FROM YOUR TOURISM DIRECTOR
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Dear Friends and Members,
Happy New Year! As we welcome 2025, the Sebastian River Area offers us a fresh start filled with new opportunities for growth, exploration, and connection. January is the perfect time to embrace the beauty of Florida’s mild winter weather and begin the year with enthusiasm and inspiration.
The crisp, cool, sunny days invite us to step outside and experience all that makes our community so special. Whether you’re enjoying a community event, a peaceful walk in the park, a bike ride along River Road and the Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway, a kayak excursion on the Indian River Lagoon, spotting manatees and birds in their natural habitats, or simply savoring the tranquility of our scenic natural areas, there’s no shortage of ways to soak in the season’s charm.
This is a wonderful time to explore new opportunities for personal and professional growth. The start of the year encourages us to set goals and embrace the possibilities ahead. At the Chamber, we’re excited to continue supporting local businesses, fostering connections, and promoting the vibrant tourism that defines our area. We invite you to work with us to build new connections and create member-to-member deals. Together, we can foster a community that promotes and sustains the unique qualities of this area and enhances our quality of life.
Let’s make 2025 a year of progress, unity, and appreciation for the natural beauty and thriving community we’re fortunate to call home. We look forward to sharing another incredible year with you and celebrating all that makes the Sebastian River Area a truly unique and memorable destination.
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Gratefully yours,
Nicholas Sanzone
Tourism Director
Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce
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Tourism Partners
Tourism partners don't forget
to stop by our office and pick up a box or two for your business.
If you want to see yourself in this publication email us and become a member.
membership@sebastianchamber.com
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TOURISM PARTNER SPOTLIGHT | |
Reel in Unforgettable Adventures in the Heart of Florida’s Treasure Coast
Cast off into the sparkling waters of Fort Pierce with Miss Fort Pierce Fishing, where every outing blends adventure, natural beauty, and lasting memories. Led by the experienced Captain Scott, this family-inspired venture offers visitors a truly unique deep-sea fishing experience.
Captain Scott’s journey began in New Jersey, where he grew up in the fishing industry and earned his captain’s license at just 19. After moving to Florida, his stepdaughter Skye encouraged him to create a charter that offered personalized service and treated every guest like family. Inspired by her vision, Scott launched Miss Fort Pierce Fishing, named in honor of an iconic local fishing vessel from the 1970s. While the boat is licensed for 71 passengers, Scott’s hands-on approach prioritizes quality over quantity. “I run it like a charter boat, not a cattle car,” he says, prioritizing the guest experience over reaching maximum capacity, usually capping it at 28 guests. Miss Fort Pierce Fishing offers full-day excursions to some of the Treasure Coast’s best-kept fishing spots, from vibrant reefs to rock piles in waters 55 to 100 feet deep.
These eight-hour trips, departing at 7 a.m. and returning by 3 p.m., focus on bottom fishing for snapper. Guests can also reel in cobia, mahi-mahi, kingfish, and other species, depending on the season. Snapper fishing is a year-round activity, with techniques and targets changing to suit the conditions. While red snapper are often released due to their limited season, the waters teem with 8 to 10 other snapper species, ensuring plenty of excitement for anglers of all skill levels.
Beyond the thrill of fishing, these charters celebrate the natural beauty of the Treasure Coast and its connection to the Indian River Lagoon. As one of North America’s most biologically diverse estuaries, the lagoon supports over 4,000 species of plants and animals, including manatees, dolphins, and countless fish. Captain Scott and his crew are passionate about conservation, educating guests on sustainable fishing practices and the importance of preserving this delicate ecosystem for future generations.
Winter is Scott’s favorite time to be on the water and it is a standout season for fishing with Miss Fort Pierce, offering prime opportunities to reel in fresh catches despite brisk winds and choppier seas. After a successful day on the water, guests can even have their catch prepared at local restaurants—a perfect way to savor the Treasure Coast’s waterfront lifestyle.
Miss Fort Pierce Fishing is more than just a charter—it’s a gateway to adventure, a connection to nature, and an invitation to embrace Florida’s rich fishing culture. Whether you’re an experienced angler or casting your first line, Captain Scott and his crew are dedicated to ensuring every guest leaves with a smile, a story, and a lifelong love for the sport.
Reserve your spot with Miss Fort Pierce Fishing today, and discover why a day on the water creates memories that last a lifetime.
