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Good morning Democrats,

On Monday, more than 100 Democrats gathered to protest the Trump administration with a “Not My President” activation. Protesters voiced their opposition to Trump's executive orders, Musk's takeover and far left GOP policies. The Democrats of Indian River are committed to defending democracy and exercising our constitutional rights. Watch our video HERE ([link removed]) .

Many people are unaware that three upcoming special elections could tie the U.S. House of Representatives. We are sharing the many ways you can donate, volunteer and organize below. Let's eliminate the GOP's narrow majority!

📷: Kaila Jones TCPalm

Important Town Hall Meeting
RSVP Here ([link removed])
Our Congressman, Mike Haridopolos is hosting a virtual town hall. We encourage Democrats of Indian River to attend this meeting and ask questions. Here are some suggested concerns to share:
* Our Congressman is doing the bidding of the US arms industry by engaging in a full assault on public safety by cosponsored bills to both abolish the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and to repeal the National Firearms Act ([link removed]) . The National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934 imposed taxes, registration requirements, and restrictions on certain firearms, including short-barreled rifles and shotguns, machine guns, and silencers, with the primary goal of discouraging their circulation due to their association with violent crime. His support of these bills does not reflect the will of his constituents. Urge him to rescind his support of both H.R. 221 ([link removed]) to abilish the ATF and H.R. 335 ([link removed]) to repeal the
NFA.
* Trump's choice to take away public educations from students in order to give tax breaks to the very rich would have a devastating impact on schools and students. Cutting the Department of Education would eliminate programs critical to student success in school and life ([link removed]) . The local impact could mean teachers losing their jobs, less support for critical programs and reduced funding for school repairs. House Republicans have introduced bill HR899
([link removed]) to terminate the Departments of Education. Our Congressman, Mike Haridopolos has not yet joined the bill's 30 cosponsors. Ask if voters can count on him to withhold his support for HR899 "To terminate the Department of Education."
* House Republicans have introduced a bill ([link removed]) to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. This Act saves older Americans billions in health care costs. This bill would significantly increase costs for millions of Americans. HR191 would overturn the cap on insulin costs and the $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket precrription drug copayments for millions of older Americans. Floridians simply cannot afford for this bil to pass or for our Congressman to support this bill. Ask if voters can count on him to withhold his support for HR191.

Help Tie the U.S. House
There are 218 Republicans and 215 Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives. This narrow GOP majority can be eliminated and the House could be tied if Democrats win three upcoming special elections. Here are the multiple ways you can support these three key races.


FL-01: Gay Valimont
Gay Valimont is a dedicated mother, community advocate, and leader in Florida's 1st District.
* Donate to Gay Valimont’s campaign: [Donate here] ([link removed])
* Monday Online Phonebanks: [Sign up here] ([link removed])
* Tuesday Online Phonebanks: [Sign up here] ([link removed])

FL-06: Josh Weil
Josh Weil, a single father and public school educator, is running to flip Florida’s 6th District.
* Donate to Josh Weil’s campaign: [Donate here] ([link removed])
* Daily Online Phonebank Opportunities: [Click here to sign up] ([link removed])

NY-21: Blake Gendebien
* Donate to Blake Gendebien’s campaign: [Donate here] ([link removed])

Register for Monday's Call HERE ([link removed])
Join Us at the Dem Office to Phone Bank for Gay Valimont!
Sign Up Here ([link removed])

Join our in person phone banking event every Wednesday to support Gay Valimont. We’ll provide training and scripts, whether you’re experienced or new to phone banking. Please bring your laptops and headphones, as we have a limited number available at the office. Refreshments will be provided.

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. Qualifying requirements vary. For local office; a petition of 25 signatures for a filing fee of $25 and create a bank account for the campaign.

We continue to seek candidates to run for office in Indian River, if interested contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or call the office.

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.

