City Approves Flood protection, Downtown Updates as top legislative needs

The City Commission on Tuesday night approved a resolution to seek $5 million in state funding for flood protection for the historic downtown riverfront and capital improvements to Centre Street and surrounding streets.

The city is requesting $4 million for shoreline stabilization and flood defenses along the one-mile Amelia Riverfront — designed to protect the Historic Downtown district and $1 million for beautification and preservation work downtown, including streetscaping and infrastructure upgrades.

These projects were formally adopted as Fernandina Beach’s top legislative priorities for Florida’s 2026–2027 state budget cycle.

The proposed $4 million would fund the next phase of the Historic Downtown Resiliency Seawall Construction Project, part of a broader plan identified in the City-Wide Vulnerability Assessment. The effort aims to shield businesses, homes, and roads from rising tides and storm surge, which have become more frequent and damaging in recent years.

A similar $4 million appropriation was secured during the current budget year, but officials said more funding is needed to complete the project. The current funds are designated for the reconfiguration of the marina and replacement of the bulkhead once Brett's Waterway Cafe is demolished next year.

Tourism-dependent downtown Fernandina Beach — home to festivals, restaurants, and historic landmarks —sits directly in the path of tidal flooding, putting economic stability at risk without further protections.

"Even though they've given us $1 million and $2 million in the past, they gave us $4million last year. So, request $4million again, I think it's great," said Commissioner Joyce Tuten.

The additional $1 million request targets Centre Street and adjacent streets for capital improvements to enhance walkability, aesthetics, and long-term preservation. Officials say maintaining the area’s historic look and feel is critical to sustaining tourism and local business traffic.

The project aligns with broader efforts to invest in infrastructure while preserving the unique character that draws more than one million visitors to Amelia Island each year.

The resolution now authorizes the City Manager to pursue state and federal pass-through funding during Florida’s upcoming legislative session. The city’s long time lobbyist Buddy Jacobs will assist in pushing the appropriations forward during the next legislative session.