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January 2026 Newsletter

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CITY OF SEBASTIAN

PELICAN NEWSLETTER

JANUARY 2026

Welcome to the first edition of the Pelican Newsletter for 2026. We look forward to serving our Sebastian residents another year and have lots in store for 2026.

SUSTAINABLE SEBASTIAN RELEASES FIRST ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL SURVEY SEE PAGE 12

Edition Highlights Chamber of Commerce Concerts in Riverview Park return for another year see January event calendar on page 3. Were hiring! Visit page 10 for more details! City Adopts New eProcurement Software read more on page 11.

Connect With Us! 1


CITY COUNCIL Meet your city council members

Mayor, Fred Jones Biography

Vice Mayor, Bob McPartlan Biography

Council Member, Christopher Nunn Biography

Council Member, Ed Dodd Biography

Council Member, Sherrie Matthews Biography

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CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE JANUARY EVENT CALANDER Jan. 1 | All day City Hall closed New Year’s Day

Jan. 10 | 10am - 3pm Craft Club in Riverview Park

Kicking Off 2026 with Fun Events! To kick off the new year we have some exciting events returning like the Chamber of Commerce Concerts in the Park and the “Star Party” star gazing events in Riverview Park. See the January Events Calendar (left) to see more.

Jan. 17 & 18 | 10am - 5pm Sebastian Fine Art and Music Festival in Riverview Park Jan. 19 | All day City Hall closed Martin Luther King Day Jan. 23 | 5:30 - 8pm Chamber of Commerce Concert in Riverview Park Jan. 24 | 10am - 3pm Sebastian River Art Club in Riverview Park Jan. 31 | 6 - 8pm Star Gaze event in Riverview Park Twin Piers

News and Updates Sebastian City Council will hold interviews for the new City Attorney on Wednesday January 7. They will have a workshop for City Attorney interviews in Council Chambers at 1:30 pm. Following the workshop they'll have a Special Council Meeting to discuss the position and candidates at 5 pm.

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CLERK’S CORNER Charter Review In accordance with Charter Section 5.03, Sebastian City Council appointed a 15-member Charter Review Committee to consider any updates or deletions necessary for the City’s Charter. The Charter is a document that defines the organization, powers, functions, and essential procedures of a government. It is comparable to the U.S. Constitution or a state constitution. It is the most important legal document for the City. Updates or deletions are recommended to the City Council every five years, which then decides whether to place proposed changes on the general election ballot for approval by residents. This year’s Charter Review Committee will include Scott Liberatore, Richard Gilmor, Charles Stadelman, Bill Flynn, Grace Reed, Jeanne Hill, Tim Borden, Susan Lorusso, Vicki Drumheller, Sharon Herman, Felicia Holloman, Wanda Simmons and Nicholas Scheskowsky along with two more At-Large members still to be selected. The Committee will meet over a five-month period to carefully review and scrutinize each Charter section. They considered minor typographical errors, NOV 2023 ISSUE NO 6 changes and procedural changes. terminology AY2023-24

JANUARY BOARD MEETINGS Jan. 5 @ 6pm Charter Review Meeting in Council Chambers Jan. 6 @ 6pm Natural Resources Board Meeting in Council Chambers Jan. 14 @ 6pm City Council Meeting in Council Chambers Jan. 15 @ 6pm Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting in Council Chambers Jan. 26 @ 6pm Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting in Council Chambers

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SEBASTIAN POLICE DEPARTMENT In the News

Sebastian police video series shows day-to-day police work The aim of the series is to show the day-to-day work of police and foster greater trust and understanding within the community. Read here.

Sebastian police promote mental health awareness message with SUV No two calls involving individuals in a crisis are the same, said SPD Lt. Robert Vafiades. Read here.

Upcoming Events January 9 | Law Enforcement Appreciation Day January 20 | Citizen Police Academy application deadline

We’re Hiring Certified Police Officers 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.

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PARKS & RECREATION

Market Fresh on the Move Comes to City Hall!

What’s Happening in January?

Market Fresh on the Move is a mobile neighborhood grocery run by the Treasure Coast Food Bank that provides reliable access to nutritious and affordable food. They will be at City Hall on the following dates and times. Thursday, Jan. 8 | 1:15 - 3pm Thursday, Jan. 29 | 1:15 - 3pm To learn more about Market Fresh on the Move and the TC Food Bank, click here.

Sebastian Star Parties are back this month! The first stargaze event of 2026 will be in Riverview Park by the Twin Piers on Jan. 31 from 6 to 8 pm. We have some adult baseball leagues coming to town this month. Games are open to the public. Games are at the Barber Street Sports Complex. For more information and the schedule, click here.

