NORTH FLORIDA: Rain Lilies, Crazy Ants, Gardening Tips

Posted in: Garden Talk
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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...

BAD IDEA: Fernandina, Nassau County Recreational Fees

Posted in: Steve's Marketplace
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...

FLOWERING FERNANDINA: Blossoming Grass Roots Effort

Posted in: Steve's Marketplace
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Fall is in the air and it’s time for the flowers to bloom in downtown Fernandina Beach.  “Flowering Fernandina” is a blossoming grassroots effort to instill beauty through bountiful flowers in the historic downtown area. It has been embraced by city officials, business owners, and individuals alike.  Flowers are being placed by the nurturing hands of enthusiastic volunteers and donors.  READ MORE FROM STEVE NICKLAS...

HALLOWEEN TRICKERY: Amelia Island, Florida

Posted in: Amelia Island Community
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An Amelia Island Halloween
When you carve a pumpkin with children or grandkids, that first whiff of pumpkin pulp hits you. It's a smell that triggers memories of our own childhood.  Carving the jack-o-lantern and baking the pumpkin seeds is a seasonal ritual in many homes. Yes, it's that time of year again, when the children are racking their brains over what "to be" for Halloween.  READ ABOUT AMELIA ISLAND HALLOWEEN EVENTS...


FOOTBALL ISLAND: Florida-Georgia Fans on Amelia Island

Posted in: Island Perspective
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It's "Football Island" here the weekend of the Florida- Georgia college game. Dubbed "the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party,"  it's a big deal on Amelia Island. We've got both Dawg and Gator fans here. (Some call Amelia Island "Georgia" with a Florida address.) Party at the Frat Bash, featuring the Swingin' Medallions, and eat some gator tail at Amelia Island Plantation... READ MORE...

GARDEN FRESH: Cool Season Herbs For Northeast Florida

Posted in: Garden Talk
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Wondering what herbs you can grow here in northeast Florida during the cooler months? Cilantro, coriander, dill, fennel, sorrel, thyme, sweet marjoram, oregano, St. Johns Wort, soap wort, lavender, and viola are some good choices of cool season herbs. Growing herbs is one of the easiest and most rewarding garden hobbies.  READ MORE FROM GARDENING EXPERT...

Some Positive Developments in Nassau County

Posted in: Steve's Marketplace
While the economy in Nassau County, Florida is still sluggish, some new developments – particularly from the government sector – appear to be positive in nature.  After years of being stuck in the mud (literally), the Fernandina Beach city marina has taken a new direction. The longstanding feud between the city of Fernandina and the airport operator is nearing a conclusion.  READ MORE FROM STEVE NICKLAS...

Amelia Island Beach Fun Run For Schools

Posted in: Amelia Island Community

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Enjoy Amelia Island’s beautiful Peter’s Point Beach Park at low tide and get some exercise while supporting local school kids.  The “Back to School Beach Fun Run 2009”  on October 17th is a 5K (3.1 mile), 2K (1 mile) or non-competitive walk with all proceeds benefiting local Nassau County, Florida school kids. If you cannot attend, you can still help by sponsoring a local student for $10...READ MORE