Reservations for the "Say No to Mid-Term Redistricting" Day of Action at the library are required. We need to know how many supplies to purchase. If you wish more information email info@lwvmanatee.org.

Click here to register and join our happy crew!

The Florida state legislature is contemplating an unprecedented effort to redraw the state's Congressional maps in the middle of the decade with no new Census numbers to justify the effort. The redistricting is part of a larger, national effort to secure a partisan advantage in Congress. The League of Women Voters of Florida was one of the primary supporters of the Fair Districts amendments in 2010, so let’s do all we can to defend that work now. 

Join us for one or all of these fun and constructive activities to pressure our legislators to say no to mid-term redistricting.

• Write postcards or letters to state legislators
• Create protest signs and/or pick up a League of Women Voters of Manatee County (LWV-MC) yard sign
• Learn how to maximize use of the 5 Calls App, an easy and effective way to reach out to elected representatives.
• Have drinks and refreshments and brainstorm even more ways to call attention to and stop this power grab!

Join us for this enlightening and important topic to all Florida residents. Esteban Santis, Director of Research at the Florida Policy Institute, will give an overview of the Florida fiscal year 2025–2026 budget. Covered will be issues like how the state is funded and what are the future projections, what is the operating budget and what are the factors influencing it (including the Federal funding cuts under the “One Big Beautiful Bill”).

Holly Bullard, Chief Strategy & Development Officer, will detail the likely Florida fiscal year 2025–2026 funding for education and the many factors impacting education funding, including state and federal legislation changes. This analysis includes not only K–12 education, but state higher education.

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Microplastics, Macro Impact:

Tackling the Microplastics Crisis

Thursday, October 16, from 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm via Zoom

Join this special meeting of the Natural Resources Action Team as Dr. Nicholas Chartres, a Senior Research Fellow at The University of Sydney, presents an eye-opening program on microplastics. Uncover how widespread they are, the hidden and significant health risks they pose and the effective policies that could be enacted. Learn what you can do to protect yourself from this health harm. 



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The words from the Emma Lazarus poem “The New Colossus” appear on a plaque at the base of Lady Liberty and welcome wayfarers to our nation’s shores. Officially titled “Liberty Enlightening the World,” she has been a symbol of universal freedom and democracy. Gifted to us by France in honor of our shared democratic values and in recognition of the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States, she has stood in New York Harbor since the late 1880s. Read more about the history of Lady Liberty: Sentinel by Francesca Viano. 

As we commemorate the dedication of the Statue of Liberty, let us recommit to being a beacon of light to all. Let us act to uphold our constitution and the rule of law. Let us unite and rise for democracy!

Oscar Portillo-Meza is a Spanish-language Digital Research Analyst and specializes in analyzing digital ecosystems and addressing online harms affecting diverse audiences. Oscar will give an inspiring presentation on digital advocacy and fighting disinformation.

Michelle Grimsley Shindano is a dedicated public policy advocate with a robust career focused on legislative initiatives that promote health and social equity. Michelle will give a motivational presentation on community leadership and public policy.

Jessica Lowe-Minor is the President of the League of Women Voters of Florida and an experienced nonprofit executive and voting rights advocate. Her career reflects a deep commitment to civic participation. Jessica's presentation on the power of grassroots democracy will energize us to Unite & Rise for Democracy!

In her September 8, 2025, presentation, Government Action Team speaker Amy Keith, Common Cause of Florida Executive Director, discussed the legislation that has passed in recent years to hamper voter registration and voting, and then covers legislation that promises to expand voter access in Florida by providing key protections that prevent and guard against discriminatory voting practices.