Tenants begin moving into new airport terminal

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
August 23, 2018

By the end of his week the city of Fernandina Beach and FBO Bentwing Flight Services will have begun transitioning into their new homes in the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport terminal.  With the need to install and test various electronic systems, it is estimated that the move might not be completed until mid to late September.

The official opening of the facility is scheduled for Saturday, October 13, 2018.  More information will be forthcoming about this public event as the date nears.

2 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Vince Cavallo
Vince Cavallo(@grandvin)
5 years ago

I see the photo aptly named the building an airport terminal. Gone now is the pretense “welcome center” tag. I wonder the results if a poll were taken of those in the footprint of this facility about their feelings. While I have no interest in my property value per se, I would bet many are concerned about theirs especially considering the city expects the facility to draw more aircraft. Furthermore, “the plan” is to increase the length of the runways in the not too distant future. I fail to see the promo this facility gets inasmuch as most of the benefit accrues to businesses not within the city, the noise generated, and the potential for disaster.

I have an anecdotal story. A few springs ago, my wife and I were standing in our driveway apron when we approached by a couple in a vehicle. They said they were considering buying a home in our development. At that moment, a plane swooped by with engines a-roar to a landing 3/4th mile away. Our conversation paused so we could hear each other. The driver rhetorically asked is there an airport near by? That was the last we saw of them as they left the neighborhood.

When we purchased our home 22 years ago, the facility was a relatively tranquil facility. Not long after that it changed when a group began to vision what a boon it could be made. Plans were drawn to enlarge the runways for instance. Those ideas were quelled in 1999 after a meeting between city leaders and local property owners. Quelled but not killed as forces were at work to end run the will of the people. The result is our current situation which is on a path to destroying the peaceful nature of this part of the island forever.

John Goshco
John Goshco (@guest_52275)
5 years ago

I agree Vince – nothing screams “tourist town” better than a tacky monument to vain politicians. Can’t wait to see how much tax money they soak city citizens for when they begin development of the old Post Office. Look for the word “vibrant”. It’s a sure sign that over-development and excessive spending is not far behind.