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P <br />Proclamation <br />RECOGNIZING AFRICAN AMERICAN PIONEER ERNIE JAMES GRIER <br />-Whereas, Indian River County celebrates African American Pioneers who, through their service in <br />the business, public, and elected arenas, have paved the way for this and future generations; and <br />-Whereas, Ernie James Grier was born and raised in Indian River County; he moved to Gifford in <br />1958 and in 1969 he attended Vero Beach High School as it was desegregated for the first time; and <br />-Whereas, Mr. Grier worked as an EMT for a volunteer ambulance helping the vulnerable and those <br />in need before enlisting in the Army where he was promoted to 1 sl Lieutenant; and <br />-Whereas, upon being honorably discharged, Mr. Grier joined the Press Journal where he worked <br />as a cameraman, photographer, and pressman and was frequently the first on the scene in many of the <br />county's major events and cases, he would later create the Indian River Times newspaper and Gifford Life <br />magazine; and <br />-Whereas, in 2021 Mr. Grier was instrumental in the fruition of the Gifford Water Tower which now <br />stands as a symbol of the resiliency and pride Gifford residents exemplify. <br />Now, wherefore, be it Proclaimedby the Board of County Commissioners of Indian <br />River County, FCorida, we applaud Ernie James Grier and his outstanding contributions to the <br />community. He has been paramount in preserving the culture, heritage and sense of place in Gifford while <br />showing great passion for its great citizens. <br />Adopted this 23rd day of January, 2024. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS <br />INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA <br />Susan Adams, Chairman <br />Joseph E. Flescher, Vice Chairman <br />Joseph H. Earman <br />Deryl Loar <br />Laura Moss <br />1 <br />