NO General Meeting in November. See you at the Holiday Party in December!
2023-11-23
We at The Rainbow Ridge wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Let be thankful for all we have. Please share your good fortune with those who are in need.

Polk County Democrats Holiday Party at The Yard at Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland, FL., Tuesday, December 12, 2023 - 6pm -9pm
2023-12-12 18:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | The Yard at Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland, 33801, United States
Polk County Democrats Holiday Party
The Yard at Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave Lakeland FL
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Time: 6pm -9p

Cash bar, food trucks and music with DJ DaBushman NO COVER CHARGE

For more information contact
The Polk County
Rainbow Ridge LGBTA Democratic Caucus
Please RSVP: PolkDems_HolidayParty@yahoo.com

January 16. 2024, Rainbow Ridge Caucus Election Meeting, Guest Speaker School Board Candidate Bernnie Brandt, 6:30 - 8:30, Lake Ashton, 5405 Hogan Lane, Winter Haven, Fl 33884
2024-01-16 18:30 - 20:30 | 5405 Hogan Lane, Winter Haven, Fl 33884, 5405 Hogan Lane, Winter Haven, FL, 33884, United States
Rainbow Ridge LGBTA Democratic Caucus Election of Officers and Board Directors Meeting
will be January, 16, 2024, Tuesday 6:30 -8:30 at Lake Ashton, 5405 Hogan Lane, Winter Haven, Fl 33884
A Quorum is Necessary for Us to Vote!
Please Attend!!! Pizza and other refreshments will be available.
Nominations from the floor will be accepted for those who wish to serve as officers and directors.
As per our new bylaws, all membership dues are due in the month of January. For those who need to update your membership, dues will be accepted.
The Guest Speaker for this Meeting will be Polk County School Board Candidate Bernnie Brandt
Bernnie grew up in Winter Haven and currently lives in Lakeland with his wife, eleven-month-old child, three dogs, and two cats. His professional background is in private security management, sports officiating, corrections, and transportation. He’s running for school board because he believes that elected officials should be average citizens who are passionate about improving their community.
In his website he has stated, as a candidate to represent the citizens of Polk County, he believes in…
School Safety, Opportunities and Access, Testing for Positive Growth, Financial Transparency, Celebrating Diversity, Supporting Staff, Engaging the Community

MLK Parade, Lakeland, FL, Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 1pm, “Living the Dream – It Starts with Me: Spreading Hope, Courage, & Unity” We need walkers!!!
2024-01-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Downtown Lakeland FL, 14th Street, Lakeland, FL, 33801, United States
The Rainbow Ridge Caucus will be walking in the MLK Lakeland Parade, Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM with the Lakeland Democrat Club.
We are looking for you all to march with us, as we celebrate Martin Luther King and the parade’s theme, “Living the Dream – It Starts with Me: Spreading Hope, Courage, & Unity”
The route will be from 14th Street to Providence and 10th Street ending on Martin Luther King, Jr.
Hope to see you there!!!

Rainbow Ridge Exec Board Meeting at COhatch, February 6, 2024 From 6:15 to 7:45pm, 211 E Main St., Lakeland, FL
2024-02-06 18:15 | COhatch, 211 E Main Street, Lakeland, FL, 33801, United States
In Person Meeting Place is THE NEST at COhatch

February 20, 2024,Tuesday, 6:30 - 8:30pm Rainbow Ridge LGBTA Democratic Caucus General Membership Meeting at Wales Pointe Restaurant 207 E Park Ave, Lake Wales, FL 33853 Guest Speaker Brandon Alvarado, seat 2 candidate for Lake Wales City Commission
2024-02-20 18:30 - 20:30 | Wales Pointe Restaurant, 207 E Park Ave, Lake Wales, FL, 33853, United States
Rainbow Ridge LGBTA Democratic Caucus General Membership Meeting will be
February 20, 2024, Tuesday, 6:30 – 8:30 at
Wales Pointe Restaurant, 207 E Park Ave, Lake Wales, FL 33853
The kitchen will be opened. Please support Wales Point by patronizing her establishment.
The Guest Speaker for this Meeting will be
Brandon Alvarado
seat 2 candidate for Lake Wales City Commission
Born and raised in Lake Wales, Brandon L. Alvarado is a dedicated community Brandon has always been at the forefront of community engagement and leadership. His early role as the Music Department Coordinator for Lake Wales High School and his tenure as the Director of Education at the Lake Wales Arts Council reflects his longstanding commitment to arts and education in our community.
As President of the Board of Directors of the Lake Wales History Museum and Chairman of the Historic District Regulatory Board, Brandon’s dedication to preserving our city’s rich history is evident. His work extends beyond historical preservation to encompass key leadership roles in Lake Wales Main Street and the Library Board, demonstrating his holistic approach to fostering community spirit and educational excellence. In his professional life, Brandon serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for Leo’s Construction Services, Inc., where he continues to apply his skills in leadership and community development.
Brandon stands for responsible growth, economic prosperity, and uniting the diverse voices of Lake Wales. His comprehensive experience, from arts and education to business and community leadership, showcases his multifaceted approach to enriching Lake Wales.

