Hurricane Matthew’s impact on the Fernandina Harbor Marina

Submitted by Susan Hardee Steger
October 31, 2016 10:28 a.m.

marina-group-joe-keving
Joe Springer (L) harbor master, and Kevin Little dock master for the City’s Fernandina Harbor Marina.

Hurricane Matthew’s brief visit to northeast Florida as a Category 2 storm has the harbor master of the Fernandina Harbor Marina Joe Springer and Dock Master Kevin Little working overtime to piece together a damaged Fernandina Beach City Marina. As a result of strong winds and surging tides, there are limited number of docks available. The damage is extensive.

hurricane-matthew-marina
A view of the Fernandina Harbor Marina’s dock house and store after Hurricane Matthew. Photo courtesy of Charlie Freeman

Only 1 of 91 breakwater dock pile guides placed on concrete pilings is still in place. Thru rod bolts used to hold concrete docks together are broken. The City boat ramp and fuel pumps are out of service as is the mooring field. The dock house adjacent to the fuel pumps is severely damaged. The pump out station is not operating and for all intents and purposes according to Springer, “The marina is closed.”

Springer and Little said a painful goodbye to 5 full time employees who were laid off as a result of Matthew. There simply is not enough business. Marina repairs could take months or longer to complete. One employee has found a job with the City, one employee took a full time position offered by a private business, two employees have found temporary work on Hurricane Matthew cleanup crews, and one is still looking for work. All marina staffers are employed by Westrec, a Fort Lauderdale Marina Management Company hired by the city in 2010 to oversee the City’s marina.

Since a large portion of the marina revenue is derived from fuel (diesel and gas), transient dockage, and permanent dockage. Springer estimates a 2/3 reduction in budget revenue until the marina is in working order.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials , have given approval for two emergency repairs but have yet to give approval for even limited non emergency repairs. Failure to move forward without FEMA approval could jeopardize an 80% FEMA match to cover costs or repairs. FEMA’s interest in building safer and stronger after a disaster, presents opportunities for the City’s interest in a possible realignment of docks to the north. Before any decision is made on the realignment, input from a variety of state agencies is required. It is all complicated and it will take time.

The limited dockage space impacts opening of the mooring field, and allowing pick up points for charter boat captains and other tourist focused businesses. There are simply no safe areas for dinghies, and pickup and drop off points for customers.

Frustrations among some charter boat captains who trailer their boats and have no permanent marina slips are being aired on social media. Captains expect pick up and drop off points for customers and there are none. Springer is doing his best to meet their needs, but at this time there are no safe places available.

Despite the dock damage, Springer is pleased that permanent slip renters have space. “We started with 41 boats. We have ended up with 41 boats. This marina’s primary concern is to take care of those boaters who have been with us for a long time.”

Once FEMA approves, Springer is hopeful minor repairs to some docks will open up more areas for use. “As soon as a plan is decided by the City, insurance providers, and FEMA as to what needs to happen and when it needs to happen,  we will get the word out.  We are here to do whatever the City asks us to do.”

Editor’s Note:

dscn1281-2Area boaters are struggling to find access to the water on Amelia Island.  Not only is the city boat ramp closed, but the ramp located at Nassau County’s Dee Dee Bartels Park located on Amelia Island’s north end is also closed.  According to the County Insider,  “The gangways received significant damage and are unsafe to access. The County is in the process of obtaining quotes to have the gangways repaired and/or replaced and reinstalled. It is estimated that this process will take approximately 4-6 weeks’

.The only island boat ramp available is located at Egans Creek Marina. All county boat ramps off island are open.  (Click here for locations.)

 

 

5 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Tom Lohman
Tom Lohman (@guest_48091)
7 years ago

Does anyone know why the Dee Dee Bartel ramp is closed? I understand that the floating docks are damaged/destroyed but the ramp appears to be usable and would work for those of us who just want to launch their boat and leave without using the floating docks?

Tom Lohman
Tom Lohman (@guest_48094)
7 years ago
Reply to  Mrs. D. Hunter

That still doesn’t explain why it is closed to launching for people who do not need to use the gangways? I just start my boat and back off the trailer and leave while a friend drives my truck and trailer back to home. The same action in reverse when I take the boat out of the water. I believe signage coupled with blocking the entrance to the gangways would allow the ramp to be used safely by many of us on the island. At least much safer than driving out to Nassauville with a large boat and all the construction and traffic.

Mrs. D. Hunter
Mrs. D. Hunter (@guest_48095)
7 years ago
Reply to  Tom Lohman

From the article: “If you have any questions, please contact our Interim Facilities Maintenance Director, Billy Stonebreaker, at (904) 548-6120 or via e-mail at [email protected]

Give it a go, you might convince them your perspective has merit.