News and Events
Planning Advisory Board meets Weds 10/25 on proposal encouraging overdevelopment
Meeting ALERT: On Wednesday, Oct. 25, 6:00 p.m. at City Hall Commission Chambers, the Planning Advisory Board (PAB) and City Commissioners will meet to discuss the changes the City Commissioners propose for the Land Development Code (LDC). Most of the City of Fernandina Beach, from 14th St. to the river, has “25-foot underlying lots of record.” Since those lots are small, larger houses have been built on multiple lots throughout the years. The changes permit developers to divide lots up to the historic lots of record when the main house doesn't cross the historic lot's boundaries. The changes favoring overdevelopment threaten our sense of place and negatively erodes our capacity to be a sustainable and resilient city and island.
Visit the Nassau Conservation Network
Amelia Island Conservation Network is now Nassau Conservation Network and has joined with Conserve Nassau to continue their mission! Since 2019, the mission of the Network has been “to optimize the effectiveness of local environmental organizations through information sharing and mutual support.” Joining with Conserve Nassau in coordinating that mission allows the Network to strengthen and to expand the work of its members throughout Nassau County.
Riverstone maritime forest is again threatened by tower development.
The 50 acre Riverstone parcel adjacent to and just north of Amelia Island State Park is by far the largest remaining vacant parcel on the island. Attend the April 24 Nassau County Commission Meeting to voice your continuing opposition to the Amelia Island Riverstone parcel being heavily developed with high-rise towers.
Finally! Some teeth given to the DOH to CLOSE unhealthy beach water sites
Finally! Some teeth given to the Department of Health to CLOSE unhealthy beach water sites. New HB 177, the “Safe Waterways Act”, promotes improved water quality at beaches and public swimming areas.
Okefenokee mining impacts don’t respect borders.
Twin Pines Minerals, is seeking to mine titanium and zirconium on 582 acres bordering Okefenokee Swamp, a federally-protected wilderness and globally-significant wetland. The Georgia Conservancy highlights that there is insufficient evidence that the hydrology and wildlife of Okefenokee Swamp or the St. Mary’s River will not be adversely affected.
A pocket port for the mills wants to outgrow its britches
Fernandina Beach residents have once again shown the effectiveness of a community coming together to protect its neighborhoods and environment. A shout out to the Ocean Highway and Port Authority (OHPA) which oversees the Port of Fernandina for recognizing that our port is not a good fit for cruise operations. But issues with hazardous materials and truck traffic remain.