October 2025
Letter from the Chair
Dear Collier County Democrats,
Your Rights Are Not Up for Grabs.
Our rights don’t come from politicians. They don’t come from whoever happens to sit in office at the moment. They come from the Constitution. They are unalienable — meaning no president, no administration, no party has the authority to give them or take them away.
Yet every time the government oversteps — by posting religious commandments on public property, by silencing voices it doesn’t like, by pushing limits on free speech or freedom of religion — our rights are under attack. And when leaders get away with it, they aren’t just bending rules; they are tearing at the foundation of our democracy.
Think about it: if an administration can decide when you can speak or how you can worship, then those rights were never really “unalienable” at all. They became privileges — granted or revoked depending on who’s in charge. That is not freedom. That is not America.
The Constitution only holds power if we defend it. That means refusing to stay silent when rights are threatened. It means showing up at public meetings, speaking out, and holding leaders accountable. It means voting — because the ballot box is the safeguard of our democracy.
Pocketbook issues matter. However, if you lose your rights, your money won’t save you. Once democracy is gone, it is nearly impossible to win back.
Our freedoms are not negotiable. They are not favors from the government. They are your rights, guaranteed by the Constitution. It’s up to all of us to make sure they remain unshakable.
In solidarity,
Jane Schlechtweg
Chair, Collier County Democratic Party
Level up your support for David Jolly by purchasing a ticket to the fundraiser luncheon on Sunday, October 12! The luncheon is being hosted by Lee County Dems, and all ticket purchases made from a Collier County ZIP code will benefit your Collier County Democratic Party.
Sunday, October 12, 2025
1:00 – 3:00
The Luminary Hotel
2200 Edwards Dr
Fort Myers, FL 33901
The Collier County Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) will meet
OCTOBER 8, 2025 – 5:30 PM Meet & Greet, 6:30 PM Meeting
We’re taking our show on the road in 2025!
The OCTOBER location will be the
Golden Gate Community Center
4701 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples
Come meet fellow Democrats, find out that there are more of us than you think, and learn about our plans to engage with the community in 2025, share with us how you think Collier Dems should secure the 2026 elections. Together, we can make a difference!
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!
We want to hear from you!
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 6:30 meeting begins.
The Collier County Democratic Club (CCDC) will meet
OCTOBER 6, 2025 – 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Collier County Education Association
6710 Lone Oak Blvd, Naples
Please join us for an update from Dr. Leslie Ricciardelli, Superintendent of Collier County Public Schools. Dr. Ricciardelli leads our A-rated district, which serves 48,000 students and employs close to 7,000 staff members across 60 school and support sites in Collier County. As superintendent, Dr. Ricciardelli is focused on academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, student conduct, and building strong connections with families and community partners.
She was recently named one of our nation’s 25 Superintendents to Watch by the National School Public Relations Association. She’s also been recognized as one of the region’s most effective communicators and leaders. Dr. Ricciardelli grew up right here in Naples and attended our local public schools. She’s spent 30 years in education, most of it serving our community. Register now!
The Collier County Democratic Club (CCDC) will meet
OCTOBER 20, 2025 – 4:30 – 6:30 PM
Tacos & Tequila Cantina (Pavillion Shopping Center)
8791 Tamiami Trail N, Naples
Please join us for some ‘Funky, Unconventional Tex-Mex’ at its best with popular Americana sprinkled into your favorite South of the Border treats. Fresh local products and handmade tortillas are the essence of T&T’s great food.
Taco’s – Chicken, Bar-B-Q Pork, and Veggie – $6 Guacamole, Quesadilla, and Beef or Chicken – $8 Marguerita’s – plain and flavored $6 Wine – $6 Draft Beer – $4
Let’s fiesta like it’s 2020 and perhaps it may just happen sooner than we think. Register now!
The Democratic Women’s Club of Marco (DWCM) will meet
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21 – 5:00 – 6:30 PM
in person at Mackle Park Community Center
1361 Andalusia Terrace
Dr. Patricia Poling will speak about challenges in providing health care in the state of Florida touching on female healthcare, vaccine mandate removal, Medicaid cuts, and more. Also presenting will be Sheila Kumar, VP of the Board of Directors at The Alliance for Period supplies who will shed light on the hidden crisis known as Period Poverty.
