October 3, 2025

Message from Greg Ratliff, President – Stone Creek Republican Club

It has been an amazing and productive past few months here at the Stone Creek Republican Club. As a recap, we have had fantastic speakers who have kept us informed about the state of affairs in Marion County. Our county commissioners have provided us with fantastic insight, taking time out of their busy schedules to come here and talk with us about development in terms of housing, transportation, and taxation. And Ryan Chamberlin, our State Representative, and Stan McClain, our State Senator, continue to do an amazing job for which we are extremely grateful.

As you know, our event featuring Congressman Byron Donalds, who is seeking the Republican nomination for governor, was overwhelming in attendance, and we needed to rent additional chairs for the Reunion Center to accommodate everyone, an expense that we gladly absorbed. Our next speaker in October is also seeking the Republican nomination for governor: former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Paul Renner. And to be blunt, isn’t this amazing that we are one of the first stops on their campaign trail.

I would like to thank our photographer, Steve Poland, a resident and owner of New Image Studios, in conjunction with members of the Truesdell Companies, for a four-camera video recording plus Steve's photography. It is my understanding that videos have been rendered and will soon go into post-production for short film distribution.

I think it's appropriate to say a big thank you to Chef Keith Stefani and his over-the-top cookies during the Byron Donalds event, courtesy of the Truesdell Companies. It is my understanding that not a single cookie was left, and I received many compliments and kind words. Thank you to Paul, Keith, and the members of their respective teams who participated in the distribution of refreshments.

Our volunteers have been busy with numerous activities, and it is an honor to work with each and every one who has been doing a yeoman's job, above and beyond what any president could expect. The Fall Festival will feature our new tent, and it looks fantastic. I want to thank County Commissioner Matt McClain and State Senator Stan McClain for paying the cost of the new tent, which features the logo and name of the Stone Creek Republicans. I felt it was absolutely critical going forward to continue to brand our club with a consistent message and to continue to engage on a positive basis with all members, prospective members, all voters, and like-minded residents throughout Marion County. Our club, our logo, our mission.

I also encourage you to stop by and see many of your neighbors, friends, and fellow members of the Republican Club at the upcoming Fall Festival. Make sure to visit the booths of the many clubs and businesses present, and please note that Paul Truesdell and a few of his associates will be active in the vendor section with giveaways and several amazing drawings; I won’t say what the top giveaway is but I hope my ticket is pulled. So please make sure to stop by and say hello to every vendor at our annual Stone Creek Fall Festival.

The celebration of life for Charlie Kirk will take place on October 14th, his birthday, in the Reunion Center. This has taken a great deal of time and negotiation to pull off. First, let me say that it was extremely disappointing that our homeowner’s association declined our event. In consultation with appropriate advisers and your board, I pursued inquiries going up the Pulte chain of command, and there were others who are associated with our group who also facilitated calm, rational consideration. In the end, we were able to procure the Reunion Center for which I want to say thank you. I let you know this politely, so you understand how much work has gone into these events, and this does not even begin to scratch the surface of the volunteers (your board and various committees) who have stepped forward, come together, and are doing so much. I will be listing those at the end of this update.

If that was not enough, new memberships and renewals, along with tickets to events have and continue to be distributed at Ticket Tuesdays in the Stonewater Club. I encourage you to always stop by and say hello. Since renewing all current members for 2026 is such a large task, we have started renewals now. Current members can renew their membership anytime we are at Ticket Tuesday or at any of our monthly meetings. Calendar Year 2026 dues will once again only be $10 per person.

And then we have our upcoming holiday party in December. Your board and the Social Planning committee have again been extremely busy pulling all of that together. I will have a complete update on the holiday party shortly. It was amazing last year, it will be amazing this year.

