FROM YOUR
TOURISM DIRECTOR
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Hello friends, locals and visitors,
Visit the Sebastian River Area where authentic Florida experiences, welcoming people, and unforgettable memories are waiting around every corner. September is a hot, bright and beautiful time to get outside and rediscover everything that makes our area special. The ocean waters will keep you cool and you can cast a line along our waterways, and spend a day boating on the lagoon. Indoors we invite you top explore our fantastic flavors, vibrant arts and local history, or come together with friends and neighbors at one of our many community events. Whether you are visiting for the first time or have proudly called this area home for years, there is always something new to find in the Sebastian River Area.
Inside this month’s newsletter, you will find upcoming events, seasonal activities, local happenings, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the best of our destination. September is the perfect time to slow down, reconnect, and experience the simple pleasures and authentic treasures found throughout our coastal communities.
What a wonderful year it has been in the Sebastian River Area! From memorable community celebrations and outdoor adventures to new discoveries and time spent supporting local businesses, 2026 has already given us so much to celebrate, and there is more on the way. As September arrives, rainy afternnoons and time on the water keeps the summer heat from bursting us all into flames. Let's keep looking forward to the refreshing days of fall and all the fun still ahead.
This month, we are excited to shine our Business Spotlight on Marsh Bistro in Vero Beach. This local dining destination offers guests an inviting place to gather, enjoy a memorable meal, and experience the hospitality that makes our region so welcoming.
Here’s to the end of summer and the beginning of cooler days on our waterways, with new adventures, and a September filled with good food, fishing, boating, arts, history, and community.
Thank you for supporting the businesses, organizations, attractions, and community events that make the Sebastian River Area thrive. Every visit, every purchase, and every shared experience helps strengthen the local businesses that make our destination so welcoming.
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Gratefully yours,
Nicholas Sanzone
Tourism Director
Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce
| | | VACATION WITH VISIT SRA! | | |
Discover all that makes The Sebastian RIver Area,
your sunny Florida place to "Find It All"!
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Plan Your Staycation or Getaway!
Whether you’re planning your itinerary, looking for places to eat, stay, play, or simply want ideas for unforgettable memories in an authentic coastal town,we are your perfect starting point.
Stop by the Pelican Porch Welcome Center at the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce for friendly help, Sebastian themed merchandise, local FAM tour information including an opportunity to earn free swag and local guides to make the most of your visit!
You can plan your SRA vacation by starting with our free visitor guide. CLICK HERE
You can request a Visitors Guide by emailing us at Tourism@sebastianchamber.com .
From laid back riverfront charm, fresh local seafood, to outdoor adventures like fishing, kayaking, birding, unspoiled beaches, and fascinating history you will find it all at sebastianchamber.com/visit‑sebastian/.
| | This Month's Media Sponsors | |
There are some places you visit for a great meal. Others you visit for the experience. Every once in a while, you discover a place that offers both. Tucked inside the clubhouse at Vero Beach Clay Shooting Sports, Marsh Bistro is one of those unexpected discoveries. Combining Southern-inspired cuisine, Florida's outdoor lifestyle and a beautiful sporting destination, Marsh Bistro offers visitors a dining experience that's a little different from what they might expect to find in Indian River County.
And perhaps the biggest surprise? You don't have to be a member or even pick up a shotgun to enjoy it. Marsh Bistro is open to the public. Southern Flavor Meets Florida Adventure at
Marsh Bistro. The bistro opened its doors in October 2024 with a concept centered around Southern tradition and culinary creativity. The menu reflects that philosophy with familiar Southern flavors presented alongside some unexpected choices. Guests can discover dishes such as smoked duck wings, catfish with cheese grits, bison meatloaf, twin quail, chicken and waffles, cheese-grit fritters and other comfort-food favorites.
It's the kind of menu that makes you want to bring a friend, order something you've never tried before and share a few bites across the table. But, food is only part of what makes this destination unique. "Not Your Typical Restaurant Setting"
Marsh Bistro is located inside the clubhouse at Vero Beach Clay Shooting Sports, creating the opportunity to combine a great meal with an outdoor adventure. For those unfamiliar with sporting clays, the activity is sometimes described as "golf with a shotgun." Participants travel through a course where clay targets are presented from different directions, angles and speeds.
