jeudi 8 août 2013

The Attractions And History Of Fernandina Marina On Amelia Island

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.

At the north end of Amelia Island is a pentagonal fortification called Fort Clinch. While the current compound was not constructed until the 1800s, the site has been occupied by military troops off and on since 1736. This is because it occupies a strategic site at the entrance to St Marys River, which opens into Cumberland Sound.

St Marys River (yeah, look it up, there's no apostrophe) is at the very southern end of Georgia, forming part of its border with Florida. The River Styx (yup, only not the mythical one separating hell and earth) provides the source for St Marys River, which emerges from the River Styx as a small stream. Cumberland Sound is a small bay in between Florida and Georgia that has a confluence with St Marys River.

In 1935, Fort Clinch was incorporated into the Florida state park system. As well as swimming, sunbathing and beachcombing, visitors can enjoy daily tours with period reenactors offering a glimpse of what garrison life was like. Facilities also include a youth camping area, family camping facilities and self-guided nature trails.

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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