FROM YOUR TOURISM DIRECTOR | |
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Dear Friends,
October in the Sebastian River Area arrives with excitement and gratitude! We began the fall season with sparkle at our 32nd Annual Denim & Diamonds Lifestyle & Media Auction. What an incredible evening! It was full of lively bidding, community spirit, and generosity that helps keep our Chamber strong. A heartfelt thank you to every sponsor, donor, and attendee who made this night such a success. Congratulations to everyone who won their bid and thank you for supporting the Sebastian Chamber of Commerce.
This month brings exciting updates: we’re releasing the official lineup for our Concerts in the Park series, returning in January, and our brand-new Visitor Guide is now in! If you are a tourism-focused business and would like to share these guides with your customers, we encourage you to stop by the Chamber office and pick up a box for your business. They’re a wonderful resource to showcase all that the Sebastian River Area has to offer.
In this issue, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on Capt. Bob’s Airboat Adventure Tours, LLC, whose passion for sharing the beauty of our waterways brings unforgettable experiences to visitors and locals alike.
Whether you’re savoring cooler evenings, exploring the lagoon, or enjoying fall festivities, October is a wonderful time to celebrate the lifestyle we love on Florida’s Treasure Coast. Here in the Sebastian River Area, fall brings its own magic with snook season, the mullet run, bird migrations, and perfect weather for exploring our beautiful outdoors. As we welcome the season of balance and gratitude, we invite you to share your favorite fall photos and adventures with us!
And don’t forget! This month’s issue also includes numerous Halloween-themed events! Plan ahead, mark your calendars, and be sure to dress for the occasion.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us—together, we keep the Sebastian River Area vibrant, welcoming, and unforgettable.
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Gratefully yours,
Nicholas Sanzone
Tourism Director
Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce
| | | 15,000 copies printed annually! | | |
Tourism Partners
Thank you to everyone who purchased space in the 2025-2026 Visitor Guide!
Available October 1, 2025
This publication is sent to all five Visit Florida Welcome Centers and is distributed at over 15 events and numerous businesses each year.
If you want to display this publication, at your business you can email us at:
Tourism@sebastianchamber.com
| | TOURISM PARTNER SPOTLIGHT | | Capt. Bob’s Airboat Adventure Tours, LLC | | |
Marsh Odyssey: The Story of Captain Bob’s Airboat Adventures
*By the time the engine roars to life, and the marsh opens wide, you realize—this isn’t just a ride. It’s a Florida story, told by someone who’s lived it.*
Captain Bob Montuoro didn’t set out to become one of Florida’s most beloved airboat captains. He was just a kid from Oklahoma who moved to Vero Beach when he was eight years old. But something about the land and water here—something wild, something ancient—got into his blood early. That spark never left him.
Bob’s path to the marshes was anything but ordinary. A career firefighter and lieutenant, he spent over two decades serving the people of Indian River County along the Treasure Coast. On weekends, he ran bass fishing charters and explored the winding backwaters of Fellsmere. It was during one of those weekend trips that the idea for a different kind of adventure took shape. “People just kept calling,” he remembers. “So we got a bigger boat. Then Lisa (wife) and I decided to really do it right.” In 2004, Captain Bob’s Airboat Adventures was born—not just as a thrill ride, but as an immersive, educational experience. Bob had a vision: he didn’t just want to show people the swamp. He wanted to tell its story.
That’s where the aviation headsets came in. He was the first on these waters to use these headsets, Bob introduced crystal-clear narration, delivered directly through padded headsets. “I wanted guests to be part of the conversation,” he says. “To hear the story of the land, the animals, and the people who came before us.” It worked. The experience is now a favorite of families, wildlife photographers, snowbirds, and curious travelers from around the world.
Each tour is unique. One day, guests might see a mother alligator watching over her nest. The next, a bald eagle might soar across the bow. Along the way, Bob weaves in the forgotten lore of the region—from submerged cattle trails and relics of an old horse racetrack, to stories passed down by local ranchers. “Out here,” he says, “every ride is a treasure hunt.”
Captain Bob’s boats aren’t just custom-built for speed and stability—they’re designed for comfort and connection. With cushioned stadium seating, coast guard-certified safety features, and panoramic views, the ride is equal parts thrill and reflection. What really sets the adventure apart is the captain himself.
