Fernandina Observer marks 5th anniversary

May 12, 2017 1:00 a.m.

On May 14, 2012, co-editors Susan Hardee Steger and Douglas M. Newton launched the Fernandina Observer with publication of their first article entitled We will be different! Their stated goal: to deliver news and opinions that are thoughtful, and well researched.

Since that date, almost 5,000 articles have been published along with numerous comments and opinions, covering such diverse topics as local government, weather emergencies, arts and culture, public safety, traffic updates, new businesses and restaurants. What is even more remarkable is that the entire operation has been managed and staffed by unpaid community volunteers.

The New York Times is sometimes referred to as The Gray Lady. In Fernandina Beach, it is the Gray Ladies who have kept the Fernandina Observer timely, lively and relevant through hurricanes, election cycles and local controversies over topics like conservation, preservation and economic development. The Fernandina Gray Ladies – some who sport their gray for all to see and others who keep it under their hats include: Susan Hardee Steger, who writes and tackles behind the scenes administrative and technical matters; Suanne Thamm who has attended and covered more local government meetings than some representatives of the local bodies themselves; Deb Powers, who painstakingly puts together the Weekly Blast. Also, Gerry Clare regularly covers new business and restaurant debuts, while Evelyn McDonald keeps the community abreast of important happenings on the local art and culture scene, and Anne Oman provides insightful features, as does Karen Thompson. Adam Kaufman, an honorary Gray Lady, provides insight and analysis on news with legal implications.

Overhead costs have remained low—no payroll, no office, no cars, no expense accounts. Loyal advertisers have helped cover costs related to online publishing and technical issues.

And, believe it or not, even after 5 years of publication, there are still readers who do not understand that articles are posted as they are written on the FO website: www.fernandinaobserver.com. There is no need to wait until Friday to read the latest news available following government meetings or media alerts.

In their introductory article, Steger and Newton wrote: “So how will the Fernandina Observer benefit our community? 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.”

In marking their milestone anniversary, Steger and Newton express their gratitude to all the FO’s contributors, commentators, advertisers and readers for validating their perception of a need for a reliable source for unvarnished information.