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Since the population experienced a steep decline nearly forty years ago, the red snapper in the South Atlantic have made an impressive comeback. Still, the species remains at risk of overfishing because of discard mortality, as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. File photo

Since the population experienced a steep decline nearly forty years ago, the red snapper in the South Atlantic have made an impressive comeback. Still, the species remains at risk of overfishing because of discard mortality, as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. File photo

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Rutherford reintroduces Red Snapper Act

Holly Dorman
Thursday, July 27, 2023
Congressman John Rutherford reintroduced the Red Snapper Act, aimed at prohibiting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration from implementing area closures for red snapper until the Great Red Snapper Count is finished and the data integrated into NOAA’s decision.
Fernandina Beach Marina. File Photo

Fernandina Beach Marina. File Photo

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Fernandina Beach Marina: One hiccup after another

Julia Roberts
Thursday, July 27, 2023
At this week’s meeting of the Fernandina Beach Marina Advisory Board, a plan to raise the rates on some commercial slip holders was met with less than enthusiastic response from board members.
The City of Fernandina Beach and Nassau County Board of County Commissioners came together to proclaims the week of July 28 through August 5, 2023 as “Gullah/Geechee Nation Appreciation Week.” Photo by Julia Roberts/News-Leader

The City of Fernandina Beach and Nassau County Board of County Commissioners came together to proclaims the week of July 28 through August 5, 2023 as “Gullah/Geechee Nation Appreciation Week.” Photo by Julia Roberts/News-Leader

City and county celebrate Gullah Geechee

Julia Roberts
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
The City of Fernandina Beach and Nassau County Board of County Commissioners came together to proclaims the week of July 28 through August 5, 2023 as “Gullah/Geechee Nation Appreciation Week.

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News-Leader brings home awards

News Staff
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
The News-Leader is proud to announce its placement in the annual Florida Press Association awards. In local government reporting, reporter Julia Roberts’ series on Brett’s Waterway Cafe won third place.
The Citizens’ Task Force for Safe Walking and Biking identified South Fletcher Avenue as having several safety issues, including uneven bike lanes, dangerous drain covers and a lack of crosswalks. Submitted photo

The Citizens’ Task Force for Safe Walking and Biking identified South Fletcher Avenue as having several safety issues, including uneven bike lanes, dangerous drain covers and a lack of crosswalks. Submitted photo

Walk, run and bike safety plan: Task force asks city commission to support efforts to make runners and bikers safe

Julia Roberts
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
A task force of people who walk, run and ride bicycles on Amelia Island spoke to the Fernandina Beach City Commission, presenting a plan to make streets and trails on the island safer. Mike Spino is the chair of the Citizens’ Task Force for Safe Walking and Biking.
Photo credit FWC, NOAA Fisheries permit #18786 This North Atlantic right whale calf was 1 month old when it was found dead on the beach of Anastasia State Park on Feb. 13, 2021.

Photo credit FWC, NOAA Fisheries permit #18786 This North Atlantic right whale calf was 1 month old when it was found dead on the beach of Anastasia State Park on Feb. 13, 2021.

NOAA: Right whales closer to extinction than previously thought

Holly Dorman
Friday, July 21, 2023
New information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration suggests North Atlantic right whales may be closer to extinction than previously thought.
North Beach Park is in need of repairs, Fernandina Beach City Commissioner Chip Ross says, but that work is not included in the capital improvements funded by the proposed 2023-24 budget for the city. That budget is based on revenue that would be generated if the commission adopts the rollback millage rate. The rate is scheduled to be set at a special meeting at 5:05 p.m. Tuesday, July 25 at City Hall. Photo by Julia Roberts/News-Leader

North Beach Park is in need of repairs, Fernandina Beach City Commissioner Chip Ross says, but that work is not included in the capital improvements funded by the proposed 2023-24 budget for the city. That budget is based on revenue that would be generated if the commission adopts the rollback millage rate. The rate is scheduled to be set at a special meeting at 5:05 p.m. Tuesday, July 25 at City Hall. Photo by Julia Roberts/News-Leader

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‘Pretend and extend’ - City manager gives commission list of projects to be cut under rollback millage rate

Julia Roberts
Thursday, July 20, 2023
What projects will be cut from the city’s capital improvement plan if the city commission approves a budget based on the rollback rate, as has been advocated by some city commissioners?

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Salary increases for city commissions proposed

Julia Roberts
Thursday, July 20, 2023
The proposed budget for the city of Fernandina Beach for the 2023-24 fiscal year has what some commissioners are saying was a surprise — a $5,000 annual salary increase. The current monthly salary for commissioners is $1,000, $12,000 annually. The raise would make that $1,500 or $18,000 annually.