Free event at E. Pat Larkins Community Center invites residents to meet candidates, ask questions and make their voices heard ahead of the November election.
POMPANO BEACH, Fla. (Oct. 15, 2026) — Elections are about more than campaign signs, political promises and Election Day. They’re about the people who live, work and raise families in the communities elected officials serve.
Tonight, Villij News is bringing those voices together.
Villij News will host its Pompano Beach District 4 Candidate Conversations on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 6 p.m. at the E. Pat Larkins Community Center, offering residents an opportunity to hear directly from candidates seeking to represent their neighborhood on the Pompano Beach City Commission.
The free event, presented in partnership with the Pompano Beach Democratic Club and Friends of the Library, is designed to encourage civic participation and create space for meaningful conversations about the future of District 4.
Unlike traditional political forums dominated by prepared speeches, Candidate Conversations aims to create a more welcoming atmosphere where residents can connect with candidates and discuss issues affecting their daily lives. All candidates have been invited, participation is at their discretion.
Topics may include affordable housing, neighborhood redevelopment, public safety, economic opportunity, infrastructure and the preservation of Pompano Beach’s historic communities.
“We want residents to understand that their voices matter, not just on Election Day, but every day decisions are being made about their neighborhoods,” said Attiyya Atkins, publisher of Villij News. “You don’t have to be politically connected or know everything about government to participate. You just have to care about your community.”
A Conversation About the Community’s Future
District 4 includes neighborhoods that have played an important role in Pompano Beach’s history and cultural identity. As redevelopment continues throughout the city, residents have raised questions about affordability, economic opportunity and ensuring longtime community members benefit from neighborhood improvements.
The event will provide an opportunity to hear candidates discuss their priorities and how they intend to address those concerns if elected.
Villij News will moderate the discussion, which will include candidate introductions, questions from event organizers and opportunities for audience participation.
Young People Encouraged to Participate
The event isn’t just for registered voters.
Students and young residents are encouraged to attend, learn about local government and experience civic engagement firsthand. Community service hours will be available for eligible students participating in the event, subject to school requirements.
Organizers hope the experience will introduce young people to the importance of local elections and show them how government decisions influence their schools, parks, neighborhoods and future opportunities.
Light refreshments will also be provided.
Local Journalism Beyond the Headlines
For Villij News, the gathering reflects the publication’s broader mission of informing, connecting and empowering communities that have historically been underrepresented in local news coverage.
Through its Villij Votes initiative, the publication has been highlighting candidates, sharing election information and encouraging residents to participate in the democratic process.
Candidate Conversations takes that work beyond the newspaper and into the community.
“Local government is where so many decisions that affect our everyday lives are made,” Atkins said. “We want people to leave feeling informed, connected and empowered to participate.”
The Pompano Beach municipal election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Know Before You Go
- What: Pompano Beach District 4 Candidate Conversations
- When: Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, at 6 p.m.
- Where: E. Pat Larkins Community Center, Pompano Beach
- Admission: Free and open to the public
- Extras: Light refreshments and community service opportunities for eligible students
- Hosted by: Villij News
- Community partners: Pompano Beach Democratic Club and Friends of the Library
Residents can register at Eventbrite and find additional election coverage at VillijNews.com/vote.
Villij News is committed to providing community-centered, nonpartisan election coverage that helps residents make informed decisions.
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