As we head into March, I want to begin by extending a warm welcome to our newest members. We’re so glad you’ve joined us. To those who have recently renewed your membership, thank you for your continued investment in the Chamber and the strength of our business community. Your support allows us to serve, advocate, and create meaningful opportunities for connection.

March is shaping up to be a busy and exciting month, with plenty of ways to get involved. I encourage you to take advantage of our networking events, including a new addition to the lineup — Coffee with the Mayor — which offers a relaxed setting for open dialogue and conversation with local leadership. These events are designed to help you build relationships, stay informed, and remain connected to what’s happening across our region.

Be sure to check out the Member 101 feature, where we highlight a specific member benefit and share tips on how to fully utilize it. Whether you’re new to the Chamber or a longtime member, we want to ensure you’re maximizing the value of your membership. Along those same lines, thank you to everyone who has already completed our Membership Survey. We’re sharing a few insights from your feedback in this newsletter, and if you haven’t yet participated, I encourage you to do so as your input directly shapes our programs and priorities.

We are proud to recognize the City of Fellsmere as it celebrates 115 years. Fellsmere’s history and character are an important part of the region we serve, and we value our continued partnership with this vibrant community.

Mark your calendar for our Annual Pelican Cup Golf Tournament on May 2nd which is going to be out-of-this-world. A dedicated event email with full details will launch soon, and we’re looking forward to another great day on the greens at Sebastian Municipal Golf Course. In the meantime, join us March 21–22 at ShrimpFest, where members have the opportunity to share table space at our Chamber booth and promote their business to the community.

Finally, I encourage you to stay informed regarding important Property Tax information being shared by the City of Sebastian, as these matters directly impact our local business environment.

Read all about it in this month's Chamber Connection Newsletter. I look forward to seeing you throughout the month.

Britney Melchiori

Chief Executive Officer

Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce

ceo@sebastianchamber.com

Stay in the Know

Property taxes impact every business and every household in Sebastian.

If you own a business, commercial property, or even your home, this workshop is worth your time.

The City of Sebastian recently hosted a Property Tax Workshop explaining:

• How property tax rates are set
• Where your tax dollars go
• What proposed changes could mean for you
• How to stay informed before final decisions are made

Understanding how this works helps you:

• Plan financially
• Advocate effectively
• Make informed business decisions
• Engage confidently in local government conversations

Watch the recorded workshop on the City of Sebastian Facebook or YouTube page.

Stay informed. Stay empowered.

2026 Member Priority Survey

Quick. Impactful. Important.

Thank you for helping shape the future of our chamber programming and initiatives!

Click here to take the survey

See recent survey results

Member Spotlight

Brii Ewing - Sacred Alkaline Water

Sacred Alkaline Water was not created in the boardroom. It was created as a passion project to do better for the family. Founder Mikey Schmitz began this journey during his mother’s battle with cancer. As he watched the strongest woman he knew fight for her life, he searched relentlessly for something pure—something that could truly support her body, her healing, her strength. 

He studied everything - Alkaline, Distilled, Reverse osmosis, Bottled, Structured, Filtration systems and promising miracles. The deeper he looked, the clearer it became nothing on the market delivered the level of purity, mineral balance, and integrity he believed families deserved. Nothing felt trustworthy enough for the woman who gave him life. So, he did what love does. He built it. 

What started as a son’s devotion became an obsession with excellence. After losing his mother to stage 4 lung cancer—the day after Mother’s Day—his mission became even clearer. Her fight became the heartbeat behind the brand. Her legacy became the standard. Sacred Alkaline Water Systems is more than filtration. It is whole-home transformation every tap becomes a source of purified, re-mineralized, living water—balanced to work with the body, not against it. Water for drinking. Water for bathing. Water for the next generations. This was never just about water. 

It was about giving families something stronger to stand on. Something cleaner to build on. 

Something sacred to live with. 

In 2025, Brii Ewing joined Sacred, bringing with her a strong background in environmental awareness and community wellness. Before stepping into her role, Brii worked in pest control, where she witnessed firsthand how everyday products and chemicals eventually make their way into the environment and the water cycle. That experience deepened her passion for education, prevention, and supporting families in making healthier choices. When Brii discovered Sacred’s mission, it resonated immediately. Today, as a Sacred Water Educator, she helps families understand their water, explore wellness solutions, and experience the difference that truly balanced, mineralized water can make. Her work reflects her heart for service, her commitment to community, and her belief that wellness begins with what we put into our bodies and the environments we create around us. 

