Local

Bosque Bello cemetery is one of the latest properties in Nassau County to achieve a Level 1 Arboretum Accreditation from ArbNet. Photo by Amy Mulligan/News-Leader

Bosque Bello cemetery is one of the latest properties in Nassau County to achieve a Level 1 Arboretum Accreditation from ArbNet. Photo by Amy Mulligan/News-Leader

Amelia Island is tree haven all year long

Amy Mulligan
Friday, April 24, 2026
Amelia Island continues to lead the way in tree conservation with the addition of two more arboreta on the island. Simmons Road Park and the Bosque Bello Cemetery’s designation as Level 1 arboretums brings the total number on the island to 11.
The Homeschool team won the Constitution Bowl for the second year in a row last week. The 2026 Constitution Bowl was held April 16 at Wildlight Elementary. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

The Homeschool team won the Constitution Bowl for the second year in a row last week. The 2026 Constitution Bowl was held April 16 at Wildlight Elementary. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

Homeschool team wins big at Constitution Bowl

Nick Blank
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
The Homeschool team secured its second consecutive Constitution Bowl win, winning big Thursday night at Wildlight Elementary School in front of a packed audience.
Tonya Blanchford poses outside the location of her Coastal Tea Cafe on South 5th Street in Downtown Fernandina Beach after closing on the property earlier this month.  Submitted Photo 

Tonya Blanchford poses outside the location of her Coastal Tea Cafe on South 5th Street in Downtown Fernandina Beach after closing on the property earlier this month.  Submitted Photo 

From a dream to reali-tea 

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
 Tonya Blanchford’s lifelong dream of owning a tea cafe has come to fruition in securing the rustic yellow house on South 5th Street in Fernandina Beach.

New Chamber president embraces role

Nick Blank
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Nassau County has a new Chamber of Commerce president & CEO, with an eight-year employee tabbed to lead the organization.Director of Operations Alexandra Wilmer said she started in a marketing capacity and worked her way up.
Volunteers and Clean Harbors, the company contracted for both events, help locals to unload items to discard at Saturday’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection in Fernandina Beach. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Volunteers and Clean Harbors, the company contracted for both events, help locals to unload items to discard at Saturday’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection in Fernandina Beach. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Collaborative effort works to keep Nassau clean

Ashley Chandler
Friday, April 17, 2026
Several local groups came together over the weekend to provide residents with an opportunity to get rid of items that are unwanted and difficult to discard.
The third annual Wings & Wheels & WHY? was held April 10 at the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The third annual Wings & Wheels & WHY? was held April 10 at the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Wings & Wheels & WHY?

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
A bright sun, warm breeze and music from The Islanders AI greeted visitors as they entered the third annual Wings & Wheels & WHY? held Saturday at the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport.
The Amelia River Waterfront Park Grand Opening was held April 10. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The Amelia River Waterfront Park Grand Opening was held April 10. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Transforming Fernandina: City celebrates debut of Waterfront Park

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
In true Fernandina fashion, locals brokein the long-awaited Waterfront Park with a celebration featuring pirates, music from the Honey Badgers and a visit from Rep. Aaron Bean. Fernandina Beach staff estimated a few hundred people came downtown Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m.
Derek Collins, FPBD Chief Jeff Tambasco, Paul Lore, Officer Tina Smith, and police dog Hanna. Derek Collins, the Regional Programs Director for The Fire Watch presents the Veterans Safe Space certification to the FBPD police chief at the station on Monday.  By Marisa DeMar 

Derek Collins, FPBD Chief Jeff Tambasco, Paul Lore, Officer Tina Smith, and police dog Hanna. Derek Collins, the Regional Programs Director for The Fire Watch presents the Veterans Safe Space certification to the FBPD police chief at the station on Monday.  By Marisa DeMar 

FBPD becomes certified Veteran Safe Space 

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
The Fernandina Beach Police Department (FBPD) became the first police force in North Florida to be certified as a Veteran Safe Space.
Two week old Ollie: this age requires the adequate care of being bottle fed every two hours if the mother is not present. Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Two week old Ollie: this age requires the adequate care of being bottle fed every two hours if the mother is not present. Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Shelters seek foster families for abundance of kittens

Marisa DeMar
Friday, April 10, 2026
April marks the start of Kitten Season which is classified as the period of time in which an influx of kittens are born.