Florida Veterans for Common Sense

2026 FLVCS March Meeting
2026-03-09 23:00 - 2026-03-10 00:00 UTC | Unity of Sarasota, 3023 Proctor Rd, Sarasota, FL, 34231
The FLVCS March 2026 meeting will feature a 2026 Candidate Forum with Matthew Montavon and Allen Spence. Both are running for Florida Congressional District 17.
How to attend
Join us the the Unity of Sarasota Church. Meeting details are below. If you can not attend in person, then please join us on Zoom. You must register to attend the Zoom webinar. Don’t delay. Please invite your family and friends to the 2026 FLVCS March meeting.
The meeting will be held at
Unity of Sarasota Church
3023 Proctor Rd, Sarasota, FL 34231
7:00 PM ET – 8:00 PM ET
Bio for Matthew Montavon

Matthew spent two years in the Peace Corps supporting rural agricultural communities in Central America. Provided critical support to migrant farm workers through the Illinois Migrant Council.
Six years working with regional planning councils in Martinsburg, WV and Lynchburg, VA, as well as the National Association of Regional Councils and the Government Finance Officers Association Research Center.
27 years with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization supporting programs and activities fighting hunger and improving food systems worldwide.
Authored multiple publications and studies for improving public policy and services
Extensive experience navigating local, state, and
federal government interactions
Years of urban and regional planning expertise working across West Virginia, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
Authored comprehensive fiscal studies and plans for community development, block grant applications, and business directories.
Learn more about Matthew.

Bio for Allen Spence
For over 20 years, I’ve worked in broker-dealer operations, most recently at multiple nationally recognized financial technology firms. I’ve overseen how trades are executed, ensured regulatory compliance, and fought for transparency in financial markets.
Unlike our current Congressman, who won’t even hold town halls to listen to his constituents, I believe accountability starts with showing up and listening to the problems of the citizens of Southwest Florida.
I’m a Scouting America leader, a proud Floridian, and a dad to an amazing teenage son. My wife and I built our life here in Southwest Florida, and, like many families, we’re concerned about rising costs, political dysfunction, and leaders more focused on headlines than results.
Learn more about Allen.

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Save Democracy for All
2026-03-28 13:00 - 18:00 | Venice Community Centar, 326 Nokomis Av S, Venice, FL, 34285, United States
Don’t miss the Save Our Democracy For All conference on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Venice Community Center. The conference is being hosted by the Social Justice Alliance of the Florida Suncoast (SJAFS). Florida Veterans for Common Sense is a proud member organization of the SJAFS.

More information and register for the conference.
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No Kings Rally
2026-03-28 19:15 - 23:00 | FLVCS HQ, 1760 Mound St, Sarasota, FL, 34236, United States
Join with Florida Veterans for Common Sense for the No Kings Rally on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM EDT.
Muster Point:
FLVCS HQ
SunCoast Blood Center Parking Lot
1760 Mound St
Sarasota, 34236
Muster Time: 3:15 PM EDT
Rallyers will walk to the rally as a group. It is about a mile. You may also join us at the rally.
FLVCS will provide flags, banners, and posters to hold at the rally. We request that you not bring your own signs.
The suggested dress is black FLVCS polo or t-shirt and FLVCS cap. Bringing your own water is recommended.
More information can be found at NO KINGS SARASOTA.
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The Last 600 Meters
2026-04-11 12:00 - 14:00 | New College of Florida/Sainer Pavillion, 5313 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL, 34243, United States
The Last 600 Meters tells the story of the two deadliest battles of the Iraq War which occurred in 2004. The Battle of Najaf was fought in the South against the Shiite Mahdi militia. The Battle of Fallujah was fought in the West against Sunni insurgents.These brutal urban conflicts were not the high-tech battles the military had prepared for after the first Gulf War in 1991, but they are the face of modern warfare. Please join Florida Veterans for Common Sense in attending the Sarasota Film Festival’s showing of The Last 600 Meters.For more information and to order tickets use the button below.

