 | EVERGLADES DETENTION CENTER (aka ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ)
Why did the State have to build an immigrant detention facility in the Big Cypress National Preserve, which is a unique ecosystem in the Everglades? The LWV Environmental Affairs Committee (EAC) has been asking this question since construction of the detention center was first announced in late June.
The mission of the EAC includes the critical work of supporting the restoration of the Everglades. The committee is very concerned about the environmental impact of the detention center on the delicate Everglades ecosystem.
For additional insights into our concerns, please read our full report.
In addition, on July 25, 2025, our partner, WGCU, aired a very informative report on the detention center. Watch it on YouTube.
Please note that the Florida League of Women Voters and the Collier League of Women Voters have not taken a position on this issue. Members of our League are encouraged to contact elected officials as individuals to express their concerns.
| MID-CYCLE REDISTRICTING CAUSES CONCERN
Mid-cycle redistricting is the process of redrawing electoral district boundaries between regular census-based redistricting periods. While redistricting usually follows the U.S. Census every ten years, some states allow maps to be altered mid-decade. This can be used to gain political advantage—a practice known as gerrymandering—by adjusting lines to favor one party or weaken the other. Lawmakers in power may concentrate opposing voters in a few districts (“packing”) or spread them thinly across many districts (“cracking”), diluting their influence. Mid-cycle changes can disrupt voter representation, shift electoral outcomes, and create instability in political competition. Critics say it undermines fairness and public trust, while supporters claim it can correct flawed maps. The practice remains controversial, with legal challenges often deciding its fate. Texas is currently in the middle of this controversy, and there have been indications it might occur in Florida. Call or write your reps today with your concerns. | 15th ANNUAL BACKPACK GIVEAWAY
Five LWV Collier members joined over 50 local nonprofits sharing resources at the Lipman Backpack Giveaway and Back to School Event on August 9. Tina Palmese organized the League’s tent on Immokalee High School’s football field; Cynthia Cromwell, Rosemary Christie, Teresa Stohs, and Paula Schwerin all got soaked in a huge summer rainstorm. Never daunted by a bit of rain, elementary and middle school age children showed up for 1,900 backpacks filled with school supplies. Our League members distributed pencils, pens, crayons and voting coloring sheets, along with small American flags.
  | A GOOD TIME HAD BY ALL
The second Wine and Wisdom of the summer season was held on Wednesday, August 6, at Rebecca’s Restaurant and Bar on Bayshore Drive. There were 25 of us in attendance including Board members, League officers, long time members, new members, spouses, and friends of LWVCC. It was a wonderful opportunity to catch up, and just relax with friends and colleagues. A good time was had by all! | |
The Communications Team recently began a video series titled “Civics Unplugged” posted on all of LWVCC’s social media sites. The goal of these short reels is to educate viewers on the basics of national and local civics, such as Branches of Government, Voting Rights, Constitutional Amendments, City Council, and more.
We will be posting these 1-minute videos approximately once a week on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube. As always, the more “clicks” on the postings we get, the more engagement we will see in our community! So please make sure you check-in to our social media to view, like, comment, and share our reels.
| GUN VIOLENCE PROTECTION SPECIAL SPEAKER
The Gun Violence Prevention Subcommittee (GVP) of the Social Policy Committee is pleased to have Kristen Ziman as the speaker at our opening meeting at 10:00am on October 15, 2025. The Zoom link is provided when registering. Ms. Ziman is the former police cthief of Aurora, Illinois and author of the book Reimagining Blue: Thoughts on Life, Leadership, and a New Way Forward in Policing. She will discuss the mass shooting that occurred while she was Chief of Police and also her experience choosing support staff. This book provides valuable insights about law enforcement which is relevant to the increased use of visible police presence we are experiencing. The observations on leadership are inspiring and applicable to any situation. Please join us for this enlightening and fascinating program.
| VINCENT KEEYS, PRESIDENT NAACP COLLIER COUNTY
Special Guest Speaker Juvenile Justice Committee
October 24 @ 10:00-12:00
Vincent Keeys, President, NAACP Collier County, will be the featured speaker at the Juvenile Justice Committee’s Fall Kick-Off meeting on October 24, 2025, 10:00 am, Finemark Bank Waterside. All League members are invited to attend.
The NAACP is one of the foundational organizations in our community. Among its numerous missions, it supports youth through programs focused on education, leadership development, and community engagement. These programs empower young people to reach their full potential academically, professionally, and as community leaders committed to social justice and equity. Please join us for this thought-provoking presentation and bring a friend.
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UPCOMING EVENTS |
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| October 13 @ 11:30-1:30 |
Luncheon & General Meeting |
Visit the LWVCC Calendar for event details
| ONLINE REIMBURSEMENT FORM IS NOW AVAILABLE
Board members, committee chairs, and others who need to submit reimbursement requests can now do so via our Submit Online Forms page. | UPCOMING COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Because LWVCC committee meetings are for members and their invited guests unless stated otherwise,
members should log in to the website to register
to get the Zoom links for committee meetings and other events. | Board Meeting
September 3 @ 9:30-12:00
Zoom
| Environmental Affairs Committee Meeting
October 9 @10:00-11:30
Collier Community Foundation
Guest speaker will be Eve Samples, the Executive Director of Friends of the Everglades. As you know from the news, a detention center has been built in the Big Cypress Preserve, part of the Everglades. Friends of the Everglades, the Center for Biodiversity and Earth Justice have sued alleging that the required environmental review wasn’t undertaken. Eve will update us on the status of the lawsuit, the detention center and other activities of Friends of the Everglades. | Gun Violence Prevention Subcommittee Meeting
October 15 @10:00-11:00
Zoom
| Juvenile Justice Committee Meeting
October 24 @10:00-12:00
Finemark Bank | Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in Government. We influence public policy through education and advocacy. Our goal is to empower citizens to take an active role in shaping better communities worldwide. The League of Women Voters of Collier County does not support or endorse any candidate or political party.
| League of Women Voters of Collier County
P.O. Box 9883Naples, FL 34101
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