Opinion By Mike Lednovich
Where were they?
The City Commission installed last December was no where to be seen at Saturday's Fernandina Beach Pride parade and festival.
Only Commissioner Chip Ross, who makes it a habit not to ride in a golf cart during city parades, made an appearance at Central Park according to Fernandina Beach Pride President Genece Minshew.
There were an estimated 2,000 people at Central Park Saturday, but no Mayor Bradley Bean, Vice Mayor David Sturges,
Commissioner Darron Ayscue and Commissioner James Antun.
The biggest turnout by city officials were the Fernandina Beach police officers at the parade and park.
Bean had told Minshew he had a conflict and could not attend. Minshew didn't hear anything from the other three.
Now in its third year, the Fernandina Beach Pride parade and festival has become a powerful symbol of acceptance, equality, and celebration for LGBTQ+ individuals. This event not only fosters a sense of our community but also enforces Fernandina Beach's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Just a month before, Bean, Sturges, Ayscue and Antun waved and smiled for the crowds as part of the ShrimpFest parade. Bean walked and shook onlookers hands, the others were in golf carts with their families.
But they were nowhere to be seen Saturday. It's disheartening to witness these Fernandina Beach City Commissioners' failure to participate in the Pride parade and festival, a decision that telegraphs a lack of support.
It's not surprising that Ayscue and Antun were no shows. When running for office last year they participated in a Citizens Defending Freedom survey asking about their positions on gay related issues. They supported the CDF's stance in opposing gay rights in the survey.
Sturges also was absent.
Were their Saturday schedules so tight they could not afford to make a token 5-minute appearance at an event that lasted seven hours?
Their absence spotlights questions about their commitment to the principles of equality and inclusion, leaving our LGBTQ+ community feeling marginalized and excluded. In a time when most cities worldwide are embracing diversity, Fernandina Beach's elected commissioners showed they are falling behind in the march toward becoming an inclusive and progressive city.
Former Mayors Johnny Miller, Arlene Filkoff and Robin Lentz, plus Vice Mayor Len Kreger were in the parade and at the festival. They read the city's proclamation for Pride Month.
Bean, the master of local political public relations who never misses an opportunity to make a speech, dropped the ball. While he is steadfast in posting weekly "Minute with the Mayor" videos, Bean didn't take the time to pre-record or write congratulatory comments that could have been played/read at the festival.
The Pride parade and festival presents an opportunity for our city to showcase their commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It serves as a powerful symbol of acceptance, a platform for advocacy, and a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals to celebrate their identities. By actively participating in such events, our city officials can demonstrate their support for the LGBTQ+ community and send a clear message that diversity and inclusion are values deeply embedded within their governance.
Our Fernandina Beach commissioners have a unique responsibility to lead by example and champion the rights of all residents. When they fail to actively participate in events like Fernandina Beach Pride, they undermine the strides made towards LGBTQ+ equality.
It is essential for our elected Fernandina Beach officials to recognize that their actions — or in this case inaction — carry significant weight and influence on the well-being of the entire community they were elected to serve. By joining the festivities, Bean, Sturges, Ayscue and Antun could have demonstrated their commitment to fostering an environment where every individual is valued and celebrated.