Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
June 7, 2021
Fernandina Beach Main Street is on the move. Executive Director Lisa Finkelstein updated the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) on Main Street’s activities and plans at the June 1, 2021 FBCC Regular Meeting.
Late in 2020, the Main Street program borders were expanded to include businesses along the 8th Street corridor and Atlantic Avenue east to 14th Street. Main Street is organized by councils: Promotions, Economic Vitality, Organization and Design. Each council has its own set of goals and objectives.
Finkelstein reported that ongoing discussions for the entire organization have involved dealing with the downtown trash issues and the noise ordinance. Additionally, Main Street businesses have been receiving regular updates on training and grant opportunities as well as covid-related news.
Goals for the third quarter of the year include outreach to businesses in the expanded district, completing the installation of new regulatory signs and updating pedestrian wayfindng signs.
She recapped recent activities of the Main Street program: the Shrimp Fest window painting, events related to the Concours d’Elegance and a panel discussion of cash management for small businesses. The butterfly garden at the train depot was weeded and planted. Also underway is the development of guidelines for an “Adopt a Flowerbed Program”. Work continues on prioritizing downtown streetscape projects to include lighting and sidewalks. Memorial benches are still available for dedication.
Main Street is planning a Comedy Crawl for August. In September, Main Street will sponsor the first Island Hop Craft Beer Fest which will feature craft brews and breweries in the area. Also this fall, Main Street will participate in the biannual Preservation Awards as well as an October home tour.
For more information about Fernandina Beach Main Street, including ways to support them, visit their website: https://www.fernandinamainstreet.com