Polk County Democratic Party Weekly Digest: Sept 19-25, 2022
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Vote YES to protect our environment
The Polk County DEC this month unanimously voted to endorse the Polk County Environmental Lands Acquisition and Management Referendum, which will be on the Nov. 8 ballot.
The measure would provide funding through a dedicated 0.2 mil ad valorem tax (property tax) for a period of 20 years. Monies would be used for the acquisition and management of lands purchased outright or to the purchase of conservation easements to keep land in private ownership, while protecting important natural resources.
The tax would cost the average homeowner an additional $30 a month. Voters approved a similar referendum in 1994, to create the Polk County Environmental Lands Program. This is a continuation of the job started then. For more information, and to learn how to get involved with the referendum's organizers - Polk Forever, click here.
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The Polk County Democratic Party has released its digital slate card. Please find all you need to know about the candidates and issues that will be on the Nov. 8 ballot here, by scrolling down to our 'Voter Guide'.
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Polk County Democrats organize to GOTV
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Nearly 30 Polk County Democrats were on hand to hear how the Florida Democrat Party's BlueShift FL team will Get Out The Vote in November's midterms!
These attendees, in person and virtually, committed to help run GOTV staging sites that will be held across Polk County on the weekend leading up to and on the day of the Nov. 8 election. More information about where those staging sites will be located and additional support needed will be forthcoming. Meanwhile, consider setting time aside Nov. 5-8 to join the BlueShift FL team in Polk County and ensure Democrats turn out to vote! For details, email mbradley@floridadems.org
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Campaign volunteers needed for Weekend of Action
BlueShift FL is organizing a coordinated campaign to help local candidates, such as such as Veysel Dokur, who is running for FL Senate Dist 12, and Markeishia Smith, who is running a countywide campaign to be elected District 4 Polk County Commissioner, reach as many voters in Polk County as possible.
To ensure these local candidates, as well as our Democratic gubernatorial and US Senate candidates, are elected up and down the ballot, more volunteers are needed to help canvass/door knock and phonebank in the coming weeks. The focus this coming weekend is A Weekend of Action for Unity to sign up people for Vote by Mail. We know when people vote early, either by mail or in person, Democrats win!
In addition to the featured events below, there are opportunities to canvass in Auburndale, Winter Haven and Davenport. Email mbradley@floridadems.org for details.
To canvass in North Polk County, click here.
To canvass in South Polk County, click here.
To phonebank from the comfort of your home - or invite some friends for a social get-together and make calls together - click here.
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Support the candidates who will build a Florida and Polk County for ALL
Volunteer and donate:
Val Demings for US Senate
Charlie Crist for Governor, with running mate Karla Hernandez-Mats for Lieutenant Governor
Adam Hattersley for Chief Financial Officer
Aramis Ayala for State Attorney General
Naomi Esther Blemur for State Commissioner of Agriculture
Florida Senate: Veysel Dokur (Dist 12) and Christopher Proia (Dist 27)
US Congressional seats: District 9 - Darren Soto, Dist 11 - Shante Munns, and District 15 - Alan Cohn
Markeishia Smith: Polk County Commissioner District 4 (This is a countywide election)
Other ways to get involved
**** The Polk County Democratic Party is also looking for volunteers to help with its campaign to get out the vote. Register here with your area of interests.
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Sign up now to be a poll watcher
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In recognition of the work Polk County Democratic poll watchers made during the primary election in August, DEC Chair Catherine Price hosted a dinner to thank volunteers, recently.
For all the attempts by the GOP to thwart voter access, poll watchers play an important part in protecting everyone's right to vote. Please consider joining this team for the Nov. 8 midterm elections. To learn more, sign up here.
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Get involved. Stay involved. Remember: Politics is local
In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, learn about opportunities to support the Lakeland Hispanic community during a webinar on Thursday, Sept 22.
Hosted by the FDIC and the OCC, discussion will encourage needs-based community development partnerships, some in response to COVID-19. Presenters will explore affordable housing issues, economic and small business development, as well as revitalization projects that will benefit Lakeland. Community groups are encouraged to attend.
For more information and to register here.
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Polk County School Board Sales Tax Oversight Committee meeting at 5 pm on Sept 27
For details and agenda, click here.
At each meeting, the committee members receive the following reports:
- Sales Tax revenue report
- Construction projects completed in the last quarter
- Projects in progress
- Projects to begin the next quarter
- Other information desired by the committee
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Sponsors Sought for Winter Haven Hispanic Heritage Celebration
The Puerto Rican/Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Polk County will host Winter Haven's inaugural Hispanic Heritage Celebration on October 15.
Festival de Las America's (Festival of The Americas) will highlight musical entertainment from various artists, salsa lessons, raffles, vendors showcasing their services plus activities for the children. Admission to attend is FREE.
Interested merchants or service providers can still sign up to participate here. Deadline is September 30th. For more: 863-838-2084.
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Volunteer of the Month Recognition
The deadline for nominations of our Volunteer of the Month is COB Friday, Oct 7.
The Polk County Democratic Party relies on volunteers to keep voters and others engaged. While we are thankful for everyone who volunteers, we think it is fitting to acknowledge those who go above and beyond in their service to the party. To make this recognition campaign successful, we need each caucus and club to nominate a volunteer who deserves some special recognition. In making your submission, please provide a brief bio and photo of the nominee.
Nominations can be made by anyone to PolkDemWD@gmail.com
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MEETINGS AND EVENTS
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The next Regular DEC Meeting will be held on October 10, 2022, via Zoom @ 6:30 pm.
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The Polk DEC along with Clubs & Caucuses will be hosting a rally & sign waving outside of the "Patriot Dinner" in Haines City. Sept. 21 @ 4 pm.
Click here for Link
Polk County Jewish Caucus Monthly Meeting: Tuesday Sept. 20th. 2022 @ 7 pm.
Click here for Link
Polk County Democratic Environmental Caucus Meeting: Thursday Sept. 22 @ 6:30 pm.
Click here for Link
Democratic Women's Club of East Polk Ridge Meeting: Thursday Sept 22 @ 6:30 pm.
Click here for Link
Polk County Progressive Democratic Monthly Meeting: Friday Sept. 23 @ 7:00 pm.
Click here for Link
Greater Winter Haven Democratic Club Meeting: Saturday Sept. 24, 2022 @ 1 pm.
Click here for Link
Future Polk County DEC Mobilize Events
Keep us up to date: If you would like to feature what your club or caucus is doing or introduce a new president, other office holder or person of interest, please send information to polkdemwd@gmail.com
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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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Mailing Address
The Democratic Party of Polk County
6039 Cypress Gardens Boulevard, Suite 328
Winter Haven, FL 33884
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