The Taxpayers Association of Indian River County recently held its highly anticipated annual December meeting in Vero Beach, an event that celebrated local civic dedication and fiscal responsibility under the festive theme, “Christmas with the Constitutionals.” The gathering served as a platform to honor two local heroes and a distinguished former congressman, while also allowing community members to hear from the county’s elected constitutional officers.
The highlight of the luncheon was the presentation of the organization’s most prestigious civilian honor, the 2025 Ted Brown Award. This award, established in 1980 and named after the renowned Vero Beach civic leader, is bestowed upon individuals who demonstrate outstanding civic improvement. This year, the honor was awarded to Sergeant Terri Sweeting-Mashkow and David Long for their “heroic sacrifice and exemplary service to the citizens of Indian River County.”
Sheriff Eric Flowers accepted the awards on behalf of both recipients to respect the privacy of their families. During the presentation, TPA President Lance Lunceford delivered a moving tribute to the character of the honorees and the broader law enforcement community.
Today, the Taxpayers Association can find no two individuals who better embody this award than Terri and David. Let us all dignify their lives by moving forward with the character that so defines Indian River County in these moments of hardship.
Lunceford also directed a poignant message to Sheriff Flowers, noting the deep bond between the community and law enforcement. He remarked that the men and women of the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office have gained 177,000 new family members—representing the entire population of the county—and expressed a desire to continue fostering that spirit of unity.
On the governmental side, the association presented the 2025 Fiscal Conservative of the Year Award to former U.S. Rep. Bill Posey. Introduced by Tax Collector Carole Jean Jordan, Posey was recognized for his long-standing commitment to saving taxpayer dollars throughout his tenure in Congress and his prior service in the state Senate.
During his acceptance speech, which received a standing ovation, Posey touched upon several critical topics, including the art of negotiation in Washington and his efforts to advance a constitutional amendment for balanced budgets. He shared his guiding principle for public service: “representing you how I would want you to represent me if the roles were reversed.”
The event also featured updates from Indian River County’s elected constitutional officers, who discussed their office’s priorities and key issues facing the region. Speakers included:
- Carole Jean Jordan, Tax Collector
- Wesley Davis, Property Appraiser
- Ryan Butler, Clerk of the Court and Comptroller
- Eric Flowers, Sheriff
Founded in 1933, the Taxpayers Association of Indian River County remains a pillar of the local community. During the meeting, the membership also elected its 93rd board of directors, ensuring the organization continues its mission of civic engagement and oversight for another year.
