August 2026 Newsletter

Welcome to the August 2026 edition of the Pelican Newsletter!

Edition Highlights

Sebastian Police Give Away More School Supplies Than Ever Before

See page 6

City Releases Beetles to Combat Invasive Air Potato Plants

Learn more on page 10

City Begins New Project at the Municipal Airport

Read more on page 16

Meet your city council members

AUGUST

EVENT CALENDAR

City Council Reviews Proposed FY 2026-2027 Budget

August 3 | 8 a.m.

Coffee with the Mayor at the Chamber of Commerce

August 7 | 5:30 - 8 p.m.

SRA Chamber of Commerce Grill Out Night

August 8-15 | 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Early Voting in Sebastian City Hall Council Chambers

August 28 | 6:30 p.m.

Sunset on the Fairway 5K at the Sebastian Municipal Golf Course

The City of Sebastian's Fiscal Year 2026–2027 budget process is underway. On July 15 and 16, the City Council held Budget Workshops to review each department's proposed budget and discuss funding priorities for the coming year.

Following the workshops, the Citizens Budget Advisory Board reviewed the proposed budget and millage rate and made recommendations to the City Council. At its July 22 meeting, the City Council agreed with the Board's recommendations and established the proposed millage rate and budget.

The first public hearing on the proposed millage rate and budget will be held during a Special Meeting on September 14, followed by the second and final public hearing on September 23, when the City Council will consider adoption of the final Fiscal Year 2026–2027 budget. Residents who would like to learn more about the budget process can watch the Budget Workshops back on the City's Facebook page or YouTube channel.

Interested in Serving Your Community?

Consider Running for Sebastian City Council

If you've ever wanted to play a role in shaping the future of Sebastian, now is the time to consider running for City Council.

The qualifying period for the November 3 General Election began on Thursday, July 30, at 8:00 a.m., and closes Friday, August 14, at 4:30 p.m.

This year, two at-large City Council seats will be on the ballot. City Council members work together to establish policies, adopt the City's budget, make decisions on local issues, and help guide Sebastian's future while representing the interests of residents.

To qualify, candidates must be qualified electors of the City of Sebastian and must have continuously resided within the city limits for at least one year prior to the close of the qualifying period.

Prospective candidates can obtain a qualifying packet by contacting City Clerk Jane Garcia at (772) 388-8215 or jgarcia@cityofsebastian.org. The City Clerk's Office is also available to answer questions regarding candidate qualifications, filing requirements, important deadlines, and the election process.

NOV 2023

Serving on the City Council is a meaningful way to make a lasting impact on the community. If you're passionate about Sebastian and committed to public service, consider taking the next step and becoming a candidate.

ISSUE NO 6

CLERK’S CORNER

AUGUST BOARD MEETINGS

August 3 | 3 p.m.

Veterans Advisory Board Meeting in Council Chambers

August 3 | 6 p.m.

Citizen Budget Committee

Meeting in Council Chambers

August 4 | 6 p.m.

Natural Resources Board Meeting in Council Chambers

August 5 | 6 p.m.

Regular City Council Meeting in Council Chambers

August 6 | 5 p.m.

Planning and Zoning

Commission Meeting in Council Chambers

August 17 | 3 p.m.

Special Magistrate Code Enforcement Hearing in Council Chambers

August 19 | 6 p.m.

Regular City Council Meeting w/ CRA in Council Chambers

August 20 | 6 p.m.

Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting in Council Chambers

August 21 | 1:30 p.m.

IRL Council Board of Directors Meeting in Council Chambers

August 24 | 6 p.m.

Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting in Council Chambers

SEBASTIAN POLICE DEPARTMENT

2026 Back to School Fun Day Recap

The Sebastian Police Department's annual Back to School Fun Day was an overwhelming success, bringing together local families, businesses, organizations, and volunteers to help students prepare for the new school year. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we distributed more school supplies this year than ever before, ensuring hundreds of local students have the tools they need to start the school year succesfully. The event also featured free student physicals, games, food, and local vendors, creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere for families. This event would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our Community Oriented Policing & Education (COPE) Unit, School Resource Officers, volunteers, vendors, and generous donors. The Sebastian Police Department is deeply grateful for everyone who contributed to making this event a success and is proud to continue supporting the students and families of our community year after year.

What’s Ahead for SPD

August 7 | Chamber of Commerce Grill Out Night 5 p.m. August 8 | Spirit of Sebastian Fun Day 12 p.m.

Thank You, Sebastian Parks and Recreation! Save the Date Upcoming City Events

July was Parks and Recreation Month, and we wrapped up the celebration with a Parks & Recreation Appreciation Luncheon to recognize our amazing Parks & Recreation team.

Thank you to our dedicated staff for all you do to keep our parks beautiful, our facilities welcoming, and our community events fun and memorable. Your hard work helps make Sebastian a great place to live, work, and play.

We also want to thank our residents and visitors for enjoying our parks, attending our events, and supporting everything Parks & Recreation does throughout the year. Your participation is what makes our community so special.

