Local

Carl Bazarian, left, stands with airline pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger. Submitted photo

Carl Bazarian, left, stands with airline pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger. Submitted photo

Miracle on the Hudson’ survivor reflects 17 years later

Nick Blank
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Carl Bazarian had a recurring dream until Jan. 15, 2009.Six to eight times a year since he was 25, he experienced sitting in the middle of the plane. It’s dark and he has total control. The problem is, the plane has no acceleration or propulsion, he said.
Ron and Lisa West, the owners of The Addison Inn in on Ash Street. Submitted photo 

Ron and Lisa West, the owners of The Addison Inn in on Ash Street. Submitted photo 

Inn Keepers Club 

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
The owners of boutique inns on Amelia Island support one another in navigating the thick and thin of operating a business through their group they call the Inn Keepers Club.
Rachel Joy Baribeau speaks at colleges and high schools to raise awareness for mental health struggles through her program: I am changing the narrative.  Submitted photo 

Rachel Joy Baribeau speaks at colleges and high schools to raise awareness for mental health struggles through her program: I am changing the narrative.  Submitted photo 

I’m changing the narrative

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
As a sportscaster for 17 years, Rachel Joy Baribeau “never set out to break any barriers," she said. Working in sports reporting was a constant hustle to make it in a male-dominated industry, according to Baribeau.
The Love Legacy Gala was held Saturday to raise money for the Amelia Island History Museum. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The Love Legacy Gala was held Saturday to raise money for the Amelia Island History Museum. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Love stands the test of time: Love Legacy Gala a success for history museum

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
At the corner of Eighth and Centre streets this weekend was a scene straight out of a Fernandina Beach history book — carriage drivers open their doors for people wearing fancy gowns and top hats paired with bowties. They approached a party at the historic Hoyt House.
Few cars were parked downtown late Monday morning in downtown Fernandina Beach. Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Few cars were parked downtown late Monday morning in downtown Fernandina Beach. Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Paid parking soft launches

Marisa DeMar
Monday, February 16, 2026
What started out as a quiet morning in Downtown Fernandina Beach ended up with business as usual. The gloomy weather kept many off the streets and had business owners speculating if it could be due to today being the first day of the city’s paid parking program. When it began at 10 a.
NCSO deputies on the scene of an incident in January. File photo/News-Leader

NCSO deputies on the scene of an incident in January. File photo/News-Leader

NCSO: Man dies from self-inflicted gunshot at Callahan home after standoff

News Staff
Friday, February 13, 2026
A Callahan man died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a roughly seven-hour standoff at a home Thursday morning, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office said.Deputies responded to a residence on Jessica Place in Callahan around 4 p.m. on Wednesday regarding a call for service.
Mobile Dentistry Ministry comes to Yulee Feb.23-27

Mobile Dentistry Ministry comes to Yulee Feb.23-27

Blackrock Baptist brings dentistry ministry

Nick Blank
Friday, February 13, 2026
Residents have the opportunity for free dental care in Yulee later this month.Blackrock Baptist Church, 96362 Blackrock Road, is one of 40 stops throughout the state for the convention’s Mobile Dental Ministry in 2026. Registration is 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Tuesday in-person and the service runs from Feb.
Fernandina Beach residents signing the petition for a paid parking referendum in Sept. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Fernandina Beach residents signing the petition for a paid parking referendum in Sept. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Paid Parking lawsuit dismissed again

Marisa DeMar
Thursday, February 12, 2026
A Fourth Judicial Circuit judge has dismissed Citizens Against Paid Parking’s lawsuit against the City of Fernandina Beach for the second time.
Osprey Village resident hugs Montessori student after he gave her a Valentine's Day card. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Osprey Village resident hugs Montessori student after he gave her a Valentine's Day card. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Sharing the love 

Marisa DeMar
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Students from the Amelia Island Montessori School serenaded residents of the Osprey Village assisted living facility with an assortment of love songs by The Beatles and a finale of “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” by Randy Newman.Residents’ smiles lit up the room as the children sang their hearts out.