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Good morning Democrats,

Our hearts are heavy this morning as we remember the mass shooting that occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School seven years ago today. We lift up the survivors and remember the 17 students and educators that were killed, the 17 students and educators that were wounded, and the entire community that was traumatized on that horrific day. Democrats will continue to pursue policies to end gun violence in our schools and communities.

As Donald Trump and Republicans attempt to cancel observation of Black History Month, it is more important than ever to tell Black stories and celebrate Black history. Black History is American history. In recognition and celebration of Black History Month, the Florida Democratic Party has issued this statement ([link removed]) .

In February, the Florida Democratic Party is proud to partner with the Democratic Black Caucus of Florida for Black History Month: Black Voter Outreach Power Hour Phone Bank.. This critical initiative will engage Black voters in District 01 and District 06, empowering them to re-enroll in Vote By Mail and ensure their voices are heard at the ballot box.

We invite you to join this virtual event ([link removed]) as Democrats across Florida come together to ensure strong voter engagement and increase Vote By Mail participation in key districts. Let’s take action this Black History Month and mobilize our communities for victory!

Please note that our office will be closed Monday in observation of Presidents' Day.
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])

This year, 2025, there are elections for City Council positions in Fellsmere, Sebastian and Vero Beach. Running for office is a powerful way to impact your community on local issues like environment, development and in Vero Beach, Three Corners. Qualifying requirements vary. For local office; a petition of 25 signatures for a filing fee of $25 and create a bank account for the campaign.

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 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])
Help Tie the U.S. House
Join Us at the Dem Office to Phone Bank for Gay Valimont!
Sign Up Here ([link removed])

NEW EVENT The Democrats of Indian River are hosting a virtual phone banking event every Wednesday to support Gay Valimont in the special election. Gay needs your help to spread the word, re-enroll voters in Vote By Mail (VBM), and share key election info. 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. Join us on Wednesdays to make calls, spread the word, and help turn out the vote for Gay Valimont to secure this historic win!

Learn more about Gay Valimont at Gayforcongress.com ([link removed]) .

Support Florida's Democratic Candidates for U.S. House Seats 1 & 6

FL-01: Gay Valimont
Gay Valimont is a dedicated mother, community advocate, and leader in Florida's 1st District. After enduring the loss of her husband to ALS and her son to a brain tumor, her resilience and commitment to service have only strengthened. Gay is running for Congress to bring compassion, integrity, and real representation to the district she loves, with a vision for a brighter, united future for Florida.

Get Involved:
* Virtual Phonebanks: Help ensure voters are enrolled in vote-by-mail (VBM) and have the information they need to make the right choice.
+ Monday Phonebanks: [Sign up here] ([link removed])
+ Tuesday Phonebanks: [Sign up here] ([link removed])
* Donate to Gay Valimont’s campaign: [Donate here] ([link removed])

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FL-06: Josh Weil
Josh Weil, a single father and public school educator, is running to flip Florida’s 6th District. He offers real-world solutions to the district’s problems, not just talking points.

Get Involved:
* Daily Phonebank Opportunities: [Click here to sign up] ([link removed])
* Donate to Josh Weil’s campaign: [Donate here] ([link removed])

Community Events
Join our Democratic friends in Brevard County for a DEMonstration this Saturday
RSVP 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
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
Board Meeting
Tuesday, March, 11, 2025 6:00 p.m.
ZOOM

Democratic Club Meeting
Thursday, February, 20, 2025 6-7:30pm
NEW LOCATION: The Riverhouse
Inside MacWilliam Park, 305 Acacia Rd, Vero Beach, FL 32963
RSVP Here ([link removed])

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 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. If you are interested please contact Elle Shaw at [email protected]
Join our club or pay dues HERE ([link removed]) .
Members, join our Dem Club Facebook group HERE ([link removed]) .
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Young Democrats Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, February, 26, 2025 6:00 p.m.
Democratic Headquarters 2345 14th Ave. Suite 7
Learn more and join the Young Democrats of Indian River HERE ([link removed]) .
You can find YDIR on Facebook ([link removed]) , Discord ([link removed]) ,Twitter ([link removed]) and TikTok. ([link removed])
View Events Calendar & Linktree HERE ([link removed])
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Join the club HERE ([link removed]) .
DWC Luncheon at Bent Pine Clubhouse
Saturday, March 8, 2025 11:30 a.m.
6001 Clubhouse Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 31967
SPEAKER: Ken Grudens, Executive Director, Indian River Land Trust
Details to Follow
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, please email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

The next DWC Environmental Committee meeting will be held on February 24th at 10:30 AM at Humiston Park. An agenda will be sent out a week prior. The meeting will focus on discussing the following key questions:
* What are the most significant environmental issues of common interest in our community?
* What are the appropriate positions/policies to be espoused by DEC members?
* What other environmental and civic organizations might we collaborate with?

All Indian River County Democrats are welcome to join the discussion.
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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]) .

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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])

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