Local

Remy Hayes and Herb Ferguson pose with the shark tooth match that sparked the idea for the speed dating event. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Remy Hayes and Herb Ferguson pose with the shark tooth match that sparked the idea for the speed dating event. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

it's a mega-match!

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
After hundreds of years apart, two fragments of a megalodon tooth were reunited during Fernandina Fossils’ “Speed Dating for Lonely-hearted Megs” on Saturday.  The event at the gift shop and exposition center was held to find matching fragments of larger teeth in hopes of forming a cohesive whole.
Police investigate a shooting near South 13th Terrace and Date Street Tuesday. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Police investigate a shooting near South 13th Terrace and Date Street Tuesday. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Man arrested, charged with manslaughter in shooting death

Nick Blank
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
A man is in custody following a shooting that left a man dead, the Fernandina Beach Police Department said Tuesday afternoon. The agency said Ty William Richardson Jr., 25, was arrested on manslaughter charges. Police have called the shooting an “isolated incident.
Becky Dewitt stands next to her front yard food pantry on S 14th Street after the code enforcement officer visited her home.  By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader 

Becky Dewitt stands next to her front yard food pantry on S 14th Street after the code enforcement officer visited her home.  By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader 

Community rallies around resident's food pantry

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
A City of Fernandina Beach’s code enforcement officer approached the door of Becky Dewitt's home on Tuesday to inform her that the makeshift food pantry in her front yard on S 14th Street had to be removed.  In a teary video posted to her Facebook account on Jan.
Amelia Island Youth Soccer Players and coaches gather at the Town Hall meeting at the City of Fernandina Beach City Hall on Monday.  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 on Monday.  By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader 

Fall soccer season ‘compromised’

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Amelia Island Youth Soccer players likely won’t get to take the field this fall because of drainage issues at The Ybor Alvarez Sports Complex.
Downtown Dollars logo courtesy of Fernandina Beach Main Street

Downtown Dollars logo courtesy of Fernandina Beach Main Street

Downtown Dollars

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
The Fernandina Beach Main Street organization has launched its new initiative “Downtown Dollars” on Monday which aims to increase the economic vitality of downtown businesses.
78-year-old wine director Glenn Curls at David’s Restaurant and Lounge on Dec. 31. Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

78-year-old wine director Glenn Curls at David’s Restaurant and Lounge on Dec. 31. Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Wine not?

Marisa DeMar
Thursday, January 8, 2026
While retirement to most people is full of slow-paced days spent on the golf course, to Glenn Curls it wasn’t “all that it’s cracked up to be.”  Curls was 65 when he began working as a bartender and server at the coveted David’s Restaurant and Lounge in Fernandina Beach.