Learn FDOT Improvement Plans for Island's State Roads May 23

The first of several planned community forums was held April 17 at the Peck Center Auditorium.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will present plans for improving state roads on Amelia Island at the second Community Walking and Biking Town Hall Meeting, Tues., May 23, 5-7 p.m. at the Peck Center Auditorium.

The meeting is part of a series of community discussions the Citizen's Task Force for Safe Walking and Biking in Fernandina Beach is hosting through July. The task force requests the public’s help to identify and prioritize construction, signage or other enhancements that would improve the access and safety of Fernandina Beach’s walkers, runners, cyclists and people with mobility issues. Formed by Deputy City Manager/City Engineer Charlie George this spring, the task force has received more than 150 completed surveys from citizens identifying their priorities and suggestions.

More than 80 participants attended the task force's first community meeting on April 17. Issues identified:

1. Residents want vehicle speed lowered across the island.
2. Safety concerns on the state-controlled roads of South Fletcher, Atlantic and South Eighth especially vehicle speed, lack of crosswalks and sidewalks.
3. Lack of maintenance of South Fletcher roadway, bike lanes and sidewalks.
4. Safety concerns on Citrona from vehicle speed, lack of crosswalks and stop signs.
5. Concerns about the lack of bike lanes and safe passage westbound to the Shave Bridge.
6. Teach rules of the road to walkers, cyclists and motorists.

Community members can also go to www.fbfl.us/Citizens4Safety to provide recommendations.  Email Mike Spino at [email protected] with questions or comments.

Additional Upcoming Task Force Public Meetings

• May 31, from 4-6 p.m. at City Commission Chambers: The Task Force will hold a consensus-building meeting to select short-, mid- and long-term recommendations.
• June 12, from 4-6 p.m. at City Commission Chambers: The Task Force will hold a community meeting and share the draft Task Force Final Report.
• July 11, 2023, at 6 p.m. at the City Commission’s regular meeting at City Hall: The Task Force will present a Report of Community Recommendations to Promote Safe and Accessible Walking and Biking in Fernandina Beach.