In this issue of the newsletter issue you'll find:
-A recap of our Labor Day Protest
-Volunteer Opportunities for National Voter Registration Day
-Background information and calls to action regarding Florida Republicans push to redistrict our election maps
-A variety of upcoming events and opportunities
-Important civic updates and an inspiring statement from Vero Beach Councilman, John Carroll
-and more!
Labor Day Protest Recap
Thank you to our partners, volunteers, and the 530 passionate locals that came out to protest on Labor Day morning.
Together, we stood strong against our administration's blatant attacks on the working class. The message was loud and clear; in Indian
Volunteer Opportunity: National Voter Registration Day
September 16th is National Voter Registration Day and will mark the first of many coordinated campaigns this season. Join us at our new headquarters for a brief training session before heading out to a variety of locations to register voters! Morning and evening shifts are available.
A special thanks to our Democratic State Committeewoman, Angela Weber, for providing the following information!
WHAT IS CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING?
Redistricting redraws political boundaries to reflect population changes. Redistricting typically happens once every 10 years after the U.S. census. Every congressional district in the U.S. is designed to have roughly the same population to ensure equal representation. After the 2020 Census, the average population per congressional district is about 760,000 people. Florida last redistricted in 2022, resulting in 20 Republicans and 8 Democrats in Congress. WHAT IS HAPPENING?
Florida is joining a broader Republican strategy led by President Trump to pursue mid-decade redistricting, with Governor DeSantis and House Speaker Daniel Perez publicly backing mid-decade redistricting-seven years early. Senate President Ben Albritton has not committed to supporting the plan, casting doubt on whether the upper chamber will back the effort or let it stall. WHAT CAN WE EXPECT NEXT?
On August 7, State House Speaker Daniel Perez said that he's creating a select committee to explore drawing up new districts seven years ahead of the normal schedule. Committee members are expected to be announced with other committee assignments in September. The committee is set to begin hearings this fall PUSHING TO DRAW DISTRICT LINES IN THE MIDDLE OF A DECADE IS EXPENSIVE, UNNECESSARY, AND ANTI-DEMOCRATIC. HERE'S WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT:
1. Talk to neighbors, friends and relatives to let them know what is happening. You are a trusted source of information.
2. Take to social media. Record a short video explaining why you oppose any effort to draw new district lines in Florida's congressional maps mid-decade.
3. Write and submit a letter to the editor.
4. Send a letter to your state lawmakers.
5. Gather others to write letters or postcards to your state lawmakers.
6. Contact Senate President, Ben Albritton, and urge him to refrain from supporting this undemocratic redistricting effort.
7. Call your state electeds and tell them you are a constituent, and you expect them to reject new maps.
8. Request a meeting with your state Senator or Representative to discuss the issue, ask them where they stand on the issue and ask them to reject new maps.
Senator Erin Grall
3209 Virginian Avenue, Suite A149, Ft. Pierce, FL 34981, (772) 595-1398
Representative Robert Brackett
Suite B2-203, 1800 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960, (772) 365-9230
Senator Ben Albritton
150 North Central Avenue, Bartow, FL 33830, (863) 534-0073
September 20th Dem Club Events
Join Us For A Fun Day of "Options In The Sun Saturday", September 20th
OPTION 1: OUTRUN HUNGER!
Democrats of Indian River has a team registered for the annual 5k Outrun Hunger walk/run in support of the Treasure Coast Food Bank. If you’re a runner, a fitness guru, a speed walker or a crawler (LOL) this one is for you!!
Sat, September 20, 2025: 7:00 AM Causeway Cove Marina & RV Park, Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, FL, USA
Can't make this one? Please consider making a contribution instead. We're encouraging monetary support due to the cuts made by the Trump administration. Some Food Bank programs have been slashed by 1/3 of their funding and in some cases entire programs have been dropped making these fundraising events even more critical. Do your part and participate however you can.
Democratic Club of Indian River County has signed up as a sponsor and will be participating in the annual International Coastal Clean Up Day. Coastal Cleanup: Sat, September 20th 9:00AM-11:00AM Seagrape Trail Beach| 3802 S. Hwy A1A
After Party/Awards Ceremony: 11:30AM-1:30PM Walking Tree Brewery (3209 Dodger Road)
Be sure to select your size if you'd like a free t-shirt! Don't forget your hat, water, sunglasses, and sunscreen. You earn brownie points if you bring your own pen to record your findings for ELC (Environmental Learning Center). YOU CAN DO THIS EVENT AFTER THE FOOD BANK 5K RUN. IF YOU TELL YOURSELF YOU CAN, YOU CAN!
