People browse various vendor booths at an outdoor market in Fernandina Beach, where white and purple tents are set up along a paved street. Shoppers look at fresh produce and signs for free samples while walking past a booth with a chalkboard. In the background, large trees with Spanish moss stand near a white two-story house with a red chimney.

A New Paid Parking Policy Worries Local Vendors in Fernandina Beach
By: Katelynn Wright

In downtown Fernandina Beach, there’s a new paid parking policy that is raising concerns for some small businesses, including those that rely on the weekly farmer’s market. According to the city’s website, the paid parking program is intended to improve parking availability in the downtown area while also generating funding for future city projects. Vendors and organizers say the change could affect customer turnout during some of the market’s busiest hours. 

The event has long been a popular stop for both residents and tourists to get fresh produce, handmade goods, and niche plants. Every Saturday morning, North 7th Street fills with tents selling tomatoes, fresh-cut flowers and herbal medicines. However, with a paid parking policy now in place, some vendors worry the added cost could make visitors think twice before stopping by. 

Market Manager Judie Mackie said many residents have expressed frustration about the change. She said some community members have already indicated they may avoid the area because of the new parking fees, which could lead to fewer customers walking through the market. 

The new policy is also affecting how vendors are setting up. To avoid added costs, some sellers who travel outside the city limits are now trying to park closer to their tents or keep their vehicles nearby rather than using traditional parking spots. In some cases, vehicles are now being parked behind vendor’s tents—something Mackie said had never been done before. 

The goal, Mackie said, is to help reduce the financial burden on vendors who already travel to participate in the weekly market because many rely on the market as a steady source of income. 

Paid parking runs Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. These seem like reasonable times, but on Saturdays it creates a conflict for sellers. The market’s busiest period typically falls between 10:30 a.m. and noon, when foot traffic is usually at its peak. 

Some sellers say they have already noticed smaller crowds shortly after the paid parking hours begin, raising concerns about how the policy could affect business if the trend continues. 

The market has become more than just a weekend event for vendors. It’s an important place for small business owners, farmers, and artisans to connect with customers and earn part of their monthly income. Some say the market can account for a significant portion of their income, as much as one third of it. 

The farmer’s market has historically depended on steady foot traffic from locals and visitors exploring downtown Fernandina Beach. Vendors say they will be watching attendance closely in the coming weeks to see whether the paid parking policy leads to lasting changes in turnout. 

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Capturing St. Augustine: The Hard Work of Lenny Foster
By: Tristan Larrabee

St. Augustine, one of the oldest cities in the nation, has a long history dating all the way back to the 1565. During the 1960s it became a hotbed of racial injustice during the American Civil Rights Movement which was history largely unknown to the public until storytellers, like artist Lenny Foster, began to uncover it. 

Foster’s career has taken him all over the United States. For over 20 years, he maintained a gallery in Taos, New Mexico, and his work has been displayed in permanent collections across the country, including Kentucky, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Indiana. Now based in St. Augustine, where he owns and operates Gallery One Forty-Four. He relocated to North Florida to be closer to family and the alure of St. Augustine’s rich civil rights history captured his photographic eye. 

Through his series, Where We Stand, he tells the city’s story one shoe at a time. He drew inspiration after former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick began kneeling before football games in protest of the national anthem. Shoes act as reoccurring imagery, representing both the individuals and the places tied to African American experiences in the area. As an African American himself, Foster feels a personal connection to the city’s past.

“This history is vast and rich, and we have stood, sat, and knelt for many a high and honorable cause, not to mention, the struggle for everyday existence,” Foster said.

Foster’s work is often featured at the Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center, which curates a collection of historic civil rights artifacts and artwork that are central to St. Augustine’s role in the movement. The museum serves as both a testament to local history and a space to continue the dialogue- highlighting the importance of preserving the stories that might otherwise be overlooked.  

Together, monuments like the Lincolnville Museum and artists like Foster are ensuring the history of the Civil Rights Movement in St. Augustine stays relevant and accessible for everyone. 

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The Construction of Indoor and Outdoor Courts Fuels Pickleball’s Growth in Northeast Florida
By: Jasen Mata

Pickleball continues to grow in popularity across Northeast Florida, and players are finding more ways to get on the court both indoors and outdoors. The fast-growing sport has amassed a large following and for many players which court they play on matters.  

Outdoor courts remain a popular option, especially in Floridian communities where players gather regularly to compete and stay active. However, summer heat and inconsistent weather conditions can make outdoor courts unreliable.  

One local player said outdoor courts can become especially difficult during the hotter months, which is one reason some players are starting to move indoors. 

Indoor courts offer a different playing environment, where players do not have to deal with as much heat, wind, or weather-related interruptions. That consistency, some say, can make the game feel like a totally new one. 

“I’m an advocate for indoor courts,” one local player, Tristan Pelletier said while comparing the two experiences. 

As more players look for indoor options, facilities across Northeast Florida are beginning to meet the demand. Places like Holey Ballz in St. Augustine, along with other indoor courts in the area, give players the opportunity to stay on the court year-round.  

Darcy Miller, the manager at Holey Ballz said, “Consistent indoor conditions can also help players improve because they are able to focus more on the game itself rather than outside factors.” 

Even with the rise of indoor options, outdoor courts continue to play an irreplaceable role in the sport’s growth. Together, both settings help make pickleball more accessible to new and experienced players alike. 

Whether played under the Florida sun or inside a controlled environment, pickleball’s momentum across Northeast Florida continues to build. As more players pick up paddles, the sport shows no signs of slowing down.