Local

Fresh fruit is used to make Sherri Kemp’s Kempbucha. Submitted photo

Fresh fruit is used to make Sherri Kemp’s Kempbucha. Submitted photo

Flavor, freshness key for Kempbucha

Marisa DeMar
Thursday, April 2, 2026
Fernandina Beach resident, Sherri Kemp, started her own kombucha brand known as Kempbucha. Kempbucha is brewed in her home using organic ingredients and seasonal fruits, unlike supermarket brands that often supplement with syrups.
The Memorial United Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church hosted the annual Community Easter Celebration on Saturday, which featured face painting, free lunch, crafts, photos with the Easter Bunny and Easter egg hunts. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The Memorial United Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church hosted the annual Community Easter Celebration on Saturday, which featured face painting, free lunch, crafts, photos with the Easter Bunny and Easter egg hunts. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Local churches join together for Community Easter Celebration, Palm Sunday

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Over the weekend, locals came together for two community-focus events, hosted by several local churches, the annual Community Easter Celebration and the annual Ecumenical Palm Processional down Centre Street.
Organizers of a local ‘No Kings’ demonstration said more than 1,000 people came out for Saturday’s protest. Photo Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Organizers of a local ‘No Kings’ demonstration said more than 1,000 people came out for Saturday’s protest. Photo Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

‘No Kings’ demonstration draws 1,000

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
A local movement against the current federal administration was out at 8th and Lime streets on Saturday for a “No Kings” demonstration.  The local protest was held in conjunction with thousands of others across the nation. The local demonstration brought out more than 1,000 people, organizers said.
Screenshot of the app

Screenshot of the app

FBFD unveils ‘all-encompassing’ app

Nick Blank
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Whether it’s for a question about evacuation plans and current beach conditions, or notifying the public why emergency vehicles were driving past, the Fernandina Beach Fire Department has rolled out a new app to alert and inform residents.
A view of the former Brett’s Waterway Cafe across the pier Thursday. Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

A view of the former Brett’s Waterway Cafe across the pier Thursday. Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

HDC approves Brett’s demolition, discusses new pier

Nick Blank
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Historic District Council board members cleared the certification of approval for the two-phase project to demolish Brett’s Waterway Cafe and build a new pier. Brett’s was a 37-year-old structure and a community staple that closed Oct. 4.
People on Main Beach on Thursday. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

People on Main Beach on Thursday. Photo by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

AccuWeather predicts up to 16 named storms in 2026

Ashley Chandler
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Hurricane season is more than two months away, but forecasters and local emergency management are already looking to the season ahead. AccuWeather, a popular meteorological company, released its early forecast for the 2026 hurricane season.
Thousands of colorful plastic eggs were scattered at Central Park on Saturday for local children to gather as part of Fernandina Beach’s second annual Easter Egg Hunt. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Thousands of colorful plastic eggs were scattered at Central Park on Saturday for local children to gather as part of Fernandina Beach’s second annual Easter Egg Hunt. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Fernandina gets crackin'

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Just before 11 a.m. Saturday morning, pink ribbon cordoned off four large square patches in the middle of the field at Central Park. Thousands of colorful plastic eggs were scattered in masses across the four squares.
Fernandina Beach Rotary Club President Suzanne Amos kicks off the Scholarship Luncheon. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Fernandina Beach Rotary Club President Suzanne Amos kicks off the Scholarship Luncheon. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Scholarship legacy

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
The Fernandina Beach Rotary Club raised a record $70,000 in scholarship funds for students in the area this year.Donors and members who contributed were honored during the club’s annual Scholarship Luncheon on Thursday at the Amelia Island Golf Club.
European cookies available at Europa Delicatessen in Fernandina Beach. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader 

European cookies available at Europa Delicatessen in Fernandina Beach. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader 

Made with love 

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
When Jessica Staszewski and Micheal Galata first met as young adults, neither of them spoke the same language. Now, the couple has been married for decades and owns Europa Delicatessen, a mom-and-pop deli in Fernandina Beach.