VoteManatee.org

As part of the final episode of Season 2 of The Real KVO the VoteManatee.org Project was created around a simple idea: the strongest communities are built by informed citizens who are willing to participate.

Too often, elections are reduced to campaign mailers, television ads, and thirty-second sound bites. This project was created to slow that down by giving people the opportunity to hear directly from the individuals shaping our communities. Candidates, community leaders, advocates, veterans, former elected officials, and everyday citizens were invited to share their thoughts on civic engagement, free speech, accountability, transparency, and why local elections matter. While their perspectives differ, they share a common belief: democracy works best when people stay informed, ask questions, and remain engaged.

The VoteManatee.org Project does not endorse or oppose any candidate, political party, or campaign. Its purpose is to promote civic engagement, protect free speech, and encourage the public to hear directly from participants so they can make informed decisions for themselves.

And to occasionally make a perfectly timed fart joke.

If you would like to be a part of the VoteManatee.org Project shoot us an email at angrylittlekevin@gmail.com

#ramen

Locals Running for Office

Eddie Speir

U.S. Congress District 16 candidate Eddie Speir reflects on the importance of moral courage, free speech, and the role satire can play in encouraging civic engagement. Drawing on the principles of the Constitution, he encourages citizens to speak the truth as they see it, question those in positions of power, and remember that a healthy democracy depends on protecting the right to express differing opinions.

Kelly Kirschner

U.S. Congress District 16 candidate, and former Mayor of Sarasota, Kelly Kirschner reflects on the importance of civic engagement, public service, and informed participation in democracy. Drawing on his experience in local government, international community development, and nonprofit leadership, he discusses the value of listening to different perspectives, staying engaged in local issues, and recognizing that strong communities are built by citizens who choose to participate.

Martin Hyde

Florida Senate District 22 candidate, business owner, and community advocate Martin Hyde reflects on the importance of free speech, civic engagement, and active participation in local government. Drawing on years of involvement in public meetings and community advocacy, he discusses why citizens should ask difficult questions, stay informed, and hold elected officials accountable. Hyde encourages viewers to remember that democracy is strongest when ordinary people choose to participate and make their voices heard.

John "Captain" Phillips

Florida House District 72 candidate John "Captain" Phillips reflects on the importance of free speech, civic engagement, and the responsibility that comes with living in a free society. Drawing on more than 31 years of service in the U.S. Coast Guard, he discusses why the First Amendment depends on citizens having the courage to speak their minds, stay involved in their communities, and protect the rights of others to do the same.

Melton Little

Florida House District 71 candidate Melton Little discusses the importance of government accountability, constitutional rights, and civic engagement. Blending humor with a call for public service, he reflects on the need for transparent government, responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, improved infrastructure, cleaner waterways, and better care for shelter animals. Little encourages viewers to stay informed, ask questions, participate in the democratic process, and remember that government exists to serve the people, not the other way around.

Elizabeth Arnold

Manatee County Commission District 1 candidate Elizabeth Arnold discusses the importance of civic engagement, responsible growth, and protecting the character of local communities. Drawing on years of community advocacy and public involvement in county planning issues, she encourages residents to stay informed, participate in local government, and recognize that thoughtful citizen involvement plays an essential role in shaping Manatee County's future.

Sari Lindroos-Valimaki

Manatee County Commission District 1 candidate Sari Lindroos-Valimaki discusses the importance of building resilient communities through thoughtful planning, environmental stewardship, and civic engagement. Drawing on her background in cybersecurity and problem-solving, she encourages residents to look beyond politics, stay involved in local decision-making, and remember that the choices made today will shape the future of Manatee County for generations to come.

John Dunn

Manatee County Commission District 1 candidate and U.S. Air Force veteran John Dunn reflects on the importance of civic engagement, free speech, and personal responsibility. Drawing on the lessons he learned through military service, he discusses why accountability, critical thinking, and the courage to question decisions are essential to a healthy democracy. Dunn encourages viewers to stay informed, speak up when it matters, and remember that protecting their community begins with citizens who choose to participate rather than stand on the sidelines.

Ed Bailey

Manatee County Commission District 2 candidate Ed Bailey discusses the importance of civic engagement and the role local elections play in shaping the future of the community. A lifelong Manatee County resident, Bailey encourages voters to research the candidates on their ballots, stay engaged in the political process, and remember that local government works best when it remains accountable to the people it serves.

Ed Ference

Manatee County Commission District 6 candidate Ed Ference discusses the importance of civic engagement and the role local elections play in shaping the future of the community. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience working for Manatee County, he reflects on the value of public service, encourages voters to research the candidates on their ballots, and reminds viewers that accountable government begins with an informed and engaged public.

Thomas Schwarz

Bradenton City Council Ward 3 candidate Thomas Schwarz discusses the importance of civic engagement and the role everyday residents play in shaping their communities. Drawing on his experiences meeting with Bradenton residents throughout his campaign, he encourages people to participate in local government, ask difficult questions, support their neighborhoods, and remember that strong communities are built by citizens who choose to stay engaged rather than stand on the sidelines.

