Regional

In April 2023, Peter Brual showed the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners and the audience a picture of the south end of Amelia Island, asking the BOCC to vote against a settlement that would allow 85-foot condominiums to be built. “This is a picture of the crown jewel of the whole area,” Brual said. “It’s why we’re here. Think about, if Riverstone wins, what this might look like. Can you see it? Towers over canopy treetops.” File photo/News-Leader

In April 2023, Peter Brual showed the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners and the audience a picture of the south end of Amelia Island, asking the BOCC to vote against a settlement that would allow 85-foot condominiums to be built. “This is a picture of the crown jewel of the whole area,” Brual said. “It’s why we’re here. Think about, if Riverstone wins, what this might look like. Can you see it? Towers over canopy treetops.” File photo/News-Leader

Riverstone hearing tomorrow: Legal battle over plans for 85-foot towers

Ashley Chandler
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Update 2/26/25 9 p.m. The Riverstone Hearing scheduled for Thursday morning has been rescheduled to later in the day.  President of Amelia Tree Conservancy Lyn Pannone said "due to a family emergency, the judge changed the time of the Riverstone hearing on Thursday, February 27 to 4:30pm.
Holly Coyle at a Board of County Commissioners meeting in October 2024. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Holly Coyle at a Board of County Commissioners meeting in October 2024. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Prosperity Alliance supports local economy

Ashley Chandler
Thursday, February 20, 2025
For the last couple of years, the Nassau County Prosperity Alliance (NPA) has worked to “support the greater economic ecosystem.” Following the 2022 creation of the county’s first strategic plan, the county joined together area leaders invested in the local economy in the NPA.
Deputy County Manager Robert Companion talks about the Nassau Crossing Park Splash Pad on Wednesday at the Board of County Commissioners meeting. The board approved an amendment to a contract with ACON Construction Co. to cover the rest of the cost of design and construction of the Splash Pad, expected to be completed by summer. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Deputy County Manager Robert Companion talks about the Nassau Crossing Park Splash Pad on Wednesday at the Board of County Commissioners meeting. The board approved an amendment to a contract with ACON Construction Co. to cover the rest of the cost of design and construction of the Splash Pad, expected to be completed by summer. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Nassau County parks: Splash pad could be ready by summer

Ashley Chandler
Thursday, February 20, 2025
At Wednesday’s Nassau County Board of County Commissioners meeting, parks and recreation took center stage. A splash pad in the plans for Nassau Crossing Park will be constructed and available for use, possibly by summer.
Nassau County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Daniel Jones, left, and Corrections Deputy Jacob Deal with K9 Rip at the Valentine’s Day event Hearts and Heroes at the Callahan McDonalds. The McDonald's partnered with the NCSO to raise funds for Special Olympics in conjunction with the NCSO Law Enforcement Torch Run. Submitted photo

Nassau County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Daniel Jones, left, and Corrections Deputy Jacob Deal with K9 Rip at the Valentine’s Day event Hearts and Heroes at the Callahan McDonalds. The McDonald's partnered with the NCSO to raise funds for Special Olympics in conjunction with the NCSO Law Enforcement Torch Run. Submitted photo

NCSO, McDonald's team up for Hearts and Heroes

Ashley Chandler
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
The Callahan McDonalds partnered with the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) last week to join in the Special Olympics efforts. The Hearts and Heroes event showed much love to the Special Olympics Florida and the NCSO’s Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR). The event raised $584.
Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper attends a press conference Thursday to discuss the incident that occurred in Nassau County. A teenager was shot in the arm while playing Senior Assassins. Right: State Attorney for Florida's Fourth Judicial Circuit Melissa Nelson. Submitted

Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper attends a press conference Thursday to discuss the incident that occurred in Nassau County. A teenager was shot in the arm while playing Senior Assassins. Right: State Attorney for Florida's Fourth Judicial Circuit Melissa Nelson. Submitted

Law enforcement calls to end ‘dangerous game’

Ashley Chandler
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Law enforcement says a popular game teenagers play could have fatal consequences, as shown in a recent incident in Nassau County.
Nassau County Property Appraiser, Kevin J. Lilly

Nassau County Property Appraiser, Kevin J. Lilly

File for Homestead Exemption by March 1

News Staff
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Nassau County property owners who occupy their home as their permanent residence may be eligible for homestead or other property tax exemptions. According to Florida Statutes, homeowners must own and occupy their residence prior to January 1, 2025, to receive the benefit for the 2025 tax year.
Monarch caterpillars depend on Milkweed plants as their host, despite the toxic sap. While Monarchs have evolved to tolerate the plant's toxicity, if Milkweed doesn’t die back in the winter, the toxins can build up to levels that surpass the caterpillars' tolerance, leading to their death. Submitted photo

Monarch caterpillars depend on Milkweed plants as their host, despite the toxic sap. While Monarchs have evolved to tolerate the plant's toxicity, if Milkweed doesn’t die back in the winter, the toxins can build up to levels that surpass the caterpillars' tolerance, leading to their death. Submitted photo

A Monarch's journey begins with native milkweed

Taylor Clem
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Monarch butterflies are more than just beautiful visitors fluttering through our gardens—they are essential pollinators that play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting agricultural production. Unfortunately, Monarch populations are declining, and their survival is at risk.
The Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking held a training session Jan. 27 at the Florida Department of Health, 1620 Nectarine St, to train those interested in becoming Human Trafficking Prevention Ambassadors. Submitted photo

The Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking held a training session Jan. 27 at the Florida Department of Health, 1620 Nectarine St, to train those interested in becoming Human Trafficking Prevention Ambassadors. Submitted photo

‘See something, say something’: Human Trafficking Prevention training comes to Nassau

Ashley Chandler
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Some locals are getting savvy on what to look for to prevent human trafficking. Nassau County recently hosted its first-ever Human Trafficking Prevention Training. Individuals who attended the event Jan.
On Tuesday the Board of County Commissioners held a joint session with the Nassau County School District. From left: District board members Kristi Simpkins, Gail Cook, Superintendent Dr. Kathy Burns, County Manager Taco Pope, County Attorney Denise May, County commissioners John Martin, Klynt Farmer, A.M. "Hupp" Huppmann, Jeff Gray and Alyson McCullough. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

On Tuesday the Board of County Commissioners held a joint session with the Nassau County School District. From left: District board members Kristi Simpkins, Gail Cook, Superintendent Dr. Kathy Burns, County Manager Taco Pope, County Attorney Denise May, County commissioners John Martin, Klynt Farmer, A.M. "Hupp" Huppmann, Jeff Gray and Alyson McCullough. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

BOCC meets with School Board: Leaders share vision

Ashley Chandler
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Nassau County commissioners came together with the Nassau County School Board to continue collaboration efforts. The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners met Tuesday with the Nassau County School Board (NCSB) for its annual meeting.
County commissioners meet Feb. 10 for the Board of County Commissioner meeting in the James S. Page Governmental Complex. From left, John Martin, Klynt Farmer, A.M. “Hupp” Huppmann, Jeff Gray and Alyson McCullough. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

County commissioners meet Feb. 10 for the Board of County Commissioner meeting in the James S. Page Governmental Complex. From left, John Martin, Klynt Farmer, A.M. “Hupp” Huppmann, Jeff Gray and Alyson McCullough. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

BOCC contributes $5,000 to Hilliard's Vietnam Voices

Ashley Chandler
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
On Monday, the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met for a short first regular session of February to give $5,000 to the Town of Hilliard and clear a couple of 20-year code enforcement liens.