Order Tickets

The Last 600 Meters
April 11
@
12:00 PM
–
2:00 PM

New College of Florida/Sainer Pavillion

5313 Bay Shore Rd

Sarasota,
FL
34243
United States

+ Google Map

(941) 364-9514

View Venue Website

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2026 FLVCS April Meeting
2026-04-13 19:00 - 20:00 | Unity of Sarasota, 3023 Proctor Rd, Sarasota, FL, 34231
The 2026 FLVCS April meeting will feature a 2026 Candidate Forum for Sarasota County School Board Districts 1 and 5. Jimmy Glover is running for District 1 and Beth Mayberry is running for District 5. The other candidates are not able to attend.
Sarasota County School Board races are nonpartisan. All registered voters may vote for candidates in any District.
How to attend
Please join us the the Unity of Sarasota Church.
Unity of Sarasota3023 Proctor Rd.Sarasota, FL 342367:00 PM – 8:00PM EDT
Please invite your friends and neighbors to the 2026 FLVCS April meeting. It is open to all.
This meeting is in person only. It will not be streamed online.
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Kayak Trips for Vets - April
2026-04-18 13:00 | Neal Preserve, 12301 Manatee Av W, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
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Soul Patrol
2026-04-19 14:00 - 16:00 | New College of Florida/Sainer Pavillion, 5313 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL, 34243, United States
Don’t miss the Winner of the Directing Award for US Documentaries at Sundance, Soul Patrol as it uncovers a largely untold chapter of American military history: the first all-Black special operations unit to serve during the Vietnam War and the lasting impact of their service.
Please join Florida Veterans for Common Sense in attending the Sarasota Film Festival’s showing of Soul Patrol, an untold story of Black Americans during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, fighting for a country that often denied them equality at home. The documentary is framed around a reunion of surviving unit members.
For more information and to order tickets use the button below.

Order Tickets

Soul Patrol
April 19
@
2:00 PM
–
4:00 PM

New College of Florida/Sainer Pavillion

5313 Bay Shore Rd

Sarasota,
FL
34243
United States

+ Google Map

(941) 364-9514

View Venue Website

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FLVCS Candidate Meet and Greet
2026-05-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Unity of Sarasota, 3023 Proctor Rd, Sarasota, FL, 34231
Come to the FLVCS Candidate Meet and Greet in the Friendship Hall at Unity of Sarasota from 6:00 PM EDT – 7:00 PM EDT. Candidates from multiple races in the Sarasota area and across Florida will be participating. Don’t miss this opportunity to interact on a 1-1 basis with the candidates.
Where and When
Unity of Sarasota Church
3023 Proctor Rd, Sarasota, FL 342316:00 PM EDT – 7:00 PM EDT
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2026 FLVCS May Meeting
2026-05-11 19:00 - 20:00 | Unity of Sarasota, 3023 Proctor Rd, Sarasota, FL, 34231
Don’t miss out on hearing David Jolly, candidate for Florida Governor. He will be the featured speaker at the 2026 FLVCS May meeting. David is seeking the Democratic nomination for Governor in a crowded Primary field of candidates.
Please note, Florida Primary Election Day is Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The Election Day also has voting for nonpartisan elections, such as the Sarasota County School Board. All registered voters can vote.
David’s Topic
David will speak about his three core principles, which are anchored in the belief, that everyone should be treated with kindness, dignity, and respect and “…in a future where everyone has a fair shot to build their future in the great state of Florida.” In addition to his three core principles, David’s message will cover how he intends to address Florida’s affordability crisis, strengthen Florida’s economy, restore services for our veterans, and save our schools, among other priorities.
How to attend
Join us the the Unity of Sarasota Church. Meeting details are below. Please invite your family and friends to the 2026 FLVCS May meeting.
Unity of Sarasota Church
3023 Proctor Rd, Sarasota, FL 34231
7:00 PM EDT – 8:00 PM EDT
If you can not attend in person, then please join us on Meet. We are no longer using Zoom. No registration is necessary. Click on the button below to join the meeting.

