Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader
Fired-up for the holidays
News Staff
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Local
Dawn Miller and James Loper after sketchbook night at Inkwell Art Bar.
New Inkwell Art Bar opens in Fernandina Beach
Marisa DeMar
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.
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Going with the flow
Marisa DeMar
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.
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
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
The City of Fernandina Beach completed several projects throughout the last year as part of its ongoing five year capital improvement plan.
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
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
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.
Friday, December 19, 2025
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
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.
Friday, December 19, 2025
Alexander Miller
Map it out
Nick Blank
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.
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Dickens on Centre sign
A Tale of One City
Nick Blank
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.
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
The candlelight vigil after the annual memorial walk held on Dec. 26 in 2024. Submitted photos
Empty Shoes fills hearts
Marisa DeMar
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.
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Kids model The Happy Sea merchandise.
Beyond the sea
Marisa DeMar
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.
Thursday, December 11, 2025