Fernandina Beach City Manager
Dale Martin
September 6, 2019
Good afternoon,
I commend the efforts of all City staff involved in the preparation, response, and recovery efforts for Hurricane Dorian. The storm may not have been as severe as originally predicted, but staff was prepared for whatever Dorian brought to Fernandina Beach. Staff was busy in the days leading up to the storm, ensuring that critical infrastructure was adequately protected. As illustrated in many photographs, additional efforts were implemented at beach access points to minimize the effects of storm surge and waves. Although it is a privilege to be a part of such staff, the specific efforts of Fire Chief Silcox, Police Chief Hurley, Rex Lester, Jeremiah Glisson, and John Mandrick deserve special kudos for their efforts during the onset of the storm: they and their crews were present throughout the City to respond to all calls for assistance. In the storm’s aftermath, all City staff has worked diligently to get operations back to normal. Thank you to everyone who so proudly and professionally represents the City of Fernandina Beach.
Thank you also to the community in general for their vigilance before and during the storm. It is somewhat easy to look back and overlook the potential severity of the storm that fortunately passed us by: as late as less than four days prior to the storm reaching Fernandina Beach, the National Weather Service was projecting a serious blow directly at northeastern Florida. The residents and businesses responded well, and their support enabled City (and County) officials and staff to focus on storm preparations and response
On the other extreme, I look forward to discovering opportunities to help those in greater need in the Bahamas.