"This is not rhetorical, academic or hypothetical. Whether democracy is still America's sacred cause is the most urgent question of our time. That's what the 2024 election is all about." President Biden

February 2024

Save the date for the Manatee Democratic Party Gala

The Unity & Action Gala is Saturday, March 23. We’re celebrating at a new location this year, the Bradenton Area Convention Center, Palmetto. Plans are in place for a fun evening with entertainment, delicious food, a special featured speaker, silent auction and live auction hosted by Gala Gal, Janelle Taylor!

 

Check our website for details. The link for early bird ticket sales is coming soon!

February Special Events

This gala is sponsored by the Manatee County Democratic Black Caucus. Event and ticket information is listed under "Event Highlights."

A Family Friendly Right to Read Festival

Saturday, February 24, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Venice, 1971 Pinebrook Rd, Venice


Florida has banned the most books of any state. Parents, and not the government, should determine what books their children read. Join us for fun activities and to spread the message that book banning is antithetical to our democracy.

Visit the Right to Read Festival Website

Event Highlights

Manatee Democratic Club

Thursday, February 1, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm

Peridia Golf & Country Club, 4950 Peridia Blvd E, Bradenton


The speaker at our February luncheon will be the newly elected chair of the Manatee County Democratic Party, Chris Wetherington. Chris will provide the Club with his vision for the future of our county’s Democratic Party.


The cost of the luncheon is $15 payable at the door by cash or check (made out to Manatee Democratic Club). To register for the luncheon email Paul Dain at pauldain73@gmail.com.

Manatee LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus

Sunday, February 4, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Motorworks Brewing Co,1014 9th St W, Bradenton


Attend our Sunday Social. All are welcome. We gather under the canopies at the rear of the garden. For more information contact Rob Hall.

Lakewood Ranch Democratic Club

Wednesday, February 7, 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Lakewood Ranch Library, 16410 Rangeland Pkwy, Bradenton


Immigration in a Divided America

The featured speaker will be Attorney Andrew Galeziowski. He will present a centrist update on immigration through the lens of extreme views.


If you plan to attend, please email Lucy Lapides at lucy@lwrdems.com.

Hispanic Democratic Caucus of Manatee County

Monday, February 12, 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm

IHOP, 6320 Fl-64 East, Bradenton and Online



The Hispanic Democratic Caucus will conduct its February business meeting at the SR64 IHOP. Heather Felton, candidate for School Board District 1, will be the guest speaker. New members are always welcome.

Sign Up to Attend the Hispanic Caucus

Manatee Dems at the Food Bank of Manatee

Tuesday, February 13, 8:30 am to 11:00 am

Meals on Wheels Plus, 811 23rd Ave E, Bradenton


This monthly event has grown out of our December Community Service project. Help sort and pack bags of fresh produce for Mobile Produce Pantry distributions. These fruits and vegetables provide needed nutrients to Manatee County children and families. No heavy lifting. Seating is available if needed.

Sign Up for the Mobile Produce Pantry

Manatee Democratic Progressive Caucus

Wednesday, February 14, 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm .... Meeting via conference call



The agenda includes status update for affordable housing plus diversity and inclusion group project updates. Email Steve Ryan for access to the meeting.

Manatee Democratic Environmental Caucus

Thursday, February 15, 10:00 am to 11:00 am

Cortez Cultural Center, 11655 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton


Maritime Heritage of Manatee County: The Mighty Mullet!

Presenter is Dr. Angela Collins. Angela holds a PhD in biology, ecology and evolution. She will educate us on the extensive maritime history of Manatee County and Cortez.

Sign Up for the Environmental Caucus Meeting

Democratic Women's Club of Manatee County

Thursday, February 15, 11:00 am

Palm Aire Country Club, 5601 Country Club Way, Sarasota


Women's Rights: Hear Our Voices Scholarship Luncheon

Guest speaker will be Barbara Zdravecky who served as CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida for 24 years.


RSVP by emailing Wini Meier-Oakes at winimo.3@gmail.com.

