Solivita Republican Club Events

January 20, 2027 Meeting

Guest Speaker - Pending

• Doors Open at 5:15 PM
• Dinner at 5:45 PM
• Starlite Ballroom
• 384 Village Drive
• Members Pending & Non-Members Pending

Menu Pending:

Member Forum - December 12 (9:00 - 11:00 am)

The Republican Club has scheduled member forums to discuss the state of our club today and what it can become as we move forward.

These smaller group meetings are intended for both newer members and long-standing members.

Topics for discussion include but are not limited to:

• Meet the Board and Officers
• Club Founding and History
• Today and Beyond
• Membership and its importance
• New events and activities selection
• Food and beverage selection and service

You can sign up for one of the following scheduled forums at the Republican Club dinner ticket sales table at Freedom Park.

Location: Baltic Room in Mediterranean Skyline. (2nd floor between the Bistro and the Library)

November 18, 2026 Meeting

Guest Speaker - Pending

• Doors Open at 5:15 PM
• Dinner at 5:45 PM
• Starlite Ballroom
• 384 Village Drive
• Members Pending & Non-Members Pending

Menu Pending:

September 16, 2026 Meeting

Guest Speaker - Pending

• Doors Open at 5:15 PM
• Dinner at 5:45 PM
• Starlite Ballroom
• 384 Village Drive
• Members Pending & Non-Members Pending

Menu Pending:

Member Forum - September 12 (9:00 - 11:00 am)

The Republican Club has scheduled member forums to discuss the state of our club today and what it can become as we move forward.

These smaller group meetings are intended for both newer members and long-standing members.

Topics for discussion include but are not limited to:

• Meet the Board and Officers
• Club Founding and History
• Today and Beyond
• Membership and its importance
• New events and activities selection
• Food and beverage selection and service

You can sign up for one of the following scheduled forums at the Republican Club dinner ticket sales table at Freedom Park.

Location: Baltic Room in Mediterranean Skyline. (2nd floor between the Bistro and the Library)

August 3, 2026 Candidate Forum

Information Pending

June 28, 2026 Birthday Party USA

Starlite Ballroom

Doors Open 4:00 PM

Patriotic Attire Encourage

July 15, 2026 Meeting

Guest Speaker - Rick Wilson

Candidate for Polk County Commissioner District 2

Commissioner Rick Wilson is a true son of Polk County whose life reflects the values of hard work, family, and deep community roots. A native of Bartow, Rick is a second-generation rancher and business owner whose family established a heavy equipment business in the 1940s and operates a 1,000-acre cattle ranch.

Married to his wife Teresa, he and his family—children Erin, Travis, and Lori Ann—have built their lives around the land and enterprises that have long contributed to Polk County’s economy and character.

Before dedicating himself to public service, Rick enjoyed a distinguished career in professional racing. He competed for more than a decade in the NASCAR Cup Series (and additional years in the Busch Series), starting on Florida short tracks and achieving notable success, including a memorable runner-up finish in the 1988 Pepsi 400 and driving for storied teams such as Petty Enterprises.

His contributions to motorsports were honored with his 2024 induction into the Polk County Sports Hall of Fame. After retiring from the track, he returned to his family’s ranch and businesses, bringing the same discipline, competitiveness, and commitment to excellence that defined his racing days.

Elected to the Polk County Board of County Commissioners for District 2 in 2018 (following a brief appointment to fill a vacancy) and re-elected in 2022, Rick has served with a clear focus on Polk County’s future. His priorities include strengthening the county’s public transportation network through smart planning, creating meaningful job opportunities for residents, and protecting the county’s natural resources and environmental lands.

He recently completed a term as Board Chair for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 and continues to lead with a practical, forward-looking vision that balances growth with the quality of life Polk County families deserve.

Guest Speaker - Sarah Corona

Candidate for Polk County School Board District 3

Sarah Corona is a wife, mother, and mental health professional with over 20 years of experience serving families in our community. As the daughter of immigrants and a bilingual advocate, Sarah understands the challenges many families face when navigating the school system. Her ability to communicate directly with Spanish-speaking families allows her to ensure that Hispanic families feel informed, supported, and represented.

However, her commitment goes far beyond. Sarah is dedicated to serving all families and all students in District 3. She believes that every child deserves access to a high-quality education in a safe, respectful, and supportive environment.

With two master’s degrees and as the CEO of three mental health clinics Sarah brings leadership experience, compassion, and a deep understanding of the real life struggles many families face.

Now, as a candidate for School Board District 3, Sarah is focused on: Mental health and student well-being; School safety; Support for teachers and school staff; and Opportunity and respect for all families

Sarah believes that knowledge is power and she is ready to serve with empathy, experience, and a deep commitment to her community.

Guest Speaker - Justin Sharpless

Candidate for Polk County School Board District 6

Born and raised in Lake Wales, Justin Sharpless attended Polk County Public Schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. He graduated from Lake Wales High School in 2002.

Sharpless enrolled in the University of Florida and earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural education and master’s in agricultural business.

Upon returning to Polk County, Sharpless began teaching agriculture at middle and high schools for PCPS and the Lake Wales Charter Schools.

In 2015, Sharpless became an assistant professor of agricultural studies at Warner University.

Sharpless is married to Emilyn, a Polk County educator. They reside in Lake Wales and have two sons, Wyatt, and Rhett, and Garrett. They are active members of HighPoint Church and involved in the community through Future Farmers of America (FFA), Alpha Gamma Rho and the Polk County Youth Fair.

Sharpless was elected in 2022 and is serving his first term on the Polk County School Board.

His term expires in November 2026.

Guest Speaker - Sam Neelam

Candidate for Polk County School Board District 5

Sam is the founder and CEO of Odin Group, a Central Florida-based real estate development firm focused on creating sustainable, smart-home communities. He serves on the Board of Florida Polytechnic University, the newest of Florida’s 12 state universities with an emphasis on STEM programs that develop graduates for high quality jobs in emerging technologies. Sam also serves on the Board of Florida TaxWatch, a nonpartisan research institute and government watchdog dedicated to promoting sound fiscal policy and accountability throughout the state.

Sam is a naturalized citizen who has lived and worked in the the United States for 25 years. He is founder and CEO of multiple technology companies doing international business in digital innovation. One of his companies has earned recognition from both Inc. 5000 and Deloitte Technology Fast 500.

Sam is married and has two daughters. He supports numerous educational charities in the United States and abroad, including a foundation that provides comprehensive educational sponsorships for underprivileged children in rural Asia.

• Doors Open at 5:15 PM
• Dinner at 5:45 PM
• Starlite Ballroom
• 384 Village Drive
• Summer Special: Members $15 & Non-Members $20

Dinner Menu:

• Summer Subs from Jersey Mikes
• 1 - Roast Beef and Provolone
• 2 - Turkey and Provolone
• 3 - Tuna
• Included will be Potato Chips, Cookie, and Bottle Water