League of Women Voters ^®
of Alachua County

On Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at 6:30 p.m., the new LWVAC Gun Violence Prevention Committee hosted its first meeting featuring guest speaker Barbara Markley, Esquire, gun safety advocate and Co-chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Committee at the LWV of Broward County. Barbara discussed the "Lock it Up!" gun safety program that has distributed 30,000 free gun locks in Broward County and other gun safety programs LWVAC may want to emulate. A recording of the meeting is now available.

December 12, 2023: The Alachua County commission voted to adopt a nonbinding resolution endorsing Medicare for All. This effort was organized by Medicare for All Florida, Students for a National Health Program (SNaHP), Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP) and the Alachua County Labor Coalition. Dozens and dozens of Alachua County residents also supported the resolution by signing a petition, which was submitted to the county commission. "We are happy to support Medicare for All," said Commission Chair Mary Alford, sponsor of the resolution, upon its unanimous passage.

Dear Members,
It was with gladness that I stepped out the door in my jacket this chilly morning. Cycles are the heartbeat of Mother Earth. Even in Florida, flora and fauna are slowing their pace to rest for the winter. Animals are scavenging to store away food for winter. Staying in tune with nature’s cycles as we continue our League work can lend a sense of rhythm and equanimity.

On October 26th our Alachua County League resumed its traditional fall luncheon after three years of suspension due to the pandemic. Members were excited to see each other again. President Janice Garry provided updates on LWVAC activities and LWV of Florida Secretary and Voter Services Chair, Dr. Monica Elliot, reviewed Florida's history of one-party control and now history is repeating itself with a different party in control. She also discussed bills that have already been filed for the upcoming 2024 Florida legislative session which would impact League priority issues (Voting Rights & Election Reform, Reproductive Health & Justice, Education, and Gun Violence Prevention).