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BUILDING DEPARTMENT Building Permits Issued October 2024

October 2025

Commercial Alteration Residential Alteration Residential Aluminum Structure Residential Mechanical Residential New Single Family Residential Roofing 0

20

40

60

80

Nov. 2025 Inspection Total 754 Nov. 2024 Inspection Total 931

Nov. 2025 Permits Total 199 Nov. 2024 Permits Total 235

October 2025 Plan Review Times Average Review Time (Days)

Number of Permits

A/C Replacements Roof Replacements Aluminum Structures Single Family Residence Alterations 0

10

20

30

40

50

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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT City of Sebastian Natural Resources Board Distributes Environmental Poll to Residents The City of Sebastian Natural Resources Board (NRB) is distributing its first environmental poll. The poll will help the board gain valuable insight into which environmental issues residents find most important. The board will use the results to help direct its Sustainable Sebastian initiatives going forward. "From the poll results, we can more definitively determine that the citizens' priorities are being served, and the poll results will guide future NRB plans," said NRB Member Matthew Krauss. The NRB hopes the poll will also help inspire more members of the community to get involved in protecting Sebastian's natural resources. "There is great value in asking those we serve their opinions and goals such as encouraging more volunteers, finding new resources, and promoting Sustainable Sebastian initiatives," said Krauss. To participate in the poll, click here. For more information, contact: Environmental Technician, Felicia Gordian 772-388-8206 fgordian@cityofsebastian.org

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PUBLIC WORKS ROADS UPDATES Phase 4 preservation paving has been completed. Additional Phase 4 road work, including milling, resurfacing, and full roadway reconstruction in certain areas, is expected to begin in late February 2026. Crews continue to address potholes throughout the city. Sidewalk repairs and replacements are ongoing citywide to improve safety and accessibility.

STORMWATER UPDATES Ditch dredging is currently taking place in Zones 3, 4, and 6 to help improve drainage. Swale grading associated with Phase 4 roadway paving began on January 6, 2026. Drainage improvements at the Barber Street Sports Complex will take place from January 7 through January 23, 2026. Maintenance of the Indian River Drive baffle boxes is scheduled for February 2026 to support water quality and stormwater flow.

Did You Know? 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.

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HUMAN RESOURCES DECEMBER NEW HIRES Bryan Bessette | Mechanic Steven Filippi | Police Officer Kelvin Cruz | Stormwater Maintenance I Michael Scott | Roads Maintenance Enrique Oropeza | Stormwater Maintenance Jaiden Pirrone | Stormwater Maintenance

OPEN POSITIONS Stormwater Maintenance I Police Officer Police Volunteer GIS Intern - Part time Traffic Technician I & II Principal Planner Construction Specialist

JOIN OUR TEAM

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!

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Liceria & Co. Company

PROCUREMENT CORNER

City of Sebastian Adopts Euna Procurement In 2026, the City of Sebastian will transition away from VendorLink to the Euna MONTHLY NEWSLETTER 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.

Current Bids 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

Upcoming Solicitations 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 https://www.myvendorlink.com/ Construction of Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings for the Public Works Compound Sebastian Cemetery Maintenance Building Construction

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SEBASTIAN GOLF COURSE

Sebastian Municipal Golf Course Director Greg Gardner hits milestone Congratulations Greg Gardner, Director of Golf at the Sebastian Municipal Golf Course, on 30 years of dedicated service with the City of Sebastian. Greg’s leadership, passion for the game, and commitment to excellence have shaped the golf course into a true community gem. Thank you, Greg, for your hard work, professionalism, and lasting impact.

December 2025 The Sebastian Municipal Golf Course recorded 5,082 rounds in December, generating $198,015.

Upcoming Events 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.

PGA HOPE

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! This past December, our fall clinic wrapped up. Click here to find out more information and find a class near you!

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SEBASTIAN AIRPORT

Sebastian Airports Taxiway Project Continues into the New Year 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.

Airport Viewing Park Did you know you the Sebastian Municipal Airport has a viewing park located in front of the Airport Administration Building on the front right as you drive in. A picnic table is located in the fenced area adjacent to the airplane ramp area. There is an excellent view of the skydiving operations across the field, especially on weekends. All are welcome to use this part of the Sebastian park system.

Contact Us 202 Airport Drive E Sebastian Municipal Airport Sebastian, FL 32958 Phone: 772-228-7001 Fax: 772-228-7078

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January 2026 Newsletter by City of Sebastian - Issuu