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2025 News Articles

2025 Summer Matching Campaign
Published On 6/26/2025
The summer of 2025 looks to be historic and with your generous gifts, we'll be ready to educate, advocate, and empower the voters of Orange County.
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College Resource for Young Voters
Published On 6/25/2025
Attention college students! Be ready to vote in 2025! Read and share this valuable resource that answers all your voting questions.
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RECAP: Pride under Attack
Published On 6/16/2025
The League of Women Voters of Orange County hosted a June 11 Hot Topics lunch and panel discussion, “Pride Under Attack: Defending LGBTQ+ Rights,” about the difficulties that LGBTQ+ people face from state and federal actions.
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June 11 Hot Topics: Pride under Attack
Published On 5/27/2025
The League of Women Voters of Orange County hosts a June 11 Hot Topics lunch and panel discussion, “Pride Under Attack: Defending LGBTQ+ Rights,” about the difficulties that LGBTQ+ people
face from state and federal actions.
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RECAP Unkindest Cuts: The Cost of Gov't Downsizing
Published On 5/25/2025
RECAP of May's Hot Topics exploring the effects of budget cutbacks for local non-profits as well as our public school system.
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Secure gun storage can save lives
Published On 5/23/2025
Apr 6 letter to the editor/Orlando Sentinel: "Death by firearms is now the number one cause of death in children and teens in America, and we can all help prevent that with safe gun storage."
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2025 LWVFL Convention in Orlando, June 6-7
Published On 5/14/2025
All the details for signing up to attend and/or participate in the upcoming state League convention to be held here in Orlando, FL
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MAY 20 Women's Rights Revitalization Committee Mtg
Published On 5/8/2025
Open to All! Members of the public and especially Seminole LWV members are welcome to join - though you must register to get the link.
Please come to learn about the many ways you will be able to advocate for women’s rights. Join us as we continue the fight we won once and need to win again.
Mary Ann Feldheim, Chair Women’s Rights Committee
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May 14 Panel Focuses on Funding Cuts
Published On 4/30/2025
—Florida public schools and public media, food banks, health services and assistance to vulnerable populations are facing steep reductions this year in government funding. The League of Women Voters of Orange County hosts a May 14 Hot Topics panel — “Unkindest Cuts: The Cost of Government Downsizing” — that will focus on local
needs, efforts to soften the blow and how Florida responds
to the current economic uncertainty.
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Earth Day April 22
Published On 4/29/2025
As we celebrate Earth Day 2025, it’s a great time to reflect on how our daily choices impact the planet. Here in Central Florida, we have plenty of ways to reduce our environmental footprint.
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RECAP: Annual Meeting/Hot Topics
Published On 4/15/2025
RECAP of the LWVOC Annual Meeting with special guest, Karen Castor Dentel with introduction of the 2025-2026 newly elected/appointed Board of Directors
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League Treasures Series 2025, Linda Chapin
Published On 4/13/2025
This “Hooray” for Linda Chapin, by Ann Patton, is part of an occasional series from the Membership and History committees saluting Orange County Leaguers who have been members for more than a quarter of a century. We’re proud that the LWVOC and its activities have been so rich and vital to our community that members have continued their commitment over decades. We salute these League Treasures and the inspiration we find in their stories.
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Read League Opinion Essays
Published On 3/31/2025
Read reposted opinion essays, commentaries, letters to the editor from League members.
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Successful 6th Annual Women's History Breakfast
Published On 3/31/2025
A sold out crowd celebrated local women pioneers who have broken the glass ceiling of central Florida politics.
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New Opt-In Email Lists for Community Opportunities
Published On 3/28/2025
“Alert lists” are open to both LWVOC members and non-members. They are a way to share timely
opportunities, for example, upcoming rallies, volunteer needs, or urgent legislative actions. To keep
email volume down, only I, or someone I specify, will be posting to this list.
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RECAP: Unsheltered-Criminalized and Cast Aside
Published On 3/28/2025
The unhoused population is rising at unprecedented rates in central Florida. March's Hot Topics explored how local authorities are responding to a new state law banning tents and camping on public property. Also discussed, what options do these individuals have for safe housing and who advocates for this population?
