More discussion scheduled for OHPA Port Master Plan

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm

Reporter - News Analyst

May 13, 2015 4:48 p.m.

The Ocean Highway Port Authority (OHPA) will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 13, 2015, at 6:00 p.m. in the Nassau County Commission Chambers in the James Page Governmental Complex on Nassau Place in Yulee, FL. The Port Master Plan is an agenda item. Phil Scanlan will present and discuss the citizen recommendations he has forwarded to both the OHPA and State Representative Janet Adkins, reflecting local concerns and suggestions for modifying the master plan. Scanlan has been scheduled to speak following an update on the OHPA website and public comment at the beginning of the meeting.

Audience in attendance at Adkins' April meeting on citizen concerns over port master plan.  Phil Scanlan seated at far left.  Port Commissioners Richard Bruce (hand over eyes) and Danny Fullwood (white shirt) seated near window.

In a cover email to his report dated May 4, 2015, Scanlan advised OHPA Administrative Office Manager Joanna Cason:

On 4/16/15 about 20 citizens and three OHPA Commissioners attended a meeting called by our Florida State representative Janet Adkins to get input from citizens on community issues with the OHPA Port Strategic Master (10-year) Plan. At the end of that meeting OHPA Commissioner Danny Fullwood asked that a citizens input document be prepared for the OHPA Commissioners review on the items the citizens present would like to see eliminated from the port plan. I have worked with about 20 other citizens to develop a response to commissioner Fullwood’s request.

According to OHPA Administrative Office Manager Joanna Cason, general inquiry email for the OHPA is OHPANC@gmail.com. The OHPA may also be reached by telephone (904) 491-7422 and Fax (904) 432-0229.

Contact information for the elected port commissioners is posted on the Port’s website (www.portoffernandina.org):

Richard Bruce (District 1) (904) 753-0590

Danny Fullwood (District 2) (904) 716-8668

Adam Salzburg (District 3) (904) 753-1781

Carroll Franklin (District 4) (904) 845-3802

Ron Braddock (District 5) (904) 879-9396

Representative Adkins schedules additional meeting on May 20

State Representative Janet Adkins has scheduled a follow-up public meeting for May 20, 2015 from 4-6:00 p.m. in the Peck High School Auditorium, 516 S. 10^th Street, Fernandina Beach. People who wish to speak at the meeting or offer handouts are asked to contact Adkins’ office by May 18th at (904) 491-3664 or carol.hays@myfloridahouse.gov.

According to a press release from Adkins’ office, “During the first meeting [held by telephone from Tallahassee with people assembled in Adkins’ Fernandina Beach District Office on April 16], it was apparent that there were opportunities for better communication between the citizens and the port. We concluded the meeting in April with some follow up topics for both the citizens and the commissioners.  This second meeting is to listen to updates from both the citizens and the port commissioners and analyze any needed next steps.  I recognize that the Port of Fernandina is an important partner and neighbor in the community.  It is critical that we achieve the necessary balance between the need for the Port to remain viable and successful and the concerns of the neighbors and the local residents.  I invite stakeholders to share your input, ideas and solutions on how we can strengthen the relationship between the Port and the community.” said Adkins.

In addition to Representative Adkins, Mike Rubin, Vice President of Governmental Affairs with Florida Ports Council is anticipated to be at the meeting.