Fernandina Beach Commission pauses tennis-courts relocation, repeals earlier resolution after public town hall

The Fernandina Beach City Commission voted to repeal a previous resolution that would have relocated tournament tennis courts to Joe Vilardi Field or added courts in Central Park, following staff recommendations and public concern.

City Manager Jeremiah Glisson presented Resolution 2024-139 as a reconsideration of the August decision and recommended putting the relocation on pause while committing to improvements at Central Park, saying the existing courts "need new timbers, need new material, some weed control" and that staff could adjust footprints to accommodate seven regulation courts. Commissioners pressed staff for specifics on renovations and how tournament play would continue; Glisson said tournament organizers could use Parking Lots C and D under the city's special-event process for the largest events.

Public comment included John Abbott, president of the Bailey Island Bulls Club, who cautioned that losing 16 competition courts could imperil the Amelia Open's financial viability and urged the commission to preserve tournament capacity. Pete Stevenson, a resident, said refurbishing Central Park would provide regular play for locals and allow further study of alternatives.

Following public input and a motion to repeal, the commission approved the repeal on a roll call vote (5–0) and gave staff direction to pursue targeted renovations of the eight existing Central Park courts and to coordinate tournament logistics with organizers. City Attorney Ms. Bock explained the practical mechanism: repealing the prior resolution removes the earlier authorization and allows staff and the commission to revisit siting later this year.