INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Several key contests – including the sheriff’s race – were narrowed as incumbent School Board member Dr. Peggy Jones and political newcomer David Dyer won seats to the Indian River County School Board after voters went to the polls. Voters picked Sheriff Eric Flowers and County Commissioner Laura Moss to advance to the general election in November.
This year’s primary was highly anticipated as constituents made their choices for who should serve in certain elected positions.
Jones, vice-president of the school board, was re-elected to the District 3 seat with a 57 percent vote, leading over opponent Rob MacCallum’s 42 percent, the unofficial results show. Dyer won the school board seat to District 5, garnering a 56 percentage in votes compared to contender Kevin McDonald, who drew in 43 percent of the votes.
Susan Adams, county commissioner for District 1, and Joseph Earman, county commissioner for District 3, retained their elected seats.
Adams gained 60 percent of the votes, compared to opponent Tim Borden who netted 39 percent, unofficial results show. Earman led with 53 percent of the votes over challengers Stephen Hume with 22 percent and David Shaw with 23 percent.
Carole Jean Jordan was re-elected as Indian River County Tax Collector, gaining 70 percent in votes compared to challenger Brenda Bradley, who netted 29 percent.
The overall winners of two particular races – the heavily watched sheriff’s seat and county commissioner District 5 – will be determined during the general election in November. This is because both races each have a write-in candidate.
Sheriff Flowers – the first-term incumbent – won the primary election for the sheriff’s race, gaining 36 percent of votes, compared to challengers retired sheriff’s Capt. Milo Thornton and Fellsmere Police Chief Keith Touchberry who both garnered 31 percent. Commissioner Moss won the primary for the commission District 5 seat, earning 55 percent of votes compared to challenger Vero Beach councilwoman Tracey Zudans who gained 44 percent.
Flowers will face-off against write-in candidate Deborah Cooney, while Moss will contend against write-in candidate Keith Ridings during the general election.
