The Amelia Island Tourist Development Council (TDC) will vote Wednesday on at least $90,500 in bed-tax grants for events and cultural programs in fiscal year 2026-27.

The council meets at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, at the James S. Page Governmental Complex, 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee. Seven resolutions on the agenda would recommend Tourist Development Tax spending for fiscal 2026-27 destination marketing and event sponsorships. The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners holds final approval.

Wild Amelia Festival Gets Largest Grant

The largest named grant, $30,000, would go to Keep Nassau Beautiful for the Wild Amelia Nature Festival and ecotourism programs. The TDC board, which includes Nassau County Commissioner John F. Martin, approved the same dollar amount for that organization in fiscal 2025-26, according to the council's Dec. 10, 2025, meeting minutes.

Other Groups Seeking Sponsorship Money

Other proposed sponsorships include:

  • $20,000 to the Amelia Island Museum of History for promotion of island history programs
  • $18,000 to Fernandina Dojo LLC for martial arts programming
  • $10,000 to Story & Song Center for Arts & Culture for the Amelia Island Festival of Stories & Songs, with events scheduled Nov. 28, 2026, and Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, 2027
  • $7,500 to Crescendo Amelia Big Band LLC for the Amelia Island Dance Series and "How the Big Band Stole Christmas"
  • $5,000 to Zero Feet Above LLC for the Florida Roots Trail Race at Fort Clinch in 2027

A seventh resolution would continue the TDC's engagement of Florida's First Coast of Golf Inc. for destination marketing services. No dollar amount is listed in the agenda for that item.

Council's Role Is Only Advisory

The TDC's role is advisory. Its resolutions recommend spending to the county commission, which controls the funds. Nassau County's 5% Tourist Development Tax applies only to lodging on Amelia Island. Fernandina Beach hotels, resorts and vacation rentals generate roughly $5 million a year in bed taxes, the Fernandina Observer reported Aug. 24.

Agenda Also Includes Fiscal Updates

The Sept. 23 agenda also includes fiscal updates, a marketing activity report and a presentation from the Amelia Island Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Public Comment Open to Residents

Residents may address any agenda item during public comment, with a three-minute limit per speaker. Those needing accommodations should contact the County Manager's Office at 904-530-6010 no later than 72 hours before the meeting.