NAVI: Neighborhood Autonomous Vehicle Innovation (5 May 2026)

Tue, 05 May 2026 14:30:00 GMT

In May we will explore NAVI, the first fully autonomous public transportation system in the United States. This service currently operates on a single route through Downtown Jacksonville linking key areas from the Central Business Core to the Sports & Entertainment District. After parking in the Water Street Parking Garage we will walk a city block to the Autonomous Innovation Center where we will learn about the design and development of the NAVI SYSTEM and future plans. We will also tour the NAVI Autonomous Innovation system, a building especially designed to house the operating systems and its solar power supply. We will then return to our cars, drive to Parking Lot P in the Sports Complex where we can board a NAVI van in small groups to ride the loop through downtown Jacksonville. Due to construction along the route, drivers are currently on board and guide the NAVI vehicle through some of the route, but parts of the ride will be autonomous.

This tour will be limited to 20. A wait list will be compiled when the limit is reached. Please cancel registration if you decide not to participate.

There is no cost for this tour but each driver will be responsible for the parking fee in the Water Street Parking Garage.

To register, you must be a member in good standing and have accepted the Liability and Photography Release waiver. If you have not yet accepted that waiver you may do so on our website by clicking HERE. (You may need to wait a day or two after signing the waiver to register as your status in the system must be updated manually). Sorry, no spouses or guests allowed for this event.

May 2026 Luncheon: Paul Lore, Ocean Canoeist (21 May 2026)

Thu, 21 May 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Ocean Canoeist Lore to recount adventures

At May 21 Men’s Club luncheon

Paul Lore

Paul Lore, who has taken a canoe trip across both Atlantic and Pacific Oceans to raise money to provide service dogs for veterans, will report on his adventures at the Men’s Newcomers Club luncheon Thursday, May 21, 11:30 a.m., at the Fernandina Beach Golf Club on Bill Melton Road.

There will also be election of officers for the 2025-26 year; nominated for 2026-27 officers are Jag Pagnuccio for president and Jerry Hester for vice president. Lore is a three-time transoceanic ocean rower who recently broke the world record for the fastest Atlantic Ocean Crossing for a Mixed Pair. In 2021/22, Paul rowed across the Atlantic Ocean, in 2023 he crossed the Mid-Pacific from Monterey, California to Kauai, and in 2025/26 Paul crossed the Atlantic with Dawn Smith at a world record pace.

In another life Paul was a United States Marine air traffic controller, and afterward he worked in the FAA as an air traffic controller for 30 years retiring in 2019.

A graduate of the University of Michigan, he has completed the Masters in Public Administration program at the University of Oklahoma. Paul now resides in Fernandina Beach where he is restoring an historic home.
Paul uses his love for the ocean to help raise resources for K9s For Warriors, Children’s Tumor Foundation, Penny’s Flight, Hope Squad and Chandler’s Hope Closet. Over the course of all three rows, Paul along with a community of supporters, raised more than $1.5 million dollars.

Presentation of Ring of Honor awards will be made during the meeting. More than 1,000 men have come through the Men’s Newcomers Club in the past 24 years, many of them making significant contributions to the camaraderie and fellowship that are the Club’s hallmarks. In 2019 the Circle of Honor was created to recognize those members whose service and leadership have been extraordinary.

There will be a social half-hour beginning at 11:30 a.m. At noon there will be a buffet lunch. Our luncheons are open to members who may also register one male guest, and to non-member males who are considering joining the club.

To register for the meeting, click on the register box below. The Club has a capacity of 120 for lunch. Once registrations have reached that limit, a waiting list will be maintained.

Cost to attend the golf club luncheon is $25 which can be paid by credit card when registering (click “Pay online”), or by clicking on “Invoice me” and sending a check to MNC PO Box 16291, Fernandina Beach, FL 32035 to arrive by May 16. Registrations not paid by then will be cancelled to make room for waitlisted members.

Men's Newcomers Club of Amelia Island, Inc. upcoming events

NAVI: Neighborhood Autonomous Vehicle Innovation (5 May 2026)

May 2026 Luncheon: Paul Lore, Ocean Canoeist (21 May 2026)