Local

Fernandina Beach High School graduates pose for a group photo Thursday outside Southside Elementary. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Fernandina Beach High School graduates pose for a group photo Thursday outside Southside Elementary. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Caps off to the Class of 2025

News Staff
Friday, May 23, 2025
Yulee High School will hold its graduation ceremony 7 p.m. today at the University of North Florida Arena. Fernandina Beach High School graduation is 11 a.m. Saturday at the University of North Florida Arena.
Moran Environmental Recovery uses an absorbent boom at the Fernandina Harbor Marina on Monday after a gasoline spill in the water. How much fuel was spilled and how it will affect water quality has not been released. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Moran Environmental Recovery uses an absorbent boom at the Fernandina Harbor Marina on Monday after a gasoline spill in the water. How much fuel was spilled and how it will affect water quality has not been released. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Fuel spill at downtown marina

Julia Roberts
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Details are few on a fuel spill at the city-owned Fernandina Harbor Marina Monday, other than work is underway to clean up the gasoline leaked into the water. The Fernandina Beach Fire Department was dispatched to the marina Monday in response to  to a reported fuel spill.
First responders and Ocean Rescue resuscitated a beachgoer who was pulled out of the water Thursday at Main Beach by other visitors. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

First responders and Ocean Rescue resuscitated a beachgoer who was pulled out of the water Thursday at Main Beach by other visitors. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Man rescued following sea turtle release

News Staff
Friday, May 16, 2025
  A man was pulled from the water at Main Beach on Thursday when he appeared to be in distress shortly after a sea turtle release. Few details were available, but Fernandina Beach Fire Department Battalion Chief Bill Baughn spoke to the News-Leader on scene.
In conjunction with the Wild Amelia Nature Festival, The Georgia Sea Turtle Center worked with the Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch and Keep Nassau Beautiful on Thursday to bring locals an extra special sea turtle release. Four rehabilitated green sea turtles, Coriander, Turmeric, Anise and Spearmint, were released into the Atlantic Ocean. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

In conjunction with the Wild Amelia Nature Festival, The Georgia Sea Turtle Center worked with the Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch and Keep Nassau Beautiful on Thursday to bring locals an extra special sea turtle release. Four rehabilitated green sea turtles, Coriander, Turmeric, Anise and Spearmint, were released into the Atlantic Ocean. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

TURTLE POWER: Four rehabilitated sea turtles released at Main Beach

Ashley Chandler
Friday, May 16, 2025
In conjunction with the Wild Amelia Nature Festival, The Georgia Sea Turtle Center worked with the Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch and Keep Nassau Beautiful on Thursday to bring locals an extra special sea turtle release.
This dredging equipment is being staged in the Dolphin Parking lot at Main Beach. Photo by Julia Roberts/News-Leader

This dredging equipment is being staged in the Dolphin Parking lot at Main Beach. Photo by Julia Roberts/News-Leader

What is takes to protect Amelia Island’s beaches

Julia Roberts
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Amelia Island’s beaches are beautiful, and wide enough for locals and visitors to share. However, the condition of those beaches is not an accident but rather a coordinated effort between the City of Fernandina Beach, the Navy and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Visitors of Main Beach enjoy the warming weather in April. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Visitors of Main Beach enjoy the warming weather in April. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Amelia Island welcomes beach season

Julia Roberts
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Beach season has finally arrived.  Amelia Island has some of the most beautiful, pristine beaches on the East Coast. Whether you want to get active and play or relax, our island has a beach for you.
Opening of the Beaches, an event sheduled for Wild Amelia will be held this Saturday at two beachside locations — Main Beach and Peters Point. Photo by Julia Roberts/News-Leader

Opening of the Beaches, an event sheduled for Wild Amelia will be held this Saturday at two beachside locations — Main Beach and Peters Point. Photo by Julia Roberts/News-Leader

Wild Amelia, Opening of the Beaches kicks off beach season events

Ashley Chandler
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
The Annual Wild Amelia Nature Festival offers opportunities for locals and visitors alike to learn about the vast island ecosystem that encompasses our beaches.
The Ocean Rescue watches over visitors of Amelia Island beaches from several types of stands set up on the beaches. Lifeguards are on duty from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The Ocean Rescue watches over visitors of Amelia Island beaches from several types of stands set up on the beaches. Lifeguards are on duty from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Stay safe at Amelia Island's beaches: What to know about safety and regulations

Julia Roberts
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Keeping people safe on Amelia Island’s beaches is a top priority for local municipalities. Nassau County and the city of Fernandina Beach have people and plans in place to ensure everyone’s day at the beach is fun and relaxing, and above all, safe.
Artist's rendering featuring both a timber deck with pavilion and a landward restaurant. Submitted

Artist's rendering featuring both a timber deck with pavilion and a landward restaurant. Submitted

Marina redevelopment could cost millions

Tracy Dishman
Friday, May 9, 2025
The demolition of Brett's Waterway Cafe and redevelopment of that section of Fernandina Beach's marina could cost the city between $4 million and $8 million, according to a presentation made to city commissioners Tuesday night.