FBCC meets new FO editor Mike Phillips

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
May 9, 2022

Mike Phillips

Outgoing Fernandina Observer reporter Suanne Thamm used the occasion of covering her final meeting with the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) on May 3, 2022 to formally introduce incoming newsblog editor Mike Phillips to the FBCC and the community.  While Thamm acknowledged that she would miss her “Tuesday nights out with the boys,” she reassured commissioners that Phillips, with his extensive background in publishing newspapers, will greatly enhance the Fernandina Observer’s depth and coverage.

In addressing the FBCC, Phillips said that as part of the transition, he is dealing with the IRS and the Florida Secretary of State to obtain non-profit status for the newsblog.  “This will make the news operation a lot sturdier,” he said.  “This is a major trend in community journalism across the country.  It puts better legs underneath an operation that can at times be incredibly fraught with changing media circumstances.  If you think we have seen a lot of changes in the last 10 years, you just wait.”

Phillips ended his presentation expressing a desire to meet with individual commissioners.

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Robert S. Warner, Jr.
Robert S. Warner, Jr. (@guest_65006)
1 year ago

Thank you, Suanne for all you have done for us. Bob Warner

Margo Story
Margo Story (@guest_65009)
1 year ago

Thank you Suanne & welcome Mike!!

DAVID LOTT
DAVID LOTT(@dave-l)
1 year ago

Suanne, thanks for all your contributions to the FO and to the community over the years. Maybe there is a Bingo game somewhere on the first and third Tuesday nights you can go where you can still use paper and a pen. All the best!

Peggy Bulger
Peggy Bulger(@peggy-bulger1949gmail-com)
1 year ago

Suanne, you are a community treasure!! Your work with FO has been amazing and honest, and has kept all of us informed. Thank you so much!!

Mary Maguire
Mary Maguire(@memaguireaol-com)
1 year ago

Suanne, The community is better because you’re in it and you are going to be missed in this space. Thank you.

Alexandra Lajoux
Alexandra Lajoux(@alexandralajoux)
1 year ago

I had an inkling this was happening but didn’t want to face the loss. Suanne, in the words of Peggy Bulger, you are indeed a “community treasure.” Although you are passing the torch of your regular FO byline, I trust that we will enjoy more of your writings in the future. Be well and hope to see you around town.

missyjean
missyjean(@missyjean)
1 year ago

As long as the FO does not become another mainstream media propaganda megaphone that censors the peoples voice We will be very happy!!

Last edited 1 year ago by missyjean