IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD with Mandy Haynes

IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD with Mandy Haynes

PHOTO BY SHERRY CARTER

The Spice & Tea Exchange

Linda & Bill Files

Bill and Linda Files opened The Spice & Tea Exchange in Fernandina Beach in May, five years after they purchased their first store in Winter Park, Florida. Linda is originally from Michigan and Bill is from Massachusetts, but they both feel at home here on Amelia Island.

“My career in radio and advertising took us all over the place before we landed in Orlando. We love Amelia Island, so we thought it would be a great place to open a second store. Fernandina Beach has such a good vibe. The local folks are so friendly and welcoming, and the visitors are all happy to be here. It’s a great laid-back atmosphere. Plus, you can’t beat the natural beauty.”

The Spice & Tea Exchange offers more than 60 different loose-leaf teas and more than 85 handcrafted seasonings, made in-store daily. “Holiday and corporate gifting is a specialty,” says Linda. “We just love turning folks on to healthy gift-giving ideas!” When they aren’t busy at the store, Bill and Linda love to bike and comb the beach. “Linda is a runner and we both love cycling, but most of all, we both love to cook and drink tea,” Bill laughs. They also have two cats: Mooch, who is seventeen years old, and Baby Girl, who is seven, both of whom are living with their son, Harrison, in Winter Springs, Florida while they get settled here.

Visit Bill and Linda at The Spice & Tea Exchange at 316 Centre Street, online at www.spiceandtea.com/ fernandinabeach, or call the store at (904) 432-7897.

WataNut

Kam Kyzer

PHOTO BY SHERRY CARTER

Originally from Augusta, Georgia, Kam and Brian Kyzer have loved Amelia Island for decades. In October 2020, they opened the Fernandina Beach location of Watanut, a family-owned and operated gourmet nut and cookie company. “We bought a condo here two years ago, and Brian and I split our time between Amelia Island and Augusta so our youngest son, who is a high school senior, always has a parent present. Th e last two years have been a little hectic, but we believe it will be worth it,” says Kam. “Our Augusta location has been in business almost ten years, and we’re so grateful for the opportunity to grow and be a part of Amelia Island’s community.”

“Everyone here is so friendly, and I love meeting all the visitors, learning about where they’re from and what brought them to the island. Cookies, nuts, and ice cream make people happy, so it’s literally fun to work here. We ship gifts year-round, and the exposure we’re getting in Fernandina Beach results in repeat online revenue and continues to grow our business. We’re taking applications, so if you want to join the fun, stop by!”

The Kyzers are a family full of energy. They have two other children, one who just graduated from college, another who is a junior at Georgia Southern, and a “toddler” named Winnie. “Winnie is our Covid puppy,” Kam laughs. “She’s an Airedale Terrier, and she loves the beach!”

For more information, visit Watanut Gourmet Nut and Cookies at 118 Centre Street or online at www.watanut.com, or call the store at (904) 447-6581.