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2024 News Articles

Published On 9/30/2024
Voters in Orange County, Florida, face important choices in the Nov. 5, 2024, general election, which includes 16 proposed amendments. This fact sheet focuses on the ten proposed amendments to the Orange County, Florida, Charter and also discusses a proposed school tax issue and six State Constitution amendments.
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Published On 9/26/2024
“We have to preserve our democracy daily and actively if we are to preserve our family life.” These words were true when spoken 85 years ago and they are true today. They were spoken in May 1939 at the organizing meeting of what was to become the League of Women Voters of Orange County.
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Published On 9/25/2024
$25k Matching Campaign
We are pleased to announce that any gift you make by November 5 will be doubled by a matching grant up to $25,000.
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Published On 9/16/2024
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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Published On 9/2/2024
“One Person, One Vote?” will be shown at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at Bush Auditorium on the Rollins College campus. The documentary, directed by Maximina Juson, takes an in-depth look at the U.S. Electoral College, its slavery origins and impact on American politics today.
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Published On 8/18/2024
Sell-out attendance for a timely and much needed discussion with guidance from an esteemed panel of local and national leaders.
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Published On 8/14/2024
The League of Women Voters of Orange County is sponsoring a Sept. 11 Hot Topics forum, “Case for the Prosecution: State Attorney Forum,” to help voters decide one of the most closely watched elections in Central Florida. A former Democratic officeholder seeks a return to the state attorney’s position in the Ninth Judicial Circuit, an independent candidate appointed by the governor wants to keep the job and a Republican contender hopes to be the surprise winner in the election.
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Published On 8/8/2024
Most local judges’ races will be decided in the Aug. 20 primary. For voters in Orange County, 11 candidates are running for five positions. You never know when you might have to stand before a judge, but you could find yourself in that situation one day. And it’s best to know the candidates before you vote.
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Published On 8/5/2024
LWVOC joins SOE for opening of early voting sites in underserved communities. Early voting ends Aug 18, 7pm.
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Published On 7/31/2024
This summer, our League’s DEIA and Voter Services Committees are partnering with the Center for Independent Living to support voting rights of people with disabilities.
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Published On 7/30/2024
America is on the edge as the Nov. 5 election draws closer. Despite pleas for unity, recent historic events have divided voters even further. So how do we begin to bridge that widening gap? A panel of influential Central Florida leaders will address these timely questions in the Aug. 14 Hot Topics session “Civil Discourse — Not Civil War.”
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Published On 7/23/2024
Visit VOTE411.org for a non-partisan "one-stop-shop" for election information. You will find accessible tools to help navigate the voting process.
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Published On 7/15/2024
Clean Energy Team Chair for LWVOC speaks out against the proposed OUC rate increase for its solar users.
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Published On 7/13/2024
Eleven candidates participated in the recent Hot Topics program: Courting Voters-Judicial Candidate Forum
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Published On 7/10/2024
Eleven candidates in five judges’ races took part in LWVOC’s Hot Topics judicial forum before a sellout crowd on July 10. It was another lively discussion, and League members and others were encouraged to review the candidates’ biographies on the website www.lwvoc.org/HotTopics RECAP and check www.vote411.org before voting.
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Published On 7/10/2024
Former LWVOC Pres. Charley Williams featured in the Orlando Sentinel Op-Ed section discussing the civic duty we all hold to "pay rent to democracy" via our actions.
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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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Published On 6/19/2024
Doors open EARLY at the Winter Park Events Center at 10:30 a.m. for a buffet lunch, and the candidates’ forum starts at 11:30 a.m. at 1050 W. Morse Blvd. in Winter Park. The program ends at 1 p.m. Tickets are $30 for League members, $37 non-
members.
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Published On 5/31/2024
We're celebrating our 85th birthday!
1939-2024
Help us celebrate empowering voters and defending democracy with a $1 gift for each of the 85 years that we've made a difference in Orange County.
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Published On 5/31/2024
Who has your vote? Hear from the candidates for Orange County Supervisor of Elections and ask the important questions about HOW they will protect your vote.
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Published On 5/24/2024
Celebrating 50 Years of Men Being Admitted to the League
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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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Published On 5/10/2024
May is AANHPI Heritage Month. The DEIA Committee. encourages everyone to take advantage of the rich array of educational content and cultural events offered to Orange County residents to learn about the many contributions to our democracy from members of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community.
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Published On 4/13/2024
At the 2024 Annual Business Meeting, the LWVOC installed its new Board of Directors, approved the upcoming 24-25 Program Plan as well as adopted a budget.
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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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Published On 3/27/2024
League of Women Voters Orange County Reaffirms Commitment to Election Integrity and Collaboration with the Newly Appointed Orange County Supervisor of Elections, Glen Gilzean
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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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Happy Women's History Month
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Published On 2/27/2024
RECAP of the Feb 14 Hot Topics: Lift Every Voice
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Published On 2/20/2024
The DEIA Committee invited members to share what BHM means to them. Essay penned by Jane Hursch
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Published On 2/7/2024
LWVUS President Dr. Deborah Ann Turner passes away January 28, 2024.
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Published On 2/6/2024
Tiffany Hughes explains how the LWVOC is focusing on getting younger voters to the polls.
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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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2023 News Article

