League of Women Voters of Charlotte County plans election information session
PUNTA GORDA — The League of Women Voters of Charlotte County have a free information session about the three tax ballot issues that voters will see in the Nov. 3 election.
The topic will be the Florida State’s Amendment 3 question about property taxes; Charlotte County 1 cent sales tax extension; and the Charlotte County School District’s millage renewal.
It’s set for 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 1201 Aqui Esta Drive, Punta Gorda.
Speakers include John Scribak, League of Women Voters of Sarasota on Amendment 3; Emily Lewis, Charlotte County government on the 1 cent sales tax extension; Mark Vianello, superintendent of Charlotte County Public Schools on the millage renewal; along with Michael Bonasera, Punta Gorda assistant city manager; and Kristin Simeone, Punta Gorda’s finance director.
For more information, visit charlottecountyfl.lwv.org, or email lwvccfl@gmail.com.
County Sets Sales, Property Tax Town Hall
PORT CHARLOTTE — Charlotte County Administration will host a town hall meeting to provide residents with information and answer questions about the 1% local option sales tax and property tax reform. It’s set for 6-7 p.m., Sept. 30 at the Mid-County Regional Library, 2050 Forrest Nelson Blvd. in Port Charlotte.
Residents are encouraged to attend, learn more and ask questions.
For information about the 1% local option sales tax, visit www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov/salestax.
Amendment 3 forum set for North Port
NORTH PORT — A free Amendment 3 property tax forum is set for 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Hampton Inn & Suites, 5664 Tuscola Blvd.
The North Port Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation are teaming up with the Friends of the North Port Library and community leaders to “inform and educate” residents on the property tax issue on this November’s ballot.
Rep. Danny Nix Jr. will be a special guest speaker. Former Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp, North Port’s Finance Director Irina Kukharenko, Sarasota County Library System, Local Realtor Association and community leaders will make up a panel of featured experts.
To register visit: tinyurl.com/4mc2fskp
Candidate forum set
PUNTA GORDA — Nine organizations have joined to create an Informed Voter Coalition that will host a nonpartisan candidate forum from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at St. Mary’s Baptist Church, 605 Mary Street, Punta Gorda.
“Each candidate will have 5 minutes to speak,” according to a news release. “fter all have spoken, questions will be taken from the audience.”
Candidates attending include:
Punta Gorda City Council candidates Gary Butler, Janis Denton, Jeanine Polk, George WilliamsonCharlotte County Commission candidates Kim Amontree, Michael MeltonFlorida State House District 75 candidate Cynthia ButlerFlorida State House District 76 candidate Phillip CarterU.S. Congress District 17 candidate Matthew Montavon
Candidates who haven’t responded include state Rep. Vanessa Oliver, seeking reelection to Florida House District 76 and U.S. Rep. Greg Steube, seeking reelection to U.S. Congress District 17. Florida Rep. Danny Nix, seeking reelection to House District 75, has a conflict and cannot attend, he stated.
The nine groups involved include the Charlotte County chapters of DKG International Society of Key Women Educators; Indivisible of Southwest Florida; League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC); NAACP; PFLAG; Social Justice Alliance of Florida Suncoast; Unitarian Universalist Association; Veterans for Common Sense and Zonta Club of Punta Gorda/Port Charlotte.
League of Women Voters of Sarasota County Announces Candidate Forum Schedule
The League of Women Voters of Sarasota County has confirmed five candidate forums for local races in the 2026 General Election. Additional forums will be scheduled if at least two candidates in each race agree to participate.
This year’s forums are being hosted in partnership with Suncoast Searchlight. Vilia Johnson, LWVSRQ Co-President, and Emily Le Coz, Suncoast Searchlight Executive Editor-in-Chief, will moderate the forums. All forums will be livestreamed on the League’s YouTube channel and recorded for viewing on the League’s website. Registration is not required.
The confirmed forums, all from 5:30-6:30 p.m., include:
Sarasota City Commission, Oct. 7
North Port City Commission, Oct.15,
Venice City Commission, Oct. 23
All candidates have been invited. Visit lwvsrq.org for livestream links and the latest forum information.