amelia island

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

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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.

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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

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‘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.