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Good Morning Defenders of Democracy!

This week, we’re focusing on the challenges, and strength, behind Vice Mayor Linda Moore’s fight to defend her business and values. Her story underscores how national culture wars are increasingly weaponized at the local level and solidifies the importance of local politics in our current political landscape.

Also in this issue:
-A recap of our Good Trouble protest
-Details on the Dem Club's August 5th focus group
-An environmental stance on the Indian River County budget debate
-New information from our Candidate Committee and the Florida Democratic Party on elections
-Upcoming events, meetings, opportunities, and more!

Change starts from the ground up, and this month, we’re showing what that looks like.
Stand With Linda Moore

The Background
In recent weeks, Vice Mayor Linda Moore has faced a coordinated smear campaign led by Moms for Liberty and amplified by far-right blogs. Their accusations center on a Pride Tea Dance held at Moore’s establishment, The Kilted Mermaid; a beloved local venue known for its inclusive programming and support of the LGBTQ+ community.

The event in question, held annually for the past five years, was clearly divided into two segments: a family-friendly teatime and a separate, adults-only drag performance later in the evening. Despite this, critics circulated a photo of a performer in lingerie, taken during the adult portion, and falsely claimed that minors were present. They also exploited a video of a child interacting with a drag queen in appropriate attire during the earlier segment, sharing the child’s image online without parental consent to stoke outrage and further their agenda.
The Response
When Moms for Liberty announced plans to demand Vice Mayor Linda Moore’s resignation at the July 22 City Council meeting, we knew we had to show up. As identified by most speakers before the City Council, Linda has always stood up for our values; protecting the environment, championing inclusion, and representing every Vero Beach resident, no matter their background. Democratic Executive Committe Member, Linda Levine, was among the dozens of community members to speak in support of Moore and against the blatant bullying and misinformation that brought us to this moment.

[link removed]
Click for video

Surrounded by a room full for support, Linda Moore made it clear: not only will she not resign, but she continues to stand firm in her commitment to the rights of all Vero Beach residents to express themselves freely and safely.
The Developments
Unfortunately, Moms for Liberty had already been well on their way to escalating the issue, and took their three minutes of public comment to break the news that attorney General, James Uthmeier has issued a subpoena of records from Moore and her establishment. Now this issue has made national headlines ([link removed])
The Facts
Let’s be clear: no existing laws were broken, and no children were witnessed to be exposed to inappropriate content. Florida’s so-called “Protection of Children Act,” often cited in these attacks, has been blocked by federal courts for being overly broad and unconstitutional. The Attorney General’s investigation has yet to cite any specific violation
How to Show Your Support
Linda Moore is bravely prepared to face this challenge head-on. But she’ll need our help to fight back against this politicized abuse of the legal system. We encourage you to donate to her legal defense fund using the button below.
Donate to Linda Moore's Legal Defense ([link removed])
As a party, we intend to keep showing up for Linda Moore and stand against the disgraceful tactics and bullying being employed to advance a hateful agenda. This Friday (that's tonight!), our Young Dems will be voting with their wallets and supporting the Kilted Mermaid establishment at 6:00PM. All are welcome to join and show their solidarity.
The Democratic Executive Committee is persuing additional means to support Linda Moore and DEI.
Closing Remarks

We do not support censorship, intimidation, or the erasure of diverse voices in our city. Linda Moore deserves our support, not condemnation; for bravely standing by her values and her community.
Good Trouble Recap

Nearly 500 passionate residents of Indian River County showed up on a stormy Thursday evening, standing in solidarity with 1,600+ protests across the nation.
We’re here for the fight; for free and fair elections, civil rights, and the enduring legacy of Good Trouble. The vision of John Lewis lives on, and his call to action is more urgent than ever.
From the Dem Club
Email Tammy (mailto:[email protected]?subject=I%20would%20like%20to%20RSVP%20to%20be%20a%20focus%20group%20participant%20)
The Democratic Club of Indian River has officially registered for Treasure Coast Food Bank's 5th annual "Outrun Hunger 5k". You can register to run with them or donate to their team here HERE ([link removed])
Proposed Indian River County Budget: Environmental Committee
(adapted from CWC newsletter by permission)

Indian River County has initiated Budget Meetings for Fiscal Year 2025/26. Workshops were held on July 9th and 10th. A Tentative Budget Hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025 at 5:01 p.m. in the Commission Chambers. A Final Budget Hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025 at 5:01 p.m. in the Commission Chambers.

