Local

Arthur “Buddy” Jacobs, Lobbyist for the City of Fernandina Beach speaks at the commissioners meeting on Tuesday.

Arthur “Buddy” Jacobs, Lobbyist for the City of Fernandina Beach speaks at the commissioners meeting on Tuesday.

‘Why are we tying our lobbyists' hands?’

Marisa DeMar
Friday, September 19, 2025
The five commissioners debated on the list of potential legislative concerns brought before them by Grants Administrator Lorerali Jacobs during the City of Fernandina Beach Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday.
Atlantic Seafood Bait & Tackle in Fernandina Beach ended its city lease three years early. Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Atlantic Seafood Bait & Tackle in Fernandina Beach ended its city lease three years early. Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The tentative fate of Atlantic Seafood Bait & Tackle

Marisa DeMar
Thursday, September 18, 2025
  After its abrupt closure, Atlantic Seafood Bait & Tackle has officially terminated its lease with the city of Fernandina Beach three years ahead of time.  At the city’s board of commissioners meeting on Sept.
Superintendent Kathy Burns

Superintendent Kathy Burns

School district passes budget, millage rate

Nick Blank
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
The Nassau County School District approved its budget and tentative millage rate for the 2025-2026 school year last week.  The budget that stands at $333,439,034.29 was passed unanimously at a Sept. 9 special meeting.  The board voted to levy a state-required local effort millage rate of 3.
Residents sign petition forms in August in an effort to get Paid Parking put to a vote. On Monday, Supervisor of Elections of Nassau County Janet H. Adkins signed the official Initiative Petition Certification. File photo/News-Leader

Residents sign petition forms in August in an effort to get Paid Parking put to a vote. On Monday, Supervisor of Elections of Nassau County Janet H. Adkins signed the official Initiative Petition Certification. File photo/News-Leader

Paid parking officially on 2026 ballot

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
As of Sept 15, the petition circulating throughout the City of Fernandina Beach to get paid parking to be put to a citizens vote has been validated by the Supervisor of Elections of Nassau County.  Janet H.
Chef Michael Gass instructs a student, who cooks a chicken breast.

Chef Michael Gass instructs a student, who cooks a chicken breast.

Cookin’ with Gass 

Nick Blank
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Grab your aprons, get to your stations. In culinary arts instructor Michael Gass’ advanced class at Fernandina Beach High, one student starts on chicken wings while another slices onions and celery. Others tend to the garden or wash dishes. They’ll rotate in and out of cooking roles.
The Fernandina Beach Harbor during the paddle-out on Sept 6. Photos submitted by Nicole Jamieson 

The Fernandina Beach Harbor during the paddle-out on Sept 6. Photos submitted by Nicole Jamieson 

Paddling under the Harvest Moon

Marisa DeMar
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Fernandina Beach’s Lost Dog Outfitters hosted a “Full Moon Paddle” on Sept. 6 to commemorate the Harvest Moon.  At sundown, 22 people took part in the event on Egan’s Creek. Store owner, Nicole Jamieson, told the News-Leader about its success.
Ashley Burnett poses in front of moss art piece at Coastal Roots Greenery on Friday. Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Ashley Burnett poses in front of moss art piece at Coastal Roots Greenery on Friday. Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Moss be nice: Greenery provides plants, classes

Marisa DeMar
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
For those who wish to own luscious house plants but lack the green thumbs needed to keep them thriving, Coastal Roots Greenery offers a way to learn the delicate practice.  The shop on 8th Street in Fernandina Beach offers house plant 101 classes, which cater to the botanically challenged.
Volunteers from The Community Stewards of Yulee and Target employees collect water for first responders on 9/11 outside of the Yulee store. Those on hand included Judi Turner, Billy Taylor, Ron Blayney, Mathew Barker, and Gene Lovell from The Community Stewards of Yulee joined by Jacob Palmer and Anissa Alvarado from Target. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Volunteers from The Community Stewards of Yulee and Target employees collect water for first responders on 9/11 outside of the Yulee store. Those on hand included Judi Turner, Billy Taylor, Ron Blayney, Mathew Barker, and Gene Lovell from The Community Stewards of Yulee joined by Jacob Palmer and Anissa Alvarado from Target. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Water For First Responders 

Marisa DeMar
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
  The Community Stewards of Yulee collected water donations for Nassau County firefighters in honor of 9/11. Volunteers from the non-profit organization stood outside of Target in Yulee with “Beaufort” the firetruck to gain support.