Amelia Island Living.com

Florida Historic Destination: Amelia Island Heritage Tourism

Fri, 29 May 2009 15:07:44 PST

Amelia Island, Florida, home to Fernandina Beach, holds claim to the oldest lighthouse, the oldest saloon, and the oldest hotel in Florida. Rich in history, with historic district on the National Register of Historic Places, there's lots to explore on Amelia, Florida's most northeastern barrier island. Oceanfront luxury resorts (Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island Plantation), offer world-class spas, fabulous golf, and miles of beachfront. However, other appealing options include quaint, historic bed and breakfast inns or camping out under the stars at Fort Clinch State Park. Visit this unique Florida historic destination with plenty of posh perks. READ MORE ABOUT HISTORIC LANDMARKS ON AMELIA ISLAND and WATCH AMELIA ISLAND VIDEOS...

Reflection and Dreams. Fernandina High School Graduation

Wed, 27 May 2009 16:56:45 PST

This article is a little different than usual. But so is the subject. It's about an investment that keeps on giving -- and taking. It's about a bond that is not financial in nature, but instead emotional. A bond that forms quicker and stronger than epoxy, and fosters a lifetime of blissful experiences. This is the bond between a father and a daughter. Fernandina Beach High School will hold its graduation Saturday for several hundred seniors. My daughter will be among them. She is the student body president. Graduation is a time for reflection, and a time for dreaming. READ MORE FROM STEVE NICKLAS...

How To Plant a Florida Bird & Butterfly Garden

Wed, 27 May 2009 09:19:13 PST

There are a few important steps in attracting wildlife to a garden. The first step is to reduce the amount of lawn grass in your yard. The second step is to have a constant, clean water source such as a bird bath or fountain. Next, consider layering your plants so you have some ground cover, then perennials followed by shrubs and finishing with trees. Birds and butterflies need places to hide from predators and often seek shelter under leaves and tree limbs. Think about providing plants with leaves for the caterpillars to eat such as milkweed, parsley, dill and/or citrus. Have plenty of flowers for nectar and pollen. Wildflowers, such as thistle, might also be incorporated which attract finches and other small birds. READ MORE FROM NASSAU COUNTY, FLORIDA HORTICULTURAL AGENT, REBECCA JORDI...

SHRIMP FESTIVAL, Isle of 8 Flags, Fernandina Beach

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 18:15:27 PST

The 46^th annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival in Fernandina Beach (May 1-3, 2009) will likely attract 130,000 to 150,000 people to Amelia Island, Florida. Over the weekend, see fireworks and pirate invasion, attend the wonderful art show, get a bite to eat, listen to live entertainment at the riverfront stage, and hit the "Kids' Korner" fun zone. For locals, attending the Shrimp Festival parade on Thursday evening (this year April 30th), is an annual ritual. Five generations of citizens gravitate to the heart of Fernandina’s historic district. READ MORE...

TREND: Florida’s Home Sales Up 7 Months in a Row

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 12:52:03 PST

Florida’s existing home sales increased in March 2009, making it the seventh month in a row that sales activity demonstrated gains in the year-to-year comparison, according to the latest housing data released by the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR). March’s statewide sales also increased over the previous month’s sales level in both the existing home and existing condo markets. READ MORE ABOUT FLORIDA REAL ESTATE, HOME SALES...

From Florida Gators to Gardenias

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:02:15 PST

Got a gator in your pond? That's a question some Floridians can answer in the affirmative -- perhaps one of the more unique aspects of Florida living. It's not unfamiliar territory for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. They are the agency that helps property owners with the removal of a nuisance alligator... Who can resist the alluring fragrance of a Gardenia? Get some tips on growing Gardenias in your Florida garden. READ MORE FROM NASSAU COUNTY, FLORIDA HORTICULTURAL AGENT, REBECCA JORDI....

Some Good News in the Sea of Bad News

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 11:52:26 PST

Believe it or not, there are some positive business developments in our area. German banking giant Deutsche Bank is hiring for its new operations center on the south side of Jacksonville. Also, a new port facility alongside the Dames Point Bridge has been constructed with precision and timeliness. Several new Asian shipping companies are moving into the Jacksonville marketplace. READ MORE FROM STEVE NICKLAS...

Fragments of Upbeat News Spreading

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 20:21:59 PST

Like fissures in a wall of ice, fragments of upbeat news are spreading through the relatively frozen financial markets. The latest news came in the federal government's announcement to buy treasuries in the open market, attempting to further suppress interest rates. In the same breath, sales of existing homes in the U.S. surprisingly exceeded forecasts -- registering a pace not seen in years. READ MORE FROM STEVE NICKLAS...

Florida Home Sales Up 6 Consecutive Months

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:43:34 PST

Florida's existing home sales rose in February, making it the sixth consecutive month that sales activity showed increases in the year-to-year comparison, according to the latest housing data released by the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR). February's statewide sales also increased over January's figures in both the existing home and existing condo markets. READ MORE ABOUT FLORIDA REAL ESTATE MARKET...

Elephant Ears, Lawn Bees, Growing Beans

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 09:12:25 PST

Did your elephant ears get frost bite this winter? Do you have bees mysteriously burrowing into your lawn? Nassau County Extension Horticultural Agent, Rebecca Jordi, answers northeast Florida gardening questions in Garden Talk...READ MORE FROM EXPERT...