June 2026 Newsletter

Welcome to the June 2026 edition of the Pelican Newsletter!

Edition Highlights

Sebastian Launches New Tool

Helping Residents Understand Flood Risk

See page 10

Sebastian Expands City Limits for Thoughtful Growth

Learn more on page 11

City Celebrates National Public Works Week

Read more on page 12

Meet your city council members

JUNE EVENT CALENDAR

Coffee with the Mayor at Beeb’s Beans

June 5 | 6 p.m.

City of Sebastian Kickoff Concert in Riverview Park featuring Hot Pink

June 20 | 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Chamber of Commerce

Charity Surf Contest at Sebastian Inlet

June 23

ORCA Volunteer Day at Riverview Park More details to come

Hurricane season is here... stay informed and stay safe by signing up for emergency alert notifications from the City of Sebastian. You’ll receive important, time‐sensitive updates directly from your city and local public safety agencies, such as, severe weather warnings, evacuation notices, public safety alerts and more. Registration is quick, easy, and free. You can also choose how you want to receive alerts. Don’t wait until it’s too late; be the first to know when it matters most. Sign up today by scanning the QR code or clicking here.

City

CLERK’S CORNER

Clerk’s Office Embraces AI for Meeting Minutes

chnology by incorporating artificial intelligence into the meeting minutes process. Minutes play an essential role in documenting City Council meetings, preserving transparency, and keeping residents informed about local government actions. By using AI as a support tool, the process is becoming more efficient while maintaining a strong commitment to accuracy and accountability.

AI technology assists staff by transcribing meeting recordings and identifying key actions such as motions and votes. This helps streamline the preparation of meeting minutes and allows for faster turnaround times in producing official records.

While AI helps create draft minutes, all records continue to be carefully reviewed and finalized by the City Clerk. This review process ensures the minutes accurately reflect the discussions and actions taken during meetings and remain reliable public records.

The use of AI is intended to enhance efficiency while supporting the City Clerk’s ongoing commitment to transparency and accuracy. By combining trusted practices with innovative technology, the City Clerk’s Office continues to improve service to the community while maintaining its vital role in local government.

NOV 2023 ISSUE NO 6

CLERK’S CORNER

JUNE BOARD MEETINGS

June 2 | 6 p.m.

Natural Resources Board Meeting in Council Chambers

June 4 | 6 p.m.

Planning and Zoning

Commission Meeting in Council Chambers

June 10 | 6 p.m.

Regular City Council Meeting in Council Chambers

June 11 | 6 p.m.

Parks and Recreation Public

Input Workshop for Splash Pad and Playground in Council Chambers

June 16 | 2 p.m.

Special Magistrate Code

Enforcement Hearing in Council Chambers

June 18 | 6 p.m.

Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting in Council Chambers

June 22 | 6 p.m.

Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting in Council Chambers

June 24 | 6 p.m.

Regular City Council Meeting with CRA in Council Chambers

SEBASTIAN POLICE DEPARTMENT

Announces His Retirement from Sebastian Police Department

Chief Acosta began his law enforcement career in 1995 and joined the Sebastian Police Department in 1999, beginning more than two decades of dedicated service to our community. Throughout his career, he served in a variety of leadership and operational roles. In addition to his years of service, Chief Acosta pursued extensive education and professional training, earning degrees in Criminal Justice, Administration, and Public Administration, while also completing prestigious leadership programs through the Southern Police Institute and the FBI National Command Course. Known for his integrity, compassion, and commitment to public service, Chief Acosta has made a lasting impact on the department and the City of Sebastian. His leadership has helped strengthen the organization and the community he has proudly served. Following his retirement as Chief of Police in June, Chief Acosta will continue serving the city as Director of Human Resources and Risk Management. We thank him for his years of dedicated service and look forward to all he will accomplish in this new role.

SEBASTIAN POLICE DEPARTMENT

Recreational Classes and Programs

Discover all that we have to offer! From fitness classes and senior citizen activities to youth leagues and more, there are programs available for residents of all ages and interests. Click here to learn more!

Upcoming Events

Summer Kickoff Concert

Join us in Riverview Park on June 5 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for our Summer Kickoff Concert with Hot Pink. th

Splash Pad and Riverview Park

Playground Public Input Meeting

A Public Input Meeting will be held on June 11 at 6:00 p.m. in the Sebastian City Hall Council Chambers.

th 4th of July Freedom Festival

Celebrate Independence Day at Riverview Park on July 4. The parade begins at 8:30 a.m., and festivities continue throughout the day, leading up to fireworks at 9:00 p.m.

