Local

Photos by Nick Blank/News-Leader LifeSouth blood donor recruiter Deuandre Elam advocates for blood donation outside HCA Florida Yulee Emergency Monday.

With Yulee stop, need for blood never ends

Nick Blank

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

A large red bus hummed in the HCA Florida Yulee Emergency parking lot Monday afternoon as technicians inside drew blood from donors. The donations are much-needed and go fast.

A pollinator on a Beebalm plant in the Egan’s Creek Garden. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Buzzing about Egan’s Creek

Marisa DeMar

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

The Native Pollinator Garden in Egan’s Creek Park is buzzing with pollinators and lush with greenery after the work of volunteers from Conserve Nassau. In 2023, Conserve Nassau and the City of Fernandina Beach partnered to create the garden space.

Nassau County officials cut the ribbon for Station 70 on Old Nassauville Road on Wednesday. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

Officials cut ribbon on Station 70, provide spark for firefighters

Nick Blank

Friday, August 22, 2025

Before the ribbon-cutting at the new Station 70 on Wednesday, Nassau County Fire Chief Brady Rigdon said he remembered taking a picture of the “For Sale” sign on Old Nassauville Road in 2020. The old Station 70 was a combination of mobile home sleeping quarters and a concrete block county building.

News-Leader welcomes reporter Blank to the newsroom

News Staff

Friday, August 22, 2025

The Fernandina Beach News-Leader has added reporter Nick Blank to its editorial department, according to Publisher Todd Frantz. As a University of North Florida alumnus, Blank’s track record includes reporting in Jacksonville, Clay County and Palatka.

Construction carried out on North 2nd Street on Aug. 19. By Marisa DeMar News-Leader

Renovations progress on 2nd Street

Marisa DeMar

Friday, August 22, 2025

Construction has progressed on North 2nd Street from Alachua to Broome St. in downtown Fernandina Beach. The project is being done to update the stormwater management system, move utilities such as poles and wires underground, and to create larger sidewalks along both sides of the street.

Dan Groth walking through a part of the Airport Garden By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Over 1,000 pounds of produce donated

Marisa DeMar

Friday, August 22, 2025

The Airport Garden Group (AGG) donated over 1,100 pounds of fresh produce to charities and food pantries throughout Nassau County within the first six months of 2025. The Airport Garden is a community garden that the City of Fernandina Beach owns but which residents operate.

No paid parking sign hung outside local business, Ash Street Cigars

Paid parking closer to reality

Marisa DeMar

Friday, August 22, 2025

The City of Fernandina Beach Commissioners took the next steps toward implementing paid parking downtown during the city meeting Tuesday night.

Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader Nassau County Victim Advocate Madrina Addison said parents can use apps like Bark and Net Nanny to monitor a child's social media.

NCSO: Yulee Middle School student arrested for cyberbullying

Nick Blank

Friday, August 22, 2025

A 13-year-old girl was arrested Tuesday following a cyberbullying investigation after the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office said she used another student’s image to create social media profiles and make threats.

Aches and pains, like sands through the hourglass

Jim Luksic

Friday, August 22, 2025

Are you feeling it? I’m feelin’ it, unfortunately. At no time am I reminded more of humans’ mortality than when I get out of bed each morning. I reached the half-century mark quite a few years ago, and rare is the day that I don’t feel the impacts of Father Time.

Dale Allen came out of retirement to join NCSO in January 2024.

Cop on 2 wheels

Jim Luksic

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Police Officer Dale Allen knows all too well the sound of a motorcycle engine.