CLIMB THE AMELIA ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE

AT THE FLORIDA LIGHTHOUSE ASSOCIATION MEETING

October 25 and 26, 2019

Cut-off Date: October 15, 2019

Here for On-Line Registration

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Amelia Island Lighthouse is the oldest existing lighthouse in Florida and the only one from the Territorial Period that has survived without major rebuilding. The Lighthouse was built in 1838 using materials from the former lighthouse on Cumberland Island in Georgia, just across the inlet. The brick tower was originally was 50 feet tall and placed on a hill and. In 1881 a lantern was installed on the tower and increased the height to 64 feet with a focal plane of 107 feet. The light source for the original lighthouse was fourteen lamps, backed by reflectors, which revolved to produce a flashing characteristic. In 1902 a new third-order lens was installed and in 1917 a red sector was added to alert mariners of dangerous shoals south of the tower in Nassau Sound.

The City of Fernandina Beach received possession of the Lighthouse from the U.S. Coast Guard in 2001.  The Coast Guard, with the help of local Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers, is responsible for the function of the beacon, and the City will preserve this monument, recognizing its importance as one of the island’s most visible and beloved historic sites. 

Other facts about the Amelia Island Lighthouse: there are sixty-nine granite steps leading up to the light.  It is one of only two remaining lighthouses in Florida designed by Winslow Lewis. It is the westernmost lighthouse on the East Coast of the United States. The beacon still guides seafarers into the channel toward the Fernandina Harbor.

Our meeting place for the weekend is the Atlantic Auditorium (Fernandina Beach Recreation Center), located at 2500 Atlantic Blvd. Fernandina Beach Map.  

The events will begin on Friday, October 25, 2019, with committee meetings at 4 PM, the Board meeting at 5:30 PM, and a social hour at about 6:30 PM at the Atlantic Auditorium.  Hors d’oeuvres, soda, and iced tea will be provided, and we are working on having Beer & Wine. 

On Saturday our membership meeting will start at 9:00 AM with lunch at about 12:00 PM. After lunch a bus will make round trips to and from the lighthouse so everyone can enjoy this rare opportunity to climb the lighthouse.  SINCE FLA IS REQUIRED BY THE CITY TO TAKE OUT INSURANCE TO CLIMB THE LIGHTHOUSE, EVERYONE MUST BE A MEMBER OF FLA AND SIGN A WAIVER. 

The quest speaker will be Joseph Smith, a Performing Artist of Living History whose mission is “to create excitement and curiosity about history by giving voice to stories that celebrate the human spirit.”  His subject for our meeting will be Augustin Fresnel: Through a New Lens. 

Lunch will be served by Cedar River Seafood and will consist of flounder, shrimp, grilled chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, hush puppies, cole slaw, chocolate cake, iced tea (sweet and un-sweet), lemonade, and water.  

The cost for the event will be $75 for FLA members and $105 for non-members, which includes a 1-year membership in FLA.  The price includes the Friday night social, Saturday membership meeting, lunch, bus transportation, climbing the lighthouse, and a donation to the Amelia Island Lighthouse.  The cost for Saturday-only attendees will be $65 for FLA members and $95 for non-members, which includes a 1-year membership in FLA. The cost for children under 15 is $37.50.  

Registration and payment must be received by October 15, 2019.  Please specify any dietary restrictions when you register.  

Other things to do in Fernandina Beach include visiting the Historic Downtown area, visiting nearby Fort Clinch State Park Fort Clinch, where you can get a great picture of the Lighthouse. 

The three hotels listed below are close to the beach and about 2 miles south of the Atlantic Auditorium.  

HOTELS    

Hampton Inn at the Beach Hampton Inn map

2549 Sadler Rd.

 Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

 (904) 321-1111

  Rate: $169 for a two-queen-bed room (Ask for FLA rate)

  Includes free hot breakfast

 Cut-off Date – 25 September, 2019

 

Amelia Hotel at the Beach Amelia Hotel  Map

 1997 South Fletcher Ave.

 Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

 (904) 206-5600

 Rate: $119 for a two-queen-bed room (Ask for FLA Rate)

  Includes free deluxe continental breakfast

 Cut-off Date– 25 September, 2019

 

 Residence Inn—Amelia Island Residence Inn Map

 2301 Sadler Rd.

 Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

 (904) 277-2440

 Rate: $169 for a studio king suite (Ask for FLA Rate)

 Includes free hot breakfast 

Cut-off Date – 20 September, 2019