On April 5th, the Democratic Party of Indian River is committed to telling the Trump Administration to take their Hands Off America's best interests. These include Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, unnecessary tariffs, government employees, legal immigrants, and our Health and Human Services. Trump’s tariffs, which are projected to add over $1,200 a year to typical home expenses, are a MASSIVE NEW tax hike paid by working families, driving up costs on groceries, appliances, cars, gasoline and more while creating economic chaos and instability across the globe.
This tax increase on middle-class families will provide the revenue to help pay for tax cuts for billionaires and corporations, many of which are shipping American jobs overseas. We reject an agenda where billionaires win and everyday Americans lose. RSVP for our April 5 protest HERE.
We are celebrating Earth Day 2025 by tabling at the Earth Day & Arbor Day Celebration and could use your help. Volunteer for a tabling shift HERE. Also, don't forget about the Dem club meeting on April 23 that you can RSVP for HERE.
Recently, FDP Chair, Nikki Fried, announced the appointment of our Chairman, Bill Evans, to the Judicial Council standing committee and our Committeewoman, Angela Weber, to the Legislative Liaison standing committee. Congratulations to both on their new roles!
On Saturday, April 5th, we're taking to the streets to protest with a clear message: Hands off! We the people reject the Trump-Musk coup and VETO Project 2025. Indian River County is protesting to fight back!
Join us in peaceful dissent to tell Trump & Musk to keep their HANDS OFF our medicaid, medicare, social security, our wallets, our jobs, our bodies, democracy, personal data, public land, veteran services, cancer research, nato, immigrants, consumer protections, clean energy, schools, free speech, trans healthcare and clean air.
This protest is a nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.
While House Republicans have been directed by Speaker Johnson to withhold from hosting in person town halls, Representative Mike Haridopolos is hosting another telephone town hall on Monday, April 28th at 5:30PM. Make sure you RSVP HERE by April 27th to confirm your spot on the call!
We also want to flag that Brady has compiled this list of questions to help you engage your lawmakers on gun violence prevention.
Save the date! This year’s Leadership Blue Weekend will take place from June 20th-22nd at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL.
Florida’s Immigration Standoff: State vs. Local Control
Florida’s state government is increasingly overriding local control, particularly in immigration enforcement. In Vero Beach, officials recently approved an ICE agreement allowing local police to act as immigration agents after concerns about state retaliation and financial burdens. Fort Myers initially rejected the agreement but reversed its decision under political pressure, highlighting how Tallahassee is forcing compliance and weakening home rule. Read more about this HERE
Governor Ron DeSantis has intensified his crackdown on immigration, threatening to suspend local officials who resist federal enforcement. His administration has removed prosecutors who opposed his policies and expanded local law enforcement’s role in ICE operations. Critics argue that these actions prioritize political loyalty over governance, suppress dissent, and further centralize power in the state government. Read more about this HERE
Clothe and Empower
Let's can take action to support the farmworkers who help feed our communities. The Long Sleeve Relief Campaign, organized by the Farmworkers Association of Florida, is collecting new or gently used long-sleeved cotton shirts (up to XL) to protect workers from extreme weather, pesticides, and insects. They also accept children's clothing, toys, and select food items. To contribute, call 888-275-9953 or email [email protected]. Donations can be dropped off at 29 S. Maple St. Unit A, Fellsmere (Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 6 PM).
This year, 2025, there are City Council elections 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.
Running for office takes a lot of courage. Complete FDP's Run for Office Form to be added to their candidate newsletter and stay in the loop on how FDP support our candidates!
NEW Are you ready to Run For Something? Sign up for the NDTC & RFS 15-Day Challenge. NDTC is going to show you to run, and WIN. Register Here
Indian River County wants your input as the MPO develops a long-range transportation plan. Attend a public meeting, complete the survey on our website, or contact Brian Freeman at (772) 226-1455. For special accommodations or translation services, contact Patti Johnson at (772) 226-1455 by March 28, 2025. Visit: www.indianriver.gov/mpo
Dr. David Moore, our Superintendent of Schools, will be the guest speaker at the Association’s April 4th Luncheon. He was a finalist for the National Superintendent of the Year Award from The School Superintendent’s Association, following his recent recognition as Florida’s 2025 Superintendent of the Year. He will give an update on the School District of Indian River County.
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, April 17, 2025 at 5:15pm Via Zoom
Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) Meeting Monday, April 21, 2025 at 6pm Vero Beach Main Library Multi-Media Room
Board Meeting Tuesday, April, 8, 2025 6:00 p.m. ZOOM
DWC Luncheon at Bent Pine Clubhouse Saturday, April 26, 2025 11:30 a.m.
6001 Clubhouse Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 31967
SPEAKER: ELIZABETH A. GASKIN, VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT SUCCESS, IRSC Student Scholarships will be awarded. Details to Follow
DWC Book Group Meeting Friday, April 25, 2025 2-4 p.m.
Brackett Library, Bjorkman room
Title: “Zero Fail: The Rise and Fall of the Secret Service”
Author: Carol Leonning
Date: May 6, 2025 Time: 10:30am Location: 420 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34949 Details:
Join us for a field trip to St. Lucie Aquarium with Scott Jones! Tickets can be purchased at the aquarium. Visit their website for more details HERE Please RSVP to [email protected].
Future Meetings: Date: Thursday, May 29, 2025 Time: 10:30 AM Location: Riverview Park, Sebastian
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.
