SEBASTIAN — Sherrie Matthews and Deborah “Deb” Shellenberger captured the two open seats on the Sebastian City Council in Tuesday’s election, according to unofficial results.
Matthews led the field with 6,137 votes, or 31.90 percent. Shellenberger finished second with 4,137 votes, or 21.50 percent. Voters could select up to two candidates for the at-large, nonpartisan seats, each carrying a two-year term.
Rob Gable placed third with 3,953 votes (20.55 percent), followed by Richard H. Gillmor with 3,718 votes (19.32 percent) and Damien H. Gilliams with 1,295 votes (6.73 percent). The seats had been held by Matthews and Ed Dodd. Dodd was not on the ballot.
Matthews has served on the council since late 2025. A longtime Indian River County resident of more than 50 years who is raising a grandson in Sebastian, she worked 35 years with the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office as accreditation manager. She has also served on the city’s Planning and Zoning Committee and the Charter Review Committee.
Shellenberger, who bought a home in Sebastian in 2014 and made it her permanent residence in 2020, spent more than four decades in health care as a registered nurse, nursing supervisor and physician assistant. Her career included work as operating room head nurse at a Philadelphia hospital and providing medical care in the Philadelphia County jail system. Locally, she has served as a precinct captain and on the Sebastian Resources Board. She will replace Ed Dodd, who didn’t seek a sixth term.
After the new council is seated, its five members will choose the mayor and vice mayor from among themselves. Results remain unofficial until the county completes its canvass and certification.