Latino Victory Project Candidate and Campaign Training (Orlando) February 21 & 22
REGISTER HERE ([link removed])

Latino Victory Project is hosting a two-day bootcamp to train aspiring and rising Latino candidates and campaign workers to run for public office and win campaigns. Over the course of Friday and Saturday, we will cover topics including how to fundraise, build field, and communications plans with the expertise of political strategists from across the country. For any questions, please reach out to Diana Bula at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

Run for Something Candidate Intro Call February 25 @ 8 PM
REGISTER HERE ([link removed])

Run For Something's mission is to recruit and support diverse, progressive Democrats age 40 and under, running for the first or second time in local and state races. Join RFS to learn about taking your next steps in running for local office. You’ll hear directly from Run for Something leaders and former candidates about:

- Recommended first steps for exploring a run for office
- Online resources from Run For Something and our partners to build your skills and knowledge
- First-hand experience about what it is like to be a candidate and local elected official


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.
* AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE
* AGRICULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
* BEACH & SHORES PRESERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
* CHILDREN SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
* CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD
* COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT CITIZEN ADVISORY TASK FORCE
* ENVIRONMENTAL LAND ACQUISION PANEL
* PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION

More Information HERE ([link removed])
Community Events

Tuesday, February 25,2025 at 6:00 PM ET
NOTE: This initiative is critical in mobilizing Black voters in CD-1 and CD-6, helping them re-enroll in Vote By Mail and ensuring their voices are heard at the ballot box during the April 1, 2025 special elections to tie the U.S. House.
RSVP HERE ([link removed])
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
More Opportunities to Get Involved
DEMOCRATS OF INDIAN RIVER
Volunteer with Democrats of Indian River HERE ([link removed])
Steering Committee Meeting
Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 5pm
Via Zoom

Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) Meeting
Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 6pm
Vero Beach Main Library Multi-Media Room
Board Meeting
Tuesday, March, 11, 2025 6:00 p.m.
ZOOM

Democratic Club Meeting
Thursday, March, 12, 2025 6pm
NEW LOCATION: The Riverhouse
Inside MacWilliam Park, 305 Acacia Rd, Vero Beach, FL 32963

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]
Join our club or pay dues HERE ([link removed]) . Members, join our Facebook group HERE ([link removed]) .
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Young Democrats Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, February, 26, 2025 6:00 p.m.
Democratic Headquarters 2345 14th Ave. Suite 7
Learn more and join the Young Democrats of Indian River HERE ([link removed]) .
You can find YDIR on Facebook ([link removed]) , Discord ([link removed]) ,Twitter ([link removed]) and TikTok. ([link removed])
View Events Calendar & Linktree HERE ([link removed])
The Democrats would appreciate your feedback on the monthly support group. Your input is valuable in helping us determine whether to continue the group. Please take a moment to complete the survey below!
Take the Survey Here ([link removed] Democrats would appreciate your feedback on the monthly support group. Your input is valuable in helping us determine whether to continue the group. Please take a moment to complete the survey below!)
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Join the club HERE ([link removed]) .
DWC Luncheon at Bent Pine Clubhouse
Saturday, March 8, 2025 11:30 a.m.
6001 Clubhouse Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 31967
SPEAKER: Ken Grudens, Executive Director, Indian River Land Trust

Cost is $35 (payable by cash or check at the door). To RSVP email [email protected] and include meal choice of Apple Stuffed Chicken Breast with Risotto, Thai Chili Shrimp Cake or Vegetarian Plate. Valet Parking is available from 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and for departure between 1:30 and 2:15 p.m. Also, Non-perishable food items will be accepted for the optional Fellsmere Food Pantry Food Drive.
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

For more information, please email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

The Environment Committee of the DWC will be holding a meeting on Monday, February 24th at 10:30 AM at Humiston Park followed by a beach and park cleanup at 11:00 AM. Members of the DEC will also be in attendance.

Agenda Highlights: Lagoonapalooza debrief, Clean Water Petitions 2025, Fellsmere fridge & March luncheon challenge, Earth Day planning, Review of mission, Discussion with DEC on possible collaboration.

All Indian River County Democrats are welcome to join!
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GOVERNMENT MEETINGS
School District of Indian River County
Find School Board meeting details here ([link removed]) .
2nd and 4th 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]) .

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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])

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