Sebastian board reviews Filbert Street Park invasive‑species removal; plans Air Potato roundup for Feb. 14, 2026

Filbert Street Park is set for targeted invasive‑species work after the parks department redirected an urban‑forestry grant to address dense stands of Brazilian pepper and other exotics, staff told the Natural Resources Board on Nov. 4.

Felicia, the board liaison, said the parks, recreation and facilities director, Richard Blankenship, had identified heavy Brazilian pepper infestations primarily along the north edge of the park and adjacent the trail system. Integrity Tree is the contractor performing removal work and began on‑site the week of the meeting. Felicia said crews are attempting to remove root systems where feasible and that the grant funding also covers the purchase and planting of native replacement trees once removal is complete.

“Part of the funding was specifically for the invasive exotic removal, and then the rest of the funding was for the planting of the new native trees that will go in,” Felicia said during the meeting.

Board members and the public raised two operational concerns. First, Felicia said there are gopher tortoise burrows on site; removal and replanting plans aim to preserve and, if possible, improve tortoise habitat. Second, staff noted several pine trees at the park are stressed by boring beetles; crews will remove or trim trees that pose a hazard.

Separately, the board approved plans and early logistics for an Air Potato Roundup scheduled for Feb. 14, 2026. Dan, who helped coordinate, said the event will rely on partners including Pelican Island Audubon Society and the city’s solid‑waste division (which will supply a dumpster). The group is pursuing outreach via postcards, social media and local events; Pelican Island Audubon offered to distribute postcards at its fundraisers and to seek small donated prizes for volunteer recognition.

Dan said the organizers plan volunteer recruitment through schools, the Boys & Girls Club and local scout troops and are exploring biological controls: “We’re gonna talk to the Florida ag to try to get air beetles this year,” he told the board.

Felicia and Dan said they expect more detailed planning in coming weeks, including final postcards, volunteer lists and coordination of dumpsters and other logistics. The board did not take a formal binding vote on the Filbert Street work at the meeting but confirmed the Air Potato Roundup date and discussed outreach steps.

What’s next: Staff will continue removal work funded by the urban‑forestry grant, purchase and plant native trees as the budget allows, and finalize outreach and logistics for the Feb. 14 roundup.