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Officers on the scene of an incident invovling an SUV and a bicycle March 27 on South Fletcher Avenue. Amy Mulligan/News-Leader

Officers on the scene of an incident invovling an SUV and a bicycle March 27 on South Fletcher Avenue. Amy Mulligan/News-Leader

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FHP: Bicyclist hospitalized after collision with SUV

News Staff
Friday, April 3, 2026
A 75-year-old Fernandina Beach man suffered “incapacitating injuries” while riding a bicycle March 27 after a car swerved into the bike lane on South Fletcher Avenue knocked him off the bike and ran over him, according to a Florida Highway Patrol report.
Ron Whitesides, of Purvis, Gray & Co., presents Wednesday to the Board of County Commissioners on the companies’ most recent audit of the BOCC and constitutional offices. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Ron Whitesides, of Purvis, Gray & Co., presents Wednesday to the Board of County Commissioners on the companies’ most recent audit of the BOCC and constitutional offices. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Audit firm reports county in ‘good, healthy financial condition’

Ashley Chandler
Friday, March 20, 2026
Nassau County received an assuring report on its last Fiscal Year from an external auditor. The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners heard an update from Ron Whitesides with Purvis, Gray & Co., following the company’s audit for Fiscal Year 2024/2025, which ended on Sept. 30.
The fate of the Penny Press machine in Ship's Lantern is uncertain as pennies fade out of circulation. Amy Mulligan/News-Leader

The fate of the Penny Press machine in Ship's Lantern is uncertain as pennies fade out of circulation. Amy Mulligan/News-Leader

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End of pennies changes payments

Amy Mulligan
Friday, March 13, 2026
Don’t expect exact change when you’re paying with cash if Gov. Ron DeSantis signs a bill that will allow retailers and consumers to round up or down to the nearest nickel. The House voted 111-1 Tuesday on the measure (SB 1074). Jacksonville Democratic Rep. Angie Nixon voted against it.
Gov. Ron DeSantis makes an announcement about newly proposed red snapper fishing laws during his conference at the Amelia Island Marina in Fernandina Beach on Monday morning.  Photos by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Gov. Ron DeSantis makes an announcement about newly proposed red snapper fishing laws during his conference at the Amelia Island Marina in Fernandina Beach on Monday morning.  Photos by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

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Snap to it

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis came to the Amelia Island Marina in Fernandina Beach to hold a news conference regarding the proposal of new recreational fishing laws surrounding the Atlantic red snapper.

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Despite healthy staffing, schools seeking hires

Nick Blank
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
By Nick Blank News-Leader   More than two months into the school year, the Nassau County School District still has positions to fill.   The district has approximately 1,700 employees.
Brett's Waterway Cafe at the Downtown Harbor Marina is shown in July. The store has had 'Store Closing' signs up for several months. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Brett's Waterway Cafe at the Downtown Harbor Marina is shown in July. The store has had 'Store Closing' signs up for several months. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Brett’s Waterway Cafe announces official closure

Marisa DeMar
Friday, October 3, 2025
After months in limbo, Brett’s Waterway Cafe in Fernandina Beach has officially announced its closure. In a Facebook post made by the restaurant Thursday, they shared their plan to stop operations this weekend with their final day of service being tomorrow, Oct. 4.

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Story & Song is one for the books

Jim Luksic
Friday, August 8, 2025
To this day, I insist one of the most relaxing and gratifying hobbies is to visit brick-and-mortar bookstores. Call me old-fashioned. Just don’t call me late for coffee. Sure, it’s quicker and sometimes more economical to order books online.
Lisa Finkelstein will be spending more time at Fernandina Beach City Hall after she takes over as Downtown District Manager. "The Downtown Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of our Downtown and this position has been a need for some time," Deputy City Manager Jeremiah Glisson said. Finkelstein begins her new position with the city Jan. 27.

Lisa Finkelstein will be spending more time at Fernandina Beach City Hall after she takes over as Downtown District Manager. "The Downtown Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of our Downtown and this position has been a need for some time," Deputy City Manager Jeremiah Glisson said. Finkelstein begins her new position with the city Jan. 27.

Finkelstein to manage downtown Fernandina Beach

Julia Roberts
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
The city of Fernandina Beach has many moving parts that make it unique. The city owns a marina, golf course and airport and hosts numerous festivals.