Regional

From left: Phil Griffin, Len Kreger, Carol Weldon, Carlene McDuffie, Christine Harriman, Kayte Weldon and Kevin Harriman of Affordable Housing First.

From left: Phil Griffin, Len Kreger, Carol Weldon, Carlene McDuffie, Christine Harriman, Kayte Weldon and Kevin Harriman of Affordable Housing First.

Nonprofit targets affordable housing shortage

The face of affordability has changed dramatically, the staff of an affordable housing nonprofit said. Affordable Housing First co-founders Carlene McDuffie and Carol Weldon conceptualized an affordable housing-focused nonprofit in 2023, and it came to fruition in early 2024.
Gov. Ron DeSantis makes an announcement about newly proposed red snapper fishing laws during his conference at the Amelia Island Marina in Fernandina Beach on Monday morning.  Photos by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Gov. Ron DeSantis makes an announcement about newly proposed red snapper fishing laws during his conference at the Amelia Island Marina in Fernandina Beach on Monday morning.  Photos by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Snap to it

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis came to the Amelia Island Marina in Fernandina Beach to hold a news conference regarding the proposal of new recreational fishing laws surrounding the Atlantic red snapper.
Richard Thompson, Buddy Jacobs and Geoff McKisson kick off the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign. Jacobs rang the ceremonial first bell. Nick Blank/News-Leader

Richard Thompson, Buddy Jacobs and Geoff McKisson kick off the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign. Jacobs rang the ceremonial first bell. Nick Blank/News-Leader

Red Kettle Kickoff: Salvation Army prepares for bell-ringing season with open house

With two grocery stores currently closed on Amelia Island, the Salvation Army is emphasizing a greater need for volunteers and donations during the holiday season. The nonprofit’s iconic Red Kettle drive lasts from Nov. 28 to Christmas Eve.
One of Paramount ARC’s therapy horses in September. Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

One of Paramount ARC’s therapy horses in September. Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Locals distressed over potential development

A public hearing regarding the reclassification of a few thousand acres in Nassau County owned by Raydient LLC brought a group of concerned citizens to the Board of County Commissioners meeting on Oct. 27.
Michael J. Moore

Michael J. Moore

Whale lecture emphasizes consumer power to protect species

With little hope of regulatory change, the way to help save declining North Atlantic right whale populations is through changing what we buy, a leading marine biologist told an audience at the Courtyard Marriott in Fernandina Beach on Friday.
Lidea Clever speaks at the Right Whale Festival on Saturday, Nov. 1, at Main Beach Park in Fernandina Beach. Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Lidea Clever speaks at the Right Whale Festival on Saturday, Nov. 1, at Main Beach Park in Fernandina Beach. Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

10-year-old activist speaks at Right Whale Festival 

Lidea Clever, 10-year-old conservationist and author of three books, gave a speech at the Right Whale Festival in Fernandina Beach on Saturday.