Tuesday, March 19,2024 Rainbow Ridge LGBTA General Membership Meeting at CoHatch Lakeland, 211 E Main St, 6:30 - 8:30pm
2024-03-19 18:30 - 20:30 | COhatch, 211 E Main Street, Lakeland, FL, 33801, United States
The Rainbow Ridge LGBTA Dems will be having a potluck, Tuesday, March 19,2024 at CoHatch Lakeland, 211 E Main St, 6:30 – 8:30pm
Potluck items are being organized by Rainbow Ridge Secretary.
Guest Speaker TBA at a later date.

April 16, Tuesday Rainbow Ridge General Meeting , Place TBA
2024-04-16 18:30 - 20:30

Get Out the VOTE - Pints and Postcards -West Caribbean Cuban Restaurant - Lakeland
2024-07-16 17:00 - 21:00 | west caribbean cuban restaurant, 2216 South Combee Rd, Lakeland, FL, 33801, United States
Get Out The Vote – Pints and Postcards
Postcards – Food – Drinks
July 16, 2024, 5 -9 pm
West Caribbean Cuban Restaurant
2216 South Combee Rd. Lakeland FL 33801
Drop in for an hour or two
Join us to write postcards for some great candidates! Come for an hour or two or more, and enjoy good food, cold beer (or your beverage of choice) and help us turn Polk County blue!
Please note: Food and beverage purchases are on your own.

Rainbow Ridge LGBTA Democratic Caucus August Meeting on Zoom, Tuesday August 20, 7pm - 8:30pm Guest Speaker Michelle Bradley, Polk County Democrat's Voter Protection Team
2024-08-20 19:00 - 20:30
Due to some of our members will be in Chicago for the Democrat Convention and it is Election Day our next meeting will be on Zoom.
Tuesday, August 20th Zoom Meeting will start at 7:00 PM (Don’t forget to vote first!)
Speaker is Michelle Bradley.
A former field organizer for the Florida Democratic Party, for the 2022 midterms Michelle is currently a member of the Polk County Democrat’s Voter Protection Team.
She’s Precinct 106 Committee Person, Treasurer for the Kay Klymko for Polk County Commissioner Campaign. And PR chair for the Democratic Women’s Club of Lakeland, past treasurer. She will be sharing a power point presentation about Polk Democrats Voter Protection Team – What is it, Why it’s important and How you can participate!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87431307345?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 874 3130 7345
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Labor Day Unity Celebration, August 31, 10am to 2pm at Lake Gwyn Park 137 Ave A East, Wahneta, FL 33880
2024-08-31 10:00 - 14:00 | Lake Gwyn, 137 Ave A East, Wahneta, FL, 33880, United States
Hi Rainbows!!
Our Labor Day Unity Celebration is just around the corner on 8/31. As part of our efforts to connect with the community, we are giving away backpacks containing essential school supplies. One of our DEC members is donating 24 filled backpacks to give away, and we’re hoping to at least match that number with donations through an Amazon Gift List: https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/2RRDJ5PH2XPLC
There are items available less than $5 up to $19, so ordering any one thing won’t “break the bank.” Please share the link with your members and ask them to donate if they can. We’ll need to fill the backpacks prior to the event, so please share as soon as you can.
Also we are looking for volunteers to man/woman the Rainbow Ridge booth at this event. Please contact Woody with your availability. It’s August 31at 137 Ave A East, Wahneta from 10am to 2pm. We could really use your help!!!!

