Submitted by Kathy Brooks
Volunteer Wild Amelia
May 19, 2018

Editor’s Note” Kathy claims to be a “strictly an unschooled amateur photographer” and she has enjoyed taking photos of family, friends, and nature her whole life. She says Amelia Island is a treasure for photographers, and she enjoys donating photographs to various charities for silent auctions and just sharing the beauty of this island in photo gifts to friends and family. She is now consumed by being a grandmother and taking photos of her  grandson.

Photographers can submitted their photos to [email protected] Fernandina Observer Incorporated is committed to protecting the copyright and intellectual property of others. Content provided to Fernandina Observer must be content that does not violate copyright or intellectual property of others.

FDOT Media Release
May 15, 2018

Jacksonville – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is scheduled to begin a resurfacing and safety improvements on I-295 (S.R. 9A) from Trout River Boulevard overpass to east of Biscayne Boulevard overpass Monday, May 19, weather and unforeseen circumstances permitting.

The construction work planned will include:

·         Milling and paving of the roadway and ramps within the project limits

·         Roadway striping

·         Guardrail installation

·         Drainage improvements

·         Other miscellaneous construction improvements

To improve safety, a high friction asphalt mixture will be used to pave a portion of the roadway of the southbound Dunn Avenue entrance ramp loop. This special mixture of asphalt will allow tires to grip the roadway better for motorists while merging on to the interstate. Continue reading →

Amelia Island DAR
Press Release
Submitted by Cara Curtin
May 19, 2018 1:00 p.m. 

Now is your chance to bring your old and worn flags to the closest UPS store for their proper disposal. The Amelia Island Chapter of the Daughters of the American Continue reading →

From the Office of 
Florida Senator Aaron Bean
May 19, 2018 11:53 a.m.

Jacksonville, Fla. – May 17, 2018 – On behalf of the State of Florida, State Senator Aaron Bean (R-Fernandina Beach) yesterday presented a $400,000 check to Linda Levin, CEO of ElderSource, and ElderSource’s Board of Directors. During the 2018 Legislative Session, Senator Bean and State Representative Travis Cummings (R-Fleming Island) worked together to secure $400,000 in state funding for ElderSource, so they can provide home-delivered meals to elderly residents in seven Northeast Florida counties.

“We often take for granted our ability to simply prepare a meal when we’re hungry,” said Senator Bean. “However, many seniors in Northeast Florida are unable to perform these everyday tasks without assistance. This funding will allow ElderSource to deliver more meals to seniors in need, and ensure they live out their golden years in good health and with dignity.”

“It was a pleasure to work with Senator Bean and ElderSource to support our seniors,” said Representative Cummings. “I appreciate all ElderSource does for our community – their service, advocacy and support are invaluable.” Continue reading →

Boys & Girls Club Nassau County
Submitted by Alan Donaldson
May 18, 2018 11:00 a.m.

Chris Martin Joins as Executive Director

Boys & Girls Clubs of Nassau County Foundation has named Chris Martin as Executive Director to lead the community outreach and fundraising for the organization. Chris will be working closely with Jamie Thompson, Area Director, who is responsible for club operations and programming. The Foundation provides funding for the operations of two local Clubs.

“We are delighted to have Chris lead our community outreach and expand our fundraising capabilities to meet the needs of our growing community,” said Clara Miller, President of the Nassau County Foundation board. “As a seasoned Boys & Girls Clubs senior executive, Chris brings the experience needed to expand and strengthen our community ties, while growing the fundraising base needed to provide a top-quality Club Continue reading →

Fernandina Beach Police Department
Mark K. Foxworth, Deputy Chief
May 18, 2018 9:46 a.m.

On May 17, 2018 at 11:30AM an armed robbery was reported at the Speedway Gas Station & Convenience Store located at 3100 South 8th Street. A description of the suspect was broadcasted and a Nassau County Deputy with the assistance of an off duty Fernandina Beach Officer stopped the suspect vehicle on State Road 200 just before County  Road 107. The suspect was taken into custody and subsequently identified by witnesses.

The investigation determined the suspect brandished a gun at the clerk and stole money and other items from the counter. He then fled and made his escape in a vehicle that he had parked nearby.

The suspect, who is charged with Armed Robbery and Resisting Arrest is 17 year old Brandon Michael Hicks who resides off of Amelia Island in an unincorporated area of Nassau County.

No one at the Speedway Gas Station & Convenience Store was injured.

The point of contact is Sergeant Tracey Hamilton at 904-310-3215.

Dale Martin
City Manager
Fernandina Beach
May 18, 2018 12:00 a.m.

Due to the length of the most recent City Commission meeting, I refrained from offering comments related to the City’s public safety personnel. I’ll share those comments here.

In memory of Chaplain Don McFadyen, the City Commission opened the meeting with a moment of silence. One of the scheduled proclamations for the evening was to formally recognize National Police Week (May 13) and Peace Officer Memorial Day (May 15). Chaplain McFadyen traditionally offered the invocation at this meeting, so to recognize and remember his service to the community in this manner was movingly appropriate.

Following Mayor Miller’s recitation of the proclamation, Deputy Chief Mark

Foxworth held the Commissioners, the staff, and the residents in awe as he recounted the daily challenges of our patrol officers (and patrol officers everywhere). As he indicated, patrol officers are unique in that very few other (if Continue reading →