Published by Florida Politics March 5, 2021
Rayner is remaining positive after hearing a racial slur aimed at her.
Pinellas County Rep. Michele Rayner is responding to a racist voicemail left at her personal law practice Thursday morning amid the first week of this year’s Legislative Session.
The message, which was left on the Democrat’s direct line in her law practice in Clearwater, said “Michele Rayner is nothing but a f***ing n***er freak.” Rayner said the voicemail came from a restricted number, but it was in a woman’s voice.
“I get it through work on Twitter and on Facebook, but it’s another thing to kind of have your personal space invaded a little bit more,” Rayner said. “You’re able to detach when it’s online.”
The individual left the message in response to Rayner’s no vote on HB 1, a proposal that, among other pursuits, would enhance legal penalties against rioters, vandals and looters as a means to combat public disorder. It would also require a person arrested for unlawful assembly to remain in custody until their first appearance.
