Join Florida Veterans for Common Sense (FLVCS) for the 2025 Thomas Paine Party. We will be celebrating the 288th Anniversary of the birth of founding patriot, Thomas Paine. Each year, FLVCS awards our annual Thomas Paine Award to a patriot who follows in the legacy of Thomas Paine to defend our democracy and advance the promise of America.

This year’s Thomas Paine Award winner is Tom Edwards. Tom stands as a voice of reason on the Sarasota County School Board. He is a moderate voice advocating for the freedom of teachers, the rights of ALL students and parents, and the preservation of public schools from the destructive, political winds of privatization.

As a Sarasota County School Board member, Tom has a proven track record of standing up for the democratic values this community cherishes and leading the district with integrity, intelligence, and innovation.

Food and Drink: A Mexican Buffet is included in the ticket price. Sodas, tea, coffee, beer and wine will be available for purchase.

The FLVCS party honors the legacy of Thomas Paine who is credited with turning the American rebellion into the American Revolution for Independence through his is best-selling political tract, Common Sense. He was the first to use the term United States of America. He wrote The Crisis Papers at the behest of General George Washington. Paine’s call to action rallied the Continental Army troops to continue the fight after their retreat and defeat at New York. Contemporaries noted, “Without the pen of Paine, Washington would have wielded his sword in vain.”

We hope you can join us for the 2025 Thomas Paine Party. 

2025 Thomas Paine Party details:

Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center
525 Kumquat Ct, Sarasota 34236
Monday, February 24, 2025
Starting at 5:30 PM.
Tickets: $50.00/person, general seating

To purchase tickets click on the button or use the QR code: