OCEAN HIGHWAY AND PORT AUTHORITY

Proudly serving Nassau County, Florida

Welcome to the Ocean Highway & Port Authority (OHPA)

The Ocean Highway & Port Authority (OHPA) has supported Nassau County since 1941, working to strengthen the region’s economic vitality, connectivity, and long term growth.

While OHPA is widely recognized for its role with the Port of Fernandina, our responsibilities extend well beyond port operations. As an independent special district governed by a locally elected Board of Commissioners, OHPA focuses on advancing the public interest through maritime support, transportation infrastructure, and strategic development initiatives that benefit residents and businesses throughout the county.

OHPA oversees key transportation assets, enhances access to navigable waterways, and ensures the safe and efficient movement of goods. We manage our resources responsibly, reinvesting revenue into projects that improve infrastructure, expand economic opportunity, and support a resilient local economy.

At its core, OHPA is committed to fostering a thriving, connected, and economically strong Nassau County—today and for future generations.

MORE INFO ABOUT OHPA

Picture of a Somers Isle ship at the Port of Fernandina

2026 Leadership

Commissioners

Elected OHPA Officers Fiscal Year 2025-2026

Chairman: Ray Nelson

Vice Chair: Scott Moore

Secretary/Treasurer: Miriam Hill

Monthly Meetings

March 25, 2026

Time: 6:00 PM

Location:

Peck Center, Willie Mae Ashley Auditorium

516 S 10th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Meeting Agenda

1. 6:00 PM – Meeting Call to Order – Chairman

2. Invocation

3. Pledge of Allegiance

4. Roll Call: Miriam Hill, District 1; Scott Moore, District 2; Justin Taylor, District 3; Ray Nelson, District 4; Mike Cole, District 5

5. Welcome Guests(Chair)

6. Public Comments on non-agenda items(Comments submitted prior to the meeting, limit 3 minutes per speaker)

7. Old Business(Public comments permitted. Limit 3 minutes per speaker)

a. Website Redesign (Updates, Deliverables for Action item)

b. Fabric Warehouse (Update, surveys/permits from Operator)

c. Renegotiation of Operating Agreement (Update, MOU)

• Court Order

• Notice of Appeal

d. Maintenance Dredging (Funding, Updates)

e. Delinquent Reimbursement/Funding — Legal services reimbursements (Board direction requested)

f. Extended Layberthing and Handling Agreement (Update, Port Operator)

g. Shrimp Fest (Selection, Action item)

8. New Business(Public comments permitted. Limit 3 minutes per speaker)

• Fender Replacement (Invoice, Funding, Grant G2437 Reimbursement)

• RFB Crane Refurbishment (Action item)

9. Port Commissioner Items(Other business to come before the Board)

• Bamboo fence (Update)

• FDOT on site (Photos of fenders, March 26)

• Port of Fernandina Annual Meeting (Questionnaire submit prior to April 21)

10. Adjournment

*The agenda is subject to change without prior notice.

If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the board, agency, or commission with respect to any matter considered at such meeting or hearing, he or she will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

Important Notices

A message from our Secretary of State, Cord Byrd - Click here

Florida's celebration of America's 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Notice of Gathering

Notice is hereby given that two or more OHPA Commissioners may be in attendance at the event.

There are no Notices of Gathering at this time.

PLEASE BE ADVISED THIS IS NOT A MEETING OF OHPA BOARD MEMBERS COVERED BY THE SUNSHINE LAW, SECTION 286.011, FLA. STATS. THEREFORE, THE PUBLIC MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE ACCESS DEPENDING UPON THE TYPE AND PLACE OF GATHERING. THIS IS A COURTESY NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC THAT TWO OR MORE COMMISSION OR BOARD MEMBERS MAY GATHER BUT WILL NOT TAKE ANY OFFICIAL ACTION ON ANY ITEM THAT WILL FORESEEABLY COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION OR APPLICABLE BOARD.