More detailed event information is available on the City’s website and social media pages.

BUILDING DEPARTMENT

Building Permits Issued

BUILDING DEPARTMENT

New Tool Helps Residents Better Understand Flood Risk

With hurricane season now here, the City of Sebastian is making it easier than ever for residents to access important flood information about their property. The City has launched a new online Flood Information Portal powered by Forerunner, giving homeowners and property owners a convenient way to review flood risk data and prepare for severe weather events.

ch by property address and instantly view floodre heir property. Residents can access details such as flood zone designations, Base Flood Elevation (BFE), Design Flood Elevation, FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) information, and whether a property is located within a Special Flood Hazard Area.

In addition to flood risk data, the portal helps residents understand important floodplain management requirements. Property owners can review information related to Substantial Improvement and Substantial Damage regulations, which may require structures to meet updated flood protection standards when improvements or repairs exceed certain thresholds. The portal also helps residents determine whether their home’s first-floor elevation is below the recommended flood elevation level and provides guidance for building responsibly in flood-prone areas.

Flooding remains one of the most common natural hazards facing Florida communities. Sebastian is vulnerable to flooding from hurricanes, tropical storms, storm surge, and heavy rainfall events. By providing easy access to floodplain information, the City hopes to help residents make informed decisions about flood insurance, property improvements, and hurricane preparedness.

Residents can explore the new portal and search their property's flood information by visiting: Sebastian Forerunner Residents can find additional resources by visiting the City's Flooding & Hurricane Preparedness page: Flooding & Hurricane Preparedness

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Sebastian Expands City Limits for Thoughtful Growth

During the month of May, the City of Sebastian took important steps toward responsibly managing future growth through the approval of several voluntary annexations into the City limits. Most notably, the City Council approved the annexation of approximately 204 acres known as Sebastian Pines, while also approving an additional 382 acres known as Cresswind during the May 26 Council meeting. Together, these annexations represent a significant opportunity for the City to maintain local oversight of development standards, infrastructure planning, environmental protections, and community character. The annexations ensure future development will be guided by Sebastian’s Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Regulations rather than county standards alone.

These annexations represent a proactive approach to planning for the future while preserving the qualities residents value most about Sebastian. By bringing these properties into the City, Sebastian will have greater ability to guide development in accordance with the City’s Regulations, ensuring that future projects include quality design, open space, amenities, and infrastructure improvements that benefit the community as a whole. City Council Member, Sherrie Matthews described the effort as an opportunity to“grow with grace,” reinforcing Sebastian’s commitment to balanced growth, long-term sustainability, and maintaining the high quality of life enjoyed by residents today.

PUBLIC WORKS

Recognizing the Heart of Our City: Public Works

During the month of May, the City of Sebastian proudly celebrated National Public Works Week by honoring the hardworking employees who keep our community running smoothly every day. Our Public Works team plays a vital role in making Sebastian a safe, clean, and beautiful place to live, work, and play. We extend our sincere gratitude to all of our Public Works employees for their dedication, professionalism, and ongoing commitment to serving our community.

Quarterly Staff Recognition

ROADWAY UPDATES

Crews continue to repair potholes and improve roadway approaches and edges throughout the city.

Citywide roadway line painting and striping began in April and will continue through June.

Sidewalk repair work is also ongoing across the city to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians.

STORMWATER UPDATES

Ditch regrading continues throughout the city.

The Riviera and Gardenia ditch and road crossing project has commenced and is approximately 90% complete.

Extensive ditch dredging is ongoing in the Wimbrow area from CR 512 to South Easy Street.

HUMAN RESOURCES

JUNE NEW HIRES

Beth Taylor | Crossing Guard

Jane Garcia | City Clerk

OPEN POSITIONS

Police Officer

Part Time Cashier | Golf Course

Groundskeeper 1 | Parks & Recreation

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!

HUMAN RESOURCES

Celebrating the Retirement of Cynthia Watson

After over 12 years of dedicated service, the City of Sebastian bids a heartfelt farewell to Cynthia Watson as she begins her well-earned retirement. Cynthia joined the City in 2014, as an Environmental Technician where she also managed the Sebastian Municipal Airport. She later transitioned into Human Resources, serving as Human Resources Manager and ultimately Human Resources Director/Risk Management Director for more than a decade.

