Local

Debris is rained on Thursday afternoon at Devon Self Storage after a vehicle smashed into the building. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Debris is rained on Thursday afternoon at Devon Self Storage after a vehicle smashed into the building. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Single-vehicle crash damages 8th Street business

News Staff
Thursday, August 27, 2026
Two people are in the hospital after the Fernandina Beach Fire Department responded to a single-vehicle crash in which a vehicle left the road and damaged a business on 8th Street Thursday morning, the agency said.A vehicle struck the CubeSmart storage facility, 1600 S. Eight St., around 10:54 a.m.

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City commissioners weigh options for Peppertree residents

Nick Blank
Thursday, August 27, 2026
Fernandina Beach city officials have signaled support last week at a meeting for a 60-unit apartment complex that may see the displacement of its residents. Residents are grappling with the end of a 30-year U.S. Department of Agriculture loan for Peppertree Village.

Fall Fest back in Fernandina Beach

News Staff
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
The City of Fernandina Beach is hosting its second annual Fall Fest from 1 to 4 p.m. Sept. 26 at Atlantic Rec. Center.A sensory hour will be from noon to 1 p.m.“We will have games, prizes, treats, a floating pumpkin patch activity at the pool, and more!” the city posted on social media.
Downtown visitors will continue to pay to park until the program’s last day, Nov. 18. Photo by Amy Mulligan/News-Leader

Downtown visitors will continue to pay to park until the program’s last day, Nov. 18. Photo by Amy Mulligan/News-Leader

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Nov. 18: Paid parking’s final day

Nick Blank
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
With Fernandina Beach commissioners sunsetting its paid parking program with a 4-1 vote last week, officials are moving to phase out the program.The vote allowed staff to terminate the city’s contract with vendor One Parking, which they did Aug.
A rendering of the proposed riverfront wharf. Submitted

A rendering of the proposed riverfront wharf. Submitted

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HDC denies riverfront wharf design

Nick Blank
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
The design of an ambitious mixed project at the Amelia Riverfront has hit a roadblock again.Conceptual approval was denied in June for a Certificate of Approval to construct a waterfront commercial building, the “Amelia Wharf,” at 0 N. Front St., near Brett’s Waterway Cafe.
Owner of Island Florals, Russell Daniels, left, is partnering with Sand and Sage owners Jill Vozza and husband and business partner Rich Yaworski, to create Sand, Sage and Soul Gathering House, 3381 S. Fletcher Ave. Photo by Suzi Hamilton/For the News-Leader

Owner of Island Florals, Russell Daniels, left, is partnering with Sand and Sage owners Jill Vozza and husband and business partner Rich Yaworski, to create Sand, Sage and Soul Gathering House, 3381 S. Fletcher Ave. Photo by Suzi Hamilton/For the News-Leader

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Feeding Fernandina's Soul

Suzi Hamilton
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
A new collaboration of two locally-owned Fernandina Beach businesses is opening its doors on Labor Day, Sept. 7.Owner of Island Florals, Russell Daniels is partnering with Sand and Sage owners Jill Vozza and husband and business partner Rich Yaworski on the new venture.
Greg Edwards, owner of Amelia Island BBQ Company, talks with a Turner ACE Hardware customer Saturday. Photo by Suzi Hamilton/For the News-Leader

Greg Edwards, owner of Amelia Island BBQ Company, talks with a Turner ACE Hardware customer Saturday. Photo by Suzi Hamilton/For the News-Leader

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Turner ACE celebrates expansion completion with grand re-opening

Suzi Hamilton
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Renovations are complete, and the Grand Re-Opening at Turner Ace Hardware over the weekend told the community the Patio Expansion is ready for customers.From Friday through Sunday, locals showed up for special deals and product samples to celebrate the expansion’s completion.
Resident built bouquets at an event held by the City of Fernandina Beach and Colombia Flowers/That Flower Feeling.

Resident built bouquets at an event held by the City of Fernandina Beach and Colombia Flowers/That Flower Feeling.

Florists share That Flower Feeling with Amelia Island

Amy Mulligan
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
The Society of American Florists held its 141st annual convention at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, Tuesday through Thursday last week. On Friday, flowers that had been used throughout the convention found a second life at the Martin Luther King Jr.