Rainbow Ridge LGBTA Dem Caucus, Democratic Women's Club of Lakeland and Lakeland Democratic Club Postcard and Pizza Party Sept. 17, 5-8pm at COHatch, 211 Main St, Lakeland FL
2024-09-17 17:00 - 20:00 | COhatch, 211 E Main Street, Lakeland, FL, 33801, United States

Rainbow Ridge LGBTA Dem Caucus, Democratic Women's Club of Lakeland and Lakeland Democratic Club Postcard and Pizza Party Oct22 , 5-7pm at COHatch, 211 Main St, Lakeland FL
2024-10-22 17:00 - 19:00 | COhatch, 211 E Main Street, Lakeland, FL, 33801, United States
Hope everyone is recovering well from Hurricane Milton.
We’ve been able to reschedule our postcard writing event. Hope to see you on the 22nd!

Rainbow Ridge LGBTA Democratic Caucus February 18th 2025 meeting at Zest Bar and Grill, 315 E Summerlin St Suite A, Bartow, FL 33830, 6:30 - 8:30pm
2025-02-18 18:30 - 20:30 | zest bar and grill, 315 E Summerlin St Suite A, Bartow, FL, 33830, United States
Come break bread and listen,
learn and contribute your thoughts and suggestions
pertaining to the new
Rose Dynasty LGBTQ+ Center
serving Polk County!
Guest Speaker
Jason DeShazo
better known as
Momma Ashley Rose from Rose Dynasty
February 18th, 6:30 to 8:30
at
Zest Bar and Grill
315 E Summerlin St Suite A, Bartow, FL 33830
SEE YOU THERE!

The center is a tremendous resource dedicated to the well being of our community in terms of ensuring our healthcare needs are met by professionals with expertise in caring for LGBT patients and preserving and expanding our rights which are in jeapardy due to those who have employed scapegoating as part of their political calculations. For many, the time for equality-minded citizens to stand together to support and protect one another, is more important now than it has ever been during our lifetimes.
Fittingly, with this being Black History Month, let us echo the voice of the late great LGBT and civil rights leader and activist Bayard Rustin, who organized the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, the massive gathering that featured Dr Martin Luther King Jr’s “I have a dream speech” .
“We need in every community a group of angelic troublemakers” ~ Bayard Rustin

Rainbow Ridge LGBTA Democrat Caucus March 13th, Thursday Meeting @ Beef O'Brady's 4810 S Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33813, 6:30pm -8:30pm Guest Speaker School Board Candidate Victor Sims
2025-03-13 18:30 - 20:30 | Beef O’Brady’s, 4810 S Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL, 33813, United States
Our March Meeting will be held on Thursday the 13th at Beef O’Brady’s in South Lakeland, FL 6:30 pm to 8:30pm
Guest Speaker Victor Sims School Board Candidate

Rainbow Ridge LGBTA Democrat Caucus Meeting, April 10, 2025 at 6:30pm Beef O'Brady's, 300 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven, FL 33880 - Guest Speakers Karen Welzel of the Democratic Public Education Caucus of Polk County and Matthew Crowley, Candidate for Winter Haven City Commission and President of the Polk County Young Democrats.
2025-04-10 18:30 - 20:30 | Beef O’Brady’s, 300 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven, FL 33880
General Membership meeting scheduled for Thursday April 10, 2025
Meeting will take place at 6:30 PM at Beef O’Brady’s, in Winter Haven at 300 Cypress Gardens Blvd..
Guest Speakers Karen Welzel of the Democratic Public Education Caucus of Polk County and Matthew Crowley, Candidate for Winter Haven City Commission and President of the Polk County Young Democrats

Rainbow Ridge LGBTA Democrat Caucus Meeting, May 8, 2025 at 6:30pm IHOP, 2850 Ridge Way, Lake Wales, FL 33859 - Guest Speaker – Luis Davila, Candidate for Florida House District 48.
2025-05-08 18:30 - 20:30 | IHOP, 2850 Ridge Way, Lake Wales, FL, 33859, United States
Luis is a problem-solver, a dedicated community advocate, and a firm believer in the potential of District 48. He will focus on building a district where every resident has the opportunity to thrive, where neighborhoods are safe and vibrant, and where our children have access to the resources they need to succeed.
Top Issues Luis Will Fight For!
Work with the department of Education, Get Our Public Schools Funded! Expand Medicare and Medicaid For Our Senior Citizens and Low-Income Families. Fight with Insurance Companies to Lower Premiums for Our Homeowners. Investing in infrastructure projects, which can create jobs and improve the overall quality of life. Protecting natural resources, including water quality, air quality, and wildlife habitats. Increase Funding for Affordable Housing Programs, Protect our renters, pathway to homeownership! Advocate for our Veterans and increase funding for our VA! Women’s rights, Pro-Choice!

