Local

Mike and Suzanne Doran' power boat, e Pied a Mer. Submitted photo

Mike and Suzanne Doran' power boat, e Pied a Mer. Submitted photo

Fernandina couple completes 6,000-mile North American boating journey

Ashley Chandler
Friday, February 6, 2026
A Fernandina Beach couple has completed a unique boating adventure that they said showed them how capable they truly are.Mike and Suzanne Doran completed America’s Great Loop in January. The loop is a 6,000-mile journey that circumnavigates the eastern part of the U.S.
FBHS Principal Chad Webber speaks at the 2025 Foundation Feast

FBHS Principal Chad Webber speaks at the 2025 Foundation Feast

FBHS Foundation’s 2026 Feast to honor donors, nearly four decades of support

Nick Blank
Thursday, February 5, 2026
After 39 years, Fernandina Beach High School can boast of a nonprofit that provides $100,000 to the school annually.Ahead of the volunteer-led FBHS Foundation’s signature event, the Foundation Feast, President Stephanie Lunt said donors can see their impact on the school.
The official recall petition filed by Recall FB 2026 with the City Clerk to remove Commissioner Genece Minshew from office.

The official recall petition filed by Recall FB 2026 with the City Clerk to remove Commissioner Genece Minshew from office.

Local group rallies for commissioner recall 

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
A recall petition team started collecting signatures on Saturday in efforts to remove commissioners Genece Minshew and Tim Poynter from their seats in the City of Fernandina Beach government.The Recall FB 2026 group organized several petition-signing events throughout the week.
Folliett (NCSO)

Folliett (NCSO)

NCSO: Ex-Hilliard Middle-Senior High bookkeeper stole $120K from school

Nick Blank
Thursday, January 29, 2026
A Hilliard woman is accused of stealing more than $120,000 from Hilliard Middle-Senior High while she worked as a bookkeeper there, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office said.Jennifer Lynn Folliett, 46, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with organized fraud, grand theft, and official misconduct.
Amelia Island Youth Soccer Players and coaches gather at the Town Hall meeting at the City of Fernandina Beach City Hall.  By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader 

Amelia Island Youth Soccer Players and coaches gather at the Town Hall meeting at the City of Fernandina Beach City Hall.  By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader 

Future of Youth Sports in ‘Jeopardy’

Marisa DeMar
Thursday, January 29, 2026
The board of directors of the Amelia Island Youth Soccer (AIYS) program pushed back against the City of Fernandina Beach commission’s suggestion that the program be moved to Yulee.
Local kids find hidden shells downtown Fernandina Beach. Submitted photo 

Local kids find hidden shells downtown Fernandina Beach. Submitted photo 

From shells to smiles 

Marisa DeMar
Thursday, January 29, 2026
Within the last six years, visitors and residents of Amelia Island may have stumbled upon colorfully painted shells nestled among popular places throughout the island and beyond.
The Hoyt House on Atlantic Avenue in Downtown Fernandina Beach. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader 

The Hoyt House on Atlantic Avenue in Downtown Fernandina Beach. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader 

A Legacy of Love

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Hoyt House Bed and Breakfast will be hosting a Valentines Day Gala in collaboration with the Amelia Island Museum of History to raise money for the museum. The event known as the Love Legacy Gala will be from 6:30 p.m to 10 p.m on Feb. 14 in the newly renovated backyard of the bed and breakfast.
Octavious Carr the Vice President of Construction for First Coast Habitat for Humanity and the crew at the new home they built in Fernandina Beach. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader 

Octavious Carr the Vice President of Construction for First Coast Habitat for Humanity and the crew at the new home they built in Fernandina Beach. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader 

Home built for city employee

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
First Coast Habitat for Humanity completed the construction of a home built for a Fernandina Beach local on Jan. 23. The home on Division Street was created in honor of Gavin Kay, a maintenance technician for the city through the organization's affordable homeownership program.