LWVSPA

Nerd Nite St. Pete Featuring LWVSPA Voter Services Co-Chair Heidi Davis
2026-03-31 17:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Coastal Creative, 2201 1st Ave S, St. Petersburg, Florida, 33712, United States
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Learning hits different with a drink in your hand and smart people around you. Nerd Nite is a worldwide phenomenon, popping up in over a hundred cities, including right here in St. Pete.

Each month, three passionate presenters take the stage for fascinating and fun 20-minute talks on things they truly geek out about. You will get to sip cocktails, eat from local vendors, mingle, laugh, and follow curiosity wherever it wanders.

Think of it as a lecture series that ditched the podium and grabbed a beer instead.Drink. Learn. Connect. Come for the fun facts, stay for the conversations, and leave knowing something you didn’t when you walked in.Doors open at 5:30pm. Presentations begin promptly at 7pm.

Tickets are $6.91. All tickets will be sold online.No need to print tickets: Give us your name and we will check you in.

Check out this month’s speakers:

Leila Martini

There’s a Word For That: Untangling Taxonomy

What do filing cabinets, Netflix categories, and government websites have in common? They all depend on taxonomy — the quiet hero (and occasional villain) of how we find things. In this talk, we’ll peek inside a real-life taxonomy tangle from the world of public health, play a quick audience quiz, and prove that organizing knowledge can actually be weirdly fun — and absolutely essential for making sense of our digital lives.

Leila Martini is a Tampa, Florida native whose love for words began at the tender age of five. From the moment she received her first typewriter, Leila was captivated by the power storytelling and the nuance of words. Her career accidentally led her to become a taxonomist among other things.

Heidi Davis

History of Voting Legislation in St Pete

Take a walk through the history of Voting Legislation from the Declaration of Independence to today.

I’m a native New Yorker transplanted here about 30 years ago. I spent 35 years in Corporate America before retiring. Now I focus my time on volunteering for the League of Women Voters, co-chairing Voter Services and acting as the team lead for the Vote411 Voter Guide for Pinellas County and the Florida state league.

JD Adler

From Grimm to Disney… what stories tell us about the teller

Every story changes with the telling and the teller. Each re-telling over time tell us more than just the story. They show us how the craft of storytelling has developed. It also tells about the person and the culture from which the version comes.

JD is an author of journalism, poetry, and fiction as well as being a storyteller in the oral tradition. He has traveled across America by car, train, and thumb. Today he lives in St. Pete with the love of his life.

Social Justice Action Team Meeting
2026-04-02 17:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York)
We believe in secure equal rights and equal opportunity for all. We promote social and economic justice and the health and safety of all Americans.

The Social Justice Team invites the public to engage in and become more educated on the prescient issues of the day. We seek to expand the imagined possibilities of progress for all people and voices. We advocate safe, open-minded discussions in the community around the intersections of economics, history, politics, privilege, and race.

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Vigil for Immigrant Justice
2026-04-05 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-12 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Pinellas County Courthouse, 14450 49th Street N, Clearwater, Florida, 33762, United States
The Pinellas/Hillsborough Interfaith Coalition, LWVSPA, and our allies host a peaceful Freedom Vigil to stand in solidarity with immigrant families and demand an end to the detention and deportation of our nonviolent, law-abiding immigrant community neighbors, siblings, and friends. These vigils shine a light on the erosion of due process and the rise of authoritarian overreach. We pray for family reunification and justice for all immigrants. Together, we affirm that justice, compassion, and the rule of law must apply to everyone—regardless of immigration status.

Details:

Sundays 4-5 pm

Pinellas County Courthouse14250 49th Street N (corner of 144 Ave N & 49th St N)Clearwater, FL 33762

Register:https://flic.fyi/727vigil

Reproductive Rights Action Team: Community Voices with Chelsea Quaglia
2026-04-06 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York)
Join the LWVSPA Reproductive Rights Action Team via Zoom to hear from Chelsea Quaglia. This replaces our usually scheduled meeting.

She will speak about her work in public health, striving to expand access to care for uninsured and underinsured patients across the lifespan.

She will also speak about how her personal experience as a carrier of the breast cancer (BRCA) gene mutation further informs her advocacy for preventive care, patient education, and evidence based decision making.

Register for Zoom meeting

National Popular Vote Committee
2026-04-07 17:00 - 18:00, 2026-05-05 17:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York)
First Tuesday of each month, 5-6 pm.Join us as we talk strategy. First timers are welcome and all levels of experience are encouraged to join.

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Voter Services Committee
2026-04-15 18:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York)
Join with the Voter Services Leadership Team to hear about our Voter Guide, Candidate Forums, Voter Registration, & Election and Voter Protection.

Join Via Zoom

Say No to Mid-Decade Redistricting in Florida: Zoom
2026-04-15 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
LWVFL will host a webinar to help inform League members and the public about mid-decade redistricting.

