Local

Graffiti on a retaining wall on Eighth Street reflects the opinion of many in Fernandina Beach related to the property located on 3rd and 4th streets, known as the Tringali property. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Graffiti on a retaining wall on Eighth Street reflects the opinion of many in Fernandina Beach related to the property located on 3rd and 4th streets, known as the Tringali property. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Planning and Conservation Department director on administrative leave

Marisa DeMar
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Fernandina Beach Deputy City Manager Jeremiah Glisson said Planning and Conservation Department director Kelly Gibson has not yet been fired in regard to the Tringali Property. “Kelly Gibson is on administrative leave pending consideration of the terms of a separation agreement,” he said.

News-Leader hires DeMar as reporter

News Staff
Friday, July 18, 2025
The News-Leader added a new reporter to the team Monday. Marisa DeMar moved to the area after finishing her media degree in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Her parents moved to Nassau County upon retirement several years ago.
The Island Walk Publix' demolition began July 2. Photo by Ashley Chandler

The Island Walk Publix' demolition began July 2. Photo by Ashley Chandler

Farm stands unpacked amid grocery store closures

Marisa DeMar
Friday, July 18, 2025
A conclusion made during the July 15 City Commissioners Meeting aims to rectify the problem of grocery store closures on the island. Commissioner Joyce M. Tuten informed the public that starting July 27, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Many downtown business owners are frustrated with the prospect of paid parking downtown in Fernandina Beach. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Many downtown business owners are frustrated with the prospect of paid parking downtown in Fernandina Beach. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Paid parking downtown becomes surveillance concern

Marisa DeMar
Friday, July 18, 2025
Fernandina Beach City Commissioners on Tuesday continued exploring the potential for paid parking downtown. The special meeting, which took place prior to the regular one, consisted of presentations from three vendors on their proposals to implement paid parking.

Truth, transparency more than words

Jim Luksic
Thursday, July 17, 2025
These days, it has become second nature to reiterate the need for journalists to be honest, objective and accurate. As the News-Leader’s new editor, that’s my main mission throughout Nassau County. I want to be as objective here as I was everywhere else.

City commissioners ax trolley project

News Staff
Friday, July 11, 2025
By West Wolfe  CNI Newspapers Complaints from the public about the cost and use of the trolley pilot program between Fernandina Beach and the Jacksonville Transportation Authority led city commissioners to cancel the program altogether at their most recent meeting.
Workers demolish the Island Walk Publix on July 2. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Workers demolish the Island Walk Publix on July 2. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Photo timeline: Publix demolition

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
On July 2, workers began demolition of the Publix located at 1421 Sadler Road in Fernandina Beach. The Island Walk Publix closed its doors April 26 to be reconstructed after 36 years of continuous operation.
The city is working to find a solution of what to do at the site of Brett’s Waterway Cafe. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The city is working to find a solution of what to do at the site of Brett’s Waterway Cafe. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Commissioners desire simplest solution for Brett’s redevelopment

News Staff
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
While a survey showed a plurality of people prefer redevelopment of the Brett’s Waterway Cafe site with all the bells and whistles, Fernandina Beach commissioners would like to pursue a more basic concept.

Nassau schools No. 1 in Florida

News Staff
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
The Florida Department of Education released its 2024-25 school grades and performance results Monday, with the Nassau County School District ranked No. 1 among the state’s 67 public school districts. This is the first time Nassau County has ever achieved first place.
The gangway that collapsed Friday night during the Hometown 4th of July event is pictured less than an hour before the collapse. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The gangway that collapsed Friday night during the Hometown 4th of July event is pictured less than an hour before the collapse. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Gangway Collapse: Incident at Hometown 4th of July event

News Staff
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Fireworks exploded overhead as onlookers formed hand motions to the song “YMCA” at the annual Fourth of July celebration at the Fernandina Harbor Marina.Watching the fireworks from a vantage point as close to the river as possible, visitors stood on a metal gangway that led onto the marina.