In The Neighborhood with Mandy Haynes

First Port City Bank

Carol Cason is Senior Vice President and Director of Retail Banking at First Port City Bank and a Fernandina Beach native. Her grandparents owned one of the first grocery stores on Amelia Island. First Port City Bank is a true community bank, says Carol. “Our employees are involved in many of the local non-profit organizations and volunteer or participate at a board level. And the bank financially supports and gives back in a significant way. Our mission is to exceed expectations and provide a true home-town feel, creating an atmosphere of personalized, warm, and friendly service.”

Mentoring and coaching her staff is a favorite part of her job at First Port City Bank. “It is rewarding to watch people grow with such a great company and seeing them provide the service that I would want to receive,” says Carol. “I also love the fact that we create an atmosphere that is inviting for both customers and employees. I truly enjoy helping people.”

What does she love most about her hometown? “It was great growing up near the ocean, and I love the smalltown community. At the end of the day, it’s the people—true Southern hospitality at its best!” Carol plays piano at her church, and she and her husband have a dog named Casey Cason, a mix breed of Pomeranian and Norwich Terrier who was adopted from Nassau Humane Society. First Port City Bank is located at 1890 South 14th Street. For more information, call (904) 432-8609 or visit www.firstportcity.com.

Bristly Thistle

Michele Herron owns Bristly Thistle, which is an adorable needlepoint shop on Beech Street in Fernandina Beach. The store offers a wide selection of hand-painted needlepoint canvases, threads, supplies, accessories, and embellishments. Their finishing is top-notch for canvases from simple to 3D. Bristly Thistle also hosts classes taught by talented artists from across the country.

Michele was raised in Texas before moving with her husband and children to Northern California. Once their children were grown, they moved to Michigan. “We lasted two full winters on Lake Michigan before we knew we had to move,” she says. “A friend, the mother of Steve Colwell, who owns Fantastic Fudge, suggested Amelia Island. All it took was one week here! In that short visit, we fell in love with the island and signed a lease for our needlepoint shop.” The shop opened in June 2010.

“Needlepoint has been a part of my life since my college years,” says Michele. “It was a great stress reliever during my career in the software industry. Needlepoint has become much more exciting and fun, with hundreds of threads and embellishments and canvases to choose from. The saying is, ‘It’s not Grandma’s needlepoint anymore.’ I am so lucky to own a needlepoint shop on the island. There are many wonderful stitchers here who have become friends and I get to be creative every day.” Visit Bristly Thistle and say hello to Max, Michele’s Portuguese Water Dog and greeter. The store is located at 811 Beech Street. Call (904) 729-4020 or visit bristlythistle.com.