Thursday, August 8, 2013

Fernandina Marina And Other Amelia Island Attractions

By Nita McKinney


Amelia Island is part of the Sea Islands located off the coasts of the United States from South Carolina down to Florida. At its widest point, Amelia Island is four miles wide; it is 13 miles long. The communities of Amelia City and Fernandina Beach are both located on the island. Fernandina Marina lies at the center of this fascinating little island in the heart of Fernandina Beach. The island was named after Princess Amelia, the daughter of King George II of England.

The nickname of Fernandina Beach is the "Isle of Eight Flags, " owing to the eight different nations whose flag has flown over the city at one time or another since the mid-16th century. These countries are Mexico, Great Britain, France, Spain (on two separate occasions), the Green Cross of Florida, the Navy Jack (flag of the Confederacy during the Civil War) and the flag of the United States.

About 45 minutes into a western inlet lies a natural deep water harbor called Port of Fernandina. The port provides terminal services to more than a dozen pulp and paper mills scattered around the state. It also serves a number of container lines into and out of several countries in South America; namely, Columbia, Haiti, Ecuador, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic to name a few.

Fort Clinch is located on a peninsula at the most northern point of Amelia Island. Although the current fortification had not been built until the 1800s, troops have been garrisoned there at various periods since 1736. This is due mostly because of its strategic location with respect to Cumberland Sound and St Marys River.

St Marys River (that's right; spelling it with an apostrophe is actually incorrect) is the southernmost point in the state of Georgia and forms part of its border with Florida. There is actually a real river called the Styx (not to be confused with the mythical boundary between Earth and Hell) from which St Marys River emerges as a tiny stream. Cumberland Sound is a strait between Georgia and Florida that flows into St Marys River (or out of, depending on your prospective).

Fort Clinch, one of the best preserved 19th century fortifications, became part of the Florida state park system in 1935. Visitors may enjoy beachcombing, sunbathing and swimming. There are self-guided nature trails, youth camping facilities and a family campground. Daily tours are conducted of the Fort as are reenactments of how the soldiers lived in the garrison.

In the waters of Fort Clinch State Park, where the rocks are awash at high mean tide, it is possible to catch loads of tiger-striped Sheephead fish as large as eight pounds or bigger, along with the occasional Fernandina Speckled Sea Trout. At high tide, when the rocks are completely submerged, you can add one or two redfish to your haul for the day.

For all its peaceful and quiet appearance, Amelia Island is a bustling little place. The houses around Fernandina Marina are expansive and beautiful. The area is also popular with tourists for the outdoor activities and historical interest. The marina itself is kept going by a manager who works full-time with a maintenance engineer, an accountant and four assistant dockmasters.




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