Fernandina Beach Main Street continues making improvements to downtown.

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm

Reporter - News Analyst

December 10, 2018 5:00 p.m.

Arlene Filkoff

Fernandina Beach Main Street (FBMS) Executive Director Arlene Filkoff updated the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) on her organization’s activities, goals and plans for the new year at the December 4, 2018 FBCC meeting.

On the short-term horizon are events related to Dickens on Centre the weekend of December 7-9.  Work continues to finalize costs and implementation decisions for the approved wayfinding project, reaccreditation with the National Main Street Program, and consolidation of responses of business interest in developing the Wade Vuturo property on Front Street.

Main Street is also focusing on further shoring up relationships with downtown businesses. Amelia Island Coffee is hosting and sponsoring a get together for local merchants and supporters on December 11 to this end.

Filkoff said that her organization is looking at the possibility of expanding their area of coverage to include businesses on Atlantic Avenue and 8^thStreet.

This has been a year of accomplishments for Main Street.  Just since October, the following accomplishments have been racked up:

• Defined and received approval for Wayfinding design
• Implemented new planters as part of downtown landscaping
• Very successful Peg Leg Pete Birthday Event
• Petanque Vendor Sponsorship
• Completed Wade Vuturo Expression of Interest Document
• Began meeting with Shrimp Festival Committee to ensure smooth for businesses
• Began conversations regarding more of a downtown presence for Amelia Concours
• Board approved funding strategy which includes board members’ contribution and responsibility matrix
• Expanded board size to include new at-large members
• Maintain presence at all HDC, TRC and PAB meetings for the Main Street mission

One of the innovations brought to local merchants by FBMS is a mobile app developed for Main Street cities called distrx. This app, useful to visitors and businesses, allows merchants to advertise promotions, post menus and other information that potential patrons can access as they walk along Centre Street.  More information on this app is available on the FBMS website .

The Main Street Board will hold a strategic planning session to develop a 3-year plan in the first quarter of 2019.  Goals for 2019 include:

• Wayfinding Implementation
• Serious implementation planning for three major and integrated projects – lighting, sidewalks and Bradford pear trees

  • This plan must include stormwater and any other City projects planned within the Main Street district
  • This plan will require close communication and contact with affected businesses

• Event involvement/sponsorship will go through refinement – Main Street will review events annually for continued sponsorship depending on impact on business

For more information on Fernandina Beach Main Street, including ways to support the work through volunteering or donating, visit their website http://fernandinamainstreet.com.  FBMS also maintains social media presence on Facebook and Instagram.