December 2025
Letter from the Chair
Wishing you peace, hope, and strength this holiday season.
As I reflect on this year, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible community I’m honored to be a part of here in Collier County. Your commitment to protecting our democracy and building a better future inspires me every single day.
To those of you who attend rallies, write to our elected officials, speak out through letters to the editor, and use the power of your pocketbook to make your voice heard — I see you. I hear you. I appreciate you. Your dedication is felt, and it truly matters.
While the challenges before us remain real, so does our power to meet them—together. May this season renew our spirits and remind us of what we can achieve when we stand united, determined, and hopeful.
Here’s to a new year of purpose, resilience, and progress.
In appreciation,
Jane
You’re invited to join us for the next meeting of the
Collier County Democratic Executive Committee
on Wednesday, December 3
at the Collier County Education Association building
6710 Lone Oak Blvd, Naples 34109
Social Hour: 5:30 PM – Come early, enjoy light refreshments, and get to know your fellow Democrats.
Business Meeting: 6:30 PM – We’ll cover important updates and upcoming initiatives.
Your participation keeps our movement strong. We look forward to seeing you there!
Please RSVP here
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 and the Democratic Women’s Club of Marco are excited to host their Annual Holiday Party on
Tuesday, December 9th from 6:00–8:30 PM.
We want to extend a warm invitation to all hard-working Democrats to join us as we come together to celebrate this special time of year. Enjoy great company, a full dinner buffet, and festive cheer as we reflect on our work and look ahead with hope.
The Collier County Democratic Club will be collecting checks for Rural Neighborhoods for those who wish to contribute. Last year, thanks to your generosity, Rural Neighborhoods provided $25 gift cards to 189 families in Immokalee, helping brighten their holiday season. If you’d like to support this effort again, feel free to bring your check to the party.
We look forward to celebrating the season with you!
The Democratic Women’s Club of Marco (DWCM)
There will be no DWC Marco meeting in December.
Instead we hope you will join us at the Collier County Democrats’ Holiday Party on December 9.
Details above ⬆️
The next meeting of DWC Marco will take place on
Tuesday, January 20
5:00 pm- 6:30 pm in person
at Mackle Park Community Center
1361 Andalusia Terrace, Marco Island
Our featured speakers will be Collier County Democrat Candidates running for office. Stay tuned for more details.
The Collier County Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida (CCDECF)
Upcoming Collier County DECF activities
Naples City Council Environmental Candidate Forum, December 11, 2025 from 4 PM to 6 PM, Registration required. To attend in person or virtually, register HERE
Join the CCDECF and help get out the environmental vote in the upcoming Naples City Council election, to take place February 3, 2026. If you are interested, let us know HERE.
Attend a DECF Webinar on December 13th, Introducing the Environmental Justice Voter Coalition. Learn more HERE, and register to attend HERE. Learn how we can join traditionally underserved communities all over Florida to elect lawmakers who will commit to representing those voters.
December’s Call to Action: Show Up, Speak Out, Spend Smart
This December, we have two powerful ways to show our objection to Republicans trying to rig our elections—and to the corporations that fund and profit from these efforts.
1. Show up in Tallahassee. Speak out!
Republican leaders are once again attempting to gerrymander Florida, this time aiming to wipe out most Democratic districts. A crucial hearing is scheduled for December 4 from 1:30–3:00 PM, where they plan to advance maps drafted behind closed doors. If you can make arrangements to go to Tallahassee, your presence will make a real impact. If you can’t attend in person, please take action now by sending a prewritten, pre-addressed email to legislators and/or calling them to voice your objections before December 4:
Rep. Adam Botana: (850) 717-5080 – adam.botana@myfloridahouse.gov
Rep. Yvette Benarroch: (850) 717-5081 – yvette.benarroch@myfloridahouse.gov
Rep. Lauren Melo: (850) 717-5082 – lauren.melo@myfloridahouse.gov
Sen. Kathleen Passidomo: (850) 487-5028 – passidomo.kathleen.web@flsenate.gov
Take action NOW!
2. Use your spending power wisely.
Protests matter, but lasting change requires discipline, strategy, and the courage to use every peaceful tool available—including how and where we spend our money. Boycott corporations that bankroll extremist Republican politicians and policies. Buy local whenever possible.
Together, these actions send a clear message:
We reject rigged maps, partisan power grabs, and the corporate interests that enable them.
UPCOMING RALLIES
At the Collier County Courthouse
Stop the Trump Dictatorship!
Saturday, December 6
10:00 – 12:00
Stop the Grinch of Tyranny, Protect the Bill of Rights
Rally and Donation Drive
Saturday, December 13
10:00 – 12:00
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
FEATURED EDITORIAL
Happy Holidays for Democracy!
Reflecting on Our Challenges
This year has tested many Americans as we navigate rising costs, uncertainty, and concerns about the future. These hardships have been made even more difficult by the strain we see in our civic dialogue and public institutions.
Reasons for Hope
Yet as we reach the close of this turbulent year, here at home and around the world, there is real cause for optimism. More Americans are returning to the enduring values that have long guided our nation, everyday decency, clear-eyed common sense, and a commitment to fairness, justice, and compassion for one another.
These values are deeply rooted in our country’s history and reflected across the many faiths and traditions that make up the fabric of the United States. Their renewal is not only uplifting, it is essential. At a time when the future can feel uncertain, reaffirming these shared principles in our private conversations and public life strengthens the path forward for the generations to come.
Warmest Holiday Wishes
We wish everyone a joyful Holiday Season and a bright New Year. May the year ahead inspire us to reconnect with our shared humanity, treat one another with greater care, and extend our respect and goodwill to our neighbors near and far.
A Call to Action
Let us step into the new year with courage, clarity, and purpose, choosing to lead with kindness, speak with integrity, and act with conviction, so together we can help shape a more hopeful and united future for all.
¡Felices Fiestas para la Democracia!
Reflexionando sobre Nuestros Desafíos
Este año ha puesto a prueba a muchos estadounidenses mientras enfrentamos el aumento de los costos, la incertidumbre y las preocupaciones sobre el futuro. Estas dificultades se han vuelto aún más complejas debido a la tensión que vemos en nuestro diálogo cívico y en nuestras instituciones públicas.
Razones para la Esperanza
Sin embargo, al llegar al final de este año turbulento, tanto en nuestro país como en el mundo, existe un verdadero motivo para el optimismo. Más estadounidenses están regresando a los valores perdurables que han guiado a nuestra nación durante mucho tiempo, la decencia cotidiana, el sentido común claro y un compromiso con la equidad, la justicia y la compasión hacia los demás.
Estos valores están profundamente arraigados en la historia de nuestro país y se reflejan en las muchas religiones y tradiciones que conforman el tejido de los Estados Unidos. Su renovación no solo es inspiradora, también es esencial. En un momento en que el futuro puede sentirse incierto, reafirmar estos principios compartidos en nuestras conversaciones privadas y en la vida pública fortalece el camino hacia adelante para las generaciones futuras.
Los Mejores Deseos para las Fiestas
Deseamos a todos unas alegres fiestas y un próspero Año Nuevo. Que el año que viene nos inspire a reconectar con nuestra humanidad compartida, a tratarnos con más cuidado y an extender nuestro respeto y buena voluntad a nuestros vecinos, tanto cercanos como lejanos.
Un Llamado a la Acción
Demos la bienvenida al nuevo año con valentía, claridad y propósito, eligiendo liderar con amabilidad, hablar con integridad y actuar con convicción, para que juntos podamos ayudar a forjar un futuro más esperanzador y unido para todos.
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.