Always Ready for Company

One of the things that I love about Fernandina is that you always see chairs on the front porch: not just one or two chairs but frequently three, four or five. We're always expecting company. And we're always ready to people-watch. Every evening is like the Shrimpfest parade; half the town is sitting and watching and the other half is parading by. And we're on front porches, not back yard decks. Love a deck but they're for hiding. Porches are for communing. And communing makes a community. Members of some communities might think that their loved ones have disappeared but in Fernandina we know that they're either taking a walk or buying milk at Publix. And they'll be back when they're hungry.

Blog is moving.

This blog is moving to a new location. Please have a look at the updated page at www.amelia-island.net

Fernandina Beach Babe Ruth League – Southeast Regional Tournament!!!!

Hosting this event is considered an honor.  The link below takes you to the schedule updated as the tournament progresses.  If you’re interested in supporting local baseball or if you have kids who want to see a great local game, this event will have teams from all over the Southeastern US.   

2009 Babe Ruth 14-Year-olds Baseball
July 30, 2009 - August 05, 2009
Fernandina Beach Babe Ruth League, Inc
Fernandina Beach, Florida

Fernandina Beach Babe Ruth League - (Fernandina Beach, FL) - powered by LeagueLineup.com

Why do we need a library?

"Perhaps no place in any community is so totally democratic as the town library.  The only entrance requirement is interest. " ~Lady Bird Johnson

A local group, Friends of the Library, contacted me to obtain feedback from the "Fernandina Beach and Nassau County Local Network" on Facebook.  It still strikes me as odd that I often talk more to friends online over voice and video chat than I do in person.  It is even stranger to sample local opinion by looking online. 

The debate quickly took a turn toward an either/or debate of which service I saw as wasteful and which service might be eliminated in favor of the library.  I don't see things in those terms.  There are some things like schools, libraries, beaches....sunshine, water....that should be free and available.  I began to visit the local library when it was on Centre Street.  Books were the escape I found and one of the best things I remember as  kid.  I was never without as a child, but I imagine many children will feel the difference at home when times are tough.  No child or adult looking for a book should be denied the opportunity to use a public library or to have a basic education.   These two things, in my view, are some of the most basic services we absolutely should exempt from any economic downturn. 

Speak up...tell state and local government what you think! 

Another "Townie"

As a fellow "townie," someone who lives and/or works downtown, I've been graciously asked by Ed to be a guest contributor to this blog. Since I do my own daily blog about life in Fernandina it seemed like a good fit and I was honored to be asked. Truth be told, as the owner of the Fairbanks House bed and breakfast, I spend all day every day talking about Fernandina. Our guests want to know everything: What's it like to live here? How cold does it get in the winter? How much does a house cost? What are the schools like? What do people do here to earn a living? What's the history of your house/ town/ island? What's the history of that house? Where's a good place to eat? How late are the shops open? Where can I buy...? What's that smell? And I'm happy to answer.

My husband Bill and I came here to buy Fairbanks House in 1997 - we're still newbies to the townsfolk but we've lasted three to four lifetimes in innkeeping years. We love looking at Fernandina through our guests' eyes because it keeps it new for us and allows us to really appreciate what we have here - if we'd managed to forget in the first place. Most of them want to move here and many of them have. In fact, in our twelve years here we've had thirty four couples that have bought homes and we've got at least five more looking now. If you counted all of the ones that ask us to keep our eyes open for that $40,000 "steal" you'd be in the hundreds. FYI, we have a full enough day looking after our guests without trying to find that unicorn.

But we love it here; maybe that's why we have so many guests catching the Fernandina fever. And we just keep catching it back from them. It's a joy to be able to do what we love to do - in Fernandina.

Fernandina's Fantastic Fudge on Amelia Island

I met Steve when he and his family first came to Fernandina. This guy is a class act and makes some of the best fudge I've had as well. One of our favorite stops is at his shop where my sons have an ice cream.

Since I'm all about cross-promoting local business, this seems like a great fit for the blog. I can say, even thought I believe in buying locally, I'll never bring a business to your attention if I don't approve. Enjoy the video.

Homeless in Nassau

This is an issue I haven't discussed in some time.  Today, it was brought home again.  On the way out to lunch...walking from my office downtown I saw something leaning against the railing at one of the older historic homes.  It was almost a caricature of a man with a large hat pulled down over his head and sprawled out across the sidewalk sleeping.  I thought at first it was the homeowner's idea of a joke.  At second glance, it was a middle aged man taking a nap with half a dozen paper and plastic bags strewn around blocking the sidewalk.  I took the kids to lunch at Pablo's, where we had a great lunch special.  Afterward we were approached by yet another homeless man who wanted to give me an envelope full of change.  He was obviously not quite all there...so I said..no...put that in your pocket..I'm OK...and thank you anyway.  He apparently decided I was Ok and proceeded to ask if I had a few dollars for gas money.  

The point I'm making is this.  I counted 8 separate homeless men this morning in a 2 hour period.   If our growth rate of homeless is higher because we are attracting a transient population...that issue should be addressed. 

The number of homeless residents reported in Nassau County was 305, up from 71 in 2007, making nearly 2 percent of Duval and Nassau County residents homeless during some point in the year.

Homelessness: Numbers grow, resources don't | Jacksonville.com

Vice Lounge on Centre Street Auditions...

Wes Sheffield usually has something creative in mind.  The auditions for the new club adjacent to the Palace Saloon were going on today at 2Pm.   I'm sure the new venture will bring attention and visitors to Centre Street. 

On another note, rumor has it that a new coffee shop may open shortly on North 4th Street.   The Bristly Thistle, another North 4th Street merchant, is doing a great business with hand-painted needlepoint canvases, threads, supplies and embellishments.  Specialty shops and some of the other unique ideas in Downtown Fernandina Beach make this an incredibly interesting place to work.

PAY FOR PARKING

There are a few times when active debate online is a truly great idea. One of the most progressive members of the FB City Commission, Mayor Susan Steger, often takes the time to poll her constituents. In an effort to look for public opinion on the pay for parking issue, the below is posted as a request to the largest online network for Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island. The replies are varied. If you use Facebook, just click the link below to reply to the topic of "Pay for Parking". We welcome your comments. I actually would like to hear from those of you opposed and those supporting "pay for parking" at the beach and downtown. The picture to the left was taken a little after 10Am this morning. Notice the numerous spaces open. Most of the businesses downtown are open by this time.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=121896126496#topic_top

"Our city manager brought a pay for parking suggestion to the city commission. Kiosks would be placed at the beach, and downtown. Individuals who park are required to have a ticket on their windshield. The cost will be a $1 an hour.
This is done in Jacksonville and St Augustine. Would love to hear comments!
susan "

Facebook PAY FOR PARKING

Good News for Downtown FB...Post Office a Step Closer

This morning I walked in to work and noticed some suspicious activity across the street at the Centre Street Post Office.  Ok, I'm exaggerating, but there was activity.  The two men below were taking measurements and completing an "as-built" for the US Postal Service.  It looks like the new size of the post office will be a 2 bay and I think retain the boxes currently in place.    Handicapped modifications with a possible entry at the back of the building should allow the front of the building and front facade to remain the same.  

As a long time local, I remember this building with lights and well maintained.  I welcome any change of use that will restore the building and insure a long term use.  The firm used was Akel, Logan, Shafer at www.alsarchitects.com  .   

Please note...I am only guessing at the use the drawing was only an as-built...not proposed modification of the building.  The work being done does indicate a very high likelihood of the project moving forward, but I'm only guessing based on what I've heard at the local coffee shop and from other "informed" locals.

Florida Ranked Consistently High and Why Real Estate Should Recover More Quickly Here

 

It is interesting to look at a glass half full instead of half empty.  The South Florida real estate market seems to be such a separate world from our little corner in NE Florida.  We see a different demographic, growth rate, and I hope recovery rate.

