There was no curbing their enthusiasm.
Residents of Fernandina Beach are pushing back against the City Commission’s controversial paid parking plan — and now they may get the final say thanks to a petition drive.
Nassau County Supervisor of Elections Janet H. Adkins on Monday certified a citizen-led petition that could force a public vote on the issue in 2026.
A local group called the Paid Parking Political Committee launched the signature campaign in response to the Commission’s decision to implement a paid parking system in the city’s historic downtown.
Despite significant public opposition, the Commission voted 4–1 to move forward with a contract for One Parking to manage approximately 1,800 metered spaces.
Opponents argued the plan would harm local commerce, sully the city’s small-town charm, and shift congestion into nearby residential neighborhoods.
Supporters on the Commission contend that paid parking is vital to fund critical infrastructure improvements in the picturesque town — including a new seawall and marina upgrades — without hiking taxes.
The certified petition drew 1,722 valid signatures, easily satisfying the 1,135 required by the city charter.
The proposed ordinance states that the city “shall not implement paid parking in any designated area without majority approval (50% plus one) from a public referendum of registered voters.”
Under city rules, the Commission can either adopt the ordinance after two official readings, or send it to voters in the next regular election.
