“Florida NOW (FL NOW) joins communities across Florida in mourning the domestic violence death of Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen, a visionary leader, environmental justice advocate, and the first Black woman elected to the Coral Springs City Commission,” said Julie Kent, President of FL NOW. “Her sudden loss, which is being investigated as a homicide, leaves a profound void in the fight for equity, sustainability, and community‑centered governance.”

Vice Mayor Bowen dedicated her life to public service, climate resilience, and racial justice, championing policies that protected vulnerable communities and expanded access to clean water, safe housing, and disaster preparedness. A proud daughter of Haitian immigrants, she brought a deep understanding of how environmental harms disproportionately impact Black, brown, immigrant, and low‑income families — and she fought tirelessly to change that reality.

A Legacy of Leadership and Firsts

Vice Mayor Metayer Bowen’s contributions include:

• First Black woman elected to the Coral Springs City Commission
• Nationally recognized environmental scientist specializing in climate resilience, water quality, and disaster response
• Former Senior Policy Analyst for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Leader in Broward County’s Climate Change Task Force
• Advocate for environmental justice, public health, and equitable recovery after natural disasters
• Mentor to young women of color entering public service and STEM fields

Her work bridged science, policy, and community empowerment — ensuring that those most impacted by environmental harms had a voice in shaping solutions.

A Champion for Community

Vice Mayor Metayer Bowen was known for her deep commitment to:

• Listening to residents, especially those historically excluded from local decision‑making
• Building climate‑resilient infrastructure that protected families from flooding and extreme weather
• Expanding civic participation among youth, immigrants, and communities of color
• Centering equity in every policy conversation

Her leadership reflected a belief that government must serve all people — not just the privileged few.

 A Loss Felt Across Florida

“Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen embodied the future of Florida leadership — bold, principled, and rooted in justice,” said Kaitlyn Kirk, Communications Director of FL NOW. “Her passing is a devastating loss for our state, but her legacy will continue to guide us as we fight for environmental justice, racial equity, and community‑centered governance. It should also be a flag to focus resources on supporting women in domestic violence situations.”

Florida NOW extends our deepest condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and the Coral Springs community. We honor her memory by recommitting ourselves to the work she championed — building a Florida where every community is safe, resilient, and valued.

Possible Domestic Violence

Florida NOW hopes for a robust investigation into the full circumstances of Vice Mayor Bowen’s death.  Early reports indicate she may have been a victim of domestic violence. Florida domestic violence accounted for 217 deaths in 2020, 75% of which were women. Domestic violence deaths account for 20% of all murders in the state and are on the rise. “Florida loses more than 150 women every year to domestic‑violence homicide — nearly one every two days. Vice Mayor Bowen’s death highlights the lack of attention and resources spent on domestic violence shelters and support. They are all underfunded, said Debbie Deland, VP Florida NOW”. “The support necessary includes education, but Florida has no quality sex ed where you learn what is acceptable and what is not. How can our leaders allow this violence to continue?”

There are 94 domestic violence shelters statewide, but over 2100 animal shelters and animal welfare organizations meaning pet shelters outnumber domestic violence shelters by more than 20 to 1. The white male governor and the white male supermajority in the legislature have not acted to support women in these situations. It is a disgrace that our government is doing little or nothing to support women at risk and treat domestic violence as trivial.

About Florida NOW

Florida NOW is committed to advancing gender equity, racial justice, reproductive freedom, LGBTQ+ rights, and economic justice across the state. We honor the legacy of women leaders who have shaped Florida’s history and continue to fight for a more just and inclusive future.

### Media Contact: Debbie Deland, 407 234-6408, dcdeland@att.net

Florida is emerging as one of the strongest centers of participation in the nationwide No Kings movement, with peaceful demonstrations growing in size, energy, and diversity across the state. From Miami to Jacksonville, Floridians are uniting to affirm a simple, shared belief: democracy thrives when people have a voice — and NO ONE should hold unchecked power.

“Floridians are showing up for each other,” said Julie Kent, President of Florida NOW. “These protests are joyful, determined, and deeply democratic. People from every background are standing together to say that our freedoms matter and our voices matter. We are all saying we can’t and won’t live with this President and this Congress and their actions, nor this Governor, nor this Legislature and their actions.”

Major Florida Protest Sites

Jacksonville – James Weldon Johnson Park

Veterans, teachers, and community organizers highlighted civil liberties and community safety, drawing strong turnout from historically Black neighborhoods.

Miami – Government Center

A multiracial, intergenerational crowd filled the plaza, with strong participation from Puerto Rican, Cuban, Haitian, and Central American communities, alongside LGBTQ+ and reproductive‑rights organizations.

Orlando – Lake Eola Park

One of the largest gatherings in the state, with youth leaders, labor groups, civil rights organizations, and families marching together. Art builds, music, and voter‑engagement tables created a vibrant, community‑centered atmosphere.

Tallahassee – Capitol Steps

Students from FSU, FAMU, and TCC marched in solidarity, joined by statewide advocacy groups calling for transparency, accountability, and constitutional protections.

Tampa – Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

Students, faith leaders, and immigrant‑rights groups led bilingual chants and speeches, emphasizing unity and shared values.

St. Petersburg – City Hall

Environmental justice groups, families, and coastal community advocates created a welcoming, family‑friendly demonstration with art, music, and community tables.

A Movement Rooted in Hope and Community Power

“These protests are not about fear — they’re about hope,” Debbie Deland, VP FL NOW said. “Floridians are coming together across race, age, gender, and background to defend the values that make our communities strong: fairness, dignity, and freedom both in our State and across the country. We will not be silenced in the face of the destruction of our democracy and the assaults on the marginalized members of our communities.”

Organizers report growing volunteer lists, increased student involvement, and new partnerships with faith, labor, and civic groups. Art builds, teach‑ins, and sign‑making events are drawing record participation.

“People are stepping into their power,” Deland added. “This is what democracy looks like — neighbors showing up for one another and refusing to be silent. We will not stop until the current regimes are gone and held accountable.”

Florida NOW Will Continue to Support Community‑Led Action

Florida NOW encourages Floridians to stay engaged, attend local events, and support grassroots organizers working to protect civil liberties and democratic participation.

“Floridians are resilient,” Kent said. “We will keep building, keep organizing, and keep showing up for the future we deserve.”