left the students with a powerful charge, reminding them the importance of civic engagement, “It is our duty as an American citizen, as a citizen of this great state and as a citizen of the community you live in to be an informed, engaged citizen.” It was a fitting and inspiring note to close out a day filled with lessons on leadership, service and the importance of finding your voice.

Finally, the students, parents and coaches had the opportunity to watch the Florida House of Representatives in actual legislative session, getting a real look at legislators in action. Following the session, the group was free to explore the Capitol building, making for a great ending to an exciting and eventful day.