AMELIA ISLAND

I’ve learned the beaches on the northern end of Amelia Island are a shark tooth hunter’s dream!

Local researchers and volunteers install specially designed domes to restore shoreline along Kingsley Plantation.

The grandfather, grandson and friend launched from a marina off the coast of Amelia Island on Monday around 7 a.m. it was clear beautiful day that turned into a nightmare in the ocean.

58th Annual Shrimp Festival

Volunteers in Medicine

Michelle Holbrook was diagnosed with Schwannomatosis, a type of neurofibromatosis also known as “NF,” at the age of 30. The disease causes tumors to develop throughout her body and she said she had dozens.

The Salty Local on Amelia Island is an open door to an oasis of some of everything interesting to buy. Owner, Ashley Shaw, has curated a number of items that are great for home décor, clothing, party planning and more. At this time of year, one can wander in and find gifts for a number of people in one spot. Rance visited the store to do a little early Christmas shopping.

A museum in Amelia Island that shares the story of an important chapter in Black history unveiled a new sign Monday ahead of its grand re-opening in October.

In Amelia Island in Nassau County, News4JAX viewer, Claire Pulignano, sent us some pretty cute images and videos of sea turtle hatchlings crawling toward the ocean.

Clinching the JaxBest trophy tightly in the category of best water sports rentals, for the second year in a row, you chose Riptide Watersports Tours and Rentals.

Residents of Nassau County flooded a commission meeting Monday night, sharing their objection to a proposed settlement that would bring residential buildings to the south end of Amelia Island.

Nassau County Commissioners could approve 11 85 foot tall residential buildings at the south end of Amelia Island at a county commissioner Monday night.

Nassau County Commissioners could approve 11 85 foot tall residential buildings at the south end of Amelia Island at a county commissioner Monday night.

Fernandina Beach’s Main St. Non Profit launches their first annual wild. Humans and their fur babies are invited to daytrip to the area to show love to businesses located along 8th street. They will have the opportunity to shop, eat and drink all to support Main St. and Nassau Humane Society. Rance rolled up to Amelia Island / Fernandina Beach to get the scoop.

The first wholly operational craft brewery on Amelia Island, AIBC has been brewing since 2016 from their home on Centre Street. The brewing company notably highlights both historic and modern heroines for their contributions to their given fields through its beers’ names, all of which nod to groundbreaking women.

A popular car show that brings thousands of fanatics to Amelia Island kicks off Thursday.

Veterans from Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach raised more than $850,000 in their 51-day journey across the Atlantic Ocean.

Les DeMerle and Bonnie Eisele continue sharing their passion for jazz with a New Year’s Eve bash at Story and Song Bookstore on Amelia Island. The sounds are centered around their recent CD release Hot Night in Venice with the band playing tracks from it along with a number of holiday tunes with international influences.

When saying off-the-path experiences, off-roading is not the meaning. Many come to the downtown area of Amelia Island and stroll up and down Center Street. Mirasol Triana and her team take tour guests on an intimate trek to venues that are on many of the side streets to showcase more of the hidden gems and charm of the island. With tour variations, guests can sample food, drinks, do some window shopping, as well as other experiences that can be catered to the individual party. One gets the opportunity to immerse themselves in the familial atmosphere that pervades the Amelia Island / Fernandina Beach community. Plan your visit today!

Craft brew pub vibes has exploded on Amelia Island. A number of distilleries and brew pubs have opened in the past few years. Amelia Island Brewing Company is one of the most recent launches. As a sister location to upscale Pogo’s Kitchen, people walking along the main drag have the opportunity to pause their shopping and sightseeing to enjoy a rotation of 8 craft beers as well as a menu guaranteed to have palates popping. Their tap room appropriately named “The Alley” offers live music, sport event gatherings and its own menu. Rance made the trek to AIBC to sample their wares and learn about their community involvement.

A dune at the historic American Beach on Amelia Island is getting $500,000 to help with preservation.

