Regional

A customer walks into the tunnel entrance to Madison Scare Park 31st Street Station on Aug. 20 at the front entrance of Spirit Halloween in Yulee. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

A customer walks into the tunnel entrance to Madison Scare Park 31st Street Station on Aug. 20 at the front entrance of Spirit Halloween in Yulee. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Frights and delights: Locals stock up for spooky season at Spirit Halloween in Yulee

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Through the automatic doors of the old Joann Fabrics that recently closed at the Shoppes at Amelia, visitors are no longer greeted with bright-colored fabrics but by creepy noises, spooky faces and a tunnel entrance to Madison Scare Park 31st Street Station.
From left: Janice Ancrum, Chef Davron Wright, Chef Cavon Norris and Donna Granieri in the kitchen at Nassau County Council on Aging. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

From left: Janice Ancrum, Chef Davron Wright, Chef Cavon Norris and Donna Granieri in the kitchen at Nassau County Council on Aging. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Taking on food insecurity: Council on Aging seeks sponsors for more impactful Thanksgiving lunch

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
This year, the Nassau County Council on Aging aims to counteract food insecurity, a rising concern for Amelia Island seniors. The local nonprofit is postponing its 2026 annual Gala to focus its efforts on its upcoming Thanksgiving fundraiser and luncheon, Giving Seniors Hope.
Commissioner Klynt Farmer gives remarks Monday, Aug. 25 regarding public comments made about the county’s animal shelter. Farmer said he has received multiple threats following his comments that “the loudest boos come from the cheapest seats,” and “I'm not in the business of wallowing with the hogs.” Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Commissioner Klynt Farmer gives remarks Monday, Aug. 25 regarding public comments made about the county’s animal shelter. Farmer said he has received multiple threats following his comments that “the loudest boos come from the cheapest seats,” and “I'm not in the business of wallowing with the hogs.” Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Local outcry paints picture of chaos: Commissioner receives threats following 'disrespectful' comments

Ashley Chandler
Friday, August 29, 2025
Nassau County Animal Services is still under fire. Current and former volunteers and concerned citizens have flooded several Nassau County social media pages with conversations about the shelter.
Lexus Harrison, former Nassau County Animal Services volunteer, speaks at Monday’s Board of County Commissioners meeting. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Lexus Harrison, former Nassau County Animal Services volunteer, speaks at Monday’s Board of County Commissioners meeting. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Shelter, county hounded at BOCC meeting

Ashley Chandler
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
The Commission Chambers were overflowing Monday for the second time in August. This time Nassau County was fired up about its animal care. The discussion at Monday’s Board of County Commissioners meeting was already underway in the weeks prior on social media.
Quinn Ortiz at the Downtown Harbor Marina on Aug. 17. Quinn holds the title of 'Miss Nassau' after placing in the Top 25 at Florida's state competition with National American Miss. She is heading for nationals, set for the week of Thanksgiving. The Yulee native said she spends a lot of time in downtown Fernandina Beach with her friends. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Quinn Ortiz at the Downtown Harbor Marina on Aug. 17. Quinn holds the title of 'Miss Nassau' after placing in the Top 25 at Florida's state competition with National American Miss. She is heading for nationals, set for the week of Thanksgiving. The Yulee native said she spends a lot of time in downtown Fernandina Beach with her friends. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Meet Miss Nassau: Yulee native to represent Nassau, Florida at national pageant competition

Ashley Chandler
Friday, August 22, 2025
Miss Nassau is going to nationals.  Yulee native Quinn Ortiz will travel to the National American Miss Pageant the week of Thanksgiving to compete as Miss Nassau.
Three shrimp trawlers are tied-up at wharves on the Amelia River north of where the current marina is located.  Photo courtesy of Amelia Island Museum of History 

Three shrimp trawlers are tied-up at wharves on the Amelia River north of where the current marina is located.  Photo courtesy of Amelia Island Museum of History 

Revitalizing the local shrimping industry 

Marisa DeMar
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
A spokesperson for the Northeast Florida Regional Council presented a study to the city of Fernandina Beach Commissioners that proposed a plan for revamping the local shrimping industry.  During the Aug.
The Board of County Commissioners prepares for its Aug. 11 meeting. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The Board of County Commissioners prepares for its Aug. 11 meeting. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

County approves opioid settlement disbursement recommendations

Ashley Chandler
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Last week, the Board of County Commissioners approved the recommendations made by the Opioid Settlement Task Force on where to place the funds Nassau County received from opioid settlements.
Deputy County Manager and County Engineer Robert Companion at the Aug. 11 Board of County Commissioners meeting. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Deputy County Manager and County Engineer Robert Companion at the Aug. 11 Board of County Commissioners meeting. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Nassau County: Historic 500-year storm event prompts Jax Utilities contract increase

Ashley Chandler
Friday, August 15, 2025
Nassau County commissioners have increased the contract with Jax Utilities in response to last year’s historic storm event.  At Monday’s Board of County Commissioners meeting, commissioners OK’d an amendment to a contract with Jax Utilities Management, Inc.
The most significant development in the past year at Baptist was the opening of Nassau Crossings, an adjunct health and emergency care facility on SR 200 in Yulee.  Photo by Pam Bushnell/News-Leader

The most significant development in the past year at Baptist was the opening of Nassau Crossings, an adjunct health and emergency care facility on SR 200 in Yulee.  Photo by Pam Bushnell/News-Leader

Hospital President Anderson leads Baptist Medical Center Nassau to new heights

Pamela Bushnell
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Last week, Baptist Medical Center Nassau earned a five-star rating in patient quality care from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid, the national hospital accreditation body.  A five-star rating is the highest level attainable.