Sale of historic street pavers on eBay halted

When I was a kid, the streets of Fernandina’s downtown were artfully paved with red bricks (pavers). They were likely laid down in the 1800s to replace the sand and shell streets here. This continued right up until the redesign of Centre Street in the mid ’70s.

Recently, I received an e-mail from an Historic District News reader who told me the city was auctioning off our antique street pavers on eBay. I was very concerned, as these bricks are a part of our heritage, and besides that, the price was only 1 penny each (I was afraid that they would be sold quickly!) I have always hoped that these bricks could be used in a project downtown; perhaps the new pocket parks?

A few e-mails later, and the city commissioners agreed to instruct the city manager to halt the auction, and save our historic bricks. It is my hope that we treat our historic artifacts not as so much a commodity, but rather as an honored heritage.

Additionally, I am so proud of our readers, to get involved and help preserve our heritage.

Waterfront project on hold
As you might know, the waterfront condominiums, retail and marina project worked on so hard by so many along Front Street is now officially on hold. The economy appears to have become a stumbling block even for the vast resources of Lane Development Corp.

As many developers do, Lane uses equity partners to share the weight of such a large project, but the lenders today are not forthcoming with funds. So, sadly, we will wait even longer to see this project develop.

What’s even more distressing, is that Lane has decided not to purchase the Florida Petroleum sites or other vacant lots along the waterfront. I had high hopes that we would see a great deal of activity there, but not for now. There are currently no plans for a start date.

Fiesta de Santa Maria
Hosted by the Historic Fernandina Business Association, the fifth annual Fiesta de Santa Maria takes place from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. today on the culturally rich South Third Street — the site of the Florida House Inn, the state’s oldest surviving tourist hotel.

While staying at this Victorian-style bed and breakfast, Jose Marti plotted the Cuban War for Independence from Spain in 1895-98. The fiesta is named in honor of “Isle de Santa Maria,” which was the name of Amelia Island during the first Spanish reign from 1565 to 1763.

Artisans, crafters and local businesses will transform South Third Street into a marketplace from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Younger visitors can participate in piñata breaking at 1 and 4 p.m. Historical displays and dance exhibitions also are planned. Latin-themed dishes from area restaurants will tickle visitors’ taste buds with flavors of the days when Amelia Island was ruled under the flags of Spain and Mexico. A street dance will be 7 until 10 p.m.