$55 for tickets

$75 for Special Patron tickets

Manatee LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus

Wednesday, February 21, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Manatee County Democratic HQ, 435 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton


Our guest speaker is Heather Felton, candidate for Manatee County School Board District 1. She brings an update on legislation currently before the state legislature that will affect fundamental democratic rights. Our second speaker is John Hill, Legislative Director for the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus. He brings his expertise to the topic. All are welcome!

LGBTQ+ Meeting Sign Up

Manatee County Democratic Black Caucus

Thursday, February 22, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Oscura, 816 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton


Black History Gala "Our Time - If Not Now, When?"

The featured speaker is Jerry L. Demings, Mayor of Orange County, Fl. He will pay homage to the influential figures who have shaped our society. This event aims to foster unity, understanding and appreciation for the diverse Black culture.


Immerse yourself in the music of NuJazz! Enjoy gourmet hors d'oeuvres. Savor craft drinks and engage in thought-provoking discussions that shed light on important historical moments and contemporary issues.


Tickets $85 / Students $45

Purchase Tickets Here

Precincts Team Meeting for Districts 4 and 5

Saturday, February 24, 10:30 am to 12:00 pm

Braden River Public Library Room #205, 4915 53rd Ave E, Bradenton

(You will be notified if the meeting site changes to the new library in Lakewood Ranch.)


Join us to discuss neighborhood networking strategies, goals and action items preparing us for the 2024 election. Open to all.

Sign up for District 4 and 5 Meeting

Take Action in West Manatee and the Islands

Saturday, February 24, 11:45 am to 1:15 pm

Central Library Auditorium, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd W, Bradenton


Meet Manatee County District 3 Commissioner Candidate Diana Shoemaker

and new Manatee County Chairperson Chris Wetherington. Join your neighborhood group. Learn what you can do to support candidates willing to address local concerns such as development, the environment, home rule and island parking. For more information contact Tim and Kate Eiseler..

Sign Up for West Manatee and Islands Meeting

Anna Maria Island and West Manatee Democratic Club

Monday, February 26, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm

Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach


Topic: Saving Public Education in Manatee County

Featured Speaker: Heather Felton, School Board Candidate. Find out from a former teacher what we can do to bolster public education, including supporting the election of school board candidates who understand and focus on the needs of our children.


If not a club member, please consider joining. Dues are $25.

Contact Barbara Beckwith for more information.

Contact the Heather Felton Campaign.

Sign Up to Attend the AMI/West Manatee Club Meeting

Manatee Democratic Executive Committee Meeting

Tuesday, February 27, 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Manatee County Democratic HQ, 435 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton and Online


All Democrats are welcome at the monthly DEC meeting. Program TBA. In person attendance is encouraged to develop working relationships between members. Online link will be provided upon request.


Contact Bev Pannee for more information.

Sign Up for DEC Meeting

Additional Information

Manatee County Florida District Map. CLICK HERE to find your precinct. The first digit of your precinct is your County Commissioner district.

Democratic Party Headquarters is located at 435 Cortez Rd. Office hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from noon to 4:00 pm and Saturday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Community Service

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. The Hispanic Democratic Caucus of Manatee will be collecting small toys for children (e.g. new or gently used Beanie Babies, crayons, coloring books, etc.). These donations will go to RCMA Palmetto Child Development Center. Donations can be brought to Party Headquarters during office hours in February. Monetary donations to purchase children’s toothbrush/paste kits directly from Colgate can be delivered to the Hispanic Caucus. Contact Patricia Devilliers for more information.

Donate to RCMA Palmetto Child Development Center

Working in partnership with Temple Beth El Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch, we will deliver any health and beauty aids brought to Party Headquarters during office hours to Our Daily Bread.

Sign Up for the Mailing List

If you are not currently on our mailing list and would like to keep up with all that is happening with the Manatee Democrats, sign up for our mailing list HERE.

Donate

We are a 100% volunteer organization and count on you to keep our operations going and Get Out The Vote initiatives thriving. Thank you!

DONATE

Manatee County Democratic Party

435 Cortez Road W, Bradenton Fl 34207

941-301-4336 info@manateecountydemocrats.com

ManateeCountyDemocrats.com

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