AMELIA ISLAND, MY LITTLE CORNER OF THE WORLD.
Several weeks ago, my husband Jim and I thought it would be interesting to just getaway for a while. No place special in mind, we just wanted to go. As REALTORS®, we went through the normal steps of having an associate take our calls, put the dog in the kennel, and away we went. Jim is a third generation native Floridian. Having spent all of his life enjoying the many blessings of living an eventful life in Florida, he held out for a mini trip through his beloved state.
We traveled southwest from beautiful Amelia Island through Starke, Gainesville and on to US19 along the west coast of the state. Jim remarked: “very little change from the past except for the size of the towns. They are still sleepy and holding to the tradition of rural north central Florida.” Once we reached Homosassa, we turned south. Nothing special except the demure changed to a frantic hustle and bustle. Gone was the quiet peaceful Florida that Jim had such vivid memories.
There were exceptions. We would get off US 19 on occasion and wander through the streets of the various towns and gulf coast communities. Sure some were impressive with their manicured lawns and two story mansions. To Jim, it was not the old Florida.”
Near Tarpon Springs we began to look for lodging for the night. We wanted a hotel or motel on the gulf. To our total amazement, we could find no place to stay. Yes, there were a number of condominiums with weekly rentals but no overnight accommodations. Granted, we were strangers in the area and more than likely we passed a number of places but we found none of them. On down to St Petersburg then Sarasota, still no motels. At dark approached, Jim guided us to I-75 where we did find lodging for the night. Not on the gulf, no Florida sand between our toes but at least a place to spend the night.
Next morning we awoke and immediately took a up a direct route east, across the state. We reached the Atlantic at Cocoa Beach and immediately found reservations in a wonderful oceanfront hotel. At last we were back to Florida.
Sunday evening, we reluctantly left Cocoa and returned to our beloved Amelia Island. Our thoughts were in accord. We live in probably the most beautiful part of this great state. We don’t understand why everyone doesn’t live in our back yard but we thank our lucky stars that they don’t. Amelia is truly one of the most pristine places left in the state. When your livelihood comes from selling Amelia Island real estate, it is impossible not to want to see the area grow. As private citizens, one can be quite happy to see it remain quiet, unspoiled and uncongested.
We both enjoyed our long weekend, but oh so happy to be back in paradise. Should you like to visit Amelia Island, please feel free to give Jim or me a call. We love to meet new friends and would be happy to introduce you to our little corner of the world.