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Children pose in front of the statue on Aug. 29 after the discussion of possible cremains took place. Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Children pose in front of the statue on Aug. 29 after the discussion of possible cremains took place. Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Suspected human ‘cremains’ stashed in statue 

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
  Multiple statements about human ashes stashed inside the “Peg Leg Pete” statue were made at the Fernandina Beach Historic District Council meeting on Aug 28.  Teresa L. Prince, the city’s attorney, had claimed that she heard from a “reliable source" that the “cremains” existed within the statue.
A map showing Garden District's location northeast of the Wildlight's Town District. Developer Rayonier aims to begin Garden District home sales next year.

A map showing Garden District's location northeast of the Wildlight's Town District. Developer Rayonier aims to begin Garden District home sales next year.

Wildlight, school officials prepare for new schools, Garden District

Nick Blank
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
When Wildlight Elementary School opened in 2017, developer Rayonier and the Nassau County School District knew it wouldn’t be the last.   While the Town District off County Road 200 is nearing completion, the nature-focused Garden District is in its early phases.
Jim Luksic/News-Leader Amelia Island Jazz Festival co-founder and drummer Les DeMerle stands at a drum kit in his Fernandina Beach garage.

Jim Luksic/News-Leader Amelia Island Jazz Festival co-founder and drummer Les DeMerle stands at a drum kit in his Fernandina Beach garage.

Amelia Island Jazz Festival on the horizon

Jim Luksic
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
The annual Les DeMerle Amelia Island Jazz Festival strikes up the band with eight days of jazz from Sept. 28 to Oct. 5.    DeMerle and his wife, Bonnie, founded the event 22 years ago. Its many styles of jazz include swing, Bebop, Latin, blues, soul and more.
The Bailey House on South 7th Street, Aug 27 By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

The Bailey House on South 7th Street, Aug 27 By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Carousel horses, shotgun and wedding present

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Among the many places that form the Historic District of Fernandina Beach stands a red, Queen Anne-style home framed with four vividly painted horses.  The wrap-around front porch is engulfed by those intricately painted animals, which help to configure the eye-catching exterior of the property.
Last year’s Shrimp Fest Parade motors down the road. Photo courtesy Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival’s Facebook page

Last year’s Shrimp Fest Parade motors down the road. Photo courtesy Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival’s Facebook page

Stars and Shrimps Forever 

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
The 2026 theme of the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival will be called “Stars and Shrimps Forever.”  Scott Inglis, chairman of the festival, told the News-Leader about selecting the patriotic theme.  “Every year, we have to pick a theme, so you kind of put everything in perspective.
McKinney-Vento Program Manager Mollie Cressey stands at the front of the clothes closet, which is run by volunteers.

McKinney-Vento Program Manager Mollie Cressey stands at the front of the clothes closet, which is run by volunteers.

McKinney-Vento program offers homeless students level playing field

Nick Blank
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Students experiencing homelessness or economic hardships can find solace in a large space off U.S. 17 in Yulee that is packed with clothes, shoes and hygienic products. The federal McKinney-Vento Act establishes that homeless students have a right to clothing, food service and school supplies.
Submitted Photo The Nassau County Chamber of Commerce at 961687 Gateway Boulevard.

Submitted Photo The Nassau County Chamber of Commerce at 961687 Gateway Boulevard.

New strategic initiatives pivot Chamber toward future

Nick Blank
Friday, August 29, 2025
Regina Duncan’s old office is three states away.   The 25-year President of the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce remembers her office in a train car near downtown Fernandina Beach.
Nick Blank/News-Leader Nassau County Sheriff's Office deputies represented the agency at Hands Across the Border Wednesday.

Nick Blank/News-Leader Nassau County Sheriff's Office deputies represented the agency at Hands Across the Border Wednesday.

Agencies stress public safety knows no borders

Nick Blank
Friday, August 29, 2025
The Georgia Welcome Center off exit 1 of I-95 was flooded Wednesday by officers, deputies and troopers aiming to reinforce safe driving habits ahead of Labor Day weekend.
Vice Mayor Darron Ayscue delivers the commemoration speech at the Island Art Association anniversary event on Aug 25. Photos by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Vice Mayor Darron Ayscue delivers the commemoration speech at the Island Art Association anniversary event on Aug 25. Photos by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Island Art Association celebrates 50 years 

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
The Island Art Association celebrated their 50th anniversary of being chartered by the state of Florida. Surrounded by members of the association, Vice Mayor Darron Ayscue officially commemorated Monday, Aug. 25, as Island Art Association Day.