October 18, 2021
Author: Suanne Thamm
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.
Breast Cancer Awareness and “Pink Day”
From The County Insider Office of the Nassau County Manager October 17, 2021 At the October…
Herschel Walker Jacksonville fundraiser set for Florida/Georgia weekend
By A.G. Gancarski FloridaPolitics.com October 17, 2021 A Republican Senate candidate and college football legend will…
Florida National Guard: COVID-19 mission is over
By Jason Delgado FloridaPolitics.com October 16, 2021 ‘Over the course of 20 months, we did almost…
Ron DeSantis warns that kids may not get toys for Christmas
By A.G. Gancarski FloridaPolitics.com October 15, 2021 ‘We don’t even know if the kids will get…
Florida property insurance market’s ‘staggering losses’ are ‘not sustainable’
By John Haughey The Center Square October 15, 2021 Many Florida property insurers are seeking double-digit…
Weekly Comments By Dale Martin — More Citizen Surveys to come
Submitted by Dale Martin Fernandina Beach City Manager October 15, 2021 The City Commission recently approved…
DeSantis administration: $1.1 billion in Medicaid money on its way
By Christine Jordan Sexton FloridaPolitics.com October 14, 2021 The federal government has given Florida “conditional approval”…
Charlie Crist unveils ‘Justice For All’ reform agenda
By Jacob Ogles FloridaPolitics,com October 13, 2021 Chief planks include restoring voting rights and implementing universal…
On the waterfront with City Engineer Charlie George
Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm Reporter – News Analyst October 12, 2021 People of Fernandina, take…
As winter crops are planted, Florida’s Congressional delegation demands protections against Mexican imports
By John Haughey The Center Square October 12, 2021 Both Florida’s U.S. senators and two-thirds of…
Florida bill would require point-of-sale retailers accept cash
2By John Haughey The Center Square October 12, 2021 A proposed Florida bill would require…
City proclaims October 2021 “National Colonial Heritage Month”
Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm Reporter – News Analyst October 6, 2021 Below is a Proclamation…
Fernandina Beach Main Street helps local businesses
Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm Reporter – News Analyst October 11, 2021 Fernandina Beach Main Street…
Nassau County Halloween Festival Updated
from The County Insider Office of the Nassau County Manager October 8, 2021 10/7/21 @ 11:40…
In praise of public employees: Florida City Government Week October 18-24, 2021
Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm Reporter – News Analyst October 6, 2021 The October 5, 2021…
Meteor Shower Tonight
from The County Insider Office of the Nassau County Manager 10/8/21 @ 9:15 a.m. – Nassau…
New development on Bonnieview Road?
Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm Reporter – News Analyst October 7, 2021 What initially looked like…
Future of Atlantic Seafood uncertain
Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm Reporter – News Analyst October 6, 2021 On a 4-1 vote…
City recognizes ABWA for 52 years of service
Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm Reporter – News Analyst October 6, 2021 At the October 5,…
FBCC’s Dog of the Month for October: Buddy
Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm Reporter – News Analyst October 6, 2021 Meet Buddy, a 3…
Bristol backs off plans for Parkway Project
Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm Reporter – News Analyst October 5, 2021 From July 22-26,…
Casey DeSantis diagnosed with breast cancer
By Renzo Downey FloridaPolitics.com October 4, 2021 ‘As the mother of three young children, Casey is…
Florida to investigate Facebook for alleged ‘election interference’
By John Haughey The Center Square October 3, 2021 Florida Secretary of State Laurel Lee will…
People can own giant bottles of wine in Florida, they just can’t sell them.
By Anne Geggis FloridaPolitics.com September 30, 2021 “Brandes has also filed legislation (SB 324) that would…
REMINDER: Falling for Shrimp festival begins this afternoon!
In celebration of the State of Florida opening up after the Covid epidemic, and since we…
Update Regarding Beach Access and Parking Study: Survey deadline TODAY
From The County Insider Office of the Nassau County Manager September 30, 2021 9/30/21 @ 9:15…
Regional and County economic recovery plans released
Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm Reporter – News Analyst September 29, 2021 Sean Lehav, Resiliency Coordinator…
Officials: Florida not lagging but ‘early’ in developing electric vehicle infrastructure
By John Haughey The Center Square September 27, 2021 By 2040, nearly 60% of passenger…
Falling for Shrimp this weekend
Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm Reporter – News Analyst September 25, 2021 Like many of us,…
Florida TaxWatch joins Chamber in calling for restoration of qualified industry tax refund
By John Haughey The Center Square September 28, 2021 There’s justified debate over how governments use…
Ana Maria Rodriguez files bill to expand low-income senior housing property tax exemptions
By Christine Jordan Sexton FloridaPolitics.com September 28, 2021 A technical fix would alter the ownership structure…
As property insurance rates skyrocket, Florida ‘insurer of last resort’ seeks to become less attractive
By John Haughey The Center Square September 28, 2021 With hurricanes, rising sea levels and litigation…
What to do about Fernandina Beach’s City Hall?
Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm Reporter – News Analyst September 24, 2021 Has Fernandina Beach City…
Status report on FBCC goals for 2021
Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm Reporter – News Analyst September 25, 2021 As the end…
All bets are off on mobile sports wagering being legal in Florida on Oct. 15
By John Haughey The Center Square September 27, 2021 Under the Florida-Seminole Tribe gaming compact signed…
Nassau County Road & Lane Closures: Week of September 25-October 1, 2021
I-95 at Tide Creek Daytime lane closures from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and nighttime lane…
FTC Testifies before the Senate Special Committee on Aging About the Agency’s Work to Halt Practices that Prey on Older Americans
Media Release September 24, 2021 Bad actors who prey on older Americans should be stopped in…
Florida Forum Tickets Now On Sale
Women’s Board of Wolfson Children’s Hospital PRESS RELEASE September 24. 2021 Featuring Terry Bradshaw, Maj. Gen.…
FBCC proclaims Les Demerle Amelia Island Jazz Festival Week October 3-10, 2021
Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm Reporter – News Analyst September 22, 2021 It’s time once…
FBCC Proclaims September 2021 “National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month”
Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm Reporter – News Analyst September 23, 2021 MRT Team Leader…
Nassau County Waste Tire Collection Event a Success
from The County Insider Office of the Nassau County Manager September 23, 2021 9/23/21 @…
FWC seeks landowners to help with gopher tortoise conservation
Media Release September 23, 2021 The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking landowners…
Friends of Talbot Island State Parks host the Talbot Tidewater Celebration Sep 25
MEDIA RELEASE The free event will take place on National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept.…
City Proclaims September 15-October 15, 2021 “National Hispanic Heritage Month”
Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm Reporter – News Analyst September 22, 2021 “National Hispanic Heritage Month”…
Fernandina Beach Charter Officers receive high marks for job performance
Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm Reporter – News Analyst September 22, 2021 In accordance with…
Fernandina Beach eliminates license requirement for pet dogs and cats
Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm Reporter – News Analyst September 22, 2021 Some good news…
FBCC sets millage, adopts budget & fee schedule for FY2021/22
Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm Reporter – News Analyst September 22, 2021 At a Special…
City of Fernandina Monthly Budget Report: August 2021
By Pauline Testagrose City of Fernandina Beach Comptroller September 22, 2021 Fernandina Beach Comptroller Pauline Testagrose…
Aaron Bean wants to fix some long-standing health care budget woes
By Christine Jordan Sexton PloridaPolitics.com September 21, 2021 Even with extra funding to go around, Bean…
Florida leaving billions in federal assistance for schools, low-income students on the table
By John Haughey The Center Square September 21, 2021 More than three months after missing…
Florida suffers another new weekly COVID-19 death record
By Scott Powers FloridaPolitics.com September 20, 2021 There is good news, as the weekly new…
Community Members Meet to Discuss the Port of Fernandina
Submitted by Mike Spino September 20, 2021 Ocean, Port and Highways Authority Commissioner Miriam Hill met…
FL has recouped 76.8% of jobs lost to pandemic, DEO reports
By Peter Schorsch Takeaways from Tallahassee September 19, 2021 When the pandemic hit, unemployment went…
Oil supply losses from Hurricane Ida reach 30 million barrels, impacting gas prices
By Bethany Blankley The Center Square September 18, 2021 Hurricane Ida has already caused oil…
Survey finds bipartisan opposition to gerrymandering
By Anne Geggis FloridaPolitics.com September 17, 2021 Voters would give up their party’s advantage for more…
Nassau County Seeking Volunteer to Serve on Planning & Zoning Board
from The County Insider Office of the Nassau County Manager September 17, 2021 9/16/21 @ 10:15…
DeSantis hits bipartisan ‘sweet spot’ with proposed slash in Florida K-12 standardized testing
By John Haughey The Center Square September 16, 2021 Gov. Ron DeSantis spearheaded the effort to…
Island Hop Craft Beer Fest is SOLD OUT!
BREAKING NEWS September 16.2021 If you were planning to buy tickets at the door Saturday,…
FBCC proclaims Constitution Week September 17–23, 2021
Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm Reporter – News Analyst September 8, 2021 Daughters of the American…
Florida Universities continue to rise in national rankings led by UF
By Peter Schorsch Sunburn September 14, 2021 The University of Florida keeps climbing. A decade…
Fernandina Beach to begin charging Service Fees for credit, debit card payments October 1
City of Fernandina Beach Media Release September 14, 2021 The City of Fernandina Beach will begin…
CAP Mission Statement: Volunteers serving America’s communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.
Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm Reporter – News Analyst September 14, 2021 Fernandina Beach’s Municipal Airport…
9/11 20th Anniversary Tribute Event
from The County Insider Office of the Nassau County Manager September 13, 2021 Over 100 people…
Ron DeSantis bashed for making Florida ‘only state’ not using federal child food aid program
By Jesse Scheckner FloridaPolitics.com September 11, 2021 Florida’s neediest families are missing out on about $820…
Tommy Hazouri, lion of Jacksonville politics, passes away at 76
By A. G. Gancarski FloridaPolitics.com September 11, 2021 A legacy like no other in Jacksonville politics.…
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) answers Covid-19 related questions
Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm Reporter – News Analyst September 11, 2021 [The EPA website…
Florida’s summer surge of COVID-19 worse than any Democratic-led state
By Scott Powers FloridaPolitics.com September 11, 2021 Democrats fully control 15 states. Here’s how they compare…
Outlier? Poll shows voters still favor Charlie Crist over Ron DeSantis
By Jacob Ogles FloridaPolitics.com September 10, 2021 And they don’t want the GOP incumbent to run…
Nassau County Survey Regarding Beach Access and Parking
from The County Insider Office of the Nassau County Manager September 9, 2021 As previously announced,…
Sabatini vows to be first Florida lawmaker to file a ‘Texas Heartbeat Bill’
By John Haughey The Center Square September 10, 2021 With the U.S. Supreme Court opting…
Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau Wins Six Statewide Awards for Outstanding Tourism Marketing
= MEDIA RELEASE AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (Sept. 9, 2021) – During the Florida Governor’s Conference on…
FBCC discusses City fee changes
Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm Reporter – News Analyst September 9, 2021 Fernandina Beach City Commissioners…
Florida’s long, hot, ‘sad’ COVID-19 summer
By Scott Powers FloridaPolitics.com September 9, 2021 On Memorial Day, the summer looked really good. It…