President's Message - October 2025

A Happy and Healthy New Year to all our Jewish members!

Who would have thought that at this moment in history, the President of the United States—through executive orders—would be intentionally and relentlessly undermining the U.S. Constitution. How far are congressional Republicans willing to march in lockstep toward authoritarianism? Donald Trump’s government shutdown has brought us to a watershed moment.

It is the people’s voice and actions that will keep our democracy alive and functioning. The public outcry that forced the FCC to reverse its suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live is a perfect example—People Power won the day!

The South Shore Democrats are proud to be part of the resistance movement sweeping across our nation. October 18th has been declared a National Day of Action. Thanks to the tireless work of Debbie Anderson and her amazing team of volunteers, we will be holding a NO KINGS RALLY at SR 674/Trinity Lakes Drive in Sun City Center from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Bring your signs, bring your energy—golf carts encouraged! Be sure to check our website for Calls to Action, tabling events, phone banking, and canvassing to register voters and help folks reapply for Vote By Mail. This is what People Power looks like!

I’m also proud to share that our Kennedy King Gala tickets—four full tables—are sold out! At our October 9 meeting, we’ll coordinate rides for anyone who needs them.

Reminder: As always, our October 9th meeting this Thursday will be held at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. We’re excited to welcome Kim Smith, President of the Tampa Bay Democratic Labor Caucus, and Jan Schneider, Democratic candidate for Congressional District 16.

And looking ahead, our November meeting will be held on Saturday, November 8, at the United Methodist Church, where we will come together to honor our veterans. (Note the change of day and venue.) But in the immediate future, we look forward to seeing you Thursday!

Fran

PS -- We have neighbors in our community who can use some help with basic essentials. We're collecting new, unopened items for our neighbors in Wimauma facing hardship to help them meet their everyday needs. I've attached the information at the bottom of this email. Please bring what you can to the meeting on Thursday.

Sponsor of the Month

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Call for Action

Kennedy-King Gala

The Kennedy-King Gala is the Democrats premier fundraiser of the year. Every dollar raised will go directly into the Hillsborough County Democratic Victory Fund used to fund Democratic Campaigns. This can make a real difference in electing Democratic to both local and National offices.

The South Shore Democratic Club (SSDC) will subsidize ticket donation costs by $125 resulting in a $175 ticket costing SSDC members only $50. There is also a small processing fee when donating on-line.

Kennedy-King information

DATE: Saturday, October 18, 2025
WHERE: Hilton Downtown Tampa, 211 N Tampa St, Tampa
GENERAL RECEPTION: 5:30pm – 6:45pm – Cash Bar (remains open throughout program)
DINNER AND PROGRAM: 6:45pm – 9pm
SIT DOWN DINNER CHOICES: Chicken or Vegan
DRESS CODE: Semi-Formal (Cocktail Attire, gowns, suits)
PARKING: Valet at hotel –or- Fort Brooke Garage with bridge access at level 3 to hotel 107 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602

SSDC has reserved 3 tables for 30 people. Additional tables are available if there is more than 30 SSDC members wanting to attend.

Only SSDC paid up members can obtain the $50 subsidized ticket donation amount.
NOTE: New members can donate their $25 membership prior to donating a $50 K-K ticket

The SSDC will send to the HCDEC your contact information and meal choice.

When you sign in at the K-K Gala, the desk personnel will let you know your table number.

- There will be no printed tickets but you will be emailed a confirmation in early October.
- Seating at any of the 3 SSDC tables will be first come first served.

Remember the Kennedy-King Gala is a fund raising event to elect Democrats and you get a sit down meal and listen to Democratic speakers.

WE ARE SOLD OUT!

Call your Representatives

Download the '5 Calls' app to your mobile phone, choose an issue and make those calls!

Call for Action

South Shore Democratic Club Monthly Meeting
Thursday, Oct 9, 2025
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
In Person

Our Meeting will be one week later than usual: Oct. 9th at 1:30

Our featured speaker is Kim Smith. Kim is the President of the Tampa Bay Democratic Labor Caucus of Florida. She will discuss how working people are being affected by current government policies. The Caucus's Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/TBDLCF/about

Jan Schneider, a Democratic candidate for Congressional District 16 will discuss her campaign and positions.

St. Andrew Presbyterian Church Social Hall

1239 Del Webb Blvd. West

Sun City Center, Fl 33573

Light refreshments will be served