Local

Run Wild takes place Saturday

Wildlight hosts 4th annual ‘Run Wild’ event

Nick Blank

Friday, February 27, 2026

Wildlight’s annual Run Wild 5K, 10K and 1-mile fun run returns Saturday with high attendance.Organizers hit their target of more than 1,200 runners for the fourth iteration of the event.

Knifemaker John Thompson grinds a knife in his workshop. Nick Blank/News-Leader

All in a blade’s work

Nick Blank

Friday, February 27, 2026

John Thompson stands over a table in his Yulee shop with a kitchen knife, a hunting knife, a paring knife, a Damascus knife, and an oyster shucker.“You can drive on it, stand on it, but you will never break it over an oyster,” Thompson said.

Cable by cable, IQ Fiber increases Nassau presence

Nick Blank

Friday, February 27, 2026

On Nassau County roadways, it’s hard not to see an IQ Fiber vehicle.Founded in 2021 with private equity, IQ Fiber initially provided fiber-optic internet service in Jacksonville’s San Jose Forest area and Atlantic Beach. Since 2023, the company has made an aggressive push into Nassau, St.

Walking path from schools to downtown in the works

Marisa DeMar

Thursday, February 26, 2026

The City of Fernandina Beach Commissioners voted unanimously to support the county’s plan to create a pedestrian and bicycle path connecting the schools to the downtown riverfront. In the city meeting Feb. 17, an update was provided by Loreali Jacobs on the status of the project.

One Parking employee checks cars in the premium parking zone on Feb. 23. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Paid parking recap

Marisa DeMar

Thursday, February 26, 2026

In its first week, the City of Fernandina Beach’s paid parking program made $21,533 through hourly paid parking. Another $79,460 has been generated through annual permit sales, bringing the gross revenue of paid parking to $100,964 according to deputy city manager Jeremiah Glisson.

Isabelle and Lisa Sala.

Hometown Heroes honored

Nick Blank

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

The Barnabas Center hosted its fifth annual Hometown Heroes Fashion Show at Mocama Brewing Co. on Monday night, honoring community members for their impact on Nassau County youth.Barnabas Center CEO Jamie Reynolds said the honorees believe in and show up for the youth.

Excavators began tearing down the 40-year-old home bleachers at Fernandina Beach High School on Wednesday, part of a $2.4 million demolition and replacement. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

New Digs: FBHS begins extensive stadium, track project

Nick Blank

Friday, February 20, 2026

Pirate Stadium is about to have a new look.Excavators began tearing down the 40-year-old home bleachers this week, part of a $2.4 million demolition and replacement.

The Rev. Dawn Mayes of First Presbyterian Church applies the imposition of ashes for someone passing by at the corner of 6th and Centre streets, as Pastor John Benjamin Mandrick of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church watches. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Reflection and intention: Local Interfaith Clergy kick off Lent with annual ‘Ashes on the Go’ event downtown

Ashley Chandler

Friday, February 20, 2026

Christians kicked off the Lenten Season with Ash Wednesday this week. An annual event hosted by Interfaith Clergy allowed local Christians to kick off Lent with “intentionality” as the Rev. Dawn Mayes of First Presbyterian Church put it.

Petitions aligned on the table of Recall FB 2026 farmers market booth at the mid-week farmers market on 14th and Lime. Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Poynter: Recall is 'ridiculous'

Marisa DeMar

Friday, February 20, 2026

A heated discussion took place regarding whether or not the city insurance council should defend the two commissioners facing recall during the city commission meeting on Tuesday.

Pork dumplings for prosperity from Wicked Bao. Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Wu brings traditions to Fernandina Beach

Marisa DeMar

Friday, February 20, 2026

Feb. 17 marks the first day of the 2026 New Year in Chinese culture. Despite being far from home, Nathalie Wu honors her Taiwanese heritage by bringing the festivities to Fernandina Beach.Food is an essential part of the Chinese New Year celebration according to Wu.