News
By Michael Hernandez, 4-24-24
FERNANDINA BEACH, FLORIDA—The City of Fernandina Beach City Commission, at its 4-16-24 meeting, commemorated the 59th Annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival—celebrated May 3 through May 5th in the downtown historic district of Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island—with a proclamation signed April 16th by Mayor Bradley M. Bean and presented to Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival Committee members.
The Shrimp Festival embraces shrimp boats and great food but these days locals and visitors enjoy a pirate invasion, music, entertainment, fine art, crafts and antiques.
The first Shrimp festival took place in 1964 as the “Shrimp Boat Races” for the promotion of tourism and to recognize the City of Fernandina Beach as the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry. The Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival has grown into a nationally recognized festival that provides a financial impact in excess of $16 million to the City of Fernandina Beach, greater Nassau County and surrounding area with businesses and approximately 50 local non-profit organizations working together.
For more information go to: https://www.shrimpfestival.com/
Repairing the Amelia Island Lighthouse
City Commission authorized the submitting of $500,000 grant application to the Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources to be used for necessary repairs to the Amelia Island Lighthouse with an additional $125,000 matching fund requirement for the 2025-2026 year. Amounts for the grant and matching funds to cover the cost of the project will be budgeted in the Capital Improvements Fund and Recreation Improvements account in the City’s 2024-2025 Budget. The repair work will be accomplished in a phased approach.
The 67-foot Amelia Island Lighthouse was built in 1839 and stands at the highest point on Amelia Island. It is the oldest operational lighthouse in the State of Florida, is the westernmost lighthouse on the East Coast of the United States and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Fernandina Beach High School Wrestling Team Recognized
The City of Fernandina Beach presented a proclamation honoring Head Coach Eric Kubatzke and the entire Wrestling Team that placed seventh overall in the state of Florida. Wrestler Enzo Gamba won the State Title in the 157-pound weight class; Cael Kubatzke won State Runner-Up int the 138-pound weight class; Cole Misciagna placed 4th in State in the 144-pound weight class; and Nolan McKelvy placed 5th in State in the 175-pound weight class.
Six-Month Budget Report
March is the sixth month of the fiscal year 2023-24. The City received $17 million in Property Tax payment year-to-date and receipts represent 94.3 percent of the budget. Local Business, Tax, Franchise Fees and Interest are also above the 50 percent mark.
General Fund expenses are at $14 million or 37.8 percent of the budget. Currently the departments over the 50 percent mark are: City Clerk, City Manager and Non-Departmental. This is due to annual maintenance, contractual obligations, promotional expenses and equipment purchases. The budget summary was prepared by Comptroller Pauline Testagrose.
Board Appointments Approved
- Veronica Brynes to the Historic District Council (filling the unexpired term ending Dec. 31, 2024 created by the resignation of Ron Norman). Meets third Thursday of each month at 5 pm at the City Commission Chambers;
- Daphne Forward to the Planning Advisory Board (filing the unexpired term ending Dec. 31, 2025 created by the passing of John Boylan.). Meets second Wednesday of each month at 5 pm at the City Commission Chamber.
Reference
City of Fernandina Beach Commission:
https://www.fbfl.us/842/Meet-the-Commissioners
Agenda:
https://fernandinabeachfl.portal.civicclerk.com/event/3208/files/agenda/7656
Video:
https://fernandinabeachfl.new.swagit.com/videos/302871
Fernandina City Events
- Thursday, May 2 (5:30 pm): 8 Flags Shrimp Festival Parade.
- Thursday, May 2 (6-8 pm @ Centre Street): Sounds on Centre. Free community concert is created and produced by The Historic Fernandina Business Association (HFBA). Raffle drawings will be held throughout the even with prizes donated by local community businesses and retailers.
- Saturday, May 4 (8 am to 12 pm @ McArthur Family YMCA) Shrimp Festival 5K Run/Walk.
Michael Hernandez, from California, is co-founder of the Citizens Journal—Ventura County’s online news service. He is a former Southern California daily newspaper journalist and religion and news editor. Mr. Hernandez can be contacted at: [email protected] and is editor of “Stories Speak Volumes.”
