Welcome to the February edition of the Pelican Newsletter for 2026!
Edition Highlights
City of Sebastian to hold property tax public workshops to inform residents of where their money goes.
Learn more on page 3.
City Council Seats Available in the 2026 November Election. See more on page 4.
The Great Air Potato Roundup returns for a second year. Read more on page 9.
Meet your city council members
Sebastian River Art Club in Riverview Park
Feb. 13 | 5:30 - 8pm Chamber of Commerce Concert in the Park
Feb. 14 | 9am - 1pm Air Potato Round-up at Stormwater Park
Feb. 16 | All Day
Presidents Day Observance –City Hall Closed
Feb. 21 | 6:30 - 8:30pm Star Gaze Party at Twin Piers
Feb. 27 | 5:30 - 8pm Chamber of Commerce Concert in the Park
Property taxes fund the local services people depend on law enforcement, waste collection, road repair, emergency response, schools, and more. Unlike many other revenue sources, property tax dollars stay in the community where they’re raised, giving residents a greater voice in how those dollars are spent. Eliminating property taxes won’t eliminate taxes; it will most likely shift the burden to other taxes and fees. Join us for one of three property tax workshops to learn how your tax dollars are being used in your community.
Meetings will be held in the City Council Chambers, 1225 Main St., Sebastian, on the following dates and times:
• Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 10 am and 5 pm
• Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 2 pm
The City of Sebastian will have three City Council seats on the ballot in the November election. Each position carries a two-year term, offering a meaningful way to contribute without a long-term commitment.
Candidates must have been a Sebastian resident for at least one year prior to qualifying, and a strong interest in the community and public service is highly encouraged. Qualifying begins on July 30, 2026 and ends August 14, 2026. All required paperwork must be completed and submitted within this timeframe.
City Council members play a direct role in shaping the future of Sebastian. They represent residents and help guide important decisions. Those in this role gain firsthand experience in local government and civic leadership.
The November election provides residents with an opportunity to vote for candidates who will help lead the city forward. Whether you choose to run or simply support the process, civic participation keeps Sebastian strong.
If serving your community has ever crossed your mind, this could be the perfect time to step up Sebastian is counting on engaged residents like you!
2023
NO 6
Feb. 2 | 6pm
Charter Review Meeting in Council Chambers
Feb. 3 | 6pm
Natural Resources Board Meeting in Council Chambers
Feb. 5 | 6pm
Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting in Council Chambers
Feb. 9 | 6pm
Budget Review Advisory Board Meeting in Council Chambers
Feb. 10 | 6pm
Charter Review Meeting in Council Chambers
Feb. 11 | 6pm
Regular City Council meeting in Council Chambers
Feb. 13 | 9:30am - 1:30pm Indian River Lagoon Council Meeting in Council Chambers
Feb. 17 | 6pm
Construction Board Meeting in Council Chambers
Feb. 23 | 6pm Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting in Council Chambers
Feb. 24 10am | Property Tax Workshop in Council Chambers
5pm | Property Tax Workshop in Council Chambers
Feb. 25
2pm | Property Tax Workshop in Council Chambers
6pm | Regular City Council Meeting in Council Chamber
Did you know the Sebastian Police Department regularly shares important updates on social media? From timely public safety information to behindthe-scenes videos of real-life incidents our officers respond to, SPD keeps our community informed and engaged. Follow us on social media to learn more about our department and how we work every day to protect and serve the City of Sebastian.
February 6 | National Crossing Guard Appreciation Day
February 13 | COPE Night to Shine Event at St. Sebastian Church
February 15 | National Student Resource Officer Appreciation Day
February 17-20 | RAD Women’s Self Defense Class
Starting pay of $59,000 or higher based on experience. We offer a pension plan, affordable healthcare, paid leave, and so much more! For more details, scan the QR code or click here.
Phase I of Riverview Park renovations design kicked off January 7, 2026.
Main Street Boat Ramp dredging is going to bid in March 2026.
Swing and Bench Park shoreline stabilization is going to bid in March 2026.
NEW Hardee Park Playground installation coming in February 2026.
Citywide Tree Canopy Survey kickoff February 2, 2026.
Filbert Street Park exotic plant removal and native tree planting completed on January 6, 2026.
The Treasure Coast Astronomical Society and the City of Sebastian are hosting a free stargaze event on Saturday, February 21, in Riverview Park from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. This is a free event open to the public, and the Strong Island Ice Cream Truck will have sweet treats available for purchase.
The City of Sebastian offers no-cost home repair for eligible homeowners. The City of Sebastian has a CDBG Home Rehabilitation Program which can help eligible homeowners receive vital repairs and improvements.
