Local

Spanish moss covering trees is a common part of our natural and built environments. Photo courtesy of UF/IFAS Extension

Spanish moss covering trees is a common part of our natural and built environments. Photo courtesy of UF/IFAS Extension

A Spanish beard

Taylor Clem
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Unplugging in the wild is a breath of fresh air. Have you ever spent time paddling a wilderness trail, exploring the depths of the swamps, rivers and marshes? A silence from our busy lives becomes supplanted with a harmony of nature.
The Nassau County School Board took a moment during the recent school board meeting to celebrate the dedication of Hurricane Idalia heroes. Submitted photo

The Nassau County School Board took a moment during the recent school board meeting to celebrate the dedication of Hurricane Idalia heroes. Submitted photo

Hurricane heroes and scholarship winners shine bright

Tracy Dishman
Thursday, September 21, 2023
The spotlight shone brightly on a diverse array of recognitions that truly exemplify the essence of community engagement and educational excellence.

OHPA Commission eliminates port director position

Julia Roberts
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
In what appeared to be an unexpected vote, the Ocean Highway and Port Authority effectively fired the executive director of the Port of Fernandina, offering him the job of representing the port on the Florida Ports Council for a $30,000 fee instead of the $130,000 he makes now.
Created by the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners in 1988, the Amelia Island Tourist Development Council (AITDC) oversees the development and marketing of Amelia Island as a world-class tourism destination. As provided by Florida law, the AITDC is responsible for the expenditure of revenues received from the levy and imposition of the tourism development tax. Submitted photo

Created by the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners in 1988, the Amelia Island Tourist Development Council (AITDC) oversees the development and marketing of Amelia Island as a world-class tourism destination. As provided by Florida law, the AITDC is responsible for the expenditure of revenues received from the levy and imposition of the tourism development tax. Submitted photo

Tourism strategy to expand countywide

Sean Rosenthal
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
A tourism consulting firm working with the Amelia Island Tourism Development Council (AITDC) is making a “cornerstone recommendation” to expand the Tourist Development Tax (TDT), placing the “bed tax” on short-term accommodations countywide.
Fernandina Beach Planning Advisory Board members say taking this property into the city to provide water and sewer service will require the developer to adhere to the more stringent laws governing trees and will eliminate the need to install septic tanks. The site was to become a luxury RV park, but the owner has submitted plans to build townhomes on it. Photo by Julia Roberts/News-Leader

Fernandina Beach Planning Advisory Board members say taking this property into the city to provide water and sewer service will require the developer to adhere to the more stringent laws governing trees and will eliminate the need to install septic tanks. The site was to become a luxury RV park, but the owner has submitted plans to build townhomes on it. Photo by Julia Roberts/News-Leader

PAB approves RV park site for townhome development

Julia Roberts
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Ty Ross

Ty Ross

City commission OKs new city manager

Julia Roberts
Friday, September 15, 2023
City of Fernandina Beach will soon have a new manager at the helm. The city commission unanimously voted to offer the job to Ty Ross, choosing him over four other candidates. “I am the right person at the right time to help lead this community in the future,” Ross told the city commission.
Nassau County Board of County Commissioners

Nassau County Board of County Commissioners

Nassau County FY 2023-2024 budget updated

Sean Rosenthal
Friday, September 15, 2023
Nassau County’s Fiscal Year 2023-24 tentative budget was raised $4,603,142 by previously unallocated revenues and $18,514,136 in “projected cash carry forwards,” totaling $23,117,278 in funds tentatively added to the budget that was originally presented on July 24.
Agencies from Fernandina Beach and Nassau County were on scene near beach access No. 6 Wednesday, where two swimmers were rescued. Emergency responders could not find a third swimmer until Thursday afternoon. Photo by Julia Roberts/News-Leader

Agencies from Fernandina Beach and Nassau County were on scene near beach access No. 6 Wednesday, where two swimmers were rescued. Emergency responders could not find a third swimmer until Thursday afternoon. Photo by Julia Roberts/News-Leader

Swimmer found on north end

Julia Roberts
Friday, September 15, 2023
The Fernandina Beach Fire Department focused its efforts into recovering the body of a swimmer who was lost in the surf on the north end of Amelia Island Wednesday.   According to Fire Chief Ty Silcox, his department was notified of three swimmers in distress Wednesday afternoon.
www.NassauFL.gov

www.NassauFL.gov

Protect The Vote project

Guest Columnist
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Janet H. Adkins, Nassau County Supervisor of Elections, announces that her office recently received guidance from the Florida Department of State indicating that any vote-by-mail request made before the Nov. 8, 2022, General Election, has expired.