Francis B. Gibbs A1A portion designation ceremony scheduled for October 17

Media Release from the office of State Rep. Janet Adkins
October 11, 2014 7:04 a.m.

Francis Gibbs
Francis B. Gibbs

State Representative Janet Adkins, representatives from the Florida Department of Transportation and others will hold a designation ceremony, designating a section of State Road A1A between Atlantic Avenue and Simmons Road in Nassau County to the memory of Francis B. Gibbs.  The ceremony will take place at 11:00 AM on October 17, 2014 on the corner of Fletcher and Atlantic in Fernandina Beach.  It will be the southwestern corner where there is an open lot.

During the 2014 Legislative Session,  Senator Aaron Bean sponsored a bill which was cosponsored by Representative Adkins ( Senate Bill 820) designating this portion of State Road A1A in memory of Mr. Gibbs. Francis Gibbs was a Fernandina Beach resident and graduate of Fernandina Beach High School.  Mr. Gibbs passed away in 2013.  He served  many years in public service and community involvement.

In speaking of Francis Gibbs, Representative Adkins said, “Francis Gibbs is a local hero who lived and worked to share his values and his love for his community throughout his long years in public service.  Francis never forgot who he was or where he came from and always had time to catch up on local issues in Nassau County.  Francis was also a warrior whether in Washington working in the halls of Congress or in Florida with the Florida Department of Transportation.  Francis was a leader no matter where he landed; everyone grew to appreciate his keen intellect and ability to understand a problem and get it solved.  I am grateful to Francis for his efforts to help us get A1A repaired, to save the St. Johns Ferry and many other issues too numerous to mention.  Francis loved his family and his home here in Nassau County and contributed greatly to all those he touched.  This recognition is well deserved and I am honored to have had a chance to support its adoption.”

The public is encouraged to attend the dedication ceremony.  For additional information, contact Representative Adkins’ office at 904-491-3664.

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Frances Wentz Taber
Frances Wentz Taber (@guest_22455)
9 years ago

Thank you, Fernandina Observer, for providing this advance notice of this great honor being given to my son, Francis Boll Gibbs. Coincidentally, Francis’ youth was spent at our ocean-front homestead – which fronts this stretch of Highway A-1-A (South Fletcher Avenue).