Experienced shooters can enjoy the facility's sporting-clays courses, trap and skeet, while newcomers can take advantage of instruction and available rentals. This means a visit can become much more than lunch. Start the morning with breakfast at Marsh Bistro. Head outside for a lesson or a round of sporting clays. Explore the grounds. Then return to the clubhouse, find a comfortable spot and settle in for lunch.
And if shooting isn't your thing? Come for the food, enjoy the surroundings and discover one of Indian River County's more unexpected dining destinations. A Place to Gather, the combination of Marsh Bistro and Vero Beach Clay Shooting Sports creates an interesting option for groups. Private parties, corporate gatherings, charity functions and special celebrations can combine dining with the recreational opportunities available at the facility. Marsh Bistro offers catering and can work with groups to develop menus for special occasions.
It's easy to imagine a company outing beginning with some friendly competition on the course and ending around a table at the Bistro. The combination of recreation, food and hospitality is exactly what makes the property stand out.
There's another reason we're excited to feature Marsh Bistro in this month's Visit SRA Spotlight. Although you'll find the restaurant at Vero Beach Clay Shooting Sports, Marsh Bistro has roots that will lead you back to Fellsmere. Marsh Landing Restaurant, under the same ownership, specializes in authentic Florida cuisine. The two restaurants work together to create another connection between the unique dining experiences and the communities we celebrate throughout the SRA.
From Fellsmere's rural landscapes and agricultural heritage to Sebastian's waterfront and the natural beauty surrounding the Indian River Lagoon, our area has always been a place where outdoor recreation, local flavor and authentic Florida experiences come together.
Marsh Bistro fits naturally into that story, where you can "Find Your Flavor".
One of the things we love most about exploring the Sebastian River Area is discovering places we didn't expect. Sometimes that means finding a quiet trail, launching a kayak onto the lagoon, discovering a local artist or ordering something you've never tasted before. And sometimes it means discovering a Southern-inspired Bistro inside a clay shooting facility. That's part of the fun!
This September, make a little room in your itinerary for something different. Bring your appetite, bring your sense of adventure and discover another side of Indian River County at Marsh Bistro. Whether you're coming for breakfast, meeting friends for lunch, trying sporting clays for the first time or spending the day enjoying the facility, Marsh Bistro offers another opportunity to experience the simple pleasures and authentic treasures that make this area special.
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Golden Hour Auction:
Bid on Media Deals and Lifestyle Experience
The Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce (SRACC) will host its annual Lifestyle & Media Auction, “Golden Hour in the Garden,” on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Heritage Hall, 100 Spirit Blvd, at Spirit of Sebastian.
The fundraiser supports the SRACC and local business community. Organizers describe it as more than a night out, offering a chance to network while bidding on media and marketing packages, as well as lifestyle experiences, at reduced prices.
Business owners can bid on radio advertising and promotions, newspaper ads, digital and online promotions, website design and web services, social media opportunities, print advertising, and other marketing packages.
Lifestyle items include weekend getaways and staycations, dining packages, eco-tours, outdoor adventures, local attractions, and other unique experiences.
Admission is $35 for chamber members and $45 for non-members. It includes food, refreshments, and access to live and silent auctions.
| Familiarization (FAM) Tour Challenge | |
As part of National Travel and Tourism Week we invited you to complete the same FAM Tour itinerary as we did in the FAM Tour Video.
Take a day and see if you can can complete our "2026 FAM TOUR CHALLENGE ". Visit and photo/video document yourself at each of these locations then post to Facebook, Instagram and YouTube remember to tag the business and the chamber in your post.
Use #VISITSRA #FAMTOUR #VISTFL #LoveFL #2026
Finally email our Tourism Director at Tourism@sebastianchamber.com with links to your posts and we will share them on our socials.
Everyone who completes the "2026 FAM TOUR CHALLENGE " will be entered to win a prize. For More information visit sebastianchamber.com/visit‑sebastian/.
or Email: Tourism@Sebastianchamber.com
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🎨 Calling for Mural Artists!
