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CITY OF SEBASTIAN

PELICAN NEWSLETTER

SEPTEMBER 2026

Welcome to the September 2026 edition of the Pelican Newsletter! Edition Highlights Inaugural Sunset on the Fairway 5K Was a Success — See page 3

City Prepares for City Council Elections With Two Open Seats — Learn more on page 4

City Celebrates Redevelopment Week in September — Read more on page 10

Connect With Us!

CITY COUNCIL Meet your city council members

Mayor, Fred Jones Read Biography

Vice Mayor, Bob McPartlan Read Biography

Council Member, Christopher Nunn Read Biography

Council Member, Ed Dodd Read Biography

Council Member, Sherrie Matthews Read Biography

CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE SEPTEMBER EVENT CALENDAR Sept. 7 | All Day City Hall Closed for Labor Day Holiday Sept. 11 | 8:30 a.m. Patriot Day Observance at Veterans Memorial in Riverview Park Sept. 12 | 7:30 - 9 a.m. Run for Responders 5K Run/Walk at City Hall Sept. 12 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Touch & Tour Event at City Hall Sept. 19 | 9 a.m. International Coastal Cleanup Day at the Main Street Boat Ramp and Twin Piers Sept. 29 | 5 - 7 p.m. Sebastian River High School Homecoming Parade on Indian River Drive

Upcoming Community Events In August, the City of Sebastian partnered with Treasure Coast Fitness and Nutrition to bring the inaugural Sunset on the Fairway 5K to the community on August 28 at the Sebastian Municipal Golf Course. The event was a huge success, and we look forward to bringing it back next year! There will be another opportunity to lace up your running shoes this month at the Run for Responders 5K on September 12 at City Hall. Following the race, our annual Touch & Tour event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at City Hall. This family-friendly event is a great opportunity to get an up-close look at emergency vehicles and city equipment while meeting the people who serve our community every day. The City's Natural Resources Board will also participate in International Coastal Cleanup Day at the Main Street Boat Ramp. This annual event gives community members a chance to come together to help protect our waterways and keep our local environment clean. For more information and details about these events, follow the City of Sebastian on Facebook and Instagram. We hope to see you there!

CLERK’S CORNER City Council Election Information With the Primary Election behind us, attention now turns to the upcoming City Council General Election on November 3, 2026, when Sebastian voters will elect candidates to two open City Council seats. The seats currently held by Council Members Ed Dodd and Sherrie Matthews are expiring. Council Member Dodd will not seek re-election. The candidates for the two open seats are Sherrie Matthews, Todd Clifton, Robert Gable, Damien Gilliams, Richard Gillmor, and Deborah Shellenberger. The General Election will take place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Please note: Sebastian City Hall is an early voting location ONLY. It is not a polling location on Election Day. Before heading to the polls, be sure to check your assigned voting precinct. You can find your polling place by entering your address into the Indian River County Supervisor of Elections' Precinct Finder: Find My Polling Place or call the Supervisor of Elections Office at (772) 226-4700. Early Voting will be available October 19–31, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extended hours on Thursdays until 6 p.m. The deadline to request a Vote-by-Mail ballot is October 22, 2026. For additional election information, please contact the Indian River County Supervisor of Elections Office. Due to the Early Voting schedule, there will be one City Council meeting in October, NOV 2023on October 14. November City Council meetings have been scheduled ISSUE NO 6 for November 2 and November 18. AY2023-24

CLERK’S CORNER SEPTEMBER BOARD MEETINGS September 1 | 6 p.m. Natural Resources Board Meeting in Council Chambers

September 9 | 6 p.m. Regular City Council Meeting in Council Chambers

September 14 | 3 p.m. Special Magistrate Code Enforcement Hearing in Council Chambers September 14 | 6 p.m. City Council Special Meeting for First Public Hearing on the Millage and Budget Approval of Capital Improvement Program – Approval of Financial Policies in Council Chambers