Plans are well underway for an incredible celebration of the first anniversary of the inauguration of President Donald Trump, one year after, to take place in the Reunion Center in the evening on January 20th, 2026. I will hold off on giving you details of that event; however, it involves a large number of our volunteers and is being hosted and sponsored by my friend and yours, Paul Truesdell who I must remind everyone that he is also member of our club. My understanding is that it will be a night to absolutely remember. I am looking forward to providing more details in December for this 2026 kickoff event.

Next, a reminder that the website for our club is up and running. You can find and access the club website at stonecreekrepublicans.com. One of the important features is the donation page. I would like to thank our former president, Joe Prohaska, who made the first online donation, a generous amount which is much appreciated. I must say that I would greatly appreciate your consideration in providing a few extra dollars as a donation. That extra $20, $50, or $100 means a lot to the club, as our membership dues will remain at $10 per year, and it simply costs money to do what we do. We manage our budget tightly and if you think we do a good job, and you can support a donation, it will be greatly appreciated.

If not for the generosity of our political and corporate donors, we would be unable to do many of the activities that we are engaged in. I would like to see our club become more financially independent so that the corporate and political sponsorships are the icing on the cake. And, speaking of sponsorships, if you know of an appropriate Republican business that is interested in becoming a corporate sponsor, please let me know. While we have limitations, your kind words are greatly appreciated. Simply mention in passing information about our club, let me know who you’ve spoken with, and we will follow up. Our sponsors are a true partnership of like-minded Republicans.

As you know from our recent meetings, your board of directors will be seeking reelection, and others who are interested should feel free to contact us, as we will have an election for a new board pursuant to our bylaws in November.

In conclusion, we have gone from 13 members to well over 1,000 in a relatively short period of time. We have been recognized by various Republican executive committees outside of Marion County and clubs as far away as Orlando. I can tell you I have loved every moment of my engagement with each and every one here at Stone Creek and beyond. While I may stumble on occasion, I assure you I always strive to do better, to involve more, to embrace the volunteerism of the club in all ways, shapes, and forms, and to say thank you for which I am eternally grateful. I cannot tell you how deeply appreciative I am. The spirit of being a true Republican, collectively and individually, is simply amazing in Stone Creek.

Greg Ratliff

Thursday, September 11, 2025

My fellow Republicans and members of the Stone Creek Republican Club,

A little over twenty-four hours ago, an American patriot was assassinated. As of 7:30 PM on Thursday, September 11, the assassin has not yet been apprehended.

For those who have attended an event where Charlie Kirk spoke, you know he was a remarkable individual — a true patriot and devout Christian. He was the real deal. His message will continue to inspire young Americans with the same strength and conviction that it has for the past several years and for decades to come.

I have posted President Trump’s statement regarding Charlie Kirk, as well as the joint statement from President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, on our website. The link is attached for your convenience. https://www.stonecreekrepublicans.com/blog

Though we are deeply saddened, we must move forward with purpose, positivity, and renewed vigor.

I encourage you to visit our website on a regular basis.

Greg Ratliff, President

Ticket Tuesday — September 9

Join us to pick up free tickets for our upcoming meeting featuring Congressman Byron Donalds, or join the Stone Creek Republicans Club.

There are more than 3,000 registered Republicans in Stone Creek, and our club already has over 1,000 members. We welcome all registered Republicans to join. If you need to change your party affiliation to Republican, Florida voters can do so online. We can assist if needed.

We will be at Ticket Tuesday from 4:00–6:00 PM on Tuesday, September 9, at the Stonewater Club. Annual dues for 2025 are \$10 per person. Because the Stone Creek Republicans Club is chartered under the Republican Party of Florida, members must be registered Republicans. However, our monthly meetings are generally open to all Stone Creek residents.

We also host members-only social events. Our most recent was a Summer BBQ Social on July 19, where 400 members enjoyed classic BBQ favorites, a live DJ, beer and wine, and a 90-minute performance by rising country artist Noah Hunton. Our Social Events Planning Committee has begun preparations for a Holiday Social on December 19, 2025.

