118 Already Signed Up: Paddle for Veterans Returns to Fernandina with New Finish Line, Big Mission

FERNANDINA BEACH — More than 100 kayakers are expected to paddle seven miles across state lines next month as part of an annual effort to raise awareness about veteran suicide and post-traumatic stress disorder while supporting veterans in need.

The 8th annual Paddle for Veterans, organized by the Cross the Line Foundation, is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, beginning at 8 a.m. in St. Marys, Georgia. Participants will paddle across the water to Fernandina Beach, ending this year at the Dee Dee Bartels Boat Ramp in a slight change from previous years.

The challenging seven-mile route from Georgia to Florida has become one of Nassau County’s signature veteran-support fundraisers, drawing paddlers, volunteers and community organizations together in an effort to shine a spotlight on mental health struggles facing military veterans.

“This event is about more than kayaking,” said Bill Cimino, co-director of the Cross the Line Foundation. “It’s about raising awareness to veteran suicide and post-traumatic stress disorder while helping organizations that directly serve veterans.”

Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit Building Battle Buddies, a Nassau County-based veterans organization that trains and matches service dogs with veterans suffering from physical and emotional challenges. The organization provides specially trained service animals to veterans across the country.

Organizers said participation is on pace to reach a record level. As of May 20, more than 118 paddlers had already registered for the event.

To register for this year’s paddle, go to www.paddleguru.com and select Cross the Line Paddle for Veterans 2026. Kayaks can be rented and delivered directly to the start line through Amelia Island Kayak Excursions or through other kayak companies in Nassau County.

Following the paddle, participants and supporters will gather at an after-party at The Green Turtle, where local restaurants and musicians will help turn the fundraiser into a community celebration.

Organizers plan to present a ceremonial check to Building Battle Buddies at 2 p.m.

Since its inception, Paddle for Veterans has grown into an annual regional event supported by dozens of volunteers and businesses on both sides of the state line. More than 70 volunteers help coordinate logistics and safety, with support from the City of St. Marys, Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, Nassau County Fire Rescue and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection at Fort Clinch.

“This event would not happen without the local community,” Cimino said. “The volunteers, public safety agencies, businesses and sponsors are what make this successful every year.”

Cross the Line is once again partnering with the Amelia River Cruise Company, Nassau Moving Company, The Green Turtle, ERA Realty, Jet Ski Amelia, Oasis Marina of Fernandina, Vystar Credit Union, Coastal Pizza, PJDs Beer and Wine Garden, P-5 Productions, Smoke-in Da Cockpit, Amelia Island Kayak Excursions, the Omni Hotel, several local musicians, and of course the City of St. Mary’s, Georgia.

The annual paddle has become one of several Cross the Line Foundation efforts aimed at supporting veterans and increasing awareness of mental health struggles often faced after military service. Previous events have drawn hundreds of supporters and raised thousands of dollars for veteran-focused organizations, while emphasizing a message organizers say remains urgent: veterans battling trauma and suicidal thoughts are not alone.

Registration for the June 13 paddle remains open. Participants of varying skill levels are encouraged to join, though organizers caution that the seven-mile route can be physically demanding and recommend paddlers prepare accordingly.

Cross the Line Foundation is a not for profit (501c3) organization that supports Veterans from all branches of service by raising awareness of Veteran related issues and causes and to partner with other Veteran organizations which raise awareness for similar issues. Cross the Line raises funds which are allocated directly to agencies that assist Veterans with cognitive counseling, housing, employment, healthcare, and research.