More than one hundred years ago when settlers along the Indian River decided the area needed an outlet to the sea, it was their intention to improve commerce and to enhance the commercial fishing industry. The science of inlets was non-existent in the late 1800's and the tools to accomplish such a task were rudimentary.

Repeated efforts, beginning with Captain David P. Gibson's attempts, to make a cut across a narrow strip of the barrier island ended in failure. It wasn't until the establishment of the Sebastian Inlet Tax District that a successful inlet was opened in 1923. The inlet has remained open ever since with the exception of the World War II years.

On February 27, 1965 a newly completed bridge over the inlet was dedicated and officially named the Robert W. Graves Sebastian Inlet Bridge.

In 1971 the State of Florida acquired land on both sides of the inlet for a park. Today the Sebastian Inlet Recreation Area draws over one half million visitors a year and is a mecca for fishing, boating, camping and surfing.

The ornament was designed by Arun Wijetilleke and history written by
Natalie Jackson, both members of Garden Club of Indian River County.
 

All ThruThe House	-1165 U.S. Highway 1
Corey's Pharmacy	-2912 Ocean Drive
Cousineau Jewelers	-Ryanwood Shopping Center
Dermatherapy, Inc.	-362 17th Street
John Michael Matthews Fine Jewelry	-29 Royal Palm Pointe
Leigh & Co.	-3401 Ocean Drive
Lorenzo's Hair Design & Spa	-1945 23rd Avenue
Monti's Flower Market	-1163 Commerce Avenue
Poinsettia Groves	-1481 US 1
Royal Palm Frame Shop and Gallery	-52 Royal Palm Pointe
The Heritage Center	-2140 14th Avenue
Zeran Jewelers	-630 21st  Street Miracle Plaza