Safe & Healthy Homes – Fix code, safety, and health issues
Accessibility Upgrades – Ramps, grab bars & more
Stronger Communities – Keep homes livable, affordable, and sustainable
Call 850-681-3717 or email tara.reynolds@accenture.com to see if you qualify!
Sebastian’s 2 Great Air Potato Roundup at Stormwater Park Feb. 14, 9 am - 11 am | 11 am - 1 pm OR stay for both volunteer shifts. Help us keep Stormwater Park beautiful and healthy as we work to remove the invasive air potato vines and bulbs from the Northern region of the park.
Earth Day & Arbor Day Celebration April 18 in Riverview Park. This annual event is a community celebration of all things environmental, featuring live entertainment, food & retail vendors, family-friendly activities, environmental organizations, and much, much more!
Phase 4 preservation paving has been completed.
Phase 4 road work, including milling, resurfacing, and full roadway reconstruction in the following areas, Periwinkle, Joy Haven, Bevan, Coply Terr, Birtle, Arcadia, Camilo, Penlynn, Picasso, Ocean Cove, and Veterans Memorial Way, is expected to begin February 23, 2026.
Crews continue to address potholes throughout the city.
Sidewalk repairs and replacements are ongoing citywide to improve safety and accessibility specifically on Barber St.
Ditch dredging is currently taking place in Zones 3, 4, and 6 to help improve drainage.
Swale grading associated with Phase 4 roadway paving is approximately 95% complete.
Drainage improvements at the Barber Street Sports Complex are completed.
Maintenance of the Indian River Drive baffle boxes is scheduled for March 2026 to support water quality and stormwater flow.
The City of Sebastian has a citizen request line and online request center. 772-581-0111
Citizen Request Center
We have a database of interactive maps available online, created by our GIS Technician. We offer maps showing active roadwork, paving schedules, virtual history tours, and more. Check out our maps by clicking here.
Michael Deonarine | Traffic Tech I Lee Stone | Traffic Tech I
Stormwater Maintenance I
Police Officer
Police Volunteer
Principal Planner
Groundskeeper I
The City offers a competitive benefits package including things such as:
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!
In 2026, the City of Sebastian will transition away from VendorLink to the Euna Procurement eProcurement software platform. Euna Procurement will streamline vendor management and e-sourcing, and become the sole platform for all formal solicitations. Additional information, including registration details, will be shared as we approach the “go live” date. Stay tuned for more updates.
We are accepting bids for the solicitations below. If your business is interested in submitting a bid, please make sure you are registered with VendorLink. All bid documents are posted on
https://www.myvendorlink.com/
Posting Jan. 8, 2026:
26-6-RFQ - Continuing Coastal Engineering Services
26-7-RFQ - Continuing Engineering and Architectural Services
26-8-RFQ - Continuing Professional Planning, LandscapeArchitecture, and Surveying Services
Below is a list of bids the City anticipates issuing this fiscal year. If your business is interested in bidding, please ensure you are registered with VendorLink. All bid documents are posted on
Sebastian Cemetery Administrative Building Construction 1540 Indian River Dr Building Design https://www.myvendorlink.com/
The Sebastian Municipal Golf Course recorded 6,098 rounds in December, generating $253,238.
The Michael Nichols Memorial tournament benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society will be held on March 14th, with an 8 am shotgun start, followed by lunch at the Pelican Diner. Entry cost is $100 per person.
The Sebastian Municipal Golf Course offers clinics for veterans through PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere). PGA HOPE is the South Florida PGA Foundation’s flagship military program, designed to introduce Veterans to golf to enhance their mental, social, physical, and emotional well-being. The classes are free for all Veterans!
The next clinic will be held from March 4 through April 15. Clinics are every Wednesday from 2 to 4 pm. To register, any active or retired member of the US Military can go to the South Florida PGA website: Click here
The Taxiway Golf project continues this month, with asphalt anticipated the week of January 19 and a completion date in early February. The main area, 2200’ long by 35’ wide, will be paved first, followed by an adjacent area approximately 500’ long to stabilize the base and prevent damage to the new taxiway from wind/sand, and runoff. Dickerson
Infrastructure is the general contractor for this FDOT grant-backed project.
I’d like to once again recognize 3 employees: Patrick Winne, Ron Wells, and Keith Perkins for their extra efforts resulting in another successful FDOT Airport Inspection. We passed the annual visit with no discrepancies noted and a compliment from the FDOT inspector for our preparedness. These gentlemen put in extra attention to the runways and taxiways, along with overall field conditions, to ensure we are in compliance with all the state mandates. This resulted in our regular license renewal for continued operations. Well done!
- Jeff Sabo, Sebastian Municipal Airport Director