Regional

Taylor Clem in June 2025 at a Nassau County Extension Irrigation Workshop and Florida Friendly Landscape Recognition. UF/IFAS Photo by Cat Wofford

Extension director to depart to join Nassau County conservation efforts

Ashley Chandler

Saturday, November 22, 2025

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Nassau County Extension director has announced his departure from the local extension office.

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

Nick Blank

Friday, November 14, 2025

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.

Interviews begin for two judge vacancies

News Staff

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Interviews will take place this week for a new Nassau County Court judgeship and a Fourth Judicial Circuit position.

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

Marisa DeMar

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

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

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

Nick Blank

Friday, November 7, 2025

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

Locals distressed over potential development

Ashley Chandler

Thursday, November 6, 2025

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.

An aerial shot of the construction at Westside Regional Park. Submitted photo

Westside Regional Park construction moves along

Ashley Chandler

Thursday, November 6, 2025

Westside Regional Park is “quickly advancing through its initial construction phase,” according to Parks & Recreation Director Jay Robertson.

Michael J. Moore

Whale lecture emphasizes consumer power to protect species

Nick Blank

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

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.

A drone shot from above the Right Whale Festival held Nov. 1 and 2. DRONE SHOT PROVIDED BY THE RIGHT WHALE FESTIVAL

Locals celebrate and learn at annual Right Whale Festival

Ashley Chandler

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Hundreds of people came out to Main Beach over the weekend to celebrate the return of the North Atlantic right whale to Amelia Island.

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

Marisa DeMar

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

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