Vice Mayor Johnny Miller: the FBCC’s bag man

Fernandina Beach Vice Mayor Johnny Miller

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm

Reporter - News Analyst

March 24, 2015 9:15 a.m.

At the March 17, 2015 Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) meeting, Vice Mayor Johnny Miller led the charge in support of Florida Senate Bill 966 and House Bill 661, which would allow certain municipalities to establish by Ordinance a pilot program to regulate or ban disposable plastic bags, so long as the Ordinance does not include any new taxes or fees on the use or distribution of disposable plastic bags.

Miller said he first learned of this movement over a year ago. He said that Facebook discussions over the topic have led to the creation of a group called Bag The Bag Fernandina. Miller went on at some length over the problems of disposing of plastic bags, which are not readily accepted by recycling centers and which present hazards to marine life and boaters when they enter waterways.

Plastic bag tree in bloom

According to Miller, some have joked that New York has made the plastic bag their state flower because they spend so much time and effort removing them from trees.

He said that 80 percent of the problems are inadvertently caused when these bags fly out of cars or garbage containers. The proposed bills will not eliminate the bags from use, but will hopefully cut down on their use.

Miller said that the point of supporting this bill is to tell the Legislature that Fernandina Beach would like to be part of the pilot project to come up with ideas for reducing the use of plastic bags in retail stores.

Julie Ferreira shows FBCC shopping bags designed to promote use of reusable bags in Fernandina Beach.

Three people from the audience had signed up to speak in support of the resolution, but only Julie Ferreira came to the podium. She said that because Fernandina Beach is located on an island, the plastic bag problems for boaters and aquatic life are even more serious here. She updated commissioners on local efforts, including the production of cloth bags, which she hopes local merchants will agree to sell in support of the movement. The bags will sell for $5.

The FBCC unanimously adopted Resolution 2015-56 in support of the bills currently pending before the Legislature. Miller said that he would take the resolution to Tallahassee personally on Tuesday, March 24, and that on Wednesday March 25, he would be on the House floor in support of the measure. Miller received a round of applause from the audience members and thanks from commissioners for leading this effort.

Editor's Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne's many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.