Amelia Island is located in the Nassau County, Florida, a place comprising Amelia City, Amelia Island, Amelia Village, Bryceville, Callahan, Fernandina Beach, Hilliard, and Yulee, seaport villages where the Atlantic Ocean is a short drive away. Amelia Island has Victorian neighborhoods, such as the Historic Fernandina Beach and classically designed homes along the Amelia River.

Featuring a 50-block Historic District, Fernandina Beach is the top amelia island real estate market. Fernandina Beach is also county sit of the Nassau County, which population as of 2’000 was 57,663 people in all the county and 10,549 living in Fernandina, although as of 2004 the populations grew to 11,241 people.

Fernandina has a total area of 10.7 miles, all land. This is an extension of 27.8 km. The Nassau County was founded in December 29, 1824. The housing market situated on historical areas is generally above the sales price standards, as the resale value is often higher than that of properties in common neighborhoods.

At an elevation of 25 feet above the sea level (7.62 m), Fernandina Beach had 4,525 households out of which 23.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.4% were married couples living together, 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 35.0% were non-families, and a total of 2,941 families were residing in this historic city.

The records of Fernandina Beach showed that the average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.78 people. 28.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older, all of this data according to the US census of 2000

There were 25,917 housing units at an average density of 40 miles (15/km) in the Nassau County during the same period, while Fernandina Beach had 5,588 housing units at an average density of 521.5 miles (201.3 km). The average age was 43 years in Fernandina, and 38 years in all the County.

The Florida Association of Realtors revealed that 248,565 homes were sold in the state during 2005. This is an increment of 2% in relation to the 242,597 homes sold the year before. Medium sales price in Florida has doubled from $115,900 in 2000, to $235,100 during 2005, this increase is 102.8 % in only 5 years.

In the case of Amelia Island, particularly Fernandina Beach, the median income for a household was $40,893, and the median income for a family was $54,806, with a per capita income of $24,517. From all families, only 6.4% and 10.2% of the total Fernandina’s population were below the poverty line, all of these demographics keeps Amelia Island residential real estate in a higher price bracket.

Sales of homes on Amelia Island during 2005 remained strong and sales price soared, with 397 single-family homes sold. These houses were nearly 30% higher in 2005 than the year earlier fro the same period. The average price of such homes was $457,694, and the average days on the market was up to four months (121 days).

In real estate terms, Amelia Island is a “location market”, with a racial makeup of 81.54% White, 16.19% African American, Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.33% of the population.0.59% Asian, 0.27% Native American, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.51% from other races, and 0.83% from two or more races.

Because Florida keeps a continuous job growth and immigration, demand for housing all over the state is strong. For statistical purposes, Nassau County, is included in the Jacksonville Metropolitan Statistical Area, and Jacksonville finished the last quarter of 2005 with strong real estate activity.

Jacksonville Metropolitan Statistical Area comprises the Nassau County, in addition to St. Johns, Clay, and Duval counties of the northeast Florida. Some of the medium sales prices in Amelia’s Housing Market included Oceanfront condos sold at $630,000 and up to $831,312, and single-family homes ranging from $238,000 and up to $285,608.

Amelia Island is the most northeastern island in Florida’s barrier island, often referred as one of the Golden Isles of Georgia for historical connection with its bordering state. Amelia Island is popularly known worldwide for its fishing spots, beach treasure hunting, and luxury resorts, including the Amelia Island Plantation resort and the Ritz-Carlton hotel.

Although the city is a vibrant tourist destination featuring outdoor recreational activities, it also has the convenience of a city, including schools, libraries, stores and local markets. Like major cities and town in Florida jobs is also a permanent growing market.

During 1565, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés led the Spanish forces that drove out the French, after killing Ribault and the other 350 French colonists, obtaining a brand new name for the Isle de Mar, since then Isla de Santa Maria under a new flag: the Spanish.

Spanish Franciscans established the Santa Maria mission in 1573. Fernandina was founded in the area which is known today as “Old Town”. The first settlement here was recorded in 1685, but in 1702 British raiders destroyed the area. When the founder of Georgia, General James Oglethorpe, explored the area, the island was renamed Amelia Island, falling under British rule along with Florida.

