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Paddling for heroes raises awareness of veteran suicide. Photos by Mariah Lovin/Special

Paddling for heroes raises awareness of veteran suicide. Photos by Mariah Lovin/Special

Paddling for heroes raises awareness of veteran suicide

News Staff
Thursday, June 22, 2023
On Saturday morning, 123 people were brave enough to kayak 9 miles from St. Marys, Ga., to the downtown Fernandina Beach marina, a journey of some three or four hours on average.
Amelia Island Beach Parks final conceptual plans. Submitted photo

Amelia Island Beach Parks final conceptual plans. Submitted photo

City commission approves preliminary beach harmonization plan

Julia Roberts
Thursday, June 22, 2023
The city of Fernandina Beach will take advantage of tourist development dollars to upgrade beach parks in the city, but the city commission is not taking that money without making sure the park improvements are in character with the rest of the city.
The fourth annual Juneteenth jump-off was held at the Peck Center Saturday. Photo by Julia Roberts/News-Leader

The fourth annual Juneteenth jump-off was held at the Peck Center Saturday. Photo by Julia Roberts/News-Leader

Celebrating Juneteenth

Julia Roberts
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
The fourth annual Juneteenth jump-off was held at the Peck Center Saturday. Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 that federal troops arrived in Texas and informed enslaved African Americans they were free.
The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office responded to two boat crashes within just a few hours of each other late Sunday night. One involved a couple and their dog, whose boat crashed into the jetties, and the other saw a runaway boat after the operator was thrown into the water. Submitted photo

The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office responded to two boat crashes within just a few hours of each other late Sunday night. One involved a couple and their dog, whose boat crashed into the jetties, and the other saw a runaway boat after the operator was thrown into the water. Submitted photo

NCSO Marine Unit responds to boat crashes

Holly Dorman
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit had an eventful weekend, leading two marine rescues when things went awry on the water. At around 9 p.m. Sunday night, officers responded to calls of a sinking sailboat.
Matt McPhail, right, was introduced to the OHPA Commission by port operator senior director of operations Butch Gilbert. Photo by Julia Roberts/News-Leader

Matt McPhail, right, was introduced to the OHPA Commission by port operator senior director of operations Butch Gilbert. Photo by Julia Roberts/News-Leader

OHPA commission questions executive directors job performance

Julia Roberts
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
The Ocean Highway and Port Authority Commission is asking if it is receiving a fair return on investment with its $130,000 salary paid to David Kaufman, who OHPA hired as port executive director last year.
Emily Adkins with Governor Ron DeSantis. Submitted photo

Emily Adkins with Governor Ron DeSantis. Submitted photo

Governor Ron DeSantis signs Emily Adkins Prevention Act

News Staff
Thursday, June 15, 2023
The Emily Adkins Prevention Act is now a Florida law.  Nassau County resident Emily Adkins died at age 23 from a massive pulmonary embolism stemming from blood clots associated with an ankle fracture on Oct. 21, 2022. “We are grateful beyond words,” Adkins’s father, Doug, said.
Nassau County, Fla.

Nassau County, Fla.

BOCC reduces PZB from 11 to seven members

Julia Roberts
Thursday, June 15, 2023
The Nassau County Planning and Zoning Board will have just seven members, as opposed to the 11 that have been required by the county, after the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners voted an amendment that reduces the size of that board.
The discussion became heated as Eight Flags Disc Golf President Tommy Goad answered questions from Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee member Phil Chapman at the workshop at Simmons Park. Photo by Holly Dorman/News-Leader

The discussion became heated as Eight Flags Disc Golf President Tommy Goad answered questions from Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee member Phil Chapman at the workshop at Simmons Park. Photo by Holly Dorman/News-Leader

PRAC recommends against disc golf course

Holly Dorman
Thursday, June 15, 2023
The Fernandina Beach Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee voted to recommend against allowing a new disc golf course in Simmons Park, leaving the final decision up to the city commission.
Downtown Fernandina Beach, Florida. Submitted photo

Downtown Fernandina Beach, Florida. Submitted photo

City discusses downtown parking

Julia Roberts
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
“We expect parking to be immediately available directly in front of our destination, and most importantly, free.
Dewey Larson with his F/A-18 aircraft. Submitted photo

Dewey Larson with his F/A-18 aircraft. Submitted photo

Top Gun at Fernandina Beach

News Staff
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
As I entered the airport gate last week, I realized that I was face to face with the business end of an F/A-18 aircraft parked just inside the fence.  “What the…?”  A close fly-by revealed the harmless nature of this warbird, as it was just the cockpit section sitting on an open bed trailer.