View this email in your browser ([link removed])

Good morning Democrats,

The MLK Day parade was a tremendous success, and we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated. Your presence in the parade and dedication to setting up made this event truly special. We are deeply grateful to all the volunteers, organizers, and attendees for helping to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and ensuring the day ran smoothly. We came together as a community celebrating the values of unity, equality and justice that Dr. King championed.

In the first week of the Trump administration, over 200 executive orders were signed, most aimed at reversing key achievements of the Biden administration. Among the most concerning actions were ending diversity, inclusion, and equity hiring in the federal government, granting pardons to January 6 rioters, and eliminating birthright citizenship.

No matter what Democrats are feeling this week, Donald Trump can’t be allowed to break our spirits. Dr. King said that ‘the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice’ — but it doesn’t bend on its own. While we prepare to defend ourselves from the extremism of the Trump Administration and their Project 2025 agenda, we have to remember our responsibility to fight for a better tomorrow. Together, we can continue the fight for an equal and more affordable America, a strong representative democracy, and a truly more perfect union.
Were you among the more than 3 million Floridians who voted by mail in the November election? In 2021, Gov. DeSantis signed a bill requirement that mail voters must request a mail ballot every general election cycle. As a result, you are no longer signed-up to vote by mail in Florida’s next election unless you re-enroll with your county Supervisor of Elections.
Request Your Mail In Ballot HERE ([link removed])
Letter Palooza was a huge success, and we couldn’t have done it without the incredible support of our volunteers. Thank you to everyone who showed up and helped make this event possible! We’re excited to continue hosting more events like this to welcome new Democrats and build our community. We can’t wait to see you at future events!!

[link removed]
The Farmworker Association of Florida speaks at the 2025 Indian River County Delegation Meeting

Earlier this month, the Farmworker Association of Florida spoke about the plight of the American farmworker. One highlighted concern was the lack of water, shade and access to bathrooms and the desire for safer working standards for the people that feed our community and our children.

While Governor DeSantis and the Republican legislature have rolled back heat protections for Florida farmworkers, Rep. Mike Gottlieb has introduced aHeat Illness Prevention bill ([link removed]) to require certain employers to implement outdoor heat exposure safety programs, requires specified annual training on heat illness and more.

Our state representative, Robert Brackett, was in attendance during this meeting and heard the concerns of Florida's farmworkers. Let's use our voices to urge him to support his critical legislation ([link removed]) for our farmworker community.

TAKE ACTION: Call Representative Brackett and urge him to cosponsor the bill to protect Florida's farmworks from heat illness. Call Brackett's Tallahassee office at (850) 717-5034 and read the following script:

Hello my name is __________ and I live in zip code __________. I am a constituent calling to urge Representative Brackett to respond to the concerned farmworkers that spoke during the Indian River Delegation meeting by cosponsoring HB 35. This is the Heat Illness Protection bill. Can I count on my Representative to support this bill?
Open Local Committee & Board Positions
Democrats across Indian River County are encouraged to apply to one of the following committee boards below to which they desire to serve on, whether there is or is not a vacancy posted for that committee. Please apply ASAP.
* Beach & Shore Preservation Advisory Committee
* Children’s Services Advisory Committee
* Citizen Oversight Committee
* Code Enforcement Board
* Construction Board of Adjustment and Appeals
* Economic Development Council
* Environmental Control Hearing Board
* Environmental Land Acquisition Panel
* Indian River County Census Community Action Committee
* Planning and Zoning Commission
* Public Safety Coordinating Council
* Public Safety Council for Criminal Justice, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse
* Tourist Development Council

To apply, please submit your application online at www.indianriver.gov, under Government > Boards and Committees.
[link removed]
The City of Sebastian is looking for applicants to fill two alternate member positions on the Natural Resources Board. The board is working on initiatives such as reducing single-use plastics, promoting native landscaping, encouraging sustainable energy, protecting water quality, and enhancing connectivity through trails and bike paths. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. Applicants must have been residents of Sebastian for at least one year.

Applications available in the City Clerk’s office, City Hall, 1225 Main Street, Sebastian, 8 am - 4:30 pm or at www.cityofsebastian.org ([link removed]) and will be accepted until January 31, 2025.
Florida's Growing Crackdown on Undocumented Immigrants

Governor Ron DeSantis is advocating for tough new measures to combat illegal immigration in Florida, in line with President-elect Donald Trump's policies. DeSantis has called for a special legislative session to introduce laws that would require local police to support federal immigration efforts, expand participation in the 287(g) deportation program, and criminalize illegal entry into the U.S. He also backs repealing a law that lets undocumented students pay in-state tuition at Florida public universities. Some lawmakers, including Senator Randy Fine, want to go further by restricting access to higher education for undocumented students at universities with lower acceptance rates. While many Florida sheriffs already collaborate with federal immigration authorities, DeSantis is pushing for full cooperation across the state.
More Info Here ([link removed])
Register Here ([link removed])

If you are interested in running for office in 2025, 2026, or beyond, please complete FDP's Run for Office form ([link removed]) to be added to their candidate newsletter and resources.
Community Events

Join Sustainable Sebastian and the Pelican Island Audubon Society for The Great Air Potato Round-Up at Sebastian’s Stormwater Park on February 8, 2025. Volunteers can participate in any or all of the following shifts: 9am-11am, 11am-1pm or 1pm-3pm. We look forward to seeing you there!
Find More Info Here ([link removed])

Lagoonapalooza ([link removed] ) is almost here! Enjoy live bands, environmental partners, hands-on activities, food, pontoon or kayak trips, aquarium visits, dip netting, and more—all for free on Saturday, January 25, 10 AM to 6 PM!

