FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — In a bold move amidst significant opposition and an ongoing lawsuit, the Fernandina Beach city commissioners advanced plans on Tuesday to introduce paid parking in the downtown area.

The commission passed the first reading of Ordinance 2025-13 with a 3-1 vote. Commissioner Tim Poynter abstained from voting due to potential conflicts of interest.

Proponents of the ordinance believe it could bring in around $2 million annually, which would be directed towards long-overdue projects. These funds could support initiatives such as building a seawall, upgrading sidewalks, and enhancing other critical infrastructure.

Although he abstained from voting due to ethical considerations related to his ownership of downtown properties, Poynter remained a strong advocate for the measure.

“Enough is enough,” he said. “We need to get this place fixed.”

The ordinance creates a “paid parking area” in the historic core, bordered by Ash and Alachua streets from Front Street to right before Eighth.

City residents would receive two free digital permits per household, each allowing up to four hours daily.

Nonresidents would pay $2-$4 hourly via QR code, text or phone, no meters or stickers needed. A 20-minute grace period applies, followed by a 30 to 60-day no-ticket rollout to educate people on how it would work. Nassau County residents could buy annual permits for $124.

“I support paid parking because it requires non-city residents to contribute to the financing amenities they enjoy,” a meeting speaker and resident, Richard Dean, said.

Hundreds still oppose the plan, warning it will ruin the town’s welcoming charm and hurt businesses. A citizen petition with 1,722 signatures forced an ordinance to ban paid onto the August 2026 ballot after commissioners rejected it. Opponents filed an injunction to halt implementation.

Business owner Jeff Freese called it “uncharted waters,” highlighting the unprecedented petition and lawsuit.

“The citizens’ petition has never happened,” he said. “An injunction against the city to stop a process has never happened … that shows you the amount of determination … to protect what Fernandina is.”

“You shouldn’t charge people to come to your home,” another opponent, Jack Ember, said at the meeting. “This is an open and welcoming place.”

Vice Mayor Darron Ayscue echoed that message, urging a vote before rollout.

“I just don’t understand the thought process behind just not allowing the citizens to have the say first,” he said.

The second reading is set for Jan. 6. If approved, the vendor needs six weeks to prepare, followed by the grace period. Enforcement could begin by early spring. Voters get final say in August 2026 via referendum, though a supermajority commission could override.

Commissioner Joyce Tuten defended testing it now.

“We can do two things at once, we can move forward and see how it goes, and we can also allow the residents to have a voice in August,” she said.