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APR 9, SOE Karen Castor Dentel will Speak at Annual Mtg
Published On 3/17/2025
—Supervisor of Elections Karen Castor Dentel will speak at the League of
Women Voters of Orange County’s annual meeting on April 9 and is expected to talk about initiatives during her first 100 days and how the office is moving forward on elections.
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We will never give up on America
Published On 3/9/2025
Orlando Sentinel Reprint MAR 9
In these times when we find it difficult to look ahead with any degree of certainty, it can be a diversion to look back, instead.

In doing so I’ve realized, to my surprise, that I was living through America’s best years.
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MAR 12 Hot Topics, Unsheltered: Criminalized and Cast Aside
Published On 2/25/2025
As more residents of Central Florida are forced from their homes by rising rents and other factors, they also now are threatened with arrest if they camp on public property. The League of Women Voters of Orange County hosts a March 12 panel discussion of this double squeeze on the homeless population — “Unsheltered: Criminalized and Cast Aside” — and a new collaboration of news media formed to cover recent developments.
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5 Things I Can Do NOW for Democracy
Published On 2/24/2025
In a time of political turmoil, such as today, many of us are asking: What can I do now for democracy?
Here’s my thought on five things I can do now.
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RECAP: Black History Month-Voices of Labor: The African American Journey
Published On 2/15/2025
Work has always been at the center of African American history and culture, according to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), which chooses the theme for Black History Month. At our 2025 Black History Month celebration, the League of Women Voters of Orange County honored the labor of African Americans and the many ways that their work and working of all kinds — free and unfree, skilled and unskilled, voluntary and
forced — tells a uniquely American story of both struggle and resilience. African American history is, after all, American history.
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A Call for Compassion and Action
Published On 2/11/2025
Leaguer commentary in the Orlando Sentinel: As an author, I view myself as a curious wanderer through the landscapes of history, family, and the human spirit. My writing often weaves personal experiences with larger narratives, encouraging readers to reflect, connect and discover.
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FIGHT for DEIA to help those with disabilities
Published On 2/10/2025
We must fight to keep the DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility) programs for people with disabilities. Accessibility and employment matter and will positively impact our diverse DEIA community and our entire community.
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Feb 12 Hot Topics, Voices of Labor: The African American Journey
Published On 1/28/2025
Honoring the work of African Americans — forced and voluntary, and the long struggle for equality — will be the focus of the Feb. 12 Hot Topics lunch and panel, “Voices of Labor: The African
American Journey,” hosted by the League of Women Voters of Orange County.
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Leadership Workshop
Published On 1/25/2025
Leadership workshops dates coming soon.
The Level-Up League Leadership Workshop Series (Level-Up) aims to identify potential future leaders and to provide tools to increase their activity and involvement in League programs and processes. This program stems from the strategic plan and requests from membership to learn more about civic engagement and League leadership roles.
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RECAP: Immigration--What's next for central Florida?
Published On 1/22/2025
RECAP of the January Hot Topics including review, photo album, video and panelists bios as well as "Take Action" steps for advocacy.
"Mass deportations" are reported to begin Tues, JAN 21.
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Oath to Democracy
Published On 1/21/2025
“We do solemnly swear that we will empower voters and defend our democracy;”
The first 100 days of the new administration will likely include many moves that could challenge our rights and our democracy. These actions could be numerous and divisive, and they may feel overwhelming.

Our Oath to Democracy declares that we will remain fearless, strategic, and thoughtful in how we respond to the coming challenges, especially as a nonpartisan organization.
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How will local leaders respond to federal deportation aid requests?
Published On 1/9/2025
Orange County Mayor's office and Orange County Sheriff's Office respond to LWVOC's query regarding their plans for impending ICE raids, etc.
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League Treasures Series

League Treasures Series 2025: Susan Simasek
Published On 6/18/2025
1984-1986 LWVOC President, Lifetime Member, and former Treasurer.
Story and photos by Suzanne McGovern
Editor’s Note: This story about LWVOC’s 1984-1986 President Susan Simasek is part of an occasional series about longtime League members who are “League Treasures.”
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League Treasures Series: Joan Erwin
Published On 9/20/2023
League Treasures
This “Hooray” for Joan Erwin, by Ann Patton, is part of an occasional series from the Membership and History committees saluting Orange County Leaguers who have been members for more than a quarter of a century. We’re proud that the LWVOC and its activities have been so rich and vital to our community that members have continued their commitment over decades. We salute these League Treasures and the inspiration we find in their stories.
