Amelia Island Living.com

Amelia Island Living's NEW WEBSITE 2010

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:30:49 PST

Amelia Island Living eMagazine has a new website online in 2010, check it out by clicking here. The ARCHIVED magazine articles (more than 500) from 2001 through 2009 are still available online and searchable here, by entering "advanced search." Featured eMagazine columns in the archived website include Tourism & Attractions, Steve's Marketplace, Garden Talk Q & A, Real Estate News, Amelia Island Community and Island Perspective.

American Myth Debunked: The "Real" First Thanksgiving in Florida

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:00:01 PST

Plymouth and Pilgrims connote to most Americans the scene of the very first Thanksgiving. Forget those textbook images and instead picture a more balmy southern setting for Thanksgiving in the Sunshine State. Florida historians want Americans to know that the "real" first Thanksgiving was long before the Pilgrim landing, when Spanish explorers hosted a Thanksgiving feast with the Florida Timucua indians as guests. PERHAPS A SANGRIA TOAST TO THE SPANISH THIS THANKSGIVING? READ MORE...

Florida Welcomes Snowbirds Escaping Cold Weather

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:15:51 PST

They are birds of a different feather, who flock to Florida in winter to escape the cold weather in the north. They occupy golf courses and RV parks and oceanfront condominiums, and provide a seasonal boost to local economies -- including in Nassau County, Florida. They are snowbirds. They are mostly retired, mostly wealthy, and mostly good for a state weakened by the worst recession in decades. READ MORE FROM STEVE NICKLAS...

Florida Gardening: Winter Lawn Watering, Oleander Moths

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:48:48 PST

Are caterpillars munching your Oleander? If heavily infested, consider pruning. But beware...do not burn Oleander! The branches will give off a poison gas which can be deadly to humans and pets. Is watering St. Augustine grass once a week really enough? READ GARDENING TIPS FROM NASSAU COUNTY HORTICULTURAL AGENT, REBECCA JORDI...

Fernandina Beach Noise Ordinance Whiplash

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:41:40 PST

A recent development in Fernandina Beach with a restrictive and punitive noise ordinance is already causing a whiplash of negativity. Recent letters to the News-Leader include tourist complaints that revolve around the city’s new noise ordinance. Yes, we need a noise ordinance for order and sanity. But maybe not this one. A happy balance has to be struck between providing activities, both day and night, and protecting the sanctity, order and peace. Let’s continue to foster ways to keep the good times rolling -- and the tourists coming. READ MORE FROM STEVE NICKLAS...

Explore Barrier Islands Near Amelia: Talbot Islands, Cumberland

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:45:29 PST

It's easy to island hop around the Amelia Island area. LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION! Amelia Island is uniquely situated so visitors (and residents) can easily explore several barrier islands, snugly tucked together for easy logistical access. Slightly north of Amelia is Cumberland Island, GA (a protected National Seashore), and to its south is Big Talbot and Little Talbot Islands (Florida State Parks). It's a great time to learn about coastal nature and wildlife with Florida State Park programs at the nearby Talbot Islands. See November schedule of upcoming free events...

R.I.P.: Bosque Bello Cemetery, Fernandina Beach

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:36:49 PST

Haunts like the Palace Saloon and Florida House Inn have spirits to drink, and stories of other spirits, too. Ghost stories are in no shortage here on Amelia Island, Florida. But what about the island's ancient cemeteries, do spirits roam there? Called "beautiful woods" by the Spanish, Bosque Bello is located off North 14th Street in Fernandina, toward Amelia Island's northwest, close to "Old Town." READ MORE...

NORTH FLORIDA: Rain Lilies, Crazy Ants, Gardening Tips

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:38:02 PST

Rain lilies can be planted year round in north Florida and thrive in conditions not favorable for true garden lilies. They produce lush clumps of foliage in the fall when the weather is cool. “This group of charming bulbs, also known as pink fairy lilies, Zephyr lilies, and rain lilies is native to North America. In the wild, flowers bloom after a rain." READ MORE ABOUT RAIN LILIES. LEARN ABOUT CRAZY ANTS...