Our September meeting is Thursday, September 25. The featured guest will be Congressman Byron Donalds, who has announced his candidacy for the 2026 Florida gubernatorial election. This will be a free, ticketed event. While supplies last, tickets will be available during Ticket Tuesday. We expect a strong turnout of approximately 750 attendees.

We maintain a private Facebook group for Republican and conservative-minded residents. If you meet this criteria and would like to join, please answer the membership questions when requesting access:

For questions about the Stone Creek Republicans Club, please email ( screpint@gmail.com ).

From Greg Ratliff, President of the Stone Creek Republican Club - August 2025

My Fellow Republicans,

Welcome to the Stone Creek Republican Club.

We are proud to be an officially chartered club under the Republican Party of Florida. What began in November of 2022 with 13 dedicated and committed members has now grown into a thriving organization of well over 1,000 members within the Stone Creek community, along with many associate members. And every month, our ranks continue to grow—at times by the dozens. It is simply amazing.

Our mission is clear.

We are a dynamic and cooperative Republican club that values each and every member. And it is working. We attract new members on a near-daily basis and continue to help non-Republicans switch to the Republican Party. For our existing members, new residents, and Florida voters, we provide the knowledge and guidance needed to navigate our state and county political processes, laws, rules, regulations, and officeholders. We also stand firmly with the Republican Party of Florida by encouraging true, unbridled participation in campaigns, initiatives, and community engagement.

We support the principles, objectives, and platform of the Republican Party of Florida and the Republican National Committee. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our duly nominated Republican candidates.

We inform our members—and like-minded neighbors—about the Constitution, American history, the principles of a representative republic, and the issues shaping our nation today. In addition, our candidate forums have been lively, engaging, and incredibly informative. Simply put, we are doing it the right way, every day.

Each month, we gather at the Stone Creek Reunion Center. Between four hundred and seven hundred enthusiastic members fill the room. And when I say we are busting at the seams, I mean it. No kidding. Hundreds upon hundreds of your fellow Republicans are coming together each month. Now, one word captures it all—Wow! Yes, wow! When you see the enthusiasm, you will say wow as well. These are not boring meetings filled with lectures. No. Absolutely not. Instead, we connect, we chat, we continue conversations afterward. In other words, we simply enjoy the fellowship of Republicans.

And then there are our events—from the Christmas Party to the Summer Picnic, and many others too numerous to mention, are vibrant, fun-filled, and powered by amazing volunteers, committees, and leaders who give their time and talent to make every activity a true success.

And by the way, our annual dues are only ten dollars per year. Yes, we do it all with just ten dollars per member, per year. Every dollar is carefully managed and supported by generous Republican corporate sponsors, elected officials, and appropriately aligned community organizations. As fiscally conservative Republicans, we are proud stewards of our resources. Every expenditure is carefully considered, every dollar accounted for, and all funds directed toward meaningful Republican initiatives and events.

Now, when it comes to social media, we maintain a dedicated Facebook Group for Republican and conservative-minded residents of Stone Creek. Unlike so many online forums that slip into negativity, our page is constructive, welcoming, and purposeful. It is monitored closely, with a clear policy that prohibits inappropriate language, disruptive behavior, personal attacks, or divisive rabble-rousing. While we absolutely encourage healthy discussion, there are plenty of other sites for those who thrive on conflict and negativity. That is not our way.

We are the party of Trump, Reagan, and Lincoln. The Stone Creek Republican Club stands firmly with President Ronald Reagan, who gave us his famous Eleventh Commandment: “Thou shalt not speak ill of any fellow Republican.” Reagan first spoke those words during his nineteen sixty-six campaign for Governor of California. They became a hallmark of his leadership and a reminder that unity, civility, and respect are the foundation of lasting success. In that same spirit, our community focuses on what unites us—our Republican values, respect for one another, and a shared commitment to America’s great future.

We have proven through our remarkable growth that we are on the right path.

We. Are. On. The Right. Path.

Greg Ratliff