10/03/2026
🍂 A Look Back at the 2026 Fall S**C Conference 🍂
What an incredible day in Panama City, Florida, as Junior League members from across the state came together for the Junior Leagues of Florida State Public Affairs Committee (S**C) Fall Conference 2026!
The day was filled with meaningful conversations, legislative education, community perspectives, and preparation for the important advocacy work ahead.
We kicked off the morning with State Senator Jay Trumbull, who shared “From Panama City to Tallahassee: The Power of Advocacy,” reminding us of the importance of using our voices and engaging in the legislative process.
Katie Conroy, S**C Legislative Analyst, provided a Legislative Update, giving attendees valuable insight into the current legislative landscape and what to expect moving forward.
We then heard from Nina Ward, Bay County Supervisor of Elections, for “Behind the Ballot: Elections, Voting & Security,” providing an important look at elections and the role of secure, informed voting in our communities.
The conversation then turned to an incredibly important community issue with Chief Eusebio Talamantez, Jr., Panama City Beach Police Department, and Major Jason Daffin, Bay County Sheriff's Office, discussing “Beyond the Badge: Law Enforcement, Community Engagement & the Fight Against Human Trafficking.” The conversation was moderated by Erin Collins, Executive Director of Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking.
After a morning of legislative and community education, we heard from Commissioner Janice Lucas, Sustainer and Past President Cheri Boyle, and The Honorable Alicia Carothers during “Leadership in Public Service: Perspectives from the Community,” moderated by Lisa Sutton, JLPC President-Elect. The panel provided valuable perspectives on public service, community leadership, and the many ways individuals can become engaged and make a difference in the communities they serve.
The afternoon focused on preparing Junior League members for advocacy at the state level. S**C Co-Chair Amber E. Smith led the Legislative Training Follow-Up, helping attendees build on the morning's conversations and prepare for continued advocacy.
We then heard from Andrea Gainey and Kim Rodgers of the Florida Senate during “Getting Capitol Ready: Preparing for the S**C Advocacy Conference in Tallahassee,” giving attendees insight into what to expect as they prepare to take their advocacy efforts to the Capitol.
S**C Co-Chair Becker Holland Barger led “Booster Seats in Florida: Past & Future of the S**C Legislative Priority,” providing an opportunity to look at the history and future of this important legislative priority.
The afternoon concluded with “Bubbles & Bills: Legislative Training Overview,” led by S**C Co-Chair Amber E. Smith, bringing together the day's legislative education and preparing attendees for the work ahead.
We wrapped up with closing remarks before gathering for a Legislative Reception at Atelier, continuing the conversations and connections that made the day so special.
A huge thank you to every speaker, moderator, S**C leader, Junior League member, and community partner who helped make this conference such a success. We also want to thank Destination Panama City for a beautiful venue and a wonderful gift basket, freelance photographer Ira Hearen for the great photography and Glenn Belser with True Soul for our sound today. We are proud to have welcomed our fellow Florida Junior Leagues to Panama City and grateful for the opportunity to learn, connect, and advocate together.
When women come together, learn together, and use their collective voices, we can make a lasting impact in our communities. ❤️💙
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