Carol Whitmore

Holmes Beach City Commission candidate, current Holmes Beach Commissioner, former Holmes Beach Mayor, and former Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore reflects on the importance of free speech and the role public criticism plays in a healthy democracy. Drawing on decades of experience in local government, she discusses why public officials should expect scrutiny, accept differing viewpoints, and recognize that satire has long been part of civic discourse. Whitmore encourages viewers to remember that open dialogue, humor, and accountability are essential parts of public service and democratic participation.

Local Activists

Trent Wayman

Trent Wayman, who was elected Manatee County Republican State Committeeman in 2024, shares why he believes civic engagement begins with ordinary people who are willing to show up, have conversations, and participate in their communities. Reflecting on his grassroots experience, he discusses the importance of free speech, voter outreach, and face-to-face engagement, encouraging citizens to stay informed, ask questions, and remember that meaningful change often starts one conversation at a time.

Julie Madison

Professional dog trainer and Manatee Shelter Watch advocate Julie Madison reflects on how local government decisions affect both people and animals. Using the Bishop Animal Shelter as an example, she discusses the importance of transparency, accountability, and listening to community members, encouraging residents to stay engaged long after Election Day because meaningful change requires ongoing public participation.

Cullen Andrew

Sarasota media whiz and civic advocate Cullen Andrew discusses the power of informed citizens to strengthen local government. Drawing on years of reviewing public records, attending meetings, and asking difficult questions, he explains why transparency and accountability depend on public participation. Andrew encourages viewers to stay curious, stay engaged, and remember that meaningful change begins when ordinary people choose to pay attention and get involved.

Kristyn Martin

Animal welfare advocate Kristyn Martin reflects on how local government decisions directly affect both communities and the animals that depend on them. Using the Bishop Animal Shelter project as an example, she discusses the importance of transparency, accountability, and following through on public commitments, encouraging residents to stay engaged long after Election Day because meaningful change comes through continued civic participation.

Lindsey Leigh

Myakka resident and grassroots community advocate Lindsey Leigh reflects on the growing role ordinary citizens play in strengthening local government. Drawing on her work encouraging community involvement and advocating for the protection of Manatee County's natural resources, she discusses the importance of accountability, transparency, and civic engagement. Leigh encourages residents to look beyond campaign mailers, meet the candidates, attend public meetings, and remember that meaningful change begins when people realize government belongs to the communities it serves.

Josie Gentry

Florida environmental advocate Josie Gentry discusses the importance of protecting the state's land and water while encouraging voters to think independently. Speaking from a reclaimed phosphate mine, she reflects on the long-term impacts of development and urges viewers to research the candidates on their ballots, vote on principle, and stay engaged in shaping Florida's future.

Kelly Franklin

Longtime community advocate Kelly Franklin reflects on the importance of free speech, government transparency, and civic engagement. Drawing on years of involvement in local issues, including neighborhood preservation, responsible growth, and public accountability. She discusses how informed citizens strengthen democracy by asking questions, participating in public meetings, and defending the rights of others to express differing viewpoints. Inspired by Benjamin Franklin's Silence Dogood essays, she reminds viewers that satire and open debate have long been part of the American tradition of holding those in power accountable.

Rylan Kozinski

Grassroots community advocate Rylan Kozinski discusses the value of civic engagement and the impact everyday citizens can have when they become involved in the political process. He encourages viewers to research the candidates on their ballots, participate in local government, and remember that democracy depends on informed and engaged communities.

Laurel Nevans

Anna Maria Island community advocate Laurel Nevans reflects on the importance of civic engagement, local self-government, and protecting the voices of local communities. Drawing on her experience organizing grassroots efforts to encourage public participation on Anna Maria Island, she discusses why informed citizens play a vital role in shaping public policy and encourages viewers to stay engaged, ask questions, and remember that strong communities are built when neighbors choose to participate in the democratic process.

Misty Servia

In this conversation, former Manatee County Commissioner and DeSoto County Planning Director Misty Servia reflects on the importance of civic engagement, free speech, and thoughtful participation in local government. Drawing on more than three decades of experience in planning and public service, she discusses why informed citizens play a vital role in shaping their communities and why constructive dialogue, accountability, and public involvement are essential to good government. Servia encourages viewers to stay engaged, ask questions, and recognize that local decisions have a lasting impact on the future of their communities.

Heidi Lynn

Myakka City advocate Heidi Lynn discusses the importance of civic engagement and the impact local government decisions have on everyday communities. Reflecting on concerns about rapid growth, traffic, and future development in eastern Manatee County, she encourages residents to pay close attention to local issues, stay informed, and participate in elections. Heidi emphasizes that meaningful change begins when ordinary citizens speak up, hold elected officials accountable, and remain actively involved in shaping the future of their communities

The Real KVO