Polk County Democratic Party Weekly Digest: November 27th - December 3rd, 2023
RUNOFF ELECTIONS ARE COMING UP:
Lakeland- TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5th
Winter Haven- TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5th
IF YOU LIVE IN LAKELAND OR WINTER HAVEN (inside the city limits of each)- GET OUT AND VOTE AND ENCOURAGE YOUR NEIGHBORS TO DO THE SAME!!
POLLS ARE OPEN FROM 7am to 7pm on the corresponding runoff election day.
All Vote By Mail requests expired after the 2022 General Election! Click here to request a VBM Ballot now.
Please check your registration as another 100k voters were purged from the Vote By Mail list!!!
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KNOW YOUR CANDIDATES!
Winter Haven City Commission candidate Johnothan Bush recently addressed the meeting of the Winter Haven Commission. He spoke on the concerns he has that the city is in support of Diversity and Inclusion, racial equality and LGBTQIA rights and other topics. If you are a voter in Winter Haven, please watch and SHARE the video link below and spread the word that this individual should NOT hold elected office and is dangerous to citizens in Winter Haven and a threat to good, representative government.
https://rumble.com/v3miara-johnathon-bush-at-the-city-council-meeting.html?fbclid=IwAR0tdTAK1idePJtL4Mn5QkUiG6pZNzwKsV5twZM4F1XcEKz6AXiVBPi-2Yc
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CAST A BALLOT AND MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!!
Municipal runoff elections are just around the corner in Lakeland and Winter Haven. Who will be on the ballot? (Remember, these are non-partisan races, but we are including party affiliation for transparency). Social media/campaign links are included that are available.
The DEC will be texting voters to remind them to vote in the municipal elections and to also sign up for Vote by Mail ballots. If you would like to help with texting campaigns, please let Barbara Harris (vicechair1@polkdemocrats.net) or Kathy Sites (secpolkdec@gmail.com) know AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
YOUR VOTE CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE! KNOW WHO IS SERVING YOUR COMMUNITY!
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FORT MEADE
A Special Congratulations to the newest members of the Fort Meade City Commission, Jaret Landon Willams and the victor in the November 21st runoff election, Samuel Berrien!
Samuel Berrien (D)  Jaret Landon Willams (D) 
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LAKELAND
RUNOFF IS TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5th
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WHERE DO I VOTE IN A RUNOFF ELECTION?
Lakeland
Tuesday, December 5th, 2023
7AM-7PM
Lakeland City Residents vote at the following locations:
Precincts 111, 117 and 125 vote at:
Believers' Fellowship Church, 5240 N Socrum Loop Rd
Precinct 112 votes at:
Gibsonia Baptist Church, 5440 US Hwy 98 N
Precincts 116 and 120 vote at:
Faith Wesleyan Church, 3501 N Florida Ave
Precinct 121 votes at:
Victory Assembly of God, Chapel, 1401 Griffin Rd
Precinct 201 votes at:
Lake Crago Recreation Complex, 525 Lake Crago Dr
Precinct 204 votes at:
Coleman-Bush Building, 1104 Martin L King Jr Ave
Precinct 205 votes at:
Ewing Memorial 7th Day Adventist Church, 1201 N Webster Ave
Precinct 206 votes at:
Lakeland 7th Day Adventist Church, 1443 N Gilmore Ave
Precincts 118, 209 and 210 vote at:
First Baptist Institutional Church, 932 Martin L King Jr Ave
Precincts 211 and 217 vote at:
Lake Mirror Center, 121 S Lake Ave
Precinct 212 votes at:
Woodall's Mobile Home Village, 2121 New Tampa Hwy
Precincts 213 and 220 vote at:
Hilton Garden Inn, 3839 Don Emerson Dr
Precinct 214 votes at:
Trinity United Methodist Church, 715 Cornelia Ave
Precinct 216 votes at:
RP Funding Center - Lake Parker Rm, 701 W Lime St
Precincts 219 and 225 vote at:
Iglesia Bautista Unidos Por Fe, 1000 Mt. Airy Ave
Precinct 221 votes at:
Heatherwood Village, 1925 Harden Blvd
Precinct 222 votes at:
Mas Verde MHP, 2600 Harden Blvd
Precinct 223 votes at:
College Heights Methodist Church, 942 South Blvd
Precinct 224 votes at:
Cleveland Heights Golf Course, Sawgrass Room, 2900 Buckingham Ave
Precinct 228 votes at:
United Methodist Temple, 2700 S Florida Ave
Precinct 229 votes at:
Kelly Recreation Complex, Gymnasium, 404 Imperial Blvd
Precinct 230 votes at:
Cleveland Heights Baptist Church, 3120 Cleveland Heights Blvd
Precinct 231 votes at:
First Alliance Church, 1919 E Edgewood Dr
Precincts 233 and 234 vote at:
Lakeland Elks Lodge #1291, 4529 Harden Blvd
Precinct 235 votes at:
Fellowship Baptist Church, 4625 Cleveland Heights Blvd
Precincts 226 and 236 vote at:
Highland Park Church (FMB 707), 4730 Lakeland Highlands Rd
Precincts 253 and 254 vote at:
Sun 'n Fun Expo Campus, Geico Atrium, 4075 James C. Ray Dr
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WINTER HAVEN
RUNOFF IS TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5th
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WHERE DO I VOTE IN A RUNOFF ELECTION?
