Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
Fernandina Beach Mayor Robin Lentz, acknowledging the commitment of Vice Mayor Len Kreger to solving longstanding stormwater problems within the city, invited him to deliver a city proclamation expressing gratitude to State Senator Aaron Bean and former State Representative Janet Adkins for their extraordinary efforts in obtaining $900K in state assistance to construct projects identified in the city’s Stormwater Master Plan to alleviate city drainage and flooding problems.
Both Bean and Adkins were present at the January 17, 2017 Regular Meeting of the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) to accept the proclamation. Representative Cord Byrd, who was elected to succeed the term-limited Adkins, also attended the presentation.
Kreger on behalf of the city expressed “genuine and sincere gratitude [to the legislators] for doggedly petitioning on behalf of the City of Fernandina Beach to secure State monies for critical Stormwater improvements in Fernandina Beach and Nassau County.”
Kreger reminded the audience that the city was the only Nassau County entity to have its project funded under the state budget. He said that already the results are visible in the North Fletcher area.
In accepting the proclamation, Janet Adkins first thanked the FBCC for its invitation and recognition. She said, “There are two people who deserve recognition who are not named in this proclamation: former Mayor Ed Boner and city lobbyist Buddy Jacobs. Every appropriation starts with an idea. In this particular case, it started with a conversation with former Mayor Ed Boner who was expressing concern over this very large project for
the city of Fernandina. … Because of his leadership and determination we stand here today. But I would be remiss if I did not give a big recognition to Buddy Jacobs. He is an excellent asset to this city. He is well regarded in Tallahassee. … He is so resolute and so committed to deal with the problems of this community. I want to personally thank you [Jacobs was in attendance] and former Mayor Ed Boner for their leadership on this issue.”
Senator Aaron Bean expressed his pleasure at being back in FBCC chambers, recalling his days on the commission and as mayor. With respect to the stormwater funding challenge, he said, “It was a pleasure to work for the city of Fernandina Beach. Representative Adkins and I had the item in twice and initially the project was vetoed. It became personal for both of us.”
Bean also acknowledged Buddy Jacobs, whom he called the “Dean of the Lobbying Corps,” now in his 47th legislative session. He thanked the Commission for the recognition, adding that he looked forward to continuing work with the city in the 2017 Legislative Session scheduled to begin on March 7.
Newly elected representative Cord Byrd thanked Vice Mayor Kreger for an opportunity to speak. He thanked Bean and Adkins for laying the groundwork, adding that he looked forward to working with the city going forward.