📍 Artists and community partners/businesses interested in applying to be part of the mural program are invited to submit a Letter of Interest outlining their mural concept, location, partners, budget, and timeline.
Learn more here.
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Community & Business Reminder
We love sharing all the great things happening in our area, and we can’t do it without you! We kindly remind our community partners and local businesses to email the Tourism Director links, flyers, and details about your upcoming events, special promotions, and exclusive deals. If you don’t tell us, we can’t share it. We want to help promote you and the area we all love. Together, we can keep Sebastian vibrant, visible, and thriving!
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Marine Resources Council:
Lagoon at Noon Speaker Seminar
3275 Dixie Hwy NE, Palm Bay, FL, United States, Florida 32905
When: Tuesday, September 1st at 12:00 PM
$5 in-person attendance fee
Marine Sponges & the Indian River Lagoon
Samantha Pringle, PhD
Florida Institute of Technology
Join us at the Ted Moorhead Lagoon House for September's Lagoon at Noon with Postdoctoral Researcher at the Florida Institute of Technology, Samantha Pringle. Marine sponges provide critical ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling, habitat creation, and water filtration. However, since 1950, significant declines in sponge populations have been documented in the tropical estuaries and coral reefs of coastal Florida.
My work examined the interactions between native sponges and water quality and clarity in the IRL. While the use of sponges in restoration and ecological engineering projects face many challenges, restoring sponge populations in the IRL has the potential to improve water clarity, lower nutrient levels, and improve both reef and seagrass habitats.
The seminar will end with a live Q&A session. Given the limited seating in the Lagoon House and an increased demand for in-person tickets, there is a $5 in-person attendance fee. Please feel free to bring your own lunch. Coffee and cookies will be provided. Viewing Lagoon at Noon presentations via Zoom remains free. We thank you for your continued support of our Lagoon at Noon Program.
The Zoom link will be in your confirmation email. A recording of the presentation will be posted to MRC's YouTube page for future viewing.
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Time: Every Saturday, 2026 (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM) (EST)
Address: 3000 OCEAN DR
Vero Beach, 32960 United States
The Vero Beach Farmers Market offers a large range of healthy, fresh foods and horticultural products to the residents and visitors of Vero Beach. We encourage Re-Cycling, using Earth Friendly Products, increasing local commerce, entertainment and trade for Vero Beach.
The Farmers Market Oceanside is pet-friendly, but all animals must be on a leash at all times. Please consider the temperature in the summertime if you bring your pet, the asphalt gets extremely hot on paw pads.
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Join Joe "the Movie Man" on the first Thursday of each month, 1:30 pm. Free. Watch a film then join in the fun with a short movie trivia contest with prizes and refreshments.
When: September 3, 2026.
Cost: FREE
Contact: 772 • 400-6360
Location: 1001 Sebastian Blvd, Sebastian, FL
Website: Click this Link
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A SPECTACULAR ORCHID SHOWCASE
When:
- Saturday, September 5th 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday, September 6th 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Capt Hirams Resort
1606 Indian River Dr
Sebastian, FL 32958 United States
Experience the beauty of orchids at McKee Botanical Garden through a vibrant display show judged by the American Orchid Society. On September 5 and 6 shop from craft artisans and acclaimed orchid growers including Krull-Smith, Odom’s Orchids, Francisco Miranda Orchids, Quest Orchids, and Mac Orchids. Both days will feature engaging speakers, educational lectures, and a hands-on workshop.
Visit their Website: Click this Link
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City of Sebastian’s Touch & Tour
Open House & Touch-a-Truck Event
When: Saturday, September 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: at Sebastian City Hall!
Bring the whole family for this FREE community event featuring City, Police and Fire vehicles, staff meet-and-greets, tours of the Sebastian Historical Museum and Sebastian River Art Club, and food and refreshments from local vendors!
We hope to see you there!
