Local

Yulee Royalty. Photo by Beth Jones/News-Leader

Yulee Royalty. Photo by Beth Jones/News-Leader

Yulee Royalty

Beth Jones
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Yulee High School held its homecoming festivities at halftime of the football game on Friday. Brynleigh Hall as crowned queen and quarterback Nikao Smith was crowned king.
Ocean Highway and Port Authority Customs House upgrades move forward. File photo

Ocean Highway and Port Authority Customs House upgrades move forward. File photo

Customs House upgrades move forward

Julia Roberts
Friday, October 27, 2023
It appears the Port of Fernandina will continue to be a port of entry into the U.S., as plans to fund required upgrades to the Customs House at the port are moving forward. U.S.
The OHPA Commission has discussed selling three parcels at 305 Dade, 332 N. Third and 510  N. Third St. as the authority is cash strapped as OHPA has incurred increased legal expenses. Photo by Julia Roberts/News-Leader

The OHPA Commission has discussed selling three parcels at 305 Dade, 332 N. Third and 510  N. Third St. as the authority is cash strapped as OHPA has incurred increased legal expenses. Photo by Julia Roberts/News-Leader

OHPA will sell one lot, but use for proceeds remains unclear

Julia Roberts
Friday, October 27, 2023
The Ocean Highway and Port Authority will move forward to sell a parcel of land, one of three the OHPA Commission considered selling, but the commissioners could not agree whether the proceeds from the sale will be used to make investments in Nassau County or badly needed repairs at the Port of...
Hurricane Idalia snapped off trees in Taylor County. File photo

Hurricane Idalia snapped off trees in Taylor County. File photo

Long hot summer

Sean Rosenthal
Friday, October 27, 2023
This past September was the hottest on global record, and Florida had its warmest January to September on record. It was the United States’ seventh hottest September ever recorded, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
A 54-foot, $1.2 million boat sinks after a collision that killed an endangered North Atlantic right whale calf and severely injured its mother in 2021 near St. Augustine. Photos courtesy Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

A 54-foot, $1.2 million boat sinks after a collision that killed an endangered North Atlantic right whale calf and severely injured its mother in 2021 near St. Augustine. Photos courtesy Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Cruising for conservation

Sean Rosenthal
Friday, October 27, 2023
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is proposing changes to its vessel speed rules designed to protect North Atlantic right whales. The changes would broaden the boundaries and timing of seasonal speed restriction areas along the U.S.
Concept façade plan for a building on the site of the current “pocket park” on Centre Street. Submitted photo

Concept façade plan for a building on the site of the current “pocket park” on Centre Street. Submitted photo

Conceptual plans for pocket park building approved by HDC

Julia Roberts
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Conceptual plans for a building on the site of the current “pocket park” on Centre Street in Fernandina Beach were approved by the city’s Historic District Council, with very little variation from the first plans the HDC approved in January.
Evans’ Rendezvous, Historic Structure Report. Submitted photo

Evans’ Rendezvous, Historic Structure Report. Submitted photo

Rendezvous rejuvenation

Julia Roberts
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
On Nov. 4, a series of organizational meetings will begin next month to create a plan for Evans’ Rendezvous, site of the historic nightclub at American Beach.
Path of the multi-use Amelia Island Parkway Trail, connecting South Fletcher Avenue to South 8th Street. Submitted photo

Path of the multi-use Amelia Island Parkway Trail, connecting South Fletcher Avenue to South 8th Street. Submitted photo

County “leading the way” on infrastructure 

Sean Rosenthal
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Over the next few years Nassau County will explore widening SR 200 from CR 17 to Amelia Island Parkway, a William Burgess Boulevard extension from US 17 to Miner Road, two rebuilt fire stations and sleeping quarters added to Fire Station 20, a new road from Hendricks Road to Amelia Concourse and...
Nassau County’s newest Planning and Zoning Board member Ashley Spicer (left) and Omni Resort Manager and now AITDC member Joshua Summers. Submitted photos

Nassau County’s newest Planning and Zoning Board member Ashley Spicer (left) and Omni Resort Manager and now AITDC member Joshua Summers. Submitted photos

County appoints two board members, health administrator

Sean Rosenthal
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Nassau County has a new Florida Department of Health Administrator, Amelia Island Tourism Development Council member and Planning and Zoning Board member.
Right Whale Festival

Right Whale Festival

Right Whale Festival returns bigger than ever

News Staff
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
The annual Right Whale Festival will return to Amelia Island and will be bigger than ever with more than 100 exhibitors and many new fun and educational events. The festival will be held Nov. 4-5 at Main Beach Park in Fernandina Beach, beginning at 10 a.m.