Fernandina Observer celebrates two year anniversary!

June 26, 2014 10:29 p.m.

Two years ago the Fernandina Observer announced its beginning. “We will be different!” was the title of our first post, and it let our readers know what we wished to accomplish.

“We will inform and educate, not confuse and mislead. When credit is due, we will build up our community, not tear it down. When issues arise that demand public attention or if mistakes are made that demand accountability, you will be informed.”

The first image posted in the Fernandina Observer. We named our blog after an old Fernandina paper published in the 1870's. Image courtesy of the Florida Memory Project.

Judging from the overwhelming response to our news blog, we believe we have accomplished just what we set out to do. These past two  years, we have posted 1,288 articles and press releases averaging over two a day.

Those of us who write for the Fernandina Observer are involved in our schools, churches, local government, and various non-profit organizations that help those in need, promote the arts, and preserve our local heritage.

We are engaged, and we care deeply about our community.

Early on, Suanne Z. Thamm, reporter-news analyst, was asked to write for the Fernandina Observer. Suanne is key to our success. She brings to our news blog impressive writing skills, a wealth of experience, and historical knowledge as a city watcher. Most important, she gets the story right. We appreciate her dedication and the many hours she has devoted to our news blog.

Suanne Z. Thamm, Reporter-News Analyst

Other volunteer reporters deserve our thanks for their support. Gerry Clare, roving reporter, was with us from the beginning. Deborah Lavery Powers, staff reporter; Karen Thompson, features reporter; and Anne H. Oman, reporter-at-large, joined us later. When the impact fee lawsuit began to make its way through the courts, Adam Kaufman stepped up as our legal analyst. Knowing that diverse topics help us reach a widespread audience, we could not be successful without each of these reporters.

Gerry Clare, Deborah Powers, (Top L- R) Karen Thomas, Anne H. Oman (no photo available), Adam Kaufman photo courtesy of unseenimages.com (Bottom L-R)

Since reporters for the Fernandina Observer are unpaid, it is our readers’ positive comments and encouragement that keep us motivated. We encourage you to show your appreciation and support. Please email your comments to our reporters at info@fernandinaobserver.com or simply add a comment below this post.

We wish to acknowledge those of you who have alerted us to news events, provided opinion pieces and photos for our popular “Amelia Island revealed . . .,” and recommended our website to your friends. You have helped us exceed our expectations!

A big thank you to our loyal advertisers: Café Karibo, Elizabeth Wilkes Photography, Oxley-Heard, Stephan Leimberg, Websites by Chuck.com, and Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival. Visit their websites, and please patronize their businesses.

Douglas Newton, and Susan Hardee Steger
Co-Editors

Douglas Newton and I began this adventure with much apprehension. Our goal was to develop an alternative news source for our community. We knew the delivery of information requires great responsibility and a lot of hard work. We also knew we could not do it alone, so we asked you to come along on this adventure, and you did! As we begin our third year, we are filled with a renewed sense of purpose and energy.

Thank you for joining us! We are committed, and “we will be different!”