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Dungeons & Dragons
When: Saturday, September 12, and 26, 2026 (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM) (EDT)
Unleash your inner adventurer! The library is now hosting Dungeons and Dragons sessions just for adults with DM Derek Durrant, owner of Talerand. Whether you're a seasoned player or a curious newbie, come roll some dice, create a character, and embark on an epic quest. It's a fantastic way to socialize, get creative, and experience the thrill of tabletop role-playing in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Space is limited, so registration is required. For more information or to register, contact Katherine at 772-400-6360 or kanderson@indianriver.gov
Fees/Admission: FREE
Website: Text Link
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Family Paddle Pro Class
@ The Environmental Learning Center
Ready to explore Florida’s waterways with confidence? The Environmental Learning Center is partnering with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary to offer the Family Paddle Pro Class, a fun and informative workshop designed to help paddlers of all experience levels enjoy the water safely.
Class Details
Cost: $35 per adult
Children under 18: Free with a participating adult
Discount available for couples email info@discoverelc.org to receive discount
As an added bonus, all paying adult participants will receive a 10% discount coupon for a paddlecraft rental at the ELC. Current ELC members can combine this with their membership discount for a total savings of 20%.
Upcoming Class Dates
All classes are held from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM.
Please note: This class is held entirely in a classroom setting and is designed to provide information and instruction only; no on-the-water activities are included.
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International Coastal Cleanup
Date: September 19, 2026 (with many regional events spanning September through November).
Organizer: Founded and coordinated globally by the Ocean Conservancy since 1986.
Mission: Remove marine debris from beaches, lakes, and rivers while logging data on trash collected.
Data Tool: Volunteers use the Clean Swell App to track the weight, distance, and types of trash collected for a global database
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The Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration in Fellsmere
Event Details
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Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
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Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
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Location: City Complex Grounds (Recinto del Complejo Municipal), 22 South Orange St., Fellsmere, FL 32948
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Admission: Free
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Host: Presented by F.A.C.T. (Fellsmere Action Community Team) [1, 2, 3, 4]
What to Expect
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Theme: Celebrate our culture, cowboy style ("al estilo vaquero").
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Activities: Live music, traditional dancing, local food, and family fun.
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Contact: Reach out to Pastor Brown at 772-571-6659 for more information.
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ISLAND ROOT KAVA EVENTS
Island Root Kava
705 Cleveland Street
Sebastian, FL 32958 United States
Relaxing atmosphere, great conversation, and a delightful South Pacific Kava experience. Rooted in the tradition of Kava culture. They provide a safe and alternative healthy lifestyle void of alcohol and chemicals.
| | | The Play Treasure Coast Florida Events Calendar showcases sports tournaments, festivals, outdoor adventures, and community events across Florida’s Treasure Coast. Featuring activities in Sebastian, Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, and surrounding areas, the calendar helps visitors discover family-friendly entertainment, local culture, and year-round events while supporting regional tourism and local businesses and facilities such as the Jackie Robinson-training-complex. | | |
The Cultural Council of Indian River County presents Art in Public Places at Five Locations throughout Indian River County. To find out more about the Art in Public Places Program visit cultural-council.org.
For purchase information on any art exhibited in the AIPP galleries, please call the Cultural Council at 772-770-4857
Visit https://www.cultural-council.org/art-in-public-places
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This month - Art at The Emerson Center presents Buzz & Flutter: Art Inspired by Pollinators Exhibit. Celebrating the creatures that make pollination possible. Exhibit Dates: to April 8. Gallery Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Weekdays | Closed Wednesdays. At The Emerson Center.
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July 25, 2026–February 7, 2027 Vero Beach Museum of Art Celebrates a Study in Color with
Jill Nathanson: Chromatic Phrases
VERO BEACH, FL—Beginning July 25, more than 20 recent works by artist Jill Nathanson will be on view in the original exhibition Jill Nathanson: Chromatic Phrases, exclusively at the Vero Beach Museum of Art (VBMA) through February 7, 2027. Nathanson, whose abstract paintings are informed by her early immersion in Color Field painting of the 1960s and 1970s, extends this lineage through a sustained exploration of color as an experiential phenomenon. In her work, color does not remain fixed or purely descriptive; it suggests movement as it is shaped by the interaction of light and perception.
