Local

New roads to come with school on Old Nassauville Road

Marisa DeMar
Friday, August 1, 2025
Nassau County announced its plans for new road projects, including an extension being made to Hendricks Road and a new road being added from Hendricks to Amelia Concourse. Those are part of the County’s Capital Improvement Plan, which states all of their upcoming projects.
Three vehicles were involved in the wreck on Amelia Island Parkway, leading to the closure of the entire road from South 8th Street to Via Del Mar. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Three vehicles were involved in the wreck on Amelia Island Parkway, leading to the closure of the entire road from South 8th Street to Via Del Mar. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Fatal crash shuts down Amelia Island Parkway

Marisa DeMar
Friday, August 1, 2025
At least one fatality occurred in a car accident Thursday, confirmed by Jeff Tambasco, chief of police for the City of Fernandina Beach. Three vehicles were involved in the wreck on Amelia Island Parkway, leading to the closure of the entire road from South 8th Street to Via Del Mar.
Damage to the Stevensons’ house following the latest accident. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Damage to the Stevensons’ house following the latest accident. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Distracted driver strikes Fernandina Beach house

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
A driver struck a home in Fernandina Beach on July 26, causing significant damage to the front porch. Kathy and John Stevenson were in bed when they recalled hearing a thud.  The couple was not surprised to find that someone had crashed their vehicle into the front of the house.
U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean speaks Monday at the Chamber of Commerce luncheon. Photo by Jim Luksic/News-Leader

U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean speaks Monday at the Chamber of Commerce luncheon. Photo by Jim Luksic/News-Leader

Bean there, done that

Jim Luksic
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean spoke about recent Congressional action, past and future bills, and a personal matter during the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce’s latest quarterly luncheon Monday.
The Fernandina Beach Market Place opened their Mid Week Market on Wednesday in the Island Walk Shopping Center. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

The Fernandina Beach Market Place opened their Mid Week Market on Wednesday in the Island Walk Shopping Center. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Farmers market opens in Island Walk Shopping Center

Marisa DeMar
Friday, July 25, 2025
The Fernandina Beach Market Place has officially opened their Mid Week Market in the Island Walk Shopping Center as of Wednesday, July 23. The merchants set up shop at 9 a.m in front of Bealls and stayed into the early after-noon.
The Army Corps of Engineers oversaw the most recent beach renourishment project from the St. Marys Channel south to seaside park. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The Army Corps of Engineers oversaw the most recent beach renourishment project from the St. Marys Channel south to seaside park. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Most recent Nassau County beach renourishment project complete

Marisa DeMar
Friday, July 25, 2025
The ongoing beach renourishment project that took place along the shoreline of Fernandina Beach was completed months ahead of schedule. This was a part of a larger-scale plan known as the Nassau County Shore Protection Project (SPP), the U.S Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) carried out.
The POM conference took place over the span of a week and commenced on July 18. Submitted photos

The POM conference took place over the span of a week and commenced on July 18. Submitted photos

City earns awards at Secretary of State dinner

Marisa DeMar
Friday, July 25, 2025
The City of Fernandina Beach was presented with three different awards during the Secretary of State Awards dinner on Thursday evening. The annual event was part of the week-long Preservation On Main Street (POM) conference hosted by Fernandina Beach Main Street.
The Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch on July 22 hosted a public excavation just south of Peters Point Beach. A baby loggerhead turtle was caught in its shell and required assistance to reach the water. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

The Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch on July 22 hosted a public excavation just south of Peters Point Beach. A baby loggerhead turtle was caught in its shell and required assistance to reach the water. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch hosts excavation

Marisa DeMar
Friday, July 25, 2025
The Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch on July 22 hosted a public excavation just south of Peters Point Beach. A group of nearly 100 people gathered at 7 a.m. behind the Ritz Carlton property to watch as the organizers excavated a sea turtle nest.

Chandler promoted to News-Leader assistant editor

News Staff
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
The News-Leader has promoted Ashley Chandler to the role of assistant editor, Publisher Todd Frantz announced. Chandler, who has worked as a journalist for over a decade, had been serving primarily as a reporter, photographer and page designer.