Regional

NCSO: Contractor accused of leaving projects unfinished

News Staff
Friday, August 28, 2026
The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office said a contractor in Yulee was arrested after allegedly accepting payment for home improvement work that was not completed. Jack Edwin Harris, 38, was arrested on Monday and charged with organized fraud and engaging in contracting without certification.
Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a Florida International University on Wednesday. Provided photo

Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a Florida International University on Wednesday. Provided photo

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DeSantis calls for license-plate reader overhaul

Amy Mulligan
Friday, August 28, 2026
Amid growing controversy in Florida and other states, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday called for an overhaul of how law enforcement agencies use automated license plate readers.
From left, Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper and Undersheriff Jon Hooper pose with a proclamation Monday recognizing the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office’s 200th anniversary.

From left, Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper and Undersheriff Jon Hooper pose with a proclamation Monday recognizing the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office’s 200th anniversary.

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Nassau honors 200 years of NCSO

Ashley Chandler
Thursday, August 27, 2026
The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners approved a proclamation on Monday recognizing 200 years of the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office.
ARIAS — Amelia Residents In Action for the Symphony — continues working to expand music education opportunities for Nassau County students. Submitted

ARIAS — Amelia Residents In Action for the Symphony — continues working to expand music education opportunities for Nassau County students. Submitted

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ARIAS keeps music playing in Nassau

Amy Mulligan
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
For some students, music class is an opportunity to learn an instrument. For others, it can become a lifelong passion, a creative outlet or a way to connect with their peers and community.Research increasingly suggests it can also have benefits that extend well beyond the music room.

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Tasty’s closes Wildlight location

Nick Blank
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
The Wildlight location of a notable burger chain based on Amelia Island closed Sunday.The Tasty’s Wildlight restaurant was in operation for about seven years. A post from owner Katy Dougherty said some places are more than a restaurant to those in the community.
Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Nassau joins coastal restoration partnership

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Last week, the St Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) announced Nassau County and the City of Atlantic Beach have initiated memorandums of agreement with the district that provides a “framework for partnering on coastal restoration efforts.”“The partnership between the St.
Raffaela Marie Rizzo Fenn received the Gold Medal in Biography from the Florida Authors and Publishers Association President's Book Awards. Submitted

Raffaela Marie Rizzo Fenn received the Gold Medal in Biography from the Florida Authors and Publishers Association President's Book Awards. Submitted

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‘Goodness personified:' Local author talks about her father who inspired award-winning biography

Ashley Chandler
Friday, August 21, 2026
A Fernandina Beach resident is an award-winning book author after she received the Gold Medal in Biography from the Florida Authors and Publishers Association President's Book Awards.Raffaela Marie Rizzo Fenn wrote the book, “Thank You For The Shoes: The Story of an Extraordinary Ordinary Man.
K9 Lea is a finalist in the Military category of The American Humane Hero Dog Awards, which the organization said celebrates 'ordinary dogs that do extraordinary things.' Voting is open until Sept. 18

K9 Lea is a finalist in the Military category of The American Humane Hero Dog Awards, which the organization said celebrates 'ordinary dogs that do extraordinary things.' Voting is open until Sept. 18

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The Lea Show: Local Military K9 duo seeks support in Hero Dog competition

Ashley Chandler
Thursday, August 20, 2026
A local military K9 duo is seeking support as they are in the running for a national award.Victoria “Tori” Blandford, Fernandina Beach resident and Lea’s handler, said the black lab explosives dog definitely deserves to be recognized for her accolades.