The Sebastian Community Redevelopment Agency on Oct. 22 accepted a Florida Inland Navigation District grant agreement for $93,250 and authorized using a matching $93,250 in CRA funds for shoreline stabilization work at Swing and Bench Park.

Staff described the project as aligned with the CRA 2023 master plan under the waterfronts, parks and open-space category and said the grant and matching funds would be used to stabilize shoreline damaged by a recent hurricane so the agency can proceed with a planned swinging-bench feature.

A staff presentation said the FIND grant and the CRA match total $186,500 for the project. Board members and staff also clarified budget history: earlier budget material had shown a $400,000 placeholder for broader waterfront work (an initial estimate), but the actual FIND award and match total $186,500. Staff said an estimated budget overage of roughly $103,000 in CRA funds will remain in the CRA fund and be reallocated in next year’s budget toward projects in the CRA district.

The CRA board approved the FIND grant agreement and the use of CRA matching funds by motion and voice vote. The transcript records public comment from a local resident, Damien Gilliams, who praised staff for pursuing state funds but expressed concern that CRA funding is concentrated in certain areas; he also criticized what he described as past CRA purchases and said funds should be spread to other projects in the district.

Why it matters: The authorized project addresses damaged shoreline that, staff said, must be stabilized before park improvements can proceed. The FIND program funds waterfront projects; acceptance of the award commits the CRA to provide the matching funds approved by the board.

Next steps: Staff will proceed with the FIND grant agreement and the stabilization work; the CRA recommended the city council consider corresponding actions where needed.