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Fifth District Court of Appeal Judge Adrian Soud speaks to students about the founding principles of the U.S. Monday.

Fifth District Court of Appeal Judge Adrian Soud speaks to students about the founding principles of the U.S. Monday.

Appellate judge stresses American framework, rights

Fifth District Court of Appeal Judge Adrian Soud spoke on the U.S. Constitution, the branches of government and addressed the assassination of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk in front of an engaged audience of students in Yulee on Monday.
Students learn about the anatomy of vehicles and how to fix them in Yulee High's automotive program.

Students learn about the anatomy of vehicles and how to fix them in Yulee High's automotive program.

Start your engines

Just about every part of a car is found in Yulee High’s automotive classroom. This is Griffen Lehrer’s fourth year teaching the automotive program. A Yulee High graduate, Lehrer took the same classes he now teaches.
Leyton Mezzio-Velardi escorts Passion Roberts, left, during the Fernandina Beach High School football halftime recognition of the homecoming court Friday. Roberts was crowned FBHS homecoming queen. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Leyton Mezzio-Velardi escorts Passion Roberts, left, during the Fernandina Beach High School football halftime recognition of the homecoming court Friday. Roberts was crowned FBHS homecoming queen. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

PHOTOS: Pirates crown queen, parade downtown during homecoming week

The Fernandina Beach football team wrapped up homecoming week on Friday night. At halftime, FBHS homecoming court was presented with their escorts. Passion Roberts was crowned homecoming queen and Serenity Bell was crowned princess.
Homecoming parade in downtown Fernandina Beach on Sept 19. By Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Homecoming parade in downtown Fernandina Beach on Sept 19. By Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Commissioners weary of city-sponsored events 

During the City of Fernandina Beach meeting on Sept. 16, the commissioners were asked to approve eight events for the city to co-sponsor in the upcoming year. Commissioner Genece Minshew voiced her reluctance to vote yes.
The new vehicles included in the city’s approved budget for 2025-2026.  Image from Jeremiah Glisson’s meeting presentation

The new vehicles included in the city’s approved budget for 2025-2026.  Image from Jeremiah Glisson’s meeting presentation

Street fleet

Jeremiah Glisson, deputy city manager of Fernandina Beach, presented the city’s new Fleet Replacement Program for fiscal year 2025-26.  According to the plan, $3.
Rider John Riordan crosses the finish line at the Watermelon Ride on Sunday. Photos by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Rider John Riordan crosses the finish line at the Watermelon Ride on Sunday. Photos by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Riding out summer

  The North Florida Bicycle Club (NFBC) and the Major Taylor Cycling Club of North Florida hosted their 36th annual Endless Summer Watermelon Ride on Sunday.  The race began and ended at the Atlantic Recreational Center in Fernandina Beach.