The County Administrator John Titkanich’s “message” regarding the recommended budget to the Board of County Commissioners cites:
-Employee retention, recruitment, and compensation continues to be at the forefront while developing the FY 2024/2025 budget.
-The total proposed budget is $524,719,875, a decrease of $107,923,737 or 17.1% from the current year.
-The FY 2024/25 proposed millage rates remain unchanged from the previous year’s rates for the existing funds; however, an additional millage is being added for the Land Acquisition Bond 2024. The proposed Aggregate Millage rate is decreasing by 0.0109 mills or 0.18% to 6.1198 mills.
-Indian River County’s General Fund millage rate ranks as the 6th lowest in the state.

Indian River County residents have stated repeatedly that their #1 priority is to preserve the natural environment of our community. A healthy environment is a vital component of our economy and quality of life. To preserve our environment; particularly in the light of current development pressures, Indian River Democrats espouse that the County should have an adequate budget to provide sufficient funding for the County to responsibly fulfill its public interest mission to restore, protect, conserve, and effectively manage our natural resources.
Run For Office

NEW INFORMATION FROM OUR CANDIDATE COMMITTEE

In 2025, City Council elections will be held in Fellsmere, Sebastian, and Vero Beach. County and state elections follow in 2026.
Running for office is a meaningful way to impact your community. Many local positions are paid, include some insurance benefits and are non-partisan. If you are interested in running, contact us to set up an info session or one-on-one meeting. Getting on the ballot is straightforward, and support is available to help you run a successful campaign.

Become familiar with Democratic candidates who have already declared a run for office:
-U.S. Senator: Alex Gould, Tamika Lyles, Joshia Wiel
-Florida Governor: Richard Paul Dembinsky, Indony Pierre Jean Baptiste, David Jolly, Donald J. Peterson
-Florida Attorney General: Jose Javiar Rodriguez
-Commissioner Agriculture: Chase Anderson Romagnano

Get Involved contact the Indian River Candidate Committee through the office or [email protected] for support in your journey.

NEW INFORMATION FROM THE FLORIDA DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Thinking About Running For Office? | Run For Office Form ([link removed])
Running for office takes a lot of courage. We want every candidate to know we see you, we’re rooting for you, and we’ve got your back. Complete the form to stay in the loop on how we support our candidates!
Looking To Volunteer, Intern, or Work For a Campaign? | Resume Bank Form ([link removed])
Are you passionate about making a difference and ready to take action? Whether you're looking to volunteer, intern, or be hired as staff for a Florida candidate, when you submit this form, your resume will be available to Florida candidates and their campaigns who will reach out if your skillset is a match for their needs!

Bi-Weekly Office Hours | Mondays @ 3 PM - 4 PM EST | Register Here ([link removed])
Hosted by the Florida Democratic Party
The FDP's candidate support team is available on Mondays from 3 PM - 4 PM EST to answer your questions, whether you're considering running for office or already running!
Running for Office Interest Meeting | July 28 @ 7 PM EST | Register Here ([link removed])
Hosted by the Florida Democratic Party
Join the FDP’s Candidates & Campaigns team for our Running for Office Interest Meeting. This call is designed for Democratic candidates who are either in the initial thinking about running phase or have decided to run but have not filed yet. During this call, you’ll learn about the resources FDP provides to all Democratic candidates, how to file for office, and the additional steps to launch your campaign! If you’re a registered Democrat thinking about running for office in Florida or in the beginning stages of starting your campaign, this call is for you!
Rural Canvassing | July 30 @ 1 PM - 2 PM EST | Register Here ([link removed])
Hosted by National Democratic Training Committee
Canvassing in rural areas can be complex! If you are planning to manage a campaign’s direct voter contact activities in a rural area then this training is for you!
Join this training to learn the following:
* Describe ways to maximize the effectiveness of canvassing in areas with low population density.
* Offer solutions to common challenges rural organizers encounter when planning and executing canvass operations.

