Breaking News: ALJ finds against Amelia Bluff petitioners

Submitted by Adam Kaufman
Legal Analyst
September 16, 2019 – 4:30 p.m.

In a 67-page recommended order, Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) E. Gary Early in Case 19-2515GM (Amelia Tree Conservancy and the Sierra Club vs. City of Fernandina Beach and Amelia Bluff, LLC) has found:

“Petitioners failed to prove that the Future Land Use Map Amendment for the Amelia Bluff Subdivision was not in compliance with the Fernandina Beach Comprehensive Plan.”

ALJ E. Gary Early concludes that based upon his findings of fact and conclusions of law:

“It is RECOMMENDED that the Department of Economic Opportunity enter a final order determining that the City of Fernandina Beach Comprehensive Plan Flum Amendment adopted by Ordinance No. 2019-08 on April 16, is ‘in compliance,’ ” as that term is defined by Florida Statutes.

The ALJ advised:

“The parties have the right to submit written exceptions within 15 days of the Recommended Order with the Department of Economic Opportunity.”

Additional information will follow.