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League Treasures Series: Barbara Knapp
Published On 8/10/2023
The Orange County League and its activities have been so personally meaningful and vital to our community that some members have continued their commitment over decades. To salute them, the Membership and History committees this spring began a series of profiles of our long-time members so we can find inspiration in their stories and get to know one another better. Today’s profile of Barbara Knapp was written by Ann Patton.
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League Treasures: Jean Siegfried
Published On 8/2/2023
The Orange County League and its activities have been so rich and vital to our community that some members have continued their commitment over decades. To salute them, the Membership and History committees began an occasional series of profiles in May with Jeannine Walsh, our most senior lifetime member, and continue today with Jean Siegfried. We salute these League Treasures and the inspiration we find in their stories, told here by Ann Patton
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League Treasures Series: Jeannine Walsh
Published On 5/18/2023
Senior Lifetime Member Turns 90
The Orange County League and its activities have been so personally meaningful and vital to our community that some members have continued their commitment over decades. To salute them, the Membership and History committees this spring began a series of profiles of our long-time members so we can find inspiration in their stories and get to know one another better. Today’s profile of Jeannine Walsh was written by Ann Patton.
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2024 News Articles

A Jolly Good Time at the 2024 Holiday Sip & Shop
Published On 12/7/2024
Winter Park businesses supported the LWVOC by giving back 15% of the afternoon's proceeds to the League.
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LWVOC Celebrates our AAP & FOP Volunteers
Published On 12/5/2024
Leaguers gathered Dec 3 to celebrate the incredible teams who volunteered for the year's elections in the Adopt-a-Precinct and Feed Our Precincts efforts.
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OUC's Proposal Risks Higher Rates
Published On 12/2/2024
Op-ed from LWVOC Natural Resources Chair of Clean Energy Team regarding OUC's newest proposal for demand-based energy charges.
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RECAP: How Florida Can Reduce Gun Violence
Published On 11/18/2024
The Hot Topics lunch and panel discussion focused on what communities can do to
reduce gun violence without changes in state law. Gun lock giveaways, intervention and
preventive programs to discourage gun violence and public service announcements
about safe storage of guns are among the ways that communities can make a
difference.
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RECAP: Hispanic Heritage Month
Published On 10/28/2024
Even a hurricane couldn't cancel Hot Topics. "Strength in Diversity: The Complex Hispanic Vote" took place via a Zoom event in October. Panelists discussed current and future issues affecting their community's voting behavior.
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RECAP: State Attorney Candidate Forum
Published On 10/21/2024
It was a very hot Hot Topics with tense candidates debating topics and their own paths to holding the position of State Attorney for Orange and Osceola Counties.
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RECAP: Civil Discourse, not Civil War
Published On 10/8/2024
A reminder as the election grows closer, civil communication is important. Read the full RECAP and watch it on our YouTube channel.
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RECAP: Judicial Candidate Forum
Published On 7/13/2024
Eleven candidates participated in the recent Hot Topics program: Courting Voters-Judicial Candidate Forum
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RECAP: Supervisor of Elections Candidate Forum
Published On 6/30/2024
The League of Women Voters of Orange County hosted a lively forum June 12 for the Orange County Supervisor of Elections candidates. Nick Shannin, attorney for the SOE office, moderated the event, and current supervisor Glen Gilzean, the first African-American supervisor in Orange County history, joined us briefly to give an update on his office’s activities and thanked LWVOC for our longtime participation in the Adopt-a-Precinct program. Gilzean surprised many with his decision 48 hours later not to run for the SOE position.
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RECAP: Abortion in Florida
Published On 5/24/2024
May Hot Topics dove into the recent pivotal rulings concerning abortion rights in Florida. The Florida Supreme Court has made significant decisions, including paving the way for the implementation of a six-week abortion ban and allowing Floridians to vote on whether to enshrine abortion protections in the state constitution.
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Review: MAY 8 Hot Topics
Published On 5/14/2024
ABORTION in Florida
The League of Women Voters of Orange County hosted a May 8 discussion on the hottest of topics — abortion, and the strict 6-week ban that went into effect in Florida this month. And while the very word once would have been whispered in hushed tones, in 2024 we are throwing open the window and shouting it out loud.
