amelia island

An aerial view of the Amelia Concours in a previous year. Submitted photo

An aerial view of the Amelia Concours in a previous year. Submitted photo

Guide to The Amelia Concours

Brian Douglas
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
If you’ve been paying close attention you’re well aware that our island’s famous Concours d’Elegance has moved from its decades-long Sunday classic car display to Saturday. The show day was moved last year to avoid a Sunday rainstorm and apparently the presenting Hagerty executives liked the result.
The Amelia Island Book Festival was held over the weekend. Photo by Amy Mulligan/News-Leader

The Amelia Island Book Festival was held over the weekend. Photo by Amy Mulligan/News-Leader

Stories take center stage

News Staff
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
The Amelia Island Book Festival marked its 25th year — the silver anniversary — with a weekend that felt equal parts celebration, reunion and reminder of why books still matter in a digital world.
The Love Legacy Gala was held Saturday to raise money for the Amelia Island History Museum. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The Love Legacy Gala was held Saturday to raise money for the Amelia Island History Museum. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Love stands the test of time: Love Legacy Gala a success for history museum

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
At the corner of Eighth and Centre streets this weekend was a scene straight out of a Fernandina Beach history book — carriage drivers open their doors for people wearing fancy gowns and top hats paired with bowties. They approached a party at the historic Hoyt House.
The Hoyt House on Atlantic Avenue in Downtown Fernandina Beach. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader 

The Hoyt House on Atlantic Avenue in Downtown Fernandina Beach. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader 

A Legacy of Love

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Hoyt House Bed and Breakfast will be hosting a Valentines Day Gala in collaboration with the Amelia Island Museum of History to raise money for the museum. The event known as the Love Legacy Gala will be from 6:30 p.m to 10 p.m on Feb. 14 in the newly renovated backyard of the bed and breakfast.
Nick Williams leads the dolphin excursion at the Ritz Carlton Resort on Amelia Island.  Courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton 

Nick Williams leads the dolphin excursion at the Ritz Carlton Resort on Amelia Island.  Courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton 

Immersive education: Ritz-Carlton’s Naturalist spreads love for nature

Marisa DeMar
Friday, January 23, 2026
  The Ritz-Carlton Resort on Amelia Island offers more than just a luxury vacation on the beach. Its specialized nature program, launched shortly after the pandemic, teaches guests about the unique ecosystems and natural beauty found on Amelia Island.
Amelia Island Restaurant Week

Amelia Island Restaurant Week

Options to savor at 18th Amelia Island Restaurant Week

Nick Blank
Friday, January 16, 2026
Amelia Island’s culinary scene is on display for the next 10 days for Amelia Island Restaurant Week, where residents and visitors in search of flavor have 24 participating restaurants to choose from. Amelia Island Restaurant Week, which starts today and runs through Jan.
Participants of the Cannon Ball race run through Centre Street in downtown Fernandina Beach on Jan 3. Submitted photo

Participants of the Cannon Ball race run through Centre Street in downtown Fernandina Beach on Jan 3. Submitted photo

New year, new distances: Game Changers hosts 2nd annual Cannon Ball Run 

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
The second annual Cannon Ball Run hosted by Amelia Island Runners took place on the morning of Jan. 3 in Fernandina Beach. Nearly 300 runners participated in the half-marathon and 5k race combined which both began together at 7:30 a.m. at Main Beach Park.
Bryan Simpkins took this photo when he kayaked the St. Marys River, from the Okefenokee swamp to the Atlantic Ocean, for 130 miles.

Bryan Simpkins took this photo when he kayaked the St. Marys River, from the Okefenokee swamp to the Atlantic Ocean, for 130 miles.

A kayaker’s odyssey: 130 miles of determination

Guest Columnist
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
I kayaked the St. Marys River, from the Okefenokee swamp to the Atlantic Ocean, for 130 miles. The summer winds were relentless this year. That’s important to note, since I enjoy solo circumnavigating barrier islands in my 13.6 foot kayak.
Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest

‘Prost!’

Nick Blank
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Hundreds hit 2nd Street on Saturday as Oktoberfest returned to downtown Fernandina Beach. While live music blared, people visited more than a dozen vendors and sampled German food and beer. Lederhosen and dirndls were a common sight.  Although it was overcast on Saturday, rain eluded the event.