Regional

Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper pauses for a moment as he tells the details of the scene found at West 12th Avenue home on July 24 at a press conference held at the sheriff's office July 25. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper pauses for a moment as he tells the details of the scene found at West 12th Avenue home on July 24 at a press conference held at the sheriff's office July 25. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Hilliard shooter pronounced dead

Ashley Chandler
Friday, July 25, 2025
Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper spoke in a somber tone Friday morning as he told the details of a scene at a West 12th Avenue home in Hilliard.  The domestic shooting incident on the evening of July 24 left three dead, the shooter in critical condition and one survivor – a 5-year-old girl.
Automobiles are shown at American Beach on May 1. Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Automobiles are shown at American Beach on May 1. Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Some American Beach residents disappointed with county

Ashley Chandler
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Some residents of American Beach say they’re disappointed with Nassau County.On July 16, County Manager Taco Pope gave a brief presentation and asked the Board of County Commissioners to set a date for a hearing to discuss proposed changes to the county’s beach recreation regulations.
American Beach is a popular spot for beach driving and fishing in Nassau County. The Board of County Commissioners is set to review recommendations to update its beach activity ordinance, particularly related to beach driving and endangered species. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

American Beach is a popular spot for beach driving and fishing in Nassau County. The Board of County Commissioners is set to review recommendations to update its beach activity ordinance, particularly related to beach driving and endangered species. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Changes signaled for beach drivers

Ashley Chandler
Friday, July 18, 2025
The county is reviewing recommendations to update its beach driving regulations. At Wednesday’s Board of County Commissioners meeting, County Manager Taco Pope gave a presentation regarding proposed beach activity amendments. A public hearing was set for Aug.
Cassidy Taylor, economic recovery coordinator for Northeast Florida Regional Council, presented the council’s shrimping industry recommendations Monday to the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Cassidy Taylor, economic recovery coordinator for Northeast Florida Regional Council, presented the council’s shrimping industry recommendations Monday to the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

County hears shrimping industry recommendations

Ashley Chandler
Friday, July 18, 2025
The Nassau County Board of Commissioners heard a presentation Wednesday on the Northeast Florida Shrimping Industry Market Study. Cassidy Taylor, economic recovery coordinator for Northeast Florida Regional Council, gave the presentation along with the council’s industry recommendations.

County: Look out for scam emails

News Staff
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Nassau County is warning citizens to be vigilant when it comes to emails that appear to be from county staff. “It has come to our attention that scam emails are circulating that appear to come from Nassau County staff.
Five law enforcement officers with the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office were arrested and released without paying bail. In total, the officers are accused of stealing $14,007.86. Sergeants Brian Blackwell, Wilfred “Bill” Quick, Joshua Huffmon and Kellam Paolillo and deputies Henry Holmberg III and Michael Brandon all were arrested at the beginning of July after a six-week investigation that stemmed from an internal tip. A sixth employee avoided arrest with a termination offer.

Five law enforcement officers with the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office were arrested and released without paying bail. In total, the officers are accused of stealing $14,007.86. Sergeants Brian Blackwell, Wilfred “Bill” Quick, Joshua Huffmon and Kellam Paolillo and deputies Henry Holmberg III and Michael Brandon all were arrested at the beginning of July after a six-week investigation that stemmed from an internal tip. A sixth employee avoided arrest with a termination offer.

Deputies arrested for pay deceit

News Staff
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Five law enforcement officers with the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office have been arrested and released without paying bail. A sixth employee avoided arrest with a termination offer. In total, the officers are accused of stealing $14,007.86.
The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners approved $500,000 in funding for Dickens on Centre. (PENNY GLACKIN/For the News-Leader)

The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners approved $500,000 in funding for Dickens on Centre. (PENNY GLACKIN/For the News-Leader)

Annual tourism funds OK’d for Dickens on Centre

Ashley Chandler
Friday, June 27, 2025
The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners on Monday approved its annual Tourist Development Tax dollar-allocation to Dickens on Centre.  The Amelia Island Convention and Visitors Bureau, which hosts Dickens on Centre, will receive $500,000.
Nassau County Fire Rescue Chief Brady Rigdon taps into the water supply from the hydrant while Lt. Jeremy Roberts holds the hose connected to the fire truck. (ANNA NEWHOFF/Nassau County Record)

Nassau County Fire Rescue Chief Brady Rigdon taps into the water supply from the hydrant while Lt. Jeremy Roberts holds the hose connected to the fire truck. (ANNA NEWHOFF/Nassau County Record)

Ladder truck now in service to Western Nassau

News Staff
Friday, June 27, 2025
By ANNA NEWHOFF A new aerial ladder truck enhances fire coverage in Nassau County. Firefighters now have more flexibility and faster response times in areas that previously had limited coverage.

Commissioners approves new code upgrades

Ashley Chandler
Friday, June 27, 2025
Nassau County on Monday adopted two new articles to its Land Development Code — Transect-Based Zoning Districts and the Timber to Tides Design Overlay (T2TDO) Community Based Design Standards.  The articles establish the T2TDO, which essentially regulates development in the established corridor.
Baltimore Ravens star running back Derrick Henry and his Two All Foundation gave back to his hometown of Yulee on Saturday through a community day that included a bicycle and backpack giveaway. (MARK SHURMAN/News-Leader)

Baltimore Ravens star running back Derrick Henry and his Two All Foundation gave back to his hometown of Yulee on Saturday through a community day that included a bicycle and backpack giveaway. (MARK SHURMAN/News-Leader)

King Henry serves Yulee community

News Staff
Friday, June 27, 2025
By MARK SHURMAN When we think of great athletes, we often see them as larger-than-life figures, focused on their own success and fame.  However, some athletes take the time and give back to the communities that raised them.