Stand For … Amelia Island

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
December 3, 2015 9:25 a.m.

Those watching the December 1, 2015 Fernandina Beach City Commission meeting should have noticed that many speakers and audience members who supported the resolution on the port were outfitted in lime green T-shirts with blue lettering reading (front) Stand For and (back) Amelia Island. When I asked about the shirts, I was referred to Faith Ross, who explained the genesis of the organization.

In an email she wrote:

“Issues surrounding the Port of Fernandina galvanized many citizens on the island. What citizens discovered was that we had environmental groups, but there was no nonpartisan organizational platform or funding mechanism to address important issues that dealt with education and public welfare in Fernandina, Amelia Island and Nassau County. Therefore, several citizens of a like mind banded together to educate the public in a more efficient and organized approach to address extremely important issues that would directly affect the lives of the citizens of Fernandina, Amelia Island and Nassau County.   In the past months many citizens worked very hard to educate the public on the issues surrounding the changing of the charter of the OHPA.  The proposed resolution concerning the OHPA charter changes was a result of this educational process. Hopefully in the near future this organization can assist with other equally important issues that affect the everyday lives of our citizens.  We are looking forward to it!”

Stand for Amelia Island is organized in Florida as a 501(c) 4. As a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to the general public welfare of Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island and Nassau County, its mission statement is below:

The purpose of Stand for Amelia Island, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation, is:

To address, educate, coordinate, and advocate important issues affecting the general welfare of Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, and Nassau County, Florida.  Its mission is to conduct non-partisan research and educational and informational activities of advocacy to increase public awareness of the economy;  infrastructure;  natural environment;  historic preservation;  health, safety, welfare;  and quality of life of Nassau County and its communities to prevent community deterioration.

Eligibility for membership: 

Application for voting membership shall be open to any current resident, property owner, or business operator that supports the purpose statement in Part I above.  Membership is granted after completion and receipt of a membership application and annual dues.  All memberships shall be granted upon a majority vote of the board.

For more information on the organization, membership, and how to obtain one of those green T-shirts, contact [email protected].

Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.