Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
January 28, 2022
Fernandina Beach Main Street (FBMS) has quickly become a downtown institution as its staff and volunteers work diligently to promote local businesses as well as historic preservation.
Last week FBMS Executive Director Lisa Finkelstein joined 52 other Main Street Directors and the Florida State Coordinator in Tallahassee for Main Street Day at the Capitol.
Finkelstein reported, “We were raising awareness for the Main Street program and the benefits it provides to our communities through promotional events, volunteering, attention to preservation and maintenance, and much more. We stood en masse in the Commerce & Tourism Committee hearing in support of Senate Bill 1310 (HB247) which will implement an up to 20% historic tax credit for eligible historic rehabilitation projects in the state of Florida. Main Street District property owners would receive up to a 30% tax credit on historic property rehabilitation projects! “
She added that Florida is one of only 11 states that does not have a state historic tax credit to go along with the federal tax credit to incentivize property owners to complete important rehabilitation projects in our historic districts. The bill was unanimously approved in committee and will now move on.
Finkelstein said, “I encourage you to reach out to Senator Aaron Bean and Representative Cord Byrd in support of these bills.”
On the local scene, FBMS held its 3rd Sip & Shop event on a chilly, damp January 21 evening. Nearly 200 people traveled downtown to sip wine and shop in the 23 store locations that participated. Finkelstein said, “We were also happy to welcome the Nassau County Library, which participated for the very first time.”
Main Street’s next event is the 8th Street Pup Crawl on Sunday, April 4th, from 11AM to 3PM. Pups and their owners are invited to enjoy drink specials and shopping along 8th Street. This event is sponsored by Hot Paws, Century 21, First Port City Bank, and Road Shark, who will provide golf carts to shuttle participants between stops. Participating businesses include:
- Cat’s Angels with Bewitched Food Truck
- Mocama Brewery with Pup Cycle treats
- Redbones Bakery & Bar with Fairy Tales
- Overtime Bar
- First Love with Hot Paws (Registration site)
- Beech Street Grill with AI Julz
- Marlin & Barrel
Participants will receive a bandana while their people receive wristbands, a map, and golf cart shuttles. Watch for tickets to go on sale soon! All retail businesses in the 8th Street Business District can participate by being open and welcoming participants on the 4th.
FBMS reminds us that there are many upcoming events designed to promote businesses on 8th Street and Centre Street: Upcoming Events (Bold indicates Main Street event):
- Thursday, February 24th-AI Film Festival Community Block Party (5-10PM)
- Friday, March 4th-8 Flags Road Tour (10AM-2PM)
- March 3-6-The Amelia Car Show (formerly Concours d’Elegance)
- Sunday, April 4th-Main Street Pup Crawl on 8th Street (11AM-3PM)
- Thursday, May 5th-Preservation Awards Reception
- Saturday, May 7th-Preservation Home Tour
- Sunday, May 29th-Stripes & Stars, Let’s Hit the Bars Pub Crawl (4-7PM)
- Saturday, October 1st-Island Hop Craft Beer Festival
- Saturday, October 15th-8 Flags Car Show
Look for more information on these events as the dates draw closer.
FB Main Street is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. As such it is dependent on support from the community and local businesses. Visit their website to learn how you can contribute and/or volunteer to help