Hop on the Bear Bus to Stop the Hunt Register

Date and Time:
Wed, Aug 13, 2025; 3:00 AM - 10:00 PM  (Eastern)

Organized By: Florida Chapter

Location: 85 Academy Dr, Havana, FL 32333, USA

Map | Directions

Governor DeSantis’ appointees to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) are creating a luxury bear hunt for the elite and selling it as “access to the resource.” But we know the truth: this is about catering to the elite, not conservation. And we must stop it.

In 2015, the FWC approved a disastrous black bear hunt. In just two days, over 300 bears were killed—including nursing mothers. According to FWC’s own data, Florida’s black bear population has still not fully recovered. Sierra Club Florida opposed the hunt then, and we’re fighting even harder now—especially since this proposal includes brutal methods like hounding and baiting, which were banned during the last hunt.

We need to pack the room at the next FWC Commission meeting on Wednesday, August 13, in Havana, FL (just outside Tallahassee) to send a clear message: STOP THE BEAR HUNT.

We’re organizing three free round-trip charter buses—each with restroom facilities and refreshments.  Just be sure to bring a reusable water bottle! The exact locations for where you will be picked up will be made available after you RSVP and your information has been vetted. 

• Tampa Bay​​​​​ (Tampa ​→ Brooksville → Havana)
  • Departure time 2:45 AM. Latest return time 10 PM
    • Stop and pick up passengers in Brooksville at approximately 3:55 AM 
• Daytona/Jacksonville (Daytona Beach → Jacksonville → Havana)
  • Departure time 3:00 AM. Latest return time 10 PM
    • Stop and pick up passengers in Jacksonville at approximately 4:55 AM 
• Orlando/Gainesville (Orlando → Gainesville → Havana)
  • Departure time 3:00 AM. Latest return time 10 PM
    • Stop and pick up passengers in Gainesville at 5:00 AM

The trips are round-trip. While it is not known how long the FWC meeting will last, we will depart Havana no later than 5 PM.

You can expect to be home no later than 10 PM no matter which bus you ride.

Each bus comes equipped with the following amenities: 

• Bathroom, wifi, seat belts, leather seats, outlets, PA system

Food and refreshments will also be provided. 

You will not be allowed to board the bus if you do not adhere to each of the following participant agreement requirements:

• You must sign and submit the waiver ahead of being able to board the bus. 
  • If we do not have a signed digital waiver from you, you will be required to sign one in person before boarding the bus. 
• You must present a valid form of identification that matches the name on your registration. 
  • If the name on your identification does not match your waiver, you will not be allowed to board the bus.
• By participating in this event, you are agreeing to uphold Sierra Club’s “One Club Policy” which means that individual activist, leaders, and staff may not carry out activities that conflict with nationally, regionally, or chapter-established ones. 
  • In other words, you must be aligned with Sierra Club FL’s organizational goal to stop the black bear hunt. 

Seats are limited—RSVP now to save your spot!

Prefer to go solo? You can carpool or take a RedCoach bus to Tallahassee and meet us there. We’ve also reserved a discounted hotel block at:

Bus seat reservation deadline: August 10, 2025

Once you RSVP, we’ll send you all the details.

Other lodging options for attendees are also available via People's Advocacy Center. For more information, contact Karen Woodall.

Wear black. Bring your voice. Bring your friends. Let’s stand together for Florida’s bears and stop this reckless hunt before it starts.

Save my seat on the Bear Bus 🐻🚌

Cost: Free

Signup Instructions: Please RSVP to secure your spot on the bus

Cancellation Policy: Activity is held rain or shine, but may be altered due to inclement weather