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City of Fernandina Beach Marina near public boat ramp

City of Fernandina’s “Fluid” Budget

For several years, Fernandina Beach city officials have operated a “fluid” budget instead of a finite one. This apparently means that taxpayer money can flow from one category to another, with nary a ripple. This is opposite of a finite and specific budget, with balanced figures on each side of the ledger.

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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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Coastal living on Amelia Island, Florida

Amelia Island Real Estate: “2012 A Much Better Year?”

AMELIA ISLAND REAL ESTATE: For the first time since the real estate market began softening, some local professionals are muttering words of promise. Hope. Enthusiasm. Fernandina Beach Realtors are seeing signs of improvement, favorable trends, some predicting “2012 will be a much better year.”

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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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