News

Code Enforcement looking at short-term rentals in the city

Amelia Island is a destination for thousands each year to enjoy its beaches, historic downtown and natural beauty. Hotels and bed-and-breakfasts abound, and in recent years, short-term rentals (STR) facilitated by companies such as Airbnb, VRBO and BACASA offer places for visitors to stay.

NCSD passes policy on suicide prevention

The Nassau County School Board approved a new administrative rule addressing suicide prevention in Nassau County schools at its Sept. 8 meeting, during National Suicide Prevention Week.
Local activist Rev. Bernard Thompson came before the Nassau County School Board to bring attention to the questionable circumstances of a Black school psychologist’s termination. Holly Dorman/News-Leader

Local activist Rev. Bernard Thompson came before the Nassau County School Board to bring attention to the questionable circumstances of a Black school psychologist’s termination. Holly Dorman/News-Leader

‘Lynched by the powers that be’

The Nassau County School District faces public allegations of discrimination against employees of color yet again after the termination of Ivey Mitchell, a school psychologist in the Exceptional Student Education Department.
Debate ensues over homeless resource center

Debate ensues over homeless resource center

Debate ensues over homeless resource center

Emotions ran high at Monday night’s Board of County Commissioners meeting when two opposing sides clashed over a proposed resource and services center for the homeless.
The site plan for a development at 1467 S. 14th Street includes 14 duplexes and a swimming pool. The city commission approved, with a split vote, to allow the developer to connect to the city’s water and sewer systems, eliminating the need for septic tanks. Submitted photo.

The site plan for a development at 1467 S. 14th Street includes 14 duplexes and a swimming pool. The city commission approved, with a split vote, to allow the developer to connect to the city’s water and sewer systems, eliminating the need for septic tanks. Submitted photo.

Amelia Marsh Pointe project moves forward

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article erroneously stated the project is located on South 14th Street. The correct address is 1467 S. 4th Street. We deeply apologize for any confusion this may have caused.
Photo courtesy of Rick Frey via Facebook

Photo courtesy of Rick Frey via Facebook

Hammerhead goes missing

Beach-goers were shocked to find a dead 12-foot hammerhead shark washed ashore at American Beach last week. Perhaps more shocking is its disappearance since then. Sources told the News-Leader the “authorities” were contacted and the shark was taken in for a necropsy.
Central Park will look very different with new playground equipment purchased with a $500,000 donation from resident Betty Burke. The purchase will be made this month, with a dedication of the equipment set for Feb. 5, the birthday of Burke’s late husband.

Central Park will look very different with new playground equipment purchased with a $500,000 donation from resident Betty Burke. The purchase will be made this month, with a dedication of the equipment set for Feb. 5, the birthday of Burke’s late husband.

Central Park gets new playground equipment

When Betty Berkman learned that playground equipment at Central Park had been removed for safety reasons, she believed it was fitting, according to City Commissioner Bradley Bean, to honor her late husband by making a sizable donation to the city to provide better equipment.

BOCC meets new assistant county attorney

A new face found its way into the county commission chambers with County Attorney Denise May officially introducing Abigail Jorandby as the new assistant county attorney on Wednesday, Sept. 7. May was brief in introducing Jorandby to the commissioners but did offer more insight via a press release.

$8.8 million Yulee Primary expansion

The Nassau County School District is looking to pre-qualify contractors for a project at Yulee Primary School estimated to cost approximately $8.8 million. The project was first proposed by the district’s facilities department and approved by the school board more than a year ago.
Marjorie Haynes

Marjorie Haynes

Callahan woman pleads with county commission over River Road

Last week, a Callahan resident pleaded with the county commission to do something about the condition of River Road in light of a fatal car crash on Aug. 28. Marjorie Haynes, 82, and her late husband built their home on River Road more than 48 years ago.