What truly sets Sacred apart is the unwavering commitment to the values behind its name. These principles guide every conversation, every installation, and every relationship the company builds. Sacred is Solution Driven, listening first and tailoring each system to the family in front of them. They lead with Authenticity, showing up real and honest. They build Credibility through education and transparency. They pride themselves on Responsiveness, showing up quickly and consistently when families need support. They pursue Excellence in every installation and follow‑up. And above all, they practice Discipleship—serving the community with integrity, compassion, and purpose. 

Together, Mikey, Brii and the entire Sacred family share one unified mission: to empower families with water that supports life, wellness, and the world we share. Sacred Alkaline Water Systems is more than a company—it is a commitment to helping the community thrive, one home and one family at a time. 

Brii Ewing

772-571-7777

Brii.Ewing@Sacredalkalinewater.com

Community Wellness Representative &Sacred Water Educator

Community Spotlight

Discover the City of Fellsmere

Tucked just west of the Indian River Lagoon, Fellsmere is a place where pioneering history, rural heritage, and bold vision for the future come together. From women’s suffrage milestones to world-class freshwater fishing and soon, a state-of-the-art surf park, Fellsmere continues to surprise and inspire.

A Visionary Beginning

Fellsmere was founded by E. Nelson Fell, a New Zealand-born mining engineer, accomplished pianist, and tennis player. After studying in Heidelberg and working in Siberian mines, Fell made his way to the United States, eventually purchasing nearly 12,000 acres east of present-day Kissimmee, plus 2,000 acres that would become Narcoossee.

His plan? Turn wetlands into productive farmland using his engineering expertise. The original town plat, known locally as “the box” consisted of 152 carefully designed blocks with drainage alleyways, showcasing Fell’s methodical planning. Lots were sold in 25- and 50-foot increments, allowing families to expand their farms over time. This early “land boom” marketing strategy drew settlers from across the country.

To connect the growing agricultural hub to surrounding markets, Fell introduced a light-gauge railroad affectionately called the “Dinky Line,” operating from 1910 to 1952. For just 25 cents, passengers could travel between stops like Kitching and River Bridge, while cargo linked to the Florida East Coast Railway. Fellsmere quickly thrived, boasting its own newspaper, hotels, electric company, school, and library.

A Pioneer in Women’s Suffrage

In February 1915, Fellsmere quietly made national history. The town unanimously adopted a charter granting women the right to vote in municipal elections, five years before the ratification of the 19th Amendment. In June 1915, Zena M. Dreier became the first woman to cast a ballot in Fellsmere. While little is known about Dreier’s personal life, her action cemented Fellsmere’s place in suffrage history. A marker along North Broadway commemorates the milestone, reminding residents and visitors alike that this small town has always embraced progressive, pioneering ideas.Today, that spirit remains woven into the city’s civic identity: forward-thinking, family-focused, and unafraid to lead.

Preserving Historic Character

Fellsmere’s “Old Florida” charm is no accident — it’s intentional.

Architecture reflects a time before air conditioning, when wide porches and shade were essential in the Florida heat. The former school building, now City Hall, stands as a testament to craftsmanship. Its first-growth Dade County pine floors are so dense and resilient they are considered commercially extinct. Some original windowpanes still show their distinctive wavy texture, a reminder of early 20th-century glassmaking techniques. Current restoration efforts aim to preserve these historic features, ensuring future generations experience Fellsmere’s authentic roots.

Where Nature Leads the Way

Outdoor life is central to Fellsmere’s identity. Located at the headwaters of the Indian River Lagoon, the city treasures its relationship with the land and water. Just minutes away, the St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park offers expansive natural landscapes for hiking, equestrian riding, wildlife viewing, and camping. Fellsmere is home to some of the greatest freshwater fishing in the world, especially bass fishing. Birdwatchers, boaters, bikers, and anglers find themselves immersed in ecosystems that support remarkable biodiversity. Here, “Old Florida” isn’t a slogan, it’s a lived experience.

Celebrating Rural Culture

Few events embody Fellsmere’s personality like the world-renowned Frog Leg Festival.

What began as a fundraiser for youth baseball has grown into the largest frog leg festival in the world, drawing thousands from across the globe. It’s a celebration of small-town pride, rural traditions, and community spirit, all served with a side of Southern hospitality.

Riding the Next Wave of Growth

While deeply rooted in history, Fellsmere is poised for transformative growth.