Please join us for this one-hour session that will offer attendees a brief background on redistricting, current status of redistricting efforts in Florida, and LWVFL’s position. Rosemary Niles of the LWVFL Speakers Bureau will lead this informative discussion. This webinar is free and open to the public.

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More Than Orange Blossoms: Feisty, Fabulous Females of Florida
2026-04-17 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Avenue S, Gulfport, Florida, 33703, United States
Hosted by the Gulfport Historical Society.

Though not always in the history books, the women who helped build, form, shape, and develop the state have inspired hope and possibility. This presentation highlights stories of strong, courageous women like Julia Tuttle, known as the Mother of Miami, or Mary McLeod Bethune, daughter of enslaved parents who went on to become an advisor to several US presidents, and other brave women who influenced and impacted their communities, Florida, and the nation. Discover and rediscover some of the women who grew and shaped the state!

An internationally celebrated storyteller, teaching artist, and Chautauqua scholar, Carrie Sue Ayvar is the recipient of multiple awards for service, leadership, and dedication to the art of storytelling and education. Her bilingual blend of traditional, historical, and personal tales connects the people, languages, and cultures of Florida. Attendance is free, but a donation helps the Gulfport Historical Society continue to offer great programs like this one!

Funding for this Florida Talks program was provided in part by Florida Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities.

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2026 Annual Meeting & Luncheon
2026-04-18 11:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | Banquet Masters, 13355 49th St N, Clearwater, Florida, 33762, United States
Our fun and inspiring Luncheon includes keynote speaker Dianna Wynn, President of the League of Women Voters of the United States.

The Annual Meeting, held just prior to the Luncheon, is where League members conduct business including:

Program Adoption

State of the League

Officer and Board Director Nomination Slate

Bylaws Adoption

Yearly Budget Adoption

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Vigil for Immigrant Justice
2026-04-19 17:00 - 18:00, 2026-04-26 17:00 - 18:00, 2026-05-03 17:00 - 18:00, 2026-05-10 17:00 - 18:00, 2026-05-17 17:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Pinellas County Courthouse, 14450 49th Street N, Clearwater, Florida, 33762, United States
The Pinellas/Hillsborough Interfaith Coalition, LWVSPA, and our allies host a peaceful Freedom Vigil to stand in solidarity with immigrant families and demand an end to the detention and deportation of our nonviolent, law-abiding immigrant community neighbors, siblings, and friends. These vigils shine a light on the erosion of due process and the rise of authoritarian overreach. We pray for family reunification and justice for all immigrants. Together, we affirm that justice, compassion, and the rule of law must apply to everyone—regardless of immigration status.

Details:

Sundays 5-6 pm

Pinellas County Courthouse14250 49th Street N (corner of 144 Ave N & 49th St N)Clearwater, FL 33762

Register:https://www.mobilize.us/theworkerscircle/event/968244/

Board Meeting - CANCELED
2026-04-20 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
We will not be meeting on 4/20/26. Email office@lwvspa.org with any questions.

Communications Committee Meeting
2026-04-21 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-05-19 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
The LWVSPA Communications Committee meets monthly via Zoom. Email office@lwvspa.org for the link if you’d like to get involved.

Committee on Membership
2026-04-22 13:30 - 14:30 UTC
Contact chair, Amy Weintraub, for more teleconference link or for more info.

Education Committee (With LWVNPC)
2026-04-27 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Monthly LWVNPC/LWVSPA Education Committee Meeting via Zoom. For an invitation or to attend, contact lwvnpc.info@gmail.com to receive an agenda. Open to all current LWV members only.

Join us in Tallahassee to fight for our Voting Rights: Free Bus Ride!
2026-04-28 09:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Allendale UMC, 3803 Haines Road North, St. Petersburg, FL, 33703, United States
ST. PETE BUS WILL DEPART FROM ALLENDALE UMC AT APPROX 4:00 AM.

RSVP Here

Due to the Governor’s decision to reschedule the start of the special legislative session on redistricting to Tuesday, April 28th, we will no longer be holding our Day of Action on April 20th: we are rescheduling it to Tuesday, April 28th.

Florida’s Legislature is advancing an unprecedented mid-decade redistricting effort that threatens to weaken voting rights and dilute the political power of our communities.

This move is part of a broader national strategy. At the urging of Donald Trump, several states are revisiting congressional maps outside the normal cycle to gain a partisan advantage ahead of the 2026 elections. Florida is now among the last major states where communities still have an opportunity to respond and push back.

Join Equal Ground, Florida Rising, Common Cause, LWVSPA and partners from across the state for a Day of Action at the Florida State Capitol on Tuesday, April 28. We are providing a free trip to Tallahassee, along with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The day will feature a rally, a community mock hearing on the Florida Voting Rights Act where you can sign up to speak, and coordinated advocacy to ensure our voices are heard. That evening, we will host a virtual call to share updates and outline next steps.

Space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Register today to reserve your seat.

