Regional

Tire tracks on the beach earlier this year in American Beach. American Beach is a popular spot for beach recreation like parking and fishing. Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Tire tracks on the beach earlier this year in American Beach. American Beach is a popular spot for beach recreation like parking and fishing. Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Another chapter in the beach driving legal saga

Ashley Chandler
Friday, October 17, 2025
Amelia Island beachside residents are showing up to protect local beaches, dunes and endangered species, and they are taking on Nassau County to do so.
Commissioner Alyson McCullough reads a statement which requests that county staff review guidelines set by The National Animal Care & Control Association. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Commissioner Alyson McCullough reads a statement which requests that county staff review guidelines set by The National Animal Care & Control Association. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Commissioner asks for staff to get started on NCAS policy

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
At Monday’s Board of County Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Alyson McCullough said she wants a discussion to take place and a policy to be set for Nassau County Animal Services. “We do not have a clear policy,” McCullough said.
Nassau County Sheriff's Office at the scene of a bank robbery Friday at First Federal Bank in Yulee. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Nassau County Sheriff's Office at the scene of a bank robbery Friday at First Federal Bank in Yulee. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

NCSO seeks suspect in robbery

News Staff
Friday, October 10, 2025
UPDATE: Saturday, Oct. 11, 3:10 p.m. The Nassau County Sheriff's Office confirmed Saturday afternoon that the bank robbery at First Federal Bank on Friday was armed. The News-Leader will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.
Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Nassau works out kinks at splash pad

Ashley Chandler
Friday, October 10, 2025
Sounds of giggles, screams, pitter-pattering little feet and water splashing now fill Nassau Crossing Park.  Nassau County and its contractors have seemingly worked out the kinks at the new splash pad in Yulee.  Following the opening of the new water amenity on Sept.
Couple hugs in front of the closure sign at Brett’s Waterway Café on Friday, Oct 3. Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Couple hugs in front of the closure sign at Brett’s Waterway Café on Friday, Oct 3. Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Bye bye, Brett’s

Marisa DeMar
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
On the final day before its impending closure, Brett’s Waterway Cafe overflowed with customers sharing laughter, a meal, and raising their glasses at the bar one last time.
Cornerstone Classical Academy

Cornerstone Classical Academy

Jacksonville charter school eyes Wildlight

Nick Blank
Friday, October 3, 2025
Nassau County’s first charter school, pending the state process, is about two years away, its founder said. Cornerstone Classical Academy founder Lindsay Randall started the school around her kitchen table in 2018. Two years later, the school opened near the St. Johns Town Center in Jacksonville.
Cooper Trout, left, and Asher Sereda play at the splash pad Sept. 26 after its official opening. The two have been anxiously awaiting its opening, their mothers Michele and Halee told the News-Leader. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Cooper Trout, left, and Asher Sereda play at the splash pad Sept. 26 after its official opening. The two have been anxiously awaiting its opening, their mothers Michele and Halee told the News-Leader. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Splash pad woes

Ashley Chandler
Friday, October 3, 2025
Now open, free to the public in Nassau: A splash pad, unlike anything else in the county. But maybe check with the county before you pull up to Nassau Crossing Park to get in the water.  The county has faced trial after trial in getting the splash pad open and now faces more in keeping it open.
ames and Leatrice Bell hold the lock that blocks access to the George Crady Bridge from the Duval County side on Thursday. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader 

ames and Leatrice Bell hold the lock that blocks access to the George Crady Bridge from the Duval County side on Thursday. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader 

Bridging the gap 

Marisa DeMar
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
The George Crady Bridge and Fishing Pier is a mile-long pedestrian bridge that connects Nassau and Duval County.  Since its creation in 1948, the bridge has served as a pillar of both communities in being a significant place for families to gather and catch fish.