Banks Helfrich is on a mission to bridge political divides in Lake County.

The local Democrat and community advocate has launched what he calls a movement for unity, pairing up with leaders across party lines to publicly reject political violence and promote civil dialogue.

Banks says the effort began after the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and the reactions across America.

“I heard a radio story about people coming together and reaching across lines,” he says. “I reached out to the mayor of Groveland and did a post condemning violence, and that led to a piece I did with the Libertarian Party. Then I connected with Carey Baker and Tyler Brandeburg—they both said, ‘Yeah, let’s do it.’”

Banks recently shared a joint statement with Lake County Property Appraiser Carey Baker, a longtime Republican leader, declaring a shared stance against political hostility.

“I am Farmer Banks Helfrich and a Lake County Democrat, and I am Carey Baker and a Lake County Republican,” the statement reads. “As local leaders from both the Democratic and Republican parties, we stand united in condemning all forms of political violence. Disagreements must never lead to threats, intimidation, or harm. Our democracy depends on peaceful dialogue and mutual respect—values we are committed to upholding together.”

“I absolutely stand with what Banks is doing,” Carey says. “There is no room for political violence among us.”

Banks also partnered with School Board member Tyler Brandeburg for a similar bipartisan message.

“I am Tyler Brandeburg, a proud Republican, and I am Banks Helfrich, a proud Democrat,” it reads. “We both make Lake County, Florida our home. We both are proud Americans. And, we both vehemently condemn political violence.”

Banks said he plans to continue reaching out to other local officials, including Commissioner Sean Parks, to keep the effort growing.

“In the world now with all the political violence going on, we need some unification bringing us together,” Banks says. “This means a lot to me, not only as an advocate for South Lake County, but for America in general.”