Schedule Outline

9:00 am Arrive in Tallahassee

10:00 am Rally

11:30 am Lunch

1:00 pm Florida Voting Rights Act Mock Hearing

4:00 pm Depart Tallahassee

**Schedule subject to change if a public hearing is scheduled.**

Candidate Forum Training
2026-04-29 17:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York)
Want to learn more about our upcoming candidate forums and how to get involved?

Voter Services will host a training and informational session on April 29th from 5-6pm. We will go over the volunteer roles available and what each requires, as well as updates on our plans ahead of the August primaries and November midterms. We can’t wait to build on our successful February municipal forums, and welcome members to join us in making democracy work!

Register for Zoom

2026 FL Legislative Session Outcomes – Laws that passed impacting state and local citizens
2026-04-29 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Enoch Davis Center, 1111 18th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, Florida, 33705, United States
Join the NAACP of St. Petersburg and the League of Women Voters of the St. Petersburg Area to learn about the outcomes of the 2026 Florida Legislative Session.

Featured speaker Letitia Harmon, Senior Policy Director for Florida Rising, will break down key legislation from the session—including bills that passed, those that stalled, and what it all means for Florida residents. Read more about key issues from the 2026 Florida legislative session.

This is a great opportunity to better understand how recent legislative decisions may impact your community and how you can stay informed and engaged in strengthening our democracy.

Common Cause Florida is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. They work across Florida on priorities that impact each of our lives, like defending the right to vote, holding our government accountable, and ensuring our elections represent the will of the people.

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A Conversation with Dr. Shelley Sella
2026-05-06 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Tombolo Books, 2153 1st Ave S, St. Petersburg, Florida, 33712, United States
Join the League of Women Voters of the St. Petersburg Area, in partnership with Progress Florida, for an evening of conversation with Dr. Sella, author of Beyond Limits. Dr. Sella will share reflections from the frontlines of reproductive healthcare, discuss the realities facing patients and providers across the country, and explore the intersection of medicine, policy, and democracy. This is an opportunity to engage directly with one of the leading physicians in reproductive healthcare and to reflect on the role our community plays in protecting access to care.

Capacity is limited – RSVP to save a spot!

This event replaces the Reproductive Rights Action Team meeting that was scheduled for 5/4.

RSVP Here

May Cocktails & Conversations
2026-05-14 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Green Light Lounge & Kitchen, 225 2nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, Florida, 33701, United States
Join the League for Cocktails & Conversation, and invite a guest or two.

These happy hours are the perfect time to relax with (or without!) a drink and enjoy some great company.

Courtney Prokopas of our Social Justice Team has equipped us with materials for a postcard writing action at our May Cocktails & Conversation. Take a stand against 287(g) agreements and get a few postcards off your chest while catching up with new and old friends.

RSVP Here

Parent Advocacy League May 2026
2026-05-17 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Crisp Park Playground, Poplar St. NE. and 35th Ave. NE., St. Petersburg, Florida, 33711, United States
The Parent Advocacy League (PAL) is a family-friendly space for parents and caregivers to connect, learn, and engage with the League of Women Voters of the St. Petersburg Area.

📍Crisp Park Playground🕔 10:00 to 11:30 AMCome anytime! Short discussion with updates begins at 10:30 AM

RSVP Here!

Board Meeting
2026-05-18 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
If any LWVSPA member wishes to address the board, they should email the president at president@lwvspa.org to get on the agenda and to receive meeting info (such as location or Zoom login).

National Freedom Vigil Organizing Call
2026-05-18 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
Every Sunday for the past 28-weeks, faith leaders and people of conscience have gathered outside the Pinellas Justice Center in solidarity with immigrants facing detention and deportation. Together, they call for an end to the detention and deportation of our nonviolent, law-abiding immigrant community neighbors, siblings, and friends. LWVSPA has been instrumental in working alongside other community partners to organize and support these vigils.

Join us on May 18 at 8:00 PM ET for a national Freedom Vigil organizing call. You can see how our local Pinellas vigil and LWVSPA’s efforts connect to a much broader network of peaceful, community-led action.

RSVP Here

Community Centered Development Team kick off social
2026-05-20 17:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Thrive DTSP, 135 4th St N - second floor, St. Petersburg, Florida, 33701, United States
Smart development centers people and planet at the heart of city planning, managing growth sustainably and equitably to put the public good over narrow individual benefits for any one stakeholder group, geographic area or private business interest or sector. It’s a great way to strengthen democracy and public participation between election days where it affects us most – our own backyards.

With such a broad topic in a rapidly changing coastal city facing the pressures of climate change, shifting demographics and economic development, it’s an exciting time to get involved, show some love to the place you live, and be a part of shaping its future.

Through fun, interactive conversation starters and activities, we will learn together and choose the activities and advocacy opportunities that inspire us most. We’ll use the outcomes of our kick-off to draft a 2026-27 committee program plan and develop clear, compelling storytelling that brings our League members and community partners along on this journey.

💫Help us tailor the event to YOU by RSVPing💫

RSVP Here

Let us know if you can join in person or on zoom, and share your food and beverage preferences by Wednesday May 13th
