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Our League leadership and members have been active and visible across Sarasota — from advocacy rallies and educational Hot Topics luncheons to engaging Zoom events, voter registration drives, published editorials, and social gatherings.
Our rallies raise awareness of the League and spark “good trouble,” inspiring hope and civic engagement. The Hot Topics series on America’s Constitutional Crisis has deepened understanding of the critical challenges facing our democracy. Our member events — Lunch and Conversation and Mix & Mingle happy hours — have offered wonderful opportunities to reconnect with friends and welcome new and prospective members.
Together, these activities reflect our shared commitment to Do Something! We will not succumb to cynicism or turn our backs on activism. LWVSRQ stands strong for the foundational principles that sustain our democracy — checks and balances, the rule of law, and free and fair elections.
Your time, energy, and passion for the work has been inspiring. We are deeply grateful for your dedication and spirit. Let’s continue to show up — for democracy and for each other.
In League,
Rhonda and Vilia
rhonda@lwvsrq.org
vilia@lwvsrq.org
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A Warm Welcome to Our Newest Members | | | | | |  | |
Savannah Cochrane
Maureen Holland
Linda Kern
Vicki Lachman
Mitzi (Lee) LaVecchia
Chana Lepman
| | Thursday, November 6th, 6:00- 7:00pm via Zoom | | |
In 2010, LWVFL was instrumental in passing two citizen-led amendments now known as the "Fair Districts Amendments". As a result, partisan gerrymandering is unconstitutional in the state of Florida.
Over the years, LWVFL and Common Cause have joined forces to protect these amendments in court. Once again, we are fighting this battle; this time posed as "mid-cycle redistricting". How can we stop this assault on our voting rights?
LWVFL President, Jessica Lowe-Minor, will explain why LWVFL opposes mid-cycle redistricting and will tell us what we can do to stop it.
| | | Friday, November 14th, 11:30-1:30pm | |
Freedom of the Press Under Fire
Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club
8801 Stoneybrook Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238
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Our speaker, Emily LeCoz, Executive Editor-in- Chief of Suncoast Searchlight, will answer our questions regarding current threats to freedom of the press.
“Suncoast Searchlight was founded on the belief that a strong, independent press is essential to a thriving community... " According to Ms. LeCoz, “There’s never been a greater need for this type of journalism.”
The buffet lunch will include menu items for those with dietary restrictions. Cost will be $35 for members and $40 for non-members. Reserve now! Space is limited!
| | | | Monday, November 17th, 5:00pm | |
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State Funding of Crisis Pregnancy Centers -
A LWV Manatee Reproductive Rights Action Team Zoom Meeting Featuring Florida State Rep. Kelly Skidmore
Rep. Skidmore is the sponsor of HB 6001, a bill to abolish the nearly $30 million spent each year by the state of Florida to fund “faux medical clinics” designed solely to steer women away from abortion. Learn more...
Sign the petition to cease all public funding for crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs). These centers are unregulated, deceptive facilities that undermine public health, erode civil liberties, and endanger lives.
| | | | Saturday, December 12th, 11:30-1:00pm | | |
Trust in our nation’s foundational institutions, particularly government and media, is at a historic low. Modern technology, with its proliferation of misinformation, plays a central role in this loss of faith, but there is much more to the story.
Join us as we welcome distinguished reporter, newspaper editor and Dean Emeritus of the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications, Diane McFarlin. She will share her insights on modern information technology and helping us to become more discerning consumers.
| | These LWVSRQ meet-ups offer the opportunity to catch up on the latest League news and enjoy camaraderie with like-minded folks. They are open to everyone; members and non-members, no matter where you live in the county. | | |
Lunch and Conversation
November 12th at Noon
North and Central County
1395 Main St, Sarasota
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Mix and Mingle
November 12th, 4-6pm
South County
201 West Venice Avenue
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Lunch and Conversation
November 18th at Noon
South County
101 West Venice Ave.
| | Monday, November 24th, 4 - 5pm via Zoom | |
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LWVSRQ Leader's Update
This hour long Zoom event is open to all members and is a great opportunity to learn more about our current initiatives and explore ways you can get involved.
If you miss an update, the recording can be found here.
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League's Tee Shirts Stood Out at Local NO KINGS Rallies
Sarasota Herald Tribune
October 18, 2025
Melissa Pérez Carrillo
An estimated 3,000 people gathered for a “No Kings” protest in downtown Sarasota, Florida on Oct. 18, 2025, beginning at Payne Park and moving west toward Main Street and Ringling Boulevard.
See more photos. (Requires SHT digital subscription.)
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Oppose Mid-Cycle Redistricting | | | |
Click on the image above to learn more! Register to hear why LWVFL opposes mid-cycle redistricting. | | |
FLORIDA IS FACING AN UNPRECEDENTED UNCONSTITUTIONAL REDISTRICTING EFFORT
Stop the state legislature from redrawing Florida’s Congressional maps in the middle of the decade without new Census data.
This is especially concerning because Florida voters overwhelmingly said they did not want partisan redistricting. In 2010, 63% of voters approved the Fair Districts Amendments (5 and 6).
Please help defend the will of the voters today!
| | | | | | Write a letter using these templates to your state representatives. (Hand written letters get the most attention.) | | Use the Five Calls app to contact your state representatives. (You can download the 5Calls app on your phone.) | |
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Florida Driver License Changes: What to Know
An important message from our Supervisor of Elections regarding how these changes will impact your ability to request a vote-by-mail ballot online.
If you received a new Florida driver license after July 31, 2024 and did not opt to update your voter record at that time, it is strongly recommended that you update your voter record with your new driver license number. Visit the Update Voter Information section of our website for a complete list of options.
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"The "Reports" section had motions filed that were not on the agenda for citizen comments."
Four votes were taken on these motions, all of which passed unopposed. The League will follow up to ensure compliance with our Sunshine Laws.
Read report here.
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"The meeting was both chaotic and contentious."
The controversial issues before the board and the sheer number of citizens who showed up to speak created a heated atmosphere. The board demonstrated a lack of decorum. The League recommends going back to two meetings per month.
Read Report Card here.
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¿Habla español?
Spanish speakers needed!
We are excited to be working with the Women's Resource Center on a program starting in January for the Spanish speaking community. We anticipate it will be held once a week for 5 weeks. Spanish speakers are needed to facilitate this program.
Contact Kathy McEachran or Carol Hartz for more information.
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The LWVSRQ Board meets on the first Tuesday of every month.
Locations and times may vary.
The next meeting will be on November 11th at 10:15 am via Zoom
Contact Vilia Johnson for more information.
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| Do you enjoy reading the "Sarasota Voter"? | | | | |
EMPOWERING VOTERS.
DEFENDING DEMOCRACY.
League of Women Voters of Sarasota County (LWVSRQ)
PO Box 18884, Sarasota, FL 34276-1884
president@lwvsrq.org
| | The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots nonprofit dedicated to empowering everyone to fully participate in our democracy. | | | | |