Growth will, in my opinion, save us.  As the baby boomer generation retires...beginning only a few years ago...we will see a continued migration here.  We have one of the best standards of living, best climates, best environment for business, best beaches, best pretty much everything.  That said, there are almost three Floridas.  South Florida is distinctly different than North Florida.  Inland and Beaches all over Florida are very different.   Growth all over Florida is going to continue.  Nassau County, bordered by Jacksonville to the south with 20 times (roughly) the population, is a far nicer place to live.  We are, more often as years pass, becoming a bedroom community for Jacksonville and King's Bay. 

Coming trends, including fuel price increases, virtual offices and green living all point to an area like Nassau.  We have the beaches, we have great values on property, you can live and do all errands within about 10 minutes of home and in come areas can walk or ride a bike for everything.   This is one of the easiest places in the world to live.  Oh, and don't forget the short drive to Jacksonville International Airport...only about 30 minutes away.

Lets consider a few opinions:

• “Top State Business Climate.” Florida’s business climate ranked 4th among executives and 6th overall on Site Selection magazine’s 2008 Top State Business Climate rankings. Read more.

• “Best Tax Climate for Business.” Florida continues to rank among the top five states for best tax climate for business, according to a Tax Foundation survey. With no state income tax, low corporate taxes, a low unemployment insurance tax rate, and sales tax exemptions for certain business transactions, Florida has remained among the top five U.S. states since the survey’s inception. Read more.

• “#1 in Online Education.” Florida ranks top in the nation in online education, according to the Center for Digital Education, which evaluated each state’s vision, policies, programs and strategies to transform their academic environments to meet student needs. Read more.

• “Best Colleges and Universities.” Florida colleges and universities were ranked among the best by several national surveys. For instance, six Florida universities, including University of Florida at No. 2 and New College of Florida at No. 8, were named to “Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges.” These rankings recognize schools with top-flight academics and affordable costs. The University of South Florida's graduate entrepreneurship program was ranked No. 5 in the country in the 2008 ranking from The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur Magazine. Read more.

• “Top Ranked High Schools.” Florida leads the nation in Newsweek’s “Top 100 U.S. High Schools,” accounting for nearly 1 out of every 5 of the top ranked schools as measured by the magazine’s Challenge Index. Read more.

• “Top Biotech Region.” Florida was named a “Top 5 Region for Biotech” in 2008 by the industry's daily monitor, Fierce Biotech. This is Florida's second consecutive year at the top of this ranking for regions supportive of biotech development. Read more.

So, the next time you think about Florida or about Nassau County...think about just how much we have going for us.  We're far better off still than just about anywhere else in the country...and I'd be hard pressed to find anywhere else in the world with the same quality of life here on Amelia Island. 

First Amelia Island Beach Walk......

It was a great morning.  We showed up a few minutes after 8AM at the park entry and made our way to Fort Clinch with our two sons.  Unfortunately, the group appeared to be well under way by the time we realized they were already at the beach.     The boys both had water and were dancing around ready to go.  I think everyone was a little spread out...... 

Our view from the end of the line was a little challenged.  I can say the walk was spread out.     This is the view we had when we started.  The last of the groups were moving out and with so many distractions on the beach...I was pretty sure we wouldn't see anyone for the duration. 

Shells became our focus.  Broken conch shells and shark teeth were all over the beach.  We just don't know why all the other people walked right by these.

Seriously, we did get there only a few minutes after the park opened and thought the walk would take a few minutes to organize and start.   With kids, we really never had a chance to catch up with the group, but had a great time anyway.  I'll watch the local postings to see how it went.

Right now, I'm thinking it would be interesting to do something similar in a cooler month.   Both kids were out of water and soaked by the time we made it to Ocean Avenue and although I had plenty of extra supplies, the temperature really looked like it would be an issue later on in the day.   

I'm looking forward to taking the kids along in coming years.

Local Lecture Series...Spies, Covert Op by George Washington?

This looks very interesting and like a great way to spend some time before a late evening.