The English flag, the third, was raised in 1763. During the American Revolution, Fernandina was home for English Loyalists fleeing the colonies, and then Spain re-gained control over Florida in 1783. During the Spanish domination a land grant became a plantation, which is the place where Fernandina is located today.

However, during the second Spanish occupation, the Patriot Flag of the Republic of Florida appeared as the fourth flag, but just for one day. The Spanish harbor of Fernandina became America’s center for smuggling slaves and liquor, while Patriot islanders failed in the attempted to transfer the island to the control of the United States.

In the 19th century a Scotsman, Sir Gregor McGregor, captured the island from Spain. Raising the Green Cross of Florida flag in 1817, becoming the fifth flag. Slave trading and smuggling continued until McGregor left the island that same year, and pirate Luis Aury arrived with his armada of three ships into the harbor.

The Republic of Mexico flag was raised as the sixth flag, 3 days after Luis Aury declared himself ruler of the island. Under Aury, Amelia Island became a pirate haven and place for buried treasures. The United States Naval Force defeated Aury, taking control of the island in 1821, when the American flag, became the seventh flag which was raised.

For the next years Fernandina became an important city thanks to its excellent harbor, and U.S. Senator David Yulee built Florida’s first cross-state railroad, while the building of Fort Clinch began. The railroad connected Amelia Island on the Atlantic with Cedar Key on the Gulf of Mexico, allowing trade to flourish.

However, the Civil War brought to Fernandina the eight flag in 1861. The Confederate Flag. During the outbreak of the war, Amelia Island was occupied by Confederate troops, established in Fort Clinch, until the next year when Union force restored the island’s Federal control.

After the Civil War, Fernandina began its development as a tourist destination, shrimping, and shipping industry.

In 1896, Fernandina was featured as “The Queen of Summer Resorts” by the American Resorts magazine. Thousands of visitors from New York voyaged to Amelia Island on the Mallory Steamship Line, beginning a new era of prosperity, including distinguished visitors such as the Carnegies, DuPonts, and Vanderbilts.

Amelia Island has an important role during the Cuban war for independence from Spain, housing Cuban Soldiers at Fort Clinch, while freedom fighter Jose Marti was plotting his war strategies in the Florida House Inn in Fernandina, Florida’s oldest surviving hotel. Fernandina also kept Florida’s oldest tavern dated from 1878: The Palace Saloon the last US operating saloon during prohibition.

The turn of the century brought prosperity to Amelia Island, which became the playground for rich tourists and celebrities, developing over time the international renowned shrimping industry. Fort Clinch was occupied several times but never completed. This fort became part of the Florida Park System in 1935, featuring a state museum, natural trails, a fishing pier, and 11 miles of paved and unpaved biking trails.

The first railroad is today still in use by the Amelia Island’s Chamber of Commerce, and the original railroad depot, build in 1899, is the actual Visitor Center on the island. Moreover, the Historic District of Fernandina is a live display of the rich history of the island.

To learn more about the history of Amelia Island, visitors are encouraged to take one of the Historic tours available at Fernandina:

- Amelia Island Museum, The only Florida’s Award winning Oral History Museum. Tours 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily. Tel (904) 261-7378

- Bosque Bello Cemetery, burial place of Napoleon’s Army, Revolutionary, Spanish and Civil Wars soldiers, guarded by ancient cedars and oaks.

- Historic Area Walking tours and driving tours, with three different tours conducted by the museum. Tel. (904) 261-7378

* Where is Amelia Island located?

The island is in the northernmost corner of Florida, within Nassau County across the Saint Mary’s River from Georgia, and 32 miles northeast of Jacksonville.

* Which other cities are close to the island?

Gainesville is 101 miles away; Daytona Beach, 126 miles; Tallahassee, 196 miles; Tampa, 233 miles; Atlanta, 356 miles; Ft. Lauderdale, 360 miles; and Miami, 379 miles from Amelia.