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RECAP: FL Sunshine Law
Published On 4/10/2024
A summary of the recent April Hot Topics discussing "The Unshine State: Florida's Open Records Law"
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RECAP: Running in Place-Legislative Debrief
Learn more about March's Hot Topics with panelist bios, a brief review of the program, action steps, and photos/video.
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RECAP: Black History Month Hot Topics
Published On 2/27/2024
RECAP of the Feb 14 Hot Topics: Lift Every Voice
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RECAP: Healthy Communities=Healthy Democracy
Published On 1/19/2024
A RECAP of Jan 2024 Hot Topics including summary, panel info, photo album, and YouTube video
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2022 News Articles

Warrior for Democracy 2022 - Orlando Sentinel
Published On 12/19/2022
Presented at this year's LWVOC Holiday Party
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Recognition of Community Leaders
Published On 12/19/2022
Patricia Rumph and Vivian Lyte Johnson highlighted for their 2022 community service efforts as well as Launch That Digital Marketing
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Year End Gift Giving
Published On 12/14/2022
There's still time to make a tax-deductible gift of support to LWVOC
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Leaguers Rally at City Hall about Moore v Harper
Published On 12/7/2022
Leaguers speak out about the historic election case going before the US Supreme Court
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League Leaders Converse with International Group
Published On 12/4/2022
WorldOrlando contacted us to organize a meeting on Nov. 21. Their organization implements the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), which is designed to be a professional exchange between emerging leaders in other countries and professionals here.
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DEC 9 Shop for a Cause
Published On 11/22/2022
Sip & Shop on N Park Ave in Winter Park on DEC 9 , 10am-6pm
Shop till you drop and feel-good knowing that 15% of all proceeds from Ten Thousand Villages (10am - 6pm) and The J McLaughlin Boutique (Noon - 5pm) will be donated to LWVOC!
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DEC 15 Holiday Party
Published On 11/21/2022
Members and guests, make plans to join us for a holiday celebration at the Winter Park University Club, DEC 15 at 6PM. Live performance by Eli Skye Jazz Trio.
Toy donations accepted for Hope CommUnity Center.
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Giving Tuesday Plans
Published On 11/6/2022
November's famous "GivingTuesday" will be here before you know it. Learn more about this day-NOV 29- and make plans on how to include LWVOC.
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Hot Topics Review: Make Every Vote Count
Published On 11/5/2022
U.S. voters would be assured of better representation and politicians would have to move to the middle on policy issues if more states pass the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, said the chair of Floridians for National Popular Vote
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Ann Hellmuth--League Leader
Published On 10/20/2022
“The League sets priorities and focuses on matters of great importance,” she said. “The League of Women Voters is respected.”
So, we might add, is she.
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GOTV-Get Out the Vote
Published On 10/19/2022
Help us GOTV with your vintage/retro donations.
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Hot Topics Review: 21st Century ERA
Published On 10/12/2022
All of the constitutional requirements have been fulfilled to add the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. So why hasn’t it happened?
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Local Resources Available
Published On 10/10/2022
Florida homeowners and renters who were affected by Hurricane Ian may apply for FEMA disaster assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time, or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.
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OCT 12 Hot Topics: Women's Rights Under Attack
Published On 9/25/2022
Register today for OCT 12 Hot Topics, 21st Century ERA: The Path to Full Citizenship For Women
LEARN ABOUT:
Why we need the ERA
How it will protect women's rights
It's ratified, why isn't it law?
What can we do?
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Michele Levy, LEAGUE LEADER
Published On 9/18/2022
Looking at the list of League of Women Voters issues and projects that Michele Levy has been involved with, it’s apparent we’re talking about the greatest hits of the 21st Century – fair districts, felons’ voting rights, open primaries, among them.
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Upcoming DEIA Workshops, Oct 8 & 15
Published On 9/18/2022
"All belong here" is a phrase we would like to be synonymous with the LWV. The LWVOC and the Peace and Justice Institute of Valencia College invite you to join League members in thoughtful conversation about our League, our members, our community and how we ensure all voices are heard and valued.
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Global Peace Film Festival
Published On 9/15/2022
Join filmmakers from around the globe and experience how the power of film, art and dialogue can inspire a better world. Sept 19-25
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Hot Topics Review: Transportation Tax
Published On 9/15/2022
A one-cent transportation sales tax on the ballot in November would transform the way people get around Orange County, easing road congestion, beefing up mass transit and cutting commute times, Mayor Jerry Demings said Wednesday.
