Meet Joe

DEPUTY JOE

From 1997 to 2006, Joe Flescher served you as an Indian River County Sheriff’s Deputy, and as he became more and more familiar with the citizens in all parts of our county, Deputy Joe Flescher became known simply as, “Deputy Joe”. During the hurricanes of 2004, “Deputy Joe” became an even more familiar voice as our county’s Public Information Officer through area radio stations. “Deputy Joe” helped connect those in need with the vital information everyone wanted.

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From “Deputy Joe” to “Commissioner Joe” he continues to serve YOU!

From 1997 to 2006, Joe Flescher served you as an Indian River County Sheriff’s Deputy, and as he became more and more familiar with the citizens in all parts of our county, Deputy Joe Flescher became known simply as, “Deputy Joe”. During the hurricanes of 2004, “Deputy Joe” became an even more familiar voice as our county’s Public Information Officer through area radio stations. “Deputy Joe” helped connect those in need with the vital information everyone wanted.

As we begin another campaign season, your County Commissioner, Joe Flescher, would like you to know that he is ever vigilant on his watch as your voice on the Indian River County Commission. “Commissioner Joe” feels he answers to all 165,000-plus residents of this terrific place we all call home. And he wants you to know that he stands ready to continue his efforts to make Indian River County the very best it can be.

I know many of you may be more familiar remembering me as “Deputy Joe”, and wanted to let you know that as your County Commissioner, I am equally vigilant on your behalf. It is my hope that on Election Day you take the opportunity to get out there and exercise your right to vote. I’ve listened to your concerns, and we have weathered a few “storms” together over the past 16 years. We have the opportunity to help our county through these challenging economic times. I am ready to help sustain this recovery by continuing to be fiscally responsible, to help our government become more business-friendly and to create better job opportunities. And throughout, we will, together, make sure that Indian River County continues to be a safe place to live. You are why I enjoy doing this job every day. You are the reason we need to always be fiscally responsible with YOUR money. It’s been my honor to serve you as your County Commissioner since 2006. And, we have much more to accomplish in the next 4 years. Please give me the opportunity to keep serving your needs. And remember, I am always open to your input on the issues.
– Joseph E. Flescher, Indian River County Commissioner- District 2

COMMISSIONER JOE

As we begin another campaign season, your County Commissioner, Joe Flescher, would like you to know that he is ever vigilant on his watch as your voice on the Indian River County Commission. “Commissioner Joe” feels he answers to all 165,000-plus residents of this terrific place we all call home. And he wants you to know that he stands ready to continue his efforts to make Indian River County the very best it can be.

A FAMILY MAN

Joe Flescher has been married to his wife, Rosemary for 33 years. He attended Queens Borough Community College and Bernard M Baruch College in New York City. Joe graduated from the N.Y.P.D. Police Academy, and worked as a New York City Police Officer on several assignments. Joe also served as the Manager On Duty at New York's Marriott Marquis in Times Square. After relocating here, Joe graduated from the Indian River Police Academy and became a Deputy Sheriff. His assignments included C.O.P.E. Deputy, Crime Prevention Specialist, Crisis Negotiator, and Spokesperson for the Indian River County Sheriff's Department. Joe and his wife have two children who both graduated from The United States Air Force Academy; Joseph, who is 29, is a Captain at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, and is married to his wife, Sarah. Marlene, who is 27, is a Captain at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, and is married to her husband, Josh Myers. Marlene has just completed her 2nd year of Law School at Stetson University, Florida.

DEDICATED SOLUTION PROVIDER

Joe has served on the Sebastian Code Enforcement Board, the Alarm Ordinance Board for the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, and he was the Regional Director for the Florida Crime Prevention Association. For ten years, Joe Flescher delivered public service to Indian River County as a Deputy Sheriff. While working there he was also affectionately known as, “Deputy Joe”. He has worked on road patrol, crime prevention, recruitment, false alarm administration, crisis negotiation, and public information. Joe Flescher has consistently served with honesty and integrity, always putting the people of Indian River County first.

BORN TO SERVE PEOPLE

Joe is a member of St. Sebastian Church and is a Fourth Degree with the Knights of Columbus. For the last 16 years Joe Flescher has proudly served the people of Indian River County as your County Commissioner, and Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners 2012-2013, 2016-2017, and 2021-2022. He’s taken all the required courses of study for the Florida Association of Counties Certified County Commissioner Program as well as the Advanced County Commissioner Program. Joe has volunteered for a variety of Indian River County projects and activities over our 25 years here.

EXPERIENCED HARD WORKER

Joe has the integrity, dedication, and experience to continue serving as your elected official in District 2 of Indian River County. Joe Flescher enjoys working for you and pledges to continue to work hard to preserve our county’s character and to help lead us through these challenging economic times for the betterment of every Indian River County resident!

