Local

Betsy Schoelen, president of The Baptist Medical Center of Nassau’s Auxiliary group and the treasurer, Chuck Comeau greet volunteers at the Fernandina Beach Golf Club during their celebratory Luncheon on Thursday.  Marisa DeMar/News-Leader 

Betsy Schoelen, president of The Baptist Medical Center of Nassau’s Auxiliary group and the treasurer, Chuck Comeau greet volunteers at the Fernandina Beach Golf Club during their celebratory Luncheon on Thursday.  Marisa DeMar/News-Leader 

Baptist Medical honors Auxiliary members at luncheon

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
The Baptist Medical Center of Nassau’s Auxiliary group hosted a celebratory luncheon to show appreciation to its 124 members on Thursday at Fernandina Beach Golf Club.
From left: Lucy Bryan, Debbie Pakradooni, Front Porch Beads President Frances Peters and MaryEllen Crocker during a $3,000 check presentation to Gracie’s Kitchen. Submitted by Dan Groth

From left: Lucy Bryan, Debbie Pakradooni, Front Porch Beads President Frances Peters and MaryEllen Crocker during a $3,000 check presentation to Gracie’s Kitchen. Submitted by Dan Groth

From beading to feeding

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Local jewelry making group Front Porch Beads recently donated $3,000 for the soup kitchen in Yulee known as Gracie’s Kitchen. Front Porch Beads is an organization based in Fernandina Beach that creates and sells jewelry with the aim of giving impactful donations to various charities.
The Meal Ease Market building on South 10th Street in Fernandina Beach on Oct. 1  Marisa DeMar/News-Leader 

The Meal Ease Market building on South 10th Street in Fernandina Beach on Oct. 1  Marisa DeMar/News-Leader 

Easing hunger  

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Meal Ease Market is a hidden gem in Fernandina Beach owned and operated by chef Alex Jansen.  The market located on South 10th Street, is fully stocked with oven ready meals that are all made from scratch on the premises.
George Crady, 94, plays his ukulele and sings at his home on Crady Lake on Oct. 1.  Marisa DeMar/News-Leader 

George Crady, 94, plays his ukulele and sings at his home on Crady Lake on Oct. 1.  Marisa DeMar/News-Leader 

George Crady’s life one for the ages

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Many people know George Crady from his work as a former state legislator or for being the creator of Council on Aging in Nassau County.  Those serve as just two small chapters of his grand portfolio of accomplishments.
Couple hugs in front of the closure sign at Brett’s Waterway Café on Friday, Oct 3. Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Couple hugs in front of the closure sign at Brett’s Waterway Café on Friday, Oct 3. Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Bye bye, Brett’s

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
On the final day before its impending closure, Brett’s Waterway Cafe overflowed with customers sharing laughter, a meal, and raising their glasses at the bar one last time.
Photos by Caroline Blochlinger / Drummer Les DeMerle, co-founder of the Amelia Island Jazz Festival

Photos by Caroline Blochlinger / Drummer Les DeMerle, co-founder of the Amelia Island Jazz Festival

Amelia Island Jazz Festival wraps up

News Staff
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
The annual eight-day Amelia Island Jazz Festival wrapped up Sunday.  “Everything was just fantastic — the energy levels were so high and positive,” co-founder Les DeMerle said. “I am excited and exhausted at the same time.
Courtesy Kenya Partners

Courtesy Kenya Partners

Nonprofit benefits, sponsor services for Kenyans in need

Nick Blank
Friday, October 3, 2025
Volunteers of a Nassau County-based nonprofit are assisting Kenyan children with educational and medical services in a region they said experiences a form of poverty most Americans will never encounter. “It changes your heart. There’s no way it doesn’t,” volunteer Beth Smith said.
Brett's Waterway Cafe at the Downtown Harbor Marina is shown in July. The store has had 'Store Closing' signs up for several months. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Brett's Waterway Cafe at the Downtown Harbor Marina is shown in July. The store has had 'Store Closing' signs up for several months. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Brett’s Waterway Cafe announces official closure

Marisa DeMar
Friday, October 3, 2025
After months in limbo, Brett’s Waterway Cafe in Fernandina Beach has officially announced its closure. In a Facebook post made by the restaurant Thursday, they shared their plan to stop operations this weekend with their final day of service being tomorrow, Oct. 4.
Claudia Zane and Mary Kay Lundy in front of the book swap table at the FOL book swap on Sept. 30 Photos by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Claudia Zane and Mary Kay Lundy in front of the book swap table at the FOL book swap on Sept. 30 Photos by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Swapping stories is one for the books

Marisa DeMar
Thursday, October 2, 2025
The Friends of the Fernandina Beach Library (FOL) hosted their second book swap event on Tuesday at the School House Inn. The concept consisted of all participants bringing up to five books to place on a table, then choosing the same number of books to bring home.