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Lisa Stortstrom: Fighting for Florida's Future [1]

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Date: 2024-09-18

Lisa Stortstrom has always been driven by a deep desire to serve others and make a positive impact on the world. Growing up, she was captivated by the natural beauty of the Indian River, spending countless hours with her grandparents in Micco. Her passion for advocacy took root early, leading her to Jacksonville, Florida, where she studied Public Relations for nonprofit organizations and Political Science. During her time there, she worked for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and canvassed with Greenpeace, cementing her dedication to making a difference.

After several years working in the field, Lisa followed her calling and returned to school, this time to the Institute of Advanced Montessori Studies in Maryland, to become a Montessori teacher. She taught in the Washington, DC area, working closely with Lower Elementary and Preschool students. Inspired by her students with special needs, she continued her education at Lesley University in Massachusetts, earning a Master’s in Intensive Special Needs with a focus on Autism Spectrum. Expanding her expertise even further, Lisa trained as a yoga teacher, offering adaptive breathing and movement therapy to people with special needs to support their learning.

Following in her mother’s footsteps, Lisa eventually returned to Florida, drawn back by the natural beauty and recreational lifestyle. She enjoyed paddleboarding, teaching, and long walks on the beach. However, after witnessing the devastating effects of the 2018 red tide, Lisa knew she needed to do more to protect Florida's fragile environment. She became the Activist Director for the Environmental Caucus of the Sarasota County Democrats, dedicating herself to fighting for the health of Florida's ecosystems.

Lisa's desire to make a broader impact led her to run for the Florida State House in District 74, advocating for the protection of Florida's wildlife. Despite running in a deeply conservative area during the pandemic, she secured nearly 45,000 votes. The experience only strengthened her resolve. After suffering from red tide poisoning herself and watching rampant overdevelopment cause frequent sewage spills, she knew more had to be done.

Now, Lisa is running again, this time in District 85, to save the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon from overdevelopment and corporate pollution. She believes in returning the power of government to the people and restoring representation that prioritizes citizens over special interests. Like Vice President Harris and Governor Walz, Lisa dreams of a Florida where every individual has the opportunity to get ahead and live their best life. She envisions safe neighborhoods, free of harmful chemicals, with ample parks and natural habitats. Schools must be free to foster bright futures for every student, including those with disabilities, in an environment free from violence and censorship.

“Let us reach the full spectrum of American opportunity for each person, with full support by government,” Lisa asserts. “This means cleaning up the Earth and allowing every habitat to thrive. And most importantly, women must have full rights and choices, no matter what.”

Lisa Stortstrom is fighting to make the government accountable to every citizen, life form, and natural area in Florida. Women’s reproductive freedom, affordability, safe schools, and democracy itself are on the ballot. And this time, she believes Democrats will win, standing united for a Florida—and an America—where every person has the opportunity to thrive.

We're in the final stretch, and every moment counts! Mail-in ballots are arriving this week, so now is the time to make a difference. Please recommend, share, donate, and support Lisa’s campaign. Together, let’s push for a better future for Florida! Your vote and support can turn the tide: www.lisaforflorida85.com

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[1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2024/9/18/2271245/-Lisa-Stortstrom-Fighting-for-Florida-s-Future?pm_campaign=front_page&pm_source=latest_community&pm_medium=web

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