Local
Fernandina Beach Commission Rejects Purchase of Ybor Alvarez Soccer Fields, Citing Amendment 3 Budget Cuts
The Fernandina Beach City Commission voted against buying the Ybor Alvarez property, jeopardizing soccer fields used by over 800 children. Commissioners blamed anticipated property tax revenue drops from Amendment 3, while opponents called the move a blow to the community.
FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. â The Fernandina Beach City Commission has declined to purchase the Ybor Alvarez property, a decision that could lead to the replacement of soccer fields used by more than 800 local children with private aviation hangars.
The vote, taken last week, was driven by concerns over anticipated reductions in property tax revenue following the passage of Amendment 3, according to city officials. The property, located next to Fernandina Beach Airport and controlled by the Federal Aviation Administration, is valued at between $2.8 million and $3.5 million.
For over a decade, the Amelia Island Youth Soccer Club has called the Ybor Alvarez Ball Park home for its practices. Coaches say the complex can host 300 to 400 children at a single time during peak hours.
Shannon Hartley, a coach with the club, expressed shock at the commission's decision and the absence of a contingency plan. "We're a bit stunned, to be honest with you," Hartley said. "For this to just happen to us with no plan forward, no communication about where we go from here, it's difficult to be hopeful."
Most commissioners argued that purchasing the parcel is no longer financially feasible given expected municipal budget tightening. Commissioner Genece Minshew stated, "I just don't see a path forward at this point." Commissioner Joyce Tuten added, "This is absolutely one we have to cut."
Vice Mayor and Commissioner Darron Ayscue pushed back, arguing that state tax policy changes should not be the sole reason to end support for youth sports. "Amendment 3 isn't the boogeyman," Ayscue said. "We simply (cannot) turn our back on the kids or turn our backs on the community, whether it be police and fire, just because Amendment 3 is out there."
Parents described the decision as a significant setback. Patrick Sherwood, whose son plays in the program, said the club has provided structure and goals for his family. "It gave him something to work toward to strive for and even with him not being incredibly athletic, it gave him goals," Sherwood said. "It's a big letdown."
In response, the Amelia Island Youth Soccer Club has launched a "Save Our Soccer" campaign, hoping commissioners will reconsider. The group has set a $100,000 fundraising goal to support its efforts.
The decision highlights growing tensions over local budgets as communities brace for the impacts of Amendment 3, a state constitutional amendment that is expected to reduce property tax revenues. For Fernandina Beach, the choice pits fiscal constraints against the loss of a vital community resource for hundreds of families.