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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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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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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2022 News Articles

Published On 12/19/2022
Presented at this year's LWVOC Holiday Party
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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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Published On 12/14/2022
There's still time to make a tax-deductible gift of support to LWVOC
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Published On 12/7/2022
Leaguers speak out about the historic election case going before the US Supreme Court
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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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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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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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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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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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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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Published On 10/19/2022
Help us GOTV with your vintage/retro donations.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Published On 8/21/2022
Learn more about becoming a "speaker" for the League.
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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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Published On 7/27/2022
League works to pass the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact
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Download an important pdf of the updated mental health outreach information.
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Published On 7/12/2022
Join Barbara and Nicolette for an online chat
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Published On 7/12/2022
Attend our new member orientation via Zoom
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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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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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Published On 6/2/2022
Updates for LWVOC Communications
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Published On 6/2/2022
A list of groups working toward Gun Reform Issues
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Published On 6/1/2022
June Supreme Court ruling
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Published On 6/1/2022
Details on joining co-op
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Published On 5/19/2022
Dean provides a special review for the inaugural HT at the Winter Park Events Center.
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Published On 5/18/2022
Longtime Leaguer shares her story of leadership and commitment.
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Published On 5/4/2022
All training, case materials, and ongoing teacher support will be free.
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Learn how to volunteer at our upcoming elections.
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Published On 4/27/2022
May 7 Event details
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Published On 4/27/2022
Leaguers attend Commission Mtg with statement of support for Ballot addition
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Published On 4/13/2022
Highlighting our League Leaders
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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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Published On 3/30/2022
Details for upcoming spring orientation
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Published On 3/20/2022
LWVFL President, guest columnist
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Published On 3/16/2022
Celebrating the LWVOC history book during Women's History Month--Warriors for Democracy
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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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Published On 3/8/2022
Membership categories: this month Ida B. Wells
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Published On 2/28/2022
Another educational opportunity with partners Harvard University and OCPS.
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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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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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Published On 2/23/2022
March 10, Breaking Barriers Through Art at the Orange County Regional History Museum
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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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Published On 2/21/2022
Orlando Sentinel Letter to Editor
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Published On 2/21/2022
Info/Calendar of open-house events engaging citizens about upcoming initiative
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Published On 2/9/2022
Co-Presidents Attend OC Board of Commissioners meeting speaking in support of fertilization ordinance.
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Published On 2/3/2022
Upcoming Board of Commissioners Voter, FEB 8, 2pm
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Published On 1/12/2022
Taking action to empower voters
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2021 News Articles

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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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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LWVOC has a history of presenting solid Hot Topics programs for Black History Month
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Published On 2/2/2021
Calendar of city events
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Published On 1/7/2021
In memory of an LWVOC icon
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Hot Topics Reviews

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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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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Published On 7/22/2020
Dean summarizes the judicial candidate forum/via Zoom for July Hot Topics
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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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Published On 3/12/2020
Dean reviews "ACEs - The Biggest Health Crisis You've Never Heard Of"
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Published On 2/13/2020
Black Women's Triumphant Path to Voting
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Published On 1/9/2020
"You probably have no idea how much is riding on the 2020 census."
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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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Published On 8/13/2020
Dean summarizes the webinar Hot Topics presented through The Bread Organization
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Published On 10/10/2019
October Hot Topics luncheon review of Gun Control
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Published On 9/12/2019
Summary of luncheon program
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Published On 8/29/2019
HT discussion about the affordable housing crisis in central Florida
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Published On 6/26/2019
Summary of luncheon held June 12
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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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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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Published On 3/14/2019
Summary of March Hot Topics
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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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Our Hot Topics writer, Dean Johnson, comments about the recent Carol Davis presentation.
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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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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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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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