City of Fernandina Beach
Media Release
May 30, 2020
This week the City’s Conservation Land Trust received a second generous donation in an amount of $50,000. Inspired by the advocacy efforts of Mrs. Joan Bean, the anonymous donors’ wishes are to provide the City with an expansion and extension of their prior matching funds program offered in February 2020. Their hope is that the City will raise $150,000 in matching donations. In total, the fund matching opportunity has the potential to generate up to $450,000 for conservation land purchases in Fernandina Beach.
To date, the anonymous donors’ charitable contributions now total $150,000. At this time, the City has received $22,230 in eligible match funds. The matching program revisions for City collected Conservation Land Trust Fund donations are to be updated as follows:
Individual donations will be matched up to a maximum of $1,500 per donor.
Organization donations will be matched up to a maximum of $7,500 per donor.
The new matching will apply retroactive to the date of our client’s original contribution offer and for donations received by the City’s Land Conservation Trust Fund during the period ending November 15, 2020.
Contact: Kelly N. Gibson, AICP
City of Fernandina Beach Planning & Conservation Department (904) 310-3480
This family desires to continue to remain anonymous, but has requested the following statement:
In these very challenging times we want you to know how strongly we feel about our commitment to conservation in our wonderful community. The recent passing of Ms. Bean touched our hearts. A special lady on a special island. Let’s work to keep it that way by saving some more of it from development. Maybe those people whose lives were touched by Ms. Bean could show their love and appreciation for her by writing a check that could be matched. Tough times always create opportunities. We hope you take advantage of yours.
The City continues to partner with the North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) as part of its conservation land acquisition efforts. In 2019, the City acquired approximately nine acres of land. Thank you to all who have assisted the City in preserving natural resources.
Individuals and organizations wishing to donate may direct funds to the “City of Fernandina Beach.” In the reference memo, please include “Land Conservation Trust Fund Account# 135-36601 – matching donation.” Checks can be mailed to the Planning & Conservation Department, 204 Ash Street, Fernandina Beach, FL, 32034. The City will maintain a log of donations received and provide an update to the Commission at future meetings. Funds donated to the City of Fernandina Beach may be eligible for charitable contribution tax deductions.