The clubs are joining together during the coronavirus pandemic to present free online forums on important topics.
For the first time, 10 Tiger Bay Clubs from around Florida will join together to present a series of virtual forums on the presidential race and proposed state constitutional amendments.
The Central Florida, First Coast, Flagler, Gold Coast, Manatee, St. Johns, South County (Venice), Suncoast, Tampa and Volusia County Tiger Bay Clubs will present the forums free of charge as a public service. The Florida Tiger Bay Clubs Election Series 2020 forums will be at noon and shown on the Tampa Tiger Bay Club’s Facebook page, tigerbayclub.com and the TBAE network on Spectrum and Frontier in Hillsborough County.
“These forums are a direct consequence of the Coronavirus pandemic, which has forced so many in-person gatherings to the virtual world,” said Tampa Tiger Bay Club Yvonne Frye. “The statewide forums are a logical extension of the virtual forums our club has been presenting for several months. You could say this is an unintended benefit of our new normal.”
The online forums will kick off Friday, October 9 at noon with a panel discussion on Amendment 3, which would establish a top-two open primary system for primary elections for state legislators, governor and cabinet. Confirmed panelists are former congressman Jason Altmire, state Sen. and Republican Party Chairman Joe Gruters, Florida Democratic Party Chairman Terri Rizzo and Glen Burhans, Jr. of All Voters Vote.
Future forums in the series include Friday, October 16 at noon, a panel discussion previewing the presidential election; and Friday, Oct. 23 at noon, a panel discussion of Amendment 2, which would establish a $15 statewide minimum wage: and Thursday, Nov. 12 at noon, a post-election analysis of the Florida election.
The first Tiger Bay Club in Florida was founded in Miami in 1964 by politically minded people led by Stephen Ross, a local political consultant. More Tiger Bay Clubs have since been formed throughout the state. All are non-partisan organizations that operate independently. The clubs do not endorse candidates or take sides in political campaigns.
Before the coronavirus pandemic, monthly meetings were held as paid luncheons to hear from political speakers. The meetings are known for the tough questions asked by the knowledgeable and politically engaged members and often attract media coverage.
Only members can ask questions. During the virtual forums, questions will be submitted in advance by members.