By: Beth Jones
Pinson’s new board designed by childhood friend
Local pro skater Poe Pinson celebrated her 21st birthday this month, and she’s also celebrating her new board, “Digital Bruise,” hitting stores this spring.
Pinson’s latest deck was designed by her childhood friend, Jace Scott, also a skater.
“We even got a flashback to Poe’s humble beginnings with two custom sticker inserts showing a fully padded young Poe at her hometown skatepark, that is now named after her,” said a recent email from There Skateboards. “This one was as special for Jace as it was for Poe to see how far they’ve both come.”
Pinson turned pro last year, and in 2024, she competed in the Olympics in Paris, where she placed fifth in women’s street skateboarding. The city named the skatepark at Main Beach in her honor.
ESSA food distribution on Saturday
The Elm Street Sportsman Association is teaming up with Barnabas Saturday, March 21, for another food distribution event, which is from 8-9 a.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 1200 Elm St.
Yulee High School’s Ricks, Ballantine place in Suwannee
Yulee High School weightlifters Turtle Ricks and Adam Ballantine recently placed in the Suwannee Invitational meet. Ricks won the unlimited division, and Ballantine placed third.
Ricks set two school records with a 265-pound snatch and a 365-pound clean and jerk. His 630 pounds in Olympic was a personal best for the senior.
Diamond Classic starts today
Grab a Pirate Burger and take in some baseball this week. The Fernandina Beach High School baseball team is hosting its annual Diamond Classic, a spring break tradition at The Ballpark at Fernandina Beach.
First pitch is at 1 p.m. today, when the Pirates take on Baldwin. First Coast and Trinity Catholic play at 4 p.m., and West Nassau and Oakleaf face off at 7 p.m. in the nightcap.
Games are also at 1 p.m. (First Coast-West Nassau), 4 p.m. (Baldwin-Oakleaf) and 7 p.m. (FBHS-Trinity Catholic) on Friday.
Things kick off at 10 a.m. Saturday, with Trinity Catholic and Oakleaf taking the field, followed by West Nassau and Baldwin at 1 p.m. The Pirates and Buccaneers of First Coast wrap it all up with a 4 p.m. matchup.
Purchase tickets at gofan.co.
City pickleball leagues
The city of Fernandina Beach Parks and Recreation Department is offering spring pickleball leagues at Central Park. The cost is $30 per team, with up to four players.
Leagues start March 24, with mixed doubles at 5:15 p.m. and 7 p.m., and March 26, with women’s play at 5:15 p.m. USA Pickleball rules will be followed, and the city will provide pickleballs.
Register at the Atlantic Recreation Center or online at www.fbfl.us/1110/AdultSeniorProgramming.
Summer baseball camp
Fernandina Beach Babe Ruth is hosting 2026 Pirates Baseball Skills Camp June 9-11 at Buccaneer Field. Register at https://fernandinabeachbaberuthleague.sportngin.com/register/form/159410797, and for information, email dugoutclubfernandina@yahoo.com.
Players ages 5-6 go from 9-11:30 a.m., ages 7-8 go from 9 a.m. to noon, and the 9- and 10-year-olds go from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
AIPC Spring Tournament
The Amelia Island Pétanque Club will hold its 16th annual Spring Tournament on April 19 at the Central Park courts. Field is limited to 24 teams.
Cost is $10 per person. Choose a partner, and sign up by emailing johnabbott06@gmail.com.
Pirate Academy
Its 8-and-under Pirate Academy was so popular, Fernandina Beach Babe Ruth has added it for the 12-and-under crew. RSVP in your team’s GameChanger, so coaches can plan accordingly.
It’s held from 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays on the majors field.
bjones@nassaunewsline.net
