Mayor Launches Peg Leg Pete Fundraising

Fernandina Beach Mayor James Antun has launched a public fundraising campaign to restore Peg Leg Pete, the iconic wooden pirate statue that has watched over downtown for decades. The goal is $23,000 to fund the project.

The statue was moved from the city’s Welcome Center to the Amelia Island Museum of History on Oct. 7 after staff determined the aging timbers had become rotten, cracked, and structurally unsafe. At last Tuesday’s City Commission workshop, officials reviewed photographs showing deep splits in the wood, failing joints, and areas where earlier repairs had deteriorated. Commissioners agreed the statue cannot return to the riverfront without significant restoration.

The museum has placed Pete outside its entrance for temporary safekeeping, but commissioners said the long-term goal is to return the figure to the Historic District once repairs are complete. Staff also noted that a second pirate figure, carved years ago as a possible replacement, remains in storage and could be evaluated as part of the restoration discussion.

Mayor Antun urged residents to support the effort.

“Every donation, big or small, makes a difference,” Antun said. “Let’s work together to bring Peg Leg Pete back where he belongs.”

The city has set up an online portal for contributions. Donations can be made at: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=Y9Y36FXKX3GKS