On behalf of the State of Florida, State Senator Aaron Bean (R-Fernandina Beach) and State Representative Cord Byrd (R-Neptune Beach) last week presented a $450,000 check on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, to Fernandina Beach Mayor Johnny Miller and the Fernandina Beach City Commission. During the 2018 Legislative Session, Senator Bean and Representative Byrd worked hand-in-hand advocating for $450,000 in state funding for the City of Fernandina Beach for crucial shoreline stabilization to the city’s waterfront marina seawall.
“The seawall of Fernandina Beach’s marina sustained extensive damage during Hurricane Irma and has resulted in severe flooding in the downtown area,” said Senator Bean. “This state funding will help the City of Fernandina Beach replace the deteriorating marina seawall, which will ensure the preservation of our historic downtown for future generations.”
“Working alongside Senator Bean this past session toward securing vital funding for critical projects in our area, like this one, I am happy to be able to present the funding for this crucial project,” said Representative Byrd. “The Stormwater Shoreline Stabilization project will improve the city’s marina seawall and better serve residents by protecting the historical downtown area from future flooding.”
The City of Fernandina Beach’s Stormwater Shoreline Stabilization project intends to reduce flooding in the city’s downtown by replacing 270 linear feet of the existing marina seawall. Once installed, the new seawall will be four feet taller than its failed predecessor and will better defend downtown Fernandina Beach from future storm surges and subsequent damage.
“The City of Fernandina Beach thanks Senator Bean and Representative Byrd for helping secure this critical funding during the 2018 Legislative Session,” said Mayor Miller. “It will allow us to make drastic improvements to the marina’s seawall, which will better protect downtown Fernandina Beach if and when the next storm hits.”
Senator Bean represents Senate District 4, which includes parts of Nassau and Duval Counties. He can be contacted in Tallahassee at (850) 487-5004 or in his District Office at (904) 757-5039.
