Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
May 18, 2016 3:44 p.m.
Phyllis Davis, Executive Director of the Amelia Island Museum of History, presented the 2016 Fernandina Beach Historic Preservation Awards at the May 17, 2016 Regular Meeting of the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC). Awards have been presented every two years beginning in 2010 to those local construction and rehabilitation projects worthy of mention because of their contribution to the city’s historic architecture.
Davis was assisted in her presentation by Jeff Kurtz, Director of the Fernandina Beach Main Street Program, who also served as a judge along with architect Eric Lawrence and retired University of Florida professor Bill Tilson. The City of Fernandina Beach, the Museum, and the Amelia Island Fernandina Restoration Foundation have partnered in this awards program. Joining the partnership this year was Fernandina Beach Main Street. In addition to thanking the partners, Davis thanked Mead’s Framery and Trophy Store as well as Fast Signs for their support and assistance.
The awards are pictured below.
In a special presentation, Davis awarded the title of Preservation Champion to Adrienne Burke, former city Community Development Director, for her steadfast support of historic preservation initiatives and projects on behalf of the city. Burke, who recently left the city for her current position as Executive Director of Riverside Avondale Preservation, Inc. in Jacksonville, was on hand to accept the award. She expressed surprise at the award along with her hopes for continued city progress in historic preservation matters.
On Friday, May 27, 2016, the Museum will open a new historic preservation-related exhibit entitled The Past Lives On: Architectural Details of Fernandina’s Historic District. This exhibit will showcase the work of the IAA Photography Group. The exhibit will open at 6 p.m. with a special program featuring this year’s historic preservation award winners. The program is free and open to the public.
Mayor Johnny Miller also presented the Tourist Development Council (TDC) with an award from the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation for the restoration of the train depot, which he said was “the talk of Tallahassee.” This award was announced at the Florida Trust’s annual conference. Amy Lacroix accepted the award on behalf of the TDC.
Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.
Terrific choices for all — but especially wonderful to have Adrienne recognized for all of her efforts over the years!!
I’m beyond happy that Phyllis and the Museum, Jeff and Main Street, and the Restoration Foundation carried on this year with the Preservation Awards! This program is a great way to thank those who put time, energy, money and sweat equity into our one-of-a-kind historic resources and historic district. I am honored to be recognized as a preservation champion, and was totally surprised by the award. I was there just to be a cheerleader, and my husband and stepson just happened to be there for my stepson’s Boy Scout merit badge requirement. That was really special to me. My deepest thanks and appreciation go to the awards committee and nominator! Fernandina will always be in my heart!