This week, Democrats across Indian River County protested the Trump Administration's executive overreach when over 300 concerned citizens responded to take direct action to alert our community of our support of Ukraine, efforts to defund Medicaid, Meals on Wheels and more. Thank you to everyone who organized and participated in Tuesday's protest. If you have friends that were unaware of this event, please encourage them to sign up for our newsletter at https://democratsofindianriver.org/.
Following our protest, Donald Trump delivered one of the most divisive presidential addresses in American history. With no attempt to unite the country or speak to the serious economic challenges facing everyday Americans, Trump promoted the reckless Republican budget that sets up the largest cut to Medicaid in our country’s history. Meanwhile, Congressional Democrats continue to fight hard to make life better for the people.
This week marks the beginning of Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements of women who have broken barriers and blazed trails,and recommit to fight harder for the rights we have lost.
This month's Democratic Club meeting will feature a panel of Democratic Executive Committee members ready to share plans for 2025 and speak with local Democrats to hear their concerns and suggestions. Come let your voices be heard. RSVP link below.
During our last DEC meeting, we recognized Stephen Sczurek for providing notary services to the Democrats of Indian River County. Thank you Stephen, your help is greatly appreciated!
Our Dem office is open M-F and our office has been very busy. We are looking for any motivated volunteers to come in Tuesday and Thursday mornings. We need volunteers to help us put new dem letter packages together, make birthday calls, and staff our front desk area.
If you are intersted in volunteering for any of those availble time slots please contact Cecelia Lyons at 516-581-7420.
Grant Seafood Festival Recap
The Democrats of Indian River had a successful event at the Grant Seafood Festival, partnering with Brevard Democrats to register voters by mail, gather petition signatures, and promote the three upcoming special elections.
Will State Lawmakers Finally Act?
Floridians are tired of rising costs and government inaction, especially as insurance companies rake in profits while denying claims and claiming financial hardship. With Republicans controlling Florida’s government for nearly 30 years, the state’s property insurance crisis rests squarely on their shoulders. As the legislative session begins, Floridians deserve real solutions to ease their financial burdens—not more political infighting. Instead of playing games, Tallahassee Republicans should focus on making life more affordable because, while they stall, the cost of housing, property insurance, and everyday essentials continues to soar.
Since January 20, actions by Trump, Musk, and Republicans have resulted in the firing of key civil servants, impacting public safety, small businesses, and those who depend on government services. House Democrats are fighting back in Congress, the courts, and communities to protect hardworking Americans. Share your stories with Leader Jeffries to help strengthen the fight.
The replay of Wednesday's Let's Talk Three Corners gathering is now available. Audience concerns focused on property value, feasibility, and traffic/parking. Christine Hughes discussed the real estate impact, and Morgen Reynolds addressed the project's fit with downtown.
Next Steps:
March 4, 1 p.m.: Selection Committee meets to discuss proposals (no public comment).
Week of March 24: Interviews (closed), rankings and recommendations to City Council (open, no comment).
Week of April 22: City Council interviews (closed), final decision (open, public comment).
State Moves to Halt Funding for Vero Beach After City Hall Blunder
Vero Beach missed the deadline to file its 2023 financial audit, risking $250,000 in lost revenue and $32 million in utility grants. The issue went unnoticed for over three months. City Manager Monte Falls confirmed the mistake, but the audit won't be done until mid-April. This could delay key projects and lead to budget cuts.
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.
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. We continue to seek candidates to run for office in Indian River, if interested contact [email protected] or call the office. Please also complete FDP's Run for Office Form to be added to their candidate newsletter and resources.
Community Events
Join the Taxpayers Association Luncheon on March 14th at the Vero Beach Yacht Club, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Indian River Mosquito Control District. Hear from district commissioners and staff about their history and operations. RSVP to [email protected] with your choice to dine ($25 per person) or attend for free. The event is open to the public.
Looking ahead: our April 4th meeting will feature Dr. David Moore, Superintendent of Schools, who is a finalist for National Superintendent of the Year.
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
Steering Committee Meeting
Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 5pm Via Zoom
Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) Meeting Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 6pm Vero Beach Main Library Multi-Media Room
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 March 12 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. Members, join our Facebook group HERE.
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!
Feb 28, 2025 DWC Environmental Committee Meeting Summary
Key issues discussed included conservation of sensitive land ("Keep what we have"), protection of turtles and Indian River Lagoon & water quality. Agreed upon actions included DEC Environmental Committee will drafting policies on these issues, DWC Committee reviewing, editing, and recommending policies to DEC, DEC considering and adopting the policies.
The next DWC Environmental Committee meeting is scheduled for 10:30 AM on March 31, 2025, at Riverview Park in Sebastian. The next DEC Environmental Committee meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 2:30 PM. All Indian River County Democrats are welcome to join!
GOVERNMENT MEETINGS
School District of Indian River County Find School Board meeting details here.
2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month 9 a.m.
Indian River County Board of County Commission Meeting. Details here. Watch live here.
2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month 9:30 a.m. City of Vero Beach Regular City Council Meeting. Details here.
Town of Indian River Shores Find Town Council meeting details here.
1st & 3rd Thursday of the Month City of Fellsmere Regular City Council Meeting details here.
City of Sebastian Find Regular City Council Meeting Details here.
