Florida's Amelia Island earned the nickname Isle of Eight Flags because eight nations governed it since the 1500s. By the 1980s, the small beach town grew into a popular tourist destination attracting international visitors for its collection of mangroves, coastal activities and rich history. "I've been here for 20 years, and I always hear everyone remark how there is no other place like this. If you go to the southern end, you'll get upscale resorts, hotels and golf courses," says Bruce Meger, a Realtor with Watson Realty and Amelia Island resident. "But if you go to the middle of the island, it's a small-town neighborhood. Fernandina Beach, on the northern end, has the historic downtown, and we have nine miles of beachfront." The island is famous for the Appalachian quartz sands on American Beach. Amelia City, also known as Franklintown, was North Florida's first all-Black beach resort, situated at the southern tip. Along the western coast is a longtime paper mill and manufacturing plant. According to Meger, the tourist season spans from May to after Labor Day. "But in the winter, the island really shines because there are less people. It's easy to get into restaurants and get a fishing charter," Meger says.
Amelia Island's beaches and state parks
Amelia Island is well-known for its soft beach sand, which attracts both tourists and locals. Here, fishing and boating are well-loved pastimes. "We have a large set of fishing charters and five marinas. Many offer charters out to the gulf, marshes or Amelia River. I've never gone fishing and not caught anything," Meger says. Anglers can expect to catch flounder closer to shore and redfish or grouper further off the coast. George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier is a mile-long pedestrian fishing spot just beyond the island. Boat owners can park at the marinas, such as Fernandina Harbor and Tiger Point. The area is also home to Fort Clinch State Park, a historic Civil War site popular for shark teeth-hunting and watching submarines come in at Kings Bay Naval Base. To the south are the dunes of Amelia Island State Park, offering a relaxing backdrop for horseback riding and sunbathing.
The residents of Amelia Island can drive their cars all the way to the beach.
Visitors of Fort Clinch State Park can experience life in the Fort during the 800's.
The Egans Creek Greenway guided walk is part of the Amelia Wild Festival.
Tourists love to visit the beautiful Fort at Fort Clinch State Park in Fernandina Beach.
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Varied home styles on verdant lawns
The streets are lined with a mix of palm trees and coastal live oaks with hanging Spanish moss. There are several housing styles, from older Victorians and cottages to midcentury ranches. Many homes have renovations, and some include covered swimming pools. "The area is very unique in the sense that it's virtually built out. You will find new constructions here and there from parcels of land, but it's a rare situation. There isn't much large-scale building on the island," Meger explains. Buyers can score a modest-size concrete block home or cottage starting at around $350,000. However, on average, properties on the island range from $700,000 to over $5 million. Residences on the island have a risk of flooding and potential damage from severe weather conditions.
A row of recently built single family homes in Amelia Island.
A recently built beachfront mansion on Amelia Island.
A recently built two story home on Amelia Island.
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Celebrations of history
People come from all over the region for the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. " It's the biggest festival of the year and what puts the island on the map. It will bring over 100,000 people to the island," Meger says. The event commemorates the city's history as the birthplace of modern shrimping. "We say that the island sinks about two to three inches during the festival because of all the people visiting," Meger laughs. Dickens on Centre is another popular event that began as an informal day for dressing up and visiting historic locations in the community but eventually evolved into an official festival.
There are many things to see and buy at the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival.
The Isle of Eight Festival is one of the biggest events on Amelia Island.
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Locals stay on the island for shopping and dining
Amelia Island has several shopping plazas and strip malls. Grocery stores on the island include Publix, Winn Dixie, Harris Teeter and Walmart. The island is quickly becoming a foodie destination with over 40 restaurant options. "Down Under is a seafood restaurant underneath the Shave Bridge that is just like a phoenix. It has flooded three times over the last 20 years and had to be rebuilt. But it's still just as popular as ever," Meger explains. He also recommends Bar Zin and The Tavern by Amelia Island Brewing Company. Locals can head to the southern resorts for a five-star restaurant experience, such as Salt at The Ritz-Carlton.
Public is the go to grocery store for the residents of Amelia Island.
Art pieces for sale in a store in Downtown Fernandina Beach.
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Highly-rated Nassau County schools
Children attend Southside Elementary with a B-plus from Niche and continue to Fernandina Beach Middle, which earns an A-minus. Fernandina Beach High receives an A grade, offering a Career Technical Education program that includes nursing assistant certification and aerospace classes.
The entrance of the Fernandina Beach Middle School.
The entrance of the Fernandina Beach High School.
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Getting on and off the island
The barrier island is separated from the mainland by two bridges, the Shave Bridge on SR-200 to the north and the scenic A1A winding past homes and mangroves to the south. The island is about 15 miles from Interstate 95, and the Jacksonville Airport is around 25 miles away. The Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport is part of the community. The airport follows strict guidelines to prevent elevated noise levels, such as operating during restricted hours and using specific flight patterns. Locals also use the airport as a base for skydive and paragliding.
Houses of Worship
There are many places of worship, including longstanding congregations dating back to the 1800s, such as St. Michael's Catholic Church, St. Peter's Episcopal Church and New Zion Missionary Baptist Church. The island also has primary care facilities for locals seeking medical attention.
The St. Peter's Episcopal Church is an historical marker located in Fernandina Beach.
In 1977 the church began restoration for the newly named St. Michael Academy on Amelia Island.
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Source: Public RecordsDisclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