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)
The CCDECF invites you to join us for two important efforts to strengthen environmental leadership in our community.
February 1, 2026 – In partnership with Collier Dems, we’ll host a gathering of residents and potential candidates to discuss how the “Alligator Alcatraz” detention center was allowed to be built—and how future Democratic leaders can protect the Everglades, wetlands, and other natural areas from similar threats. This is the first of several statewide events. Mark your calendar, details to follow.
🌱 Our CCDECF members are also part of RedBlue4Green, a bi-partisan environmental group, with two current projects:
– Host a Naples City Council environmental candidate forum on December 11th, from 4-6 P.M.
– Recruit strong environmental candidates for County Commission and state legislative races.
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
Salvaguardando la Libertad de Expresión: El Alma de la Democracia
La libertad de expresión no es solo un derecho constitucional, sino la base de una democracia sana. La Primera Enmienda de la Constitución de los Estados Unidos busca garantizar que cada voz, desde el crítico más fuerte hasta el ciudadano más medido, incluyendo un comediante y satírico popular, tenga cabida en la conversación nacional. Durante más de 250 años, es una libertad fundamental que ha atraído a millones de personas a nuestras costas e inspirado a tantos a luchar, incluso sacrificando sus vidas, por nuestros ideales.
Cuando la libertad de expresión prospera, logramos:
- Enriquecer las ideas fomentando la diversidad de perspectivas.
- Fortalecer la democracia mediante el debate abierto y una rendición de cuentas eficaz.
- Mejorar la calidad de vida al permitir la innovación, la creatividad, el diálogo y el progreso en todos los ámbitos, a la vez que apoyamos el florecimiento de la participación cívica.
Pero la historia nos demuestra que la libertad de expresión, tanto aquí como en el extranjero, puede ser frágil. Los intentos de intimidar a la prensa, castigar la disidencia y silenciar a los críticos debilitan más que las voces individuales. Debilitan los principios mismos sobre los que se construyó nuestra nación. La supresión de la libertad de expresión, incluyendo la omisión de palabras clave y acontecimientos históricos en nuestro diálogo nacional, no protege la democracia, sino que la pone en peligro.
Nuestros oficiales electos y todos los líderes gubernamentales de nuestro país, junto con cada ciudadano, tienen un papel en la defensa de este derecho esencial. Al participar respetuosamente en el diálogo y el debate, proteger la independencia de la prensa y oponernos a la censura, garantizamos que la democracia funcione con mayor eficacia, equidad y una rendición de cumplimientos de responsabilidades, manteniéndose así sólida para las generaciones venideras.
La libertad no existe a menos que sea un derecho inequívoco de todo ciudadano. La libertad de expresión solo existe si protege TODAS las expresiones, en todo momento; incluso las que no estamos de acuerdo o consideramos ofensivas.
Es una libertad garantizada para todos y una responsabilidad que todos debemos garantizar para todos los ciudadanos y perspectivas. ¡Debe protegerse a diario!
¡Vote, expresase abiertamente y participe activamente en las organizaciones cívicas de nuestra comunidad y sus desafíos!
Your Voice. Your Future. Your Power.
Now more than ever, young people are changing the world—and Florida Young Democrats is where that momentum begins.
We’re building a movement of bold, diverse leaders ready to make real change. By joining Florida Young Democrats, you’re not just standing up for your future—you’re stepping into your power. Together, we amplify youth voices in the political process, fight for legislation that benefits our generation, and elect Young Democrats who reflect our values and our vision.
Whether you’re passionate about justice, climate, education, housing, or voting rights—this is your place to turn that passion into action.
Trusted News Sources!
Have you had enough of watching the news on TV, or reading national newspapers? If so, we can recommend some alternative news sources!
We’ve added a new web page listing local and national progressive information sources, as well as trusted blogs and social media commentary. Want to suggest other sources for this page? Contact Us!
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.