Mike Lednovich
Observer
News you need to know about the city & Ameila Island

By Mike Lednovich/Editor The Fernandina Beach City Commission was unable Tuesday to determine which financial institution should hold approximately $45 million in city funds in the short term, rejecting all proposals for management banking services just months before the city’s current contract expires in May. After extended discussion, the commission voted 4-0 to deny the most recent request for proposals (RFP) and direct staff to revise and reissue it, citing concerns about

An evidentiary hearing has been scheduled in Nassau County Circuit Court on a renewed effort to block implementation of Fernandina Beach’s paid parking program, setting the stage for the next legal test of the controversial ordinance. Court records show the hearing will take place Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 2 p.m. before Circuit Judge Marianne L. Aho on the plaintiffs’ Second Amended Motion for Temporary Injunction against the City of Fernandina Beach. Two hours have been set aside

The City of Fernandina Beach’s insurance carrier will cover legal defense costs for the recall efforts targeting Commissioners Genece Minshew and Tim Poynter, City Attorney Teresa Prince told the City Commission Tuesday night. Prince said the determination was made earlier in the day under Florida law and Florida Supreme Court precedent, which provide that elected officials are entitled to a legal defense when a recall arises from the performance of their official duties and

City's Parking Permit Port is live By Mike Lednovich About a dozen 'pay to park' signs were installed on Centre Street in historic downtown Fernandina Beach last Friday as the city prepares to launch the program in two weeks.   The city's registration portal for Fernandina Beach residents to obtain fee exemption permits, as well as county residents who want to obtain reduced fee permits went live. Each city household may obtain up to two free permits.   Residents who live wit

Former Commissioner Gass leads recall effort Recall petitions seeking the removal of Fernandina Beach City Commissioners Genece Minshew and Tim Poynter became public Saturday when organizers began collecting signatures at the Fernandina Beach Farmers Market in historic downtown. Under Florida law, recall petitions become public records once they are circulated for signatures. The petitions, which accuse both commissioners of misfeasance and neglect of duty related to their vo

Commentary Civic debate is essential to a functioning democracy. Disagreement, criticism, and even sharp political argument are part of public life. What is not acceptable is when an elected official abandons civility and resorts to personal insults against a private citizen. That line was crossed Friday by Fernandina Beach Vice Mayor Darron Ayscue, who is also chairman of the Nassau County Republican Party, in a series of Facebook posts targeting local blogger Sheila Cocchi.