Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
June 17, 2020
Fernandina Beach City Commissioners (FBCC) publicly acknowledged and mourned the passing of community activist Phil Scanlan during their June 16, 2020 Regular Meeting. The 76 year-old Scanlan, who passed away on Monday, June 15 at his home on Amelia Island, was a prime mover in promoting environmental issues, biking, and island trails.
Commissioner Chip Ross read from a long list of Scanlan’s contributions, provided by fellow trails advocate and friend Mike Pikula. Ross expressed his sympathy for Scanlan’s family and the community that Scanlan served with such positive determination and hard work over the years. His comments are provided below:
“Phil was an energetic local community leader and supporter who was directly involved in a numerous local activities and projects which made our community a better place to live and work.
“He founded “Adult Bikes for Barnabus”, a local Fernandina Beach program to recycle bicycles and put them in the hands of individuals who needed them for transportation. With the Barnabus Center and Fernandina Cycling and Fitness shop owner Joel Beckham, this program has resulted in the donation, repair and distribution of more than 350 bicycles to needy local individuals.
“He was instrumental in the founding and organizing of “Kraft Tennis Partners” at The Kraft Athletic Club which constructed tennis courts and organized a local tennis league on the “Ten Acres” property off Old Amelia Road.
“He worked with the Cities of Fernandina Beach, FL, St Marys, GA, the National Park Service in St Marys, and Kevin McCarthy of Amelia River Cruises in efforts to re-establish regularly scheduled water taxi service between the two cities, a service we hope will restart once the local Marina is fully repaired.
“With Bill Moore and Mike Pikula, founded the non-profit organization “Friends of the Amelia Island Trail, Inc.” which has been largely responsible for the construction of the Amelia Island Trail, The Amelia River-to-Sea Trail, and had more recently helped our City and Project Officer Mike Spino in planning for a new trail which will be discussed tonight, the Schools to Downtown Waterfront Trail. His work on trails also led him to be an active member and supporter of the East Coast Greenway Alliance.”
Ross concluded, “He was a retired AT&T executive, wrote two books, ran for a seat on the Nassau County Commission, and was active in numerous local community affairs and projects. He will be missed.”
Mayor John Miller also eulogized Scanlan. He said, “If it weren’t for Phil, we wouldn’t have the trails we do on the island today. Phil was a driving force in many activities. I met with him on several occasions on the water taxi to St. Marys. He was really the motivating force on many of the things we do here. He’s really going to be missed.”
Commissioner Mike Lednovich said, “One of the negatives of Facebook is that when you log on in the morning and you see a picture. This morning it was Phil Scanlan’s photo, and that’s when I learned that he had passed. It was a wonderful photo of him with the Phil smile and his bike. It reminded me of the meeting I had had with him and reinforced everything he had done for this community. As a human, you just go, oh no, and I have been thinking about Phil all day long. I didn’t know him that well, but every time I met with him I came away amazed at his energy and how many pies he had his fingers in. He was kind of like the Energizer Bunny. I will miss Phil, I feel badly for our community for what we have lost, and thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”
Within a span of 60 days, FB/AI has lost two irreplaceable community leaders in the passing of Joan Bean and Phil Scanlon. Phil was such a strong and consistent advocate on a number of projects to improve the quality of life in the community. His presence and that enduring smile and laughter will be greatly missed.
Phil was a curious and energetic force to be reckoned with who was passionate about protecting the environment and good fiscal stewardship. Janet and I spent a week with Phil and Jane onboard the Queen Elizabeth II transatlantic crossing and I was just amazed at the range of his intellectual curiosity. Blessings to Phil and the family.
Phil was an amazing individual. After he retired he never found a recliner, kicked his feet up, and said “Let somebody else handle it”. He turned 100% of his energy to make this world a better place… A side story on Phil. He, and Judy took a Vacation to Israel.. While there, he saw the plight of the Palestinians on the West Bank. The Potable Water Supply was less than acceptable, and was managed by the Israeli Government. (His work @ AT&T gave him background) He wrote a paper on how to correct the inadequacies of the system, and presented it to officials of the Israeli Government. Every time you had a conversation with Phil..You came away a little smarter. Thank you Phillip.. Rest Easy.
Thank you for writing this beautiful article about my father.
Although I am not the author of the tribute, I will say your father is easy to write about! He gave so much to our community and we are forever grateful.
I just recently met Phil, but even in illness, I knew he was someone special. I am sad to hear of his passing as I had so hoped to talk with him again. Rest easy, sir. Thank you for inspiring me to see what retirement can & should be, and THANK YOU for your many contributions to our island. I will think of you every time I bike one of our beautiful trails.