The Island Brief
the
Island Brief
Amelia Island • Nassau County • First Coast
📅 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2026 Mid-Week Fernandina Beach ⛅ 73°/58°
Happy Wednesday, Nassau County. On this day in 1811, Fernandina was platted by Spanish colonial governor Enrique White — making it the last Spanish city ever mapped in the Western Hemisphere. Today, we're still making history right here.
📰 What You Need to Know
New Pirate Statue Debuts Saturday at Waterfront Park Grand Opening

After 47 years, the original Peg Leg Pete now rests safely at the Amelia Island Museum of History. This Saturday, city schoolchildren will help unveil his successor at the brand-new Amelia River Waterfront Park grand opening. The new wooden pirate was carved by then-15-year-old local artist Jett Paxton, and students grades 6-12 have been voting on what to name him. The park opens at 2 PM with live music by The Honey Badgers.

Read More → Jacksonville Today
Sea Turtle Festival Returns April 18 with New Giant Sculpture

Beach Junki is hosting the third annual Sea Turtle Festival on April 18 at Main Beach Park, featuring a new five-foot-long sea turtle sculpture named Scout. The free, family-friendly event focuses on sea turtle conservation, marine-life awareness, and ocean education. The festival includes interactive displays, educational exhibits, and activities designed to raise awareness about protecting our local sea turtle population.

Read More → News-Leader
Wings & Wheels & Why Event Saturday at Airport

The Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport hosts Wings & Wheels & Why on Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM, featuring aircraft displays, classic cars, and educational exhibits. The family-friendly event showcases aviation and automotive history while supporting local causes. Visitors can explore vintage aircraft, meet pilots, and learn about the airport's role in the community's transportation and emergency response network.

Read More → City of Fernandina Beach
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🌟 Community Spotlight
Rallying for Emma: Local Middle Schooler Battles Cancer

Emma Pulwers, a 12-year-old Yulee Middle School student, was diagnosed in January with Stage 3B malignant melanoma. Despite her fight with the disease, Emma has remained positive throughout her treatment. The Nassau County community is rallying around her family with "Kick Cancer for Emma" fundraising efforts. Her courage and the community's response remind us of the strength we find when neighbors come together for one of our own.

Read More → News-Leader
💼 Business Brief
Legal maneuvering continues in the protracted court battle between the Nassau County Property Appraiser and the Port of Fernandina over a disputed $2.4 million property tax assessment. (More)
Alliance Marine, the former Oasis marina operator, has asked the city to end its management agreement early for the Fernandina Harbor Marina, citing a new policy of only operating marinas they own. (More)
Downtown paid parking opponents say they have enough petition signatures to put the issue on the 2026 ballot for city voters to decide, while legal challenges to the program continue. (More)
🗓️ Quick Picks This Week
FRI
10
Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run
Downtown Parking Lot B • 8:00 AM
FRI
10
Fernandina Beach Songwriters Festival
Multiple downtown venues • Fri-Sat
SAT
11
Amelia River Waterfront Park Grand Opening
251 S Front Street • 2:00-4:00 PM
✉️ Reply & Tell Us

What should we name the new pirate statue at Waterfront Park? Hit reply and let us know your suggestion!

Just hit reply and share your pirate name ideas 🏴‍☠️

Monday's question: "What's your favorite island breakfast spot?" Top answers: Beach Diner, Mrs Carolyns, and T-Rays

☕ Morning Trivia

Amelia Island is known as the "Isle of Eight Flags." Which flag flew over the island for the shortest time?

The Patriot Flag of the Republic of Florida — it flew for just one day in 1812!

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The Island Brief

Your morning guide to Amelia Island & Nassau County

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Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

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