Local

Captain Michael R. Adams runs the Fernandina Beach-based Adams Shrimp and has been named the 2025 Shrimp Festival Grand Marshal. Submitted photo

Captain Mike Adams, Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival Parade Grand Marshal

Guest Columnist

Friday, April 11, 2025

Captain Michael R. Adams runs the Fernandina Beach-based Adams Shrimp company, one of only six active shrimping operations in the North Florida area, and one of the last remaining license holders allowed to catch shrimp for food in Florida’s inland waters. Started in 1974 by Adams, a U.S.

The Home Education team won the 2025 Constitution Bowl, coached by Alisa Burbo, Amelia Burbo, Amelia Hawkes, Eva Hawkes and Lauren Walters. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Constitutional champs: Home school team clinches victory in annual Constitution Bowl

Tracy Dishman

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Nassau County’s brightest constitutional scholars faced off Monday night at Wildlight Elementary School as the U.S. Constitution Scholarship Foundation (USCSF) hosted its annual Constitution Bowl, awarding $15,000 in scholarships to 14 participating students.

Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Sea Turtle Saviors

News Staff

Friday, April 4, 2025

Two juvenile sea turtles, Siesto and Sorrel, were released back to the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday at Main Beach.

The Rayonier Advanced Materials cellulose specialties plant in Fernandina Beach. The company wants to add a bioethanol facility to the plant. Submitted

ETHANOL BILL ADVANCES: Amendment would redefine ethanol procedure, negate city position

Tracy Dishman

Thursday, March 20, 2025

State Sen. Clay Yarborough offered no comment Monday as the Florida Senate Community Affairs Committee approved legislation that could override Fernandina Beach's rejection of a controversial bioethanol plant.

City of Fernandina Beach City Hall. File photo

Board restructuring plan advances amid RYAM concerns

Tracy Dishman

Thursday, March 20, 2025

With discussions on ethanol production and advisory board reforms, the Fernandina Beach City Commission addressed numerous important matters during their March 18 meeting.

The driver of a double trailer truck maneuvers a 97,000-pound transformer around the corner of Lime and 10th streets to deliver to the substation. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

What it takes to power Amelia Island

Ashley Chandler

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

On Thursday, a 97,000 pound electrical transformer was maneuvered around a residential corner to be delivered to its new home at Lime and 10th streets in Fernandina Beach.

Brian Douglas's broadcasting experience includes roles as a weekly guest at KGO, daily automotive commentator at KSFO/KYA, and host of his own talk show on KNBR. Submitted

The automotive authority: A profile of Brian Douglas

Tracy Dishman

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Brian Douglas, the automotive columnist for the News-Leader, brings decades of industry experience and media expertise to his opinion pieces.

A 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B, left, won Best of Show “Elegance” while Chris MacAllister’s Jim Clark-driven Lotus 49 F1 race car, right, captured Best in Show “Sport” at the Amelia Concours. Photo courtesy Deremer Studios

Concours d’Elegance 2025: The Amelia escapes the weather for a splendid Concours

Brian Douglas

Thursday, March 13, 2025

When car enthusiasts register for a major show like Saturday’s Amelia Concours, the organizers are not liable for weather events. Obviously, no one wants the tragedy of a rain storm, so the Hagerty organization whirled into motion and moved the entire Concours to Saturday.

The historic Fernandina Beach courthouse. File photo/News-Leader

Treasures of Nassau: Exponential growth and changing demographics

Pamela Bushnell

Friday, February 28, 2025

This is our final installment in the history series commemorating the 200th anniversary of the incorporation of Fernandina and Nassau County. The News-Leader plans to publish a compilation of the series in the near future. We will advise readers when the new publication becomes available.

Resident invites Bean to town hall

Julia Roberts

Friday, February 28, 2025

Congressman and Fernandinan Aaron Bean has been invited to a town hall in the auditorium named in honor of his mother, but it remains to be seen if the congressman will attend.