The upcoming "The Pointe Surf Park", a $35 million professional surfing training facility expected to open in 2026, is projected to generate approximately $8 million annually in economic activity. Interest has already come from as far as Australia. City leaders anticipate new retail, restaurants, and outdoor industry businesses to follow along with local job creation and youth outreach programs. At the same time, growth is being carefully managed to preserve the balance between cultural heritage and environmental stewardship. Over the next five years, Fellsmere is positioned for more than $500 million in new investment, alongside expanded services including water, sewer, trash, transportation, and healthcare access.

A Community That Refuses to Stand Still

Residents proudly celebrate their ranching and pioneering heritage, along with strong cultural ties to Mexico that enrich the community fabric. Events like Fellsmere Day honor the past while looking ahead. The city is currently updating its Comprehensive Plan for 2027, inviting residents and stakeholders to shape policies that will guide development, sustainability, and quality of life for years to come.

Welcome to our New Members

April Bekech at Best Version Media

630 20th St SW

Vero Beach, FL 32962

(772) 321-0887

www.aprilbekech.com

Hummingbird Care Services

2845 20th Street

Vero Beach, FL 32960

(772) 202-2213

www.hummingbirdcareservices.com

Island View Cottages

11450 S. Indian River Drive

Sebastian, FL 32958

(772) 589-5247

www.islandviewsebastian.com

Ol' Florida Adventures

3240 Weber Rd

Malabar, FL 32950

(772) 766-9103

www.Captpat-OFA.com



Chamber 101

Membership benefits to know and utilize 👇

Member-to-Member deals? What are they?

How do members take advantage?



Member-to-Member Deals are exclusive discounts offered between Chamber members for products and services. This program was created to encourage members to support one another, strengthen local business relationships, and keep dollars circulating within our community. It’s a great reminder to shop local, connect with fellow members, and take advantage of the value your Chamber membership provides.

Support local. Support each other. Grow together.

To submit your Member to Member Deals:

Call the Chamber (772) 589-5969 or Email membership@sebastianchamber.com

Check out our Member News Here!

Presented by The Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce

Hosted by Somerset House at Oak Harbor

Sponsored by The Promenade

Hosted by Clearwave Fiber

New Event Time 5:30-7:00PM

As part of our ongoing partnership with the City of Sebastian and the City of Fellsmere, we’re sharing the city's RFP links with our members to help keep you informed of upcoming opportunities. We encourage local businesses to check these links often, and explore projects that may be a good fit as they become available!

The City of Sebastian Bids & RFP's

How to view and participate:

1. Visit VendorLink: https://www.myvendorlink.com/external/bids
2. From the Agency dropdown menu, select “City of Sebastian” to view only the City’s solicitations.
3. If you’re interested in submitting a bid or proposal, you’ll need to register with VendorLink (registration is required to participate).

The City of Fellsmere Bids & RFP's

Visit: https://www.cityoffellsmere.org/rfps

Upcoming Events

Concerts in the Park

Our second Concert of the Season is now in the Books. Swamp Dawg filled the park with an attendance of 725 patrons. Our large audiences provide an excellent opportunity to reach new customers and increase visibility.

We welcome raffle donations such as:

• Gift baskets
• Gift cards or gift certificates
• Individual items or services

All participating businesses and donated items will be recognized from the stage during the concert, offering direct promotion to a large, engaged crowd.

Your support helps make Concerts in the Park a success, and we truly appreciate your consideration. If you’re interested or have any questions, please contact the Chamber Office @

(772) 589-5969.

Thank you for supporting live music and our community!

Save the Date - May 2, 2026

Pelican Cup Golf Tournament

Visit our Community Calendar Here!

Hometown News Media Group

February 2026 Recap of Events

Networking Breakfast

Hosted by: The Arc Indian River County

Speaker Series Luncheon

Sponsor: Laser Mafia

Speaker: Dr. David Moore, Superintendent Indian River County School District

Location: Marsh Landing Restaurant

Business & Pleasure

Hosted by:Sky Blue Aviation

Business and Government Resources

Newly Added Webpage to the Chamber Website

Legislative and Government Affairs

The Chamber’s Legislative & Government Affairs page serves as a resource for members who want to stay informed on state and federal legislation that may impact our local business community. The page includes information on House and Senate bills of interest, brief summaries to provide context, and contact information for elected officials.

We encourage our members to use this page to stay engaged.

🔗 Visit the Legislative & Government Affairs page here:

https://www.sebastianchamber.com/economic-development/legislative-and-government-affairs/