September 23 | 5 p.m. Annexation Strategic Plan Workshop in Council Chambers

September 23 | 6 p.m. Regular City Council Meeting with CRA Budget and Public Hearing on Final Millage and Final Budget in in Council Chambers September 28 | 6 p.m. Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting in Council Chambers

September 17 | 6 p.m. Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting in Council Chambers

SEBASTIAN POLICE DEPARTMENT SPD Welcomes New Officers On August 25, Interim Chief Wood held a swearing-in ceremony welcoming Matthew Acosta and Camila Zamora as officers with the Sebastian Police Department. Both Acosta and Zamora began their journey with us as Sebastian Police Public Safety Cadets, making this milestone especially meaningful. We are proud to welcome them to the team and look forward to all they will accomplish in their new roles!

What’s Ahead for SPD September 12 | Run for Responders 5K September 12 | Touch & Tour event at City Hall 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. September 20 | National Crime & Intelligence Analyst Appreciation Day October 15 | SPD Community Night Out in Riverview Park 5-7:30 p.m. October 17 | SPD 6th Annual Unity Cup Golf Tournament

Follow Us on Social Media! Stay connected and in the know by following the Sebastian Police Department on social media! We share real-time emergency updates, safety tips, community events, department news, and more. Don’t miss out—follow us and stay connected with your Sebastian Police Department! @SebastianPoliceDepartment

@SebastianPolice

PARKS & RECREATION

Riverview Park Splash Pad & Playground Upgrades

Save the Date Upcoming City Events

In August, the Parks and Recreation Department presented design concepts for upgrades to the splash pad and playground at Riverview Park to the City Council. After reviewing the concepts, Council selected two designs for the playground and splash pad for staff to work with contractors to refine and negotiate pricing.

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will review the updated designs and contractor negotiations and provide recommendations to staff. Staff will then bring the updated designs and recommendations back to City Council in October 2026, when Council is expected to make the final decision.

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 July 2025

July 2026

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

July 2026 Inspection Total 754

July 2025 Inspection Total 841

July 2025 Permits Total 259

July 2026 Permits Total 268

July 2026 Plan Review Times Average Review Time (Days)

Number of Permits

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

BUILDING DEPARTMENT Employee Achievement: Sam Smith Expands His Building Expertise Sam Smith has been a valued member of the City of Sebastian team since joining the Building Department as a Structural Building Inspector in November of 2017. Becoming a licensed building inspector requires documented experience and successfully completing rigorous exams developed by the International Code Council (ICC). After meeting the experience requirements, Sam was approved by the State of Florida’s Building Code Administrators and Inspectors Board (BCAIB) to take the required exams. He successfully passed the Structural Building Inspector exam and, in May 2023, passed the Structural Plans Examiner exam and was promoted to Building Inspector II. In late 2025, Sam once again applied to BCAIB and was approved to take the residential electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and structural ICC exams. Throughout 2026, he dedicated himself to studying, attending classes and preparing for each exam. He has now successfully completed all state licensing requirements to become a One- and Two-Family Dwelling Inspector. This is a significant professional achievement that benefits Sam, the City, and our community. His multiple certifications allow him to inspect multiple trades, making him a valuable asset to the Building Department and providing greater flexibility and expertise when serving residents. And Sam isn’t finished yet! He plans to continue his professional development and pursue his licenses as a One- and Two-Family Dwelling Plans Examiner. Congratulations, Sam, on this outstanding achievement!

