New Nassau Now Video Puts Spotlight on Fernandina’s Paid Parking Controversy

A well-done video about the issue of implementing Paid Parking in Downtown Fernandina caught NassauFLDoge’s eye.

The video states Fernandina Beach faces a parking dilemma as it attracts over a million tourists annually, causing downtown congestion.

City Commissioner Tim Pointer proposes paid parking in two blocks by eight blocks to alleviate strain on infrastructure without raising taxes.

However, the majority of the community opposes this, fearing it could deter spontaneous visits and harm local businesses.

A 2025 proposal for paid parking in 264 prime spots was met with resistance, leading to a city ordinance draft requiring voter referendum.

The bed tax, which has grown from 2 cents to 5 cents on hotel stays, now generates nearly $12 million annually, funding local projects. The debate centers on whether to implement paid parking or rely on the bed tax to fund infrastructure.

The video is worth watching and sharing. It appears to have been produced by Nassau Now (a new media company.)

Here’s are some questions:

With $12 million a year already pouring in from the bed tax, should Fernandina Beach really add paid parking to the mix?

Will meters fix congestion, or drive locals and visitors away from downtown?

How do we balance tourist demand with preserving our small-town charm?

The debate is heating up — what say you?

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Reconsideration of the Westside Regional Park Investment

Petition to the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners

Subject: Reconsideration of the Westside Regional Park Investment

 

Dear Commissioners,

 

We, the undersigned residents of Nassau County, respectfully submit this petition regarding the allocation of public funds toward the development of the Westside Regional Park.

 

It would surprise many to learn that 82.7% of all Nassau County Ad Valorem taxes are paid by properties located east of Interstate 95. Yet, the County has programmed $22.86 million into the Westside Regional Park, located 20 miles west of Interstate 95 — a location largely inaccessible to the majority of residents who are funding it.

 

This project spans over 100 acres with an estimated construction cost of $21 million. Although the land was purchased in 2007 for $1.09 million, it has taken 17 years to bring forward a plan, raising additional concerns about the project's long-term viability and true priority.

 

Over 67% of Nassau County’s population lives in the easternmost zip codes of 32034 and 32097, areas where residents would have to travel up to 35 miles to access the park. Research shows that individuals living more than 10 miles away from a park are unlikely to use it regularly, if at all.

 

In short: the taxpayers bearing the largest burden for this project are the least likely to benefit from it.

 

Given these facts, we have serious concerns about whether the Westside Regional Park is the most responsible and equitable use of taxpayer dollars.

We respectfully request the following:

  • A full public reassessment of the Westside Regional Park's location, accessibility, and return on investment.
  • Consideration of alternative investments in parks and recreation facilities that are more geographically equitable and accessible to the majority of Nassau County taxpayers.
  • Greater transparency and opportunity for public input regarding major capital projects moving forward.

We urge you to pause further expenditures on this project until a thorough and transparent review is conducted.

 

It is time for Nassau County to ensure that public funds are invested fairly, wisely, and in ways that serve the entire community — not just a select portion of it.

 

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

 

We look forward to your leadership and stewardship of our county’s future.

{Your name will be here}

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  1. Voluntary Participation
    Your signature is submitted voluntarily and represents your personal support for the petition.
  2. Eligibility
    You confirm that you are a resident, taxpayer, or stakeholder in Nassau County, Florida, and are signing in good faith based on your interest in government transparency and fiscal accountability.
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We will not sell, trade, or misuse your data. Your information may be shared with government officials only as part of the official submission of this petition.

  1. Non-Affiliation
    This petition is organized by Nassau FL DOGE, an informal group of concerned citizens. We are not affiliated with any political party, government agency, or official campaign.
  2. Non-Binding Nature
    This petition is intended to express collective community interest and support. Signing does not create any legal obligation for the signer or the governing body, nor does it imply formal membership or endorsement of any group or agenda.
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