Local

Skydive instructor Trevor mid-air with Skydive Amelia Island customer Mallory on Aug. 15. Skydive Amelia Island is a local skydiving business that runs out of the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport, and is located directly behind the Ybor Alvarez Sports Complex. 

Skydive instructor Trevor mid-air with Skydive Amelia Island customer Mallory on Aug. 15. Skydive Amelia Island is a local skydiving business that runs out of the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport, and is located directly behind the Ybor Alvarez Sports Complex. 

Sky-high adrenaline

Marisa DeMar
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
If you think you have already seen everything there is to see on Amelia Island, try seeing it from 10,000 feet off the ground.  Skydive Amelia Island is the local skydiving hub that runs out of the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport (FHB).
Three shrimp trawlers are tied-up at wharves on the Amelia River north of where the current marina is located.  Photo courtesy of Amelia Island Museum of History 

Three shrimp trawlers are tied-up at wharves on the Amelia River north of where the current marina is located.  Photo courtesy of Amelia Island Museum of History 

Revitalizing the local shrimping industry 

Marisa DeMar
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
A spokesperson for the Northeast Florida Regional Council presented a study to the city of Fernandina Beach Commissioners that proposed a plan for revamping the local shrimping industry.  During the Aug.
Fernandina Beach lifeguards Adalai Kwiatkowski and Evan Main stand next to the red flag signaling hazardous ocean conditions on Tuesday.

Fernandina Beach lifeguards Adalai Kwiatkowski and Evan Main stand next to the red flag signaling hazardous ocean conditions on Tuesday.

Calm before the surge 

Marisa DeMar
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Fernandina Beach Ocean Rescue hoisted red flags at the beach ahead of the upcoming hurricane. While Hurricane Erin will not be making landfall along the coast of Florida, it may bring hazardous surf conditions to Fernandina Beach, according to Ocean Rescue Lieutenant Haynes Cavender.
Residents sign petitions on Aug 17.  

Residents sign petitions on Aug 17.  

Residents rally for paid parking referendum

Marisa DeMar
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Fernandina Beach residents gathered at local businesses to sign a petition that would allow citizens to vote on the paid parking issue. Last weekend, Aug 16-17, organizers hosted four events downtown to give citizens an opportunity to sign the document.
Owner and captain Ryan Ian Spinella during the sunset cruise last Monday Aug. 11. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Owner and captain Ryan Ian Spinella during the sunset cruise last Monday Aug. 11. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Cruisin’ through Amelia Island 

Marisa DeMar
Friday, August 15, 2025
  Along the docks of downtown Fernandina Beach’s marina, there is always one boat that is unique from all of the rest. With its circular wooden frame and straw roof, the floating tiki hut serves as a tropical bar on the water.

Isle be there: Events abound around town

Jim Luksic
Friday, August 15, 2025
The fact summer is fading away, even if the humidity isn’t, doesn’t signal a paucity of events around Nassau County. Just because school has started and sporting events are up and running is no reason to refrain from going out on the town for festivities.
Lynda Bell, executive director of Keep Nassau Beautiful, shows off the new water cart. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Lynda Bell, executive director of Keep Nassau Beautiful, shows off the new water cart. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Keep Nassau Beautiful unveils water cart

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
The Rotary Clubs of Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach helped fund Keep Nassau Beautiful’s new water cart. Members of both the Rotary and Keep Nassau Beautiful gathered to officially unveil the cart on Aug. 8 at the marina parking lot in downtown Fernandina Beach.
Officer Smith and Hanna at the National Night Out on Aug 8. Photos by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader 

Officer Smith and Hanna at the National Night Out on Aug 8. Photos by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader 

Out and about for city’s first National Night Out

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
The City of Fernandina Beach’s Youth Advisory Committee hosted the first National Night Out last Friday, Aug. 8, in the marina parking lot. From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
City commissioners at the city budget workshop Aug. 5. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

City commissioners at the city budget workshop Aug. 5. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

City manager proposes budget for 2025-2026

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Sarah Campbell, city manager of Fernandina Beach provided the city commissioners with a general overview of the proposed budget for 2025-2026 during the budget workshop on Aug 5.  Campbell began with sharing the funds’ totality, which is equal to $240 million.