Local

Photos by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader The Airport Garden Group hosts their open house at the Airport Gardens in Fernandina Beach on Saturday.

Photos by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader The Airport Garden Group hosts their open house at the Airport Gardens in Fernandina Beach on Saturday.

Garden variety

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
The Airport Garden Group held an open house at their community garden Saturday afternoon near the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport. Nearly 200 visitors came to view the lush vegetable and flower gardens that are carefully tended to by the group.
Danielle Mattiello at A Will and A Whisk on Friday morning. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Danielle Mattiello at A Will and A Whisk on Friday morning. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Where there’s a Will…

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
A Will and A Whisk bakery opened their doors last weekend just in time for the upcoming holiday season.  Every Sunday their location on South 8th Street will be filled with freshly baked cakes, cookies, pastries and more items to satisfy every sweet tooth in Fernandina Beach.

‘At no time was City water unsafe’

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Andre Desilet, the Fernandina Beach Public Works Utilities director, eased worries about the city’s drinking water supply being unsafe to consume after a public notice sparked confusion.  On Oct.
Photos by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader Children take part in Addy Fest on Saturday at Central Park.

Photos by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader Children take part in Addy Fest on Saturday at Central Park.

Addy Fest shines light 

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
The annual Addy Fest held in honor of Addison Tomberlin took place at Central Park in Fernandina Beach on Saturday. The day was full of sunshine, joy and laughter — which according to her mom, Stephanie, is just like Addy.
The 2nd Street project, shown as of Monday, is near completion. By Marisa DeMar

The 2nd Street project, shown as of Monday, is near completion. By Marisa DeMar

2nd Street work to wrap up this week

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Second Street in Downtown Fernandina Beach is set to be reopened at the end of the week after several months of construction. In a video posted by the city on their social media, Deputy City Manager Jeremiah Glisson and Capital Project Manager Glenn Akramoff, provided an update on the street.
From left: Mocama Brewing Company's Matt Crawford, Matt Hare, Elliot Terral, Kim Delnegro, Andrew Batey, Andy Huggins and Cassie McManus.

From left: Mocama Brewing Company's Matt Crawford, Matt Hare, Elliot Terral, Kim Delnegro, Andrew Batey, Andy Huggins and Cassie McManus.

Mocama owner bullish on expansion, enhancing brand

Nick Blank
Friday, November 14, 2025
Buying Mocama Brewing Co. in April was not on Andrew Batey’s 2025 bingo card. At Mocama on Wednesday, customers are meeting, playing chess and working. A couple of years ago, Batey was a frequent customer and he joked Mocama was the only place his children wouldn’t rip stuff off the walls.
A fire occurred at Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. manufacturing plant Friday. The City of Fernandina Beach shared this photo to social media following the fire.

A fire occurred at Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. manufacturing plant Friday. The City of Fernandina Beach shared this photo to social media following the fire.

Fire at RYAM in Fernandina Beach

News Staff
Friday, November 14, 2025
Update 3:50 p.m.: The Fernandina Beach Fire Department sent out a press release just after 3:30 p.m. Friday, regarding the fire at Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. manufacturing plant earlier in the day. The FBFD said at approximately 9:09 a.m.
Miranda and Scott Kellogg outside of Amelia Island Surf Co/GoJuice on Wednesday on 1st Avenue. By Marisa DeMar

Miranda and Scott Kellogg outside of Amelia Island Surf Co/GoJuice on Wednesday on 1st Avenue. By Marisa DeMar

Two of a kind 

Marisa DeMar
Friday, November 14, 2025
Amelia Surf Co and GoJuice are two family-owned and operated local businesses on 1st Avenue. Located in the same building, the juice bar and surf shop come together to create the ultimate beach-themed, hangout spot for Amelia Island’s tourists and locals.
The MLK Jr. Recreational Center Complex on Elm Street in Fernandina Beach on Wednesday. By Marisa DeMar

The MLK Jr. Recreational Center Complex on Elm Street in Fernandina Beach on Wednesday. By Marisa DeMar

Under cover


Marisa DeMar
Friday, November 14, 2025
The Fernandina Beach city commissioners approved an annual facilities use agreement with the Coalition for the Homeless of Nassau County during their regular meeting on Oct. 21.  The agreement allows for the MLK Jr.
Coco Waldo, 11, with her trophies from the Exposure Skate competition at Poe Pinson Skate Park Fernandina Beach on Tuesday. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Coco Waldo, 11, with her trophies from the Exposure Skate competition at Poe Pinson Skate Park Fernandina Beach on Tuesday. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Coco crushes it 

Marisa DeMar
Friday, November 14, 2025
  Coco Waldo, the 11-year-old skateboarder from Fernandina Beach, snagged multiple titles after competing in two national skate competitions this month.