Regional

Attendees of the Nassau County tree lighting event Friday watch the fireworks that followed the lighting from under umbrellas at the Robert M. Foster Justice Center in Yulee. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Attendees of the Nassau County tree lighting event Friday watch the fireworks that followed the lighting from under umbrellas at the Robert M. Foster Justice Center in Yulee. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Rain and Shine: Despite rainy weather, locals put on the lights

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Locals battled rainy weather to attend a couple of annual holiday events over the weekend. Two regular programs, the annual county tree lighting event and the Lighted Christmas Parade in Fernandina Beach, were both in danger of not happening. Despite the gloom, locals forged on.
The Thomas J. Shave Jr. Bridge seen from the Piney Island residential area. Nassau County acquired a parcel of land in the Piney Island Viewshed it says will eventually will offer passive recreation. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The Thomas J. Shave Jr. Bridge seen from the Piney Island residential area. Nassau County acquired a parcel of land in the Piney Island Viewshed it says will eventually will offer passive recreation. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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‘A true gem:’ Nassau County makes first two CLAM purchases

Ashley Chandler
Friday, December 5, 2025
Nassau County has officially finalized its first two purchases from its Conservation Land Acquisition Management (CLAM) program. In doing so, the county has made steps in its work to conserve land and protect the natural beauty of Nassau County.

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County considers major hike to impact, mobility fees

Ashley Chandler
Friday, December 5, 2025
The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners is considering a significant hike in impact and mobility fees, and will hold its third and final workshop Monday. The board held its second Mobility Fee and Comprehensive Impact Fees Extraordinary Circumstances Workshop on Dec. 1.
Holly Coyle at a Nassau County Board of County Commissioners meeting in February 2025. Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Holly Coyle at a Nassau County Board of County Commissioners meeting in February 2025. Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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‘Her imprint will be seen for decades’

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Nassau County’s Economic Resources Coordinator Holly Coyle has set her retirement date and left the county with a pair of difficult shoes to fill.
Taylor Clem in June 2025 at a Nassau County Extension Irrigation Workshop and Florida Friendly Landscape Recognition. UF/IFAS Photo by Cat Wofford

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

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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.

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

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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.
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

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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

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

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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

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

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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.