Local

Fernandina Beach City Commission. File photo

Fernandina Beach City Commission. File photo

Land Development Code changes debated, but will move forward

Julia Roberts
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
The Fernandina Beach City Commission voted to move forward with efforts to change the City’s Land Development Code, over the objections of one commissioner who said the changes do not clarify the code, but makes substantial changes that will affect the quality of life on Amelia Island.
Photo by Beth Jones/News-Leader

Photo by Beth Jones/News-Leader

In pictures: Black Friday fun

News Staff
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
The annual Black Friday Pajama Party was held last week in downtown Fernandina Beach. Music, games, face painting and Santa were among the seasonal festivities.
Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper. File photo

Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper. File photo

Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper clarifies details surrounding what led to a deputy’s pursuit of theft suspects in Yulee on Wednesday afternoon.

News Staff
Friday, November 24, 2023
The following is a message from Sheriff Bill Leeper regarding the recent vehicle pursuit and traffic crash on State Road 200: “First and foremost my heart and prayers goes out to the innocent victim that was seriously hurt by reckless criminals that have no regard for human life.
Agent Doug Smith listens to public comment in opposition of his company’s application for a conditional use permit for the sale of beer and wine at a site at the southeast corner of Meadowfield Bluffs Road and SR 200. Photo by Sean Rosenthal/News-Leader

Agent Doug Smith listens to public comment in opposition of his company’s application for a conditional use permit for the sale of beer and wine at a site at the southeast corner of Meadowfield Bluffs Road and SR 200. Photo by Sean Rosenthal/News-Leader

Alcohol permit hearing gets tipsy

Sean Rosenthal
Thursday, November 23, 2023
A permit to sell alcohol in a Commercial General zone was not granted by a unanimous vote of the Conditional Use and Variance Board (CUBA), despite county staff recommendation for approval. Cross Regions Real Estate addressed the CUVB at it Nov.
Fernandina Beach Vice Mayor David Sturges. Photo by Julia Roberts/News-Leader

Fernandina Beach Vice Mayor David Sturges. Photo by Julia Roberts/News-Leader

Vice mayor denies ethics violation

Julia Roberts
Thursday, November 23, 2023
Fernandina Beach Vice Mayor David Sturges called an ethics complaint filed against him “political gamesmanship,” although due to confidentiality constraints, he could not speak specifically to the allegation.  At the Nov.
Jett Paxton with Peg Leg Pete. Submitted photo

Jett Paxton with Peg Leg Pete. Submitted photo

Carving a legacy

Sean Rosenthal
Thursday, November 23, 2023
A 16-year-old wood carver, group of pirates, landscaping company, art gallery and high school students are coming together to craft a new statue of a pirate that stands at Front Street and Centre Street, known locally as Peg Leg Pete.
Bobbie Walker speaks to the Conditional Use and Variance board on Nov. 16, and some family members can be seen behind her. Photo by Sean Rosenthal/News-Leader

Bobbie Walker speaks to the Conditional Use and Variance board on Nov. 16, and some family members can be seen behind her. Photo by Sean Rosenthal/News-Leader

Wineries, agritourism coming to Nassau County

Sean Rosenthal
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Bobbie Walker’s family has been farming muscadine grapes at Tuscan Rose Vineyards in Callahan for 75 years. Until last week they could not sell wine.
The culverts under Escambia Street that connect Escambia Slough to Alligator Creek are not large enough to handle the flow of water. The city of Fernandina Beach is considering abandoning the street and allowing the area to go back to its natural state. Photo by Julia Roberts/News-Leader

The culverts under Escambia Street that connect Escambia Slough to Alligator Creek are not large enough to handle the flow of water. The city of Fernandina Beach is considering abandoning the street and allowing the area to go back to its natural state. Photo by Julia Roberts/News-Leader

City may abandon Escambia Street

Julia Roberts
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
The city of Fernandina Beach is considering removing a street from its inventory, allowing a slough to return to its natural state. Escambia Street is on the north end of the city, connecting North Eighth Street with North Third Street near the WestRock plant.

RYAM submits application to produce bioethanol

Julia Roberts
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Rayonier Performance Fibers, known as RYAM, has submitted an application to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to produce bioethanol in its Fernandina Beach plant. According to the Carbon Collective, bioethanol is a fuel made from plant material, such as corn or sugarcane.