Website Link
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A Magical Evening at Light Up Night 2024
The holiday season kicked off in spectacular fashion with another wonderful Light Up Night on December 6, 2024! Presented by the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce, this beloved community event brought joy, laughter, and holiday cheer to residents and visitors alike.
From 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM, 40 participating businesses throughout the Sebastian area lit up the night with dazzling decorations, festive sales, and heartwarming hospitality. Families strolled through beautifully adorned booths and businesses , enjoying complimentary food, refreshments, and exciting door prizes. Participating businesses truly went above and beyond, creating a magical atmosphere with activities for all ages.
The Chamber presented nine well-deserved awards to businesses that exceeded expectations this year. Their dedication and creativity embodied the holiday spirit and helped make the evening unforgettable. Images of the eight awards are shown below.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated, attended, and supported this event! Your enthusiasm and community spirit are what make Light Up Night such a success year after year. Special thanks go to our generous sponsors for their unwavering support. We’re already looking forward to next year’s event, where we’ll light up the night again and create even more cherished memories.
Happy Holidays from the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce! 🎄✨
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CONCERTS IN THE PARK 2025 | |
Roadside Reverie: Glass Works by John Miller
Get ready to feast your eyes on more than 40 large-scale glass sculptures comprising hundreds of individually molded and blown glass components artfully designed and playfully assembled by glass artist John Miller.
When: October 5, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
Fees/Admission: $12.00
Website: Text Link
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Classic Films With a Twist
Contact Us
772 • 400-6360
Location: 1001 Sebastian Blvd, Sebastian, FL
When: January 2, 2025.
FREE
Website: Text Link
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Artistic Views of Nature
With over 120 member artists, The Sebastian River Art Club (SRAC) encourages and supports the creating of quality art in all mediums. We are so pleased to have this opportunity to exhibit members artwork at the Environmental Learning Center. The theme of this exhibit is Nature, as is so fitting for this beautiful venue and the paradise we are fortunate enough to live in.
When: Open until, January 5, 2025.
Fees/Admission: $10.00
Website: Text Link
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FELLSMERE FROGLEG FESTIVAL
22 South Orange St, Fellsmere, FL 32948
Local favorite FOR 34 years!
something for every member of your family!
Famous mouth-watering frog leg and gator tail dinners. Hundreds of booths for unique gifts. Great local music and fun rides.
Come discover why this festival is a January tradition for so many.
When: January 16-19, 2025. Thursday & Friday 4 pm - 11 pm
Saturday 10 am - 11 pm
Sunday 11 am - 6 pm
Fees/Admission: FREE
Website: Text Link
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Sebastian Riverfront Fine Art & Music Festival
Jan 18th and 19th l 2025
Promoting interest in and appreciation of the arts and to promote cultural enhancement and awareness through public exhibition and performance.
When: January 18-19, 2025.
Saturday 10-5 / Sunday 10 -4
Fees/Admission: FREE
Website: Text Link
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The Vero Beach Film Festival’s White Party: A Magical Evening.
Join us for the Vero Beach Film Festival’s 8th annual White Party, an elegant winter event that has become a seasonal favorite.
When: January 25, 2025.
6:30pm
Fees/Admission:
$125 - INDIVIDUAL TICKETS
$800 - TABLE FOR 8
$1000 - TABLE FOR 10
Website: Text Link
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MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES
& PHOTO REQUEST
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Boost Your Business in 2025 with the Chamber's Instagram Spotlights!
Take advantage of an exciting marketing opportunity to promote your business and connect with the community on social media! As consumer trends and digital platforms continue to evolve, Instagram has become a powerful tool for growth and visibility. The Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce invites our members to share photos showcasing your business—whether it’s products, services, team moments, or behind-the-scenes highlights.
We’ll feature your photos on the Chamber’s Instagram page throughout 2025, helping you reach new audiences, stay ahead of trends, and expand your brand presence. This is your chance to align with shifting consumer preferences and shine in front of our growing online community.
