DENVER -- With the kickoff of the Democratic National Convention Monday night, Florida delegates are ready for a big week ahead, especially now that all the state's votes will count in full.
News 13's Greg Pallone caught up with some Florida delegates on the first day of the convention, who said they were glad to be there for what they called a "history-making event."
The Florida delegation stood out among all the craziness in their brightly-colored tropical shirts.
"Honestly, I was surprised we would have such good seating, especially given the 'kerfuffle' over the primary timing -- but they did, and I guess that's an indication of the sort of interest the Obama campaign has in winning Florida this time," said Gregory Shimkaveg, of Oviedo.
"I've been all over the world. This is the most exciting thing that ever happened to me in my life, out of all the places I have been," said Lavon Bracey, a delegate from Orlando. "I am just excited to be here. I did not think in my lifetime I would see history being made this way. Perhaps (for my) grandchildren, great-grandchildren, but I never think I would live to see this."
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer spoke before the delegates Monday morning.
Jane Healy, retired editorial page editor and current columnist for the Orlando Sentinel, said the overall mood among Florida's delegates was very upbeat.
"The Democrats, I'm sure, are worried about Florida in November. So they're going to want to treat them -- they don't want anybody mad for the punishment from Jan. 29."
Still, the delegates found themselves in hotels far away from the convention floor, a form of punishment, Healy said, for pushing the state primary up against party rules.
"They didn't get rooms for even until a few months ago. So here they are, 9 1/2 miles away from the action," Healy said. "It's not the most convenient place for them to be, but this is the result, I think, of their punishment."
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