Here's to another great year of parks, programs, and community fun!

Sept. 12 | Touch and Tour

Oct. 3 | Kids Fest

Oct. 23 | Halloween Costume Contest

Nov. 19 | Holiday Lights Display

Dec. 5 | Christmas Parade

Main Street Boat

Ramp Improvements

The City of Sebastian will begin improvements at the Main Street Boat Ramp this fall. The project includes dredging the ramp area, stabilizing the shoreline, enhancing Swing and Bench Park, and adding new landscaping. A future phase will include repaving and restriping the parking lot. The project is funded through the Florida Boating Improvement Program, the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND), the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and the City of Sebastian.

BUILDING DEPARTMENT

Building Permits Issued

BUILDING DEPARTMENT

New Building Permit Exemption for Work Under $7,500

A new Florida law, House Bill 803, gives homeowners more flexibility by allowing certain home improvement projects valued at less than $7,500 to be completed without obtaining a building permit. While this may simplify some smaller projects, it does not eliminate the need to follow building codes or obtain approval from the City's Building Department.

To qualify for the exemption, homeowners or their licensed contractor must submit a Single-Family Dwelling Exemption Request Form to the Building Department for review and approval before work begins. The application must include documentation showing the scope and value of the project, such as a contractor's estimate or other proof of labor and material costs. A $45 nonrefundable review fee is also required.

It's important to note that many projects are not eligible for the exemption. Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, and structural work still require permits. The exemption also does not apply to homes located in flood hazard areas, multifamily or commercial properties, or fences on properties with swimming pools. In addition, homeowners cannot divide a larger project into multiple smaller projects simply to avoid permit requirements.

Even if a project qualifies for the exemption, all work must still comply with applicable state and local building codes. Work that does not meet code requirements may be subject to enforcement actions, including stop-work orders or fines. Homeowners should also be aware that projects valued over $5,000 still require a Notice of Commencement to be filed with the Clerk of Courts before work begins, even if a permit is not required.

If you're planning a home improvement project and are unsure whether it qualifies, contact the City of Sebastian Building Department before starting work. Asking questions ahead of time can help ensure your project is completed safely, legally, and without unexpected delays.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Air Potato Beetles Released at Stormwater Park to Help Control Invasive Vines

The City of Sebastian has partnered with the Pelican Island Audubon Society, the Indian River Neighborhood Association, and the Indian River County Natural Resources Department's Stormwater Division in an important effort to combat the invasive air potato vine at Stormwater Park.

As part of this collaborative initiative and in preparation for the City's Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) grant project, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recently provided air potato beetles for release at the park. These beetles are a safe, natural, and environmentally friendly form of biological control because they feed exclusively on the invasive air potato vine and do not pose a threat to native plants or wildlife.

Although the beetles will not eliminate the vine immediately, they will help reduce its spread over time. Adult beetles feed on the vine's leaves, while the larvae consume the bulbils the potato-like growths responsible for the plant's rapid reproduction. As beetle populations become established over the coming weeks and months, their feeding will weaken the vines and help suppress future growth.

This project demonstrates the power of collaboration in protecting Sebastian's natural resources. By working together with local organizations and state partners, the City is taking meaningful steps to restore native habitats and preserve the beauty and ecological health of our community one beetle at a time.

PUBLIC WORKS

Main Street Drainage Improvements

Staff Recognition

ROADWAY UPDATES

Crews continue to address potholes and roadway approaches/edges throughout the city.

Citywide roadway line painting and striping was completed in June.

Pattern pavement restoration on Main St. and Indian River Drive will take place August 3-5, 2026.

STORMWATER UPDATES

The Riviera & Gardenia ditch and road crossing project is in its final stages of completion.

On Spring Valley Avenue & Day Drive ditch dredging is underway and will continue through August.

In August, swale work will begin on Main Street, the CR 512 alleyway, Englar Drive, and Midville Ter.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Daniel Acosta now serves as the City of Sebastian’s Director of Human Resources and Risk Management, bringing more than three decades of public service and leadership experience to the role. After beginning his law enforcement career in 1995 and joining the Sebastian Police Department in 1999, Acosta rose through the ranks before serving as Chief of Police, where he led the department with a strong focus on professionalism, community partnerships, and organizational excellence. His extensive background in personnel management, leadership development, policy implementation, and risk mitigation makes him well suited to oversee the City’s Human Resources and Risk Management Department. In his new role, Acosta is committed to supporting City employees, fostering a positive workplace culture, and ensuring the City continues to attract, develop, and retain a highly qualified workforce while effectively managing organizational risk.

JUNE NEW HIRES

JOIN OUR TEAM

The City offers a competitive benefits package including:

Pension through the City of Sebastian and Police Officer Pension Plans

Sick, Vacation, Personal and Holiday Pay

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Affordable health, dental, and vision care

For more information on our benefits plan, click here. Apply today click here or scan the QR code!

