Missing Pieces

As our cityscape continues to change, I find myself missing pieces. Never thought I would be talking about the good old days, but here I am. As I walk down today’s Centre Street, I think of some missing pieces, people, and businesses no longer there. Many recall that at one time we had an Irish pub, a French restaurant, and a Chinese restaurant all downtown. All gone and replaced by the next generation of eateries.

We can be thankful that historic facades remain thanks to a dedicated community that values and protects its historic district. In the late 1800s, a series of fires destroyed much of downtown Fernandina. After the devastation of the 1876 and 1883 fires, the city mandated that all new buildings would be of brick, not wood. The end result is the well-preserved Victorian-era brick storefronts that make up our Centre Street, making it a much sought-after destination.

For those who have lived on the island or in the area for more than 25 years, there are things we fondly remember that we miss. We miss Don Shaw and his independent bookstore, Book Plus. He was one of the founders of the Amelia Island Book Festival, now celebrating its 25th year. Visiting his bookstore inevitably meant a sit-down talk with Don and catching up on downtown news. Books Plus closed, but another long-established independent bookstore continues – The Book Loft, also on Centre Street.

Anyone who visited The Marina Restaurant will forever remember its bigger-than-life owner, Patricia Toundas. A popular lunch spot for downtown businessmen, politicians, and lawyers; a lot of business was done over a hearty meal. She was proud to host President George H.W. Bush, Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, news anchor Walter Cronkite, and other politicians, actors, and touring musicians.

Many remain stunned that two more downtown businesses are history – Brett’s Waterway Cafe and Front & Centre Gift Shop. The longtime tenants of the building at the base of Centre, scheduled for demolition, have closed their businesses. Both businesses and their owners were part of an amazing period of growth on Amelia Island dating back to 1976. Owners Brett Carter and Tip Fisher were local fixtures at their dockside restaurant, Brett’s Waterway Cafe, for more than 41 years. A grateful community remembers celebrating milestones, toasting the sunset, and enjoying the picturesque Amelia River. Front & Center Gift Shop owner Anne Coonrod arrived on Amelia Island in 1973 and was instrumental in the design and development of the new building planned at the base of Centre Street. When no one stepped up to open the planned gift shop, Coonrod did and operated it until the recent closing. In addition, Coonrod and her brother, Charlie Taylor, ran the island's fish market, Atlantic Seafood, which is now closed and also scheduled for demolition.

One thing stays constant – the Palace Saloon, Florida’s oldest saloon! We welcome the new, creative, innovative businesses that dot our downtown, but can’t help but remember the “missing pieces.”