Tallahassee Updates, NEW Committees and Volunteer Opportunities

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Hello, Democrats! From our Young Democrats to our Editorial Team, Democrats of Indian River continue to organize to win in 2024. We are excited to announce a NEW opportunity to volunteer in our community as proud Democrats at the Grant Seafood Festival. Additionally, we encourage you to stay updated on developments regarding abortion rights and voting rights out of Tallahassee. Please stop by our office Monday to Thursday 10am-3pm to pick up your free proud Democrat swag and speak to an office volunteer about how you can engage with the work we're doing in 2024.
2024 Legislative Session Update

Week 6 of the 2024 Florida Legislative Session has concluded, with the Legislature scheduled to remain in session until March 8th.

Regrettably, Florida Republicans persist in being disconnected from the needs of Floridians. Instead of addressing the property insurance crisis during this session, Governor Ron DeSantis and his Republican supermajority prioritize regressive measures such as rolling back child labor laws, repealing gun reforms ([link removed]) enacted after the Parkland tragedy, safeguarding Confederate monuments, and removing climate change provisions from state statutes.

In contrast, Florida Democrats are committed to improving the lives of Floridians. They are actively promoting bills aimed at ensuring cleaner drinking water, expanding career opportunities for students, increasing access to life-saving HIV prevention medication, and providing property tax relief for disabled veterans.
Abortion Amendment Update

Last Wednesday, the Florida Supreme Court heard oral arguments ([link removed]) in the judicial review process for Amendment 4 — the ballot initiative enshrining a right to reproductive freedom in the Florida Constitution. The court has until April 1 to decide whether Amendment 4 will appear on the ballot in November.

Floridians deserve the freedom to make personal medical decisions without government interference and Amendment 4 would safeguard Floridians from unwanted governmental intrusion and preserve our rights to reproductive healthcare. Decisions regarding viability should rest with medical professionals, not politicians.

History shows that when reproductive rights are on the ballot, as with Dobbs, Florida voters consistently opt to preserve autonomy over their healthcare choices. Floridians deserve the chance to vote on Amendment 4 in November.
Gerrymander Update

In a move that could have significant implications for this year's elections, the Florida Supreme Court has declined to expedite a challenge to Governor Ron DeSantis' congressional redistricting plan. This decision means that the disputed map, pushed through the Legislature in 2022, is likely to remain in effect for the upcoming elections.

The challenge, brought forth by voting rights groups and other plaintiffs, focuses on the overhaul of a North Florida district previously held by Black Democrat Al Lawson. The redistricting plan, passed during a special legislative session, shifted the district to the Jacksonville area, resulting in the election of white Republicans in North Florida congressional seats in 2022.

Despite arguments that the overhaul violated the Fair Districts Amendment of 2010, which aimed to prevent the diminishment of minority voting power, the 1st District Court of Appeal ruled in favor of the state. Now, with the Supreme Court's refusal to expedite the case, the disputed map is set to stand.
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 embark on this pivotal election year, the resilience of our local Democratic Party holds greater significance than ever before. Your backing is instrumental in powering our party's endeavors, bolstering local candidates, and engaging with voters.

Please keep in mind that every contribution, regardless of its magnitude, carries considerable weight in establishing a robust Democratic presence during this pivotal election year.

We sincerely appreciate your dedication to our community and the Democratic principles that unite us. Thank you for your unwavering support.
Make A Donation HERE ([link removed])
Volunteer Updates

Are you ready to make a difference in your community while enjoying some of the best seafood in Florida? Then mark your calendars for March 2nd and 3rd, because we're inviting you to join us at the Grant Seafood Festival! We need your help to make our presence known at this fantastic event. The Democrats of Indian River County will be hosting a table, and we're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join us.

Here are the event details:

📅 Date: March 2nd (9 a.m. - 7 p.m.) and March 3rd (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
📍 Location: 4580 1st Street, Grant, Florida 32949

At our table, you'll have the opportunity to engage with festival-goers, share information about our Democratic values, and connect with members of our community—all while enjoying the festivities and delicious seafood!

Got questions or need more information? Give our office a call at 772-226-5267.

Thank you for volunteering and being a vital part of our Democratic community. Let's make this festival one to remember!
Volunteer HERE ([link removed])
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])
We need your help to make sure Dan McDow gets on the ballot!

Dan McDow ([link removed]) is a proud Democrat stepping up to challenge Congressman Bill Posey in Indian River County. However, Dan McDow hasn't yet reached the required number of petitions to qualify for the November ballot.

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.
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, March 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, March 12, 2024 6:00 p.m.
ZOOM
Democratic Club of Indian River Meeting
Wednesday, March 13, 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 Luncheon at Bent Pine
Saturday March 9, 2024 11:30 a.m.
6001 Clubhouse Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32967

The speaker is Dan McDow, Candidate for Congress, Florida District 8

SAVE THE DATE
More information to follow
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, March 5, 2024 9 a.m.
Indian River County
Board of County Commission Meeting. Details here ([link removed]) .
Tuesday, February 27, 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, March 7, 2024
City of Fellsmere
Regular City Council Meeting details here ([link removed]) .
Wednesday February 28, 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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