"The Amelia Island Museum of History invites the public to our next 3rd Friday on 3rd Street presentation, Friday, June 19th at 5:30 p.m. This month features Gerhardt Thamm, a retired CIA Intelligence Operative speaking on George Washington’s use of spies during the Revolutionary War. Although best known as a general and a president, Washington also developed a complex system of intelligence gathering that helped defeat the British and establish the United States. Washington utilized agents behind enemy lines, recruiting both Tory and patriot sources. He interrogated travelers for intelligence information, launched scores of agents on intelligence, counterintelligence and covert operations and yes, he read other people’s mail. Join us as we learn about this often over-looked aspect of warfare and our first president. Admission is free for museum members and $5 for non-members. For more information, contact the museum at 261-7378."

Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival

I know this is a late posting and likely will be missed, but a free event by artists at this level is too much to pass up.  I'm sorry for the brief post, but at least doing a little to help get the word out.  The rest of the series running through the 14th is at the link below.  

Thursday, June 11, 1:00 PM

Resident Fellowship Artists

Savannah Grand of Amelia Island

1900 Amelia Trace Court, Fernandina Beach

Free event, no ticket required

Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival

Bachelor/Bachelorette Auction

 

Support a good cause!  This is a summary of the information for a local fundraising event here on the island.  This looks like fun and I'd say some cheap entertainment for the evening.  Someone send a few pictures to the blog if you attend.

"Bachelor/Bachelorette Auction presented by Amelia Island Plantation’s Relay For Life Team
with proceeds benefiting American Cancer Society
Saturday, June 27, 2009 ~ 6pm - 10pm
Grand Pavilion, Amelia Island Plantation
Bid for a dinner date with a Jacksonville Jaguar Football Player -OR-one of many special adventures of dinner, lunch, kayaking, personal training session, a tennis lesson, horseback riding with upstanding local bachelors & bachelorettes.
$20 advance ticket price or $25 at the door includes entry for door prizes of
A stay at the oceanfront Amelia Inn -or-A stay at the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
and Cash Bar • Light Hors d’oeuvres • DJ with Dancing • FUN
Tickets may be purchased at Prosperity Bank, Sadler Rd., Fernandina Beach, FL
or Call Alice at 904.557.3832/Jill 904.612.5242
cash or check made payable to the American Cancer Society only please
Help us raise money to find a cure for cancer!"

First Annual Amelia Island Beach Walk

This looks to be a great idea and a good time for all.  See the link here for details.  Beach Walk Link Here....

"Ever wanted to walk the "whole" beach...all the way from the fort to the south end? On June 20th, 2009 at 8:00 am we're departing from Fort Clinch and making our way to the bridge! The tide is perfect for a long beach walk....high tide is 6:44 am...so it will be going out as we make our way south.
We are going to line up strategic stops at main beach / Sandy Bottoms, Sliders, The Surf & Carleton Dunes and hopefully a last stop at AIP. At Carleton Dunes we plan on grilling hot dogs and having snacks and drinks...then head back out to finish the trek...I can't wait! Let us know if you are interested...everyone is invited!"(taken from site linked above.)

Again, go to the site and have a look.  This looks like a great idea and should be a lot of fun for all.  I plan to bring at least one of my sons along for part of the walk...and hopefully will stick around for the entire thing.  I'd strongly suggest bringing your own water, a good hat, sunscreen and something to eat as a snack.  The way the island is set up...if you decide you don't want to do the entire walk, you can always have someone pick you up along the way. 

Hummingbirds....

 

My children noticed something moving near the neighbor's bottlebrush.  You usually don't see these when they land, but I managed to snap a quick shot.  

Noise Ordinance and Input

I just wanted to take a moment to offer input. I’m sure you all are carefully considering the impact of any change and also considering the fairness of an ordinance to both businesses and residential owners. The following is my opinion as a commercial property owner and business owner downtown.