Kickoff to Pride Month - The Rainbow Potluck @ Rose Dynasty Center, 1253 West Memorial Blvd, Lakeland, June 1st, 4:30 to 7pm
2025-06-01 16:30 - 19:00 | Rose Dynasty Center, 1253 West Memorial Blvd, Lakeland, Florida, 33815
Come join us June 1st as we celebrate Pride Month with a Potluck at Rose Dynasty Center,1253 West Memorial Blvd, Lakeland 4:30 to 7pm.
Bring your favorite dish to share.
Food, Fun And Door Prizes

Pride In The Park, Intentionally PROUD June 14, 2025, 10am to 3pm @ Munn Park, 201 East Main Street Lakeland
2025-06-14 10:00 - 15:00 | Munn Park, 201 E. Main Street, Lakeland, FL, United States
The Rainbow Ridge LGBTA Democratic Caucus will be at Pride In The Park, Intentionally PROUD – June 14, 2025, 10am to 3pm @ Munn Park, 201 East Main Street Lakeland, Florida
Come visit our booth!
Booths, Vendors, Entertainment and GREAT MUSIC!

Rainbow Ridge LGBTA Democratic Caucus July 10th, 2025, Thursday Meeting @ Beef O'Brady's 4810 S Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33813, 6:30pm -8:30pm Guest Speaker: Equality Florida, Field and Advocacy Manager/Community Organizer, Anita Carson
2025-07-10 18:30 - 20:30 | Beef O’Brady’s, 4810 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL, 33813, United States
Rainbow Ridge LGBTA Democrat Caucus July 10th, 2025, Thursday Meeting @ Beef O’Brady’s 4810 S Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33813, 6:30pm -8:30pm
Guest Speaker: Anita Carson
Anita Carson is the Field and Advocacy Manager/Community Organizer for the largest civil rights organization in Florida, Equality Florida. It is dedicated to securing full equality for FL’s LGBTQ community.
Come and learn what is happening politically in Florida as it pertains to our lives.

I-4 Corridor Community Forum Townhall Guest Speaker David Jolly and Billy Townsend August 5 6pm -9pm at Polk Theater
2025-08-05 18:00 - 21:00 | Polk Theater, 121 South Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL, 33801, United States
I-4 Corridor Community Forum Townhall Guest Speaker David Jolly and Billy Townsend August 5 6pm -9pm at Polk Theater, 121 South Florida Ave, Lakeland FL 33801 Register onthe website – Mobilize.us

Rainbow Ridge August 14, 2025 Social and Meeting @ Beef O'Brady's 4810 S Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33813, 6:30pm -8:30pm Guest Speaker Sarah Fortney ad Victor Sims - Update on Education in Polk County
2025-08-14 18:30 - 20:30
Rainbow Ridge August 14, 2025 Social and Meeting @ Beef O’Brady’s 4810 S Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33813, 6:30pm -8:30pm
Guest Speakers; Sarah Fortney and Victor Sims
Status Update: Education in Polk County

Rainbow Ridge LGBTA Democratic Caucus Social and Meeting September 11th, 2025, Thursday at IHOP, 8550 Ridge Way, Lake Wales, FL 33853 6:30pm - 8:30pm
2025-09-11 18:30 - 20:30 | IHOP 8550 Ridge Way Lake Wales FL 33853, 8550 Ridge Way, Lake Wales, 33853, United States
Please Join Us for our Rainbow Ridge LGBTA Democratic Caucus Social and Meeting
September 11th, 2025, Thursday at IHOP, 8550 Ridge Way, Lake Wales, FL 33853
6:30pm – 8:30pm
Guest Speaker: Jo Shim, President of the Lakeland League of Women Voters
Topic: What LWV is focusing on with all the threats this administration is making against our voting rights.

