Throughout this week (10/2 – 10/9), activists have the opportunity to participate in coastal cleanups, public meetings, and expos. Read on if you want to get involved in the community regarding environmental activism, economic justice, and LGBTQ+ pride.
Thursday, Oct. 3
Nation Group Monthly Meeting
@ 10 a.m – 12 p.m.
Selby Public Library – Second Floor Conference Room – Selby Public Library, 1331 1st St, Sarasota, FL
Join the Nation Group of Sarasota and Bradenton for their general meeting, held every first Thursday of the month, to discuss current affairs and plan activist efforts centering the concept of putting people in front of profit. The Nation Group is a part of Move to Amend, a coalition of individuals across America who seek to end corporate rule, promote social and economic justice and demand a version of democracy that is fair and equal to all. This meeting is free and open to the public.
Thursday, Oct. 3
October Gay Group Happy Hour
@ 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Bavaro’s Pizza – 27 Fletcher Ave, Sarasota, FL
Join Gay Group Happy Hour (G2H2) for an evening of networking, community building and food at the organization’s monthly event, Gay Group Happy Hour. G2H2 is a group that brings queer-friendly organizations and businesses in Sarasota together to host monthly meet-ups at various local restuarants. This October, the event will be hosted by Bavaro’s Pizza and Boyer & Boyer, a local law firm committed to valuing the experiences of clients, educating the public and advocating for poor Sarasota residents. This gathering is free and open to the public.
Friday, Oct. 4 – Sunday Oct. 6
Come Out St. Pete
The Grand Central District – 2529 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL
Head up to St. Petersburg for a weekend of fundraising, community building and showing support at Come Out St. Pete, a series of LGBTQ+ centered events that seeks to celebrate both National Coming Out Day (Oct. 11) and the city’s rich queer history. Events include the Vogue Ball to Benefit the Veterans of Foreign Wars on Friday evening, the St. Pete Pride Parade and Festival on Saturday and the PFlag Beach Party on Sunday afternoon. Visit facebook.com/comeoutstpete for more information on event details and times. All events outside of fundraising efforts are free and open to the public.
Saturday, Oct. 5
Sarasota Bay Watch Annual Monofilament Cleanup
@ 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
1717 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL
Keep the Florida coast beautiful and prevent the death of local wildlife by joining members of Eco-Voice, South Florida’s non-partisan, independent online communication portal for individuals and organizations concerned with environmental issues in a wide-spread coastal cleanup, spanning from Bradenton to Venice. Volunteers will use kayaks and boats to access harmful trash, particularly monofilament fishing line, around the mangroves, shoreline, and ocean. This event is free and open to the public.
Saturday, Oct. 5
Bradenton Veg Expo
@ 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Bradenton Area Convention Center – 1 Haben Blvd, Palmetto, FL
In collaboration with environmental education and outreach group Solutionary Species, the annual Bradenton Veg Expo aims to get people involved in animal and environmental activism through providing community members with the opportunity to meet and talk with local health professionals, eco-friendly business owners, and animal protection advocates. This expo will host a variety of organizations and groups, such as Suncoast House Rabbit Rescue, Vegan Action and the Factory Farming Awareness Coalition and will feature live music, food, workshops and giveaways. This event is free and open to the public.