If you’re the Energizer Bunny or the marathon volunteer we invite you to participate in all three events! You’ll feel so good and you earn “Hero For A Day” status with the Dem Club. ;)
From our Civic Council
WHAT IS THE CIVIC COUNCIL?
The civic council is one of our new committees. Their mission is to foster greater community involvement in local government and civic organizations. Thus far, they've been the driving force behind our demonstrations and collective actions on local issues such as supporting Vice Mayor, Linda Moore.
Below, you'll find some opportunities and information that they wanted to draw your attention to. With Trump in the White House and Republicans holding Congress, making waves won’t be easy. But real change starts locally, and that’s where our power lies.
COUNCILMAN CARROLL'S INSPIRING STATEMENT
We wanted to highlight a recent statement made by City Councilman, John Carroll. It has been a tense chapter for Vero Beach with Vice Mayor Linda Moore’s establishment being targeted for hosting drag performers and a contested election on the horizon. His remarks remind us of the rich diversity that shapes our City and the enduring importance of compassion and free speech; values that feel increasingly rare today.
Click for Video
DO YOU KNOW WHO YOUR COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ARE?
Let's Talk Vero has launched a "Meet Your Commissioners" series to help Indian River County residents get to know the people behind our local government. Last issue we included their first video interviewing Susan Adams. Now you can watch the next 3 featuring Joe Earman, Deryl Loar, and Laura Moss below.
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INDIAN RIVER COUNTY BUDGET HEARINGS
Our county commission is expected to hold two public budget hearings tension grows with the IRC sheriff. Here's Some background in in case you missed our last newsletter issue:
The local police department currently receives over 75% of our ad-valorem tax revenue. Sheriff Flowers requested an additional 14.6 million for the budget last month. However, the Commision settled on 6 million, resulting in a contentious feud between the two entities that is still ongoing.
County and state elections are coming up in 2026. Running for office is a meaningful way to impact your community. Many local positions are paid, including some insurance benefits and are non-partisan. If you're 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. The time to register as a candidate for Fellsmere, Sebastian and Vero Beach City council elections has passed. We will inform you who has filed when the Indian River County SOE site post names.
Become familiar with Democratic candidates who have already declared a run for office:
U.S. Senator: Alex Gould, Tamika Lyles
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.
Thinking About Running For Office? | Run For Office Form
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
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
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!
Relational Organizing | August 25th @ 1 PM EST | Register Here
Hosted by the National Democratic Training Committee
If you are looking to learn more about how campaigns and local parties can empower supporters to talk to their personal networks about politics and voting, this training is designed for you!
Join this training to learn the following:
-Describe how relational organizing tactics can be used to grow and mobilize a supporter base
-Learn what tools and guidance supporters will need to successfully motivate others to take action on behalf of your campaign
-Review low-cost ways to gather and manage data on your campaign's relational turnout tactics Access our free digital toolkit! This includes resources such as:
-step-by-step guide to setting up your campaign
-messaging guides
-qualifying for office guide
-social media templates
-comprehensive calendar of free virtual training and training recordings
DEMOCRATS OF INDIAN RIVER Volunteer with Democrats of Indian River HERE
Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) Meeting Thursday, September 25th, 2025 at 6pm Vero Beach Main Library Multi-Media Room
Steering Committee Meeting Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 5pm Online/Zoom
Environmental Committee Meeting Tuesday, September 30th, 2025 at 10:30AM Sebastian Riverview Park
Fall MeetingTBD
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.
SPEAKER: CHRISTI SHIELDS, DIRECTOR OF TREASURE COAST TECHNICAL COLLEGE and Presentation of Stipends to LPN Students
Non-member guests are welcome to attend for $35, payable at the door by cash or check.
Please RSVP by NOON on Wednesday September 10th to [email protected] including your name & meal choice: Chicken Cordon Bleu with Jasmine Rice and Broccolini, Grilled Mahi Mahi with Jasmine Rice and Broccolini or Vegetarian Plate.
Valet Parking is not available
DWC Book Group Meeting Friday, September 26th, 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
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.
Government Meetings
School District of Indian River County Find School Board meeting details here.
Indian River County
2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month 9 a.m. Board of County Commission Meeting. Details here. Watch live here.
City of Vero Beach 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month 9:30 a.m. Regular City Council Meeting. Details here.
Town of Indian River Shores Find Town Council meeting details here.
City of Fellsmere
1st & 3rd Thursday of the Month Regular City Council Meeting details here.
City of Sebastian
2nd & 4th Wednesday of the Month Find Regular City Council Meeting Details here.
