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Nassau County staff speak with residents at the July 21 placemaking meeting at the James S. Page Governmental Complex. Nick Blank/News-Leader

Nassau County staff speak with residents at the July 21 placemaking meeting at the James S. Page Governmental Complex. Nick Blank/News-Leader

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Preserving history, identity of Amelia City

Nick Blank
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Amelia City’s residents and Nassau County are working together to establish the area’s identity and tell the story of its rich history.On the southern half of Amelia Island, Amelia City faces Amelia River and is located west of the Ritz-Carlton.

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NCSO: Teen charged with attempted murder after shooting

Nick Blank
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
A 17-year-old is accused of attempted murder after a Monday afternoon shooting in Callahan that left a victim critically injured, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office said.Carrie Holmes was arrested and charged with attempted murder.

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Three vie for City Commission Seat 4

News Staff
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
City of Fernandina Beach residents will have two items on their ballot that unincorporated Nassau County residents will not — a city commissioner and an ordinance on paid parking. Candidates for City of Fernandina Beach Seat 4 were invited to answer a News-Leader questionnaire ahead of the Aug.
The city’s $12.5 million overhaul of city-owned docks and boardwalk was approved at the July 21 Fernandina Beach City Commission meeting. It will include the the demolition of the building that formerly housed Brett’s Waterway Cafe. Construction is set to begin next month. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The city’s $12.5 million overhaul of city-owned docks and boardwalk was approved at the July 21 Fernandina Beach City Commission meeting. It will include the the demolition of the building that formerly housed Brett’s Waterway Cafe. Construction is set to begin next month. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Waterfront board hears master plan update

Nick Blank
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Fernandina Beach’s Waterfront Advisory Board reviewed early findings on the Harbor Master plan, examining the possibilities and shape the area’s waterfront could take.Engineering firm Moffatt & Nichol is handling the Harbor Master Plan.
The fourth annual Fernandina Beach Art Department fundraiser and silent auction raised nearly $13,000 for the school program. From left, Antoinette Ferry, Todd McDonald, Joy Keith, Diane Smith and Esmerelda McDonald pose with and a photo of Jill Wilkinson and the ceremonial check presented to Keith for the Fernandina Beach Art Department. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The fourth annual Fernandina Beach Art Department fundraiser and silent auction raised nearly $13,000 for the school program. From left, Antoinette Ferry, Todd McDonald, Joy Keith, Diane Smith and Esmerelda McDonald pose with and a photo of Jill Wilkinson and the ceremonial check presented to Keith for the Fernandina Beach Art Department. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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FBHS Art fundraiser brings in $12,710

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
As they handed over a check for $12,710, Todd and Esmeralda McDonald knew they were honoring the memory of their dear friend who died four years ago.
The building that once housed Brett’s Waterway Cafe sits vacant downtown Wednesday. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The building that once housed Brett’s Waterway Cafe sits vacant downtown Wednesday. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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City awards $12.5M marina bid

Nick Blank
Friday, July 24, 2026
After years of discussion, Fernandina Beach’s extensive plan to develop its riverfront is beginning to form as a $12.5 million project, with city commissioners approving a bid to demolish Brett’s and for a vast overhaul of the waterfront.

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City OK’s $168M, 5-year CIP

Nick Blank
Friday, July 24, 2026
Fernandina Beach commissioners greenlit a $168 million Capital Improvement Plan with dozens of projects on the city’s to-do list.As an early step in the budgeting process, Deputy City Manager Jeremiah Glisson said the CIP is a “living document,” and the city is flexible to amend it as needed.
A child looks through school supplies Wednesday at the Walmart on Amelia Island. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

A child looks through school supplies Wednesday at the Walmart on Amelia Island. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Back-to-school tax holidays, giveaways resume

Nick Blank
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
The first day of school may be closer than it seems.Aug. 10 is fast approaching and local organizations back-to-school’ giveaways are underway. Families have the option to take advantage of the state’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday from July 20 until Aug. 20.
Julie Delfs stands beside the custom-made front desk at Art Amelia, her artwork hangs on the wall to each side of her. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Julie Delfs stands beside the custom-made front desk at Art Amelia, her artwork hangs on the wall to each side of her. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Art Amelia calls creatives together

Ashley Chandler
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Driving down eighth street toward downtown, bubbles drift across the street as if to welcome you to Fernandina Beach.What the bubbles are really saying is, Julie Delfs is back.That’s what Delfs told the News-Leader on Friday at Art Amelia, 22 S. 8th St. #2 in Fernandina Beach.