Regional

The lettuce grown in the aquaponic greenhouse at Tradershill. Photos by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

The lettuce grown in the aquaponic greenhouse at Tradershill. Photos by Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

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Let us eat

Marisa DeMar
Thursday, December 11, 2025
The 30-acre lettuce farm in Hillard known as Tradershill grows nearly a million heads of lettuce per year through their unique system of aquaponic agriculture.
From left, commissioners Jeff Gray and Alyson McCullough at the Board of County Commissioners annual reorganizational meeting Monday. McCullough was appointed chair, and Gray as vice-chair for 2026. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

From left, commissioners Jeff Gray and Alyson McCullough at the Board of County Commissioners annual reorganizational meeting Monday. McCullough was appointed chair, and Gray as vice-chair for 2026. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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County holds annual reorganizational meeting

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners had a busy Monday to kick off its December meetings.  The first meeting of the night was the board’s annual reorganizational meeting.
The Board of County Commissioners meet Monday. From left, Commissioners John Martin, Klynt Farmer, A.M. “Hupp” Huppmann, Jeff Gray and Alyson McCullough. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The Board of County Commissioners meet Monday. From left, Commissioners John Martin, Klynt Farmer, A.M. “Hupp” Huppmann, Jeff Gray and Alyson McCullough. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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County approves state appropriation, construction contracts, land purchases

Ashley Chandler
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners had a busy Monday to kick off its December meetings. Commissioners were two BOCC meetings deep before the regularly scheduled Monday meeting began.
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.