Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau
MEDIA RELEASE
January 14, 2019

The Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) will debut a new documentary-style film, “Amelia Island: The Real Treasure Island,” which explores the island’s little-known history, rich with plundering pirates, lost galleons and a cast of colorful characters. Produced in association with the Amelia Island Museum of History and the Maritime Museum of Amelia Island, the short film was developed to educate and entertain visitors and locals alike about the popular destination’s storied past. The film will debut on the Amelia Island Facebook page (facebook.com/AmeliaIslandFlorida) on Jan. 15 at 8 p.m.

“This island has more history than anywhere else in the United States,” said Travis Cloyd, a sixth generation Amelia Islander and CEO and founder of Observe Media Inc, a production company based in Hollywood, California.  “As the only place in America to have flown eight different flags, it’s no surprise Amelia’s shores still echo the secrets of infamous pirates, literary legacies and swashbuckling socialites,” said Kate Harris, Director of Digital Marketing for the CVB.

The 17-minute film produced by the CVB brings to life the history of treasures on Amelia Island, from buried pirate plunder to sunken Spanish ships just offshore. Several local experts provided a wealth of information and insight for the film, including Captain Steve Hair, Ye Olde Pirate Charter; Billy Taylor, Director, Maritime Museum of Amelia Island; Roger Morenc, Owner, Marlin and Barrel Distillery; Travis Cloyd, 6th generation Amelia Islander and Hollywood producer; Thea Seagraves, Education Director, Amelia Island Museum of History; and Scott Jensen, Archeologist.

In addition to the Jan. 15 Facebook debut, the film will be featured during a special “Havana Nights” event at Marlin & Barrel Distillery, a local distillery which is featured in the film, on the same night. This Cuban-themed event will pay homage to Havana as the last port of call for two of the treasure ships discovered off Amelia’s coast, and will feature salsa dancing, specialty beverages, and flavorful dishes from Hola Cuban Café. The event begins at 6 p.m. Tickets are $35 and can purchased at ameliaislanddowntowntastingtours.com/.

For more information about Amelia Island, or to begin planning your vacation, visit ameliaisland.com.