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Disability Voting Rights Week, Sept 12-16
Published On 8/30/2022
This year, Disability Voting Rights Week is September 12-16, 2022. In 2020, an estimated 38 million people with disabilities were eligible to vote, and we invite national, state, and local organizations and advocates to participate in this national initiative in order to continue to raise the disability voice and civic participation across the country in 2022 and beyond.
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Volunteer for 2022 Campaign Sign Removal
Published On 8/24/2022
In conjunction with Orange County and the Cities of Orlando and Winter Park, the League of Women Voters of Orange County is ramping up to collect campaign signs when candidates are done with them.
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Do You Feel Equal? Women's Equality Day, AUG 26
Published On 8/23/2022
Women's Equality Day, celebrated each year on August 26, marks the date of the official adoption in 1920 of the 19th Amendment to the the U.S. Constitution, which stated that “the right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.”
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AUG 29 Speakers Bureau Workshop/Members Only
Published On 8/21/2022
Learn more about becoming a "speaker" for the League.
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OCT 6 New Member Orientation
Published On 8/17/2022
Learn how to be a Leaguer at our next orientation with committees and leadership on hand to answer your questions. Special guest: Patti Brigham/President of Prevent Gun Violence Florida, Inc.
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NPV, National Popular Vote Becomes League Priority
Published On 7/27/2022
League works to pass the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact
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New National Mental Health Hotline
Download an important pdf of the updated mental health outreach information.
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July 14 Co-President Chat at 7PM
Published On 7/12/2022
Join Barbara and Nicolette for an online chat
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AUG 2 Virtual Orientation/New Members
Published On 7/12/2022
Attend our new member orientation via Zoom
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Thank you, Launch That!
Published On 7/7/2022
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July 13 Hot Topics: Judicial Candidate Forum, 9th Circuit Court
Published On 6/17/2022
Join us for the first of two judicial candidate forums before Aug 23 primaries. Six 9th Circuit Court candidates will speak and answer questions.
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Scott Maxwell headlines sell-out Hot Topics
Published On 6/8/2022
With a full house, Scott Maxwell spoke about the "hot mess" that is the state of Florida's politics and journalism.
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Coming Soon
Published On 6/2/2022
Updates for LWVOC Communications
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Preventing Gun Violence Resources
Published On 6/2/2022
A list of groups working toward Gun Reform Issues
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Ending Gun Violence
Published On 6/1/2022
June Supreme Court ruling
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2022 Orange County Solar Co-op Launched
Published On 6/1/2022
Details on joining co-op
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May 11 Hot Topics: Voter Confusion
Published On 5/19/2022
Dean provides a special review for the inaugural HT at the Winter Park Events Center.
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League Leader Caroline Emmons-Schramm
Published On 5/18/2022
Longtime Leaguer shares her story of leadership and commitment.
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Leaguers celebrate "Warriors for Democracy" women's history
Published On 5/11/2022
LWVOC Mother's Day program
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Local Teachers Wanted for Harvard Case Method Civics Workshop
Published On 5/4/2022
All training, case materials, and ongoing teacher support will be free.
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Time to get ready for the 2022 Adopt-a-Precinct Program!
Learn how to volunteer at our upcoming elections.
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Stirring Stories of Strong Women Event
Published On 4/27/2022
May 7 Event details
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LWVOC Supports Transportation Penny Sales Tax on NOV Ballot
Published On 4/27/2022
Leaguers attend Commission Mtg with statement of support for Ballot addition
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Leaguers Lead~Mary Dipboye
Published On 4/13/2022
Highlighting our League Leaders
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Warrior for Democracy book in Florida Spotlight
Published On 3/30/2022
The Florida League of Women Voters turned its spotlight on LWVOC’s Warriors for Democracy book this week.

