Polk County Democratic Party Weekly Digest: Feb 13-Feb 19, 2023

Track the Biden Administration's campaign promises

All Vote By Mail requests expired after the 2022 General Election! Click here to register now.

We stand in solidarity with DEC member Veysel Dokur and the people of Turkiye and Syria as they suffer massive devastation and loss of life with the recent earthquakes. If you are able to donate, please click here.

OUR GOOD FRIEND & LIFE LONG DEMOCRAT
Robette DeWitt PASSED AWAY ON FEBRUARY 3, 2023.
 

On Friday, February 3, 2023, Robette Jean DeWitt, loving wife, mother, and grandmother passed away at the age of 75. Robette, better known as Robie, was born in Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee, on June 24th, 1947. She was an ARMY brat and spent a great amount of time in many different states, including the coldest winter on record in Fairbanks, Alaska. She was an avid reader and Detroit Tigers fan Robie dedicated her life to giving. She was selfless. She genuinely cared about others and often put their needs above her own. She loved her family more than anything. She never had to look far to find someone to chat with, and had a large circle of friendships along with many wonderful neighbors. 

Robie retired from Publix, having spent years in the Group Health Benefits department. Robie's hobbies included sewing, reading, and supporting many independent authors. She loved the Lakeland Flying Tigers and was a season ticket holder for many years. She also was a big supporter for the Democrat party and ran the local campaign office for several presidential elections.  Robie graduated from Santa Fe Catholic and kept those friendships up until her death. She was the first graduating class from that school.

We take solace with the spirit that she is with her husband, Roger, and her son, Ryan. She is survived by her daughter, Raquel DeWitt Conley (Todd), grandchildren, Hope Frisch (Arthur), Faith Conley, and Meghan McGetrick. Robie also leaves behind her sisters Ruth Starowicz (Edward), Rhonda Cobb (Gary) and her brother, Eugene (Joe) Estes, along with many extended family members. A viewing service will be held on Friday, February 17th, 2023, at 10 a.m. at Lakeland Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 18th, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Josephs’ Catholic Church in downtown Lakeland with interment to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robette DeWitt, please visit our floral store.

BLACK HISTORY CELEBRATION
From the Desk of Polk County Chair--Cesar Ramirez

February’s Black History Celebration is reaching the half way marker and we are reflecting on the many contributions to American history by African Americans. As a history buff, every year I am amazed to learn something new about people who have done amazing things. In the past we have celebrated the icons of yesteryear. I think it's time to also celebrate the many contributions that are present and within our own community. Our community is strong when we celebrate our diversity. Our community is stronger when we take time to learn about one another. Our community is the strongest when we come together and form a community whose superpower is our diversity.

Each week, as we deliver our Weekly Digest to you, we will share stories of the many heroes that have worked so hard for so long to make our communities better.  We will highlight both historical and current events, but most importantly we want you to be part of this acknowledgment. Therefore, if you know of a champion you believe is worthy to be in the spotlight in our Weekly Digest, please submit their name and contact information. We will reach out to them and share their story with our readers. In this way, we can begin to celebrate our combined hard work to be the strongest together, because in unity there will always be strength.  We at the Polk DEC hope to help make our community stronger by speaking with, as well as embracing, ALL of the residents of Polk County.  

Events To Support This Week:

Thursday, Feb 16, 6:00pm- Winter Haven Evening of the Arts
African American Art Youth Gallery and Live Performances
Winter Haven Recreational and Cultural Center
801 MLK Jr. Blvd NE, Winter Haven, FL 33881

Saturday, Feb 18, 8:00am-3:00pm- 17th Annual HBCU Jump Off
Simpson Park Community Center
1725 MLK Jr. Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33805

Saturday, Feb 18, 10:00am-2:00pm- Lakeland Black History Festival
Jackson Park and Coleman Bush Building
1104 MLK Jr. Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33805

Saturday, Feb 18, 11:00am- Sunday, Feb 19, 3:00pm. Winter Haven 28th Annual Heritage Day Festival
"Celebrating Black Resiliency"
Lake Maude Nature Park
1799 7th Street NE, Winter Haven, FL 33881


 

 

 

Florida Democratic Party Election for Chair

On Saturday, February 25th,  the Executive Committee of the Florida Democratic Party will meet in Maitland, FL to elect a new chair of the Florida Democratic Party. Currently, there are 5 announced candidates for the position:

Dr. Carolina Ampudia (immediate Past President, Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida)
Alex Berrios (founder, Mi Vecino)
Nikki Fried (fmr. FL Commissioner of Agriculture)
Rick Hoye (Chair, Broward County DEC)
Annette Taddeo (fmr. State Senator FL-40)

Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida, along with a coalition of caucuses, will host an FDP Chair Candidate Forum on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 12:00 Noon. The forum will be held via webinar. Here is the Mobilize link to sign up.

Senator Taddeo will be a special guest speaker at the Polk County DEC General Meeting on Monday, Feb 13th. 

 

 

If you are eligible and interested in running for a seat in your municipality, contact us at polkcountydemocrats@gmail.com as soon as possible. 

Become a Volunteer                Donate                   Become a Member

Paid Political Advertisement for the Democratic Party of Polk County
 6039 Cypress Gardens, PMB 328, Winter Haven, FL 33884

Phone: (863) 668-7199
Email: PolkCountyDemocrats@gmail.com 
Weekly Digest Coordinator: Michelle Bradley
For submissions, email: PolkDemWD@gmail.com

Paid for by the Democratic Party of Polk County

Become a Volunteer                Donate                   Become a Member