Fernandina Beach outlines $8M in seawall grants, plans for Brett’s demolition and marina repairs; construction targeted for June 2026

Glenn Cromwell, project manager for the city, told the Waterfront Advisory Board on Nov. 24 that the seawall project is organized in multiple segments, that the city has secured $8,000,000 in grant funding so far and that current awards would cover roughly 70% of the contiguous, city-owned waterfront. “This section of the Seawall is… about 2,100 linear feet,” Cromwell said, and staff estimate a combination of two pending funding streams — a potential $1,500,000 Resilient Florida award (with a $1,500,000 city match) plus an additional $4,000,000 appropriation — could bring coverage to about 86% of the targeted length.

Cromwell walked the board through the project sequence: long-range planning and a 20-year wishlist feed a five-year plan; design follows selection of projects; permits are sought (St. Johns and Corps jurisdiction were cited); bids follow final design; and construction starts after a pre-construction meeting. For the currently funded work, staff said they hope to have design permits and go to bid by March, with construction targeted to begin around June 2026 and to run through about May 2028 for the funded segments.

The board heard that segment 5 is not yet included because it spans multiple private property owners and requires an agreed alignment before the Corps permitting package is complete. “We need to have a discussion about where, as a group, we think it should go,” Cromwell said. His personal target was to have alignment decided by roughly this time next year and to submit permits thereafter.

The seawall discussion was tied to planned work at Brett’s: staff said Brett’s will be removed to create space for pier relocation, fueling-tank moves and replacement pier construction. Glenn Cromwell said the design for Brett’s and adjacent segments will be bid together, which staff expect will lower costs and simplify operations. Staff emphasized the need to keep marina operations functioning day-to-day and to limit impacts on seasonal events such as Shrimp Fest; the planned construction window aims to minimize peak-season disruption.

Lorelei Jacobs, City Grants Administrator, summarized the grants picture: $8,000,000 received to date, with construction deliverables and a reimbursable process in place; a design grant and construction grants are in hand and reimbursements follow certification of deliverables. Jacobs said the city expects design and construction deliverables will be used to secure further funding as the city demonstrates progress.

Marina General Manager Chris Ferguson briefed the board on shorter-term marina work tied to the larger projects: an ADA gangway extension has improved low-tide access at C and D docks; electrical and power-center overhauls were completed on C and D; temporary repairs were made to Brett’s boardwalk; and a newly branded pump-out boat is operational. Ferguson said the dinghy dock and parts of B dock require repairs — pile rollers, whaler boards and through rods — and staff will put those components out to bid with a pre-bid meeting planned. Ferguson also said the city will survey existing moorings and aims to restore 14 active mooring balls.

Board members asked about long-term materials (concrete, composite or wood) and lifecycle costs. Staff said concrete could give a much longer life but is significantly more expensive; composite materials are being evaluated and the project team will present options and cost trade-offs as designs approach 90% completion. The board will receive updated designs, permitting status and grant documentation at future meetings.