Winter Haven
Tuesday, December 5th, 2023
7AM-7PM
Winter Haven City Residents vote at the following locations:
Precincts 319 and 340 vote at:
Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, 1910 Havendale Blvd NW
Precincts 331, 332, 337, 339, 415, 522, 529, 545, 547 vote at:
Calvary Baptist Church, 2101 Overlook Dr SE
Precincts 313 and 314 vote at:
First Baptist Church Lucerne Park, 5650 State Road 544
Precinct 325 votes at:
Samson Masonic Lodge #142, 120 Ave R NW
Precincts 329, 330, 336 and 343 vote at:
Southside Baptist Church, 1301 7th St SW
Precincts 322, 323, 324 and 326 vote at:
Winter Haven Senior Adult Center, 250 S Lake Silver Dr NW
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2023 HOLIDAY PARTY
WE HAVE MUCH TO CELEBRATE THIS YEAR! PLEASE JOIN US FOR FESTIVE FELLOWSHIP!
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WORLD AIDS DAY, DECEMBER 1ST, 2023
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
World AIDS Day, designated on 1 December every year since 1988, is an international day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and mourning those who've died of the disease. The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The HIV virus attacks the immune system of the patient and reduces its resistance to other diseases. Government and health officials, non-governmental organizations, and individuals around the world observe the day, often with education on AIDS prevention and control.
World AIDS Day is one of the eleven official global public health campaigns marked by the World Health Organization (WHO), along with World Health Day, World Blood Donor Day, World Immunization Week, World Tuberculosis Day, World No Tobacco Day, World Malaria Day, World Hepatitis Day, World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, World Patient Safety Day and World Chagas Disease Day.
As of 2020, AIDS has killed between 27.2 million and 47.8 million people worldwide, and an estimated 37.7 million people are living with HIV, making it one of the most important global public health issues in recorded history. Thanks to recent improved access to antiretroviral treatment in many regions of the world, the death rate from AIDS epidemic has decreased by 64% since its peak in 2004 (1.9 million in 2004, compared to 680 000 in 2020).
For more information regarding diagnosis rate in Florida and Polk County click HERE
For more information regarding testing and treatment resources in Polk County click HERE
From hiv.gov:
This year’s theme for World AIDS Day is “World AIDS Day 35: Remember and Commit.” This annual event serves as a reminder of the global struggle to end HIV-related stigma, an opportunity to honor those we have lost, and a rallying cry to commit to working toward a day when HIV is no longer a public health threat.
The first World AIDS Day took place in 1988, providing a platform to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS and honor the lives affected by the epidemic. This year marks the 35th commemoration of this important day. Over the past 35 years, there has been significant progress in addressing HIV and AIDS thanks to advancements in medical research, increased access to treatment and prevention, and a broader understanding of the virus.
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2023 International Day of Persons With Disabilities
Sunday, December 3rd, 2023
From: www.awarenessdays.com
When is International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2023?
International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed globally on December 3rd each year. This date provides an opportunity for governments, organizations, and communities to come together to raise awareness, promote inclusion, and take action to improve the lives of persons with disabilities.
How to Participate in International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2023?
