Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
February 17, 2021
Fernandina Beach Municipal Golf Course operations continue under the direction of an interim management team, headed by former Billy Casper manager Steve Murphy. Toptracer is well on its way to operation within the next 3-4 weeks.
At the February 16, 2021 Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) meeting, Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 2021-25 directing the City Manager to develop a Request for Proposal (RFP) for golf course management, which will return to the FBCC for review and approval prior to publication. The Resolution also authorized the City Manager to provide interim staffing for the golf course operation until a permanent solution can be made.
This resolution memorialized the action taken at the February 2, 2021, meeting for the record.
City Manager Dale Martin updated the FBCC on Toptracer during his remarks at the end of the meeting.
The City has been meeting with Toptracer people on installation, operation and training. Landscaping around the Toptracer facility is underway. The City is selling sponsorships for the various bays at a cost of $2,500 for two years. Martin reported that 5 of the 10 available bays have already received sponsors. Sponsors are entitled to one free hour of non-peak time Toptracer per month. Banners have been put up advertising Toptracer. Other promotional opportunities will be announced soon.
Martin said that the City is looking at a soft official opening of Toptracer the end of February or beginning of March, with a Grand Opening in April.