Local

Police presence at Fernandina Beach High School earlier this year. Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

FBHS student arrested after officers confiscate gun

News Staff

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

A Fernandina Beach High School student who brought a handgun to school has been arrested after law enforcement viewed a video of the incident, according to the Fernandina Beach Police Department (FBPD).

Amelia Paint Inc's closing sign hangs on the storefront on Ash Street in Fernandina Beach on Oct 23. Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Closing time: 45 years of Amelia Island Paint to end

Marisa DeMar

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

After 45 years of business, Amelia Island Paint Inc. is officially closing its doors before the end of 2025. Owner Andy Palmisano has decided to sell the building after turning 70 and declaring it time to retire. “It is just time. I turned 70 years old and I'm ready to go,” he said.

Yulee High FFA. Submitted

No kidding

Nick Blank

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Yulee High School students receive hands-on experience in its agriculture program, working with several animals over extensive projects that foster teamwork skills and how to train and take care of living things.

Amazonian Anvils team members Joanna Yates, Kariana Haynes, Tiffany Messer and Gina Maloney during the First Coast Habitat fundraiser She Nailed It! on Sunday at Racquet Park in Fernandina Beach. Photo by Jim Luksic/News-Leader

Fundraiser nails it: First Coast Habit for Humanity raises $80K during annual event

Jim Luksic

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Sunday was “hammer time” for First Coast Habitat for Humanity’s annual She Nailed It! fundraiser. On a warm, breezy afternoon, the community-led crusade raised $80,000 for housing programs throughout Nassau County.

The RYAM facility in Fernandina Beach. Photo by Ashley Chander/News-Leader

RYAM unresolved, tabled until Nov. 4

Marisa DeMar

Thursday, October 23, 2025

As per the pending Bert-Harris claim made against the city of Fernandina Beach by Rayonier Advanced Materials (RYAM), the board of city commissioners voted yet again to table the discussion until their next meeting on Nov. 4.

Marisa DeMar/News-Leader The Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island on Thursday, two days after the incident occurred.

Ritz Carlton: There’s smoke but no fire

Marisa DeMar

Thursday, October 23, 2025

Nassau County Fire Rescue responded to an interior smoke incident at the Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island on Tuesday evening. The director of marketing for the hotel, Joe Murphy, cleared up speculation on social media claiming that a fire had occurred on the property.

Marisa DeMar/News-Leader Abandoned electrical poles on Fletcher Avenue in Fernandina Beach.

Commission confronts FPU over poor service

Marisa DeMar

Thursday, October 23, 2025

A Presentation from Florida Public Utilities (FPU) on community updates sparked a conversation between the Fernandina Beach city commissioners and the FPU director of external affairs regarding the company’s quality of service.

Marisa DeMar/News-Leader A No Paid Parking sign and QR code to the citizen petition placed on the corner of a shop window in downtown Fernandina Beach on Tuesday.

No-go for now

Marisa DeMar

Thursday, October 23, 2025

In the first reading of the citizens’ No Paid Parking ordinance, the Fernandina Beach commissioners decided against its adoption, leaving the fate of paid parking to be put to the 2026 ballot.

FBHS' bleachers are due for an upgrade, according to the district

YHS, FBHS slated for athletic improvements

Nick Blank

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Athletic structures at Fernandina Beach and Yulee high schools are due for an upgrade.The Nassau County School Board unanimously approved replacing the Fernandina Beach High home-side football bleachers for an amount not to exceed $2,451,015 at its Oct. 9 board meeting.

A "No Kings" demonstration was held at Eighth and Lime streets on Saturday in downtown Fernandina Beach. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

‘No Kings’ protest held downtown Saturday

Ashley Chandler

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

“No Kings” demonstrators lined both sides of a city block of Eighth Street on Saturday in Fernandina Beach. The local demonstration was held on “No Kings Day,” a day recognized by private groups and individuals nationwide.