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TOWN HISTORY: Fernandina Beach is located on Amelia Island, known for hosting eight separate flags (including pirate) after it's original settlers, the Timucuan Indians, inhabited the island as long ago as 2000 B.C.. While the first European settlers were Spaniards who came in 1513, the town of Fernandina wasn't platted until 1811 by surveyor George J. F. Clarke, giving it the name in honor of King Ferdinand VII of Spain. Fernandina is known as the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry, and it's port has been used to provide freight to and from other countries. In the golden age of the island from about 1870 to 1910, many wealthy Americans made Fernandina their home and built elegant Victiorian style homes in what became known as the Silk Stocking District. The boom was due to the shipping industry and the fact that many New Yorkers were coming down by steam boat to enjoy the warm climate and elegant hotels. The Egmont Hotel which was one of the grandest hotels of the times was even visited by Ulysses Grant. In 1890 Standard Oil co-founder Henry Flagler opened up the railroads and this detoured much of the tourist traffic to St. Augustine and places farther south. Flagler's actions resulted in a faltering local economy until some American and immigrant fishermen saw the potential in the area for the shrimping industy which was thus given birth here in the early 1900s. Following this, two mills were located here which provided an additional boost to the economy and also created many local jobs. In modern times the Amelia Island Plantation was built as a resort with a natural setting in the 1970s which caused the area to become solidly placed on the map as a tourist and resort area. In more recent years the Ritz-Cartlton Amelia and a number of other facilities have been built furthering the reputation of the area for fine amenities, conventions, golfing, and many other activities. But for us, living here on the island, it's home. |
LOCAL VIEW:
STATISTICS: Population (year 2000): 10,549. Estimated population in July 2006: 11,324 (+7.3% change) Males: 5,032 (47.7%) Females: 5,517 (52.3%) Nassau County Median resident age: 43.0 years Florida median age: 38.7 years Zip codes: 32034. Estimated median household income in 2005: $43,100 (it was $40,893 in 2000) Fernandina Beach $43,100 Florida: $42,433 Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $146,400 (it was $134,500 in 2000) Fernandina Beach $146,400 Florida: $189,500 |
SITES TO SEE: The Beach, Ft. Clinch State Park, Historic Downtown, Old Town, Museum, Sunrises over the Atlantic Ocean, Sunsets at the docks. THINGS TO DO: Golf, eat, tour, surf, relax. ANNUAL EVENTS: Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, Concours d'Elegance, Baush & Lomb Tennis Championship. DIRECTORY: Amelia Best Realty Amelia Massage Associates Anchors Aweigh Charters Fantastic Fudge Fernandina Mulch & Stone Historic Downtown Fernandina Holly Allain Photography JimOnline.com Web Design Pam Bell Photography |