Police Investigate Online Gun Threat Against Fernandina Commissioners Over Paid Parking Plan

Commissioners Tuten and Minshew disclose online threat.

Fernandina Beach Police have investigated an online threat involving a firearm that was directed at Fernandina Beach city commissioners Genece Minshew and Joyce Tuten, over their support of a controversial paid parking plan for the historic downtown district.

During last Tuesday’s city commission meeting, Commissioner Minshew disclosed the threat, describing it as part of a broader pattern of hostility and misinformation surrounding the paid parking proposal.

She and Commissioner Tuten were targeted on social media with a message that read: “Con artists, bullies, and autocrats. And guns were invented for that.”

“The comment was made under a made-up name,” Minshew disclosed at the end of the commission meeting. “So, the police got involved.”

According to Minshew, the individual responsible later apologized, calling the comment a mistake. However, she didn’t let it stop there.

“I’ve asked the police to refer this to the state’s attorney’s office,” she said. “Because these types of threats and fear-mongering have no place in our community. And I will not tolerate them. I don’t think any of you would either.”

Commissioner Tuten echoed her colleague’s concern, calling the experience of being threatened “not pleasant.”

“We’re incredibly lucky to live in a country with First Amendment rights,” Tuten said. “But it just can’t step into an actual threat — especially one involving a gun.”

The paid parking plan in historic downtown — intended to raise revenue for city infrastructure — has divided the community. While critics argue it could harm local businesses or unfairly penalize residents, Minshew defended the proposal as a practical solution to a growing infrastructure problem.

“All we are really trying to do here is to replace failing infrastructure like light poles, electrical (power supplies), sidewalks — and to protect our city from sea (level) rise,” Minshew said. “The plan is about generating new revenue from sources other than our taxpayers.”

She cited experiences from a recent two-week vacation through the Carolinas, where she observed successful paid parking systems in towns big and small.

“Life went on just fine with paid parking in place,” she noted.

The paid parking backlash hasn’t only been political — it’s been personal. Near the end of her comments, Minshew grew somber as she reflected on the toll the issue has taken on her relationships.

“I’m very sorry for all the anger and hate that’s been generated by this proposal,” she said. “I have lost lots of friends who I will never be able to speak to again.”

Still, Minshew insisted she would continue making decisions based on “facts and data,” not public pressure.

“You elected all of us to manage this city and to do what we believe is best,” she said.

A citywide referendum on the paid parking initiative is slated for 2026, but the commission is moving forward - including a workshop last Tuesday to define the details of the program - with implementation plans for early next year.

Police have not released the name of the individual behind the threat, and no formal charges have been announced as of Thursday.