Press Release
By Congressman Aaron Bean
8/16/25
I was honored to attend the grand re-opening of the Amelia Island Lighthouse. This beacon isn’t just a landmark—it’s part of my childhood, a symbol of the community that raised me, and a reminder of how fortunate I am to call Northeast Florida home.Standing at 67 feet tall, the Amelia Island Lighthouse is a vital piece of Fernandina Beach’s maritime history—bolstering our tourism industry and serving as a guiding light for commercial and recreational fishermen. So, when I got a call last year from my son who was serving as the mayor about replacing the light, I knew how important it was to act. But it quickly became clear: we didn’t just need a new bulb—we needed a complete overhaul. The motor that had been running for years had completely fallen apart. As a member of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, I urged senior leadership at the U.S. Coast Guard to prioritize repairs. Working hand-in-hand with Mayor Bradley Bean, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, District 7, Flotilla 14-1, and our dedicated city leaders, we successfully brought the beacon back to life. Thanks to this united effort across all levels of government, its light shines once more—restored to full brilliance and preserved for future generations. VISITING JACKSONVILLE ROTARIANS  It was a pleasure to join the Rotary Club of Jacksonville to share updates on key legislation that is delivering real results for Northeast Florida. I provided an overview of the Rescissions Act, which curbs wasteful spending, the DOGE in Spending Act, which fights fraud and abuse in the federal government, and the One Big Beautiful Bill, which is putting more money in the pockets of families, seniors, and small business owners. As a proud Rotarian for over 30 years, it’s always meaningful to reconnect with this dedicated group. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to “service above self.” I’m honored to stand with you in building a stronger community. SALUTING SERVICE: TIME WITH MIDDLEBURG VETERANS  I had the honor of attending the Veterans Council of Clay County meeting at American Legion Post 250 in Middleburg. Events like these are more than just gatherings—they’re essential to how I can serve. Listening directly to our veterans, hearing their concerns, and learning from their experiences helps shape the policies and priorities I fight for in Washington. To every veteran and their families—thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your continued leadership in our communities. FROM GROUNDBREAKING TO GRAND OPENING: CATHEDRAL OAK PARKWAY  In August 2023, I had the privilege of attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the Cathedral Oak Parkway. Fast forward to today, and we now celebrate the completion of this project—a significant milestone in connecting the communities of Green Cove Springs and Middleburg, and ensuring our region stays mobile and competitive for decades to come. I was proud to play a part in this process by working closely with the Army Corps of Engineers to advance the necessary permit through the application pipeline—helping Clay County stay in the fast lane and making this vital connection a reality. This 3.3-mile, two-lane roadway links the First Coast Expressway to the intersection of County Road 315 and Maryland Avenue. Designed with the future in mind, it features a grass median, bike lanes, and pedestrian walkways—a state-of-the-art addition to Florida’s transportation network that will spur economic growth and support our vibrant way of life. A FRESH START FOR JACKSONVILLE STUDENTS  The Bean Team paid a visit to the brand-new Jean Ribault High School, and we have to say—it’s stunning! I’ve visited this school before, and seeing the transformation is truly inspiring. This isn’t just a new building—it’s a bold investment in the future of our students and a testament to the power of education. This remarkable campus reflects the vision, dedication, and hard work of those committed to empowering young minds. It highlights the school’s emphasis on hands-on learning and career readiness, with standout features like a student-run VyStar Credit Union, cutting-edge aviation facility, professional-grade culinary lab, immersive nursing training areas, a digital audio production studio, and even a rooftop urban garden. Here’s to new beginnings and bright futures—Go Trojans! TUNE IN ALERT: NEWS4JAX  Don’t miss my latest interview on This Week in Jacksonville— airing Sunday, 08/17 at 9:00am! Florida is catching DOGE fever, and I joined Kent Justice to discuss the bold efforts underway to root out waste, fraud, and abuse in our state.UPDATED VA PROCESSING TIMES The Department of Veterans Affairs recently announced a major improvement in claims processing times—the backlog has dropped more than 37% since January 20th. That means veterans are receiving the care and resources they need faster than ever. Read more HERE . If you—or someone you know—needs help navigating the VA system, don’t hesitate to call my office. We’re here to get you the answers you deserve and ensure your benefits are within reach. BACK TO SCHOOL AND INTO THE SPOTLIGHT: CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE  As the school year kicks off, it’s the perfect time for students to tap into their creativity and take on something big: the Congressional App Challenge. Open to middle and high school students who love to code, this nationwide competition invites young innovators to design an original app, solve real-world problems, and showcase their skills on a national stage. Last year’s winners made a trip to Washington, D.C., met fellow student developers, and had their work displayed in the U.S. Capitol. The submission deadline is October 30, 2025 , so now’s the time to get started—before homework starts to pile up. Learn more HERE and apply today. CASEWORK CORNER My team and I are honored to help constituents through casework, so I wanted to share a quick update. Last week, we opened 40 new requests and returned over $40,000 to Northeast Floridians. So far this year, we’ve closed 1,739 cases and delivered more than $5.8 million back to our community. If you or someone you know is having trouble with the Social Security Administration, the IRS, VA, passports, Medicare, or other issues handled by federal agencies, my office may be able to help resolve the problem or get the information you need. Please do not hesitate to call my office at (904) 319-9433. Sincerely,  Congressman Aaron Bean Proudly Serving Florida’s Fourth Congressional District |
Contact Me Washington 2459 Rayburn Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-0123 Nassau 501 Centre Street, Suite 107 Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 Phone: (904) 557-9550 Clay 4465-6 US Highway 17 Fleming Island, FL 32003 Phone: (904) 830-3933 Duval 117 W Duval St. #230 Jacksonville, FL 32202 Phone: (904) 319 |
