December 2024
Letter from the Chair
Four Hundred. Four hundred Collier County volunteers stepped forward, united in their commitment to the Democratic Party and our shared mission to elect Democratic candidates who will fight for justice, equality, and progress. Despite our tireless efforts, the election did not turn in our favor. Yet not a single volunteer has reached out to say, “I quit.”
Why? Because we understand what is at stake. We press on, not just to win elections, but to hold those in power accountable.
In the aftermath, pundits have claimed that the Democratic Party has strayed too far left—defending a woman’s right to choose, protecting the LGBTQ+ community’s right to exist, standing up for the marginalized. They argue that these stances alienated voters. But let’s be clear: if we don’t fight for the rights of the vulnerable, who will?
It certainly won’t be the MAGA Republicans, whose platform seeks to strip away those very rights.
While we take time to recover from the blows brought by the 2024 election, we must remember that activism is not temporary. Our work is far from over. This is a movement built on courage and conviction, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to a future where no one is left behind. Let us channel our disappointment into determination. Together, we will continue the fight.
Become a State Committeeperson!
Get involved in setting the future course of the Democratic Party in Florida! Now is your chance to become a State Committeeperson! Beginning January 1, 2025, Collier County is allowed 5 Committeepersons to represent us at the Florida Democratic Party meetings. Any Collier County registered Democrat is eligible. Contact Jane at chair@collierdems.org to learn more. We will be electing State Committeepersons at the December 4 DEC meeting (see below).
The Collier County Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) will meet
DECEMBER 4, 2024 – 5:30 PM Meet & Greet, 6:30 PM Meeting
at Collier County Democratic Party Headquarters
600 Goodlette-Frank Road #110, Naples FL 34102
This month’s meeting is our Presidential Organizational meeting, where DEC members will elect officers and State Committeepersons.
The DEC is the local official arm of the Florida Democratic Party and is comprised of elected Committeemen and Women. Official meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM. We will hold a public Meet & Greet beginning at 5:30 PM. Please join us!
All registered Democrats may attend and observe as guests, and all attendees must register ahead of time. Only DEC members may vote and participate in the meeting. Attendees are encouraged to join 10 minutes early to get settled before the meeting begins.
The Collier County Democratic Club (CCDC) will hold its
Holiday Party
DECEMBER 16, 2024 – 5:00-7:00 PM
at Mulligan’s Bar & Grill
5375 Hibiscus Dr, Naples, FL 34113
All Democrats Welcome. Please Join us!
Join us for a festive HOLIDAY celebration at Mulligan’s Bar and Grill on the terrace overlooking the Hibiscus Golf Club course. Please bring a monetary donation to benefit the Immokalee Rural Neighborhoods Association. For the last several years the CCDC has provided $25 gift cards to parents in the Immokalee developments so they can purchase gifts for their children.
****Dues are due – $35 single/$60 couple – please join or renew now!
The Democratic Women‘s Club of Marco (DWC Marco) will meet
DECEMBER 17, 2024
6:00-8:30 PM at
Stix Sushi & Seafood
4221 Tamiami Trail East, Naples
$45 per person including tax & gratuity
Hello Fellow Democrats and Like Minded Individuals:
No doubt this last month has been difficult for everyone because of the results of the election. But I’m grateful that DWCMarco offers a place where we can come together in a safe space.
As those who attended our November 12 meeting experienced, there is power and a renewed resolve being in community with like minded people.
We hope you will join us for this year’s holiday party to meet or re-connect with other Democrats as we share the holiday spirit and look ahead to 2025.
With gratitude,
Karen Tessel-Blum
DWCMarco – President
Join Us for the holidays! Registration is Required.
Unlimited Buffet & Sushi
Cash Bar / Democratic Themed Cocktail
Music & Dancing
Members and guests (and like-minded friends and family) are welcome!
Contact Laurie Sandler to arrange payment – 516.661.0799
RSVP and payment must be received by 12.5.24
The Collier County Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida
As you’re no doubt aware, the results of the November election pose a grave threat to everything environmental. If you’re feeling that you need to do something about that, here’s your call to action! Join the Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida (DECF), and specify the Collier County chapter, to join our local caucus as well. We’ll be organizing meetings and activities beginning in January.
ONGOING MEETINGS – Make your voice heard in local government!
Engage in Your Community!
Now more than ever, it’s essential that we engage with community leaders, voters, and other Collier County neighbors. We need to ensure that our Democratic voices are heard. Here are some ways you can get engaged!
Collier County Board of County Commissioners hold public meetings on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at 9:00am in the BCC Chambers on the 3rd floor of the Government Center.
The next meeting is Tuesday December 10, no meeting December 24.
The Collier County School Board normally holds public meetings on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 9:00am at the Dr Martin Luther King Administrative Center (5775 Osceola Trail, Naples), unless noted otherwise.
The next meeting is Tuesday, December 10 at 9:00 – the same as the BCC. The agenda will be available here.
Naples City Council normally holds its regular public meetings on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at 8:30am in the City Hall Council Chambers at 735 8th Street South.
The December meetings are on December 4th (agenda) and 11th.
The Marco Island City Council normally holds public meetings on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month at 5:30pm in the Dr. Fay and Bedford Biles Community Room, 51 Bald Eagle Drive, Marco Island.
There will be a Special Meeting on December 2 at 1:00pm to select 3 finalists to fill a vacancy (agenda).
There will be a regular meeting on December 9.
If you know of other local government meetings and events we should list here, please email Sandy Ussia at sandy.ussia303@gmail.com
The Collier County Democratic Executive Committee (CCDEC) is the official, local county arm of the Florida Democratic Party. The CCDEC has oversight over all Democratic Party activities within Collier County. LEARN MORE
The Collier County Democratic Party is an all-volunteer, entirely donor-funded organization. Our local party can not exist without volunteers and donors like you.