Volunteer Opportunity: The Democratic Women's Club is looking for volunteers to help with tabling and distributing water petitions during the event. To Volunteer please RSVP to .

Time Slots: 10 AM - 12 PM, 12 PM - 2 PM, 2 PM - 4 PM
Education Champions is a grassroots organization whose mission is to be a positive, proactive force for addressing public education issues on the local, state and national levels.

Education Champions Monthly Meeting
2nd Thursday of each month at 1:00 p.m.
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
A monthly support group will be hosted at the headquarters. This is an opportunity to come together, share your emotions, and process the challenges we’re facing after the election.
Next Meeting:
Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Democratic Headquarters
Flip Matt Gaetz' Seat BLUE

Gay Valimont was the ONLY Democrat to qualify for the special election to replace House Representative Matt Gaetz. Volunteer virtually with Team Valimont for a Weekly Phone Bank on Mondays and Tuesdays from 6-8pm.
RSVP for Monday Phone Banks ([link removed])
RSVP for Tuesday Phone Banks ([link removed])
More Opportunities to Get Involved
DEMOCRATS OF INDIAN RIVER
Volunteer with Democrats of Indian River HERE ([link removed])
Steering Committee Meeting
Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 5pm
Via Zoom

Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) Meeting
Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 6pm
Vero Beach Main Library Multi-Media Room

Strategic Planning Session
Saturday, January 25, 2025 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Vero Beach Main Library Multi-Media Room

Voter Registration Team Meetings
Regular Monday Meetings are on HOLD
Board Meeting
Tuesday, February, 11, 2025 6:00 p.m.
ZOOM

Democratic Club Meeting
Wednesday, February, 12, 2025 6:00pm
At Big Shots Golf Vero Beach
(This will be our venue until further notice)
Join our club or pay dues HERE ([link removed]) .
Members, join our Dem Club Facebook group HERE ([link removed]) .

The Dem Club is inviting all interested individuals to consider candidacy for the following positions on the Dem Club Board:
* President
* Vice President
* Secretary
* Two Dem Club Board Members

Each position has a term of service lasting 2 years.

Elections will take place on Wednesday, February 12th, at 6:00 PM, during our meeting at Big Shots.

If you are passionate about leading and contributing to the growth of the Dem Club, we encourage you to submit your candidacy and get involved in shaping the future of our club. If you are interested please contact Elle Shaw at [email protected]
------------------------------------------------------------
Young Democrats Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 6:00 p.m.
Democratic Headquarters 2345 14th Ave. Suite 7
Show your support by liking and following the Young Democrats of Indian River NEW Facebook HERE ([link removed]) . You can also find YDIR on Discord ([link removed]) ,Twitter ([link removed]) and TikTok. ([link removed])
Learn more and join the Young Democrats of Indian River HERE ([link removed]) .
View Events Calendar & Linktree HERE ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------
Join the club HERE ([link removed]) .
DWC Luncheon at Bent Pine Clubhouse
Saturday February 8, 2025 11:30 a.m.
6001 Clubhouse Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 31967
SPEAKER: Susan Adams, County Commissioner, District 1
“State Of The County”

Non-member guests are welcome for $35 (cash/check at the door). RSVP by noon on February 5th to , including your meal choice:
* Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast
* Marinated Grilled Swordfish
* Vegetarian Plate

Valet parking available from 11:15 AM to 1:30 PM and at departure from 1:30 to 2:15 PM.

An optional food drive for the Fellsmere Food Pantry will accept non-perishable items.

You can also submit your 2025 dues with a $60 check.
DWC Book Group Meeting
Friday January 24, 2025 2-4 p.m.
Brackett Library, Bjorkman room

,We will be discussing “James”, by Percival Everett.
For more information about the DWC Book Group, please contact Rita and Susan at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

------------------------------------------------------------
GOVERNMENT MEETINGS
School District of Indian River County
Find School Board meeting details here ([link removed]) .
1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month 9 a.m.
Indian River County
Board of County Commission Meeting. Details here ([link removed]) .
Watch livehere ([link removed]) .
2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month 9:30 a.m.
City of Vero Beach
Regular City Council Meeting. Details here ([link removed]) .
Town of Indian River Shores
Find Town Council meeting details here ([link removed]) .
1st & 3rd Thursday of the Month
City of Fellsmere
Regular City Council Meeting details here ([link removed]) .
City of Sebastian
Find Regular City Council Meeting Details here ([link removed]) .

============================================================
** Facebook ([link removed])
** Facebook ([link removed])
** Instagram ([link removed])
** Instagram ([link removed])
** X ([link removed])
** X ([link removed])
We value your input and would love to hear your ideas and suggestions for improving the office, DEC,and events. Please share your thoughts.

** General Suggestions Sheet ([link removed])
Indian River Democrats Office Location
2345 14^th Ave. Suite 7
Vero Beach 32960

Office Hours
Monday to Thursday 10am-4pm

(772) 226-5267
Copyright © *2023* *Democrats of Indian River All rights reserved.

Our email address is:
** [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])
.