Why Fernandina Beach Main Street matters

Fernandina Beach Main Street

January 9, 2020

As 2020 dawns, many great things are happening in our city. New wayfinding signage downtown points our residents and visitors to the stores and shops that profit from their business and keep our downtown thriving. Events like the History Happens Here tours and speaker panels at the Courthouse have re-energized our appreciation of the historic district and recognized the people whose hard work and vision in the 1970s preserved our architectural legacy. A new book Saving Fernandina, telling the full story of our 70s efforts to revitalize downtown, is now in local bookstores. And the Historic Preservation Tour and Awards reinforced and demonstrated that preservation and economic vitality are solid partners.

What’s coming in 2020?

We’re assessing current lighting fixtures and sidewalks downtown to create a replacement plan for both safety and consistency, including funding source, by the end of the 2nd quarter.

Working with expert arborists we’ll examine the condition of our all-important trees and the shade they provide downtown. We’ll create a plan for replacement where necessary, along with funding sources.

We’ll replace landscaping in permanent beds in the 2nd quarter.

The new wayfinding, with standardized directional and parking signs, will be completed by end of 2nd quarter, depending on funding.

All of these things happen in great measure because of the Fernandina Beach Main Street program – one of 1600 organizations across the nation that are part of the National Trust – along with the support of the city and partners including the History Museum, the Restoration Foundation, the Historic Fernandina Business Association, Chamber of Commerce, Amelia Island Tourist Development Council and the dozens of volunteers who help us deliver on the Main Street promise: Nationally recognized. Locally powered.

Ricky Robbins, President and local business person

Terri Tennille, Vice President and local business person

Jose Miranda, Secretary, Restoration Foundation, and local architect

Dawn Tiura, Treasurer and local business person

Sal Cumella, City of Fernandina Beach Preservation Planner

Gil Langley, Convention Visitors’ Bureau

Lindy Kavanaugh, local business person

Buddy Jacobs, local Preservation Award winner and attorney

Bobby Ferreira, past president and local business person