Tracy McCormick-Dishman
The controversy over paid parking will come to a head tomorrow night, Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, as the City Commission holds its Regular Meeting at 6 p.m. At issue is the commission’s required decision on a successful citizen-led petition that seeks to either enact an ordinance banning paid parking or place the matter before voters.
Petition drive follows commission vote
The City Commission voted 4-1 in August to award a contract to One Parking Inc. to implement the paid system. Following that vote, a political committee launched a citizen petition drive to force a referendum.
The drive proved successful. According to the Nassau County Supervisor of Elections, the petition required 1,135 signatures from registered city voters. As of Sept. 8, 1,640 petitions had been submitted, with 1,482 signatures verified—exceeding the requirement. The petition’s goal is to allow city voters to choose to prohibit charging to park and put that prohibition directly into the city’s code of ordinances.
The commission now faces two main options on Tuesday:
- Adopt the Ordinance: The commission can vote to adopt the language in the petition. If approved by two commission votes, the ordinance would become final and go into the city’s code.
- Place it on the Ballot: Alternatively, the commission can reject the ordinance but place the matter on the ballot for voter approval in a future election, likely next year.
The debate: Revenue vs. community character
The debate over the paid parking initiative involves strong viewpoints from proponents and opponents.
Commissioners supporting the plan contend the projected $1.5 million to $2.5 million annually in revenue is necessary, they say, to secure funding for long-delayed infrastructure improvements. These projects include a $20 million to $25 million seawall, the demolition of Brett’s Waterway Café, and upgrades to aging downtown infrastructure. Supporters state the plan is an essential “alternative revenue stream” that shifts the financial burden from local taxpayers to visitors.
Opponents cite concerns that the paid parking initiative is unpopular with residents. Business owners fear it will deter locals and tourists, drive employees out of downtown, and undermine the area’s small-town intimacy. Residents have also raised privacy concerns over the use of license plate reader technology for enforcement.
Other key items on the agenda
The commission will address several other significant items during the Regular Meeting:
- Legal direction on RYAM claim: Commissioners will provide legal direction regarding the claim filed by Rayonier Performance Fibers, LLC (RYAM) pursuant to the Bert J. Harris, Jr. Private Property Rights Act.
- Increased spending authority: The first reading of an ordinance is scheduled to potentially increase the City Manager’s budget transfer authority to $50,000 and authorize approval of change orders up to $250,000.
- Downtown design funds: Resolution to approve a $200,000 change order for Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for streetscape design and engineering services related to the Downtown Revitalization of Third through Sixth Streets.
- Retirement recognition: A proclamation recognizing Deputy Chief of Police David Bishop upon his retirement after 40 years of service to the city.
- Harbor marina lease: Approval of a one-year lease agreement with Amelia Island Pirate Voyages, LLC, to operate a ticket kiosk at the Fernandina Harbor Marina.
With the clock running out on their decision to address the petition by the Oct. 21 deadline, all eyes will be on City Hall tomorrow evening to see if the Fernandina Beach City Commission chooses to move forward or hand the final decision over to the voters.
tdishman@nassaunewsline.net
