News

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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

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.
Kathy Burns, Nassau County School Superintendent. Submitted photo

Kathy Burns, Nassau County School Superintendent. Submitted photo

NCSB discusses future student population growth

The Nassau County School Board heard ideas for future development as part of its June 8 workshop. Nassau County Superintendent of Schools Kathy Burns presented some of the items the district’s Land Growth Committee has discussed recently.
City of Fernandina Beach Commission Meeting 6-6-23. Submitted photo

City of Fernandina Beach Commission Meeting 6-6-23. Submitted photo

City commission discusses public comment

The Fernandina Beach City Commission chose not to move public comments for items not on a meeting agenda from the end of commission meetings; some commissioners said the meeting was “great” with those comments coming at the end.