[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 199 (Thursday, December 12, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1586]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING THE CENTENNIAL OF THE SEBASTIAN INLET DISTRICT

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                            HON. BILL POSEY

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 12, 2019

  Mr. POSEY. Madam Speaker, this year marks the centennial anniversary 
of the Sebastian Inlet District, which not only serves as a premier 
recreational destination for families to enjoy but plays an important 
role in our local economy.
  Created in May of 1919 by a special act of the Florida State 
Legislature, the Sebastian Inlet District was originally chartered to 
maintain the navigational channel between the Atlantic Ocean and our 
Indian River Lagoon. In the mid 1800's, the first settlers in the town 
which would become Sebastian, saw the opportunity to create an opening 
on the barrier island.
  By 1905 there had been six attempts to make the official ``cut'' but 
it wasn't until Roy O. Couch, now a very prominent name in the 
district, formed the Sebastian Inlet Association and persevered to get 
the necessary permits. His efforts came to fruition in 1919 when the 
official charter was granted and in 1924, when the Sebastian Inlet was 
officially opened for business.
  Today, the Sebastian Inlet continues to attract visitors and locals 
alike, having become a popular spot for fishing, boating and surfing, 
all within the scenic backdrop of Florida's scenic East Coast. Water 
sports enthusiasts and naturalists have enjoyed Sebastian State Inlet 
Park, now one of the most visited parks in Florida, for its wildlife 
and natural beauty.
  Since its establishment, the Sebastian Inlet has played an important 
role in promoting economic prosperity for the area, having an annual 
economic impact of 200 million dollars for the region. The inlet is 
also responsible for protecting our natural treasures such as our 
Indian River Lagoon, home to some of the most biodiverse marine life in 
the country. Some of the vital work the inlet does in partnership with 
Florida's Department of Environmental Protection includes bypassing 
sand to downdrift beaches, erosion control and ensuring public safety.
  In celebration of the inlet's centennial, the Sebastian Inlet 
District has begun to hold a series of educational lectures by marine 
biologists and environmental scientists. This will give local residents 
the chance to learn about what their community is doing to preserve our 
waterways, particularly the inlet and the Indian River Lagoon.
  The role that the Sebastian Inlet District employees and volunteers 
play in preserving this park is vital to our community, and I salute 
them for their hard work and contributions.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the centennial of the 
Sebastian Inlet District.

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