Local

A person rides an e-bike May 20 at the intersection of North Fletcher and Atlantic Avenue. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

A person rides an e-bike May 20 at the intersection of North Fletcher and Atlantic Avenue. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

City passes new e-bike policy on first reading

Nick Blank
Friday, May 22, 2026
Fernandina Beach commissioners unanimously approved a new e-bike policy on first reading, setting speed limits for the vehicles. It’s common to see motorized bicycles zipping by in Fernandina Beach, often by teenagers.
Fernandina Beach lacrosse player and Class of 2026 Salutatorian Dominic Cortes was named an USA Lacrosse North Florida Chapter Academic All-American. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

Fernandina Beach lacrosse player and Class of 2026 Salutatorian Dominic Cortes was named an USA Lacrosse North Florida Chapter Academic All-American. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

Academic All-American

Nick Blank
Friday, May 22, 2026
At the end of it all, Fernandina Beach lacrosse player and Class of 2026 Salutatorian Dominic Cortes has a lot to look back on.
The Omni Hotel and Resort on Amelia Island unveiled their newly renovated spa facilities to the public with an intimate ribbon cutting ceremony on May 20. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

The Omni Hotel and Resort on Amelia Island unveiled their newly renovated spa facilities to the public with an intimate ribbon cutting ceremony on May 20. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Personal health destination: Amelia Island Omni opens newly renovated spa

Marisa DeMar
Friday, May 22, 2026
The Omni Hotel and Resort on Amelia Island unveiled their newly renovated spa facilities to the public with an intimate ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday. After months of construction, the staff revealed the elevated space and teased the possibility for more after hour events in the near future.

When will Publix open? June, July, or late summer?

Nick Blank
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Publix is set to reopen on Amelia Island this summer, a company spokesperson confirmed to the News-Leader on Tuesday.No date has been set, Publix Media Relations Manager Hannah Herring said.Speculation has been swirling on social media about the store’s reopening.
The Fernandina Beach High School Class of 2026 at the UNF Arena in Jacksonville Saturday for graduation. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

The Fernandina Beach High School Class of 2026 at the UNF Arena in Jacksonville Saturday for graduation. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

Grads set sail

Nick Blank
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Families and friends roared at the UNF Arena in Jacksonville on Monday afternoon as the graduation caps flew, celebrating more than 200 Fernandina Beach High School students taking the next step in their lives.
Sponsored by Keep Nassau Beautiful, the Last Castle on the Beach was put on by the grass-roots movement Serenity Through Art Nature Dialogue (STAND), started by local resident Rhin James. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Sponsored by Keep Nassau Beautiful, the Last Castle on the Beach was put on by the grass-roots movement Serenity Through Art Nature Dialogue (STAND), started by local resident Rhin James. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Sea Turtle Nesting Season: Locals combine beauty with destruction to make an impact

Ashley Chandler
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
On Saturday at the end of the Wild Amelia Nature Festival at Main Beach, local children gathered at the sand volleyball courts to prepare for destruction.The kids lined up, each naming the different things they would destroy — one called the sea turtle, another called the pirate ship.
The Wild Amelia Nature Festival Eco Expo and Nassau County's Opening of the Beaches event were held Saturday at Main Beach Park. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leade

The Wild Amelia Nature Festival Eco Expo and Nassau County's Opening of the Beaches event were held Saturday at Main Beach Park. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leade

Nassau's Wild Beaches

Ashley Chandler
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Some local nature lovers had the opportunity to touch a snake for the first time. Not only could they touch snakes; they could touch turtles, tortoises and a variety of other live animals.
Gov. Ron DeSantis announces the expanded Atlantic Red Snapper Season on Monday at Amelia Island Marina. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

Gov. Ron DeSantis announces the expanded Atlantic Red Snapper Season on Monday at Amelia Island Marina. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

More freedom to fish

Nick Blank
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Anglers can enjoy a 39-day Atlantic red snapper season from now on, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday at the Amelia Island Marina. Flanked by boats, county officials and boaters, he said the state will see a significant expansion from the two-day federal season allowed in 2025.