A waterspout was spotted off Amelia Island on Fernandina Beach Monday morning.

For the love of the game, join Northside Community Involvement, Inc. on the green Saturday, August 28, 2021, for the 15th Annual Tournament of Unity Golf Fundraiser, on the Oak Marsh Golf Course on beautiful Amelia Island.

A crowd of onlookers watched Saturday at American Beach on Amelia Island as a group of fishermen reeled in and then released an 8-foot hammerhead shark.

Biologists say the tooth could be millions of years old.

Efforts are being made to remove the shrimp boat that crashed into the jetties north of Amelia Island on Wednesday.

“Making dogs happy one tail at a time,” Redbones Dog Bakery and Boutique in Amelia Island is your choice for Jacksonville’s best pet bakery.

Come experience all things lavender at Pelindaba Lavender located in Amelia Island!

American Cruise Lines is the first cruise line to resume sailing in U.S. waters since the coronavirus pandemic, according to an article on USA Today. On Saturday, American Cruise Lines’ coastal ship Independence left Amelia Island on a seven-day cruise to Charleston. Being a smaller ship, Lara said, the cruise line used it to its advantage. Guests are also encouraged to get a COVID-19 vaccine before traveling, but it’s not mandatory, according to the cruise line. According to the USA Today article, the next cruise line set to sail in U.S. waters since the pandemic is the American Queen Steamboat Company.

Two spotter planes on Tuesday searched for a right whale whose calf was killed in a boat strike last week. The right whale calf, possibly 2 months old, washed up Saturday on the shore of Anatasia State Park beach. The boat that struck the right whale is now at the St. Augustine Marine Center. Pitchford says people need to remain aware of their surroundings when they’re in a boat, especially during right whale calving season. If you see a right whale, it’s important to give the animal space -- 500 yards to be exact.

The 14th right whale calf of the season was sighted Thursday off the coast of Amelia Island, FL. What a way to start the weekend - a new right whale! Photo credit: @CMAquarium , under NOAA permit #20556-01 pic.twitter.com/et60UMBrEL — NOAA Fish Southeast (@NOAAFish_SERO) January 22, 2021This past Tuesday, the 13th right whale calf and Mom were sighted off Wassaw Island, GA. According to NOAA, the North Atlantic right whale calving season begins in mid-November and runs through mid-April. In the 2020 calving season, there were 10 calves born, which was up from seven in the 2019 season.

A 19-year-old right whale known as Infinity and her first calf were sighted Sunday off Amelia Island. Another right whale calf was spotted this year with its mother off the coast of Northeast Florida. So far, there have been 12 calves sighted this right whale season, NOAA said. NOAA said 13-year-old Bocce and her second calf, as well as a 20-year-old right whale and her third calf, were seen Wednesday. If you’re along the coast and see a right whale and it’s a calf, it’s very important to give them space -- 500 yards to be exact.

Two right whale calves and their mothers were spotted last week off the coast of Northeast Florida. So far, there have been seven calves sighted this right whale season, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Southeast. On Friday, a right whale known as Minus One and her new calf were sighted off South Ponte Vedra Beach. A right whale known as ‘Minus One’ is a mom again! Right whales are an endangered species that usually migrate south along the Georgia and Florida coastline to give birth to their calves.

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. – The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance is still happening in 2021, but it’s moving closer to summertime. Instead of being held in March, the annual car show that attracts people from around the world is moving to May 20-23. A statement from the Amelia Island Concours reads in part:“At the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance Foundation made a promise to put the safety of our spectators, volunteers, entrants, judges, vendors, sponsors, staff and board of directors first. We also set benchmarks that would require us to pause.”The Concours says moving the date will allow more time for the distribution of coronavirus vaccines, and it hopes that moving the date will increase attendance. Tickets and event packages purchased directly from the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance Foundation will automatically be carried forward to the corresponding events during the week of May 20-23.