As a broker, I may have a more conservative view of individual rights. I always felt the rights of the least intense use should be protected first. In this case, there is a right to use a commercial property; we just want to avoid a negative impact on adjoining residences and also avoid a precedent for future potentially detrimental uses. If you expand the time for weekend performance, I feel it will be difficult to limit later. It also makes sense that it would become difficult to limit times and noise for all other commercially zoned properties potentially doing the same thing in the future once there is an expansion of use allowed. It would be wise to consider all possible locations that would potentially be allowed a higher traffic and impact. A good ordinance should be written to protect rights, not allow an undue impact to hurt bed and breakfasts or residences. I personally think outdoor performance at a reasonable level you as a commission determine (subject to reduction) prior to 10PM is reasonable. Indoor areas with facilities designed to contain noise and minimize impact on surrounding residences should be allowed to do as they have. Outdoor music with dinner until 10 at a low to moderate volume is reasonable. Outdoor concerts or loud bands next door to a bed and breakfast or home is simply unfair and makes use as a residence or sleeping of guests impossible. Please pick a time when everyone would expect to be able to sleep or reasonably enjoy their stay. The problem with Green Turtle vs. Florida House should be an indication of just how important getting this ordinance right will be for Fernandina.

Your job is to think through current and future implications if there is consideration of an ordinance expanding use or times allowed. I do think you should consider negative impacts on residential uses or adjoining business first…then think of ways to be fair to all. This ordinance will be longer lasting and have a greater impact than any of us imagine. My own view is that outdoor commercial music should be controlled at a fair level and stop at 10PM in the downtown area. I think an area within say…200 feet of any residence should be required to stay at a level you find fair and again..stop at 10PM. If you have an enclosed area or fully enclosed courtyard that contains the sound..I would treat those areas differently.

I know you will carefully consider the above and I trust you to find a reasonable solution. Thank you for your time.

Edward E. Boner

Owner

11 1/2 North 4th Street

Fernandina, FL 32034

An Old-Fashioned Piece of Fernandina

This scene might be a forgotten part of the island one day.  John's Barber Shop on South 8th Street is the original barber shop.  They specialize in men's haircuts with an emphasis on quality.  Here a young man sits patiently through his first haircut and looks at the moose horns, trophy bass,  giant wasp nests, pictures of rare albino deer and other unusual pieces of Fernandina Beach history.   Everything has a story and you won't run out of things to do while you wait.  If you really want to try a local tradition...go pick up a bottle of coke next door at the grocery store with a bag of peanuts.  I remember my favorite snack as a boy...just drink some coke and pour half the bag into the bottle to eat as you drink.  I'm not sure if it was the taste I liked or if it was a way to drink and eat while riding my bike around town. 

It isn't exactly Floyd's, but it is exactly what you expect of a modern day barber shop.  Conversation, extra-ordinary pieces of history and the best haircut I've ever had. 

Don't call for an appointment...this is a walk-in only shop with the art of conversation practiced while you wait. 

Cafe Karibo - Locals Love Our Lunch

 

What do you write about when you run out of things to say?  Lunch....

This is one of my favorite lunch spots in Fernandina.  Reasonable prices, great food and an onsite brewery.   Yes, I actually am a local and eat here on average once a week.  My favorite lunch item is the "Curried chicken wrap".

Cafe Karibo - Locals Love Our Lunch

Landscaping Requirements.....?

Four or five trees were here and then gone beginning before 8AM this morning. I've noticed this lately in more than one commercial strip center...where trees suddenly are being not only pruned, but cut down entirely. Is this a loophole we need to close?

The live oaks cut looked to be around 15 to 20 feet and 10 to 12 inch diameter...very healthy.

School Closures? Wasted Money....

I'm the first to admit my understanding of the budget and spending at state or federal level is weak to say the least.  This story makes me think of everything from the Salt Marsh basin being maintained as a freshwater marsh...at a huge expense here on the island to the sidewalk on 14th Street where there are very few people walking.  It makes me think of the ridiculous complaints and upgrades to "street lights" and turning circles built where the old system was working just fine. 

