Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
March 7, 2019 12:45 p.m.
In January 2019, the City Commission directed the City Attorney and City Manager to work with Marc Hudson and the North Florida Land Trust to acquire two parcels of vacant land for the purpose of land conservation or passive parks located between Broome and Dade Streets and North 11th and 12th Streets.
At their March 5, 2019 Regular Meeting, the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) unanimously approved Resolution 2019-44 entering into an option agreement allowing the city to purchase the parcels within six months. No other buyers can buy these two parcels during this six-month option period.
The larger of the two properties is owned by the Episcopal Church of the Diocese of Florida and would be purchased for $340,000. The smaller property is owned by Garrett Floyd of Severville, Tennessee and would be purchased for $25,000.
The city would pay half the purchase price, with the North Florida Land Trust paying the other half. There is a possibility that a private source will aid in funding the city’s share.
The city will use the six month period to perform its due diligence on the property before returning to the FBCC with a final recommendation for purchase.
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.