IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD with Mandy Haynes

IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD with Mandy Haynes

Red Otter Outfitters

PHOTO BY SHERRY CARTER

Tori O’Conner, an Amelia Island native, worked at Red Otter Outfitters for two years before she became the owner in April. Located just a few blocks from downtown Fernandina Beach, the original store has been in the same location for seventeen years. A University of Georgia graduate with a degree in Retail Management, Tori was the perfect person for former owner Jennie Stephens to pass the torch to.

“I enjoy meeting new customers and getting to know more people who live in town,” says Tori. Her favorite thing about living in Fernandina Beach? Being surrounded by family. “Both sets of my grandparents live on the island, as well as my parents. I only have one sister, but there’s a whole lot of cousins!” laughs Tori. “As a matter of fact, in the 1980s, my grandfather owned and lived in this building where Red Otter is located. The office space used to be a small apartment.”

Red Otter Outfitters carries accessories and apparel for men and women, as well as a large assortment of comfortable footwear, with name brands like North Face, Patagonia, Keen, Merrell, Prana, Chaco, On Running, and more. Tori laughs when I ask if she is the sole owner. “Yep. Just me,” she says. “Well, I’m not entirely alone. I have Basil,” she adds. Basil is a five-year old rescue mix who loves to be at the store. If you’re looking for a pair of comfortable shoes or a new outfit for the beach, stop by Red Otter Outfitters at 1012 Atlantic Avenue, call them at (904) 206-4122, and look for them on Twitter at @redotteroutfitters.

Lindy’s Jewelry

PHOTO BY SHERRY CARTER

Lindy Kavanaugh moved from Douglas, Georgia to Amelia Island with her family in 1988. At 18, she started working as a bench jeweler for a shop in Fernandina Beach, and later worked at Underwood Jewelers in Jacksonville while in college at the University of North Florida. After college, Lindy enrolled in the Gemological Institute of America and earned her Graduate Gemologist degree at the New York City campus. She spent four years in New York City, working on Fifth Avenue for Tiffany & Co. before returning home to Fernandina.

“I met my husband, Hardee, at the Palace Saloon. We’d both lived in New York. Hardee, who is a harbor pilot, attended Kings Point, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, in Long Island, but that night we were both at the Palace,” Lindy laughs. “Hard to believe we’ve been married for 19 years and have three kids!”

Not long after Lindy bought the building at 110 Centre Street where Lindy’s Jewelry is now, she found out that her husband’s ancestors once owned the store. “I have the paperwork dated 1907. Lindy’s Jewelry used to be J & N Hardee, Groceries and Hardware.” I asked Lindy what her favorite thing was about owning a jewelry story, “It’s a happy business. Customers often buy jewelry for special occasions or significant milestones. Th ere are good memories associated with each piece, and I love hearing those stories.” See the wide array of jewelry on display at Lindy’s at 110 Centre Street, visit www.lindysjewelry.com, or call (904) 277-4880.