Old Town to secede from Fernandina Beach

by Ima Djokin
Old Town correspondent
April 1, 2019

Aerial photo of Fernandina Beach’s Old Town at the north end of Amelia Island.

Once the original settlement of Fernandina, Old Town to many has become a footnote in the city’s history.  Residents have decided that they are not going to take second place to “New Town Fernandina” any more.  They are petitioning the state of Florida for independence from both Fernandina Beach and Nassau County.  If successful they will turn their sights on Washington and a petition for national independence.  Noted lobbyist Dexter Katz has been rumored to be on the prowl for support even now.

O.U. Kydd

Self appointed leader of the secessionist movement is Old Town resident O.U. Kydd, a recent transplant from the North.  His background is vague, and searches on Facebook and Google only deepened the mystery.  When contacted by the Fernandina Observer for comment, Kydd was reluctant to go into much detail, but claimed he had overwhelming support from both Old Town newcomers and old timers.  

He anticipates the new nation will run as a true democracy, with every resident participating in every decision.  There will be no property taxes, because each household will assume responsibility for some aspect of government work:  streets, utilities, parks and recreation, and public safety. In case of fire, every citizen will grab a bucket, head to the Amelia River and form a bucket brigade until the fire is extinguished. 

The new nation will also collect customs and tolls from those entering or passing through Old Town on their way to and from the boat ramp or Fort Clinch.  

When asked how an independent Old Town would obtain sewer and water, currently provided by the city of Fernandina Beach, Kydd explained that part of the plan is to drill wells for potable water and take over the former Pogey Plant for sewage treatment.  “After all,” Kydd said, “folks here got used to the smell of the Pogey Plant, so they can get used to the smell of a sewage treatment plant.”

Rumors have been circulating for months that the former Pippi Longstocking house on Estrada Street was undergoing renovations to serve as what appeared to be a government office building.  Kydd confirmed that the house would be known as Government House once independence is finalized.  He indicated that the former Spanish parade ground would also be used to drill Old Town’s soon to be formed defense force.

So what happens if the state fails to grant independence?  Kydd said that organizers are enlisting the Amelia Tree Conservancy and the Citizens for the Preservation of Public Beaches to help with their lobbying campaign.  With these groups behind them, Kydd saw no prospect for failure.

Residents of Fernandina Beach had mixed reactions when hearing of the Old Town secession plan.  Remarks ranged from:  “Cool!” to “Where’s Old Town?”  One person, asked for a comment as he was emerging from the Palace Saloon, immediately broke into song:

“When you hear those bells go ding-a-ling,
All join ’round and sweetly you must sing.
And when the verse is through, in the chorus all join in:
“There’ll be a hot time in Old Town tonight!”

Dear Fernandina Observer readers:  Be careful to question what you read on April 1!

Suanne Thamm 4Editor’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.

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Carol Lee Adams
Carol Lee Adams(@carollee0123hotmail-com)
4 years ago

Good one! 🙂

Joanna Murphy
Joanna Murphy (@guest_54774)
4 years ago

That was a fun and very entertaining article. Best wishes to O.U, Kydd!

Janet Michea
Janet Michea(@jmicheacomcast-net)
4 years ago

Very clever. Love it!

Tim Walker
Tim Walker (@guest_54776)
4 years ago

The Pogy Plant is going to succeed from the country first and then fire on Fort Clinch to expand its boarder to get some beach front and protect our port…then we will demand Foreign Aid from the US…then look out Old Town…

P. Morris
P. Morris (@guest_54777)
4 years ago

WOW. What an imagination! AT LEAST, I HOPE!!!

Deborah Biggs
Deborah Biggs (@guest_54778)
4 years ago

I told my husband about the article and he said he had read it. As I had not, I asked him for teh “Cliff Notes” version. He looked at me and said, “April Fools!” You got me!

Kat Gardner-Brown
Kat Gardner-Brown (@guest_54780)
4 years ago

I sure hope it is a April Fools. The idea again is outsider changing. He can’t collect fees from anywhere. Clinch is a park. The pogy plant has owners. You can’t drill on historical land. Fact island is a sand bar. 13 miles long 2.1 wide. Just drill enough keep up building and drilling and sink it. What a nut job. Stop already. County and folks aren’t giving it up. Where did THAT draw bridge go ?