2 workers injured in Fernandina Beach power line accidentPublished: October 19, 2020, 11:28 pmThe accident knocked down power lines and left thousands of people living on Amelia Island without power for hours.

NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. – Two utility workers were injured in an accident involving a main power line in Fernandina Beach. The accident knocked down power lines and left thousands of people living on Amelia Island without power for hours. The power returned to Amelia Island later around 8 p.m., but for hours the entire area was in the dark. Deputies were directing traffic because the traffic lights were out and gas stations were empty. Emergency managers said power lines were knocked down accidentally and two workers suffered electrical burns.

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. – North Florida Land Trust is inviting the community to join them and the Amelia Forever Campaign Committee for a virtual event to discuss conservation on Amelia Island. The Amelia Forever Campaign was established last year to raise money to acquire the remaining natural spaces that exist on Amelia Island. The virtual event will take attendees on a tour of Amelia Island’s wildlands through videography and photography by Amelia Island residents Stan Cottle and Stephan Leimberg. The Amelia Forever Campaign is focused on raising money for conservation on Amelia Island. Donations can be made to the Amelia Forever Campaign by sending a check with Amelia Forever in the memo line.

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. North Florida Land Trust is asking for donors to join them to meet a $100,000 match for a campaign to preserve natural lands on Amelia Island. The Amelia Forever Campaign was started in 2019 to raise money to acquire the remaining natural spaces that exist on Amelia Island so they can be preserved from development. This is an opportunity to double the impact of your donations to save the wildlands on Amelia Island, said Jim McCarthy, president of NFLT. These lands are precious and we need to preserve them today to make sure they are still here tomorrow. The Amelia Forever Campaign is focused on raising money for conservation on Amelia Island.

When you have an emergency medical issue during a pandemic, it might be easy to ignore your pain and hope it goes away. Dickie Anderson said she is glad she listened to her body and got the emergency room care she needed. Her advice now: “Don’t delay medical care, especially in an emergency situation,” she said. “I am grateful that Baptist Nassau was there for me. Listen to your body and don’t ignore your health.”If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, don’t delay care.

ORANGE PARK, Fla. A big update for a JaxBest favorite -- Grumpys Restaurant, your choice for the best breakfast in Jacksonville, announced Tuesday it plans to expand and open a new location in Amelia Island. The original location that youve likely dined at is, of course, the spot on Kingsley Avenue in Orange Park. The restaurant says business has been booming since the Orange Park location was given the thumbs up to reopen after it closed amid the pandemic. As a brand and as a part of our community, we came out of the pandemic stronger, said CEO Daniel DeLeon. We took this opportunity to get involved and take care of the community that we call home.

The Fernandina Harbor Marina is booked 100% this Memorial Day weekend after being restricted to boat owners and occupants during the COVID-19 pandemic. The marina was closed for three years after being badly damaged during Hurricane Matthew in 2016. We just got in maybe 1 1/2 hours ago, so we just came ashore and they did not have slips available at the Marina," Owens said. Because the marina is 100% booked this weekend, theres no short term or day docking available today or tomorrow. The city is doing its Memorial Day Service at the Veterans Memorial Monument in downtown at 11 a.m. Monday.

NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. – Nassau County Manager Michael Mullin on Thursday issued a new executive order requiring all travelers driving to Nassau County or flying to the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport from Louisiana to self-quarantine for 14 days. The order signed Thursday by Mullin follows a similar Nassau County order issued Friday that cracks down on travelers from the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Neither the Nassau County order issued Thursday nor the local order issued Friday apply to people employed by airlines and military, emergency or health personnel. They must also provide copies of the Florida and Nassau County executive orders to anyone checking in from the New York tri-state area or Louisiana. The operator of the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport will provide names and addresses for individuals arriving from Louisiana to the Nassau County Health Department.

