AUGUST 2026

When: Tuesday, August 4th from 4-7pm

Where: Raymond O. Shelton School Administrative Center

901 E Kennedy Blvd

Tampa, FL 33602

You’re Invited! Advocate for Students and Public Education Local school boards play a critical role in shaping the future of our schools. Decisions about funding, curriculum, and policy directly impact students, families, and communities. Families for Strong Public Schools is expanding its School Board Monitoring Program statewide and is looking for engaged community members to help promote transparency, accountability, and student-centered decision-making. This program empowers volunteers to attend school board meetings, observe discussions, and submit brief monthly reports on key issues, including budget allocations and funding priorities, as well as curriculum and instructional policies, community engagement and transparency. We need advocates who are willing to show up, pay attention, and help ensure decisions are made in the best interest of students and families. Why Get Involved? By participating, you can: 

• Speak up for students and families.
• Monitor whether funding and curriculum decisions meet the needs of all students.
•  Support transparency, equity, and strong public education.

 Your voice matters. When communities show up, school boards listen. Together, we can help ensure local decisions reflect the values and priorities of the people they serve. Let’s build a stronger future for our students—one meeting at a time.

August 9th from 1-3:30pm

Virtual

Join us for this virtual dialer phonebank where we'll call friendly Democrats and help them re-enroll in Vote-by-Mail. You can call from your house!

We recommend that you have:

a smartphone (required)

headset, earbuds, or AirPods (recommended)

a laptop or tablet (preferred but not required)

great energy!

Why We're Calling:

Florida’s vote-by-mail rules have changed, and many Hillsborough County Democrats are no longer signed up to get a mail ballot in 2026. These are some of our most reliable voters—and unless we reach them, many could be left behind. Your quick, helpful conversations will make a real difference.

Sign up to be sent all the details. Training and support provided.

Where: 2 locations; Brandon August 28th from 6-8pm & Riverview, August 21st from 10:30am-12pm 

The best way to strengthen our democracy and build a blue Hillsborough is by knocking doors and talking to our neighbors.

Join us as we kick off Forward Together, our countywide field program focused on organizing, building real connections, and making sure every voice is heard.

At this launch canvass, you’ll meet fellow volunteers, get a quick training, and head out in teams to have meaningful conversations with voters in the community. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve canvassed before, you’re welcome here!

What to expect:

• A brief welcome and program overview
• Training on canvassing tools and conversations
• Team assignments and walk packets
• A supportive, people-powered environment

Please bring a fully charged tablet or phone, comfortable walking shoes, and water. We'll provide the rest.

 SIGN UP HERE FOR BRANDON
SIGN UP HERE FOR RIVERVIEW 

When: Thursday, August 20, 2026 from 6-8pm

Where: Elevate Events  324 W Robertson Street, Brandon, FL

Join us for a fun evening in support of Dr. Neil Manimala for Hillsborough County Commission.

Your RSVP will help us determine the amount of food, wine, water, soda, etc. - required to provide everyone with an enjoyable evening. Gail Blalock 813-422-3169 gail53.blalock@gmail.com.

A minimum Donation of $25 dollars is appreciated.

                     Or 

Join us as a Sponsor for $250.00 

We look forward to seeing you there !

When: Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 6pm

Where: Location disclosed at RSVP

Karen Perez and Daniela Simic would like to invite you to join them for their

Champions for Public Education Election Night Watch Party.

Karen and Daniela are both HCTA-endorsed candidates for the

Hillsborough County School Board—Karen for District 6, countywide, and

Daniela for District 2, will gather with fellow educators,

supporters, families, and friends as the Hillsborough County primary

election results come in.

Complimentary food and refreshments. RSVP by Monday, August 17

 When: Friday, August 21, 2026 from 6-9pm
Where: Location to be shared prior to the event date upon RSVP

Join us for an evening of exceptional wine, meaningful conversation, and community as we support Ashley Herrmann for Florida State House, District 69.

Hosted by the Honorable Adam Hattersley, Christie Hattersley, and the Honorable Sean Shaw, this special wine pairing fundraiser is your opportunity to meet Ashley and hear her vision for East Hillsborough while enjoying a curated wine tasting. Each wine has been thoughtfully selected and paired by your WSET Level 2 certified hosts, creating a memorable experience for guests.

If you live in Riverview, Brandon, Lithia (including FishHawk), Sun City Center, Balm, or Boyette, this is your chance to meet the candidate who wants to represent your community in Tallahassee.
Come connect with your neighbors, enjoy expertly paired wines and food, and learn why so many people are excited about Ashley’s campaign and her vision for House District 69.

Whether you attend or not, your support is critical. Every contribution—large or small—helps Ashley reach more voters, share her vision, and build a winning campaign for East Hillsborough.

Reserve your spot today! If you can’t join us in person, please consider making a contribution through this page. Together, we can help elect Ashley Herrmann to the Florida House.

If you call East Hillsborough home, you’re going to want to meet Ashley Herrmann.
 

When: Friday, August 21st from 8:30-10:30am

Where: Nativity Catholic Church, Social Hall  705 E Brandon Blvd, Brandon

The Nativity Catholic Church holds a weekly event every other Friday morning called "The PB & J Ministry.' Volunteers make peanut butter & jelly sandwiches which get distributed to the homeless in our community. On August 21, our Representative Kathy Castor will be joining us. We will be among other Democratic clubs in the area attending this event.  We hope you can attend this one and other future events. Please wear your club T-Shirt.