Safety for Elected Officials & Candidates with Democracy Security Project | July 30th @ 4 PM - 5 PM EST | Register Here
([link removed])
Hosted by Democratic Municipal Officials
In the wake of the tragedy in Minnesota, and in the face of rising fear and aggression, the Democracy Security Project will provide durable solutions and support that can be utilized by local electeds and candidates alike.
Join this training to learn the following:
* Safety precautions
* Support techniques to protect local elected and candidates
* Solutions for safety issues

Join us for FDP's Statewide Weekend of Action as we mobilize to re-enroll over 1.2 million Democrats removed from the Vote-by-Mail rolls. With a 95% turnout rate when enrolled, these voters are key to building power; and re-enrolling is just a call or click away.
Sign Up ([link removed])
Local Democratic Meetings
DEMOCRATS OF INDIAN RIVER
Volunteer with Democrats of Indian River HERE ([link removed])
Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) Meeting
Thursday, August 28th, 2025 at 6pm
Vero Beach Main Library Multi-Media Room
Steering Committee Meeting
Thursday, August 21st, 2025 at 5pm
Online/Zoom

Want to speak your mind? Pause The Outrage: Fill The Page

We're pausing our outrage, we’re pausing the lectures, we’ve started listening and we're filling out the page. You can take an easy step toward your activism by sharing your ideas with the Democratic Club. We would like to know about the topics most important to you - federal, state and local and how you’d like the Democratic Club to address these issues. Please take a few minutes to tell us what’s on your mind by completing our questionnaire: [link removed] ([link removed]) Thank you in advance for your feedback!

Fall Meeting TBD
Join the NEW Democratic Club of Indian River event information blast. We're heading up a handful of new promotional efforts to make a greater impact in the Treasure Coast. From coordinating focus groups to hosting entertaining speakers and throwing grand balls, we make it happen and want you to be there.
Join Event Blast HERE ([link removed])
Join our club or pay dues HERE ([link removed]) . Members, join our Facebook group HERE ([link removed]) .
Young Democrats Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, July 30th, 2025 6:00 p.m.
Democratic Headquarters 2706 20th St., Vero Beach FL, 32960
Learn more and join the Young Democrats of Indian River HERE ([link removed]) .
You can find YDIRC on Facebook ([link removed]) , Discord ([link removed]) ,Twitter ([link removed]) and TikTok. ([link removed])
View Events Calendar & Linktree HERE ([link removed])
SAVE THE DATE: DWC Luncheon at the Vero Beach Yacht Club
Saturday, September 13, 2025 11:30 am

SPEAKER: CHRISTI SHIELDS, DIRECTOR OF TREASURE COAST TECHNICAL COLLEGE
and Presentation of Stipends to LPN Students
More details to follow.
DWC Book Group Meeting
Friday, August 22nd, 2025 2-4 p.m. (2 books)

Brackett Library, 6155 College Lane, Vero Beach
Bjorkman Room (to your left when your enter the library)
Indian River State College, Mueller Campus

Book Title: The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine: A History of Settler-Colonialism and Resistance, 1917-2017
Author: Rashid Khalidi
AND
Book Title: Israel’s Struggle with Hezbollah: A War Without End
Author: Clifford Sobin

For more information, please email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Join the DWC here ([link removed])
Community Meetings

Education Champions Monthly Meeting
2nd Thursday of each month at 1:00 p.m.
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
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.
Register HERE ([link removed])
GOVERNMENT MEETINGS
School District of Indian River County
Find School Board meeting details here ([link removed]) .
Indian River County
2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month 9 a.m.
Board of County Commission Meeting. Details here ([link removed]) .
Watch livehere ([link removed]) .
City of Vero Beach
2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month 9:30 a.m.
Regular City Council Meeting. Details here ([link removed]) .
Town of Indian River Shores
Find Town Council meeting details here ([link removed]) .
City of Fellsmere
1st & 3rd Thursday of the Month
Regular City Council Meeting details here ([link removed]) .
City of Sebastian
2nd & 4th Wednesday of the Month
Find Regular City Council Meeting Details here ([link removed]) .

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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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