Local

Donald Johnson, right, and Dalton Pinner of Duval Asphalt put finishing touches on the Publix parking lot Thursday. Johnson said they did all the paving and printing of the lot. Publix has officially announced it will open on July 2. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Donald Johnson, right, and Dalton Pinner of Duval Asphalt put finishing touches on the Publix parking lot Thursday. Johnson said they did all the paving and printing of the lot. Publix has officially announced it will open on July 2. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Publix to open July 2

Nick Blank
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Residents can patronize Amelia Island’s renovated Publix in less than a month, a company spokesperson told the News-Leader.Publix will reopen on July 2, about a year after its closure.
Cross the Line 2025. Submitted

Cross the Line 2025. Submitted

Cross The Line Paddle returns for 8th paddle

Nick Blank
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Cross the Line Paddle for Veterans is back for its eighth year with an altered route, but with the same mission: raising awareness of veteran suicide and raising money for a veteran-based nonprofit.On June 13, kayakers will paddle 7 miles from historic St.
Kevin Powers

Kevin Powers

Author with Amelia Book Festival ties talks new novel

Nick Blank
Thursday, June 4, 2026
The technological and social advancements of the early 20th century in America brought radios into living rooms, disenfranchised groups slowly gained more power, and workers received higher wages and now commonplace regulations in dangerous industries.
YHS Class of 2026. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

YHS Class of 2026. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

Leaving the nest

Nick Blank
Thursday, June 4, 2026
As the new graduates took the stage at UNF Arena on Saturday to enter the next chapters of their lives, some whipped their phones out and waved to the energetic crowd. Others did a backflip, or in one case, a chest bump with Principal Bryan Alvare.
Island Walk Publix, 1421 Sadler Road, is expected to re-open this summer and will include a number of renovations and improvements. File photo

Island Walk Publix, 1421 Sadler Road, is expected to re-open this summer and will include a number of renovations and improvements. File photo

Renovated Publix debut officially set for July 2

News Staff
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Publix will officially welcome patrons to the renovated store on at 7 a.m. July 2, Publix Media Relations Manager Hannah Herring said.
Yulee Primary School held a book-signing event for their resident author Amari Bryant, a first-grader at the school. Bryant signed copies of his book, Going Camping. Submitted

Yulee Primary School held a book-signing event for their resident author Amari Bryant, a first-grader at the school. Bryant signed copies of his book, Going Camping. Submitted

Local first-grader holds book signing at YPS

News Staff
Friday, May 29, 2026
Yulee Primary School hosted a special book signing event on campus recently for their resident published author. The local first-grade author, Amari Bryant, signed copies of his book, Going Camping. Yulee Primary School said, “we could not be more proud of him!
Mikaela Nichols, left, Breanna Rodriguez-Rollins, middle, and Talia Anassis, right, were awarded scholarships from the Island Art Association. The local art group says the scholarships were awarded based on the quality of their submitted art portfolios.

Mikaela Nichols, left, Breanna Rodriguez-Rollins, middle, and Talia Anassis, right, were awarded scholarships from the Island Art Association. The local art group says the scholarships were awarded based on the quality of their submitted art portfolios.

Island Art Association awards scholarships to three local seniors

News Staff
Friday, May 29, 2026
Three local high school seniors were recently awarded scholarships from the Island Art Association. In total, IAA gave away $6,000 to the seniors. Mikaela Nichols, who recently graduated from Fernandina Beach High School, is the winner of the Island Art Association $3,000 College Scholarship.
Leo Radkowski shows safety equipment on his boat at the Amelia Island Marina on Wednesday.

Leo Radkowski shows safety equipment on his boat at the Amelia Island Marina on Wednesday.

Float your boat safely

Nick Blank
Friday, May 29, 2026
On a baking Wednesday afternoon, Leo Radkowski looked over his boat in the Amelia Island Marina. The water is a dangerous place and will see increased traffic with the summer and Boater Skip Day arriving soon.
Clergy from St. Michael’s Catholic Church walk to the Fernandina Harbor Monday for the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. Nick Blank/News-Leader

Clergy from St. Michael’s Catholic Church walk to the Fernandina Harbor Monday for the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. Nick Blank/News-Leader

National pilgrimage passes through Fernandina

Nick Blank
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
In Fernandina Beach, the Catholic community joined the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, walking from St. Michael’s Catholic Church to the Fernandina Harbor Marina on Monday afternoon. Followers marched with priests, nuns, Knights of Columbus and church members.
The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office participates in a wreath laying for Memorial Day with members of American Legion Post 54 in Fernandina Beach on Monday. Nick Blank/News-Leader

The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office participates in a wreath laying for Memorial Day with members of American Legion Post 54 in Fernandina Beach on Monday. Nick Blank/News-Leader

Honor & Sacrifice

Nick Blank
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
On a sweltering Memorial Day, retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Montieth Stewart bellowed at the crowd Monday morning about the life of one fallen local soldier, and the sacrifices it took for the U.S. military to achieve its global position.