Ron DeSantis flies to Fernandina Beach during Wild Amelia Nature Festival week

Ron DeSantis flew from Tallahassee International Airport to Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport on May 11, 2026, aboard the state-owned Cessna Citation Latitude N943FL. The 33-minute flight covered the roughly 170 miles northeast, landing just before 2 p.m. local time after reaching a maximum altitude of 19,025 feet.

The visit comes the same week as the Wild Amelia Nature Festival, running May 8 to 17 on Amelia Island and highlighting Florida's coastal ecosystems through guided tours, workshops, and family activities. As governor, DeSantis has emphasized conservation, including past announcements on fishing seasons from the same area, per state records. No specific agenda was detailed in public schedules, but such trips often involve meetings with local officials or support for regional initiatives.

This flight fits a pattern of official travel within Florida, with recent itineraries shuttling between Tallahassee and cities like Miami, Orlando, and Jacksonville. DeSantis visited nearby Yulee in March 2026 to announce over $9 million in workforce and infrastructure grants, underscoring Nassau County's role in state economic plans. With a special legislative session convening in Tallahassee the next day, the quick hop suggests targeted coastal business before returning to the capital.