Since it was first hand dug in the 1870s, Sebastian Inlet has been a gateway connecting the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) to the Atlantic Ocean. Dividing Brevard and Indian River counties, Sebastian Inlet have long been a very important part of both Florida’s economical and recreational fabric.
According to Sebastian Inlet Tax District Administrator Marty Smithson, before the Inlet was permanently opened, members of the surrounding commercial fishing community maintained the inlet by hand for several decades. Blasting a channel through its coquina bedrock in 1948, the Army Corps of Engineers created a pathway that has help create one of our nation’s favorite and most frequently visited state parks.
Over the past couple of decades, Sebastian Inlet State Park has continued to evolve its recreational flavor; the inlet has remained very much like it has since back in 1948.
Renown for its strong runs of snook, tarpon, flounder, and other gamefish, Sebastian Inlet is also famous for its powerful surf and numerous surfing contests.
Over the years the Inlet’s connection between the IRL and Atlantic Ocean has been vital to boaters, recreational anglers and the commercial fishing industry.
To actually gauge the Inlet’s value the Sebastian Inlet Tax District is conducting a survey of users at their web site: sebastianinlettaxdistrict.com. If you’re a user of this resource, please visit their site and take the survey. It will only take you a few minutes.