News
By Michael Hernandez
2/25/25
FERNANDINA BEACH—The Fernandina Beach City Commission heard four separate agenda items presented by Airport Manager Nathan Coyle at its Feb. 18 meeting and authorized grant agreement approval (Agenda 7.5) for $500,000 to complete drainage improvements and repairs at the 80-year-old Municipal Airport. The grant agreement is made with the Florida Department of Transportation for fiscal year 2024-25.
The city commissioners also approved an award of $325,000 (Agenda 7.4) to CGC, Inc. for bulk hangar B apron rehabilitation. A grant agreement for $231,000 (Agenda 7.6) with the Florida Department of Transportation was approved for taxiway A rehabilitation and drainage inlet repairs. This includes a 20 percent local match requirement. Finally, the city commissioners approved a facility use agreement (Agenda 7.7) with Hagerty Events, LLC for use of the facilities and property in support of “The Amelia” March auto event which will generate $15,600 in funds.
Babe Ruth League Donates $90,000 For Central Park Baseball Fields Batting Cage
A presentation was made by Tom M. representing the Fernandina Beach Babe Ruth League which raised money these past two years and donated $90,000 to go toward the construction of a $140,000 Central Park Baseball Fields Batting Cage Facility by Coker Industrial Contractors, Inc. The initial $50,000 was received as a grant from Nassau County.
“I want to thank our donors (especially the Dugout Club and the 85 banners from the Banner Program) for helping us reach our goals and for the continual business support from our city,” said Tom M., the Babe Ruth League spokesperson. “Our city should be proud. This city supports the youth of our organization. On behalf of Babe Ruth and our city commissioners, thank you.”
Beach Renourishment Presentation Given By Project Manager Beau Corbett
United States Army Corps of Engineers Beach Renourishment Project Manager Beau Corbett made a 20-minute presentation (Agenda 4.1) explaining the difference between dredging at the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay Maintenance vs. dredging for Nassau County.
The beach renourishment project authorized in 1988 began construction in 2008 and the 50-year project will end in 2057 with extension options available. The $22 million project is 100 percent federally funded and could have cost the city up to 20.9 percent of the costs. Bids were opened on Feb 19 and a contract will be awarded on March 21 with the project start slated in early spring.
The beach renourishment project is divided into two parts: Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay done in 1,000-foot sectors in winter (between Dec. 15, 2025 to March 31, 2026) using an extractor with a two-inch screen for dredging. Some 225,000 cubic yards will be moved. A transfer will then be made to the city after three years.
The second part is Nassau County’s beach renourishment done with a three-quarter inch screen. “This reduces cost to taxpayers by limiting the cost of taking screened material to a landfill,” said Beau Corbett. “This makes the beach resilient.”
Other Commission Actions
- Approved the Consent Agenda which included two budget transfers for the Marina (Agenda 6.1) of $75,000 and for the historic Amelia Island Lighthouse restoration project of $37,00 (Agenda 6.2).
- Approved a settlement agreement with former City Attorney Tammi E. Bach of $78,000 for separation from city employment (Agenda 7.1).
- Approved DDL Contractors (Agenda 7.2) for North Beach Park Boardwalk Maintenance and repair in the amount of $60,000 and an interdepartmental budget transfer in the amount of $95,000.
- Approved the appointments of Zachary Beattie and Olivia Campbell to the Fernandina Beach Youth Advisory Committee (Agenda 9.1).
Public Comments:
James S:“I am representing Bakr Septic Services and have been in business for 20 years. With wonderful relations with the city. We have had a substantial increase of disposal fees. Can we have a reduction of these fees? We are asking for your consideration.”
Connie N. (Yulee):Requested Fernandina Beach to stay on top of beach renourishment because “people are not coming back to walk on the beach.”
Former Vice Mayor Mike G.:“Our beaches are in bad shape. Since 2019, this city has closed 12 beach walkovers because of maintenance. It is taking a long time for anything to happen.”
Jackelyn F. (Yulee): “I recently reviewed the books in Nassau County’s School Libraries and it was shocking how many were books were pornographic in nature. How did they enter the school system in the first place? I have four young daughters and we spend our summers in Fernandina Beach and on Amelia Island. I believe this material is obscene and does not meet community standards. What about protection of our minors from obscenity? Failure to act is a violation of state law. “
Brian E. “The pictures I have seen are misguided efforts (against Pride events) when the images are not real and photos have been doctored or stolen off the internet. Those images are not happening locally. They are not coming from Fernandina Beach.”
Libby J. “What is the (law) concerning e-bikes. I and my dog were almost hit. It is not easy to bike in this city but we need to have laws about these e-bikes.”
Upcoming Events: Friday, April 25: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Non-Profit Fair at the Atlantic Recreation Center Bean Auditorium.
Commission Contacts:
Commissioner Joyce M. Tuten/Seat 1 (904) 206-6676 (Term Expires 2028).
Commissioner Genece Minshew/Seat 2 (904) 780-4188 (Term Expires 2028).
Commissioner Tim Poynter/Seat 3 (904) 415-6533 (Term Expires 2028).
Mayor James Antun/Seat 4 (516) 547-5309 (Term Expires 2026): Absent
Vice Mayor Ayscue/Seat 5 (904) 480-4480 (Term Expires 2026).
City Manager Report, Sarah Campbell: “Over 125 employees have participated in our workshops. We have one coming up on purchasing and 70 employees are scheduled to participate. They have been giving us great ideas… We have two more interviews (for hiring) a fire chief this week.”
Agenda: 4 Pages
https://fernandinabeachfl.portal.civicclerk.com/event/3271/overview
Watch: 2 hours 8 minutes
https://fernandinabeachfl.new.swagit.com/videos/335153
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 the weekly “Stories Speak Volumes.”
