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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission directed staff to raise the earnings for alligator trappers in the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program at its February meeting. File photo

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission directed staff to raise the earnings for alligator trappers in the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program at its February meeting. File photo

Alligator trappers get a raise

Holly Dorman
Thursday, February 23, 2023
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission directed staff to raise the earnings for alligator trappers in the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program at its February meeting.
Fernandina Beach Vice Mayor David Sturges led action that removed Dale Martin from his position as city manager. “A lot of people have supported me,” Sturges said. “I feel we, as a commission, are going in a different direction and I feel fresh eyes for our city is important. His lack of communication and willingness to work with all the city commissioners was not evident. The mismanagement of what I consider to be sensitive personal matters was an overall theme.” Photo by Julia Roberts

Fernandina Beach Vice Mayor David Sturges led action that removed Dale Martin from his position as city manager. “A lot of people have supported me,” Sturges said. “I feel we, as a commission, are going in a different direction and I feel fresh eyes for our city is important. His lack of communication and willingness to work with all the city commissioners was not evident. The mismanagement of what I consider to be sensitive personal matters was an overall theme.” Photo by Julia Roberts

Martin out as city manager; former police chief takes the helm of city government

Julia Roberts
Thursday, February 23, 2023
In a process that took only two weeks, the Fernandina Beach City Commission terminated City Manager Dale Martin in a split vote. Vice Mayor David Sturges made a motion to terminate Martin’s employment with the city at the Feb. 7 meeting.
Submitted photo courtesy of Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute under NOAA permit #24359.

Submitted photo courtesy of Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute under NOAA permit #24359.

ASA joins FWC in push back

Holly Dorman
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
In the first of two days of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission meetings, the America Sportfishing Association said it is “looking forward to coordinating on legislation of shared interest” with FWC, including pushing back against a proposed rule to restrict vessel speeds in federal...

Kessler lawyers file appeal

Holly Dorman
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Convicted murderer Kimberly Kessler’s attorneys have appealed to a higher court to have her conviction thrown out. Kessler — convicted of salon coworker Joleen Cummings’ murder in 2018 — underwent three different evaluations examining her mental competency during the trial process.
This beach walkover on South Fletcher Avenue is one of more than 40 built and maintained by the city of Fernandina Beach, which cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to construct and maintain. City Commissioner Darron Ayscue said he has reached out to the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners to ask that money from the Municipal Services Taxing Unit, designed to pay for beach renourishment efforts, could be used to help maintain the walkovers.

This beach walkover on South Fletcher Avenue is one of more than 40 built and maintained by the city of Fernandina Beach, which cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to construct and maintain. City Commissioner Darron Ayscue said he has reached out to the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners to ask that money from the Municipal Services Taxing Unit, designed to pay for beach renourishment efforts, could be used to help maintain the walkovers.

City Commissioner hopes streetlight efforts will lead to city-county cooperation on MSTU

News Staff
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
At a recent city commission workshop, freshman Fernandina Beach City Commissioner Darron Ayscue said he had met with Nassau County Commissioner John Martin and felt hopeful discussions regarding some streetlights on a county road that runs through city property can be an olive branch of sorts,...
Invader Raiders include, front row from left, Jane Everts, Jane Mace, Donna Tovar, Kathy Russell, Kathy Mason, Joyce Tuten and Julie Wilkinson; and second row; Jason Allgood, Mark Tomes and Toby Tovar. Other Raiders are Frances Bartelt, Adrienne Briggs, Stephanie Brown, Bev Lawrence, Graham Murphy, Margery Rubin, Jody Stevenson, Laurie Valentyne and Daniel Wilkinson. Submitted photo

Invader Raiders include, front row from left, Jane Everts, Jane Mace, Donna Tovar, Kathy Russell, Kathy Mason, Joyce Tuten and Julie Wilkinson; and second row; Jason Allgood, Mark Tomes and Toby Tovar. Other Raiders are Frances Bartelt, Adrienne Briggs, Stephanie Brown, Bev Lawrence, Graham Murphy, Margery Rubin, Jody Stevenson, Laurie Valentyne and Daniel Wilkinson. Submitted photo

Florida Park Services' exceptional accomplishment in park protection award

News Staff
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Recently, the Invader Raiders were presented an award for their dedication to invasive plant removal at Fort Clinch by making beaches enjoyable for visitors. Protection of the dune system is a major part of the work at Fort Clinch. Invasive plants are one of the greatest threats to the dunes.

Florida Department of Health has your heart in mind

Guest Columnist
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
February is American Heart Month, which is a time to both raise awareness of heart disease prevention and management and honor those who have battled heart disease. Nationally, as well as for Florida, more people die each year from heart disease than from any other cause.