Silence of the Man: Yarborough fails to defend Fernandina Beach against bioethanol

Commentary

In politics, silence is often just as powerful as words. That was certainly the case Monday when Florida State Senator Clay Yarborough, who represents Fernandina Beach, chose not to speak during a key Senate Community Affairs committee meeting. The committee ultimately approved SB 1118, including a controversial amendment that reclassifies ethanol production as fermentation rather than chemical manufacturing — a vote that could undermine the city of Fernandina Beach’s ability to block a bioethanol plant that residents overwhelmingly oppose.

The bill, which now advances to several Senate committees, carries major implications for Fernandina Beach and its ongoing battle against Rayonier Advanced Materials (RYAM), the huge corporation seeking to build the bioethanol facility. The city had previously denied RYAM’s permit, citing zoning laws that prohibit chemical manufacturing within city limits. By redefining ethanol production, SB 1118 and its amendment attempt to sidestep that restriction, favoring corporate interests over the will of the local community.

Senator Yarborough’s decision to remain silent on the ethanol issue is not just disappointing — it is a dereliction of duty. His constituents have made their position clear: they do not want an industrial bioethanol plant in their backyard churning out 7.5 million gallons of fuel a year. They have spoken at city commission meetings, held town hall sessions and made their voices heard. Yet, when the moment came to advocate for their concerns, their elected representative had nothing to say.

After advocating before the very same committee for his SB 420 bill that would prohibit counties and municipalities, respectively, from taking official action as it relates to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Yarborough was as silent as the sphinx in the meeting chambers on the ethanol issue.

He left those concerns to other Senators on the committee - Randy Fine of Melbourne, Shev Jones of Miami Gardens and Jason Pizzo of Miami Gardens.

Elected officials are entrusted with the responsibility of representing their communities, not just through their votes, but through active engagement in the legislative process. By failing to challenge or even question the amendment’s implications, Yarborough has left his constituents to wonder: Whose interests is he truly serving?

This is not a matter of partisan politics — it is about accountability. Whether one supports or opposes bioethanol production, it is troubling when a legislator remains so passive as an amendment with significant local consequences moves forward. Fernandina Beach residents deserved a champion in that committee room. Instead, they got the 'silence of the man.'

With SB 1118 now heading toward other Senate committee votes, Yarborough still has an opportunity to stand up for his district.

And how about the local Republican party, headed by Fernandina Beach City Commission Vice Mayor Darron Ayscue, putting pressure on Yarborough to stand up for the city.

If Yarborough's silence persists, voters in Fernandina Beach can remember it the next time they have a chance to speak at the ballot box next year.