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Bio for David Jolly

David grew up in Florida, the son of a pastor. Today, David and his wife Laura are raising their young family in Pinellas County where he served in Congress from 2014-2017. In Congress, David focused on helping veterans and seniors, supporting law enforcement, protecting the environment, and bringing resources back to Florida. David’s work to clean up government corruption was featured on 60 Minutes. Readmore about David.
Candidate Meet & Greet
There will be a candidate Meet & Greet in the Friendship Hall at the church from 6:00 PM EDT – 7:00 PM EDT. Candidates from multiple races in the Sarasota area and across Florida have been invited. Don’t miss this opportunity to interact on a 1-1 basis with the candidates.
Important information for Florida Voters.
Find out when, where, and how to register and to vote in the upcoming elections on August 18 and November 3. click on the button below.

Voter Information

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Kayak Trips for Vets - May
2026-05-16 13:00 | FL
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FLVCS FL-16 Meet and Greet
2026-06-08 18:00 - 19:00 | Unity of Sarasota, 3023 Proctor Rd, Sarasota, FL, 34231
Come to the FLVCS FL-16 Candidate Meet and Greet in the Friendship Hall at Unity of Sarasota on Monday, June 8, 2026 from 6:00 PM EDT – 7:00 PM EDT. Candidates running for U.S, Congressional District FL-16 will be attending. FL-16 covers parts of Manatee and Hillsborough Counties.
The FLVCS F-16 Meet & Greet is free and open to the public. Please bring your family and friends. Don’t miss this opportunity to interact on a 1-1 basis with the candidates.
There will be a Candidate Forum in the church’s sanctuary following the Meet & Greet.
Where and When
Unity of Sarasota Church3023 Proctor Rd, Sarasota, FL 34231
Monday, June 8, 20266:00 PM EDT – 7:00 PM EDT
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2026 FLVCS June Meeting
2026-06-08 19:00 - 20:00 | Unity of Sarasota, 3023 Proctor Rd, Sarasota, FL, 34231
The 2026 FLVCS June meeting will feature a Candidate Forum for U.S. Congressional District FL-16. Confirmed candidates are Mark Davis, Jon Harris, Kelly Kirschner, Jan Schneider, and Eddie Spier.
How to attend
Please join us in-person at the Unity of Sarasota Church.
Unity of Sarasota3023 Proctor Rd.Sarasota, FL 342367:00 PM – 8:00PM EDT
Invite your friends and neighbors to the 2026 FLVCS June meeting. It is open to all.
If you can not attend in person, then please join us on Meet. We are no longer using Zoom. No registration is necessary. Click on the button below to join the meeting.

Join Meeting

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Kayak Trips for Vets - June
2026-06-13 13:00 | FL

2026 FLVCS July Meeting
2026-07-13 19:00 - 20:00 | Unity of Sarasota, 3023 Proctor Rd, Sarasota, FL, 34231
U.S. Army Iraq veteran, Brigadier General Leela Gray, Ret., will be the featured speaker at the 2026 FLVCS July meeting. She is running for Florida Congressional District 13. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about her positions on

Tackling the cost of living crisis
Growing economic opportunities
Fighting for our most vulnerable
Protecting our beaches, land, and coastal economy
National Security
Climate Change

These are some of the most important issues facing Florida and our nation today.
How to attend
Please join us in-person at the Unity of Sarasota Church.
Unity of Sarasota3023 Proctor Rd.Sarasota, FL 34236Monday, July 13, 20267:00 PM – 8:00PM EDT
Invite your friends and neighbors to the 2026 FLVCS July meeting. It is open to all.
If you can not attend in person, then please join us on Meet. We are no longer using Zoom. No registration is necessary. Click on the button below to join the meeting.

Join Meeting

Meet BG Leela Gray, Ret.
A third-generation veteran, attorney, business leader, and mother, Brigadier General (Ret) Leela Gray has never backed down from a tough fight. Raised with humble beginnings, Leela learned early on what it means to earn your way—working hard in middle and high school, from babysitting and lifeguarding to fast food service and waiting tables. Her father opened a small auto shop, and while her family relied on food stamps at times, they never stopped working to make ends meet.
Driven by a call to serve, Leela became an ROTC cadet and rose steadily through the ranks of the U.S. Army, working relentlessly to earn every opportunity and receiving recognition for her grit, determination, and character. Leela served more than 30 years in uniform, including two combat deployments and a peacekeeping mission. She represented the United States overseas and strengthened combat readiness for our forces in the Middle East. Leela was always focused on one mission: working for the men and women beside her and the American families counting on them back home.
While serving in the Army Reserve, Leela built a successful civilian career in technology and strategic communications, growing businesses, managing budgets, and serving on advisory boards. After retiring from the military, she earned her law degree, helping veterans access healthcare and other critical benefits. Leela is running for Congress because she knows leadership is about solving problems, protecting our freedoms, and standing up for hardworking Americans, not Washington elites.
Leela and her husband, Tony, have lived in the Tampa Bay area for more than 20 years and are proud parents of their daughter, Bailly.

