Lauren Book

Lauren Frances Book (born October 12, 1984) is an American politician and former educator who served in the Florida Senate from 2016 to 2024, representing parts of Broward County.

[15] In the 2017 session, Book filed a bill that would remove Confederate Memorial Day, celebrated on April 26, 2017, from Florida's list of 21 legal holidays.

[16] Book told CBS4, "during a time when the country is completely divided, I think we look at celebrating our unique coming together instead of some of the things that kind of create hate and divisive environments.

"[17] On July 22, 2019, Book wrote Florida governor Ron DeSantis a letter requesting a probe into how the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office handled a work release program for Jeffrey Epstein.

The Miami Herald reported that Book also received multiple anonymous calls and texts with more ominous demands to halt her request for a probe.

[20] A week later, on April 28, 2021, the Democratic caucus chose Book to serve immediately as minority leader, following a no-confidence vote in then-leader Gary Farmer.

[23] On April 3, 2023, Book was arrested alongside Nikki Fried, the Chair of the Florida Democratic Party, following a protest of an anti-abortion bill being considered by state lawmakers.