Fernandina Beach: Let’s Keep the Charm — Not Charge for It

A DOGE Perspective on Government “Solutions” That Miss the Mark

HGTV just named Fernandina Beach one of America’s most charming towns — and they nailed it. Our walkable streets, historic storefronts, and small-town warmth are exactly what make this place so special.

But now, that charm is under quiet attack. City leaders are proposing paid parking downtown — a move that sounds like progress, but smells a lot like a government cash grab disguised as a solution.

Let’s be honest:
The problem isn’t that parking is free — the problem is that there’s not enough of it.

At DOGE (Defenders of Government Efficiency), we see this all the time:
A government identifies a real issue (like limited parking), but instead of fixing it with smart planning or infrastructure, they slap on a fee and call it a fix.

We say: Not so fast.

What Paid Parking Actually Does:

  • In St. Augustine, meters brought backlash and made the town feel less welcoming.
  • In Savannah, small businesses lost foot traffic as people chose free-parking malls over downtown charm.
  • In Charleston, families are being priced out of simple visits due to rising meter rates.

This isn’t just bad policy — it’s bad economics, bad planning, and bad government.

Fernandina deserves real solutions:

  • More parking, not more penalties.
  • Smarter planning, not short-term revenue schemes.
  • Transparency and accountability, not quiet decisions that erode what makes our town shine.

Let’s invest in structured lots, shuttles, and walkability — not punish residents and guests for supporting our local shops and restaurants.

Fernandina’s charm isn’t for sale — and it shouldn’t come with a price tag.

Let’s keep it charming.
Let’s keep it accessible.
Let’s keep it free — and let’s keep our government focused on solving problems, not profiting from them.

NassauFLDOGE says:  Fernandina’s Charm Isn’t For Sale
Paid Parking Is Not a Solution — It’s a Government Shortcut.

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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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