FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — On Tuesday night, the Fernandina Beach City Commission made the decision to reject a proposed ordinance that sought to eliminate paid parking in the downtown area and at local beaches. This decision paves the way for a public referendum on the matter, set for 2026.

A petition garnering over 1,700 signatures from local residents demanded a referendum to halt the implementation of paid parking initiatives before they could be enacted. This petition led the commissioners to consider the ordinance against paid parking, which ultimately did not secure enough votes during its initial reading.

Vice Mayor Darron Ayscue proposed a special election to expedite a public decision on the subject, but the motion did not proceed due to a lack of support. According to the city’s charter, this situation automatically defers the issue to public voting, expected to occur during the August 2026 primary election.

In spite of the ongoing debate, the commission intends to continue with the paid parking plan for the downtown area.

Commissioner Tim Poynter shared with First Coast News that the city aims to secure a management contract in the upcoming month, with the potential commencement of paid parking as soon as January.

Tuesday’s meeting drew a packed crowd of residents, from business owners to longtime community members, voicing opposition to the parking proposal. Many said paid parking would damage the small-town charm of the historic district and hurt local shops.

“The citizens have spoken. People do not want paid parking,” one speaker said during public comment.

Another pleading, “Please be on our side. Please do not compromise the character of our community.”

Union leader and resident Marian Phelps criticized the commission for, in her words, ignoring voters’ wishes.

“We want the voters to decide paid parking, not four sitting commissioners,” she said.

Opponents argue that kiosks and parking fees along the beaches and downtown waterfront would discourage tourism and burden residents. City leaders, however, estimate the changes could generate up to $2 million a year to fund infrastructure improvements.

For now, officials say they will continue preparations for the paid parking rollout while the ballot initiative process moves forward. Fernandina Beach voters will have the final say when the referendum appears on the August 2026 ballot.