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Betty Berkman, along with city officials and her family, cuts the ribbon on a park built with her contribution. The park was named to honor her late husband David, and was dedicated on his birthday. “David was the most wonderful, loving, caring person I’ve ever known,” she said. “He cared about people and especially this community. He would love this playground and the joy it will give to so many children.” Submitted photo

Betty Berkman, along with city officials and her family, cuts the ribbon on a park built with her contribution. The park was named to honor her late husband David, and was dedicated on his birthday. “David was the most wonderful, loving, caring person I’ve ever known,” she said. “He cared about people and especially this community. He would love this playground and the joy it will give to so many children.” Submitted photo

Berkman Benevolence: Teddy Bear Playground dedication

Julia Roberts
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Hundreds gathered in Central Park Sunday for the dedication of Teddy Bear Playground in honor of the late David Berkman on his birthday.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF FWC FISH AND WILDLIFE RESEARCH INSTITUTE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FWC FISH AND WILDLIFE RESEARCH INSTITUTE

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Right whales halfway through calving season

Holly Dorman
Thursday, February 2, 2023
North Atlantic right whales are officially halfway through the 2023 calving season with 12 calves thus far. Since the annual calving season began in mid-November, mother-calf pairs have made the trip from New England and Canada down to the warmer waters of northeast Florida.
Henry served in the Navy for 20 years. He was aboard the USS Helena during the attack on Pearl Harbor in WWII. Submitted photo

Henry served in the Navy for 20 years. He was aboard the USS Helena during the attack on Pearl Harbor in WWII. Submitted photo

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Remembering a hero: Richard ‘Dick’ Henry

Tracy Dishman
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Executives from Wounded Warrior Project and the Veterans Council of Nassau County recently honored a late WWII veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor, Richard “Dick” Henry, with a memorial bench in Central Park in Fernandina Beach.
Bags of cement mix being shipped into the Port of Fernandina were compromised, leading to spillage on the ground. Port Operator Nassau Terminals said the company was unaware of burst bags, only that some bags had “small holes from shipping and handling.” Photo by Julia Roberts/News-Leader

Bags of cement mix being shipped into the Port of Fernandina were compromised, leading to spillage on the ground. Port Operator Nassau Terminals said the company was unaware of burst bags, only that some bags had “small holes from shipping and handling.” Photo by Julia Roberts/News-Leader

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Bagged cement coming into port concerns citizens

Julia Roberts
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Residents of the neighborhood around the Port of Fernandina are concerned about cargo that is coming into the port, and the effects it could have on the area. The port received bags of cement mix, which is in a powder form, this week.

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Island businesses are drawn to Wildlight

Guest Columnist
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Like a moth to a light, like a seagull to a beach, Amelia Island businesses are being drawn to the wide open spaces around the Wildlight community in Yulee. The latest local business to expand westward is Mocama Beer Co. – and in a big way.
Several key NCCOA leaders and donors celebrated the record-breaking fundraising outcome during the 17th annual Salute to Seniors Gala Jan. 21 at the Omni Amelia Island Resort. They are, from left, Julie Wood, NCCOA Board Chair Ken Saitow, Betty Berkman, NCCOA President and CEO Janice Ancrum, holding record, Board Vice Chair Rick Keffer and auctioneer Aaron Bean. Photo by Page Teahan Photography

Several key NCCOA leaders and donors celebrated the record-breaking fundraising outcome during the 17th annual Salute to Seniors Gala Jan. 21 at the Omni Amelia Island Resort. They are, from left, Julie Wood, NCCOA Board Chair Ken Saitow, Betty Berkman, NCCOA President and CEO Janice Ancrum, holding record, Board Vice Chair Rick Keffer and auctioneer Aaron Bean. Photo by Page Teahan Photography

NCCOA 17th annual gala salutes our greatest generation

News Staff
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Nassau County Council on Aging's 17th annual Salute to Seniors Gala, held at the Omni Amelia Island Resort on Jan. 21, highlighted the life-enriching programs and services the agency offers our Greatest Generation in Nassau County. More than 300 people attended the fundraiser.
Quilts by the Sea quilt show, sponsored by Amelia Island Quilt Guild, is Feb. 17-18. Submitted photo

Quilts by the Sea quilt show, sponsored by Amelia Island Quilt Guild, is Feb. 17-18. Submitted photo

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Quilt show provides care and challenges

News Staff
Thursday, February 2, 2023
The Amelia Island Quilt Guild is proud to present its triennial quilt show, Quilts by the Sea, on Feb. 17 and 18. The show attracts visitors from the region, including First Coast counties and South Georgia. This year’s show promises to wow visitors with more than 100 quilts and fiber art pieces.
Ron Miller in front of “Nana” the largest dune in Florida.

Ron Miller in front of “Nana” the largest dune in Florida.

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Touring Amelia Island’s history and heritage

Guest Columnist
Thursday, February 2, 2023
American Beach on Amelia Island is a remarkable place with an important history. Founded in 1935 by A.L. Lewis, it was a place of respite for African Americans during the Jim Crow era, providing a space for “recreation and relaxation without fear of humiliation”.
Partnership provides local military families with a day of fishing. Submitted photo.

Partnership provides local military families with a day of fishing. Submitted photo.

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Partnership provides local military families with a day of fishing

News Staff
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
To bring accessible fishing opportunities and environmental education to local military families, Timucuan Parks Foundation recently teamed up with the National Park Service Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve for a Junior Ranger Angler Fishing Clinic for Blue Star Families Jacksonville.