We need look at governmental waste and think of exactly how that impacts us.  The 11% cut cited by the News Leader...which will have a very significant impact on our schools should have no impact.  Schools are one of if not the most important resources we have in this county.  Our boat ramps, our beach renourishment, our festivals...all pale in comparison to the needs of our children.  I'm saddened to see the kind of choices we're facing. 

So...the moral of my post?  In times of economic hardship turn an eye to your government....and think about every dollar they spend as your own...because "IT IS YOUR MONEY!".

Ruis said "25 to 90" teachers could lose their jobs in county schools. "That's our very best guesstimate," he said.
Among the variables in determining how many is what the Florida Legislature does regarding class size requirements. State voters approved class size limits in a constitutional amendment, but the legislature is contemplating suspending those for a year to enable larger classes

Fernandina Beach, FL, News-Leader newspaper. The local news source for Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach, FL

buynassaucounty.com

This really is a nice program.  Promoting local business and keeping money inside a community can make a huge difference.    Take a look for information and even "prizes".

buynassaucounty.com - information on buynassaucounty.com

Amelia Island Jazz Festival April 2nd

Reposted for Michael Rothschild....

As media chairman for the 2009 Amelia Island Jazz Festival, I wanted to let you know about our first event of the year:

JAZZ FESTIVAL “SWINGS INTO SPRING” WITH BENEFIT SHOW--WILL ANNOUNCE AND HONOR SCHOLARSHIP WINNER The Les DeMerle Amelia Island Jazz Festival will present a special SWING INTO SPRING CONCERT to kick off its 2009 schedule and announce the winner of the 2009 AIJF Scholarship it will award to an aspiring high school senior musician. The selected honoree will perform on the bandstand with the headliners during the show.

The concert, slated for Thursday, April 2, 7:00 - 9:00 PM, at the historic Palace Saloon in Fernandina Beach, will showcase The Dynamic Les DeMerle 8-Piece All-Star Band, featuring vocalist Bonnie Eisele, and special guest, former Buddy Rich sideman and UNF professor emeritus Dr. Bill Prince (saxophones, clarinet and flute), along with Jim Malmgren of the US Navy Band Southeast (trumpet), UNF Jazz Ensemble Director Mark Dickman (trombone), Doug Matthews (piano), Ernie Ealum (bass), and the always sensational DeMerle (drums).

“We are really excited that our scholarship winner will also sit-in with the pros that night,” said DeMerle. “It’s part of our focus on youth as we look to the future of jazz and the growth of the festival. There are so many talented young players who deserve recognition, and we plan to add inspiration and financial aid to continue advancing the value of this great American art form.”

Swing Into Swing concert tickets will cost $25 and are available online at: www.ameliaislandjazzfestival.com (Visa, MC, AMEX, Discover) and at:

The UPS Store - Island Walk Shopping Center

1417 Sadler Road

Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

(904) 277-0820

Or at the door (if not sold out in advance).

A not for profit 501(c)(3) corporation, the Les DeMerle Amelia Island Jazz Festival distributes proceeds toward a scholarship program to fund college educations for aspiring jazz musicians.

For more information, please contact the Festival Hotline at (904) 504-4772

Or visit our website: www.ameliaislandjazzfestival.com Email address: info@ameliaislandjazzfestival.com

Join in the Pirates on the Run 5K or 10k

 

This really is an excellent event...with a lot of fun and great for the local economy.  See the information below for the contact or registration information.   

The 2009 Pirates on the Run 5K/10K and children's races will start at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, with headquarters at St. Peter's Episcopal Church at Atlantic Avenue and Eighth Street in Fernandina Beach.

This year's route has a cross-country segment through the Egan's Creek Greenway, and the loot includes long-sleeved T-shirts for the first 400 registered runners, and door prizes

For more information, go to www.AmeliaIslandRunners.com send an e-mail to Deborah Dunham at DDunham426@aol. com, or call 624-0027.

Join in the Pirates on the Run 5K/10K and pick up some loot | Jacksonville.com