* Is Amelia Island a Typical Florida island?

Visually and culturally, Amelia Island is more reminiscent of Georgia. In fact, there is too much Georgian influence in the surroundings, starting with the name of the island.

* How far from Georgia is Amelia Island?

Although Atlanta is 356 miles away, the island is only a view miles south of Georgia.

* How do I get to Amelia Island?

There are different possibilities either by road, air or water.

* How do I get there by road?

Accessing by car it is possible thanks to 2 bridges connecting the island to the mainland

Two bridges connect the island with the mainland. Take A1A north to J. Turner Butler Boulevard, then follow north on 115 over the Dames Point Bridge, or take A1A north of Jacksonville toward the Mayport auto ferry traversing the Saint Johns River.

Both roads continue on A1A north over both Big and Little Talbot Island onto Amelia Island. Otherwise, take 1-95 to exit 373 (old 129), turning east onto A1A, and travel 15 miles crossing the Intracoastal Waterway onto Amelia Island

* Getting to Amelia Island by water, how is this possible?

You can access the island through the different services provided by the close Marinas:

Amelia Island Yacht Basin, 251 Creekside Drive, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, Tel. (904) 277-4615

Fernandina Harbor Marina, 1 Front Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, Tel. (904) 261-0353

Tiger Point Marina, 997 Egans Creek Lane, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, Tel. (904) 277-2720

* How do I get to Amelia by air?

The Jacksonville International Airport connects over 100 flights daily to both domestic and foreign locations, although there are also many arrivals and departures at the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport.

* Which carriers take me to Amelia Island?

Continental Airlines, American Airlines, American Eagle, Air Canada, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, US Airways, Comair, AirTran, Florida Air, Midway Airlines, Northwest Airlines, and United Airlines are the carriers flying to Jacksonville.

* Where does the name of Amelia Island come from?

General Oglethorpe, founder of the British colony of Georgia named the island to honor Princess Amelia, the daughter of English King George II.

* Why is Amelia called the island of the eight flags?

This term refers to early history of Amelia Island, being the only site in the United States which has been ruled under eight flags in 1562: France, Spain, Britain, Patriots, Green Cross of Florida, Mexico, Confederate; and the USA flag.

* How long is the island?

Amelia Island is a 13.5-mile barrier island ideal for visiting or living.

* How is the weather?

At Amelia Island the annual average temperature is 69.9º Fahrenheit, with annual average rainfall of 51 inches.

* How many people live in Amelia Island?

As of the US Bureau Census 2000, the population was 20,000 inhabitants.

* How many of them live in Fernandina Beach?

Fernandina’s population was 10,549 according to the 2000 US Census Bureau.

* What is the Amelia Island Affair?

It was a historic episode after the island became a resort for smugglers in 1817, housing as many as 300 square-rigged vessels in its harbor, a self-called “brigadier general”, leader of a pirates’ gang, and his many followers violating the law making the island a miniature republic. Later the island was captured by the United States and returned to the New Spain (Mexico) prior to 1821.

* I have heard about Horseback riding at the beach but, where is it available?

There are 3 main facilities for your convenience:

- Kelly Sea Horse Ranch, Tel. (904) 491-5166

- Ride the Beaches of Amelia, Tel. (904) 277-7047

* Are there any tennis courts on Amelia Island?

Yes, there are many public courts at no charge and just around the corner. Otherwise, the Tennis Club at the Ritz Carlton, offers a variety of terrains to play.

* And what about Golf facilities?

Amelia Island has several golf courses. Check the “Things to Do” section for further information.

* Are there any good dinner facilities?

There are plenty of fine dining opportunities across Amelia Island, most of them located downtown in the Historic District of Fernandina Beach, Palmetto Walk Shopping Village, and the Village Shops at the Amelia Island Plantation.

There are plenty of things to do when visiting Amelia Island, from sightseeing and shopping, to engaging in watersports and diverse outdoors activities, including sailing, parasailing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, biking, hiking, swimming, or camping, not to mention other recreational activities such as bowling, golfing or exploring the wildlife areas.