Don’t miss out—send us your photos today and let’s tell your story together! 📸✨ #SupportLocal #ChamberSpotlight #2025BusinessGrowth
Email Tourism@sebastianchamber.com
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YEARLY STATE TOURISM REPORT | |
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Florida Again Shatters Tourism Records; Posts Highest Visitation Numbers in State History in 2023
For Immediate Release: December 10, 2024
Contact: Governor’s Press Office,
(850) 717-9282, media@eog.myflorida.com
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced record-breaking visitation numbers in 2023. Tourists to Florida were found to have spent a record $131 billion in the state—an increase of 5% over 2022—in addition to $36.9 billion in local, state, and federal tax revenue. Florida remains the premier travel destination of the nation and the world.
“Florida can’t be beat,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I’m proud of this new record set for the state. Everyone loves the free state of Florida.”
“The numbers speak for themselves: Florida’s tourism industry is unmatched. Thanks to the Governor’s leadership, our state has surpassed expectations year after year,” said Dana Young, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. “These incredible achievements reflect the dedication of our tourism partners and the unwavering appeal of Florida as the top destination in the world.”
Highlights from 2023 data include:
- Florida's tourism industry generated $127.7 billion in economic impact in 2023, a 5% increase over 2022.
- Domestic visitors to Florida spent $116.1 billion, while international visitors contributed $14.9 billion, providing a $131 billion out-of-state spending stimulus to Florida’s economy.
- For every dollar spent by a visitor, the Florida economy retained 97 cents, with 58 cents supporting worker salaries and 13 cents collected as state and local taxes.
- Tourism contributed $36.9 billion in local, state, and federal taxes last year.
- Visitors spent an average of $359 million per day in Florida.
- Tourism was responsible for 9.5% of jobs in Florida, with the industry supporting 2.1 million jobs and providing $76.4 billion in wages and salaries to workers across the state.
- In 2023, tourism supported around one in every seven private sector jobs.
- Tourism activity resulted in $1,910 in tax savings per household in Florida.
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The Comedy Zone, comedy club in Vero Beach - Riverside Theatre | |
The 2024-2025 Musicals and Plays will return in October!
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Mystic Pizza
Book written by Sandy Rustin
Based on the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Motion Picture
A new musical based on the 1988 rom-com from MGM and screenwriter Amy Holden Jones. Mystic Pizza tells the story of three working-class girls, who navigate the complexities of life, love, and family in a small-town pizza joint.
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BACKSTAGE TOURS
SEE EVERYTHING BEHIND THE RED CURTAIN.
Get an entertaining, story-filled tour backstage and see the set designs and props up close. Meet some of the talented people that make it all happen. Learn more about how the shows are created and brought to life on stage. The tours last roughly one and a half hours. The cost is $5 per person / Free for Members ($500 or more donors).
On select Fridays throughout the year, choose 10am or 2pm. Tour fee is $5.
Email us or Call for more info 772-231-6990. Tickets on sale now below.
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Comedy in December
No Comedy Zone January-March: Shows Return April 25 & 26
Link
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GAME NIGHT
Every Other Wednesday
6 PM - 8 PM
920 US Hwy 1, Sebastian
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Every Tuesday and Thursday
10 AM - 3 PM
7500 US1, Vero Beach
Every Wednesday
12 PM - 3 PM
Location: Sebastian Elks Lodge #2714
731 S. Fleming St. Sebastian
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KARAOKE
Every Thursday
6 PM - 10 PM
1109 Indian River Drive, Sebastian
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LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
1405 Indian River Drive, Sebastian
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DJ CUE & BROOKLYN BAD BOY
Every 1st Saturday
6 PM - 9 PM
1550 Indian River Drive, Sebastian
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With so much to do throughout our community, be sure to stay informed with all the events!
Calendar Link
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Florida’s Premiere Destination
The Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway promotes an environment where travelers are surrounded by a unique and diverse habitat with special places and breathtaking scenery that inspires a sense of calmness and creates unforgettable memories.
Plan Your Trip
Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway Interactive Map
https://www.indianriverlagoonbyway.com/
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Discover Simple Pleasures and Authentic Treasures
with our Destination Videos
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Explore how Marketing Partnerships with the State’s Official Tourism Marketing Corporation can shine a light on your business, grow the State’s tourism economy, and help your business reach so many of the visitors that utilize VISITFLORIDA.com as a resource for travel planning.
Visit Florida Link
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CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION
Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce & Pelican Porch Visitor's Center
700 Main Street, Sebastian, FL 32958
(772) 589-5969 | cthibault@SebastianChamber.com | www.SebastianChamber.com
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