Regional

The Fernandina Beach water tower and Water Treatment Plant on Monday located at Atlantic Avenue and 11th Street. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The Fernandina Beach water tower and Water Treatment Plant on Monday located at Atlantic Avenue and 11th Street. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Locals face 'severe water shortage'

Ashley Chandler
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
A concern of moderate water shortage has now been upgraded to a severe water shortage in Nassau and surrounding counties. A Phase Two Water Shortage has been declared indicating a “severe water shortage.”
County commissioners and staff during the Winter Strategic Planning Session on Friday. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

County commissioners and staff during the Winter Strategic Planning Session on Friday. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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County hosts Winter Strategic Planning Session

Ashley Chandler
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Last week, Nassau County commissioners, staff, consultants and members of the public filled the Bean Center at the FSCJ Betty P Cook Nassau Center.On Thursday and Friday, Nassau County held the Winter Strategic Planning Session to discuss plans for the county’s future.
Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper and Director of Nassau County Animal Services Steve MacKinnon

Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper and Director of Nassau County Animal Services Steve MacKinnon

Report: Bryceville man accused of sexual activity with dog

News Staff
Monday, March 2, 2026
A 68-year-old Bryceville man has been accused of sexually abusing his dog, according to the Nassau County Sheriffs Office.James Piner was arrested Thursday on a charge of sexual activities involving animals.At a press conference Monday afternoon, Sheriff Bill Leeper said the case made him feel...
An aerial view of Westside Regional Park construction. Submitted

An aerial view of Westside Regional Park construction. Submitted

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Nassau County’s Westside Regional Park takes shape

Ashley Chandler
Friday, February 27, 2026
New aerial photographs of the construction progress of Westside Regional Park show the highly-anticipated park is taking form. Jay Robertson, Parks & Recreation director for Nassau County, said phase one of the project is “on schedule and in line for an early summer opening.”

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District safety specialist brings federal, private experience to new role

Nick Blank
Friday, February 27, 2026
In early 2018, a gunman killed 17 people and injured 17 at Marjorie Stone Douglas High in Parkland, a mass shooting that would galvanize the Florida Legislature and local school boards to focus on school safety and security for the next decade.Stephen Johns, recently hired as the Nassau County...
County Manager Taco Pope presents at the Winter Strategic Planning Session on Thursday. Nick Blank/News-Leader

County Manager Taco Pope presents at the Winter Strategic Planning Session on Thursday. Nick Blank/News-Leader

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County: CFO gave ‘incomplete review’

Ashley Chandler
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Nassau County has released its budget analysis in response to Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia’s initial report that Nassau County’s Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget included more than $50 million of wasteful spending.
Members of the Nassau County Boys and Girls Club Choir perform for attendees of their 19th annual gala at the Ritz Carlton on Saturday.  By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader 

Members of the Nassau County Boys and Girls Club Choir perform for attendees of their 19th annual gala at the Ritz Carlton on Saturday.  By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader 

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Moonlight in Paris

Marisa DeMar
Thursday, February 26, 2026
The Nassau County chapter of the Boys and Girls Club raised significant funds at its 19th annual gala on Saturday. The event “Moonlight in Paris” was held at the Ritz Carlton Resort on Amelia Island and marks one of its biggest fundraisers of the year.
Commissioner John Martin presents a proclamation designating Thursday as Human Trafficking Awareness and Identification Day in Nassau County to Dea Sims, Chair of the Jacksonville Women’s Network Speaker’s Forum, and Cheryl Munn, communications committee of the Jacksonville Women’s Network, at Monday’s Board of County Commissioners meeting. Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Commissioner John Martin presents a proclamation designating Thursday as Human Trafficking Awareness and Identification Day in Nassau County to Dea Sims, Chair of the Jacksonville Women’s Network Speaker’s Forum, and Cheryl Munn, communications committee of the Jacksonville Women’s Network, at Monday’s Board of County Commissioners meeting. Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Nassau County raises awareness of human trafficking

News Staff
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Nassau County declared Thursday as Human Trafficking Awareness and Identification Day in the county.
The Board of County Commissioners meets Monday in the Commission Chambers at the James S. Page Governmental Complex. From left, County Attorney Denise May and commissioners John Martin, Klynt Farmer, Alyson McCullough, Jeff Gray and A.M. ‘Hupp’ Huppmann. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The Board of County Commissioners meets Monday in the Commission Chambers at the James S. Page Governmental Complex. From left, County Attorney Denise May and commissioners John Martin, Klynt Farmer, Alyson McCullough, Jeff Gray and A.M. ‘Hupp’ Huppmann. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Tourism Development Tax updates continue

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
At Monday’s Board of County Commissioners meeting, the board terminated its agreement with the Amelia Island Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.
Baptist Health, in collaboration with Life Flight, has stationed a medical transport helicopter at Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport, a strategic move designed to enhance response times and improve access to life-saving care throughout Northeast Florida.

Baptist Health, in collaboration with Life Flight, has stationed a medical transport helicopter at Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport, a strategic move designed to enhance response times and improve access to life-saving care throughout Northeast Florida.

Baptist Health boosts critical care in Nassau

News Staff
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Medical transport helicopter based out of Fernandina Beach airport will cut response timesWith a Life Flight medical transport helicopter now stationed at Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport, Baptist Health is improving life-saving care capabilities for area residents.