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Celebrating Florida Redevelopment Week The City of Sebastian is proud to join communities across Florida in celebrating Florida Redevelopment Week, September 14–18, 2026. The statewide initiative, led by the Florida Redevelopment Association, recognizes the important role Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs) play in strengthening neighborhoods, downtowns, local businesses, and economies. In 1995, the City of Sebastian completed a study identifying areas of downtown in need of redevelopment and established the Sebastian Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). The CRA was created to encourage reinvestment, support redevelopment, and help guide the growth of downtown and surrounding areas with a cohesive community vision. The district was later expanded in 2003 to include the area known as the “Sebastian Boulevard Triangle” and portions of industrial land south of C.R. 512. Over the years, the Sebastian CRA has supported numerous community projects and initiatives, including providing matching funds for the purchase of the Working Waterfront Properties, supporting conceptual planning for Riverview Park, and providing financial support for Riverfront District events such as Clam Bake, Shrimpfest, Concerts in the Park, and the Fine Art Festival since 2000. Florida Redevelopment Week is an opportunity to recognize the CRA’s continued contributions to the vitality and character of Sebastian. Learn more: Sebastian Community Redevelopment Agency

PUBLIC WORKS ROADWAY UPDATES

Prepare Your Property for Severe Weather Residents can help protect their homes and neighborhoods by taking a few simple steps to prepare for severe weather. Keeping drainage areas clear and securing items around your property can help reduce potential hazards and allow stormwater to flow properly. Residents should maintain swales and ensure the flow line remains clean and clear of debris. Gutters and drainage areas should also be cleaned regularly to help prevent blockages and flooding. Before severe weather arrives, secure or bring inside small outdoor items, such as patio furniture, that could become dangerous during high winds. Residents should also install storm shutters or board up windows if necessary. Finally, inspect trees around your property and trim hazardous or damaged limbs that could pose a risk during strong winds. Taking these precautions ahead of time can help protect your property, your neighbors, and our community.

Crews continue to address potholes and roadway approaches/edges throughout the city. Crews continue to mow right-ofways throughout the City. Installation of the new Public Works shelter is underway. The shelter will provide protection from the elements for City vehicles and equipment.

STORMWATER UPDATES Extensive ditch dredging in the Spring Valley and Day Drive area is currently underway and will continue through September 2026. Indian River County ditch maintenance along Main Street is currently in progress. Swale work along Main Street, the 512 alleyway, Englar Drive, and Midville Terrace will begin in September as part of the roadway rehabilitation plan. All driveway culverts along Midville Terrace have been brought to the proper elevation. This work included the replacement of 33 driveway culverts as part of the FY 2027 roadway rehabilitation plan.

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 JUNE experience to the role.NEW After HIRES 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.

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!

OPEN POSITIONS Police Officer

AUGUST NEW HIRES Isaac Santiago | Crossing Guard Judith Veazey | Crossing Guard

SEBASTIAN GOLF COURSE

Summer Rates

Additional Fees

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

Small Bucket Range Balls: $5 Large Bucket Range Balls: $10 6 Small Buckets: $25 18 Hole Club Rentals: $35 9 Hole Club Rentals: $18

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

August 2026 Rounds The Sebastian Municipal Golf Course recorded 3,693 rounds in August, generating $102,870.

SEBASTIAN AIRPORT

Avionics Works Joins Sebastian Municipal Airport The City of Sebastian is pleased to welcome Avionics Works as a new subtenant at the Sebastian Municipal Airport. Avionics Works began operations in 2018 at Treasure Coast International Airport in Fort Pierce and has since grown from a small operation into a full-service avionics facility serving aircraft owners throughout the Southeast and beyond. Avionics Works holds FAA Repair Station Certificate #1VWR276D, authorizing the company to perform and sign off on avionics installations, inspections, and maintenance on certificated aircraft. Its experienced team works across a wide range of aircraft, from Cessna 172s to King Airs and Citations. As an authorized Garmin dealer and installer, Avionics Works also works with major avionics manufacturers including Dynon, L3Harris, Aspen, and Avidyne. Services range from simple transponder replacements to complete glass cockpit conversions, with an emphasis on quality, attention to detail, and professionalism. The addition of Avionics Works further expands the services available at Sebastian Municipal Airport and supports the airport's continued growth as a destination for aviation businesses and aircraft owners.