NEW Young Dems Launch & Important Message from the Chair

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Hello, Democrats.We are now five weeks into Florida's legislative session, and instead of addressing the pressing property insurance crisis, DeSantis and his Republican supermajority are sending troops and tax dollars to Texas, rolling back child labor laws and attempting to repeal Parkland-era gun reforms. Meanwhile, at Vero Beach High School, metal detectors greet students as they enter after yet another student was found with a firearm on campus -- the third in just two years.

Keeping the age limit to purchase rifles is crucial for Florida's safety. Any effort to lower it is a shameful political play at the expense of our students' safety. Next week marks six years since the Parkland high school mass shooting and Florida Republicans want us to forget the pain and suffering the Parkland families went through, all to appease the gun lobby.

Floridians want leadership they can trust to solve the problems that really matter -- something Ron DeSantis and the Republican supermajority have refused to do when given power. Meanwhile, Florida Democrats are focused on making lives better for Floridians -- advancing bills to make drinking water cleaner and providing property tax relief for disabled veterans.
Important Message from the Chair
Fellow Democrats,

I'm reaching out to you to encourage candidacy against the entrenched Republican officeholders currently occupying positions in the Florida State Senate, Florida House of Representatives, County Commission, and various other boards and commissions (including Hospital, Soil and Water, and Mosquito Control Board). It's imperative that we don't allow these officeholders to run unopposed, as doing so will only perpetuate the enactment of detrimental legislation.

By stepping up as candidates, we can hold them accountable for their policies and actively engage with the media to highlight and moderate their egregious actions. For instance, consider R. Brackett's recent vote to dissolve limited protections for Florida Gun Safety laws—a decision that demands scrutiny and opposition.

We have the necessary resources and a dedicated Candidate Committee ready to support you in your endeavors. Please reach out to me or Bruce Hawkins, our Candidate Committee Chair, by calling our office at (772) 226-5267 if you're interested in making a difference. Your participation is crucial—we need you!

Thank you,
William C. Evans, DEC Chairman
If you are considering running for office in 2024 please fill out the Run for Office form on the FDP website HERE ([link removed]) to receive their candidate updates and a FREE candidate toolkit. You can also send any questions about running for office to the FDP Director of Candidates and Campaigns at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

NEW Young Dems of Indian River
We are excited to announce that the Young Dems are gearing up for their first meeting! Empowering Millennial and Gen Z voters is a crucial part of turning Indian River County blue. For this reason, we are calling all motivated democrats between 16-39 to sign up. This is your opportunity to make the changes you want to see in our community.

Please complete the form below if you’re interested in becoming a member. Once a date is established, you will be contacted with an official invite.

For any inquiries, reach out to [email protected]
Register HERE ([link removed])
Support Your Local Democratic Party

As we dive into this crucial election year, the strength of our local Democratic Party is more vital than ever. Your support plays a crucial role in fueling our party's initiatives, supporting local candidates, and reaching out to voters.

Remember, your contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant difference in ensuring a strong Democratic presence in this critical election year.

Thank you for your commitment to our community and the Democratic values we share.
Make A Donation HERE ([link removed])
Volunteer Updates
If you are passionate about contributing Letters to the Editor (LTEs) and Op-eds on crucial issues within our community, we invite you to join us. Kindly RSVP for our upcoming meeting on February 28 by clicking here ([link removed]) . We look forward to collaborating with you!
RSVP HERE ([link removed])
February is for Inactive Democrats! Join fellow Democrats to call inactive Democratic voters on Tuesdays all month long. You can register at [link removed] ([link removed])
Exciting news: we have a proud Democrat stepping up to challenge Congressman Bill Posey in Indian River County—let's meet Dan McDow ([link removed]) !

However, there's a crucial detail we need to address: Dan McDow hasn't yet reached the required number of petitions to qualify for the November ballot.

In order to make sure Dan McDow gets on the ballot, we need your help! Congressional candidates like Dan must submit 5,500 petitions to qualify. So, if you're eager to see change and support a Democratic candidate, swing by the Indian River Democrats headquarters at 2345 14th Ave. in Vero Beach and sign a petition for Dan McDow.