Throughout her tenure, Cynthia played a key role in strengthening the City's workforce and organizational processes. Among her many accomplishments, she led the comprehensive update of employee job descriptions and job grades, modernized the performance review process, established the Performance Improvement Plan, created the Benefits Committee, and authored the City's Procedures Manual. Her efforts also helped employees participate in the Florida Blue BlueValue Program, resulting in medical insurance increases remaining at just 6–6.5%, providing significant value to City employees. As she reflects on her career with the City, Cynthia takes pride in the lasting impact of these initiatives and the positive changes they brought to the organization.

Cynthia is excited to devote more time to her creative passions and launch her quilting business, Quilts by Cindy. She specializes in creating memory quilts, transforming meaningful clothing and fabric items into treasured keepsakes. Cynthia also looks forward to traveling, returning to watercolor painting and sketching, designing handmade cards, knitting, reading, and more. "My hands have to be busy, I am not an idle person,"said Cynthia.

The City of Sebastian is grateful for Cynthia's years of dedication, professionalism, and service. We thank her for the many contributions she has made to our organization and community, and we wish her continued success, happiness, and fulfillment in this exciting new chapter.

Current Bids

We are accepting bids for the solicitations below. If your business is interested in submitting a bid, make sure you are registered with Euna Procurement. All bid documents are posted on Sebastian's Euna Portal

CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Program for One (1) Single-Family Home Unit

Continuing Engineering Services for Sebastian Municipal Airport

Upcoming Solicitations

Below is a list of bids the City anticipates issuing this fiscal year. If your business is interested in bidding, ensure you are registered with Euna Procurement. All bid documents are posted on Sebastian's Euna Portal

Main Street Park Dredging, Shoreline and Erosion Stabilization | June 2026

Citywide Janitorial Services | June 2026

Citywide Fire Alarm Inspections and Monitoring | July 2026

Citywide Fire Sprinkler and Backflow Inspections | July 2026

If you have any questions about the procurement process or submitting a bid, please contact our Procurement Manager, Jessica Graham, CPPB, FCCM, at procurement@cityofsebastian.org or 772-388-8231.

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

May 2026 Rounds

The Sebastian Municipal Golf Course recorded 4,474 rounds in May, generating $147,252.

SEBASTIAN GOLF COURSE

The S of golf by off s to a s n, welcoming, and educational environment where juniors can learn the fundamentals of golf while building confidence, sportsmanship, and lifelong skills. Lessons are offered in both individual and small-group settings, allowing instructors to provide personalized attention and quality instruction tailored to each student’s experience level.

Junior golf lessons are typically 45 minutes to one hour in length and are available through several experienced golf professionals affiliated with Sebastian Municipal Golf Course. Pricing varies slightly by instructor, but current rates include:

One junior: $40

Two juniors: $25 each

Three to four juniors: $20 each

In addition to learning golf skills, the program emphasizes safety, etiquette, respect for others, and having fun on the course. Participants are encouraged to come prepared by wearing a hat, applying sunscreen, bringing water, and eating a light meal before lessons. Instructors also stress the importance of proper manners, course etiquette, and weather safety during all sessions.

For more information or to schedule a lesson, contact Sebastian Golf Club at (772) 589-6801 or visit the club’s website.

Celebrating the Retirement of Jeff Sabo

The City of Sebastian extends its sincere gratitude and best wishes to Jeff Sabo as he begins his well deserved retirement after more than four years of dedicated service to the community.

Jeff joined the City of Sebastian as Airport Manager and was promoted to Airport Director in October of 2025. During his tenure, he played an important role in guiding the continued growth and development of Sebastian Municipal Airport, helping ensure the airport remained a valuable asset to the community. Reflecting on his time with the City, Jeff is especially proud of several major accomplishments. While his first years were spent managing and completing projects already in progress, he also contributed his own vision for the airport’s future by adding new initiatives to the development pipeline. Among the projects he is most proud of are the major rehabilitation of Runway 05-23, the construction of three large hangars, and the development of the new Taxiway Golf. These improvements will continue to benefit airport users and support the airport’s growth for years to come.

As he enters this next chapter, Jeff and his wife are looking forward to relocating to northern Alabama to be closer to family. Retirement will also provide the opportunity to pursue some longtime passions, including rescuing herding breed dogs and returning to the restoration of old British race cars.

Jeff leaves Sebastian with many fond memories and deep appreciation for the people he worked alongside. He shared that he will always remember “the wonderful, hard-working staff of this city” and the experience of being part of such a talented team.

The City of Sebastian thanks Jeff for his leadership, dedication, and contributions to the Sebastian Municipal Airport and our community. We wish him and his wife all the best as they begin this exciting new adventure.