Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
July 5, 2016 8:52 a.m.
During the recent Workshop on Special Events, City Manager Dale Martin indicated that the city had permitted 66 events during 2015. Below is a breakdown of those events by month, indicating sponsoring organization. The overwhelming number of these events were held to benefit non-profit organizations.
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.
Great information. In evaluating the impact on the City’s facilities, businesses and residential communities, it would be helpful to understand the venue/route where the event was held and its duration. The City has an extensive portfolio of venues where smaller events could be staged so as not to impact any one area time and time again.
I agree with Dave 100%! I don’t believe that there is a need to cutback on or eliminate events. Spreading them out over different courses, venues, etc would be a very smart move. I also feel that we should keep considerate of the events which help charities and such. For anyone to say that these are frivolous and harmful is ludicrous!
This is an incomplete list and does not include events not sanctioned by the city. For example, competitive racing events held on Amelia Island and impacting city roads. Many of these are for profit and significantly impact city and island residents. Many events held in Ft. Clinch State Park are not listed here. The event total is far higher than what is reflected on the list.