Petitions can be conveniently dropped off or signed in person at our office located at 2345 14th Ave., Suite 7, in Vero Beach.
Time to UPDATE Your VBM Request
Is your Vote-By-Mail ballot request up to date?

Signing up only takes a few minutes so be sure to take a moment to verify that your Vote-By-Mail registration has not been deleted!

Visit
[link removed] ([link removed]*F) to request your mail in ballot today.
[link removed] Facebook ([link removed])
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[link removed] X ([link removed])
Save The Date
Get ready for an event you won't want to miss! Mark your calendars for the Blue Wave Bash, set to take place on Saturday, March 16th, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Join us at the Bent Pine Country Club for an evening filled with excitement, featuring a wine pairing dinner, silent auction, and a special guest speaker, David Jolly. As a Former Republican turned MSNBC and CNN Political Analyst, Jolly offers a unique perspective and valuable insights into today's political landscape.

Keep an eye out for your official invitation, which will be arriving in your mailbox soon. To ensure your spot at the Blue Wave Bash, we encourage you to confirm your attendance early! Tickets are priced at $250 per person.
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DEMOCRATS OF INDIAN RIVER
Volunteer with Democrats of Indian River HERE ([link removed])

Steering Meeting
Thursday, February 14, 2024 5:00 p.m.
ZOOM Meeting

Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) Meeting
Thursday, February 22, 2024 6:00 p.m.
Vero Beach Main Library Multi-Media Room
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The Democratic Club of Indian River will be holding elections in March for its officers and directors. The chair of the nominating committee must also be appointed to help fill any openings.

The Club is especially important this presidential election year since its members compose a majority of our volunteers who register voters and get the vote out.

If you are interested in running for an officer or director position or to serve as nominating committee chair, plea
se contact Clay Wild at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
Board Meeting
Tuesday, February 13, 2024 6:00 p.m.
ZOOM
Democratic Club of Indian River Meeting
Wednesday, February 14, 2024 6:00 p.m.
BigShots Golf 3456 US-1, Vero Beach, FL

Join our club or pay dues
HERE ([link removed]) .
Members, join our Dem Club Facebook group HERE ([link removed]) .
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Join our club HERE ([link removed]) .
DWC Book Group Meeting
Friday February 23, 2024 2 - 4 p.m.
Bjorkman Room at Brackett Library on IRSC Mueller Campus

We will discuss, “Fears of a Setting Sun: The Disillusionment of America's Founding Fathers”
By: Dennis C. Rasmussen (2017)

Questions? Email [email protected]
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GOVERNMENT MEETINGS
Monday, February 26, 2024 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
School District of Indian River County
School Board Business Meeting. Details here ([link removed]) .
Tuesday, February 6, 2024 9 a.m.
Indian River County
Board of County Commission Meeting. Details here ([link removed]) .
Tuesday, February 20, 2024 9 a.m.
Indian River County
Board of County Commission Meeting. Details here ([link removed]) .
Tuesday, February 13, 2024 9:30 a.m.
City of Vero Beach
Regular City Council Meeting. Details here ([link removed]) .
Tuesday, February 13, 2024 9:30 a.m.
City of Vero Beach
Regular City Council Meeting. Details here ([link removed]) .
Wednesday, February 22, 2024
Town of Indian River Shores
Regular Town Council Meeting. Details here ([link removed]) .
Thursday, February 15, 2024
City of Fellsmere
Regular City Council Meeting details here ([link removed]) .
Wednesday February 14, 2024
City of Sebastian
Regular City Council Meeting at City Hall. Details here ([link removed]) .
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Town of Orchid
Regular Town Council Meeting. Details here ([link removed]) .

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Indian River Democrats Office Location
2345 14^th Ave. Suite 7
Vero Beach 32960

Office Hours
Monday to Thursday 10am-3pm

(772) 226-5267

[email protected]
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