Local

Nassau County Council on Aging President Janice Ancrum

Nonprofits relieved as grocery stores inch toward reopening

Nick Blank

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

In a three-month span last year, Amelia Island’s two prominent grocery stores closed for redevelopment, increasing food insecurity and the burden on nonprofits to fill the gapThe Sadler Road Publix closed for redevelopment in late April last year.

Les and Bonnie DeMerle, center, take the stage Saturday

Amelia Island Jazz Festival’s Big Band Bash Gala Dinner-Dance returns Saturday

Nick Blank

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

An Amelia Island Valentine’s Day fixture is back for its 14th rendition.The Big Band Bash Gala Dinner-Dance is presented by drummer Les DeMerle and his 15-piece band — five saxophones, four trumpets, three trombones, a bass, and his wife Bonnie DeMerle on vocals — will grace the Springhill Suites.

Fernandina Ukulele Network members

Nice to know uke

Nick Blank

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

A group of about 10 tunes their ukuleles, opens their songbooks, and strums away.

Fernandina Beach High School's Anna Ross, a 2025 scholarship winner, stands with I4E founder John Elwell and board member Claudia Watts.

Institute for Enterprise promotes entrepreneurship education, scholarships

Nick Blank

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Small businesses are vital to the health of any community, and a Nassau County nonprofit more than a decade old is fostering new entrepreneurs at the school level.John Elwell joined forces with Doug Newton more than 10 years ago to found the Institute for Enterprise.

The ensemble and lead actor Samantha Anderson as Sophie on the right, performs a dance number in Amelia Musical Playhouse's rendition of Mamma Mia. By Marisa DeMar

Mamma Mia!

Marisa DeMar

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

As the live band played Dancing Queen, the cast of Mamma Mia grabbed audience members for a shared dance to wrap up the show. Smiles beamed as leading actors took hands with the crowd and invited all to sing along at the top of their lungs.

Smoke engulfs Isola Home in Fernandina as firefighters battle flames. By Marisa DeMar

Fire destroys Isola Home

Marisa DeMar

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Lori Lecker woke up on her 65th birthday to find the fire alarm going off at her Isola Home store on South 8th Street in Fernandina Beach.Store manager Julie Burnett rushed to the location to see it had been engulfed in flames.

David Nunimaker judges at the Amelia Island Montessori School's 17th annual Chili Cook-Off. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Chili Weather

Marisa DeMar

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

The smell of freshly-cooked chili simmering in pots wafted through the streets of downtown Fernandina Beach on Saturday. 21 participants crafted their own unique recipes to share with the community and panel of five judges during Amelia Island Montessori School’s (AIMS) 17th Annual Chili Cook-Off.

Nassau County students conduct a mock business fair. Submitted photo

Institute for Enterprise promotes entrepreneurship, scholarships

Nick Blank

Saturday, February 7, 2026

Small businesses are vital to the health of any community, and a Nassau County nonprofit more than a decade old is fostering new entrepreneurs at the school level. John Elwell joined forces with Douglas Newton more than 10 years ago to found the Institute for Enterprise.

Paid parking signs posted in downtown Fernandina Beach. Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

City to host in-person parking permit registration

News Staff

Saturday, February 7, 2026

Prior to the start of paid parking in downtown Fernandina Beach, the vendor One Parking is hosting registration open houses at City Hall next week.

Atlantic Seafood partially demolished Wednesday at the Downtown Fernandina Beach Marina. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Fernandina says so long, to a seafood staple

Marisa DeMar

Friday, February 6, 2026

When the excavator began digging into the former Atlantic Seafood building in Fernandina Beach on Monday, resident Marian Phillips said it was like “watching her husband be buried all over again.” Phillips was married to long time Atlantic Seafood employee Mike Lee.