News

News-Leader brings home awards

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

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

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

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

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?

Salary increases for city commissions proposed

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.

BOCC hears CIP projects, looks at economy

At a special meeting, the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners heard presentations from county staff about the county’s Capital Improvement plan — projects underway, ones planned for the coming fiscal year that begins Oct. 1 and requests for funding the county’s fleet of vehicles.

NCSB approves first phase of communications plan

The Nassau County School Board approved the first phase of the school district’s new communication plan. At the July 13 meeting, the board unanimously approved the next steps to be taken through the end of the calendar year.
Chef Xylina Green getting ready to plate a meal. Submitted photo

Chef Xylina Green getting ready to plate a meal. Submitted photo

Local chef competes in Favorite Chef competition

Local personal chef and caterer Xylina Green is in the top five of her group in Carla Hall’s Favorite Chef contest. She is relying on our community to vote for her to win $25,000, money that she plans to bring back to the Amelia Island commercial cooking community.