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Commission approves $2.36 million for Amelia River waterfront park after hours of public comment
Summary
The City Commission approved Resolution 2025‑19 authorizing waterfront park construction up to $2,359,084 after public testimony urging contiguous planning with seawall work, playground design input, and protection of working‑waterfront uses.
The Fernandina Beach City Commission voted unanimously to approve Resolution 2025‑19, authorizing construction of the Amelia River Waterfront Park project with an amount not to exceed $2,359,084 and associated budget transfers. Staff said the project scope had been reviewed in prior workshops and recommended approval to authorize construction and related appropriation changes.
Dozens of residents spoke during the public‑comment period focused on waterfront design, continuity with the seawall work, parking and preservation of the town's working waterfront. Sheila Cokie urged careful sequencing so grant funding aligns with seawall planning; Pete Stevenson and others urged the commission to settle outstanding questions about Atlantic Seafood and other waterfront parcels that staff identified as gating items. Several commenters — including business owners and event organizers — pressed for maintaining adequate trailer and event parking and for ensuring Petanque courts and boat‑trailer access are accommodated.
Staff and commissioners clarified the playground will return to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC) for feature selection and budget alignment; PRAC will provide recommendations for a children's play area sized in the plan. Vice Mayor Darren Askew said he supported the motion but reiterated the commission's intent to revisit parking rules and the land development code where appropriate.
The resolution passed on a 5‑0 roll call. The commission directed staff to continue stakeholder coordination with PRAC, the marina, and event groups as the park design proceeds toward construction contracting and permitting.
