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Deirdre A. Wallace spoke at her swearing-in ceremony to become the county’s first full-time magistrate as judges Lance Day and Jenny Higginbotham look on from the bench. Images Courtesy 4th Judicial Circuit

Deirdre A. Wallace spoke at her swearing-in ceremony to become the county’s first full-time magistrate as judges Lance Day and Jenny Higginbotham look on from the bench. Images Courtesy 4th Judicial Circuit

Deirdre Wallace sworn in as magistrate

Nassau County welcomed its first full-time court magistrate this week. A swearing-in ceremony was held for Magistrate Deirdre A. Wallace on Wednesday afternoon before a packed courtroom in downtown Fernandina’s historic courthouse.
Betty Berkman stands next to a plaque with a photo of her husband, David Berkman, holding a jersey that the kids from the McArthur Family YMCA gave to her in appreciation of her generous donation to the Y. Photo by Tracy Dishman

Betty Berkman stands next to a plaque with a photo of her husband, David Berkman, holding a jersey that the kids from the McArthur Family YMCA gave to her in appreciation of her generous donation to the Y. Photo by Tracy Dishman

Berkman donation honors the past, sets foundation for the future

The McArthur Family YMCA honored the memory of a local philanthropist on Saturday. Friends, family, community leaders, YMCA staff, board members and volunteers gathered at the to dedicate the gymnasium to the memory of David Berkman.
Amelia River waterfront park plan moving forward. Submitted photo

Amelia River waterfront park plan moving forward. Submitted photo

Amelia River waterfront park plan moving forward

The Fernandina Beach City Commission, acting in its capacity as the Community Redevelopment Agency, agreed to move forward with plans for a park on the Amelia River waterfront. The CRA Advisory Board met earlier this month, where member Eric Bartelt presented the plan.
Nassau County kicks off bicentennial year with celebration at Wildlight. Photo by Sabrina Robertson

Nassau County kicks off bicentennial year with celebration at Wildlight. Photo by Sabrina Robertson

Nassau County kicks off bicentennial year with celebration at Wildlight

Nassau County kicked off a year-long celebration of its 200th year Saturday with a bicentennial celebration with music, food and several organizations that set up to share information and seek input from the community. The event was cohosted by the Amelia Island Convention and Visitors Bureau.

On the road again

If you happened to peruse my column last week, you may recall that I have been in mourning. The premature demise of my automotive sidekick of 16 years came as a bit of a shock.
The North Atlantic right whale Juno, with her latest calf, as seen on Dec. 9 near Amelia Island. Biologists believe a ship propeller struck the calf in the following days before anglers spotted it Jan. 6. Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

The North Atlantic right whale Juno, with her latest calf, as seen on Dec. 9 near Amelia Island. Biologists believe a ship propeller struck the calf in the following days before anglers spotted it Jan. 6. Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Struck right whale calf raises vessel speed concerns

The appearance of propeller injuries suffered by the first North Atlantic right whale calf of the season kicked off another round of demands by conservation organizations for action by the federal government and ocean-going companies.
From left, Superintendent of Nassau County School District Kathy Burns, Ryan Peterson, Ryan’s grandfather, Coach Pete, and Anna Crawford, Fernandina Beach Middle School principal, stand with Peterson to share his accomplishments during a recent school board meeting.  Submitted

From left, Superintendent of Nassau County School District Kathy Burns, Ryan Peterson, Ryan’s grandfather, Coach Pete, and Anna Crawford, Fernandina Beach Middle School principal, stand with Peterson to share his accomplishments during a recent school board meeting. Submitted

Every story, every student, expect success

During a summer meeting of the Nassau County School District Leadership Team, a theme for the 2023-24 school year was decided: Every story, every student, expect success.

Chris Bryan passes away

Fernandina Beach is feeling the loss of one of its own, Chris Bryan, a native who worked tirelessly to give to the community she called home. Born in Fernandina Beach, she graduated from Fernandina Beach High School and then the University of Florida.
Martin Luther King Jr. honored in Fernandina Beach. Photo by Beth Jones/News-Leader

Martin Luther King Jr. honored in Fernandina Beach. Photo by Beth Jones/News-Leader

Martin Luther King Jr. honored in Fernandina Beach

The 47th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade in Fernandina Beach was held on Monday, Jan. 15, and traveled throughout the historic downtown. The family-friendly community event ended at the Martin Luther King Jr.