PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (WINK) — In Punta Gorda, there’s a pair of red boots that needs no introduction.
They belong to Flo Winters, a longtime community volunteer and election worker whose patriotic wardrobe and infectious enthusiasm have made her a familiar face at the polls.
“If you’ve ever voted in Punta Gorda, whether it’s at the event center or dropped your ballot off at my office, you know Flo,” Charlotte County Supervisor of Elections Leah Valenti said. “Everyone knows Red Boots.”
Winters wears her signature bright red boots and American flag dress with pride. But her colorful wardrobe isn’t the only reason voters remember her.
Valenti said several voters have gone out of their way to compliment the woman who helped them navigate the voting process.
“A few voters thanked me for what an amazing experience they had,” Valenti said. “They said, well, there was a lady outside. She had red boots on, and she was so helpful.”
For Winters, making voters feel welcome is all part of the job.
She helps keep lines moving, reminds voters to have their identification ready and tries to make what can sometimes be a stressful experience a little more enjoyable.
“I make sure that they are calm and happy because voting is a happy time,” Winters said.
And she makes sure voters leave with a little souvenir: an “I Voted” sticker.
But Winters’ passion for serving others goes back long before she started working elections.
She said she grew up in a family with a strong tradition of military and community service, with her mother instilling the importance of giving back at an early age.
“My family, probably 75% of my family were service in all forces of the service,” Winters said. “My mother instilled it in us, and I just grew up that way.”
At 71 years young, she’s still following her mother’s example.
“I’m retired, but this is my job,” Winters said.
It’s a job she takes seriously, even if she believes the experience should be enjoyable.
“It is our right and it’s our privilege, and when you vote, it’s like an honor,” Winters said. “We’re serving our country, voting. No matter who you vote for, it should be fun.”
And while she’s become something of a local celebrity, Winters doesn’t see herself that way.
“I wouldn’t think I’m special,” she said. “I think I’m just one of a lot of people that care about our county.”
Still, those red boots have left quite an impression on Charlotte County voters.
And Winters has no plans to take them off anytime soon.
“I still have more to do,” she said. “I will do it until I die because it’s what I do.”
Charlotte County seeing strong voter participation ahead of Election Day
Winters will be back helping voters Tuesday, Nov. 3, as Charlotte County prepares for Election Day.
Valenti said voter participation has been encouraging, with more than 5,000 additional voters participating this election cycle compared with the 2022 midterm election, according to figures she shared Monday.
She said the county had already reached slightly more than 45% turnout, with an approximately 85% return rate among voters who requested mail ballots.
Valenti also said early voting participation has exceeded the last midterm election, and she hopes that momentum continues Tuesday.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters planning to cast their ballots in person on Election Day must report to their assigned polling precinct.
And if you’re voting in Punta Gorda, keep an eye out for those red boots.