Local

Tallahassee considering dissolving TDCs

Julia Roberts
Friday, April 25, 2025
Legislation currently under consideration in Tallahassee would eliminate Tourism Development Councils, allow Tourism Development Tax (TDT) money to be spent as seen fit by the county and require future tourism dollars be applied to county ad valorem tax bills.
Cezar Gonzalez, who completes his 37-year YMCA career on May 16, with Melissa Yuchasz, who will lead both the McArthur and Wildlight locations serving Nassau County’s expanding population. Photo by Tracy McCormick-Dishman/News-Leader

Cezar Gonzalez, who completes his 37-year YMCA career on May 16, with Melissa Yuchasz, who will lead both the McArthur and Wildlight locations serving Nassau County’s expanding population. Photo by Tracy McCormick-Dishman/News-Leader

Cezar Gonzalez retires after 37 years of service with YMCA

Tracy Dishman
Friday, April 25, 2025
After nearly four decades of dedicated service to the YMCA, Cezar Gonzalez, district executive of the McArthur Family and Wildlight YMCA of Florida’s First Coast, will retire on May 16. His career spans multiple states and positions, culminating in five years of leadership on Amelia Island.
Dee Dee Bartels has published three books of poetry. Shown is Bartels and her second book, Island Rhythms, about the 11 years she spent living in Carriacou, Grenada, which began as a USAID project to develop additional sources of dietary protein for islanders. She stayed when the project ended because she grew to love the people there. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Dee Dee Bartels has published three books of poetry. Shown is Bartels and her second book, Island Rhythms, about the 11 years she spent living in Carriacou, Grenada, which began as a USAID project to develop additional sources of dietary protein for islanders. She stayed when the project ended because she grew to love the people there. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Founding Spirit: Dee Dee Bartels, 102, reflects on founding Fernandina’s Shrimp Festival

Pamela Bushnell
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Ever wonder why the Shrimp Festival takes place off season, before the local shrimping season begins? Dee Dee Bartels can tell you. At age 102, Bartels, a resident at The Lakeside in Fernandina Beach, reviewed with the News-Leader her role as one of the early organizers of the festival.
Coen Brehmer, a senior at Yulee High School, defended his title at the state weightlifting championships last week. Photo by Beth Jones/News-Leader

Coen Brehmer, a senior at Yulee High School, defended his title at the state weightlifting championships last week. Photo by Beth Jones/News-Leader

2 state titles for Brehmer

Beth Jones
Friday, April 18, 2025
State titles are rare. Coen Brehmer has two. The senior weightlifter at Yulee High School won the Olympic title in the 119- pound weight class with a 400-pound total. Brehmer defended his title with a 175-pound snatch and a 225-pound cleanand-jerk.
Pita bread, chips, hummus, garlic spreads and other Halal-friendly foods will be available alongside blooming shrubs from Ever Blooming Gardens and live music by Driftwood, featuring founder Jim Herrington and his son, Wesley, at the Fernandina Beach Market Place this Saturday. Submitted

Pita bread, chips, hummus, garlic spreads and other Halal-friendly foods will be available alongside blooming shrubs from Ever Blooming Gardens and live music by Driftwood, featuring founder Jim Herrington and his son, Wesley, at the Fernandina Beach Market Place this Saturday. Submitted

Fresh finds and festive vibes at Fernandina and Wildlight

Judie Mackie
Friday, April 18, 2025
Hop into spring this Saturday, at not one but two lively local markets, the Fernandina Beach Market Place on North Seventh Street and the Wildlight Market Place at 123 Tinker Street in Yulee! Both markets are open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine.
The Island Walk Publix will close April 26 for an 18-month remodel. Photo by Todd Wilson/News-Leader

The Island Walk Publix will close April 26 for an 18-month remodel. Photo by Todd Wilson/News-Leader

Publix to build state-of-the-art grocery shopping experience

News Staff
Friday, April 18, 2025
When the new Publix at Island Walk Shopping Center on Amelia Island sees its remodel complete next year, shoppers will be greeted with a larger, state-of-the-art facility offering new amenities compared to the current grocery store.
Director of Nassau County Emergency Management (EM) Tim Cooper told the Board of County Commissioner on Wednesday, that EM is concerned it will lose crucial state and federal grant funding in the coming years. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Director of Nassau County Emergency Management (EM) Tim Cooper told the Board of County Commissioner on Wednesday, that EM is concerned it will lose crucial state and federal grant funding in the coming years. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Emergency Management facing federal, state funding concerns

Ashley Chandler
Friday, April 18, 2025
Director of Nassau County Emergency Management (EM) Tim Cooper said EM faces the probability that it will lose funding from the federal and state governments. Cooper gave an annual update to the Board of County Commissioners at its Wednesday meeting.
Fernandina Harbor Marina. Photo by Julia Roberts/News-Leader

Fernandina Harbor Marina. Photo by Julia Roberts/News-Leader

City obtains waiver for marina insurance

Julia Roberts
Friday, April 18, 2025
The city of Fernandina Beach will save upwards of half a million dollars a year on insurance costs, as the city has been granted a waiver from a requirement to maintain property insurance on the Fernandina Harbor Marina.