Bob’s voice crackles through the headset with warmth and humor. He doesn’t recite a script—he shares what he sees, what he knows, and what he loves. Guests frequently step off the boat wide-eyed, smiling, and full of questions. Some have even been moved to tears by the unexpected beauty of the marsh. As Bob says, "The difference is in the tour!"
It’s that kind of connection that keeps people coming back. Many return year after year, bringing their children and grandchildren along for the ride. Bob has guided family reunions, birthday groups, and even church outings—always with the same goal: to make people feel like they’ve truly seen Florida.
The marsh, Bob explains, is always changing. Seasons bring new colors, new migrations, new mysteries. Some days, the sky is painted gold at sunrise. Other days, mist clings to the water, and the boat glides silently through a living dreamscape. “No two rides are ever the same,” he says. “That’s the magic of it.”
These days, Captain Bob and Lisa run a well-oiled operation with his family including Emily and his son-in-law, Captain John Calhoun, they continue to carry that mission forward. The bookings fill quickly. The reviews overflow with praise. At the heart of it all, it’s still just a man who loves the marsh—and wants to share it. “If you’ve never done this before,” he says, “just come out once. You don’t have to be an adrenaline junkie or a nature nerd. Just bring your curiosity. I’ll take care of the rest.”
Captain Bob’s Airboat Adventures departs daily from the edge of the Blue Cypress Conservation Area (Lake Garcia) in Fellsmere—just a short drive from Sebastian, Vero Beach, and the coastal towns of Indian River County. Whether you’re chasing birds, making memories, or hearing Florida’s stories for the first time, one thing’s for sure: This ride is the real thing.
Reservations are required, and tours often fill up quickly—so don’t miss your chance to climb aboard and see the marshlands from a whole new perspective.
🌊✨ Step aboard with Captain Bob! ✨🌊
Get a glimpse of what it’s like out on the water in this month’s Tourism Spotlight video. 🎥🚤
👉 Watch now on our YouTube channel: CLICK HERE
👉 Learn more and book your next adventure at airboatadventuretours.com or
call (772) 633-7849. Or visit them on Facebook, Facebook Link
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We have post cards for sale at the chamber!
Art by: Carol Makris
Stop by and get yours today!
1 for $3 or 2 for $5
| | LIFESTYLE AND MEDIA AUCTION | | |
From the Sebastian River Area Chamber, THANK YOU!
On behalf of the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce, we are deeply grateful to every sponsor, volunteer, and community member whose support made the 2025 Denim & Diamonds Lifestyle & Media Auction such a spectacular success.
To our sponsors: Your generous contributions, enthusiasm, and belief in our mission fueled this event. Because of you, we were able to rally as a community, showcase local talent and businesses, and raise resources that will continue to uplift the Chamber and its mission. Thank you for investing in our future.
To our community: Thank you for coming out in force! Whether you bid, donated, shared, cheered, or simply attended — your participation and energy made the evening memorable. We are proud to serve a region, representing over 450 businesses, that shows up for one another, lifting each other up.
A special shout-out to:
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Capt Hiram’s Resort – Thank you for providing the beautiful and elegant Tiffany Room as our venue. Your surroundings set the perfect tone for the evening’s celebrations and connection.
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Woody’s BBQ – Your delicious food delighted our guests and added to our shared experience. We appreciate your culinary expertise and service.
Events like this don’t happen without a dedicated team behind the scenes. To the Chamber staff, volunteers, auctioneers, decorators, setup crews, and everyone who worked in the background — your time and effort made all the difference.
As we reflect on this year’s Denim & Diamonds, we are inspired by what we can achieve together. We look forward to what’s next, and hope to see you again at our upcoming Chamber events. Thank you again for making 2025’s Auction one to remember!
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Picasso and the Progressive Proof: Linocut Prints from a Private Collection
On view at the VBMA September 13, 2025–January 4, 2026
Explore the printmaking work of renowned Spanish artist Pablo Picasso when the Vero Beach Museum of Art hosts the nationally touring exhibition, Picasso and the Progressive Proof: Linocut Prints from a Private Collection, from Saturday, September 13, 2025, through Sunday, January 4, 2026. The exhibition, organized by the Townsend Art Advisory LLC, illuminates Picasso’s conceptual and technical innovations during his last great creative outpouring.
