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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.

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Appellate judge stresses American framework, rights

Nick Blank
Friday, September 26, 2025
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.

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Start your engines

Nick Blank
Thursday, September 25, 2025
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.
Kathy Mason, Daniel Wilkinson and Julie Wilkinson hold a Horseshoe Crab shell and a warning sign.

Kathy Mason, Daniel Wilkinson and Julie Wilkinson hold a Horseshoe Crab shell and a warning sign.

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Feeling crabby: Citizen scientists document creatures

Nick Blank
Thursday, September 25, 2025
Horseshoe Crabs are a unique species, a fossil-like invertebrate with shells the size of a steering wheel and spiky tails.
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

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PHOTOS: Pirates crown queen, parade downtown during homecoming week

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
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.
Crystal the raccoon visits Seaside Park in Fernandina Beach on Thursday. Photos by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Crystal the raccoon visits Seaside Park in Fernandina Beach on Thursday. Photos by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

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Crystal clears: Paralyzed raccoon becomes Fernandina Beach’s furry celebrity

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Crystal is a 4-year-old raccoon who suffered a disease that left her limbs paralyzed. Despite her disabilities, she acts as an ambassador for perseverance through hardships and promotes compassion for wildlife.
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

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Commissioners weary of city-sponsored events 

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
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

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Street fleet

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
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

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Riding out summer

Marisa DeMar
Friday, September 19, 2025
  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.