MIS DEPARTMENT

Your Voice, Your Meeting: Joining a City Meeting on Zoom

Public participation is at the heart of local government, and we want every resident to feel comfortable being part of the conversation. That’s why the City hosts nearly all of its public meetings, including Council, Board, and Commission meetings, on Zoom Webinar, so you can join from your living room, your desk at work, or your phone on the go. However you connect, your voice carries the exact same weight as someone speaking from the podium. All meetings follow Robert’s Rules of Order, and remote speakers are given the same rights as those attending in person.

Where to find Zoom login details: Go to the City's meeting calendar, click on the meeting you want to join, and select More Details for the Zoom link, meeting ID, and dial-in number. www.cityofsebastian.org/meetingcalendar

During public comment, residents may speak once on each agenda item, just as they would in person. Hands are reset between agenda items, so participants must raise their hand again for each item they wish to address.

Before joining, test your audio and use your name as your display name so staff can easily recognize you. Wait to be unmuted before speaking, state your name and where you're from before your comments, and remember that public comments must be made verbally, as the Zoom chat is disabled. If you become disconnected, simply rejoin the meeting and raise your hand again.

Testimony for quasi-judicial hearings, such as certain land use, zoning, and licensing cases, cannot be provided through Zoom. Residents who need to testify remotely or cannot attend in person should contact the City Clerk's Department before the meeting to discuss available options.

SEBASTIAN GOLF COURSE

Summer Rates

From June 1 to September 30 2026 the Sebastian Municipal Golf Course rates are as follows: st th

7 am to Noon

18 Holes with Cart: $38

18 Holes with Discount Card: $30

After Noon

18 Holes with Cart: $26

18 Holes with Cart and Discount Card: $22

Daily Anytime After 11 am

18 Hole Walk with Discount Card: $13

18 Hole Walk: $18

9 Hole Walk with Discount Card: $11

9 Hole Walk: $13

All Day - Everyday

9 Holes with Cart: $24

9 Holes with Discount Card: $21

After 2 pm

Junior Walk 9 or 18: $3

Additional Fees

Small Bucket Range Balls: $5

Large Bucket Range Balls: $10

6 Small Buckets: $25

18 Hole Club Rentals: $35

9 Hole Club Rentals: $18

July 2026 Rounds

The Sebastian Municipal Golf Course recorded 3,603 rounds in July, generating $98,388.

SEBASTIAN GOLF COURSE

Keep Pace and Enjoy the Game

One of the best ways to ensure everyone has an enjoyable day on the course is by maintaining a good pace of play. Whether you're playing nine holes or eighteen, keeping up with the group ahead helps create a smoother, more enjoyable experience for every golfer.

A few simple habits can make a big difference. Play "ready golf" by hitting when it's safe and you're ready, rather than waiting for honors. Head directly to your ball, think about your club selection as you approach your shot, and limit yourself to one practice swing. Small actions like recording your score at the next tee instead of on the green, repairing ball marks while waiting for others to play, and parking your cart toward the next hole all help keep the round moving without sacrificing your game.

Planning ahead can also save valuable time. Settle any games or wagers before arriving at the first tee, carry a spare ball in case a provisional is needed, and remember that the Rules of Golf allow only three minutes to search for a lost ball. If only one or two players search while the rest of the group continues preparing to play, everyone stays on pace.

Good etiquette is just as important as good golf. Be mindful of the players behind you, and if your group has fallen behind with an open hole ahead, allow faster groups to play through whenever it's safe to do so. The lowest handicap player in the group can also help by keeping an eye on the group's pace and encouraging everyone to stay ready.

Perhaps the most important reminder is to keep up with the group in front of you not simply stay ahead of the group behind. A steady pace benefits everyone on the course, reduces wait times, and makes the game more enjoyable from the first tee to the final putt.

Thank you for doing your part to keep play moving at Sebastian Municipal Golf Course. With a little preparation, good etiquette, and consideration for fellow golfers, we can all help make every round a great one.

City Accepts FAA Grants for Sebastian Municipal Airport Terminal Apron Expansion

The Sebastian Municipal Airport is one step closer to expanding its capacity following City Council's acceptance of two Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants at the July 22 City Council meeting. The funding will support construction of a new terminal apron expansion, a project designed to improve airport operations and accommodate the growing number of aircraft using the airport.

The expanded apron will double the amount of transient, or short-term, aircraft parking available for visiting pilots and passengers. In addition to creating more parking space, the project will improve pavement conditions, install new aircraft tie-downs, and add lighting to enhance safety and accessibility. The improvements will also provide better access to the airport's self-service fuel station and wash rack while helping reduce congestion around the terminal.

The project is funded through a partnership between the FAA, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), and the City of Sebastian. Of the approximately $1.13 million total construction cost, 95% ($1,073,567) is funded by the FAA, while FDOT and the City of Sebastian will each contribute 2.5% ($27,526).

Additional project details, construction milestones, and progress updates will be shared in future editions of the City's newsletter as work moves forward.