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November 16th, 2025 Democrats of Indian River Newsletter
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From our Local Democratic Party Chair
CALLS TO ACTION ON PUBLIX OPEN CARRY AND HB 133 (HOUSE BILL TO ALLOW 18-YEAR-OLDS TO OWN FIREARMS IN FLORIDA)
Several months ago, two things happened that caused me concern. The Florida appellate court struck down the gun control law in Florida restricting "Open Carry" and immediately the Publix grocery store chain amended their policies to allow for open carry in their stores. In addition, the Republicans in the Florida State legislature revved up legislation to allow the age of long gun purchases to be reduced from 21 to 18 years of age in direct contradiction to the judicious anti-gun violence approach taken by the state in 2018 post the Parkland shootings.
I believe that open carry in business establishments and reducing the age for purchase will inevitably result in one or more tragedies. I sent Publix a letter condemning their policy and told them I would take my business to other grocery establishments, and their response was dismissive.

So, if you would like to make statements about restricting gun violence, I suggest two calls to action:
1. Send a letter to Publix condemning their policy on open carry (see contact info below) and consider giving them a time out while you utilize grocery stores demonstrating more Democratic party principles. Lot's of letters will help, but impacting their revenue bottom line is the best way to get our point across.
2. Immediately reach out to Representative Brackett - the bill is in his sub-committee - before next Tuesday's sub-committee vote to change the purchase age (See link below) and tell him what you think.

It's time for Indian River Democrats to step up to the plate leveraging our protest voices to stand up for what is good for our community. Thanks for your help.

How to Contact Publix

By Phone: 800-242-1227
By Email: Please visit www.publix.com and click on the "Contact Us" form.
By Mail: Publix Super Markets Corporate Office, PO Box 407, Lakeland, FL 33802-0407 ATTN: Customer Care Department
By Social Media: www.twitter.com/publixhelps or www.facebook.com/publix
Click to Contact Rep. Bracket on HB133 ([link removed])
Call to Action: Feed Indian River County
FOOD DRIVE

An economic crisis is in our midst while the Trump administration moves forward with the one of the largest upward transfers of wealth in American history. Local food pantries have been emptied at alarming rates as our neighbors begin to feel the impact of these decisions. As such, we will continue collecting food through our headquarters for the foreseeable future. This can include perishable foods such as meats as we will be dropping them off at the Fellsmere Fridge

📍 Drop donations at our office: 2706 20th Street, ([link removed]) Monday–Thursday, 10 AM–3 PM

Thank you to everyone who helped us stock the pantry last week. Just two days after the Democratic Women's Club completely filled the pantry, the shelves were empty.
YOUR IMPACT SO FAR
Thank you to everyone who helped us stock the pantry last week. Just two days after the Democratic Women's Club completely filled the pantry, the shelves were empty.
DON'T MISS OUT: Democratic Club Town Hall

The Democratic Club of Indian River County invites you to a town hall meeting at the Riverhouse, 305 Acacia Road, Vero Beach

Some issues to be discussed; How did the elections on 11/4 make you feel? Did it restore your faith in our democracy and give you hope for the future? What kind of messaging do you think that the Democrats could/should use moving forward? What is your view of socialism v.s. communism? What kind of emotions/feelings have you experienced since the Trump administration has been in power? What local Florida issues would you like to discuss? Audience participation is strongly encouraged as we explore these and other issues we are facing in our Democracy.

We look forward to seeing you on 11/20. And bring your thoughts and questions.
RSVP Here ([link removed])
Holiday Dollars and Democratic Values
This Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, we urge you to vote with your wallets. Corporations like Target, Home Depot, and Amazon are profiting from Trump's attacks on DEI, ICE raids, and policies that harm working families. An organization called "We Ain't Buying It" has begun an initiative to withhold spending from these retailers during the holiday season. Instead, they suggest we redirect our dollars to mutual aid, small businesses, and Black- and immigrant-owned enterprises.
Click to Learn More ([link removed])
From Our Civic Council
FLORIDA MUST REPEAL SCHOOLS OF HOPE

Florida’s “Schools of Hope” program has shifted from helping struggling schools to enabling corporate charter takeovers. A new rule forces districts to hand over “underused” facilities rent-free, cover operating costs, and appeal only to state-appointed magistrates.
The result: public schools lose students, funding, and control while investors profit.

Click to Learn More ([link removed])
HELP SHAPE INDIAN RIVER'S FUTURE: JOIN A LOCAL BOARD
Not all local positions require running for office, in fact you could be appointed to a county board this year! If you have experience relevant to any of these positions, we urge you to put in your application as soon as possible.
Apply Here ([link removed])
From the Florida Democratic Party
-Mon, Nov 17 @ 7pm
Ready to Run Training › ([link removed])
-Wed, Nov 19 @ 6pm
Runoff Election GOTV Night of Action Phonebank › ([link removed])
-Thu, Nov 20 @ 6pm
Special Election GOTV Night of Action Phonebank › ([link removed])
-Mon, Dec 1 @ 6pm
VR Training Series: Voter Registration Volunteer Training › ([link removed])
-Thu, Dec 4 @ 6pm
Organizing Training Series: Writing a Field Plan › ([link removed])
-Sat, Dec 6 @ 10am
Special Election GOTV Weekend of Action Phonebank › ([link removed])
Register Here ([link removed])
Local Democratic Meetings
DEMOCRATS OF INDIAN RIVER
Volunteer with Democrats of Indian River HERE ([link removed])
Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) Meeting
Monday, November 17th, 2025 at 5:45pm
Vero Beach Main Library Multi-Media Room
Steering Committee Meeting
Thursday, December 11th, 2025 at 5:15pm
Online/Zoom
[link removed]
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
November 22nd Friendsgiving Potluck 7pm-10pm
Democratic Headquarters 2706 20th St., Vero Beach FL, 32960
RSVP/More infoHERE ([link removed])
Learn more and join the Young Democrats of Indian River HERE ([link removed]) .
You can find YDIRC on Facebook ([link removed]) , Discord ([link removed]) , and TikTok. ([link removed])
View Linktree HERE ([link removed])
DWC Luncheon at Bent Pine Clubhouse
Saturday, December 13th, 2025 11:30 am
6001 Clubhouse Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32967
ANNUAL HOLIDAY LUNCHEON AND CHARITY AUCTION

Stay tuned, more information coming soon!
DWC Book Club Meeting
Friday, December 5th, 2025 2-4 pm
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 Fourth Quarter of Your Life: Embracing What Matters Most
Author: Matthew Kelly and Allen R. Hunt.

For more information about the DWC Book Group, please contact Rita and Susan at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Join the DWC here ([link removed])
Community Events

Liberals In Vero Happy Hour
Tuesday, November 25th, 5-7PM
The Kilted Mermaid
If you can, please bring a box of cereal, canned goods or non-perishable items
RSVP Here ([link removed])

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.

Join the Treasure Coast LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus for their next meeting on December 14. We hope to be joined by Grace Linn, who was featured in the short documentary "The ABCs of Book Banning." We will watch the 30 minute film and have a discussion on the book banning taking place in Martin County and nationwide and talk about DeSantis's attempts to make us invisible to society. We'll then change gears and celebrate the holidays with a party of our own.

This meeting will be held at a private home. More info given after Mobilize signup.
Rsvp 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
2706 20th St.
Vero Beach 32960

Office Hours
Monday to Thursday 10am-3pm

(772) 226-5267
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