Downtown Fernandina Beach will be free to park in again starting Nov. 18 after the City Commission voted 4-1 on Wednesday, Aug. 19, to terminate its contract with parking operator One Parking, responding to a referendum in which nearly 75% of voters demanded the program end.

The vote came one day after the Aug. 18 primary election, where 4,175 voters chose "Yes" to a citizen-initiated ordinance requiring voter approval before the city can implement paid parking in any designated area. Just 1,398 voted "No," according to unofficial results reported by the Nassau County Supervisor of Elections.

The result was decisive.

The $2-per-hour program launched in February after commissioners approved it in January on a 4-1 vote. Enforcement began March 16 following a 30-day grace period. City officials had projected the program would generate roughly $1.9 million in annual gross revenue and about $1.1 million after operating expenses, with funds restricted to downtown capital improvements.

But the program sparked months of contentious commission meetings, court challenges and heated public debate. Opponents argued paid parking discouraged locals and visitors from coming downtown and undercut the historic district's charm.

Capt. Scott Thompson, who runs Pipe Dream Charters out of Fernandina Beach, offered a mixed assessment before the vote. "The increased revenue for the city is good. The cost to the employer and employee to pay for parking here is detrimental," Thompson said in an early August interview.

A petition campaign that gathered more than 1,700 certified voter signatures forced the question onto the ballot.

Under the contract's 90-day termination clause, paid parking will continue to operate as it does now through Nov. 18. The city has already provided One Parking with a notice of termination, according to a city announcement published Tuesday, Aug. 25.

City Manager Sarah Campbell praised the outgoing operator. "We appreciate the professionalism and partnership One Parking has demonstrated throughout this process," Campbell said. "While the program will be ending, we are grateful for their willingness to work with the City and honor the terms of our agreement as we move forward."

Residents who have already paid parking fees will not receive refunds. The city said fees are non-refundable under City Code.

The new ordinance also bars future paid parking in any designated area without majority approval from a public referendum of registered city voters. Temporary paid parking for publicly noticed special events lasting no longer than 30 days is exempt. Under the City Charter, the commission could repeal or amend the voter-approved ordinance only with a four-fifths vote.

The city said it will provide additional information about the transition as the Nov. 18 end date approaches.