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. – It’s a question I’ve asked myself numerous times: Do I go with the new 718 Cayman, or do I really splurge and drop some serious coin on that horse-drawn popcorn wagon I’ve always wanted? Maybe you’d rather drop upwards of $60K on a prime example of a Cretors Model D Popcorn Wagon from the 1900s. If option B is more of your thing, you’ll find one on the auction block Saturday at the RM Sotheby’s auction during the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. READ: Car owned by Prohibition-era gangster could fetch $2M at Amelia Island ConcoursPhoto: RM Sotheby'sAccording to the auction listing, the consignor bought the wagon unrestored in California back in 2005. About the 2020 Concours d’EleganceRoger Penske, the founder and chairman of Penske Corporation, will be honored at the 2020 Amelia Island Concours.

The auction house calls it “a mobster’s ride.”According to RM, this particular example was owned by the infamous underworld figure John “Jake the Barber” Factor. Half brother of cosmetics magnate Max Factor, “Jake the Barber” took his nickname from his early training in hair care. The auction listing says “Jake the Barber” ran a stock scam in England that netted him $8 million back in the 1920s. RM says the car was originally sold through Wide World of Cars in Spring Valley, New York. About the 2020 Concours d’EleganceRoger Penske, the founder and chairman of Penske Corporation, will be honored at the 2020 Amelia Island Concours.

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. – Nassau County authorities cleared an area of the Dunes at Amelia subdivision Tuesday morning while utility officials addressed a gas leak. According to Nassau Emergency Management, crews installing underground cable television lines in the neighborhood hit a gas line, causing it to leak. Crews clamped the line in two places to stop the flow of gas. Seven homes on Turtle Shores Drive were evacuated for about an hour and people were asked to stay out of the area until the leak was under control. Authorities said no one was injured but to be careful while first responders continued working in the area.

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. – A dinner, dance and fundraiser Friday night at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort celebrated the Council on Agin’s 45 years of service to seniors in Nassau County. News4Jax anchor Kent Justice was master of ceremonies at the Council on Aging’s 16th annual gala, themed “SS Saphhire Seas, Gem of the Island.” State Sen. Aaron Bean looked the part, dressing as “Admiral of Auction, the Commodore of Coin” has he hosted a live auction to raise money in support of NCCOA. “In almost five decades, NCCOA now offers a full complement of programs, services and resources for seniors in Nassau County," Executive Director Janice Ancrum said. Pianist John Springer and the Leelynn Osborn Live Band provided entertainment.

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. - Despite threatening far worse, Hurricane Dorian inflicted minimal damage Wednesday as it swept pass Nassau County on its way up the East Coast. As emergency management crews combed the streets Thursday, they found only six homes with minor damage throughout Amelia Island. We have seen minor beach erosion in the areas we have checked so far, Emergency Management Director Greg Foster said at a Thursday news briefing. Because there was so little damage, the county will not be collecting storm debris and it wont be accepted at the countys recycling facility. Residents looking to get rid of their debris can contact the Sandhill Recycle Center, located at 153326 County Road 108 in Yulee, a private company that charges fees for waste disposal.

NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. - More than 100 sea turtles hatched on Thursday in Amelia Island. Becky Finsness shared the video above with News4Jax and said it happened at the Scott Road Beach Access in Amelia Island. The turtles hatched right before the main firework shows from the Ritz Carlton and Omni resort. Finsness told News4Jax it was an experience of a lifetime. After seeing this, I was like, what fireworks?Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

Both teams are in town days in advance of Saturday's matchup in the TaxSlayer Bowl, it will be only the second all-time meeting of the two teams. With temperatures in the 70s as the Bulldogs opened their first open practice Monday morning, the mood was light. “It’s all about getting that focus back and working hard and getting back into it.”After the morning practice, the TaxSlayer Bowl treated the Bulldogs to a fishing outing in St. Augustine. On Tuesday after both teams practice, they will be treated to receptions at the host hotels. The TaxSlayer Bowl has more activities planned each day, including a visit to Mayport Naval Station on Wednesday, golf outings a visit to Wolfson Childen's Hospital on Thursday and pep rallies on Friday.