JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Thursday, the Fernandina Harbor Marina was almost empty – just like it has been since 2016.
Zachary Hatten, an employee at Atlantic Seafood Bait and Tackle told Action News Jax, “We saw pieces of it float right off.”
The northeast Florida native said he remembers Hurricane Matthew and the damage that shut down the docks.
“They [the boaters] come and get their bait shrimp, which they take out on their charter. They bring those buys back in, they need us to clean their fish for them and that’s a big part of our revenue,” Hatten described.
He said it had a big effect on the store’s bottom line.
Action News Jax reporter Beth Rousseau stopped by the shop in July 2019, the same day City Manager Dale Martin said challenges were delaying repairs to the docks.
Friday, the marina’s southern basin is set to reopen for vessels.
According to Hatten, “They have been out there trying to get the docks back under control – get the pylons built and they’re trying to make sure the next time a hurricane comes through we don’t suffer quite as much damage.”
At Tuesday’s city commission meeting, Martin said the contractor is still making a few repairs and dock adjustments but it won’t affect their use.
Hatten said he can’t wait to see boats back at the marina and their owners inside the store.
“We’re going to treat it as like a grand opening, you know, welcome everybody back,” said Hatten.
This browser does not support the video element.