Ahoy! Welcome to the Fernandina Pirates Club!
Over 50 Years of Adventure, Charitable Service, and Pirate Legacy on Amelia Island!
Who Are These Swashbucklers?
Founded in October 1973 by a spirited group of 29 local businessmen and doctors, the Fernandina Pirates Club, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to community service. For over half a century, we’ve proudly flown our flag, blending the adventurous spirit of Amelia Island’s rich piratical history with a deep-seated commitment to our community. Women were enthusiastically welcomed to the krewe around 1983, strengthening our ranks!
We are honored to serve as official “Goodwill Ambassadors to the World” for both the City of Fernandina Beach and Nassau County. This prestigious recognition reflects our dedication to promoting our unique local heritage and contributing positively to our community. In February 2023, we proudly celebrated our 50th Anniversary, marked by a proclamation from the City of Fernandina Beach, a testament to our enduring legacy.
Our Swashbuckling Deeds & Community Treasures
From leading the charge at the Shrimp Festival to tireless fundraising and community support, our pirates are always ready for action!
Anchors of the Shrimp Festival
- Leading the iconic Pirate Parade.
- Dramatic “Invasions” of the festival stage.
- Engaging Pirate School & Little Pirate Contests for kids.
- Hosting the Miss Shrimp Festival pageant.
- Manning our Pirate Booth with unique wares.
- Entertaining crowds & sharing Amelia Island history.
Treasures Shared with the Community
- “Pirates Out for Blood” drives (with The Loop, Publix, American Legion).
- Annual High School Scholarships (college & military bound).
- Support for Katie Ride for Life, Relay For Life, NAMI Walk.
- Champions for Foar From Home & Stop Hunger Now.
- Reading to children (Peck Center) & visiting seniors (Savannah Grand).
- Holiday Adopt-a-Family programs.
Beyond the Horizon: Parades & Events
- Yulee Christmas & St. Marys Mardi Gras Parades.
- St. Augustine Easter & Jacksonville Opening of the Beaches.
- Gator Bowl Parade & FBHS Homecoming.
- Dickens on Centre Victorian Christmas Festival.
- Cheering on FBHS sports teams.
- Celebrating International Talk Like a Pirate Day!
A Legacy Forged in Pirate Lore
Amelia Island’s deep-water harbor was once a sanctuary for legendary pirates like Luis Aury. We proudly carry this adventurous heritage forward, blending the mystique of the past with our modern commitment to community.
Our impressive parade float, “Amelia’s Revenge,” was professionally built and acquired in 2000, originally commissioned for the movie “Hook” promotion! It has undergone major rebuilds, most recently in 2025, to keep her shipshape for invasions and parades.
We are proud stewards of the iconic “Peg Leg Pete” statue downtown. The original, carved in 1978 by Wayne Ervin, was lovingly restored in 2020. A new statue, masterfully carved by Jett Paxton in 2023, stands ready to continue the tradition.
Our members are also trained in the safe use of traditional black powder weapons, adding an authentic roar to our festival appearances and invasions!
Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Words from the Community
“The Fernandina Pirates Club brings so much joy and support to our town. Their dedication to local events and charity is truly inspiring!”
– A Grateful Fernandina Beach Resident
“Thanks to the Pirates’ scholarship, I was able to pursue my vocational training. They truly invest in the future of Nassau County’s youth!”
– Scholarship Recipient Alum
Heave Ho! Join Our Krewe & Lend Yer Support!
Ready to embrace your inner pirate and make a difference? The Fernandina Pirates Club hosts thrilling fundraising events like the “Peg Leg Pete Pirate Pub Crawl,” supporting vital causes like the FBHS Mighty Marching Pirates Band and Micah’s Place domestic violence center. Find details about our upcoming appearances and how to get involved on our Events Page or follow us on social media!
Become a Pirate or Ask a Question!
Interested in joining our ranks or have an inquiry? Follow the link below for membership details or to send us a digital message in a bottle!
Make a Tax-Deductible Donation
Your doubloons (donations!) are tax-deductible and directly fund our scholarships, community projects, and local heritage preservation. As an official 501(c)(3) charity, every piece of eight you give goes back to supporting our community!