Port Land Fight Ends in 3-2 Vote to Keep Property

The parcel was listed as six residential lots

After months of contentious debate and repeated votes, the Ocean Highway and Port Authority (OHPA) has reversed its earlier decision and voted 3-2 not to sell a controversial piece of port-owned property in the historic district of Fernandina Beach.

At Wednesday's meeting, newly elected Commissioner Scott Moore cast the swing vote on a motion he introduced to keep the 0.32-acre parcel off the market, joining Commissioner Miriam Hill and Chairman Justin Taylor in a narrow majority. Vice Chair Ray Nelson and Commissioner Mike Cole — who had both supported the original sale —voted against.

The vote halts the sale of six subdivided lots at North Third and Dade Streets, previously listed for $850,000 and marketed as suitable for single-family homes. In February, OHPA rejected an offer of $265,000 for two of the 25-by-100-foot lots, despite the land being previously advertised as ideal for smaller-scale residential development.

The reversal marks a significant shift in OHPA’s stance — driven largely by last year’s election of Moore, who campaigned on tighter fiscal control and preserving port assets.

“We did our due diligence to try to sell the property,” Moore said during the meeting. “We listed it for six months. We entertained offers. We got one that wasn’t sufficient. So instead of letting this linger, I offered the motion not to sell.”

The decision capped off a passionate debate reflecting months of board frustration and conflicting priorities.

“This board voted to sell the property. End of story,” said Commissioner Cole, visibly frustrated. “You don’t just keep bringing it up every other month because you didn’t get your way.”

OHPA had voted in 2023 to sell the land by a 3-2 vote.

Vice Chair Nelson echoed Cole’s concerns and pushed back strongly on the board reversing course.

OHPA is currently in talks with Nassau County regarding another port owned parcel on the riverfront.

“If we're not willing to sell one, we're not willing to sell any,” Nelson said. “I don’t care if the county wants it or they would love to have it. We have to be steadfast in our decisions.”

Taylor defended the board’s right to change direction.

“As a property owner, that’s your right,” Taylor said. “If it doesn’t sell, you can decide not to relist. That was the decision we made.”

For Taylor, Hill and Moore, the issue was not just about price, but long-term strategic value. Hill emphasized the need to retain land near the port, especially in an area with ongoing friction between industrial activity and nearby residences.

“They’re not making any more land,” said Hill. “These parcels provide valuable buffers. Selling them off chips away at the footprint we need to operate effectively and be good neighbors.”

The county is interested in this port owned parcel.

She also weighed in on the separate parcel on Front Street, currently under discussion with Nassau County as a potential site for a public fire marine facility:

“I would be very much in favor of a lease,” Hill said. “If OHPA is going to be adding value to the community, to the citizens, as an economic engine, we shouldn’t be selling land that contributes to the existing operation of the port by providing those valuable buffers… I would never advocate for selling that land.”

Port accountant Pierre Laporte had previously advised against using land sales to fund ongoing operations, warning the board:

“Taking an asset and selling it to fund recurring costs means you’ve lost it, and you’ll run out of money eventually… To spend it on operating costs is a waste.”

While the specific property at Third and Dade is now off the market, Chair Taylor said discussions with Nassau County about the Front Street parcel are ongoing. The deal could involve a lease or shared-use facility, though no decision has been made.