What’s Happening in Our City Right Now

The City of Fernandina Beach has released its latest progress update, and there’s a lot to cover—from infrastructure improvements and marina upgrades to important environmental reminders and upcoming community events. Whether you live here full-time or just love visiting our island, these updates affect daily life, beach access, traffic, and city planning. Here’s a clear breakdown of everything in the report:

Infrastructure & Utility Projects

• Florida Public Utilities Electrical Work at S 14th Street & Atlantic Avenue
Crews will be on site Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28, performing necessary electrical improvements. Drivers should expect partial lane closures and detours during this two-day period. Plan your routes in advance to avoid delays in this busy area.

• Brett’s Building Demolition & Redevelopment
The long-anticipated invitation to bid for the demolition and future redevelopment of the property commonly known as Brett’s will be released during the third week of May 2026. This marks a significant step forward for this prominent site in the city.

• Ash Street Stormwater Improvements
Work continues on schedule. These upgrades will help with drainage and flood mitigation in the area—critical infrastructure as we head into the summer rainy season.

• Seaside Park (Sadler Road) Parking Lot & Beach Access
The parking lot and beach drive-on entrance have been freshly graded, and a new gate system has been installed. This should improve traffic flow, security, and overall access to this popular beach spot.

• Citywide Sidewalk & Curbing Replacement
Ongoing throughout all city limits. If you spot damaged sidewalks or curbing near your home or on your regular walking routes, please report it promptly to [email protected]. The city wants to address hazards quickly and keep our pedestrian areas safe and attractive.

Marina & Waterfront Updates

• Dock G (Dingy Dock) at Fernandina Harbor Marina
Great news for boaters—the full rehabilitation project is now complete! The dock has been reopened and is fully back in service. This is a welcome improvement for both local mariners and visitors.

Environmental & Conservation Updates

• Phase III Extreme Water Shortage Declaration
Despite some recent rains, northeast Florida remains in severe drought conditions. The city has officially declared a Phase III Extreme Water Shortage due to below-average rainfall, dropping groundwater levels, and reduced river flows. Residents are encouraged to review full conservation guidelines at www.sjrwmd.com and continue practicing strict water-saving measures.

• Sea Turtle Nesting Season is Underway
The season officially began on May 1, 2026. To protect our nesting sea turtles, everyone is reminded to follow the simple but important rules:

• Keep beaches CLEAN

• Keep them DARK (turn off artificial lights at night)

• Keep them FLAT (fill in holes and knock down sandcastles before leaving the beach)
These small actions make a big difference for our local wildlife.

• Bosque Bello Cemetery Columbarium
The City Commission has approved the design and engineering plans for a future columbarium. This will provide additional memorial options at the historic cemetery.

E-Bike Regulations Moving Forward

• The City Commission will review proposed legislation on the use of e-bikes during the regular commission meeting on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. This is an important discussion for safety, trail usage, and beach access rules.

Upcoming Community Events & Calendar

• Sunday, May 17, 2026 (2:00–4:00 PM) – Concerts for Conservation at the Atlantic Recreation Center. A great afternoon of music supporting local environmental efforts.

• Monday, May 25, 2026 (11:00 AM) – Memorial Day Service organized by American Legion Post 54 at the Fernandina Harbor Marina. A meaningful way to honor our veterans.

• Friday–Saturday, May 29–30, 2026 – Kingfish Tournament and Fishing Rodeo at the Fernandina Harbor Marina. Always a popular event for anglers and spectators alike.

News & Educational Opportunities

• Property Taxes and City Budgets 101
Free public session on Monday, May 18, 2026, from 6:00–7:00 PM at City Hall. This is a timely and practical workshop to help residents better understand local taxes and budgeting.

• City Manager Sarah Campbell’s Free Workshop
In response to recent statewide legislative discussions about property taxes, City Manager Campbell is hosting an informative session for residents. Advanced registration is required—email [email protected] to reserve your spot.

Get Involved & Stay Connected

• Employment Opportunities: Visit www.fbfl.us/jobs

• Current Bid Openings: Visit www.fbfl.us/bids

• Full report and more city news: www.fbfl.us

Fernandina Beach continues to balance growth, infrastructure maintenance, environmental stewardship, and strong community programming. These steady improvements show the city’s commitment to keeping our island beautiful, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.

Have questions about any of these projects or events? Drop them in the comments—I’m happy to help track down more information. Stay safe, conserve water, and enjoy this beautiful time of year on Amelia Island! 🌴

— Ed, keeping you in the loop on all things Fernandina Beach