In fact, golf is one of the most popular things to do while staying on Amelia Island and the Historic Fernandina Beach, where there are numerous Golf courses such as these:

* The Amelia Island Plantation, Tel. (904)277-5907 offers 54 holes through a number of different golf courses amidst an exclusive private setting.

* Fernandina Beach Golf Club, Tel. (904) 277-7370, a public golf course featuring three different 9-hole courses, the North, West and South nines, located just 30 minutes north of Jacksonville International Airport.

* Royal Amelia Golf Club, Tel. (904) 491-8500, a par-72 golf course designed by Tom Jackson, best know for designing the Sandestin Resort in Destin, Florida. An impressive view awaits golfers in the finishing hole overlooking the Amelia River intracoastal waterway.

* Laurel Island Links, Tel. 888-480-7277, a 18-holes public golf course designed by A Davis Love III, voted as “The Best New Courses in America for 1997″ for Golf Digest’s. This course is located in Kingsland, Georgia, close to Amelia Island.

* The Golf Club of Amelia Island, Tel. (904)277-0905, a 18 hole championship golf course designed by Gene Littler and Mark McCumber, which was host of the 1998 Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf Senior Tournament.

There are many other golf courses on Amelia Island, such as the Long Point Course, Ocean Links Course and the Oak Marsch Course, as well as some molded to look like Scottish and Irish links, such as the Golf Club at North Hampton.

However, one of the most popular activities on Amelia Island is Beach Metal Detecting. Treasure hunting is not only allowed, but encouraged. Dig up the sand at Fernandina Beach is an opportunity to find confederate gold coins and jewelry mysteriously disappeared after the Civil War ended in the 19th Century.

There are also other treasures lost in the sand of Amelia Island, from lost items from modern tourists, to maritime treasures dragged onto the island’s shore.

Because whatever that is dropped in sandy beach is generally quickly lost, the chances to find treasures are big. In addition, the lack of electrical lines, water pipes and other metallic structures underneath the sand, makes it more accurate the detection readings.

Although nobody can predict the type of treasures that you may find in Amelia Island’s sand, fun is guaranteed, even finding soda can pop tops, or perhaps the cash dropped by people accidentally.

Another thing that you can do is attend any of the many festival and tournaments held on Amelia Island. The Bausch & Lomb Championship is one of the most acclaimed and traditional Tennis event, held annually in the Amelia Island Plantation Resort since 28 years ago. All the other tennis courts in Fernandina are free and open to all public, Call the Recreation Department at (904) 277-7350.

For those who prefer culture over sports, the Amelia Book Island Festival encompasses sun, sea, sand and stories, a friendly and informal setting attracting readers. This non-profit event is dedicated to promoting literacy. Other popular festivals are the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, Amelia Island Jazz Festival, and the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival.

Amelia Island Yacht Basin is another maritime spot to enjoy the sunset either sailing or watching the boats from the marina’s Victorian veranda. Amelia Island Yacht Basin offers spacious facilities and special amenities, combining a luxurious resort with the historic treasures of the island.

For a walkthrough, visit Egans Creek Park, located on Atlantic Avenue. This is a great place for bird watching or just to take a break overlooking the Amelia Island Lighthouse, or the ocean waters a half-mile away. This park offers also a baseball field, picnic areas and playgrounds for kids.

Other activities to do when visiting Amelia Island include the following facilities:

The McArthur Family YMCA, pool and short term membership for visitors, Tel. (904) 261-1080

Martin Luther King Park, picnic and swimming facilities, Tel. (904) 277-7350

Atlantic Park Recreation Center, watersports and recreational activities, Tel. (904) 277-7350

Among the Parks to include in your visit list, check for Egans Creek Greenway, Amelia Island Park, Big Talbot Park, Little Talbot Park, Central Park, Fort Clinch, Fort George, Kingsley Park, and Main Beach Park.