Participating in International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a meaningful way to show support for the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities. Here are some ways to get involved:
- Organize Awareness Events: Host events, seminars, or workshops that promote awareness of disability-related issues and discuss solutions for inclusion.
- Advocate for Accessibility: Advocate for accessible infrastructure, transportation, and digital platforms to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to services and opportunities.
- Celebrate Achievements: Recognize and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of individuals with disabilities in your community and beyond.
- Share Stories: Share stories and experiences of persons with disabilities to raise awareness and foster empathy and understanding.
- Support Disability Organizations: Contribute to or volunteer with organizations that work to improve the lives of persons with disabilities and promote inclusivity.
History of International Day of Persons with Disabilities
International Day of Persons with Disabilities was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992 to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. The day also commemorates the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which was adopted in 2006.
This observance serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create a world where individuals with disabilities can fully participate and thrive.
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Next week we will begin presenting a 2024 Legislative Session Overview
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VOTER REGISTRATION TRAINING EVERY MONTH!
Sign up to learn how we’re providing registration information now, what the new rules are, and best practices for finding our target voters. Held via Zoom each month on the 3rd Wednesday at 1 PM.
Sign up on Mobilize: https://www.mobilize.us/polkcountydec/event/452722/
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FROM THE CHAIR OF THE FLORIDA DEMOCRATIC PARTY,
NIKKI FRIED
Abortion Ballot Initiative - 34 days left!
We have until December 31, 2023 to collect petitions for the abortion ballot initiative! Download Reach to join the Floridians for Reproductive Freedom’s Neighbor to Neighbor program and start canvassing your neighborhood immediately!
No need to wait for someone to give you a walk list when you join our organizing app Reach. Just type in your street name in the Search screen of the Reach App and you will see all of the voters on your street.
 This is a great feature for Precinct Organizers!
You can knock on doors and record whether they have signed the petition and all of the responses will be immediately synced to VAN. Click here to review the step by step process and start collecting petitions in your neighborhood! |
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BALLOT 2024
Help us get these amendments onto the Ballot next year. Distribute petitions amongst your friends, family and communities. Knowledge is POWER!
PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS FOR THE NOVEMBER 2024 BALLOT
Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion
THERE ARE ONLY 41 DAYS TO COLLECT PETITIONS FOR THE ABORTION BALLOT INITIATIVE!!!
Text: No law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health, as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider. This amendment does not change the Legislature’s constitutional authority to require notification to a parent or guardian before a minor has an abortion.
Sponsor:
Floridians Protecting Freedom, Inc.
Post Office Box 4068
Sarasota, FL 34230
(305) 647-2666
Petition available at: https://floridiansprotectingfreedom.com/
Right to Clean and Healthy Waters Amendment
Text: This amendment creates a fundamental right to clean and healthy waters. The amendment may be used to sue State executive agencies for harm or threatened harm to Florida’s waters, which include aquatic ecosystems. This amendment defines terms, identifies affected constitutional provisions in Article IV governing the executive branch, provides for civil action enforcement, allows attorney’s and expert witness fees to prevailing plaintiffs, and provides equitable remedies including restoration of waters.
Sponsor:
Florida Right To CleanWater
13300 South Cleveland Avenue
Suite 56
Fort Myers, FL 33907
(239) 898-2044
Petition: Available at:
FloridaRighttoCleanWater.org
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The Polk County Democrats next monthly general meeting will be the Holiday Party on Tuesday, December 12 from 6-9pm. The location is Yard on Mass in Lakeland.
Club, Caucus and Committee Meetings
November 27th- December 3rd, 2023
Democratic Women's Club of Lakeland
Monday, November 27th, 6:30pm
Campaign and Candidate Recruitment Committee Meeting
Thursday, November 30th, 3pm
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Civic Activities around the Area
November 27th- December 3rd, 2023
Winter Haven City Commission Meeting
Monday, November 27th, 6pm
Fort Meade Special City Commission Meeting
Wednesday, November 29th, 6pm
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Democratic Party of Polk County, Club & Caucus Links
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If you would like to know more about a caucus or club which does not have a hyperlink, please email PolkCountyDemocrats@gmail.com
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Paid Political Advertisement for the Democratic Party of Polk County
6039 Cypress Gardens, PMB 328, Winter Haven, FL 33884
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