May 12, 2017 1:00 a.m.
On May 14, 2012, co-editors Susan Hardee Steger and Douglas M. Newton launched the Fernandina Observer with publication of their first article entitled We will be different! Their stated goal: to deliver news and opinions that are thoughtful, and well researched.
Since that date, almost 5,000 articles have been published along with numerous comments and opinions, covering such diverse topics as local government, weather emergencies, arts and culture, public safety, traffic updates, new businesses and restaurants. What is even more remarkable is that the entire operation has been managed and staffed by unpaid community volunteers.
The New York Times is sometimes referred to as The Gray Lady. In Fernandina Beach, it is the Gray Ladies who have kept the Fernandina Observer timely, lively and relevant through hurricanes, election cycles and local controversies over topics like conservation, preservation and economic development. The Fernandina Gray Ladies – some who sport their gray for all to see and others who keep it under their hats include: Susan Hardee Steger, who writes and tackles behind the scenes administrative and technical matters; Suanne Thamm who has attended and covered more local government meetings than some representatives of the local bodies themselves; Deb Powers, who painstakingly puts together the Weekly Blast. Also, Gerry Clare regularly covers new business and restaurant debuts, while Evelyn McDonald keeps the community abreast of important happenings on the local art and culture scene, and Anne Oman provides insightful features, as does Karen Thompson. Adam Kaufman, an honorary Gray Lady, provides insight and analysis on news with legal implications.
Overhead costs have remained low—no payroll, no office, no cars, no expense accounts. Loyal advertisers have helped cover costs related to online publishing and technical issues.
And, believe it or not, even after 5 years of publication, there are still readers who do not understand that articles are posted as they are written on the FO website: www.fernandinaobserver.com. There is no need to wait until Friday to read the latest news available following government meetings or media alerts.
In their introductory article, Steger and Newton wrote: “So how will the Fernandina Observer benefit our community? We will inform and educate, not confuse and mislead. When credit is due, we will build up our community, not tear it down. When issues arise that demand public attention, or if mistakes are made that demand accountability, you will be informed.”
In marking their milestone anniversary, Steger and Newton express their gratitude to all the FO’s contributors, commentators, advertisers and readers for validating their perception of a need for a reliable source for unvarnished information.
Happy Anniversary! Thanks for all you do to keep our community informed across a broad spectrum of topics. Best wishes for another 5 or 50!
Its been a great five years! Thanks for all the hard work and the informative articles.
Congratulations to each and every one of you — what a wonderful volunteer staff you have and what a wonderful service you all do for the community!! Here’s to another 50 years 🙂
Congrats and here is to many more years of great reporting.
Where ever I travel Friday morning coffee in hand and the Fernandina Observer! What a welcome relief to just “get the news” no someone’s spin on the news. Residents of Amelia Island I hope you appreciate this very special jewel of our island community!
Many thanks for all of you for providing the news with a positive focus on what’s happening in our area. We appreciate your dedication to journalism and your service to our community.
Congratulations! I always enjoy reading FO. It is clear you do your best to get the facts about each important issue. It feels more like a conversation between friends, than a publication. Keep up the great work.
Happy anniversary and congratulations on your wonderful publication. I always look forward to reading your stories and sharing with others. Wishing for you many more years of outstanding journalism and service to the community.
Congratulations! I began reasing the Observer before moving to town and continue to read now that we live hear. You provide a great service to this community and we appreciate you for your efforts.
Congratulations and thanks for the hard work you all do. It’s obvious that this is a professional publication and not merely a hobby.
I strongly echo all of the above positive comments.
Congratulations on your first 5 years. The FO has been a great source of information about the FB community. Thanks to all that make it happen. Keep up the great work!
As part-time residents of Fernandina, we are here four months each year from January through April, we have relied upon the Fernandina Observer to keep us abreast of the important issues and events on the island whether we are here or back up north. We have enjoyed the depth of your reporting and can’t thank you enough for what you are doing. We hope you will continue with this great publication.
Congratulations on publishing a great “News Paper”. Not full of conservative or liberal opinions but news worth reading. I enjoyed reading this publication before I moved here and continue to use it as my source of information about Amelia Island. Please stay this way.
Thank You all for keeping us all informed of Community News, it’s always been a wonderful read and a great comment forum, for the issues of the Day, Week, or Year. It has made a great contributions to understanding all the issues going on in our City and County. Thank You, and Congratulations on a job well done.
Enjoy your publication! Keep it rolling!
STANDING OVATION to each and every one of you in front of, and behind, the scenes of this outstanding publication. The quality of your work has singled you out locally and regionally. Take a break – you deserve it.
With much respect,
Yay! Congratulations to the news and opinion outlet that proved the need and desire for more local coverage.
Congratulations on your anniversary. We rely on your broad, in depth and objective coverage of the issues and activities that impact this wonderful community. Best wishes to all of you in years to come!
I always look forward to catching up on the FO and appreciate all that you offer to the community. A much needed alternative to the NL. Thank you for all that you do and Happy Anniversary!
It took a while but I finally discovered you last year. Thanks to your hard work this expat Pirate in Texas now has a daily link to home!