View this email in your browser ([link removed])

Good morning Democrats,

This week, Florida lawmakers gathered in Tallahassee after Governor DeSantis called for a special session to carry out President Trump's harsh immigration policies. But in a twist, the legislature immediately gaveled out of the governor's special session and into a special session of their own!

While Senator Grall and Representative Brackett both voted for the special session immigration bill to pass out of their committees, Senator Grall joined Democrats and 5 other Republican Senators to vote against the bill's passage on the Senate floor. Meanwhile, Representatives voted for the bill on the House floor.

Please make note of the open committee and board positions we have shared below. We encourage all Democrats to get involved in the local politics of Indian River County whether it be by attending local government meetings or serving on a board.

Lagoonapallooza was a success, with 37 signatures collected for the 2025 clean water petition. You can still sign up via the link below. This week, Leslie Swan presented her Mobile Voter Program, which was instituted to help increase voter participation for those with limited mobility in 2024. Meanwhile, Florida’s GOP leaders continue to push harmful immigration proposals, while neglecting the affordability crisis plaguing families. Looking ahead to 2025, local elections for school board members and city commissioners offer a chance to make a meaningful impact on key issues. If you’re considering running for office, reach out to the Indian River Candidate Committee or complete the FDP’s Run for Office form for valuable support and resources.
Lagoonapallooza was a success! Thank you to all the volunteers who showed up. We gathered about 37 signatures. If you're interested, you can still sign the 2025 clean water petition at the link below.
Note: You’ll need to print and mail it for the petition to be received.
Sign the Petition ([link removed])
Supervisor of Election Updates
This week, Supervisor of Elections Leslie Swan presented the County Commission with an overview of the award-winning Mobile Voter Program, a collaborative initiative with the Senior Resource Association. This month-long program, recognized as the most impactful mobile voter initiative in the state, aimed to boost participation in the 2024 Presidential Election. The program successfully delivered election information and increased civic engagement among 1800 individuals with limited mobility or those who are homebound.
[link removed]
WATCH HERE
Were you among the more than 3 million Floridians who voted by mail in the November election? In 2021, Gov. DeSantis signed a bill requirement that mail voters must request a mail ballot every general election cycle. As a result, you are no longer signed-up to vote by mail in Florida’s next election unless you re-enroll with your county Supervisor of Elections.
Request Your Mail In Ballot HERE ([link removed])
Florida's Growing Crackdown on Undocumented Immigrants
Florida’s GOP leaders are pushing extreme immigration proposals that hurt our economy, families, and students, all for political gain. Instead of real solutions, they’re creating division. What Florida needs is federal immigration reform, not political stunts at the state level. We deserve policies that protect families, not tear them apart. Meanwhile, they overrode budget vetoes but ignored the affordability crisis facing working families. We need relief from rising costs, not more political games. Floridians deserve better leadership.
Read More Here ([link removed])
Run for Political Office & Make a Difference

This year, 2025, there are elections for school board members and city commissioners. Running for office is a powerful way to impact your community on issues like education, healthcare, and social justice. Many local positions are nonpartisan and offer an opportunity to ensure diverse voices are represented.

Get Involved If you’re passionate about making a change, consider stepping into the political arena. Contact the Indian River Candidate Committee at [email protected] for support in your journey.

If you are interested in running for office in 2025, 2026, or beyond, please complete also FDP's Run for Office form ([link removed]) to be added to their candidate newsletter and resources.
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.

Committee List ([link removed])
Committee Vacancies ([link removed])
Committee Application ([link removed])
The City of Sebastian is looking for applicants to fill two alternate member positions on the Natural Resources Board. The board is working on initiatives such as reducing single-use plastics, promoting native landscaping, encouraging sustainable energy, protecting water quality, and enhancing connectivity through trails and bike paths. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. Applicants must have been residents of Sebastian for at least one year.

Applications available in the City Clerk’s office, City Hall, 1225 Main Street, Sebastian, 8 am - 4:30 pm or at www.cityofsebastian.org ([link removed]) and will be accepted until January 31, 2025.
Community Events

Join Sustainable Sebastian and the Pelican Island Audubon Society for The Great Air Potato Round-Up at Sebastian’s Stormwater Park on February 8, 2025.

Volunteers can participate in any or all of the following shifts: 9am-11am, 11am-1pm or 1pm-3pm
Find More Info 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
A monthly support group will be hosted at the headquarters. This is an opportunity to come together, share your emotions, and process the challenges we’re facing after the election.
Next Meeting:
Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Democratic Headquarters
Flip Matt Gaetz' Seat BLUE

Gay Valimont was the ONLY Democrat to qualify for the special election to replace House Representative Matt Gaetz. Volunteer virtually with Team Valimont for a Weekly Phone Bank on Mondays and Tuesdays from 6-8pm.
RSVP for Monday Phone Banks ([link removed])
RSVP for Tuesday Phone Banks ([link removed])
More Opportunities to Get Involved
DEMOCRATS OF INDIAN RIVER
Volunteer with Democrats of Indian River HERE ([link removed])
Steering Committee Meeting
Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 5pm
Via Zoom

Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) Meeting
Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 6pm
Vero Beach Main Library Multi-Media Room

Voter Registration Team Meetings
Regular Monday Meetings are on HOLD
Board Meeting
Tuesday, February, 11, 2025 6:00 p.m.
ZOOM

Democratic Club Meeting
Thursday, February, 20, 2025 6-8pm
NEW LOCATION: The Riverhouse
Inside MacWilliam Park, 305 Acacia Rd, Vero Beach, FL 32963
MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW
Join our club or pay dues HERE ([link removed]) .
Members, join our Dem Club Facebook group HERE ([link removed]) .

The Dem Club is inviting all interested individuals to consider candidacy for the following positions on the Dem Club Board:
* President
* Vice 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 and get involved in shaping the future of our club. If you are interested please contact Elle Shaw at [email protected]
------------------------------------------------------------
Young Democrats Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, February, 26, 2025 6:00 p.m.
Democratic Headquarters 2345 14th Ave. Suite 7
Show your support by liking and following the Young Democrats of Indian River NEW Facebook HERE ([link removed]) . You can also find YDIR on Discord ([link removed]) ,Twitter ([link removed]) and TikTok. ([link removed])
Learn more and join the Young Democrats of Indian River HERE ([link removed]) .
View Events Calendar & Linktree HERE ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------
Join the club HERE ([link removed]) .
DWC Luncheon at Bent Pine Clubhouse
Saturday February 8, 2025 11:30 a.m.
6001 Clubhouse Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 31967
SPEAKER: Susan Adams, County Commissioner, District 1
“State Of The County”

Non-member guests are welcome for $35 (cash/check at the door). RSVP by noon on February 5th to , including your meal choice:
* Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast
* Marinated Grilled Swordfish
* Vegetarian Plate

Valet parking available from 11:15 AM to 1:30 PM and at departure from 1:30 to 2:15 PM.

An optional food drive for the Fellsmere Food Pantry will accept non-perishable items.

You can also submit your 2025 dues with a $60 check.
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 about the DWC Book Group, please contact Rita and Susan at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
------------------------------------------------------------
GOVERNMENT MEETINGS
School District of Indian River County
Find School Board meeting details here ([link removed]) .
1st and 3rd 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]) .

============================================================
** Facebook ([link removed])
** Facebook ([link removed])
** Instagram ([link removed])
** Instagram ([link removed])
** X ([link removed])
** X ([link removed])
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])

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])
.