Starting next month, the City of Sebastian is set to launch a year-long celebration to mark its 100th Anniversary since incorporating. Sebastian Daily is one of the proud sponsors of this event, which promises a variety of monthly events.

The Sebastian Centennial Celebration will feature various activities, including historical photo exhibitions, a special centennial magazine, and numerous displays, culminating in a grand weekend event on December 7th and 8th, 2024, at Riverview Park.

A Centennial Committee, formed last summer with local citizens and city staff, has carefully planned events for Sebastian’s 100th in conjunction with the following events in 2024:

Jan. 20-21: Sebastian Riverfront Fine Arts and Music Festival.
Feb. 17: Art in the Park by Sebastian River Art Club.
March 15-17: River Days and Craft Brew Hullabaloo.
April 20: Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebrations.
May 11-12: Craft Club of Sebastian.
June 7: Concert in the Park by Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce.
July 4: Fourth of July Freedom Festival with fireworks.
Aug. 9: Grill Out Night by Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce.
Sep. 14: Artist’s Rendition of Sebastian’s 100 Years.
Oct. 25: Halloween Costume Contest and Police Department Movie Night.
Nov. 8-10: Sebastian Clambake.
Dec. 6: Light Up Night by Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce.
Dec. 7: Sebastian Rotary Brewfest and Christmas/Centennial Parade with special centennial brews.
Dec. 8: Centennial Celebration featuring a Teddy Roosevelt impersonator and fireworks.

Essay & Coloring Contest

The City of Sebastian invited Sebastian River High School students to take part in the Essay Contest, themed “The Unique Charm of Sebastian.” Participants are asked to create an essay, no longer than 1,500 words, sharing their perspective on what distinguishes Sebastian as a unique place.

The competition’s top winner will be awarded a $100 Amazon Gift Card and will have their essay featured in the official Sebastian 100 Magazine. The individuals securing the 2nd and 3rd positions will each be awarded a $50 Amazon Gift Card, and their essays will be showcased on the Centennial Website. All entrants will be honored with certificates and a special Centennial commemorative pin.

In a parallel initiative to the essay contest, the city invited all students in 3rd to 5th Grade from Sebastian Elementary, Pelican Island Elementary, Liberty Magnet Elementary, Treasure Coast Elementary, as well as homeschooled students, to take part in the Centennial Coloring Competition.

Sebastian’s Rich History

In 1715, a fleet of Spanish ships laden with treasures was lost to a storm off the Treasure Coast, an event now known as the 1715 Treasure Fleet. It’s believed that only a fraction of this sunken treasure has been recovered, with its value estimated to exceed $500 million. The survivors of this fleet established a camp near what is now the McLarty Treasure Museum.

Sebastian’s roots trace back to the 1870s as a fishing village. A significant development was the opening of the St. Sebastian River and the Indian River Lagoon to the ocean in 1895, creating what is known today as the Sebastian Inlet. However, erosion issues led to repeated attempts to maintain the inlet, with the construction of jetties eventually stabilizing it. This access to the ocean bolstered Sebastian’s fishing industry, a staple of the local culture.

In this period, German immigrant Paul Kroegel settled by the lagoon, confronting bird poachers to protect the local avian population. His efforts caught national attention, leading to President Theodore Roosevelt establishing the area’s first wildlife refuge in 1903 and appointing Kroegel as the first federal warden of the island.

Originally named St. Sebastian, when founded in 1882, the town later dropped the “St.” from its name and became an official municipality in December 1924.

The Sebastian Inlet State Park was established in 1971 when the State of Florida acquired the surrounding land. At the border of Brevard and Indian River counties, this park, unique for its 24/7/365 open status, has become a favorite spot for surfers, fishermen, and beachgoers.

Economic and Demographic Overview

Sebastian experienced significant population growth starting from the 1980s and continuing over the next forty years. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the city’s population stood at 25,054, encompassing 10,684 households and 6,691 families. The demographic breakdown in 2020 revealed that 14.4% of residents were under 18 years old, while 35.5% were over 65. The average household comprised 2.39 individuals. Gender-wise, the population was nearly evenly split, with females making up 51.6% and males 48.4%.

In terms of economic indicators, the median household income in Sebastian was $54,986 in 2020, with a per capita income of $32,400.

Fishing

Sebastian is known for its abundant fishing opportunities, situated along the Indian River Lagoon and the St. Sebastian River. This broad, shallow estuary serves as a nursery for various fish species that anglers seek in this area. The Sebastian Inlet is a hub for fishing enthusiasts, offering easy access for pier fishing.

Fishermen here commonly catch species such as snook, pompano, Spanish mackerel, flounder, snapper, jacks, redfish, bluefish, tarpon, cobia, sheepshead, among others. Depending on the targeted species, anglers use different baits ranging from sandfleas, shrimp, and finger mullet to shiny jigs and spoons.

Snook, a prized catch, can be kept within certain size limits during open seasons, though they are always enjoyable for catch and release. The fall season is marked by the “mullet run,” a significant baitfish migration that draws predators like snook, tarpon, and sharks. This event leads to dramatic feeding activities along the beaches, jetties, and shores of the Indian River Lagoon, attracting many boaters.

The St. Sebastian River is known for its large trout and redfish populations. Fishing around docks, oyster bars, and mangrove-lined shores near the railroad bridge is particularly fruitful. The river’s environment is suitable for a variety of fish, including tarpon, snook, and bass, making it an ideal spot for canoe or kayak fishing.