Local

Amelia River waterfront park plan. Submitted

Amelia River waterfront park plan. Submitted

Group opposing waterfront park wants to put it to the voters

Julia Roberts
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Plans for a park on the Amelia River waterfront in downtown Fernandina Beach are moving forward, but some residents who use the marina for pleasure as well as business oppose the park, and are working to get the matter on the ballot to give voters an opportunity to weigh in on the matter.
Carl Hiaasen was available to sign books and visit with attendees after he spoke at a recent event on Amelia Island. Photo by Andy Diffenderfer/CNI Newspapers

Carl Hiaasen was available to sign books and visit with attendees after he spoke at a recent event on Amelia Island. Photo by Andy Diffenderfer/CNI Newspapers

An evening with Carl Hiaasen and Michael Reno Harrell

News Staff
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
A native Floridian, Carl Hiaasen understands how life in the Sunshine State lends itself to stories of the bizarre and eccentric.
Ashley Taylor was recently named Nassau County’s 2024 Teacher of the Year. Submitted photo

Ashley Taylor was recently named Nassau County’s 2024 Teacher of the Year. Submitted photo

Callahan Elementary’s Ashley Taylor named 2024 Teacher of the Year

News Staff
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Ashley Taylor, first-grade teacher at Callahan Elementary School, was recently named Nassau County’s 2024 Teacher of the Year. More than 400 educators and supporters attended the annual gala held at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island for the announcement.
From left, Jayla Eldell, Carley Eldell and Tressa Linzy. Submitted photo

From left, Jayla Eldell, Carley Eldell and Tressa Linzy. Submitted photo

Big Sister of the Year announced

News Staff
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Each year, Big Brothers Big Sisters honors our outstanding Big Brothers and Big Sisters. The nominees are the perfect illustration of how the mentoring relationship helps Littles achieve their biggest possible futures and makes a long-lasting impact on the Big, too.
National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

Shedding light on human trafficking

Guest Columnist
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. As a new year begins, this month is a reminder to collectively heighten our awareness, education and advocacy to combat this pervasive issue of modern-day bondage.
Yulee’s Kevin Reyes-Ramos and Fernandina Beach’s Noah Wilson. Photo by Beth Jones/News-Leader

Yulee’s Kevin Reyes-Ramos and Fernandina Beach’s Noah Wilson. Photo by Beth Jones/News-Leader

Hornets eliminate Pirates

Beth Jones
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
The host Fernandina Beach Pirates were eliminated by the Yulee Hornets Monday night in the semifinal round of the District 3-4A soccer tournament. No. 2 seed Yulee High School won 2-1 and takes on top-seed Stanton at 6 p.m. today in the championship game at Pirate Field. Purchase tickets at gofan.
City of Fernandina Beach

City of Fernandina Beach

City Attorney OKs partisan commission races

Julia Roberts
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
During the 2022 election of Fernandina Beach City Commissioners, politics raised its head as never before, with two candidates claiming a party affiliation in what had always been a nonpartisan race. In front of the 2024 election, the matter has provoked a legal opinion.
Kate Vitori with her school team and family at recent school board meeting after receiving recognition as a representative for the 2024 Sunshine State Scholar program. From left, Superintendent of Nassau Schools Kathy Burns, FBHS school counselor Sarah Coombs, mathematics instructor James Glackin, Vitori’s mother, Carrie Vitori, scholarship winner Kate Vitori, Vitori’s father, David Vitori, Vitori’s grandmother, Marlene Kozak, Vitori’s grandmother, Marsha Abernathy, grandfather, Bob Abernathy. Submitted

Kate Vitori with her school team and family at recent school board meeting after receiving recognition as a representative for the 2024 Sunshine State Scholar program. From left, Superintendent of Nassau Schools Kathy Burns, FBHS school counselor Sarah Coombs, mathematics instructor James Glackin, Vitori’s mother, Carrie Vitori, scholarship winner Kate Vitori, Vitori’s father, David Vitori, Vitori’s grandmother, Marlene Kozak, Vitori’s grandmother, Marsha Abernathy, grandfather, Bob Abernathy. Submitted

School board reviews millage update and discusses labor issues

Tracy Dishman
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
In the regular meeting of the Nassau County School Board on Thursday, a question was asked about the millage thus far and what was in the December budget.
Ocean Highway and Port Authority. File photo

Ocean Highway and Port Authority. File photo

OHPA moving forward with property sale

Julia Roberts
Thursday, January 25, 2024
The Ocean Highway and Port Authority will negotiate with a real estate agency to sell a parcel of property, although it is still unclear what the Authority will do with the proceeds of that sale. OHPA planned to sell three parcels at 305 Dade, 332 N. Third and 510 N. Third Streets.
Financial consultant Mark Galvin, standing, addresses the Fernandina Beach City Commission, from left, Darron Ayscue, James Antun, Mayor Bradley Bean, David Sturges and Chip Ross, about the steps that need to be taken to ask voters to approve a bond. In order to get the matter on the November ballot, the language put to voters has to be approved by May 17. Photo by Julia Roberts/News-Leader

Financial consultant Mark Galvin, standing, addresses the Fernandina Beach City Commission, from left, Darron Ayscue, James Antun, Mayor Bradley Bean, David Sturges and Chip Ross, about the steps that need to be taken to ask voters to approve a bond. In order to get the matter on the November ballot, the language put to voters has to be approved by May 17. Photo by Julia Roberts/News-Leader

City commission moves forward with bond plans

Julia Roberts
Thursday, January 25, 2024
The Fernandina Beach City Commission will ask city voters to approve a bond that would raise $25 million, most of which would go to make the Amelia River waterfront more resilient. At its annual visioning session held Jan.