February 2025
Letter from the Chair
Two weeks into Trump’s presidency, the damage is already clear. He is attacking birthright citizenship, pardoning violent January 6 rioters, rolling back lower drug prices for seniors, and using ICE to detain children. His agenda is an assault on the Constitution, our democracy, and the American people. His strategy is clear—overwhelm us with attacks, make us feel powerless, and force us to give up hope.
But we won’t. Amid the chaos in Washington, Florida Democrats have chosen new leadership at both the state and national levels. In February, our newly elected DNC delegates will help shape the fight ahead, bringing urgency and determination to push back against Trump’s extremist agenda. The battle for justice, equality, and progress is far from over—it’s just beginning.
Like it or not, we have a responsibility to join the resistance and take bold action to defend our democracy. This year, the Collier County Democratic Party will double down on its commitment to engaging with the community, amplifying voters’ voices, and addressing their concerns.
As Democrats, we must stand united in holding the Republican administration accountable for its relentless attacks on working families, reproductive rights, and access to the ballot box. We must actively combat misinformation, organize our communities, and fight to ensure that every vote is counted, and every voice is heard.
This is not just about resisting—it’s about advancing. We will foster unity among Democrats while building coalitions with independents and moderate conservatives who share our vision for a fairer, more just future. Change is not only possible; it is inevitable.
We are not merely hopeful—we are resolute. Together, we will rise to the challenges ahead, fight for our shared values, and create a brighter future for generations to come.
The time to act is now.
JOIN us as we discuss how we can elect leaders who will meet challenges of the environmental and climate crisis we all face.
In the morning, enjoy coffee and pastries as all attendees, including elected leaders and past candidates, SHARE WITH ONE ANOTHER how worsening storms, extreme heat, and water pollution affects our community and our lives.
Following a break for lunch, which will be provided, we will BEGIN the discussion of how we can work together to elect local and state candidates who will address the environmental issues we are all experiencing in Collier County.
SPACE IS LIMITED FOR THIS FREE EVENT – REGISTRATION REQUIRED!
Naples event location details provided upon registration.
Tell your friends to register and attend this important roundtable event with you! If we sellout the event venue seating, we will send you the link to attend virtually, online. Everyone in Collier County has a stake in this discussion.
The Collier County Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) will meet
FEBRUARY 5, 2025 – 5:30 PM Meet & Greet, 6:30 PM Meeting
We’re taking our show on the road in 2025!
The February location will be at the
Collier County Education Association
6710 Lone Oak Blvd, Naples, FL 34109
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 DEMOCRATS WELCOME!
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 meet
FEBRUARY 10, 2025 – 6:00-7:30 PM
at Collier County Education Association
6710 Lone Oak Blvd, Naples, FL 34109
Protecting the Greater Western Everglades from Sprawl Development
Amber Crooks, of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, will discuss the past and current threats to the endangered Florida panther, a symbol of wild Florida. The decisions made now will determine the fate of this species, as well as our wetlands, public lands, and the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Learn more about the Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s efforts and how we can all fight to protect our green spaces and quality of life.
Amber Crooks is the Senior Environmental Policy Advisor for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, specializing in wildlife policy and water resource policy. As an advocate with the Conservancy since 2007, Amber has also worked on oil drilling issues, environmental lands acquisition, and permitting review of proposed development, transportation, mining, and other projects within the southwest Florida area. Amber has served as the Chair for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service’s Panther Recovery Implementation Team Transportation Subteam.
All Democrats Welcome. Please Join us!
The Democratic Women‘s Club of Marco (DWC Marco) will meet
FEBRUARY 11, 2025
5:00 – 6:30 PM in person at
Mackle Park Community Center
1361 Andalusia Terrace
Our featured speaker will be Kara Kouloheras, Vice President of Philanthropy for Habitat for Humanity. Kara’s presentation will focus on Habitat’s plans for the future as well as sharing the history and success of their programs and how you can get involved.
Please Join Us! Doors open for sign in at 4:45pm, and the meeting will begin promptly at 5:00pm. Please be on time.
The Collier County Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida
(CCDECF) is asking everyone to sign the Right to Clean Water Amendment ballot petition, for inclusion on the 2026 ballot.
To get your pre-printed petition, sign up to receive it via email, or via snail mail if you do not have a printer. Click here to order your pre-filled petition. Then print, sign, date and mail it.
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JOIN THE COLLIER COUNTY DECF AND THE STATE DECF!
Click here to join the Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida for $10 per year. Then follow the prompts to join the Collier County DECF for $15 per year.
A few images from the MLK Day parade
Here’s what Collier Dems were doing on January 20!
Engage In Your Community!
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. Agendas and minutes are available here. Other Collier County committee meetings are listed on their calendar.
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. Here are links to view agendas and minutes. School Board seats for Districts 1, 3, and 5 will be open in the November 2026 election. If you are interested in running to serve the children of Collier County, now is the time to begin preparing. Please contact Carrie Stewart for information.
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. You can view agendas and minutes, and watch the meetings live online using the foregoing link.
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. Agendas and minutes are available here.
If you know of other local government meetings and events we should list here, please email Sandy Ussia at sandy.ussia303@gmail.com
NEW Florida Democratic Party officers
CONGRATULATIONS to the Florida Democratic Party Officers elected at the January 25 FDP meeting! Thank you to our State Committeepersons who traveled to Orlando for this election!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR REPRESENTING US ALL!
Collier County Democrats: Welcome to the Resistance!
Where We Go From Here:
Dear Fellow Democrats,
Last November, we faced a tough loss in the presidential election. While this outcome is disappointing, it does not define our movement, our values, or our future. Across the country and here in Florida, millions stood up for democracy, justice, and the freedoms we hold dear. Now, our work continues.
Resilience & Unity
We know that progress is never linear. History has shown that meaningful change takes persistence, resilience, and collective action. In moments like these, we must remind ourselves: we are not alone. The fight for a more just and equitable society does not end with one election—it is a long-term commitment.
Building for Future Elections
The 2026 midterms will be critical for Florida and the nation. We must mobilize now to elect strong leaders at every level—from local commissioners and school boards to state legislators and senators. Every seat matters. Every vote counts. Our focus must shift toward strengthening our grassroots network and ensuring every Democrat in Collier County is engaged, informed, and ready to vote.
Our Policy & Values Still Matter
Regardless of who occupies the White House, we remain steadfast in fighting for:
✔️ Reproductive rights and personal freedoms
✔️ Voting rights and fair elections
✔️ Public education and teachers’ rights
✔️ Affordable healthcare and Social Security protections
✔️ A livable wage and workers’ rights
✔️ Climate action and environmental protection
These are not just Democratic issues—they are American values. And we will continue advocating for them, no matter the obstacles.
Calls to Action: What You Can Do Now
🔹 Stay engaged: Join our local meetings and strategy sessions and engage with your precinct leader.
🔹 Find out: What precinct you are in? Who is your precinct leader.
🔹 Volunteer: Whether it’s knocking on doors, making calls, writing letters, or helping with voter registration, every action makes an impact.
🔹 Support Democratic candidates: We need to start building for 2026 now—donate, spread awareness, and help us find strong candidates.
🔹 Talk to your neighbors: Changing minds happens one conversation at a time.
We Are Still Here—And We’re Not Going Anywhere
This is not the end of our movement. This is our rallying cry. Let’s take this moment to regroup, refocus, and recommit to the work ahead. Florida will turn blue again—not by waiting, but by working.
We are Democrats. We believe in the future. And together, we will shape it.
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.