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[Pages S5916-S5917]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
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RECOGNIZING AMELIA ISLAND KAYAK EXCURSIONS
Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, as chairman of the Senate Committee
on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week it is my honor to
recognize a small business that exemplifies family values and
dedication to its community. I am proud to recognize Amelia Island
Kayak Excursions of Fernandina Beach, FL, as the Senate Small Business
of the Week.
Established in 2013, Amelia Island Kayak Excursions is the product of
the Bullington family's love of kayaking in the Amelia Island inlands.
Six years ago, Mark Bullington and his two children, Amber and Aaron,
decided to turn their hobby into their livelihood. Their love of
Florida and commitment to responsible stewardship of the Earth led the
Bullingtons to share their passion with visitors and their community.
Showcasing Florida's beauty, Amelia Island Kayak Excursions offers
both kayak and boat expeditions throughout wildlife-rich Egan's Creek,
Lofton's Creek, and more of Florida's coastal environment. Tours range
from 2 to 5 hours, and overnight tours are offered for experienced
kayakers. Additionally, Amelia Island Kayak Excursions offers private
boat tours for small groups to observe the diverse local wildlife.
Since its founding, the tour guides of Amelia Island Kayak Excursions
have continued to learn more about Florida's unique environment and
community. Over the span of his career, Mark has logged more than 4,500
miles kayaking and canoeing, gaining extensive knowledge about the
scenic ecosystem in the process. Amber not only leads tours but is also
involved with the local business community through the Nassau County
Chamber of Commerce and, in 2018, was recognized as the chamber's
Ambassador of the Year. Aaron is certified through the University of
Florida as a Florida Master Naturalist, a certification which lends
itself easily to his role as tour guide.
As a well-established tour service, Amelia Island Kayak Excursions
has become an essential part of the economic framework of Fernandina
Beach. This business's influential role has not gone unnoticed. In
2017, Amelia Island
[[Page S5917]]
Kayak Excursions was recognized by the Nassau County Chamber of
Commerce as the Small Business of the Year and received the Bold City
Best Water Sports Award. In addition to its accomplishments, Amelia
Island Kayak Excursions is dedicated to giving back to the community
through engagement with local charities and corresponding fundraisers.
To educate the next generation about Florida's wildlife, the
Bullingtons have partnered with an after school program by gifting
students a free kayak trip if they meet their academic goals.
Amelia Island Kayak Excursions is a great example of a community-
oriented small business. I am proud to honor and congratulate Amelia
Island Kayak Excursions for its hard work and dedication to the
Floridian landscape. I wish the entire team at Amelia Island Kayak
Excursions the best of luck and success in all of their future
endeavors.
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