Comprised in a 50 block area downtown Fernandina Beach, The Historic District encompasses numerous 19th century structures that visitors can admire by taking a self-guided tour or shopping. Fernardina’s Historic District is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Amelia’s Parks and Plazas are another of the main attractions for avid adventurers.

Amelia Island State Park, Tel. (904) 251-2320

This park is located 7 miles north of Little Talbot Island State Park, and 8 miles south of Fernandina Beach, featuring an unspoiled wilderness through 200 acres of salt marshes, coastal maritime forests, and pristine beaches, offering horseback riding on the beach, not usual in the Florida region. Amelia Island State Park also offers bird and wildlife watching, seashells hunting, fishing, and strolling along the beach

Fernandina Plaza, Tel. (904) 277-7274

Fernandina Plaza was designed in 1769 in accordance to the essential elements of the Spanish colonial town plan, although no permanent settlement in this area was recorded until 1801, that today is an open grassy area designated by a State of Florida Historic Marker, featuring scenic views of the Amelia River and Victorian era homes nearby, as well as picnic facilities.

Amelia Island Plantation, Oak Marsh Golf Course. Tel 888-261-6161

Designed by Pete Dye and built in 1972, this 6,500 yard golf course encompasses small greens and fairways along serpentine salt marsh creeks and Amelia’s traditional moss draped oaks. Featuring 14 holes with water hazards and bulk-headed greens, the course is open for walking tours after 4 pm.

Big Talbot Island State Park, Tel. (904) 251-2320

This park is a natural preserve adjacent to Amelia, in one of the unique northeast Florida’s island, a bird watching paradise with many rich and diverse habitats and natural photographic sceneries. There are several canoe routes through the marshes, providing exciting exploring adventures. There are also a number of historic hiking trails and fishing facilities.

Little Talbot Island State Park, Tel. (904) 251-2320

Featuring salt marshes and desert-like dunes, Little Talbot State Park has a rich maritime forest, where visitors can easily watch river otters, marsh rabbits bobcats, and many other birds native to this island. Sunbathing, swimming and relaxing are popular along the five miles of Little Talbot’s sandy beaches.

Fort George Island Cultural State Park, Tel. (904) 251-2320

Fort George was built in 1736 to defend the southern flank of the British Colony of Georgia, becoming a vacation center during the 1920s, that today is a state park offering hiking, biking, boating and fishing. The Fort’s Visitor Center is housed in the recently restored Ribault Club, once an exclusive resort within Fort George.

George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park, Tel. (904) 251-2320

Very close to Amelia Island, northeast of Jacksonville, George Crady Bridge is a mile-long, pedestrian-only fishing bridge spanning across the Nassau Sound, open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This area provides one of the finest fishing spots in Florida, with varied fish such as drum, jacks, tarpon, and whiting. To access this bridge the north end through Amelia Island State Park.

Another place where there are many things to do when visiting Amelia Island is the Amelia Island Plantation, a 1,350 acre hotel resort with 23 clay tennis courts, four 18-hole championship golf courses, a health and fitness center, fine shops, dining and nightlife facilities. This resort also features a full-service spa which is famous for its award-winning youth programs.

Amelia Island History Museum is located in Fernandina Historic District, in a restored building that was Nassau County Jail until 1935. Another interesting fact is that Amelia Island is the southernmost of the “Golden Isles” chain of barrier islands, hence there are many activities to do when visiting the island.

The Palace Saloon is the last old west style tavern that closed its doors in the United States. Built in 1878, this structure is the oldest saloon in Florida, popular during the late 19th century as a reunion center of wealthy families such as the Carnegie’s, DuPont’s and Vanderbilt’s. Before closing during prohibition, the featured drink served at this saloon was Ice Cream.

The Amelia Island Lighthouse is another of the gems from the 1800s that survived the turn of two centuries. The structure is 107 feet above sea level and was built in 1839, with a lighthouse lamp originally fueled with whale oil, that eventually was replaced with kerosene before electricity.

Unfortunately for the visitor, the Amelia Island Lighthouse is not open to the public, but it can be seen from the park situated on Atlantic Avenue at Egan’s Creek.