Fernandina Beach recognizes people and events at April 15, 2014 meeting

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm

Reporter – News Analyst

Despite recent concerns raised by commissioners over city proclamations, Mayor Ed Boner kicked off the April 15, 2014 Regular Meeting of the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) before a packed house with a series of 8 proclamations.

• 

  Public Service Recognition Week.  The city proclaimed the week of May 4-10, 2014 as “Public Service Recognition Week.”  Dr. George Candler, Director of the University of North Florida’s Masters in Public Administration, accepted the proclamation that recognized the accomplishments and contributions of government employees at all levels of government.

• 

  51^st Annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival.  Mark Deaton, Chair of the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival Committee, accepted this proclamation officially declaring May 2-4, 2014, the 51^st annual Shrimp Festival on behalf of the committee, many members of which were in attendance in festive Shrimp Festival shirts.  Deaton thanked the FBCC for the proclamation and continued city support of the festival.  The festival parade will kick off the weekend of festivities on May 1, 2014.

• 

  Recognition of Felix Jones.  Mayor Boner presented Felix Jones with a proclamation recognizing his 50^th birthday and for his work as a goodwill ambassador for the City of Fernandina Beach.   The audience erupted in applause for Jones, who is a regular feature of downtown Fernandina Beach as he rides his tricycle and vends baked goods and fruit to support scholarships for disadvantaged children.  Felix Jones also entertains locals and visitors with his harmonica.  After accepting the city proclamation, he played two tunes for commissioners and the audience.  Both Felix and his mother expressed heartfelt thanks to the commission and the community for their support.

• Marine Trawler Owners Association Week.  In recognition of their third annual visit to the city marina, Mayor Boner presented members of the association and marina manager Joe Springer with a proclamation of appreciation for holding their annual gathering in Fernandina Beach.  The gathering brings more than 50 boats and 200 boaters to the community. A spokeswoman for the association declared, “We just love this town!”

• 

  Earth Day.  Mayor Boner proclaimed April 22, 2014 as “Earth Day”, encouraging all residents to commit to building and sustaining a green economy.  Advocates and city employees Barbara Rathmell and John Mandrick accepted the proclamation.

• 

  Child Abuse Prevention Month.  Mindy Bartelt of the Florida Department of Children and Families accepted a city proclamation declaring April 2014 “Child Abuse Prevention Month.”  The proclamation underscores the importance of positive parenting practices and healthy child development in preventing child abuse in Florida.

• Florida Library Appreciation Month.  Mayor Ed Boner presented a proclamation declaring April 2014 as Florida Library Appreciation Month to Nassau County Library Director Dawn Bostwick and Assistant Director Janet Loveless.  Bostwick thanked the commission for its support.

• 

  Municipal Clerks Week.  City Clerk Caroline Best accepted a proclamation from Mayor Boner on behalf of state municipal clerks.  She emphasized the valuable work performed by clerks and thanked the city for declaring May 4-10, 2014 as “Municipal Clerks Week.”