City of Fernandina Beach declares State of Emergency due to Covid-19 virus

The Resolution below was signed into law by Fernandina Beach Mayor John Miller on March 19, 2020.

RESOLUTION 2020-48

DECLARATION OF STATE OF EMERGENCY

A DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RESPONSE TO NOVEL CORONA VIRUS 2019 COVID- 19 PANDEMIC

WHEREAS, the State of Florida, by action of Governor DeSantis, declared a State of Emergency (Executive Order 20-52; March 9, 2020) due to the spread and effect of Novel Corona Virus 2019 (Covid-19); and

WHEREAS, in similar response to Covid-19, Nassau County, by action of the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners (Resolution 2020-35; March 18, 2020) declared a State of Local Emergency for all territory within the legal boundaries of Nassau County, including all

incorporated and unincorporated areas; and

WHEREAS, under the provisions of Florida Statute Chapter 252, Section 38 (Emergency management powers of political subdivisions), it is an innate responsibility of the governing body of each political subdivision to safeguard the life and property of its citizens.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY DECLARED BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF FERNANDINA BEACH, FLORIDA, THAT:

SECTION 1. Under the recognition of the responsibility described in Florida Statute Chapter 252, Section 38, and due to the growing and ongoing threat to the City of Fernandina Beach, a State of Emergency is hereby declared for all areas within the corporate limits of the City of Fernandina Beach, effective 1:00 PM, March 19, 2020.

SECTION 2. This Resolution and declaration must be confirmed by the duly elected City Commission of the City of Fernandina Beach as the first item of business at the next scheduled (regular or special) meeting of the City Commission.

SECTION 3. In accordance with Florida Statute 252, Section 38(3) and for the purpose of continuing local government operations as budgeted and approved by the City Commission, the City Manager (and his designees) may exercise the powers and authority granted therein.

SECTION 4. In further accordance with Florida Statute 252, Section 38, and State of Florida Executive Order 20-52 (Section 5[D]), the City may waive the procedures and formalities otherwise required pertaining to: 1) performance of public work and taking whatever prudent action is necessary to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the community, including but not limited to, modifications to the conduct of public meetings and public participation at said meetings; 2) entering into contracts; however, political subdivisions are cautioned against entering into time and materials contracts without ceiling as defined by 2 CFR 200.318(j) or cost plus percentage contracts as defined by 2 CFR 200.323(d); 3) incurring obligations; 4) employment of permanent and temporary workers; 5) utilization of volunteer workers; 6) rental of equipment; 7) acquisition and distribution, with or without compensation, of supplies, materials, and facilities; and, 8) appropriation and expenditure of public funds.

1 Comment
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Josie Son
Josie Son (@guest_57005)
3 years ago

That’s nice that a state of emergency has been declared in Fernandina Beach. Since travelers are going around barriers to get here, and in light of the recent predictions of the spread of the virus, wouldn’t it be also wise to close off the accesses onto the island for non residents?. Allow only people who work and live here to travel off and on. Our numbers of C-19 are low, let’s keep it that way. I realize that this sounds drastic but let’s not wait till it’s too late. Please also consider the population of seniors in FB.

Respectfully
J. Son