Mike Lednovich Fernandina Observer

06/14/2026

Residents near the historic Amelia Island Lighthouse are sounding alarms over proposed tourism changes that could bring more visitors — and more revenue — to the landmark. Read the full story by Mike Lednovich to learn what neighbors and city committees are debating, plus potential impacts on the community. https://wix.to/iNlIJJr

By Mike Lednovich/EditorFERNANDINA BEACH — Property owners living adjacent to the historic Amelia Island Lighthouse are raising concerns over proposals that could increase tourism activity at one of the city's most recognizable landmarks.At last Tuesday's City Parks and Recreation Advisory Committ...

06/11/2026

Port of Fernandina officials are at odds over the future of a strategic 0.82-acre waterfront parcel — one commissioner wants to develop it to generate revenue, another prefers leaving it available for Relay Terminals. Read the full story and the stakes for the Port’s finances and community: https://wix.to/PuXxh1v

By Mike Lednovich/EditorFERNANDINA BEACH - One Ocean Highway and Port Authority (OPHA) commissioner sees a port owned waterfront parcel as an opportunity to diversify and generate new income for the financially struggling special district.But another commissioner wants to keep the land status quo -....

06/10/2026

A record 148 paddlers are set to take part in the 8th annual Cross the Line Paddle for Veterans — a powerful 7-mile fundraiser from St. Marys, GA to Fernandina Beach supporting veterans and raising awareness about veteran su***de and PTSD. Read the full story and learn how the community is coming together: https://wix.to/qCMFaO3

FERNANDINA BEACH — A record 148 paddlers are expected to take part Saturday in the eighth annual Cross the Line Paddle for Veterans, a fundraising and awareness event dedicated to combating veteran su***de and supporting those living with post-traumatic stress disorder.The event will send kayakers...

06/10/2026

Fernandina Beach is planning major upgrades at the city-owned golf course — including a $2.7M irrigation and drainage overhaul as part of a $7M five-year capital plan. Read the full plan and what it means for course play and the community: https://wix.to/rW8sMyL

By Mike Lednovich/EditorFERNANDINA BEACH — A proposed $2.7 million irrigation and drainage renovation headlines a five-year capital improvement plan that could bring more than $7 million in upgrades to the city-owned Fernandina Beach Golf Club.Golf Club General Manager Jeffrey Biggers presented th...

06/09/2026

06/08/2026

Proposed development: Nine three-story townhomes planned for a vacant parcel on North Front Street near the Fernandina riverfront. The Alachua Street Townhomes would occupy 0.62 acres at 101 Alachua St. and will be reviewed by the city’s Technical Review Committee this week. Read the full story for details and community context: https://wix.to/j6C85tc

By Mike Lednovich/EditorFERNANDINA BEACH – A proposal to build nine three-story townhomes on a vacant North Front Street parcel near Alachua Street will make its first appearance before the city's Technical Review Committee on Thursday, marking the latest residential development proposed for Ferna...

06/08/2026

New commentary: "Minshew Is Wrong About Air Quality — And Fernandina Residents Could Pay the Price." Editor Mike Lednovich examines why relying solely on reported emissions and permits may overlook real local health risks — and what Fernandina Beach should consider next. Read the full piece: https://wix.to/5Fsgwt4

CommentaryBy Mike Lednovich/EditorFERNANDINA BEACH - At last week's workshop Commissioner Genece Minshew said she's worried Fernandina Beach could spend money on air-quality monitoring and "not solve anything."She noted that WestRock reports emissions data to regulators and remains in compliance wit...

06/06/2026

Fernandina Beach residents weighed in on plans to extend Amelia River Waterfront Park — and they made boat ramp safety and a Veterans memorial top priorities. Read the full workshop recap and community concerns. https://wix.to/xPOblRm

By Mike Lednovich/EditorFERNANDINA BEACH — What city planners envision as the next phase of the Amelia River Waterfront Park, many boaters see as a rare opportunity to fix longstanding safety problems at Fernandina Beach's downtown boat ramp.At a public workshop last Wednesday, residents generally...

06/05/2026

After two hours of testimony, the Fernandina Beach Board of Adjustment approved a variance to divide a lot at 409 Stanley Drive — a contentious decision focused on section 1.03.05 of the city Land Development Code. Read the full story and what residents, attorneys and city staff had to say: https://wix.to/8Wveuwr

By Mike Lednovich/EditorFERNANDINA BEACH — After more than two hours of testimony from residents, attorneys and city staff, the city's Planning Advisory Board voted 4-1 Thursday to approve a variance allowing a property owner to divide a lot at 409 Stanley Drive into two residential parcels.At iss...

06/05/2026

Fernandina Beach's paid parking program still delivered strong results in May — netting $104,427.92 despite lost collection days during the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival and downtown construction. Read the full report and what it means for city revenues and downtown access. https://wix.to/9NfFNVj

By Mike Lednovich/EditorFERNANDINA BEACH — Fernandina Beach's paid parking program generated $104,427.92 in net revenue for the city during May despite losing several days of collections during the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival and ongoing construction that restricted access to part of the d...