Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
October 9, 2014 11:30 p.m
The Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) began its first Regular Meeting for October 2014 with a moment of silence to honor Nassau County Attorney, David Hallman, who passed away unexpectedly the previous day, October 6, 2014. Mayor Ed Boner then proceeded to recognize those organizations and individuals that the city has honored via City Proclamations.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Declaring October to be Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Mayor Boner called upon citizens to participate in scheduled activities and programs to recognize the important work done by local domestic violence programs and victims’ services providers “and to be resolute in carrying on until domestic violence is no more.” Barbi Coyne accepted the proclamation on behalf of Micah’s Place, the battered spouse shelter in Nassau County. She thanked the city for bringing attention to this important matter.
Amelia Island Jazz Festival, October 16-19
Via proclamation, Mayor Boner encouraged local citizens to participate in the festivities October 16 through October 19 during the Les DeMerle Amelia Island Jazz Festival. Accepting the proclamation were Les DeMerle and Bonnie Eisele. The mayor thanked DeMerle and Eisele for their commitment to this festival and the positive impact the festival generates for local tourism. In accepting the proclamation, Les DeMerle said, “For me, [jazz] is my life.” He thanked the city for its support over the 11-year history of the jazz festival. He said that he hoped for community support again this year, saying, “We’ll be swinging hard. Make it out to the festival and have a blast.” Bonnie Eisele echoed his gratitude and invitation to the community.
October 19-25, 2014: Florida City Government Week
Mayor Boner reminded citizens that city government is administered for and by its citizens and that city government officials and employees share the responsibility to pass along their understanding of public benefits and services. In recognition of the work done by city governments and in support of the work done by the Florida League of Cities and its member cities, he expressed appreciation to city employees and declared October 19-25 as Florida City Government Week.
Recognition of TDC recent awards
The Mayor asked Gil Langley, the President and CEO of the Amelia Island Tourist Development Council (TDC) to step forward to be formally recognized for the 6 awards garnered during the recent Annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Boca Raton, FL. Langley was not in the audience, but at the urging of Commissioner Charlie Corbett, TDC member David Caples stepped forward to receive the proclamation. Mayor Boner stressed the important role tourism plays in the economic growth of the local community. Reading from the proclamation, Boner said, “Winning these prestigious awards will bring additional tourism dollars to Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach, thereby increasing tax revenues, including sales taxes and taxes imposed on the hospitality industry. In turn, these tax revenues may be used to improve the quality of life for the citizens of the community, provide support for beach renourishment, and ensure a viable hospitality industry.” Boner added that it was unusual for a small town to win so many awards in one award cycle. Caples reminded the audience that fewer than 10 people work at the TDC, yet they brought in more than $10M in revenue to the island. Specific awards include:
October 2014 declared Alpha Delta Kappa Month
Alpha Delta Kappa is an international honorary organization of women educators dedicated to scholastic excellence, altruism and world understanding. Biennially the organization awards more than $1M through professional development scholarships. Mayor Boner expressed the city’s appreciation to member Julianne French for Alpha Delta Kappa’s outstanding, international, philanthropic and scholarship work. French stressed the sorority’s work to provide local scholarships, help with food drives and assistance to Micah’s Place.