Tag Archives | Steve Nicklas
Steve Nicklas

Pension Obligations, A Financial Tsunami Upon Us

A financial tsunami is upon us. In case after case, in place after place, pension obligations (liabilities) are suffocating cities, counties and states. Small towns along the Jacksonville beaches and in Fernandina Beach are experiencing such plights. They are facing unworkable calculations with their public pension plans.

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New Kohl's on A1A in Yulee near Amelia Island, Florida

The Changing Retail Scene Around Fernandina: Doors Opening, Closing

Longtime stalwarts, Kmart and Food Lion, are both closing on Amelia Island. But as one door closes, another one opens. Kohl’s and T.J. Maxx are opening in the new shopping plaza along A1A near the island. Plus, another Publix supermarket is taking up residence there.

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Tim Tebow Quarterback, Denver Broncos

Tebow Should Have Been A Jaguar

Tebow is the inspirational and heartwarming story of this NFL season.”I’m just so blessed to be able to play quarterback for the Denver Broncos,” he said after his dazzling win over the Steelers. And to think he could have been talking about the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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Small-town Living in Fernandina Beach, Florida

Fernandina Beach, Microcosm of Nation’s Capital

Fernandina Beach is removed from the bustle of big towns, but offers a unique vantage point. You see, the tiny town has a front-row seat to the political zaniness in Washington, D.C. The same political dysfunction is occurring here — a microcosm of the nation’s capital. Read opinion column by Steve Nicklas.

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Oceanfront Golf at Omni Amelia Island Plantation

Florida Governor Trumpets Expansion at Omni Amelia Island Plantation

Florida’s Governor Rick Scott came to Amelia Island last week to trumpet the Omni’s expansion plans at Amelia Island Plantation. The $85 million project will enhance many of the Plantation’s amenities. The project will create jobs, tax revenues, and a feeling of prosperity for Nassau County. It is encouraging when billionaire businessman and Omni owner, Robert Rowling, invests in your area.

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Old Post Office, Centre Street in Fernandina Beach

Forward Fernandina Plan Expensive, Controversial

Not only is the Forward Fernandina plan expensive, but it contains more holes than a block of swiss cheese. Maybe that is why it has become so controversial and unpopular. Read Marketplace opinion column by Steve Nicklas.

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City Hall Fernandina Beach Florida

Fernandina City Officials’ Tax, Borrow & Spend Approach

Fernandina Beach has earned another distinction that places it within the top five percent of the cities in Florida. Of all the cities in the state, only five percent (or one out of 20) raised its property tax rate this year and also borrowed a significant amount of money. This is a dubious distinction.

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