Rainbow Ridge October 9, 2025 Social and Meeting at Sonny's BBQ, 5910 South Florida Ave, Lakeland FL
2025-10-09 18:30 - 20:30 | Sonny’s BBQ, 5910 South Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL, 33813, United States
It’s October, And it’s time to get out the vote for Municipal Election
We got our work to do to try to change the current political movements in our communities.
Please Join Us, The Rainbow Ridge LGBTA Democratic Caucus For Our Social and Meeting
on October 9 th, 2025, Thursday at Sonny’s BBQ, 5910 South Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Guest Speaker: TBA

Freedom Gala, October 25, 2025, Lake Ashton, Lake Wales FL - Contact Polk County DEC for Ticket Price
2025-10-25 17:00 - 22:00 | Lake Ashton Health -Fitness Center, 6052 Pebble Beach Blvd, Winter Haven, 33884, United States
Democratic Party of Polk County Freedom Gala on Saturday October 25, 2025
5pm – 6pm VIP Coctail Hour, 6pm -10pm, Dinner, Guest Speakers, Dessert Auction and Dancing
Guest Speakers are: David Jolly, Candidate for Governor, Andy Oliver, Social Justice Warrior, J.j. Holmes, Disability Activist, and Rex Demmig, Retired Public Defender
Location: Lake Ashton HFC, 6052 Pebble Beach Blvd., Winter Haven FL
Purchase Tickets by October 10. 2025 QR code on Flyer

Rainbow Ridge Social and Meeting on November 13, 2025, Thursday, 6:30pm - 8:30pm at Sony's BBQ, 35620 US-27, Haines City, FL 33844. Guest Speaker Board Member of ORAM and Excutive Director of the OUT Foundation, Paul Salvador
2025-11-13 18:30 - 20:30 | Sony’s BBQ, 35620 US-27, Haine City, FL, 33844, United States
Rainbow Ridge Social and Meeting on November 13, 2025, Thursday, 6:30pm – 8:30pm at Sony’s BBQ, 35620 US-27, Haines City, FL 33844.
Guest Speaker Board Member of ORAM and Excutive Director of the OUT Foundation, Paul Salvador.
We are happy to have Paul Salvatore speak to us about what keeps him busy. He is on the board of Organization for Refuge, Asylum & Migration. It’s the leading agency advocating for people fleeing persecution based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. It fosters global support for thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) refugees and asylum seekers worldwide. And he’s the executive Diredtor of the OUT Foundation who’s mission is to remove the barriers that block LGBTQ+ individuals’ from access and participation in fitness, health, and wellness spaces.

Polk County Democrats Holiday Party at Tapatio's, 734 E. Memorial Blvd, Lakeland, December 11, 2025, Party starts at 5:30pm
2025-12-11 17:30 - 20:30 | Tapatio’s Mexican Restaurant, 734 E. Memorial Blvd, Lakeland, FL, 33801, United States
POLK COUNTY DEMOCRATS
Come Celebrate in Spirit of the Season our Annual Holiday Party, December 11, 2025, Thursday, at Tapatio’s Mexican Restaurant, 734 E. Memorial Blvd. Lakeland, FL
Party Hours are 5:30pm to 8:30pm
(Order off the menu at your cost)
PLEASE RSVP BY DECEMBER 5TH TO
Rainbowinfo@yahoo.com
We will once again be collecting new, unwrapped toys for the Rudolph Roundup Toy Drive through Heartland for Children.

Rainbow Ridge Social and Meeting on January 8, 2026, Thursday, 6:30pm – 8:30pm at Beef O’Brady’s, 300 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven, FL 33880 Guest Speaker TBA
2025-12-12 08:00 - 17:00

Rainbow Ridge Social and General Meeting February 12, 2026, 6:30pm, at Fred's Market Restaurant,2120 Harden Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33803.Guest Speaker Edwin Perez, Candidate for House Seat 51
2026-02-12 18:30 - 20:30 | Fred’s Market Restaurant, 2120 Harden Blvd, Lakeland, FL, 33803, United States
Rainbow Ridge Social and General Meeting February 12, 2026, 6:30pm, at Fred’s Market Restaurant, 2120 Harden Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33803
Guest Speaker Edwin Perez, Candidate for House Seat 51

Rainbow Ridge LGBTA Democratic Caucus Social and General March 12, 2026 Meeting, 6:30pm – 8:30pm at Golden Coral, 5722 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven, FL 33880
2026-03-12 18:30 - 20:30 | Golden Coral, 5722 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven, Florida, 33880
January and February Minutes and the Treasurer’s Report at our next
Rainbow Ridge LGBTA Democratic Caucus Social and General Meeting
Thursday, March 12, 2026 Meeting, 6:30pm – 8:30pm at Golden Coral, 5722 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven, FL 33880
Guest Speaker, Matthew Crowley, Florida State House 48
You all already know Matthew from last year’s City Commission run. He’s back and running for Florida House District 48. Putting Working Families First!