This press license grants the right to distribute images of Portrait of a Young Woman after Cranach the Younger II (trial proof of all five blocks), (detail), 1958, for the sole purpose of inclusion in a press kit for print and digital news reports and reviews of the exhibition Picasso and the Progressive Proof (the “Exhibition”), to be held at the Vero Beach Museum of Art. For clarity, the rights granted do not include, and ARS is not granting, the right to use the Work(s) in Licensee’s own announcements or social media without ARS’s prior written consent. No cover uses are permitted without prior authorization.
Recent Acquisition Highlights
On view at the VBMA September 27, 2025, to January 11, 2026
This exhibition features a suite of 30 prints by leading American artists, entitled The New York Collection for Stockholm portfolio, on view in the Schumann Gallery, along with 20 additional works on view in the adjacent Titelman Gallery. All are recent gifts and purchases made since 2019, representing a selection from the Museum’s broader group of acquisitions during this period.
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Historical Ghost Walk Sebastian
October 18, 2025
Join a walk through time and uncover history! During the tour, hear tales from the past and stories of paranormal evidence gathered at sites by the Florida Bureau of Paranormal Investigation and guest experiences from previous tours. This is NOT a tour with staged events to frighten guests.
Reservations can be made below, or at the time of the tour. If reserving in advance, please bring your digital or printed receipt.
If you have any questions, please contact us at 772-633-3955.
Visit their website for tour dates.
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Explore the Indian River Lagoon with Kayak, Canoe, and Paddleboard Rentals
Discover the natural beauty and peacefulness of Vero Beach and the Indian River Lagoon!
Looking for something unique? We offer customizable excursions tailored to your needs. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, contact us at Kayaks@DiscoverELC.org or call 772-589-5050 to create your perfect experience.
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SAVE THE DATE FOR
FUTURE EVENTS
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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.
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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.
Check out this month's Photo Spotlights!
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Photo:Shelley Lynch Photography
| |  | Photo: Free Surf Pics on Facebook | | | |
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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Adult and Youth Classes
The Sebastian Community Center offers a variety of classes to meet the needs of our residents. Kathy Falzone, Recreation Supervisor, oversees the Community Center operations and teaches classes as well. Feel free to contact Kathy for more information on any of the classes or if you are interested in teaching a class at the Community Center.
Click this link to view their website and a list of activities.
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Exciting news in the arts. Two 30-foot murals originally housed in the Vero Beach Community Center—The History of the Treasure Coast (1998) and The Habitats of Vero Beach (2012)—have been relocated to the second-floor foyer of Indian River County Administration Building A, where they will now be part of the Art in Public Places program administered by the Cultural Council of Indian River County.
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‘COMEDY ZONE’ GENERAL INFORMATION:
- Comedy Zone is a great night out with friends, for Date Nights, Birthdays, Office Parties and to celebrate Special Occasions.
- No drink minimum & free parking! Recommended for ages 18 and up.
- Shows may contain coarse language and adult content and are approximately 80 minutes.
- Comics are subject to change without notice. All sales are final.
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Purchase tickets only from our box office at 772-231-6990, this website, or our ticket website my.RiversideTheatre.com. Do not use 3rd party ticket sites.
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LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULED ON THE LOOP STAGE:
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC beginning at 5pm! Free Entry (excluding special events). Tables are 1st come, 1st serve, or bring your lawn chairs.
Do not bring: coolers, tumblers, water bottles or food on our campus. Sales from our cabanas, bar and grill support the free live music.
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GUIDED PONTOON BOAT CRUISE
Volunteer Orientations - 1st Thursday of every month
Wild Wednesdays - every Wednesday
Chair Yoga - every Wednesday
Unplug + Play - every Saturday
Walking Meditation - every 4th Sunday
Kayak Excursions - dates on flyer
Morning and Sunset Cruises
Click here for Dates and Times
Location: Environmental Learning Center
255 Live Oak Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963
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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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LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
1405 Indian River Drive, Sebastian
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KARAOKE
Every Thursday
6 PM - 10 PM
1109 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! Check out the Community Calendar!
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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