Fernandina Beach Main Street Announces “8th Street Coalition” to Promote Safety, Walkability, and Beautification

Fernandina Beach Main Street (FBMS) is proud to announce the 8th Street Coalition, an initiative to promote safety, walkability, and beautification on 8th Street from Lime Street to Atlantic Avenue.  

In early 2025, businesses and stakeholders along the 8th Street corridor contacted FBMS to express concerns about existing conditions. In response, FBMS convened a kick-off meeting to establish the 8th Street Coalition and set shared goals to address safety, walkability, and beautification.  

In April, the Coalition conducted a walking tour of the corridor and identified several key issues, including the need for safer pedestrian crossings, repair or replacement of utility poles in disrepair, unsafe sidewalks, improved street lighting, and concerns related to traffic and noise. Since then, the 8th Street Coalition has been working collaboratively with the City of Fernandina Beach, the Florida Department of Transportation, and Florida Public Utilities Company (FPU) to explore solutions and implement improvements.

 “8th Street needs improvements to make it safer and more attractive to customers and visitors to our businesses,” said Kevin O’Brien, co-chair of the 8th Street Coalition and owner of First Love Brewery.

Florida Public Utilities Company is partnering with the 8th Street Coalition to enhance safety through improved lighting. In February 2026, FPU began upgrading and brightening approximately 2,400 streetlights across Amelia Island with energy-efficient LED fixtures. The project is expected to take six to twelve months to complete.

“Florida Public Utilities Company is pleased to work with the 8th Street Coalition on the lighting upgrades along 8th Street and throughout Amelia Island,” said Steve Baccino, of Florida Public Utilities Company.

Businesses along 8th Street interested in participating in the 8th Street Coalition are encouraged to contact Fernandina Beach Main Street at info@fernandinamainstreet.com.