A Partial List of Joe Flescher’s Accomplishments as your elected official to the Indian River County Commission- District 2

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • Consistently working to inspire efficiency as he continues to seek the most cost-effective solutions possible with the limited resources available.
  • Supported reduction of impact fees and the tax-abatement program to retain businesses and to spur economic growth & create more local jobs.
  • Supports efforts of both Chambers of Commerce & Citizen’s Committees.

SAFETY

  • Brought forth the enactment of the Indian River County Commission resolution allowing us to become the 45th county in the State of Florida to be named a Second Amendment Sanctuary County.
  • Whole-heartedly supported a strong budget for the Indian River County Sheriff’s office to help ensure your safety.
  • From the beginning, Joe has sought to make sure that Brightline will take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of every IRC resident, and was successful in making them pay for all crossing and safety upgrades.
  • Spearheaded the effort to establish Fire Station #15 to serve the Vero Lake Estates region of North Indian River County.
  • Supported and moved forward the process to start “Alert Indian River” and to finalize the plan for establishing 800 MHz Upgrade for Text to 911.

QUALITY of LIFE

  • Seeking prudent solutions to allow the rebirth of our Indian River Lagoon.
  • Supported the significant Nutrient Reductions at the Spoonbill Marsh, the Osprey Marsh, the Egret Marsh, and the PC Main- including removal of vegetation.
  • Has continued to play an integral role in the enhancement of our transportation thoroughfares throughout IRC including the widening of 43rd Avenue, the new intersection at 43rd and State Road 60, the reconstruction & paving of 58th Avenue, and the 4-lane expansion of 66th Avenue north- to name just a few.
  • Supported the St. John’s River Management District’s $650,000.00 Septic to Sewer Grant for the City of Sebastian and unincorporated Indian River County.
  • Fully supported the design, creation, and implementation of the new Go-Line Bus Hub in Vero Beach, in addition to the establishment of new bus routes, and the designing of an interim North County transit hub.

RECREATION

  • Whole-heartedly supported the establishment of the Intergenerational Center in South Indian River County which received the Indian River Chamber of Commerce Award for New Building Construction.
  • Promoted and gained support for the recent upgrades at The IRC Shooting Range in North Indian River County as it has become the ONLY publicly designated National Shooting Sports Foundation “5-Star” range in the entire Southeastern United States. The new CLAYS, SKEET and TRAP facilities now enable it to be recognized as a premiere Regional Facility and its upgraded status will also allow it to host Regional, State, and National Competitions.
  • Initiated the establishment of the Victor Hart, Sr. Community Enhancement Complex, and supported enhancements to MLK Walking Trail & Park- in Gifford.
  • Supported the naming & improvements for the Coach Wilson & Scott Chisolm Football Field in Gifford, and the resurfacing of the basketball & tennis courts.
“I’ve really broadened my interactive horizons through daily discussions with our county employees, the many boards and committees that I participate on, and MOST IMPORTANTLY through constant communication and my sincere compassion for each and every Citizen of Indian River County.”
– Joseph E. Flescher
Joe Flescher’s Indian River County Commission Committee Participation:
  • Audit Selection Committee
  • Enterprise Zone Development Agency
  • Metropolitan Planning Organization
  • School Planning Elected Officials Oversight Committee
  • Southern Region Recreation Advisory Council- SJRWMD
  • State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Loan Review Committee
  • Transit Strategic Plan Advisory Committee
  • Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council
  • Treasure Coast Sports Commission
  • Value Adjustment Board
  • Workforce Development Board
  • Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council
  • Treasure Coast Homeless Coalition
  • Veterans Council of Indian River County
  • Beach and Shore Committee
  • Keep Indian River Beautiful
  • Tourist Development Council
  • Public Safety Council for Criminal Justice, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse
THE ISSUES

Indian River Lagoon & Environmental Sustainability

Throughout my lifetime and during my tenure on the Indian River Board of County Commissioners, communication has always been the key to my success. With citizens, with County workers, with the committees and Boards I participate in. When true communication happens everything has more of an opportunity
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THE ISSUES

The Brightline Rail System

From the very beginning, Joe Flescher has continued to propose the best possible transportation improvements for Indian River County at the least tax payer expense possible, and to prioritize every Brightline…
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THE ISSUES

Fiscal Responsibility & Economic Recovery

Joe Flescher will continue to support a conservative county budget while gearing up to meet the needs of our new economic growth potential.
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Endorsements

Again, I am so proud of the support that I continue to receive from a wide variety of individuals across Indian River County, and at this stage of our 2022 Campaign for Indian River County Commissioner in District 2, we are proud to announce the endorsements and recommendations from these six organizations.
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