The Florida House and Senate recently passed the TRUMP Act, which includes controversial measures affecting immigration policies, such as repealing tuition fairness for Dreamers and incentivizing local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried has strongly criticized the bill, calling it a political stunt with harmful consequences.
On the national stage, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has made it clear that Democrats will push back against far-right extremism and focus on tackling the high cost of living for everyday Americans. Meanwhile, the Trump administration’s actions continue to raise concerns about the dismantling of federal institutions, particularly regarding marginalized communities and the influence of billionaire Elon Musk on federal budgets.
As we look ahead, there are upcoming elections for school board members and city commissioners in 2026, with a call for more people to run for office and impact local issues. Additionally, the Indian River County Environmental Committee is working on local conservation efforts, with an upcoming meeting focused on key environmental issues and community collaboration. More details below.
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.
Florida Democrats React to the Passage of the Trump Act
Last Tuesday night, the Florida House and Senate passed the TRUMP Act (Tackling and Reforming Unlawful Immigration Policy), sending it to the governor for approval. In response, Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried criticized the legislation, calling it a political stunt that will have harmful consequences for immigrants in the state. She argued that the bill, which would force Dreamers out of college and incentivize local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE on deportations, is a reckless misuse of power. Fried also expressed frustration with the rushed nature of the bill, stating that Floridians deserve real solutions to the immigration system rather than harmful, hastily-crafted policies. She was dismissive about the governor's decision saying that "it would be a moment of shame if he signs the bill into law."
If it becomes law, the Tacking and Reforming Unlawful Migration Policy (TRUMP) Act will, among other things:
Repeal Florida’s tuition fairness law, which passed in 2014 with bipartisan support and provides in-state tuition rates to Dreamers who graduated high school in Florida.
Mandate the death penalty for undocumented immigrants convicted of capital offenses.
Put in place measures to try to force local governments to comply with federal immigration enforcement.
Further criminalize the voting process, even criminalizing honest mistakes.
This week, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, made it clear that House Democrats will push back against far-right extremism whenever necessary and we will not participate in Republican efforts to Rip Off hardworking American taxpayers. They are ready tol work with anyone to make life better for the American people, particularly as it relates to driving down the high cost of living for everyday Americans.
This tax increase on middle-class families will raise costs for families and it goes beyond groceries. Hundreds of thousands of American workers could lose their jobs. At the grocery store, fruit, vegetable, beer, liquor, potato and grain prices will increase. Car prices will see a $3,000 increase as automakers respond to tariffs and vehicle oil changes and gasoline will cost more. According to the Tax Foundation, as a result of the Trump trade war, the average household will see an increase of $670 in 2025 taxes when tariffs are implemented.
Heather Cox Richardson: Trump’s Efforts to Dismantle the Federal Government
In February 2025, the Trump administration is increasingly dismantling the federal government, driven by three factions with shared goals of undermining legal accountability and government institutions. These factions include loyalists purging the FBI, federal prosecutors, and civil servants, and implementing policies to erase protections for marginalized groups, like transgender individuals and immigrants. Trump's administration also embraces authoritarian measures, including restrictions on gender-related research, discriminatory immigration policies, and the rollback of U.S. humanitarian aid. Additionally, billionaire Elon Musk is influencing federal budgets and payment systems, with concerns about national security and conflicts of interest. These efforts align with a broader agenda to weaken democratic institutions and further consolidate power, all while creating chaos and ambiguity to avoid legal consequences.
This year, 2025, there are elections for City Council positions in Fellsmere, Sebastian and Vero Beach. Running for office is a powerful way to impact your community on local issues like environment, development and in Vero Beach, Three Corners. Many local positions are nonpartisan and offer an opportunity to ensure diverse voices are represented. County positions for the commissioner and school board are open in 2026, but it is not too early to get started.
Get Involved If you’re passionate about making a change, consider stepping into the political arena. Contact the Indian River Candidate Committee at [email protected] for support in your journey.
If you are interested in running for office in 2025, 2026, or beyond, please complete also FDP's Run for Office form to be added to their candidate newsletter and resources.
DWC & DEC: Powering Environmental Progress
In January, the Democratic Women's Club’s Environmental Committee enjoyed a guided walk through the North Sebastian Conservation Area, exploring recently burned scrub-jay habitat and oak-pine woods. Their guide, Olivia Roddenberry, an environmental education coordinator, shared insights on the area’s native plants and wildlife, including edible species and the recovering palmettos.
The next Committee meeting will be held on February 24th at 10:30 AM at Humiston Park. An agenda will be sent out a week prior. The meeting will focus on discussing the following key questions:
What are the most significant environmental issues of common interest in our community?
What are the appropriate positions/policies to be espoused by DEC members?
What other environmental and civic organizations might we collaborate with?
All Indian River County Democrats are welcome to join the discussion.
Open Local Committee & Board Positions
Democrats across Indian River County are encouraged to apply for the committee boards they desire to serve on, whether there is or is not a vacancy posted for that committee. Please apply ASAP.
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
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
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.
Democratic Club Meeting Thursday, February, 20, 2025 6-7:30pm NEW LOCATION: The Riverhouse
Inside MacWilliam Park, 305 Acacia Rd, Vero Beach, FL 32963 STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES
Join our club or pay dues HERE.
Members, join our Dem Club Facebook group HERE.
The Dem Club invites all interested individuals to consider candidacy for the following board positions:
President
Secretary
Two Dem Club Board Members
Elections will take place in March and each position has a term of service lasting 2 years. If you are passionate about leading and contributing to the growth of the Dem Club, we encourage you to submit your candidacy. If you are interested please contact Elle Shaw at [email protected]
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”
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 February 28, 2025 2-4 p.m.
Brackett Library, Bjorkman room
,We will be discussing “The Art of Power: My Story As America’s First Woman Speaker of the House
Author: Nancy Pelosi
