Indian River County voters faced choices on Tuesday that will shape local policy and taxes through at least the end of 2028.
The top races to watch as polls close at 7 p.m. and early and absentee vote tallies are released include a three-man battle for Indian River County Sheriff, and the power play for a three-vote majority on the Indian River County School Board.
Will incumbent Sheriff Eric Flowers fend off challenges from a former member of his own leadership team, Milo Thornton and Fellsmere Police Chief Keith Touchberry? If Flowers fails to earn a second term, big changes could be in store at the county’s largest law enforcement agency.
On the school board, it seems like petty politics has consumed much more energy than educating children over the past years. But incumbents Peggy Jones and Kevin McDonald go into tonight’s contest with a tailwind on the recent news that Indian River County, an A school district by state standards, has advanced from 11th to 9th out of 67 Florida school districts in terms of student achievement.
Jones and challenger David Dyer have teamed up in an attempt to wrest control of the board back from the conservative Moms for Liberty-endorsed members.
McDonald’s supporters hope he not only keeps his seat, but that they solidify the right-leaning voting bloc with the ouster of Jones by challenger Rob McCallum.
The hottest county commission contest on Tuesday is probably incumbent Laura Moss versus challenger Tracey Zudans. Moss wants a third term on the board, while Zudans wants a promotion from Vero Beach City Council. Zudans has won a countywide race before, so this one could be the nail-biter of the primary.
Expected to win handily are Tax Collector Carole Jean Jordan, County Commissioner Joe Earman and County Commissioner Susan Adams. All three were taken on by political newcomers.
Jordan faces a challenge from Brenda Bradley. Adams is opposed by Tim Borden, and Earman drew two challengers this election cycle, from Stephen Hume and David Shaw.
Odds are good that well-known former Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos will dominate the GOP race for Congress against Joe Babits of Vero Beach, and John Hearton. The winner of that contest will face the Democrat who wins Tuesday’s primary across U.S. Congressional District 8, which has been long held by Bill Posey, who finally decided to retire after promising to do so numerous times.
Link to story on who won seats in the primary election.
Link to story on final unofficial results.
