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Commission votes to reconsider move of petanque courts after residents and youth‑sports advocates push back
Summary
Following extensive public testimony from Elm Street Little League, Babe Ruth and the Amelia Island Bulls Club, the Fernandina Beach City Commission voted 5–0 to reconsider a recent decision to relocate petanque (baton) courts; the reconsideration keeps the previous action on hold pending further study and community input.
The Fernandina Beach City Commission voted unanimously to reconsider its decision to relocate the petanque (baton) courts after a large turnout of residents, coaches and club leaders pressed commissioners to pause implementation.
Jeremiah Glisson, who presented the city’s parks inventory and options including Central Park and Joe Vilardi Field, told the commission the Parks & Rec Advisory Committee had recommended two options. Public testimony that followed highlighted competing uses and the operational needs of youth organizations. "We need to find a resolution because we need our ball field back," said Leslie Andrew, identified as vice president of Elm Street Little League, stressing the league’s reliance on limited field space. John Abbott, president of the Amelia Island Bulls Club, urged the commission to "take a breath" and consider alternate locations rather than immediately displacing youth fields.
Mayor Bean clarified that a successful motion to reconsider would not immediately choose a new location but would bring the prior resolution back to a future agenda for discussion and vote. Commissioner Askew moved to reconsider and Commissioner Anton seconded; after public comment and commissioner discussion the roll call produced a 5‑0 result to reconsider the earlier action, temporarily preventing staff from proceeding on the prior plan. The mayor said the vote effectively "puts it on ice" until staff and the Parks & Rec Advisory Committee can reconvene with affected users.
Commissioners and speakers said the next steps should include targeted outreach and written confirmations from groups that would be affected. Several speakers emphasized the practical constraints: Elm Street leaders said they have only two playable fields and are starting a Challenger league and a growing girls’ program that requires space for practice and games. The commission scheduled follow‑up discussions and a town hall to collect stakeholder feedback before making a final location decision.
