amelia island

Maverick Marine Services brings the vessel, Coco, onto the beach on Fernandina Beach near Beach Access 16N. Nick Blank/News-Leader

Maverick Marine Services brings the vessel, Coco, onto the beach on Fernandina Beach near Beach Access 16N. Nick Blank/News-Leader

Steer clear

Nick Blank
Friday, May 8, 2026
North Beach saw more heavy machinery than usual this week, as passersby approached a crane attempting to remove a boat that grounded on Saturday from the beach.
The Insiders performed on the main stage Friday at Shrimp Fest. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The Insiders performed on the main stage Friday at Shrimp Fest. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

IN PHOTOS: Live music at Shrimp Fest

News Staff
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Live music was scheduled to be performed on all four days during the 61st Shrimp Festival.
Sunday saw a surge in attendance after rain dampened Saturday’s festivities. Photo by Amy Mulligan/News-Leader

Sunday saw a surge in attendance after rain dampened Saturday’s festivities. Photo by Amy Mulligan/News-Leader

Thousands flock to Shrimp Fest

Nick Blank
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Each year, the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival brings thousands to downtown Fernandina Beach, where they patronize the city’s hotels, shops and restaurants.
Father Eric Stelzer of St. Michaels Catholic Church blesses the fleet Sunday at the 61st Annual Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

Father Eric Stelzer of St. Michaels Catholic Church blesses the fleet Sunday at the 61st Annual Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

Counting their blessings

Nick Blank
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Around 1:30 p.m. on Sunday at the packed Shrimp Festival, the music stopped and all eyes went toward the water to honor the legacy of the festival, the shrimpers themselves.Shrimp boats greeted a large crowd at the Fernandina Harbor Marina as Father Eric Stelzer blessed the fleet Sunday afternoon.
The shrimp eating contest was held Saturday at the 61st Annual Shrimp Festival. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

The shrimp eating contest was held Saturday at the 61st Annual Shrimp Festival. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

IN PHOTOS: Shrimp Eating Contest

News Staff
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
The shrimp eating contest was held Saturday at the 61st Annual Shrimp Festival. 
Shrimp Fest gets rained on Saturday. Photo by Amy Mulligan/News-Leader

Shrimp Fest gets rained on Saturday. Photo by Amy Mulligan/News-Leader

IN PHOTOS: Saturday at Shrimp Fest

News Staff
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
The rain forced a few shrimp festival events off the schedule, but the festival went on. By the afternoon, the weather had mostly cleared and events continued as scheduled. 
The first-ever Shrimp Fest drone show was held Friday. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The first-ever Shrimp Fest drone show was held Friday. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

IN PHOTOS: First-ever Shrimp Fest Drone Show

Ashley Chandler
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Due to the current drought, Shrimp Festival coordinators decided to nix the fireworks display and instead host the first-ever Shrimp Fest Drone Show.