The LWVFL’s Women’s History Month program highlighted Warriors stories of heroic women who led Orange County and Florida The Zoom forum March 28 was shared by Leaguers from across the state
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Spring 2022 League Showcase & Orientation
Published On 3/30/2022
Details for upcoming spring orientation
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FL Redistricting Process Still Unbalanced
Published On 3/20/2022
LWVFL President, guest columnist
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"Warriors" book is on the move
Published On 3/16/2022
Celebrating the LWVOC history book during Women's History Month--Warriors for Democracy
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LWVOC Team Fights Prejudice with the The Villages LWV
Published On 3/9/2022
LWVOC Warriors took their stories on the road this week, as guests of The Villages / Tri-County League of Women Voters. Their goal: learning to fight prejudice and change hearts.
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Warriors for Democracy, Women's History Month Series
Published On 3/8/2022
Membership categories: this month Ida B. Wells
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Harvard Case Study--MAR 30, 6-8pm--Martin Luther King and the Struggle for Black Voting Rights
Published On 2/28/2022
Another educational opportunity with partners Harvard University and OCPS.
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LWV History to be Spotlighted at Book Festival
Published On 2/24/2022
The history book of the League Women Voters Orange County and three LWVOC members – Joan Erwin, Barbara Liston, and Ann Patton -- will be spotlighted at a book festival March 12 in Winter Park.
The festival is set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 12, at First Congregational Church, 225 S. Interlachen Ave., Winter Park.
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LWVOC statement at the OCPS Board Mtg
Published On 2/24/2022
On behalf of the League of Women Voters of Orange County, I would like to say thank you for your efforts, as a school board and school district, to support our students and schools against the ever-growing efforts by the Governor and state legislature to diminish your control over our local schools.
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Third Annual Women's History Month Celebration
Published On 2/23/2022
March 10, Breaking Barriers Through Art at the Orange County Regional History Museum
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March 2 Virtual Event: Disappearing Funds: Where Has All the Money Gone
Published On 2/21/2022
WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN AND WHY is public education in Florida continuing to suffer with lack of funds, lack of support and hostilities mounting from so many directions? Look no further than our Florida State Legislators who have consistently redirected taxpayer dollars and consistently maligned public education.
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Letter to editor: 15-week Abortion Ban is Unfair, Unsafe
Published On 2/21/2022
Orlando Sentinel Letter to Editor
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Orange County Mayor Launches Transportation Initiative
Published On 2/21/2022
Info/Calendar of open-house events engaging citizens about upcoming initiative
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League Leaders Speak in Support of Fertilizer Ban
Published On 2/9/2022
Co-Presidents Attend OC Board of Commissioners meeting speaking in support of fertilization ordinance.
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Speak up for a Strong Orange County Urban Fertilizer Ordinance
Published On 2/3/2022
Upcoming Board of Commissioners Voter, FEB 8, 2pm
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Commemorating MLK Day
Published On 1/12/2022
Taking action to empower voters
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2021 News Articles

Women's History Month Celebration
Show your support for defending democracy and the importance of telling women’s stories at this second annual Women’s History Month celebration, presented by the Orange County Regional History Center and LWVOC.
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March 11: Racial Wealth Gap Learning Simulation
Published On 2/15/2021
Join the DEI Committee and take part in this special event at 7:00 PM, Thurs, MAR 11
NO FEE
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Review~Feb Hot Topics: Black Families
LWVOC has a history of presenting solid Hot Topics programs for Black History Month
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City of Orlando Black History Month Events
Published On 2/2/2021
Calendar of city events
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The LWVFL Supports Open Primaries--so why did we oppose Amendment #3?
Published On 1/27/2021
Why we support open primaries
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Passing of a League Leader: Betty Ann Staton
Published On 1/7/2021
In memory of an LWVOC icon
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Hot Topics Reviews

Jan 2021~Healing Our Communities
Published On 2/2/2021
If you really, sincerely want to help close the Great American Divide between red & blue, left & right, liberal & conservative, listen up.

We can point you in the right direction, thanks to what we learned at Thursday’s League of Women Voters Hot Topics Zoom event – a joint venture of the Seminole and Orange LWV organizations.
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Sept 9, 21st Century Policing
Published On 9/10/2020
“21st Century Policing” was the timely topic for the League’s Hot Topics event Wednesday, with panelists discussing such issues as excessive force by police and the Black Lives Matter movement, which has spawned both peaceful protests and rioting/looting.

On the subject of Black Lives Matter, “We’ve been shown we don’t matter [through U.S. history],” said Orlando civil rights attorney Jerry Girley, citing the 1857 Supreme Court Dred Scott decision as a milestone.
