Local

Mayor James Antun and his daughter cut the ceremonial ribbon. Also pictured, commissioners Joyce M Tuten, Genece Minshew, Tim Poynter, Congressmen Aaron Bean, Jeremiah Glission, and members of the Coast Guard. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Mayor James Antun and his daughter cut the ceremonial ribbon. Also pictured, commissioners Joyce M Tuten, Genece Minshew, Tim Poynter, Congressmen Aaron Bean, Jeremiah Glission, and members of the Coast Guard. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Amelia Island sees the light

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Mayor James Antun cut a ceremonial ribbon to mark the official reopening while surrounded by community members, the coast guard auxiliary and other local government officials.
Above, The Heritage family home is covered by a tarp Wednesday on the side of the house that was most damaged after a lightning strike started a fire in the attic Tuesday. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Above, The Heritage family home is covered by a tarp Wednesday on the side of the house that was most damaged after a lightning strike started a fire in the attic Tuesday. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Struck by generosity: Lightning strike devastates family, rallies community

Ashley Chandler
Friday, August 8, 2025
A freak lightning strike devastated the Heritage family’s home and belongings Tuesday. The Fernandina Beach family was immediately struck again — by the generosity and support poured out by the community.
Amelia Oliver and Emma Gunn, FBHS seniors, raise money through painting parking spaces. Photo by Marisa DeMar/New-Leader

Amelia Oliver and Emma Gunn, FBHS seniors, raise money through painting parking spaces. Photo by Marisa DeMar/New-Leader

Senior tradition kicks off school year

Marisa DeMar
Friday, August 8, 2025
Fernandina Beach High School seniors gathered for a beginning of the year tradition this week. The students are allowed to paint parking spots a week prior to the start of the school year as part of their annual fundraiser.
In this submitted photo of Tiger Point Marina, construction debris is among other material that make up the rip rap along the waters edge.

In this submitted photo of Tiger Point Marina, construction debris is among other material that make up the rip rap along the waters edge.

Resident eyes threat to wetlands

Marisa DeMar
Friday, August 8, 2025
The city of Fernandina Beach said it will educate property owners following an investigation into a local resident’s complaint regarding construction materials possibly polluting a section of Egan’s Creek waterway.

Story & Song is one for the books

Jim Luksic
Friday, August 8, 2025
To this day, I insist one of the most relaxing and gratifying hobbies is to visit brick-and-mortar bookstores. Call me old-fashioned. Just don’t call me late for coffee. Sure, it’s quicker and sometimes more economical to order books online.
Teresa Prince was sworn in as the new attorney for the City of Fernandina Beach. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Teresa Prince was sworn in as the new attorney for the City of Fernandina Beach. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Prince sworn in as city attorney

News Staff
Friday, August 8, 2025
Teresa Prince was sworn in as the new attorney for the City of Fernandina Beach during the commissioners meeting on Aug. 5. After being selected for the job in late spring, Prince stood before the board and citizens to take the oath of office earlier this week.

City awaits clarifications on gangway collapse

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
The Fernandina Beach government said it awaits additional clarification following a draft report it received from Passero on the July 4 gangway collapse. Passero’s structural engineering team conducted the preliminary assessment of the failure of the gangway at the City of Downtown Harbor Marina.
Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch Founder Mary Duffy in 1990. Submitted photo

Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch Founder Mary Duffy in 1990. Submitted photo

40 years of Sea Turtle Watch 

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Throughout the years, the Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch (AISTW) has established itself as a prominent non-profit organization with 16 certified members and hundreds of volunteers on the island. Founder Mary Duffy recalls the program’s origin, which she co-founded in 1985.
Shilpa Amin M.D., Bill Austen, and Landward Griffin in front of the donation table. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Shilpa Amin M.D., Bill Austen, and Landward Griffin in front of the donation table. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Memorial Hospital donates supplies to Boys & Girls Club

Marisa DeMar
Friday, August 1, 2025
The HCA Florida Memorial Hospital supplied the Boys & Girls Club in Nassau County with a donation of 400 lunch bags and an accompanying 400 hand-cleaning wipes.