At 99 years young, Dee Dee Bartels doesn’t simply tell masterfully woven stories—she lives them. A pioneering shrimp boat captain, community preservationist, and one of the driving forces behind Fernandina Beach’s beloved Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, Dee Dee has long been a fixture of Florida’s coastal legacy.
Born in Victoria, British Columbia, and raised in Miami, Bartels grew up surrounded by books, sailing, and adults who nurtured her constantly curious mind. She specifically credits her mother with giving her a deep sense of possibility—a kind of “magical thinking” that still shapes her view of the world today.
Her adventurous spirit led her from the decks of shrimp boats named Sunrise and Lady Wesa to championing causes that preserved the heart of Fernandina Beach. She not only founded the Shrimp Boat Races that would become a festival tradition but also worked to save the historic train depot on Centre Street. Her creative vision and contagious energy truly helped shape the Fernandina Beach we know today.
Bartels’ journey didn’t stop at the Florida shoreline. In the 1980s, she moved to the island of Carriacou in the Grenadines, where she ran a sea farm and immersed herself in the rhythms of island life. That chapter even inspired her book Island Rhythms, which combines art, poetry, and reflections from her time abroad. A gifted writer, Bartels has penned over a thousand poems and several books, including a heartfelt tribute to her grandson.
Today, she calls The Lakeside at Amelia Island home, where her lively personality continues to inspire everyone around her. Whether she’s sharing tales from the sea or dreaming up her next adventure—like traveling cross-country in a van—Bartels reminds us that age is just a number when you’re led by passion, purpose, and boundless imagination.
To learn more about Dee Dee Bartels’ remarkable life and legacy, you can read her full feature in Amelia Islander Magazine.
We’re honored to have such an inspiring resident as part of our community. Schedule your visit with us today and discover what makes The Lakeside at Amelia Island feel like home!