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July Hot Topics Commentary/District 9 Judicial Candidates
Published On 7/22/2020
Dean summarizes the judicial candidate forum/via Zoom for July Hot Topics
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JUN 10 Hot Topics: Election Security and Accessibility
Published On 6/11/2020
Bill Cowles, first elected in 1996, was the speaker Wednesday at the LWVOC’s first Hot Topics on the Zoom platform – the subject was “Election Security & Accessibility 2020" moderated by Prof. Aubrey Jewett.
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ACES-Health Crisis/MAR 2020
Published On 3/12/2020
Dean reviews "ACEs - The Biggest Health Crisis You've Never Heard Of"
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Black Women's Triumphant Path to Voting/FEB 2020
Published On 2/13/2020
Black Women's Triumphant Path to Voting
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Census 2020/JAN 2020
Published On 1/9/2020
"You probably have no idea how much is riding on the 2020 census."
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Transportation in the 21st Century/NOV 2019
Published On 11/14/2019
We’re talking about Central Florida transportation needs – discussed in Wednesday’s LWVOC Hot Topics meeting by Mayors Buddy Dyer (Orlando) and Jerry Demings (Orange County) – and the considerable moola we would need to expand Lynx bus service and the SunRail commuter train
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AUG Hot Topics Summary/Racial Inequity Workshop
Published On 8/13/2020
Dean summarizes the webinar Hot Topics presented through The Bread Organization
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"No More Vigils-Gun Control" OCT 2019
Published On 10/10/2019
October Hot Topics luncheon review of Gun Control
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The Frontline of Legislative Session/SEPT 2019
Published On 9/12/2019
Summary of luncheon program
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Affordable Housing Crisis/AUG 2019
Published On 8/29/2019
HT discussion about the affordable housing crisis in central Florida
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Climate Change/JUN 2019
Published On 6/26/2019
Summary of luncheon held June 12
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True Cost of Rejecting Medicaid Expansion/MAY 2019
Published On 5/15/2019
Last week’s Hot Topics gathering brought LWVOC members and guests up to speed on the consequences of Florida’s decision to reject the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion.

While the ACA’s Medicaid expansion was set to take effect in 2014, a 2012 Supreme Court ruling allowed states to opt out. Former Gov. Rick Scott declined Florida’s $5 billion annually in federal funding, which would have covered 800,000 Floridians (initially, the federal government covered 100 percent of the cost to states, leveling-out to 90 percent in 2020). Gov. Ron DeSantis is continuing that policy.
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School Daze/APR 2019
Published On 4/10/2019
LWVOC members at Wednesday’s Hot Topics got an education about the state of education in the state of Florida.
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The National Popular Vote/MAR 2019
Published On 3/14/2019
Summary of March Hot Topics
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1920 Ocoee Riots/FEB 2019
Published On 2/13/2019
Judge Emerson Thompson Jr., moderator, told us there were 4,000 lynchings in the U.S. between 1877 and 1950. In a ranking of counties where lynchings took place, Orange County was sixth in the country. Black men were in more danger in Florida than in any other state, Judge Thompson said.
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"Conversation about Suffragists and Race" JAN 2019
Our Hot Topics writer, Dean Johnson, comments about the recent Carol Davis presentation.
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Transportation Future & Challenges/JAN 2019
Published On 1/9/2019
Luncheon guests hear Mayor Buddy Dyer and guests discuss Orange County's present and future transportation challenges.
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It's Getting Hot in Here: June Hot Topics Resources
Published On 7/11/2019
Links to additional information
Provided by panelist, Jenifer Rupert - Regional Disaster Resilience Coordinator, East Central Florida Regional Planning Council :
www.fema.gov/media-library/resources-documents/collections/344 - collection of templates for emergency response plans for families, businesses etc.
www.floridadisaster.org another resource for templates, emergency alerts etc
www.disastersafety.org Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety - free templates and what to do if...
www.columbiaclimatelaw.com Sabin Center for Climate Change Law- tracks cases in court systems in US
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Women Share Their Military Stories on Veterans Day
Published On 11/11/2016
Four women who served our country in Iraq, Korea, Turkey and beyond shared their stories on Veterans Day at the monthly Hot Topics luncheon of the League of Women Voters of Orange County.
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