Regional

The historic Fernandina Beach courthouse. File photo/News-Leader

The historic Fernandina Beach courthouse. File photo/News-Leader

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Treasures of Nassau: Exponential growth and changing demographics

Pamela Bushnell
Friday, February 28, 2025
This is our final installment in the history series commemorating the 200th anniversary of the incorporation of Fernandina and Nassau County. The News-Leader plans to publish a compilation of the series in the near future. We will advise readers when the new publication becomes available.
Josh MacBeth presented updates to the BOCC at the Timber to Tides Design Overlay District (T2TDO) Workshop on Feb. 19. Staff said the T2TDO will be up for adoption in June. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Josh MacBeth presented updates to the BOCC at the Timber to Tides Design Overlay District (T2TDO) Workshop on Feb. 19. Staff said the T2TDO will be up for adoption in June. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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County expects to adopt Timber to Tides in June

Ashley Chandler
Thursday, February 27, 2025
Nassau County is pushing to prepare for major growth in the coming decades through expansion of county infrastructure and staff and through guiding the growth in the residential, commercial and industrial areas.
Gregory Jones, middle, was recognized for his retirement from Nassau County Fire Rescue at the Feb. 19 Board of County Commissioners meeting. From left, Commissioner Alyson McCullough, Jones and Fire Chief Brady Rigdon. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Gregory Jones, middle, was recognized for his retirement from Nassau County Fire Rescue at the Feb. 19 Board of County Commissioners meeting. From left, Commissioner Alyson McCullough, Jones and Fire Chief Brady Rigdon. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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Retirements, staff recognized at BOCC

Ashley Chandler
Thursday, February 27, 2025
Several county staff were recognized by the BOCC in February. Gregory Jones and David Crout were recognized for their retirements and David White was recognized as the county’s Employee of the Quarter at the Feb. 19 meeting.
The Board of County Commissioners meets Monday in the Commission Chambers. From left, commissioners John Martin, Clint Farmer, A.M. “Hupp” Huppmann, Jeff Gray and Alyson McCullough. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

The Board of County Commissioners meets Monday in the Commission Chambers. From left, commissioners John Martin, Clint Farmer, A.M. “Hupp” Huppmann, Jeff Gray and Alyson McCullough. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

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$2.8M construction contract approved for Amelia Island Parkway Trail

Ashley Chandler
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
On Monday, the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners highlighted flooding awareness and approved a construction contract for Amelia Island Parkway Trail (AIPT) for just under $2.8 million.  The contract is for construction of two more segments of AIPT. The $2,797,747 contract with CGC, Inc.
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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.