Adkins to file local bill revising port charter

Press Release
Submitted by Joseph Zimmerman

November 26, 2015 9:50 a.m.

Janet AdkinsFernandina Beach, Florida. State Representative Janet Adkins announced that she will propose a local bill that will make changes to the charter for the local Ocean, Highway and Port Authority.

“After taking time to listen to people from all sides of the county and the members of the Port Authority, I believe that changes to the Port Charter are essential to move Nassau County forward,” said Adkins.

“While there is significant community conversation underway, the speed of progress is beginning to impact economic development for the entire county. It is essential that all levels of government come together to craft a solution that benefits both the community goals, and support the long term growth of the port. I believe we are at a critical juncture of the process and need to address the concerns raised by the members of the community,” said Adkins.

Representative Adkins’ office has remained engaged in the port process, brokering four separate meetings that resulted in clarification on the Port’s Master Plan, and ultimately hearing from constituents across the county about line by line modifications to modernize the 1941 Port Charter.

“Restoring the balance between the needs of the community and our goal for a robust and successful Port has always been my focus. At the December 7th Legislative Delegation meeting, I will propose a local bill that will refine the port charter, eliminating petroleum refineries and beach casinos, while adding the power for the Port of Fernandina to develop high-speed internet infrastructure. This new ability will allow the Port to help modernize Nassau County, and pave the way for 21st century jobs,” continued Adkins.

Representative Adkins represents House District 11, which includes all of Nassau County and portions of Duval County. In the Florida House of Representatives, Adkins chairs the K-12 Subcommittee on Education and is a member of the Education Committee, the Choice and Innovation Subcommittee, the Appropriations Committee, the Educations Appropriations Subcommittee and the Rules, Calendar and Ethics Committee.

For additional information, please contact Representative Adkins’ office at
904-491-3664 or email [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>.

###

6 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Steven Crounse
Steven Crounse (@guest_45685)
8 years ago

The Port Authority should not have an issue with any of this,it will not effect Nassau Terminals future plans for this Port in the least, and in my opinion, does not address the real concerns of our Community. Happy Thanksgiving every one.

Robert Warner
Robert Warner (@guest_45689)
8 years ago

I like, and appreciate, what she is trying to do and hope this effort works. I am watchful and concerned about what happens next as this winds through the Port Authority and Florida Legislature. Scott – and his “Texas” GOP Florida acolytes do not have the interest of Florida or Floridians at heart – as even JAXPORT and Jacksonville have finally recognized concerning dredging the ridge area at the mouth of the St. John’s.

Dave Lott
Dave Lott(@dave-l)
8 years ago

A major concern of moving forward with this legislative attempt before the OPHA-Citizen’s Committee completes is work is the likelihood of getting this issue before the legislature again is likely to be quite slim. If the feeling is that the joint committee effort is not going to result in a consensus, some protection is better than none; but if there is expected to be a more comprehensive agreement regarding the Port’s needs and protection of the FB community, a pause is this legislative action should take place.

Robert Warner
Robert Warner (@guest_45707)
8 years ago

Dave Lott is right on point.

Faith Ross
Faith Ross(@faith-ross)
8 years ago

A few “must haves” could be changed now in the Port’s Charter, such as not allowing the OHPA to condemn private property in the City without the City’s consent. The other item being that they abide by City ordinances since they are solely located in the City of Fernandina. (Building 20 story buildings in the Historic District is not desirable when they are exempt from City permitting). State statutes require that special districts (OHPA) “coordinate and cooperate with the local government in which they are located”. I like County Commissioner Leeper’s idea of an “overlay” in the OHPA charter for Fernandina. This would not in any way affect the rest of Nassau County.

Robert Warner
Robert Warner (@guest_45820)
8 years ago

I am posting this link involving issues related to Port Security. States and localities have a key role to play. Should be reviewed by all concerned parties.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_security