This meeting is free and open to the public. BG Gray’s presentation is part of Florida Veterans for Common Sense’s efforts to educate the public on candidates and issues for the 2026 elections. BG Gray’s expressed views are her own and do not imply FLVCS’s agreement. Her presentation does not constitute FLVCS’s endorsement of her candidacy.
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2026 FLVCS August Meeting
2026-08-10 19:00 - 20:00 | Unity of Sarasota, 3023 Proctor Rd, Sarasota, FL, 34231
The 2026 FLVCS August meeting will feature a Candidate Forum for Florida’s Chief Financial Officer. Frank Collige and Earle Ford have confirmed their attendance. Other candidates will be listed as they confirm. Stay tuned.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about their positions on

Tackling The cost of living crisis
Lowering high insurance costs
Reducing taxes
Holding the Florida Government accountable
Improving disaster preparedness and financial resilience

These are some of the most important issues facing Florida today.
How to attend
Please join us in-person at the Unity of Sarasota Church.
Unity of Sarasota3023 Proctor Rd.Sarasota, FL 34236Monday, August 10, 20267:00 PM – 8:00PM EDT
Invite your friends and neighbors to the 2026 FLVCS August meeting. It is open to all.
If you can not attend in person, then please join us on Meet. We are no longer using Zoom. No registration is necessary. Click on the button below to join the meeting.

Join Meeting

Meet Frank Collige
My name is Dr. Frank W. Collige, and I am honored to announce my candidacy for Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO). With decades of experience in leadership, business development, financial oversight, and public service, I am ready to bring a bold vision and pragmatic solutions to Florida’s financial future.
From my time serving in the U.S. Air Force, where I was entrusted with safeguarding our nation’s most vital assets, to my leadership roles in the private sector overseeing multi-million-dollar budgets, logistical operations, and regulatory compliance, I’ve dedicated my life to serving others. Along the way, I’ve built businesses from the ground up, expanded operations across state lines, and worked tirelessly to ensure fairness and accountability in the insurance industry.
As the Owner of Property Pros Consulting, I grew the company to operate in eight states, managing over 1,000 insurance claims annually. In this role, I gained extensive experience identifying and addressing insurance fraud committed by carriers, contractors, and the insured. I’ve seen firsthand how unethical practices drive up costs for hardworking Floridians, and I’ve worked diligently to protect clients from unfair claim denials, inflated repair costs, and misleading policy practices.
Meet Earle Ford

Born on a U.S. Air Force base and raised in small-town Wyoming, Earle Ford grew up with the values of hard work, honesty, and pride in country. Those values shaped a lifetime of service that has taken him from military service to public service and the fight for accountability at every level of government.
Earle began his career in the U.S. Army’s Airborne Infantry, where he helped train America’s special operations units and learned the importance of discipline, leadership, and putting mission before self. After his military service, he became a state prosecutor, standing up for victims, protecting communities, and holding criminals accountable.
Later, Earle served as a federal IRS lawyer, where he scrutinized complex financial schemes, investigated the ultra-wealthy, and exposed tax loopholes that allowed powerful interests to avoid paying their fair share. Throughout his career, his mission has remained the same: fighting for the people, not the powerful.
This meeting is free and open to the public. This Candiates Forum is part of Florida Veterans for Common Sense’s efforts to educate the public on candidates and issues for the 2026 elections. Candidates’ expressed views are their own and do not imply FLVCS’s agreement. Their presentations do not constitute FLVCS’s endorsement of their candidacy.
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