Plymouth and Pilgrims connote to most Americans the scene of the
very first Thanksgiving. Forget those textbook images and instead picture a more balmy southern setting for Thanksgiving in the Sunshine State. Florida historians want Americans to know that the "real" first
Thanksgiving was long before the Pilgrim landing, when Spanish
explorers hosted a Thanksgiving feast with the Florida Timucua indians
as guests. PERHAPS A SANGRIA TOAST TO THE SPANISH THIS THANKSGIVING? READ MORE...
They are birds of a different feather, who flock to Florida in winter to escape the cold weather in the north. They occupy golf courses and RV parks and oceanfront condominiums, and
provide a seasonal boost to local economies -- including in Nassau
County, Florida. They are snowbirds. They are mostly retired, mostly wealthy, and mostly
good for a state weakened by the worst recession in decades. READ MORE FROM STEVE NICKLAS...
Are caterpillars munching your Oleander? If heavily infested, consider pruning. But beware...do not burn Oleander! The branches will give off a poison gas which can be deadly to humans and pets. Is watering St. Augustine grass once a week really enough? READ GARDENING TIPS FROM NASSAU COUNTY HORTICULTURAL AGENT, REBECCA JORDI...
A
recent development in Fernandina Beach with a restrictive and punitive
noise ordinance is already causing a whiplash of negativity. Recent letters to the News-Leader include tourist complaints that revolve around the city’s new noise ordinance. Yes, we need a noise ordinance for order and sanity. But maybe not this one. A happy balance has to be struck between providing activities, both day and night, and protecting the sanctity, order and peace. Let’s continue to foster ways to keep the good times rolling -- and the tourists coming. READ MORE FROM STEVE NICKLAS...
It's
easy to island hop around the Amelia Island area. LOCATION! LOCATION!
LOCATION! Amelia Island is uniquely situated so visitors (and
residents) can easily explore several barrier islands, snugly tucked
together for easy logistical access. Slightly north of Amelia is Cumberland
Island, GA (a protected National Seashore), and to its south is Big
Talbot and Little Talbot Islands (Florida State Parks). It's a great
time to learn about coastal nature and wildlife with
Florida State Park programs at the nearby Talbot Islands. See November schedule of upcoming free events...
Haunts
like the Palace Saloon and Florida House Inn have spirits to drink, and stories of other spirits, too. Ghost stories are in no shortage here on Amelia Island, Florida. But
what about the island's ancient cemeteries, do spirits roam there? Called "beautiful woods"
by the Spanish, Bosque Bello is located off North 14th Street in
Fernandina, toward Amelia Island's northwest, close to "Old Town." READ MORE...
Rain lilies can be planted year round in north Florida and thrive in conditions not favorable for true garden lilies. They produce
lush clumps of foliage in the fall when the weather is cool. “This group of charming bulbs,
also known as pink fairy lilies, Zephyr lilies, and rain lilies is native to
North America. In the wild, flowers bloom after a rain." READ MORE ABOUT RAIN LILIES. LEARN ABOUT CRAZY ANTS...
Since
when did the city and county have to “make” money on services they
provide? Government is not a for-profit entity. Government is designed
to provide public services to residents -- trash pickup, road
maintenance, police and fire protection, etc. Do officials feel they need to “turn a profit” on the recreational department now? Parks, ball fields and buildings came from public tax dollars -- and are there for the use and enjoyment of residents. READ MORE FROM STEVE NICKLAS...
