FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla — For the first time in years, Fernandina Beach residents are experiencing snowfall, with some locals recalling the last significant snowfall in the area back in the 1980s. While the rare weather event has brought joy to many, it’s also causing disruptions for local businesses, as the icy conditions prompt people to stay indoors.
A local resident captured video of the snowfall early Wednesday morning at around 6:30 AM, showcasing the unexpected winter scene. While many residents are relishing the rare sight of snow, others are reflecting on how long it’s been since the area has seen anything like this.
>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<
[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]
Local resident Brittany Webb, who grew up in Fernandina Beach, shared her memories of the last significant snowfall in the area.
“I grew up here, and the last time it snowed was in ‘89, so I sort of remember that, though I was a little kid. We’ve had some flurries over the years and cold days, but nothing like this. This is the first snow like this in years,” Webb said.
Read: All Grown Up: Jaguar ‘Baby Banks’ leaving Jacksonville Zoo
As snow blanketed houses and trees around Fernandina Beach, locals shared stories of how it’s been decades since they’ve witnessed snow in their hometown.
While the snow has brought joy to many, it has also caused a slowdown for some local businesses. Hot Paws, a popular dog grooming service, is one of those affected. Typically serving around 100 dogs a day, the business has seen a sharp decline in appointments due to the cold weather and icy conditions.
On Wednesday, they had just 35 dogs come in for their services.
Read: Winter storm: Here’s the status of Northeast Florida, Southeast Georgia schools for Thursday
Brittany Webb, the general manager of Hot Paws, explained how the snow even became a playful moment for the dogs.
“We had them out there playing this morning. They’re running around chasing the snowflakes. They were falling. We took some videos and pictures of it, and they seem to be mostly unbothered by it. They get a little cold here and there, and when that happens, we bring them inside to hang out with us,” she said.
Despite the fun, the reduced customer turnout is having an impact on business.
“Yesterday, we were business as usual with about 100 dogs. I came in today, and we had a lot less. A lot of people didn’t have to go to work, so they didn’t bring their dogs in. That’s kind of our bread and butter—the daycare dogs who come in to play during the day when parents aren’t at work,” Webb said.
As the snow begins to melt and the roads dry up, drivers are slowly returning to the streets. Locals are hopeful that business will pick back up as the weather warms and more people return to their regular routines.
Read: Jacksonville Jaguars part ways with General Manager Trent Baalke
[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.