SEBASTIAN — After years of talks, the City of Sebastian is finally securing a prime piece of waterfront property to preserve it as part of the area’s commercial fishing heritage.
In 2022, the city wanted to purchase the property, but talks stalled over the Semblers’ asking price. City officials were concerned about using most of their reserves to finance one piece of property.
Then, in 2023, the city council unanimously declined to buy the property a second time, due to the price. At the time, the Semblers listed the property for sale, and the city was concerned about losing more of the working waterfront, including oyster farmer Nicolette Mariano and her team at Treasure Coast Shellfish.
Two weeks ago, the City Council approved a proposal to accept a $1.04 million grant from the Florida Communities Trust and to commit another $694,000 of its own money to buy 1.3 acres along Indian River Drive from the Sembler family, whose members have been fixtures in Indian River County’s fishing culture for decades.
Total price tag, including the docks: almost $1.7 million.
Council members made it clear that Mariano and her team are not going anywhere. City officials hailed her operation as the definition of an authentic working waterfront.
The Semblers, who have long maintained that the land should always be dedicated to fishing, are thrilled that it won’t become some forgotten plaque or kiosk paying homage to a time gone by. They said it will be a real working waterfront, the centerpiece of Sebastian.
The deal still requires the state’s stamp of approval, but city staffers have already arranged for a willing owner statement and new appraisals that will pave the way.
The Semblers and the city both remain confident, saying an agreement will come together.