| Jill Nathanson, Ricochet, 2025. Acrylic, polymers, and oil on panel, 40 3/4 x 76 3/4 inches. © Jill Nathanson. Image courtesy of Berry Campbell, New York. | |
James Prosek: At Work
July 11–October 25, 2026
Holmes Gallery
Celebrating 30 years of art making, James Prosek shares more than 70 works from his studio and field studies in painting, watercolor, and sculpture with the Vero Beach Museum of Art. Prosek is a naturalist whose creations reflect the immense biodiversity of our planet and its imaginative potential through botanical portraits, fish, and wildlife found during his travels. This exhibition is organized by the Morris Museum, Morristown, New Jersey, and features new interpretive texts authored by the Vero Beach Museum of Art. Support of this exhibit is provided by Barry and Jennifer Jaruzelski and the Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation.
| James Prosek, Maine Composition No. 1, 2024. Acrylic on panel, 25 ½ x 25 ½ inches. Image courtesy of the artist. | |
VBMA Presents Frank Lloyd Wright and His Influence on Florida Architecture,
A Florida Humanities Lecture with Historian Wayne Wood
VERO BEACH, FL—Join historian, author, and artist Wayne Wood on Saturday, September 12, at 3 p.m. as he discusses Florida’s architectural history. It’s the second Florida Talks lecture sponsored by Florida Humanities and hosted by Vero Beach Museum of Art this summer. Frank Lloyd Wright and His Influence on Florida Architecture promises to be an educational program that will give the audience an in-depth understanding of the vast work of America’s greatest architect.
The September 12 lecture is free to the public, as is admission to the Museum’s exhibitions as part of VBMA’s Second Saturdays programming; however, pre-registration for the lecture is required. Visit vbmuseum.org for more information or to register.
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🎤 Wild. Untamed. Hilarious.
Voted #1 for Weekend-Fun on The Treasure Coast,
receiving ‘The Best Of The Best’ Places Award!
The Comedy Zone Experience at Riverside Theatre is the Treasure Coast’s ultimate destination for live stand-up comedy!
On select Friday and Saturday nights for non-stop laughs featuring two nationally touring comedians and a quick-witted emcee host—all for one low ticket price.
Enjoy the show in cabaret-style seating, with full food and drink table service that makes your night out effortless and fun.
- 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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‘THE LOOP’ GENERAL INFORMATION:
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Family-friendly live music nights under our oak trees.
- Kitchen & bar service starting at 5:00pm, and Music at 5:30pm
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Walk-up anytime and sit at any available table seats. Or bring Lawn Chairs. Sit on the grass in front of the stage or at designated areas.
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Come Hungry! We offer casual dining table service or you may self-serve by purchasing food and beverages inside the lobby bar. Do not bring: coolers, tumblers, water bottles or food on our campus. We offer free cups of water and bottled water for purchase. Note: Table service is not guaranteed.
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Sorry, no pets allowed on campus except for certified service dogs.
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Support free live music by purchasing food, beverages and renting cabanas at The Loop Kitchen & Bar!
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BINGO
Every Tuesday and Thursday
10 AM - 3 PM
Location: Polish American Club
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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For our Chamber members and tourism businesses, we humbly offer this friendly reminder: if we don’t know about your event, no one else will either. Events cannot be shared on our calendars, Facebook pages, or Visit SRA newsletters unless they are submitted to us. To be included in our promotional efforts, please send all event details and schedules to our Tourism Director for review.
Help us help you!
Share your events, stay visible, and let’s continue showcasing all the great things happening in the Sebastian River Area! ✨
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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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Discover the natural beauty of the Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway by exploring its stunning parks, preserves, beaches, and wildlife areas at indianriverlagoonbyway.com. From peaceful river views to unforgettable outdoor adventures, the website is a perfect place to start planning your journey. When you’re in the area, stop by the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce Pelican Porch Welcome Center—the official welcome center for the byway—where you can pick up free byway maps and get local tips to make the most of your visit.
Visit: https://www.indianriverlagoonbyway.com/destination_category/natural-areas/
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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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THANK YOU FOR VISITING WITH US
If you are new to the area, just visiting, or a local looking to learn more about the area please contact us.
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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 | Tourism@SebastianChamber.com | www.SebastianChamber.com
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