Local

Dawn Miller and James Loper after sketchbook night at Inkwell Art Bar. 

Dawn Miller and James Loper after sketchbook night at Inkwell Art Bar. 

New Inkwell Art Bar opens in Fernandina Beach

Marisa DeMar
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Inkwell Art Bar is a new addition to Fernandina Beach that combines a love for music and art with the local hospitality scene. The bar located on South 14th Street opened last month as a place to listen to live music, have drinks and make art.

Going with the flow

Marisa DeMar
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
A surf and skate fundraiser displaying short films was held at Tigre Island Room in Fernandina Beach on Dec. 18.  Brian Bowen hosted the event with local surfers as a precursor to the upcoming Amelia Island International Skate and Surf Film Festival which will take place on June 20, 2026.
The city rendor of the future plan for the marina following the demolition of Brett's Waterway Cafe.

The city rendor of the future plan for the marina following the demolition of Brett's Waterway Cafe.

Plethora of projects highlight city update

Marisa DeMar
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
The City of Fernandina Beach completed several projects throughout the last year as part of its ongoing five year capital improvement plan.
Submitted photo / Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper greets children during NCSO's Santa with a Cop event.

Submitted photo / Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper greets children during NCSO's Santa with a Cop event.

Sleigh bells and sirens: NCSO hosts Santa with a Cop

Nick Blank
Friday, December 19, 2025
By Nick Blank News-Leader   Children got to meet Santa, Mrs. Claus and Sheriff Bill Leeper in Yulee on Wednesday during the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office’s Santa with the Cop.
Nick Blank/News-Leader Luke Gray uses a lathe as Yulee High School instructor Ray Hart watches.

Nick Blank/News-Leader Luke Gray uses a lathe as Yulee High School instructor Ray Hart watches.

Constructive feedback: Yulee students learn handy skills in CTE program

Nick Blank
Friday, December 19, 2025
As housing developments continue to multiply throughout Northeast Florida, the demand for talent increases.   Building construction teacher Ray Hart, with decades of experience as a general contractor in Connecticut, is trying to fill that demand at Yulee High School.
Alexander Miller

Alexander Miller

Map it out

Nick Blank
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
A Fernandina Beach High senior completed a research project using satellites to determine farming suitability in other countries, and he presented his findings in Barcelona.
Dickens on Centre sign

Dickens on Centre sign

A Tale of One City

Nick Blank
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
The 11th Dickens on Centre Festival has come and gone, with nearly 80,000 people witnessing downtown Fernandina Beach transform into a Victorian Christmas village. Crowds took pictures with performers on stilts and jugglers, heard live music and checked out dozens of vendors.
The candlelight vigil after the annual memorial walk held on Dec. 26 in 2024.  Submitted photos

The candlelight vigil after the annual memorial walk held on Dec. 26 in 2024.  Submitted photos

Empty Shoes fills hearts

Marisa DeMar
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Local grief support group Empty Shoes is set to host their annual memorial walk and candle-lighting event on Dec. 26, which will begin at 5 p.m. at 97177 Pogy Place in Fernandina Beach.
Kids model The Happy Sea merchandise. 

Kids model The Happy Sea merchandise. 

Beyond the sea 

Marisa DeMar
Thursday, December 11, 2025
  The Happy Sea is a line of apparel and greeting cards made by Fernandina Beach native Owyn Porter.  Her designs stem from her love for the ocean, which was instilled in her from a young age.